[Illustration: The above map shows in detail the German Positions between the Meuse and the Argonne on the eve of the great Franco-American Offensive of September 26, 1918 (see next page), the immediate objective of which was to drive the enemy across the Meuse.] [Illustration: THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FRANCO-AMERICAN ATTACK OF SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] The Franco-American Offensive of September 26, 1918 The combined attack of the French and American armies had for its immediate objective the driving back of the Germans across the Meuse. They were to advance northwards, on either side of the Argonne, join hands at the Pass of Grandpré, and then together continue the push towards the Meuse and cut the main German line of communication formed by the Sedan-Mézières Railway. The Allied and Enemy Forces As this volume deals only with the battle of the Argonne the French attack will be dealt with separately in “The Battles of Champagne.” Here we shall confine our attention to the attack made by the American First Army on the front between the Aisne and the Meuse. [Illustration: THE ALLIED AND ENEMY FORCES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE ATTACK OF SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] [Illustration: GUN EMPLACEMENT WRECKED BY HEAVY GERMAN SHELL] The displacement of the American forces was completed by the evening of the 22nd. On the 25th all the units were in position for attack, and were distributed from east to west as follows: Between the Meuse and Malancourt: the 3rd American Corps (Bullard), comprising three divisions (33rd, 80th, 4th) in line, and one division (3rd) in reserve. Between Malancourt and Vauquois: the 5th American Corps (Cameron), comprising three divisions (79th, 37th, and 91st) in line, and one division (32nd), in reserve. [Illustration: ENORMOUS SHELL CRATER FILLED WITH WATER] Between Vauquois and La Harazée: the 1st American Corps (Liggett), comprising three divisions (35th, 28th, and 77th) in line, and one division (92nd) in reserve. In addition, there was the army reserve, consisting of three divisions (1st, 29th, and 82nd). On the left, the liaison of the American Army with the French Fourth Army (Gouraud) on the outskirts of the Argonne, between the Aisne and the forest, was maintained by two infantry regiments. On the right, the French 17th Corps was stationed as look-out on the right bank of the Meuse. Facing the three corps of the American Army, the Germans had in line eleven divisions belonging to the army of Von Gallwitz. Seven divisions were in thee army reserve, whilst four additional divisions were being reorganized in the Metz sector. The Attack [Illustration: FIRST STAGE OF THE FRANCO-AMERICAN OFFENSIVE, SHOWING THE ALLIES’ PROGRESS FROM SEPT. 26 (26/9) TO SEPT. 30 (30/9), 1918] (_September 20--September 30, 1918._)