Page:History of the Sixth Regiment, United States Marines.djvu/35

30 30 History of Sixth Regiment, U. S. Marines. line from the north edge of Bois-de-Halbat to Bois-de-la-Montagne and to establish liaison with this regiment, which was on the left of the 5th. The 89th Division was ordered forward. This regiment was ordered to establish combat liaison with the 5th Regiment on the right and 89th ivision on the left. The following held messages from Regimental Headquarters were sent to the C.O.'s 2nd and 3rd Battalions : I "From : CO. 6th Marines at P.C . Thiaucourt, 15 Sept. 18 2.12 A.M. To:. CO. 2nd Bn. 6th Marines. f You will proceed immediately with your Bn. and M. G. Co. north and occupy the line from Xammes-Charey road eastward across the southern edge of the woods lying between Xammes and Charey alomj the unimproved road running east and west through the Bois-de-la-Montagne and the X — line 244.3 from Hill 231.3 . Lee." "From: CO. 6th Marines at P.C Thiaucourt, 15 Sept. 18 2:15 A.M . To. CO., 3rd Bn., 6th Marines. Things seem to be going well up at the front. The 6th Infantry (5th Division) is digging in at Rombercourt. T he 89th Division is ordered forward. The 5th Marines are holding outpost line from Bois-de-la-Montagne east. The 6th (1st Battalion) is holding line north edge Bois-de-la-Montagne and woods to west. » Barker's other two companies are moving forward to reinforce him on that line. Williams is moving up to south edge of Bois de-Ie- Montagne. You remain on Army Line in reserve. Lee. 1" The troops were moved to the positions indicated and encountered the enemy in the Bois-de-la-Montagne and in the woods to the west. After skirmishing throughout these woods the enemy was driven north. When this regiment occupied the north edge of the woods, it was con- fronted with strong machine gun positions located in the works just north of the small works to the north of the Bois-de-fa-Montagne and Mont- plaisir Ferme. Several pill boxes were taken in the wire east of Mont- plaisir Ferme. During the first of this advance the enemy was unable to use his artillery with effect because of his lack of knowledge as to the loca- tion of his own troops. For a time the left flank of this regiment was in the air on account of the 89th Division failing to advance. After some difficulty the lines were connected. The enemy made three heated counterattacks before nightfall, but was repulsed. Each of these attacks was preceded by brief but violent artillery preparation. These attacks • were directed against the positions of this regiment in the north of woods.