The History of the119th Infantry Regiment,60th Brigade, 30th DivisionDuring 1917-1919 |
TO THE PARENTS AND FRIENDS, AND, IN HONOR OF THOSE BRAVE AND NOBLE MEN OF THE 119TH INFANTRY, OF WHOM IT CAN TRULY BE SAID THAT THEY PERFORMED THEIR DUTY HONORABLY AND GLORIOUSLY. This History of the 119th Infantry, 60th Brigade, 30th Division, U. S. A., was compiled by Captain C. B. Conway, of Danville, Va., and Lieutenant George A. Shuford, of Asheville, N. C. It was their effort to write only of FACTS, that the records of the deeds of true and brave men may be given. To them is due the thanks and appreciation of the officers and men of the Regiment. Due to the loss of the list of the officers and the fact that a full and complete list cannot be published, the names of officers are not made a part of this record. It is fitting to call attention to Major John Hall Manning, who as Operations Officer, rendered most excellent service; Major William S. Privott, Major Graham K. Hobbs, Major Robert S. Lamb and Captain Otho Robinson, who as Battalion Commanders, showed courage and ability of marked degree in fighting and caring for their commands in battle and at other times. Captain Jere Cooper, as Regimental Adjutant, and Captain Fred L. Black, as Supply Officer, were most efficient. --JOHN VAN BOKKELEN METTS.
The bulk of this history of the 119th Infantry comes from excerpts from the original book written by Coleman Berkley Conway and George A. Shuford in 1920. Additional research facts and editing have been made to Conway’s work.
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| Colonel John Van Bokkelen Metts, USA, Commanding Officer, 119th Infantry Regiment, 1917-1919 |
The 2nd North Carolina Infantry which went into Federal service June 16th, 1916, and spent six months on the Mexican Border was never mustered out upon its return, but proceeded to Camp Sevier, Greenville, South Carolina, August 1st, 1917. When the 30th Division was organized about Sept. 19th, 1917, the 2nd North Carolina Infantry was designated the 119th Infantry and assigned to the 60th Brigade.
A short while afterwards, the 59th Depot Brigade at Camp Sevier was broken up and the majority of the personnel of A, B, C, D, H, I, K, and L Companies of the 2nd Tennessee Infantry was absorbed into the 119th Infantry. Later about 800 men (North Carolinians) were transferred from Camp Jackson, S. C., to the Regiment; and about 700 men were transferred from Camp Dodge and Camp Gordon and assigned to the 119th Infantry.
On or about September 5th, 1917, several Reserve Officers were transferred from Camp Lee, Va., to the 30th Division which was then under organization, and a number of these attached to the 2nd North Carolina Infantry. Some of these officers were later transferred to other Divisions, but those remaining in the Regiment were permanently assigned. The personnel of the 119th Infantry, at the time it was ordered to France was as follows: About 1,800 men from the State of North Carolina, 900 from Tennessee, and 700 from the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Upon the completion of organization of the 119th Infantry, the Regiment underwent a most strenuous training preparatory to its final training received in France. A system of trenches was constructed by the 105th Engineers and these used extensively by the Regiment, in order that the men might become somewhat familiar with trench life, and their tactical use. A large target range was also constructed and on this the men were trained in the art of shooting accurately and rapidly, in order that they might protect their own lines in time to come. In the late fall of 1917, several British and French Instructors were attached to the 30th Division, and a few of these were sent to the 119th Infantry, who gave valuable instructions resulting from their own personal experience in France.
These instructors were specialists in their work, and this Regiment was fortunate in getting one for each branch of its training, namely: musketry and bayonet, gas defense, grenades, sniping and observation, stokes mortar, one pounder, and signal work. Beginning at about the 1st of January, 1918, detachments of officers from the 30th Division were sent each month to the School of Arms, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and the training for the officers continued until the Regiment was ready to depart for Overseas service.
Between January 1st, 1918, and April 1st, 1918, the Regimental Commander attended a Brigade and Field Officers' School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. During his absence the Regiment was commanded by Col. F. LeJ. Parker, of the Regular Army, and his work for these three months greatly assisted in the building of the backbone of the Regiment. Many competitive drills and exercises were held during this time which assisted in establishing a keen spirit of competition, which the Regiment lived up to in later months. Upon the return of Col. J. Van B. Metts from the School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, he resumed command of the Regiment and carried on the training until the 30th Division was ordered to France.
Previous to the embarkation of the 119th Infantry, orders were received to detail twelve (12) officers and several non-commissioned officers to be sent to France as an Advance School Detachment. The following officers were detailed:
This Advance School Detachment, under the command of Major George K. Freeman, joined the general detachment of the 30th Division, which left Camp Sevier, April 30th, 1918, at 2:00 p. m., on a special train of the Southern Railroad. This detachment went direct to Camp Merritt, N. J., via Charlotte, Washington, Philadelphia, and Jersey City, arriving at Camp Merritt about mid-night of May 1st, 1918. While at this camp the N. C. O.'s were equipped for foreign service. On the morning of May 7th, 1918, the detachment boarded a train which carried the party to Hoboken, N. J., where it filed on board the transport George Washington, a converted German liner. Shortly after noon on May 8th, 1918, this liner slipped out of New York Harbor and started on its long journey to France. The convoy consisted of three (3) converted German vessels, the George Washington, the America and the DeKalb, formerly the Cruiser Crown Prince Eitel Frederich. The voyage was uneventful with the exception of one day spent in target practice. About 7:30 a. m., May 17th, 1918, seven (7) American Submarine Destroyers joined the convoy to see it safely into port. On the last day out at sea just at sunrise a submarine was sighted off the starboard side of the DeKalb. It at once submerged without firing. At 11:30 a. m., May 18th, 1918, the George Washington dropped anchor in the harbor of Brest, France. The Advance School Detachment debarked the following day, and marched to the Pantinzer Barracks, about 4 kilometers from Brest. On May 23rd, 1918, the party left Brest for Langres and arrived there May 25th, 1918. The entire detachment was here separated into different groups and commenced special training for which they were sent over. Some officers attended the School of the Line, the remainder the Specialist School. Upon the completion of the course the officers taking the Specialist and Line courses left Langres June 24th, 1918, and rejoined the Regiment which was stationed in the Racques Area, at Louches, on June 27th, 1918. Major George K. Freeman and Major Roane Waring were transferred from the School of the Line to the Staff College before the completion of the course. These two officers were not reassigned to the Regiment.
Upon leaving the Training Camp at Sevier, S. C., the Regiment proceeded by special trains to Camp Merritt, N. J. Some of these trains moving over the P. & N. Railroad to Greenwood, S. C., and Seaboard from there to Richmond, Va., then to Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Jersey City, N. J. Other trains moving over Southern to Charlotte, Danville, Richmond, etc. The entire Regiment was assembled at Camp Merritt, N. J., on the 8th of May, 1918, and remained there for a period of three days, being equipped for Over-Seas Service. While there, the organization was split up into three different detachments; one remaining there, one ordered to Philadelphia, and the other ordered to Boston. Early on the morning of May 11th, Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Machine Gun Company, Supply Company, and Companies A, B, and C, under general command of Col. J. Van B. Metts. Companies A, B, and C, of the 1st Battalion and Battalion Headquarters, under command of Captain Otho Robinson, left Camp Merritt and proceeded by rail to the docks at Hoboken, N. J., arriving there about 9:30 a. m. No time was lost in transferring the troops to a large steamer, and in a few minutes landed on one of the large piers at New York used by Troop Transports. The detachment embarked the same afternoon about 4:30, on the British Steamship Ascania, owned and operated by the Cunard Line. The 2nd Battalion, consisting of Battalion Headquarters, Companies E, F, G, and H, under command of Captain Edgar H. Bain, left Camp Merritt, May 10th, and proceeded by rail to Philadelphia, Pa., arriving on the morning of the 11th. From the train the troops marched immediately to the docks, and at 2:00 p. m., embarked on the British Steamship Haverford. The third detachment, consisting of the 3rd Battalion Headquarters, Companies D, I, K, L, and M, under command of Major William S. Privott, left Camp Merritt, May 10th, and proceeded by rail to Boston, Mass., arriving there about 10:00 a. m., the 11th, and embarked that afternoon on the British Steamship Laomadon.
