Page:History of the Sixth Regiment, United States Marines.djvu/52

Rh History of Sixth Regiment, U. S. Marines. 47 commander to the 83rd Company. These tanks moved forward when the second advance began and kept up with the leading elements. Upon reaching the outskirts of Chennery, and while under the cover of the crest of a hill, it was found possible to maneuver the 83rd Company and tanks to flank a battery of four enemy 77 mm. guns. This battery was firing direct fire into the left of this regimental sector, and was taken completely by surprise from their left flank. One tank approached and covered the advance of a squad of riflemen and the skillful use of its one-pounder and riflemen's weapons compelled the surrender of one officer and r-eventy-five artillerymen who were manning the battery. As a result of this operation over two hundred of the enemy, from different points of the ravine, were observed retreating on the run to the wood northeast of Sivry. The three tanks upon attainment of the second objective went forward with the 2nd Battalion when the 2nd Battalion passed through the 3rd. Officers in charge oi ihe tanks co-operated in every way possible. The town of Bayonville was taken and organized, one hundred prisoners being taken. Under the charge of Major Schmidt, a captured medical officer, three German ambulances were put in operation, evacuating both American and German wounded after they had been propertly cared for. Captain Arold W. Jacobsen organized the town and supervised these operations. When the second objective was reached the 2nd and 1st Battalions passed through the 3rd Battalion, which followed as reserve battalion. The 2nd Battalion continued to its objective about three kilometers fur- ther. Upon arrival at the final objective patrols went forward to the exploitation line and met very little resistance. At 3:15 P.M. the following message was sent by the CO. of the 2nd Battalion to Regi- mental Headquarters

"We are on our objective. Front companies are adjusting line Stowell on left and have sent to 5th on right. Considerable machine gun fire being encountered from that part of the Bois-de-la-Folie still ^eld by the enemy. Casualties among the men not extremely heavy—officers about fifty per cent. Williams." During the advance Captain Kirt Greene, 80th Company was killed. The Regimental Headquarters was moved to Sommerance soon after the attack commenced, and when the first objective was reached the Headquarters moved again to Ferme den Dela, from whence it moved to Chennery. The day of November 2nd was spent in strengthening the position and reconnoitering the area to the front. The 79th Com- pany was pushed forward to the northern edge of the Bois-de-la-Folie on the morning of November 2nd, to the north side of the Nouart road. No serious resistace was met in this movement, but the %th Company on the left was held up by machine gun and one-pounder fire from the vicinity of Fme. de Maumes. On the night of November
 * nd sending exploiting parties ahead. Have liaison with Major