It will thus be seen that the dice were very heavily loaded against success on this part of the front before day dawned on the eventful 29th of September, 1918. The whole attack was to be on a twelve-mile front. The infantry were to take advantage of a number of foot-bridges, which our bombardment had prevented the enemy from getting out to destroy, and in some places our men were prepared to wade or swim through the water. It was expected, however, that the chief resistance would be offered on the famous three and a half miles. Altogether about 175 Tanks, including the new American Battalion, were to be launched, and four Corps were to be involved. To the 9th Corps on the right, the 5th, 6th and 7th Tank Battalions of the 3rd Brigade were allotted. In the centre, with the Australian and American Corps, the 1st, 4th and 301st American Battalions of the 4th Brigade were to fight.[95] The 8th, 13th and 16th Battalions of the 5th Tank Brigade were to be held in 4th Army Reserve. Almost up to zero hour on the 29th we still hoped to get news that we held the Knoll and Quennemont. But no reassuring message came through. It was thus in a very singular world that the 301th American Tank Battalion was destined to make its debut. [96]“The 301st’s reconnaissance before the battle was very efficiently carried out in spite of many disadvantages. The taping especially was a classic example of pluck and efficiency. It must be borne in mind that this was no quiet front, and that the attempts to take his outpost line had made the Boche exceedingly nervous and alert. In consequence, the nights preceding the battle were some of the dirtiest I’ve experienced. The Battalion R.O. (I’ve forgotten his name), one Company R.O. (Lieutenant T. C. Naedale) and a sergeant were knocked out whilst supervising the taping. Lieutenant Naedale got his wounds dressed and continued his work up till zero hour. It is worthy of mention, in connection with this incident, that each American Tank had its own tape laid out over our front line towards the Boche by the Company R.O.’s. Tank Commanders told me afterwards that they had to start fighting before the end of their tape was reached.” II When the dawn broke the usual mist lay thick and added its quota of confusion to the uncertainties of the morning. All along the line, the battle swayed confusedly, developing into what was perhaps the most complete “mix-up” of any battle of the War. To the north, the fighting was extremely heavy. Owing to the employment of an effective barrage having been impossible, the American 27th Division suffered severely from the fire of massed hostile machine-guns from the moment the attack began. Just as the Tanks of the 301st were moving up in support, ready to deal with the machine-guns which were, as an eye-witness describes it, by now “mowing down the other Americans in swathes,” no less than ten machines struck upon the forgotten minefield.