The three British Transports, Ascania, Haverford and Laomadon on departure from their respective ports made a direct sail for the coast of Canada, and on Wednesday, May 15th, saw each other in the Harbor at Halifax, Nova Scotia. While in this harbor the convoy was formed, consisting of these three Transports and nine others. On the afternoon of May 16th, the convoy sailed for England. The Ascania was the flag-ship, and carried the Commodore of the convoy--Lieut. Commander Underwood, of the British Navy. The convoy was escorted by the British Cruiser HMS Cornwall.
Between the 17th and 21st the ocean was rather rough at times caused by heavy wind, but on the morning of the 22nd it was very calm, everyone was feeling better and in the best of spirits. Friday, May 24th, the convoy reached the "danger zone", and at this time numerous "abandon ship drills" were being held. At daylight of the 25th several United States Submarine Destroyers were seen chasing all around our convoy, and remained as our best friends until the convoy landed.
About 11:30 p. m., May 26th, a German submarine was sighted within very close range, but it immediately submerged and was not seen again. The crafty Destroyers were on their job and dropped several "depth bombs" at the spot where the submarine had been seen. No disorder or confusion among the troops was caused during these crucial moments.
About 9:30 a. m., May 27th, 1918, the convoy filed through the Irish Sea and in a few minutes docked at Liverpool, England. All troops remained on board until 5:00 o'clock that afternoon when the Regiment debarked, and marched a short distance to the train which left at 10:00 p. m., for Dover, England's chief Channel Port for the exportation of troops. The train passed through London about midnight and arrived at Dover about 8:00 o'clock on the morning of the 28th.
Beginning at 11:00 a. m., on the same date, the Regiment moved by small detachments from Dover, England, across the English Channel to Calais, France, and by the afternoon of May 29th the entire Regiment was once more assembled in camp, located about one and one-half kilometers from Calais.
The Regiment remained in this camp for three days being equipped with gas respirators and ammunition. Here the United States rifles were exchanged for British rifles, as the 30th Division had been designated to serve with the British. The night of arrival in this camp the Regiment experienced their first attack by the enemy in the form of an "air raid". In spite of the heaviness and nearness of the explosions, and the whining of the bomb fragments, the behavior of the troops in their first actual contact with the enemy was most excellent.
May 31st the organization moved by rail to Audrique, France, detrained there and marched to the Racques Area where the Regiment was billeted in the following towns: Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters Company, detachments of Supply Company and the 1st Battalion at Louches; 2nd Battalion and detachment of Supply Company at Landretheun; 3rd Battalion and detachment of Supply Company at Yeuse; Machine Gun Company at Nordt Ludlingham and Supply Company at Lostrat.
In this area the Regiment underwent a most intensive training schedule. Since it was to be affiliated with the British, their methods, the development of four years of painstaking study, was adopted. The 39th British Division, which was associated with the 30th (American) Division arranged to give assistance in training in an advisory capacity, by the attachment of British officers and N. C. O.'s to American units, and by the maintenance of close personal touch, also by the interchange of Staff Officers between the Staffs of the British formation and the corresponding Staffs of the 30th Division. The 119th Infantry was very fortunate in receiving a cadre of instructors from the 9th Black Watch and the 9th and 10th Gordon Highlanders, under the command of Brig. Gen. N. S. Hubbard, 118th Infantry Brigade (British) and under the direct supervision of Col. Cruickshenk, Lt.-Col. Sworder, Lt.-Col. Lord Gordon and Lt.-Col. Anderson. The training was divided into two phases, i. e.: A and B. While in this area, phase A was mastered. This training consisted of 36 hours of instruction for the first week, 25 hours for the second week, 26 hours for the third week, and 20 hours for the fourth week. Realizing that every minute must be taken advantage of, the men worked most industriously, with a spirit at which our Allies marvelled. The training of specialists received the most careful attention, as did the training of the Infantry platoons. It was due, in a great way, to this thorough training that the later phenomenal success of the Regiment in actual battle is attributed. Time was also given to March Discipline and Trench Warfare.
As another means of taking advantage of the experience gained by the British, officers and non-commissioned officers were sent to various schools to acquire technical knowledge of Automatic Rifles, Bayonet Fighting, Grenades, Gas Defense, etc. It is well to know that the average standard set at these schools by the 119th Infantry officers and N. C. O.'s was exceptionally high. Also, officers and N. C. O.'s were sent to the School Sector directly east of Ypres for practical experience under actual battle conditions before receiving the responsibility of leading their men under enemy fire. They were most courteously received by the units of the 49th British Division, occupying the line and were given valuable information and instruction while there. Some of these officers and N. C. O.'s were permitted to go on patrol, but chiefly they acquainted themselves with trench life and warfare.
The Machine Gun Company with the Machine Gun Companies of all the Regiments in the Division, were assembled at Nordt Ludlingham, where they were instructed in the latest methods of Machine Gun Warfare which the British had found so successful.
While in this area authority was received from G. H. Q., for the enlargement of the Regimental Staff by the allowance of an Operation and Intelligence Officer. To fill this very important office, Captain, now Major John Hall Manning, then the Regimental Adjutant, was appointed. Lieut. Jere Cooper was promoted to the rank of Captain and transferred to Regimental Headquarters as Adjutant. Captain Benjamin West on June 4th was also transferred to Regimental Headquarters as Personnel Adjutant. Upon the completion of the above changes, the Regimental Staff consisted of:
The 119th Infantry Regiment was inspected almost immediately upon its arrival in this area by Major Gen. Herbert Plummer, Commander of the 2nd British Army. A week later Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig, Commander of the British Armies in France, honored this Regiment by giving it a most rigid inspection. Both of these officers expressed great delight in the progress of the training and the wonderful physique of the men. On or about the 30th day of June, Gen. John J. Pershing, Commander in Chief of the American Armies in France, inspected the Regiment. He was pleased with the fitness of the troops and especially the high standard of the personnel, expressing himself that he had not seen a better body of men in the American Expeditionary Forces.
About the 15th of June, information was received that an attack by the Germans was anticipated in the sector immediately east of Cassel. In anticipation of this plan of attack arrangements were perfected whereby the 30th Division was to take up a position in reserve, west of Cassel. The 119th Infantry was designated to be the Divisional Reserve which, as expressed to the Commanding Officer by Gen. Faison, was a very important position in the scheme of defense. The Regiment was preparing for this move with great enthusiasm. This position, however, was never occupied. The orders were unexpectedly changed and this Regiment with the other units of the Division, on the 2nd day of July, 1918, proceeded by marching to the Roozendaal and Road Camp Areas, near Watou, Belgium.
