Page:History of the Sixth Regiment, United States Marines.djvu/32

Rh History oj Sixth Reciment, U. S. Marines. 27 At this time the 23rd Infantry was about 1000 yards behind the Army line and was subjected to heavy direct artillery fire. A rearward movement was noticed and two companies of this battalion were pushed out to support the line. About 5 P.M. the original line was reestablish- ed. This position in support of the 23rd Infantry was maintained through- out the night. Upon verbal orders from the Brigade Commander in Thiaucourt. at *boul 6:50 P.M ., to send one battalion to protect the left flank of the 23rd Infantry, the 2nd Battalion was designated for this duty and moved out to position, and the following field message was sent to Brigade : "6th Marines, Thiaucourt, 12 Sept. 18 . 6:30 P.M . No. 12 . Commanding General, 4th Brigade. 2nd Battalion (Williams) has been ordered to take up a flank position running southwest at about 800 yards from 362.4-242.6, 3rd Battalion (Sibley) holds position to north of Thiaucourt 1000 yards in rear of 23rd Infantry. More details later. What is Barker s status? Our P. C . will be established at 7:30 P.M. in mayor's house. H. Lee." The 1st and 2nd Battalions returned to the regiment the next day. Upon receipt of Brigade field oiders to relieve the 3rd Brigade in their position north of 1 hiaucourt, the relief was conducted as follows : The 1st Battalion relieved the 3rd Battalion of 23rd Infantry at 8 P.M. Sept. 13th in support position along the Beney-Thiaucourt road; the 2nd Battalion relieved the 1st Battalion of the 23rd Infantry in support position at 7 P.M.; the 3rd Battalion relieved the 2nd Battalion of the 23rd Infantry in the forward position, advancing the first line to the Army line, and the reliefs were reported as follows : "From CO. 2nd Bn. At P.C., date 13 Sept. 18 , hour 7 P.M. Sent by runner to CO. 6th Marines. Relief complete. Sketch plan of company dispositions and battalion P.C's on reverse hereof. Williams. " "From CO., 1st Bn. 6th Regt. At Toul-Thiaucourt railroad station, Sept. 13, 1918. Hour 8:45 P.M . To : CO. 6th Marines. This battalion has relieved the 3rd Battalion of the 23rd In- fantry. Relief completed at 8 P.M. Battalion holds support line along Beney-Thiaucourt road 361.9-362 .5, except three platoons of 74th Company, which is 400 yards north of road. Order of com- panies from right to left — 74th, 76th, 75th and 95th Company in rear of 74th and 76th south of road. Battalion P.C at R.R. station 362.6 -246.4. Barker. "