The Americans in the Great War; v 1. The Second Battle of the Marne: (Château-Thierry, Soissons, Fismes) — John Shaqi
The Americans in the Great War; v 1. The Second Battle of the Marne: (Château-Thierry, Soissons, Fismes)
History
The Americans in the Great War; v 1. The Second Battle of the Marne: (Château-Thierry, Soissons, Fismes)
France -- Guidebooks; Marne, 2nd Battle of the, France, 1918
In the course of the battle the aeroplanes and tanks vied with the
infantry in valour and intrepidity. From July 15 to 20, French, British
and American aviators attacked the enemy unceasingly, flying in all
weathers, sometimes in violent storms, as on July 17. In less than a
week, in addition to the losses inflicted on the enemy infantry and
artillery, the Allied aviation services destroyed or drove down out of
control 137 German aeroplanes and 23 observation balloons, besides
dropping 222 tons of bombs on enemy objectives.
The French tanks, on their side, performed wonders, causing great havoc
and spreading demoralisation in the enemy ranks.
One disabled tank-driver (Corporal Chevrel) surrounded by Germans held
out for thirty-six hours, while another (Corporal Cellier), with the
help of fifteen Americans, captured 700 Germans, including fourteen
officers and a colonel, and two guns.
[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL CHAS. T. MENOHER.
Commanding the 42nd Division.]
[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE H. CAMERON. Commanding the 4th
Division.]
The Allied troops, fighting shoulder to shoulder with the French
“poilus,” had a brilliant share in the victory. The British
distinguished themselves by their splendid resistance on the St. Thierry
Heights, the 15th Scottish Division covering itself with glory by
storming and capturing Buzancy, south of Soissons.
The Italian 2nd Corps successfully defended the approaches of the
Mountain of Rheims and distinguished itself in the defence of Bligny
Hill.
America’s young troops, who were the last to join in the battle, fought
admirably, eight of their divisions co-operating with the armies of
Generals Mangin, Degoutte and De Mitry in the battle and pursuit.
In paying this just tribute to the valour of all the Allies, it should
not be forgotten that the second victory of the Marne, like the first,
was a glorious manifestation of French genius and heroism.
[Illustration: AMERICAN TROOPS ARRIVING.]
_TRIBUTE TO THREE CHIEFS._
[Illustration: PERSHING.
Awarded the Grand’ Croix de la Légion d’Honneur August 6, 1918.
“_ ... you arrived on the battlefield at the decisive hour...._”
]
[Illustration: FOCH.
Promoted Maréchal de France August 6, 1918.
“_ ... the confidence placed in the victor at the Marshes of
Saint-Gond and the glorious commander on the Yser and Somme, was
fully justified...._”
]
[Illustration: PÉTAIN.
Awarded the Médaille Militaire August 6, 1918.
“_ ... breaking and driving back the German onrush, he acquired
imperishable right to the nation’s gratitude...._”
]
A VISIT TO THE BATTLEFIELDS
From Paris the tour can be easily made in three days.
=1st day.=--Paris--Château-Thierry--Belleau Wood.
=2nd day.=--Château-Thierry--Soissons.
=3rd day.=--Soissons--Fismes--Paris.
The roads are shown on the Michelin Map of France (scale, 1:200.000, _or
about 3.15 miles per inch_), sheets Nos. 11 and 6.
[Illustration]
DESCRIPTION OF THE TOUR.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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