The Regiment formed on the Zaufques-Louches-Yeuse Road with the head of the column at the road intersection 3A, 39, British Map Hazebrouk, at 9:45 a. m., in the following order: Headquarters Company, Detachment Supply Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Battalion, and 2nd Battalion. The Sanitary Detachments accompanied their respective Battalions. The First and Second Line Transports followed their respective Battalions in the following order: Rolling Kitchens, G. S. Wagons (Ration), G. S. Wagons (Baggage), Water Carts, Limbers. The following disposition of equipment was made: 120 rounds of service S. A. A., one cooked meal and full field equipment, including two blankets, less overcoats, which were carried on the wagons, were carried by each man. With this equipment and in the above order the 119th Infantry marched to the Foret D'Eperlecques, a distance of 12 kilometers, where they bivouaced the night of July 2-3, 1918. On the morning of July 3rd, the Regiment marched to Rubrouck, forming at 6:15 a. m., on the Watten-Welverdinghe-Voikermakhove-Herzeele Road in the following order: Headquarters Company, Detachment Supply Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Battalion, 1st Battalion, Sanitary Troops with their respective Battalions, where it bivouacked the night of July 3-4, 1918, in a pasture. The distance marched was about the same as on the day before. On July 4th, 1918, contrary to expectations, the Regiment again formed on the Bollezeele-Rubrouck Road in the following order: Headquarters Company, Detachment Supply Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Battalion and 3rd Battalion, with Sanitary Troops with their respective Battalions at 7:20 a. m., and marched to Herzeele, where it bivouacked for the night of July 4-5, 1918. Here it was that the men of this Regiment first heard distinctly the firing of guns on the famous Flanders front. It was the subject of much discussion especially since it was the birthday of the Independence of America. On the morning of July 5, 1918, at 6:00 a. m., the Regiment formed on the Herzeele-Watou Road, to march to the Roosendall and Road Camp Areas in the order of march as of the first day. It reached its destination shortly after noon and went into camp two kilometers southeast of Watou, Belgium. It is quite interesting to note that this Regiment was the first American unit to enter Belgium. Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Company were located at Bayley Camp, 1st Battalion was located just across the road, 2nd Battalion at Gabb Camp, 3rd Battalion at Chase Camp, and the Machine Gun Company in a pasture only a short distance away. The Supply Company, less the detachments which were attached to the different Battalions formed the Sixtieth Brigade Dump and was located at Dragon Camp.
It must be understood that the Supply Company of this Regiment and the Supply Company of the 120th Infantry Regiment were consolidated forming the Sixtieth Brigade Dump, each Battalion was then allotted a detachment under the command of a Battalion Supply Officer. It was the duty of the Brigade Dump to issue rations and equipment for a Battalion directly to the respective Battalion Supply Officer, who in turn issued the same directly to the Company of their Battalion. Also, in this detachment was included a Battalion Transport Officer who had direct charge of the Battalion Transport. The feeding of the men in the line was entirely in the hands of these two officers, for as soon as the Brigade Dump had turned over the food to the Battalion Supply Officer he was relieved of further responsibility. Then the Transport Officer after the rations had been prepared for consumption collected them and loaded them on the transports, carrying it forward to the men in the trenches. This Regiment was fortunate in having conscientious and fearless officers to fill these important positions and they deserve the highest praise for the manner in which they performed their duties. This method of supply was continued throughout the operations of the Regiment.
After resting up from the four-day march, the Regiment resumed the training schedule with renewed energy. The front line at its closest point was about 12 kilometers distance, consequently the firing of artillery could be heard at all times, and even the bursting of shells, for on several occasions the town of Watou, where Division Headquarters was located was shelled. The shells passing directly over the Camp. Here also the men of the Regiment became thoroughly accustomed to enemy air raids. Practically every clear night there were numbers of German planes overhead bombing important cross-roads and camps. The transports carrying rations forward to the men in the line also presented a favorite target.
It was while stationed in this area that Major Gen. Pinny, of the British Army, addressed the officers and non-commissioned officers of the Regiment. He was very enthusiastic on the condition of the men, especially the standard of morale, which was extraordinarily high. There was one remark in his speech which clearly bespoke the conditions and thinking of our gallant allies before our arrival. Gen. Pinny said in substance: "An attack by the enemy is anticipated and in all probability his advance will be on this front. It is my sincere hope that he attacks while you are here." The attack never materialized.
To better understand the subsequent work of the Regiment it is here necessary to explain somewhat in detail the former training which was conducted under the heading of Phase B training. This consisted of one Battalion at a time going into the line and being associated with the British units then occupying the position and also to strengthen the line as it was very lightly held. The command and the responsibility for this sector was retained by the British while the Americans were given every opportunity to accustom themselves with trench life and conditions. This method of training was to continue until the entire outfit had been able to take advantage of the opportunity.
In compliance with orders from Colonel Metts, the 1st Battalion under command of Capt. Otho Robinson, moved to the Blue Line (reserve position east of Poperinghe) on the night of July 15th, 1918. Company "A" occupied the right front and right support with two (2) platoons in the front-line position and two in support. Company "C" occupied exactly the same relative position on the left. Company "D" was held in reserve. On the night of July 16-17, the Battalion moved to the front-line position in the right subsector of the Canal sector in the Ypres salient. The disposition of troops in the sector were as follows: "A" Company occupied the front line in conjunction with "C" and "B" Companies of the Argyle and Southern Highlanders with their right resting on Kruisstraathock-Voormezeel Road. To the right of "A" Company and occupying the front line "D" Company was stationed with two platoons in the front line and two in close support with the Queens Royal Rifles. "C" Company occupied support positions, "B" Company received orders to return to Louches, France, by rail to complete its course on the target range.
On the same night the 2nd Battalion under command of Capt. Graham Hobbs, took over the position formerly occupied by the 1st Battalion in the Blue Line. For the first six days that this Battalion was in the line it held the position with the British, first by having one English soldier stationed with one American. After confidence was thus gained the separate units were grouped together and a British platoon was placed on either side of an American platoon. On the 23rd day of July, after the Battalion had been in line for a period of six days the British withdrew to the Yellow Line or the Regimental Reserve Line and the 1st Battalion held the front-line position alone until relieved by the 2nd Battalion on the night of July 24-25, 1918.
This sector was known as a quiet one and especially suitable for the instruction of new troops but at this particular time it was quite the contrary. As has been stated, an attack was anticipated, so the British artillery was exceptionally active firing on all points where troop movements had been noticed and on important roads and crossings. The artillery's activity on our part consequently called for retaliation from the enemy which made the sector one of the hottest on the front. Due to this very heavy shelling the casualties numbered more than was expected.
The 2nd Battalion was disposed of as follows: "F" Company occupied the right front sector with two platoons in the front line and two platoons in close support. "E" Company with four platoons occupied the front line on the left sector. "G" Company with four platoons in close support. "H" Company in reserve. "F" and "H" Companies were with the Queen's Royal Rifles, while "E" and "G" Companies were with the 5th Scotch Rifles. During the period of occupation there were a few changes made in this disposition by means of inter-Battalion reliefs. The training was the same as stated for the 1st Battalion.
The 3rd Battalion occupied the Blue Line during the period that the 2nd Battalion was in the forward position then relieved the 2nd Battalion in the Canal sector on the night of August 1-2, 1918. A detachment from the Signal Platoon from Headquarters Company under command of 1st Lieut. Nathaniel Hannau, accompanied the Battalion into line.
The Machine Gun Company was under control of the 33rd British Division and received practical instructions in the same manner as did the line companies of the Regiment.
While the 3rd Battalion was occupying the front-line position, the 1st Battalion held the reserve trench or Blue Line going in on the night of August 1-2, and remaining until it was withdrawn Sunday morning, August 10th, 1918.
With the withdrawal from the line of this Battalion Phase B of the scheme of instruction was completed for this Regiment and it was now deemed capable of taking over and occupying a place in the firing line alone.
From the 10th of August, 1918, until the 15th day of August, 1918, the Regiment trained around Watou in a great way correcting errors which had been noted during the tour in line. On the 15th day of August, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment received orders that the Regiment should proceed that night and occupy the Blue Line in the Canal sector, which it did. Regimental Headquarters was established at the Elizabeth Chateau on the eastern edge of the town of Poperinghe.
The Canal sector was the general line extending from immediately southeast of Ypres, about two miles southwest to Elzenwalla, inclusive, on both sides of the Ypres-Commines Canal and the country on this immediate front was very low and wet, thus causing many hardships upon the troops occupying it. To the right of the Canal sector stood Mount Kemmel, from the top of which the Germans had a dominating view of the entire sector, thus causing camouflaged screens to be erected on all main roads leading towards the front, and making it very difficult to move about during the day. On the left of this sector was the remains of Ypres, after the great battle the British fought in July, 1916, when the Germans used gas for the first time. The subdivisions of the Canal sector, such as support, reserve, etc., were represented by different lines of trenches as follows:
The actual front line was known as G. H. Q. 1, and the second in close support as G. H. Q. 2 line. Support position was the Brown Line, and the reserve Yellow and Green Lines.
This front when taken over by the 30th American Division was occupied by the 33rd British Division, and the 89th British Brigade under the command of Brigadier General Baird, was holding the front line. This Brigade consisted of three battalions as follows:
The following morning, August 16th, orders were issued for moving the 3rd Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment from the Green Line to the right sub-sector of the Yellow Line.
Upon moving into the front line on night of August 16-17, the 119th Infantry Regiment took over from the 98th British Brigade in the following order:
The 1st Battalion, commanded by Capt. Otho Robinson, occupied the right Regimental front. Company "A" relieving two companies of the Argyle and Southern Highlanders in the front line and Company "B", relieving two companies of the Argyle and Southern Highlanders in close support. One platoon of Company "B" occupied a small trench in Scottish Woods, acting as a counter-attack platoon. Companies "C" and "D" occupied support trenches in the Brown Line near Smythe Farm, relieving two companies of the 1st Middlesex.
The 2nd Battalion, commanded by Capt. Graham K. Hobbs, occupied the left Regimental front. Company "H" relieving two companies of the 4th Kings in the front line and two isolated trenches on the left front, about 200 yards from the main trench line. Company "F" taking over from two companies of the 4th Kings in the G. H. Q. 2 line as a close support. Companies "E" and "G" occupied support trenches in the Brown Line near Assam Farm.
Machine Gun Company upon orders from British Battalion M. G. O., moved its headquarters to Smythe Farm with that of Company "D", 1st Battalion. Practically all of the Gun positions of the M. G. Co., were in the G. H. Q. 2 line.
Stokes Mortar and one pounder platoons were located in the Ravine. 1st and 2nd Battalion Headquarters were located between Belgian Chateau and Segard Wood. Regimental Headquarters was located at Assam Farm.
When the 30th Division left the States for Overseas service the Divisional Artillery was left behind and did not come over until about one month later. Upon its arrival in France, it was assigned to duty with the 33rd American Division in the Verdun sector. When the 33rd British Division was relieved on August 16-17, the 98th British Artillery Brigade, commanded by Colonel Butler, remained in the line supporting the right sub-sector until about August 25th, when it was relieved by the -- British Artillery Brigade, commanded by Colonel Ladd, with headquarters at Assan Farm and was still in the line when the 30th Division was relieved.
On the night of August 21-22, 1918, the 3rd Battalion, commanded by Major William S. Privott, which was then in the Yellow Line relieved the 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, then in right Regimental front. The 1st Battalion upon being relieved withdrew to the same position vacated by the 3rd Battalion. The disposition of the 3rd Battalion was as follows:
Company "M" took over right Regimental front. Company "K" had one platoon in Scottish Wood with the remainder of the Company in the Domino Trench and the Ravine. Company "L" in the Brown Line near Ottawa Farm. Company "I" in the Brown Line near Smythe Farm.
On the night of the 22-23 of August, the Machine Gun Company was relieved by Company "B", 115th Machine Gun Battalion. Upon the completion of the relief, the Machine Gun Company of 119th Infantry Regiment, proceeded to Chinese Camp.
On the night of August 26-27, 1918, the 2nd Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment was relieved by the 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, in the left Regimental front. Upon the completion of the relief, the 2nd Battalion withdrew to reserve position vacated by the 1st Battalion. Dispostion of the 1st Battalion was as follows:
Company "C" in G. H. Q. 1 trench protecting Battalion right front. Two platoons Company "D" on left of Company "C" protecting Battalion left front. Two other platoons of Company "D" on left of Segard Woods. Company "B" in the Ravine. Company "A" in the Brown Line near Assam Farm.
About the night of 27-28 of August, Company "M" was relieved by Companies "I" and "L", and "M" Company withdrew to Ottawa Farm. Company "I" was occupying the right front of 3rd Battalion with two platoons in G. H. Q. 1 line and the remainder of Company on Anzac Ridge. Company "L" occupied the left front of 3rd Battalion with two platoons in G. H. Q. 1 line, one platoon in Domino Trench and the other platoon in the Ravine. Company "K" was in the Brown Line near Smythe Farm.
Early on the morning of August 31st the Commanding Officer, 119th Infantry received telephonic communication from the Division Commander that the Germans had evacuated, or partly evacuated Mount Kemmel, and that the British had advanced to occupy the evacuated section.
A general retirement of the Germans was now anticipated on this front due to their heavy losses and the rapid advance of the Allies further south. That morning about 9:00 a. m., the Division Commander instructed the Commanding Officer 119th Infantry to push out strong combat patrols over his entire front and gain contact with the enemy. Patrols were sent out about 10:30 a. m., and advanced about 100 yards when stout opposition was met as the enemy machine guns came into operation making it impossible for these patrols to advance much further, until additional aid was received from supporting platoons, establishing a general firing line. After the line had been strengthened the advance began again that afternoon about 6:00 p. m., and continued at intervals throughout the night and the following morning.
During the fighting that day two of our men were captured and five or six killed. Several of the enemy were killed and one captured. From wounds seen on the bodies of the dead Germans there appeared evidence of bayonet fighting and hand-to-hand contact with the enemy.
At 7:30 a. m., on the morning of August 31st, the troops composing the attack of the 119th Infantry Regiment had reached the line Voormezeele-Switch in I. 31. 6. and I. 32. A. Lock 8, inclusive, and thence along existing front line, capturing the town of Voormezeele. Upon reaching this point orders were received to consolidate and hold the position gained. Both flanks of the Regiment were exposed and Liaison could not be obtained with the units on the right and left. The 108th Infantry Regiment of the 27th American Division being on the right and the 120th Infantry Regiment on the left. Upon the consolidation of this position one platoon of Company "I" was sent up to protect the right flank of the 3rd Battalion, Companies "K" and "M" moved up to G. H. Q. 1 line. On the night of September 1-2, Companies "E" and "G" of the 2nd Battalion relieved Companies "L" and "I" of the 3rd Battalion in the advance position. Companies "F" and "H" remaining back in reserve.
Company "C" of the 1st Battalion was moved back to the Ravine. Two platoons of Company "B" in close support were moved up and relieved the two platoons of Company "D" on the left half of 1st Battalion in the advance position. Company "B" was now holding the entire front of 1st Battalion. Two platoons of Company "D" withdrew to G. H. Q. 1 line and the other two occupying small trenches between there and the new line.
Two platoons of Machine Gun Company, 119th Infantry Regiment came back in the line August 31st for the attack; one platoon was with the 1st Battalion and one with the 3rd Battalion. The other platoons remained in reserve. (It is well to note here that the 119th Infantry was the first American unit to take over a front-line sector in Belgium, the first to make an advance, the first to capture a prisoner and the first to capture a town.)
On August 29th, 1918, orders were issued to the effect that the 118th Infantry Regiment (American) would relieve the 119th Infantry Regiment (American) on night of 31st, August and 1st September. Advance parties were sent to join the 119th Infantry in order that they might become acquainted and familiar with the front which their regiment was ordered to take over in a couple of days. This relief never took place on account of the advance made by the 119th Infantry Regiment and the advance party of the 118th Infantry Regiment rejoined their organization September 1st, 1918.
During the training, occupation and operation in the Canal sector the following number of officers and men were either killed, wounded or captured.
|
Killed |
Wounded |
Died of Wounds |
Missing |
Officers |
3 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
Enlisted Men |
64 |
208 |
12 |
2 |
The following morning, September 2, 1918, the Regiment moved by light cavalry from Dirty Bucket Camp to Road Camp at St. Jan-tor Biegen (Belgium) and remained there one day and a half, resting and bathing.
Upon the transfer from the 2nd British Army, the Regiment proceeded by rail to the St. Pol Area, arriving there the morning of September 7th, 1918. Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Company were located at Maisnel St. Pol. 1st Battalion and Companies "C" and "D" at Neuville au Cornet, Companies "A" and "B" at Monts En Tornois. 2nd Battalion at Buneville. 3rd Battalion at Moncheaux. Machine Gun Company at Tachincourt. Supply Company at Herlin Le Sac.
This Area was located near St. Pol, France, a town of probably 30,000 inhabitants and was known as a rest and training sector. Here, for the first time in two months, the Regiment was out of the Enemy Artillery Range. The men enjoyed the experience. The time there was devoted to recreation, however, training for future work did not suffer. One of the points greatly stressed was the Infantry attack assisted by tanks. An opportunity was given to three companies to engage in assimilated attack with the Tanks while the other companies of the Regiment observed their tactical use. This training though not appreciated at the time, proved of inestimable value in the subsequent operations of the Regiment.
Upon the arrival at Puchevillere Area the Regiment was located as follows:
Here a most intensive training schedule was carried out over selected trenches and terrain preparatory to the attack on the Hindenburg Line, the importance of which was not realized until about ten days later.
This movement was carried out according to instructions and the Regiment arrived in the Tincourt Area about 6:00 a. m., September 24th, and after a four-mile hike was camped in the southern edge of a wood immediately N. W. of Tincourt.
Here the Regiment had reached shell fire again as one could be heard whizzing overhead several times each day and everyone was beginning to realize that they were drawing close to the fighting line every hour on account of the rapidity and secrecy of order and movements.
That afternoon the Regiment moved up a little closer to the line and was distributed in sunken roads, chalk cliffs, etc., throughout the vicinity of Roisel.
Here several Australian Officers and N. C. O.'s were attached to the Regiment, to assist with their advice and aid in any way possible for the coming operations, as they were thoroughly familiar with this sector of the line.
The Regiment remained at Roisel three days, making their final plans for the attack on September 29th, against the Hindenburg Line.
After taking over the line on the night of the 27-28 of September until the morning of the attack, great pains were taken to instruct each individual soldier in his particular duty.
The supporting Artillery which consisted of nine Field Artillery Brigades and five Heavy Artillery Brigades, kept up a continual fire harassing the enemy and destroying his defense. The Artillery preparation covered a period of 48 hours prior to the attack.
On the night of September 28-29th, the tape was laid by the 105th Engineers. Due to casualties, however, this task was completed by officers of this Regiment. The Tanks which were to assist in the attack were led into position; and the Infantry took their place upon the tape in the following order: 1st Battalion, commanded by Capt. Otho Robinson, with "A" and "D" assaulting Companies and Companies "B" and "C" in close support. 2nd Battalion, commanded by Capt. Graham K. Hobbs, with "F" and "G" assaulting Companies with "E" and "H" in close support. 3rd Battalion, commanded by Major William S. Privott, with the exception of "M" Company, which was broken up into carrying parties, was assigned as "moppers up", to follow the two front line Battalions and clean up all the trenches, dug-outs, and machine gun posts, taken by them. "I" and "L" Companies were to mop up the Tunnel alone. Company "K" assisted in the "mopping up", but was later called upon to protect the left flank of the 2nd Battalion.
Thirty-four tanks from the British 4th Tank Brigade were provided and took part in the advance, but those allotted to the 119th Infantry did not arrive until the regiment had already crossed the St. Quentin Canal.
To fully appreciate the importance of this operation it is here deemed necessary to explain somewhat in detail the magnitude of the undertaking. The Hindenburg Line so called because relied upon and established by the German General Von Hindenburg, was the last organized system of trenches to stop an Allied advance. So well was this system of trenches organized and so much faith pinned upon its impregnability, that a break through meant not only the destruction of the back-bone of the German defense system, but also the morale of the German Army. Another fact of extreme importance was that once the Allied Armies had penetrated the German line at this point, the enemy's army in Flanders would be completely bottled up with no means of escape. The attack was to take place on a Three Corps Front, with the Second American Corps, composed of the 27th and 30th Divisions in the Center, attacking opposite Bony and Bellicourt, the strongest point in the line.
The Hindenburg Line at this point curves in front of the tunnel of St. Quentin … The line curving west of the tunnel consists of three main trench systems protected by vast fields of heavy barbed wire entanglements skillfully placed; this wire was very heavy and had been damaged very little by Artillery fire. The dominating ground enabled the enemy to bring devastating machine gun fire on all approaches. The lines had been strengthened with concrete machine gun emplacements. It contained at this point a large number of dugouts lined with mining timbers, with wooden steps leading down to a depth of about thirty feet with small rooms capable of holding from four to six men each. In many cases these dugouts were wired for electric lights. The large tunnel through which the Canal ran was of sufficient capacity to shelter a Division. This tunnel was electrically lighted and filled with barges on which the Boche lived connecting it with the Hindenburg Trench System and numerous tunnels. In one case a direct tunnel ran from the main tunnel to the basement of a large stone building which the enemy used for headquarters. Other tunnels ran from the main tunnel eastward to the city of Bellicourt and other places. This complete subterranean system, with its hidden exits and entrances, unknown to us formed a most complete and safe subterranean method of communication and re-enforcement for the German sector.
The Regiment completed its formation on the tape by 4:30 a. m., Sunday, September 29th, 1918, and waited quietly the zero hour. At exactly 5:50 a. m., the most terrific barrage ever laid down on the Western Front opened and the Infantry following it as closely as possible, assisted by such a density of fog and smoke that a person could not be seen at a distance greater than five yards, succeeded in making its way through the strong fortifications assisting the 120th Infantry in the capture of the town of Bellicourt and the St. Quentin Canal, pushing forward towards its objective. The fog and smoke caused quite a bit of confusion. No one, except with the aid of a compass, could keep the proper direction, consequently the Companies became very much mixed and scattered, a situation which might have been more serious but for the work of the officers, the training of the men and the utter rout of the enemy.
Some units of the Regiment reached the final objective on the left but these were captured by the enemy as soon as they saw the gap in the line caused by the failure of the 27th Division to keep up with the advance. Because of this gap the Regimental left necessarily had to conform in order to prevent a retaking of the ground gained by a counter-attack. During the time that this left flank was exposed the Regiment suffered a loss by capture of three officers and several enlisted men and a great number killed and wounded.
A short time after the zero hour; prisoners were started to the rear and the road from Hargicourt to Bellicourt was practically filled with them during the entire day. These prisoners seemed overjoyed at the fact of their capture, especially by an American Unit. Quite a number of these were interviewed and readily gave any information desired.
The 119th Infantry broke through the Hindenburg Line before 0730, but encountered strong resistance on its left flank owing to the 27th Division’s failure to make progress. The 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry, took the northern portion of Bellicourt, with some troops advancing beyond to the Le Catelet–Nauroy trench, before General Sir Joseph J. T. Hobbs’ 5th Australian Division leapfrogged their position in the early afternoon. The 2d Battalion, 119th Infantry, advanced as far as the Bellicourt Tunnel before being halted. The 117th Infantry, which had followed behind the 120th Infantry in support, then turned south and advanced along the canal bank until it made contact with the British 46th Division.
Owing to the magnitude of the offensive, it was deemed necessary as a precautionary measure to further protect the left flank which had suffered so heavily during the engagement, against a possible counter-attack by the enemy. For this purpose, one Battalion of the 118th Infantry was sent to the Regimental Commander to be used as he deemed necessary. He in turn sent the Battalion forward to occupy a trench which ran from the Canal in a westerly direction. This Battalion completed the occupation at about 12:30 a. m., the morning of September 30th, 1918. The counterattack never materialized.
Upon information gained from a German Battalion Commander interviewed at Regimental Headquarters, it was learned that when the enemy realized that the Americans had broken through their wire and first defenses, they withdrew the bulk of their reserves from the tunnel and reserve trenches, with the idea of making a stand at a position further to their rear. However, finding that the Division (27th American) on the left of the Regimental sector had failed to keep up with the advance and that the Regimental left flank was exposed, pushed additional troops in on the left. This move on the part of the enemy developed for the 119th Infantry Regiment, as it may be termed, a second battle for the day, on the then exposed left flank, between our advance line and the right flank of the 27th Division.
According to the scheme of attack, the Fifth Australian Division was to pass through the Regiment upon it reaching its final objective. Since the final objective was not reached, and since such a critical situation presented itself on the left flank, the Australians came into the line during the afternoon of September the 29th, and occupied the front-line trenches along with the men of this Regiment, and it was not until the morning of the 30th, that they were able to make an advance. About the same time the Australians began their advance, orders were received to assemble the Regiment preparatory to withdrawal from the line for rest. It may be noticed that many of our men advanced with the Australians and had to be ordered to assemble in order that they might be relieved with the Regiment. The entire day of September 30th was consumed with a re-organization of the Regiment and the consolidation of the occupied position. Scouting parties were detailed to search every trench and dugout for the dead and wounded, numbers were found. Captured material was collected and placed along the road leading to Bellicourt. During the engagement, the Regiment suffered losses as follows:
|
Officers |
Enlisted Men |
Killed |
0 |
146 |
Wounded |
9 |
682 |
Died of Wounds |
1 |
15 |
Prisoners |
4 |
33 |
Missing |
0 |
12 |
The field over which this fight took place, on the 30th day of September, presented a miserable appearance, as dead soldiers were scattered broadcast over its area. Shell holes were so numerous that one could not walk three steps without falling into one. Huge masses of barbed wire had been partly cut by the bombardment and the Tanks. Not a telephone pole nor a tree had been left standing by the sweeping Artillery fire. The town of Bellicourt was a complete wreck.
On the night of October 1st and 2nd, the Regiment withdrew to the location previously occupied by it in the Tincourt Area, and in compliance with orders on the morning of October 2nd, marched to the Herbecourt Area by the route of Tincourt-Monrouge-Peronne-Biaches, and went into camp shortly after noon the same day at a place, formerly the village of Biaches, now completely destroyed. This camp was on the Marne River and only a short distance west of Peronne.
The time here was occupied principally by resting, and a general policing of the personnel in the Regiment. The men enjoyed these two days of rest.
On October 5th, the Regiment marched back to the Tincourt Area and camped that night in Tincourt Wood. The following day orders were received to move up to the Bellicourt-Hargecourt Area and the night of the 6th and 7th of October, was spent camped in the trenches of the Hindenburg Line, which eight days previous were occupied by the Germans.
On October 7th, the march was continued to the town of Estrees where the Regiment halted for the night.
The night or the portion of night spent here was marked by a most terrific bombardment from the air. No casualties in the Regiment, however, resulted from this attack. Shortly after midnight verbal orders were received from the Commanding General, 60th Brigade, by the Commanding Officer of the Regiment to proceed to the vicinity of Premont and follow the attack of the 117th Infantry which would begin at 6:00 a. m., October 8th, passing through or "leap-frogging" the 117th at the railroad fill immediately west of Busigny.
Leaving Estrees at approximately 3:30 a. m., the Regiment proceeded by marching to Premont and to its position, arriving there just as the barrage opened. Immediately it formed up in the following order: 2nd Battalion under command of Capt. Graham K. Hobbs, with "C" and "E" assaulting Companies and "G" and "H" the two supporting Companies occupied the left Regimental sector. The 3rd Battalion under command of Major William S. Privott and in the same formation with "K" and "M" Companies as the assaulting Companies and "I" and "L" Companies supporting, occupied the right Regimental sector. The 1st Battalion under command of Capt. Robert J. Lamb, was in support with Company "C" supporting 3rd Battalion and Company "D" supporting 2nd Battalion. Companies "A" and "B" were in reserve. The Regiment joined the 25th British Division on the left and the 120th Infantry Regiment on the right. Regimental Headquarters were established at Van le Prettre Farm. In this formation the line advanced approximately 1,500½ yards, on being held up here immediately west of the woods east of Premont, the 119th Infantry Regiment pushed through and continued the advance to its objective a short distance north-east of the town of Busigny, capturing the town and a large quantity of material, including a Battery of 5.9's and several field pieces, also liberating 1,800 French civilians who had been under control of the Germans for the four years of the war. Upon the entrance of the Americans into the village and before the Germans had been driven entirely out, the civilians were in the streets offering the soldiers hot coffee. They could not be too kind to their liberators. It seemed to surprise them greatly that the troops occupying their town then were friendly Americans. They thought that the British had freed them and it was sometime before they could believe the truth.
At about 4:30 the same afternoon the Regiment gained all of its objectives and immediately consolidated its position. Regimental Headquarters moved from Van le Prettre to Premont. This advancement was of 6 kilometers.
The attack order for the advance on the morning of October 9th, was received at Regimental Headquarters about 3:30 a. m., and transmitted to the Battalion Commanders and front-line troops by 4:30 a. m. A runner was the only means of communication at this time. In the attack order the barrage was timed to open at 5:00 o'clock, but later was changed to begin at 5:30, and, had it not been for the fact that the attack orders were late in arriving at the front line, this difference of 30 minutes might have caused disastrous results. The Regiment in the same formation as the previous day resumed the attack at 5:30 a. m., October 9th, with objective the Heights 500 yards east of the LaSalle River. This objective was selected for its tactical advantage, as it gave the enemy a dominating view of the country west of the LaSalle River, and from information gained seemed to be very strongly fortified.
The advance continued without meeting very strong resistance until the town of St. Souplet on the west bank of the LaSalle River was reached; about 3:00 o'clock that afternoon.
Here the enemy apparently had time to make some preparation and to bring up a few reserves, as the Heights immediately east of the River were well protected. Heavy Machine Gun and Artillery fire was received from the entire ridge covering the Regimental front. It was practically impossible to advance up this open incline without the sacrifice of a great number of lives. Repeated efforts were made to cross the River, and at a few points were successful but due to the nature of the terrain and the terrific Machine Gun fire, it was deemed necessary to dig in and hold the line along the west bank of the River, as a counter-attack was anticipated, but never materialized. The left flank of the Regiment at this time was connected with the 25th British Division but the right flank was exposed as the 120th Infantry had not kept up, causing the line to bend back in front of several fortified Machine Gun posts.
Confronting these conditions, the line was ordered to halt and make good a general line along the west bank of the LaSalle River and gain contact with the 120th Infantry, which was done later that night. During the day's operation the Regiment advanced to a distance of 4,000 yards and captured the towns of Escaufort, St. Souplet and St. Benin, liberating 706 French civilians. A large number of Machine Guns and several field pieces were captured with a large supply of ammunition.
That afternoon about 2:30 o'clock Regimental Headquarters moved from Premont to Busigny.
The night of the 9th-10th of October was spent in consolidating the captured position and to gain contact with the unit on the right which had been held up by Machine Gun fire. It was the plan that as soon as this connection had been made an Artillery Barrage was to be laid down on the whole front thus enabling the entire line to advance. The German position could not be taken without this preliminary preparation by the Artillery so strongly was it defended.
On the morning of October 10th, since the 120th Infantry had not come up on the line, the plan of the attack was not enforced but instead the Regiment merely exploited a short distance immediately forward of this position. After the hard fighting of the 8th and 9th, the men were completely worn out and ready for a rest. However, their high standard of morale had never waned. On the afternoon of the 10th, orders were received for the relief of the Regiment by the 108th Infantry Regiment of the 27th American Division. This relief, due to the fact that some of the units of the 108th Infantry became separated from the rest of the organization, was not completed until after daylight on the morning of the 11th of October. The troops moving from the front-line positions could plainly be seen by the enemy who immediately fired on them with Artillery. The Regiment moved by marching back to Premont, where it remained until the same afternoon when it marched to the area around Van le Prettre Farm. Here it was billeted for the night of October 11th-12th. Due to a mistake, the allotment of billeting area by Corps Headquarters, the Regiment was compelled to move to the area surrounding Montbrohain, while Regimental Headquarters was established in the village.
In this area every advantage was taken to rest the men and to let them clean their clothing and equipment. A captured German bathhouse was utilized and every man in the Regiment was thus enabled to get a good hot shower bath. The Regiment remained here for five days.
On the afternoon of the 16th of October, in accordance with instructions the Regiment moved to the woods immediately southwest of Busigny, where it bivouacked for the night of the 16-17th. Regimental Headquarters was established in the village. Before daybreak the morning of the 17th, in accordance with battle instructions, Headquarters 30th Division, the troops of the Regiment marched to the forming up area along a general line, eastern outskirts of La Haie Mennerese and bore on Vaux Andigny, arriving there at 5:00 a. m., zero hour. From this point, the Regiment was to follow the advance of the 59th Brigade under an Artillery Barrage, passing through it at zero plus six hours. The following disposition of troops was made: The 1st Battalion commanded by Capt. Robert J. Lamb on the left of the Regimental sector with "A" and "B" Companies assaulting, "C" Company in close support and "D" Company in support. 2nd Battalion commanded by Major Graham K. Hobbs on the right Regimental sector with "E" and "H" Companies assaulting, "H" Company in close support and "G" Company in support. The 3rd Battalion commanded by Major John Hall Manning, was in support. The Regiment was joined on the left flank by the 120th Infantry and on the right by the 1st British Division of the 9th British Corps. While following up the 59th Brigade, the Regiment passed through an extremely heavy counter barrage of the enemy.
At approximately 11:00 o'clock in the morning, the 119th Infantry Regiment took over the line from the 117th Infantry as it was held up by Machine Gun fire, and advanced to a railroad cut 2,000 yards west of the village of Ribeauville. Here the position was consolidated and the men dug in for the night. This position was very heavily shelled and quite a number of casualties resulted. The command of the sector officially passed from the Commanding General, 59th Brigade, to the Commanding General, 60th Brigade, at sundown the same evening. With the passing of the command the 59th Brigade supported the 60th Brigade in its advance.
Due to the fact that the British on the right and the 120th on the left had been unable to keep up with the advance and gain connection, the attack on the morning of the 18th inst., could not be made. During the entire morning harassing Machine Gun fire was distributed over the Regimental front. About 11:30 a. m., the British by aid of Artillery Barrage succeeded in advancing until connection had been established with the 119th Infantry. At the time connection was made with the British, the 119th Infantry attempted to advance on the town of Ribeauville, but heavy German machine gun fire forced both the 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry, and the 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry, to withdraw back to the jumping-off point after moving forward a few hundred meters. Practically no advance had been made by this Regiment up to 5:00 o'clock that afternoon, nor by the units on either flank.
About 7:30 o'clock information was received that the British on the right had moved up to the prolongation of our front line, and were continuing the advance. Information was also received that the 27th Division (American) had succeeded in pushing its line forward. After discovering that the Germans had withdrawn that evening, the 119th Infantry pushed forward almost two kilometers, occupying the village of Ribeauville—one of the primary objectives for the first day. At 8:00 o'clock that evening orders were received from Commanding General, 60th Brigade, to the effect that the 119th Infantry would advance immediately, keeping liaison with units on right and left. The attack formation consisted principally of Combat Groups and Patrols joined by connecting files, which pushed out and continued the advance over very rough country, assisted only by the dim moonlight and compass. Owing to these conditions, very slow progress was made, as it was very hard to maintain connections.
Very little Machine Gun and Artillery fire was encountered until the line reached the eastern edge of Ribeauville, where shelling became heavier, and a great number of Mustard Gas shells were falling in the area.
The line continued to advance to the village of Ecaillon, which was reached about 1:30 a. m., October 19th. Orders were received to halt and secure connection with units on right and left, which was done. That night the town of Ribeauville was captured liberating one French civilian, and at Ecaillon five horses were captured in a stable with saddle equipment and harness.
About 3:30 that morning orders were received that the attack would resume at 7:00 o'clock on the entire Corps front, and to continue the advance as far as possible, no objective being given. The Regiment in practically the same formation as the previous day formed up and advanced in the general direction of Catillon, maintaining connection on its flanks. At 8:30 the town of Mazingheim was captured by 119th which continued to advance, until it had reached the high ground east of Mazingheim overlooking the Sombre Canal. Here very stout Machine Gun opposition was met, and the line held up for a while. Supporting Machine Guns, Stokes Mortars, and One Pounders were sent up to protect the front from any counter-attack and did good work in putting out several enemy Machine Gun posts. Practically no advance was made beyond this high ground that afternoon, due to the very open country and the deadly fire from the German Machine Guns.
Orders were received to halt and make good the line held. The men and officers were now, after a period of three days' continuous fighting, very, very tired, having advanced a distance of practically five miles.
That night the American 30th Division was relieved by the British First Division and the 119th Regiment retired to the town of St. Souplet where it was billeted the night of October 19th-20th. The following morning the Regiment moved by marching to Busigny, and October 21st marched to Joncourt. The march continued October 22nd, and that afternoon the Regiment was camped in small huts immediately west of Tincourt. October 23rd, the entire Regiment moved by rail from Tincourt to Heilly and marched from there to Contay Area near Amiens, where the units were billeted in the following towns: 1st Battalion at Contay; 2nd Battalion and 3rd Battalion at Behincourt; Headquarters Company at Baolincourt; Machine Gun Company at Contay; Supply Company at Hahoussoy; Regimental Headquarters at Esbart Chateau.
Upon the arrival of the Regiment in this area, every advantage was taken to give the men a thorough rest and also to equip them. The depleted ranks had to be filled by replacements, for the Regiment was in strength, a little larger than that of one Battalion. The Commanding Officer expressing the wish of all the officers and men of the Regiment, exerted every effort to have the old men of the Regiment who had been pronounced ready for duty from hospitals, returned to the organization. As a result of this effort quite a number of the old men were returned along with a few replacements to take the place of those killed and wounded. After the rest of a few days, a training schedule was inaugurated preparatory to fitting the organization for further fighting. Quite a number of maneuvers were included in the training schedule and the majority of them were carried out, assimilating open warfare.
Connected with the training a number of field meets were held, principally to relieve the men's minds from the battle front and to create a spirit of competition throughout the entire 2nd American Corps.
On or about November 17th, the 30th Division was relieved of further duty with the British Expeditionary Forces and transferred to the American Expeditionary Forces. With this transfer the Division was moved from its area near Amiens and sent further south with the Americans. On November 21st, 1918, this Regiment entrained at Corbie and moved by rail to the LaMans Area, detraining the following morning at Beaumont sur Sarthe. Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Machine Gun Company, Supply Company, 1st and 3rd Battalions, were billeted in the town, and the 2nd Battalion was billeted in the village of Vivian. This order was later changed, since the billeting space in Beaumont was entirely too crowded, and some of the organizations were moved into neighboring villages.
Training schedule was inaugurated here and the Regiment sustained its high standard by attaining a high degree of perfection in drill, ceremonies, training and equipment. The citizens of Beaumont were most cordial to the Americans and exerted every effort towards their entertainment. The officers were extensively entertained in their homes. At a dinner given by the Mayor of the town, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment was presented with a "wreath of Laurel" in token of the splendid work of the Regiment during the fighting.
While in this area, a scheme of competition for the entire 2nd Corps was started. This scheme meant the selection of the best all round Regiment of each Division which were selected by means of competitive drills and inspection to determine the best Regiment of the entire Corps. The Corps meet was never held but this Regiment was selected by General Lewis to represent the 30th Division. General J. J. Pershing reviewed the Division while it was located in this area and later addressed the officers, expressing his appreciation for the work it had done while a member of the American Expeditionary Forces. A rating of the units of the Division was made by one of General Pershing's Staff Officers and shown to Colonel Herr, Chief of Staff, 30th Division. The 119th Infantry was rated number one in appearance, equipment and in marching in review.
On February 11, 1919, pursuant to orders, the Regiment proceeded by marching to the Forwarding Camps, five kilometers from LeMans, where it completed preparation before sailing, and on the twelfth and thirteenth days of March, proceeded to the Embarkation Camp at St. Nazaire, arriving March 13th and 14th. The Regiment remained at this camp for a period of three days, making its final preparations for embarkation to the United States of America.
On the 16th day of March, 1919, orders were received from Headquarters Embarkation Camp, Base Sector No. 1, St. Nazaire, France, to the effect that following units of the 119th Infantry would embark at 2:00 p. m., March 17th, on the USS Madawaska. Headquarters, 119th Infantry, Headquarters Company, Supply Company, and Ordnance Detachment, Machine Gun Company, 1st Battalion Headquarters, Companies A, B, C, and D, and Medical Detachment.
Following these units on March 21st, the 2nd and 3rd Battalion Headquarters, and Companies E, F, G, H, I, K, L, and M, embarked from St. Nazaire on the USS Huron.
The trip over sea was very rough due to heavy wind and storms, thus causing the voyage to be several days longer than had been anticipated.
The entire Regiment landed at Charleston, S. C., on April 2nd, moving immediately by rail to Camp Jackson, S. C.
Here all the men in the Regiment from North Carolina, were mustered out of the service between the 6th and 10th, and those from Tennessee were sent to Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., April 9th, to be mustered out there. The remaining men in the Regiment from other States were transferred as Camp Detachments and ordered to the nearest Demobilization Camp to their homes and discharged. The following Camp Detachments were sent from the Regiment: Camp Dix, Dodge No. 1 and No. 2, Gordon, Grant No. 1 and No. 2, Lee, Funston, Pike, Sherman, Taylor and Upton.
Practically all officers took advantage of the fifteen-day leave in order to avail themselves of an opportunity to secure employment before being discharged from service.
Upon the completion of mustering out of the 119th Infantry, its Commanding Officer, having applied for service in the Regular Army, appeared before a board consisting of Regular Army officers and was recommended by said board. He was not, therefore, mustered out with the remainder of the officers.
While at Camp Jackson, upon request of the city of Columbia, the Regiment on April 5th, moved to that city by way of electric railway and paraded through the principal streets, receiving a joyous welcome "HOME".
The Following tables are the total causalities of the 119th Infantry Regiment during the operations in France in 1918.
Officers
|
July 4-Sept 5 |
Sept 29-Oct 1 |
Oct 7- Oct 12 |
Oct 16 – Oct 20 |
Totals |
Killed In Action |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
6 |
Died of Wounds |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
Severely Wounded |
6 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
19 |
Slightly Wounded |
1 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
10 |
Gassed |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
Taken Prisoner |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
Wounded Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Enlisted Men
|
July 4-Sept 5 |
Sept 29-Oct 1 |
Oct 7- Oct 12 |
Oct 16 - Oct 20 |
Totals |
Killed In Action |
64 |
146 |
56 |
28 |
294 |
Died of Wounds |
12 |
15 |
6 |
3 |
36 |
Severely Wounded |
50 |
123 |
63 |
43 |
279 |
Slightly Wounded |
112 |
310 |
106 |
144 |
672 |
Gassed |
45 |
103 |
30 |
45 |
223 |
Taken Prisoner |
2 |
33 |
1 |
0 |
36 |
Wounded Other |
2 |
146 |
7 |
7 |
162 |
During the time the 119th was in France there were five enlisted men who died of non-combat related causes.
Towns and Villages captured by the 119th Infantry:
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On October 18, 1918, Private First-Class Dock T. Vaughn, of Company B, 119th Infantry, was killed in action in, or very near the railroad cut leading from the town of St. Martin Riviére at a point about 2,000-yards just west of the town of Ribeauville. It was on October 18th that the 119th Infantry’s advance had been stalled and they dug into this curve in the railroad cut that afforded them some protection. German Machine gun fire from Ribeauville was poured into the positions of the 119th Infantry and it was in this general location that PFC Vaughn was killed and his life is history that deserves to be remembered.
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Today PFC Dock T. Vaughn lies resting in peace in the Somme American Cemetery located in Bony, Aisne in Northern France. The Somme American Cemetery is located about 32-miles from the spot PFC Vaughn was killed on October 18. The above photo of PFC Vaughn’s marble cross was taken in December of 2019, which was 101-years after the death of PFC Vaughn. Jean-Luc Gibot, who is a French citizen, went to the Somme American Cemetery and photographed PFC Vaughn’s grave. It was a cloudy, overcast day with poor lighting, but what of the man who lies buried in this sacred ground do we know, what story can this white marble cross tell us today.
Dock T. Vaughn’s story begins in the rolling hills and woods of Tennessee just to the east of Nashville in the County of Overton, Tennessee. It was on January 10th of 1897, that Dock T. Vaughn was born. He was the 8th child of 13 children born to Mary Ann Ramsey (1861-1903) and Abram Vaughn (1860-1935). At the turn of the century in 1900, Mary Ann had given birth to 13 children but 10 had lived past infancy. All the children had been born in Overton County, Tennessee.
In 1903, Dock T. Vaughn’s mother, Mary Ann had passed away. And sometime between then and 1910, Dock’s father Abram had remarried. His second wife was Julia Florence Tayes (1880-1955) and she had two children with Abram Vaughn. Abram Vaughn farmed for a living and in 1910 there were six Vaughn sons living on the farm over the age of ten. All six of the boys, which included Dock, on the 1910 Census form were listed as working the home farm and not in school. Life in Overton County in those days was filled with dirty hard work and very little time for fun and games for the children in the family.
Dock Vaughn’s proper name was actually Doctor Troy Vaughn, but early on in his life he was always known as “Dock T.” In the Overton County area there are several Vaughn men who were named “Dock” and it seems that the name of “Dock” or Doctor Troy may have had a family meaning.
By the time America had entered the war in the spring of 1917, the six Vaughn brothers; Walter, Risdon, Hardy, Dock T., Elbert and Albert all were of age, or nearly of age, to serve in the Military. During the first call up of the draft, which took place on June 5, 1917, Walter, Risdon and Hardy all had to register, which all three did so. Of the three brothers Risdon was the only brother of the three eldest to serve. Risdon served overseas in France with the 19th Field Artillery. Dock T. did not wait for the draft held in June of 1917 and enlisted on his own before the draft call up in June of 1917. The two youngest brothers Elbert and Albert, who may have been twins as they had the same birthday, would have to wait for the Third Call up which was on September 12, 1918, before they had to register.
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| Photo of Pvt. Dock T. Vaughn likely taken in 1917 | Photo of Pvt. Dock T. Vaughn standing before an army tent, likely before going to France. |
Dock T. Vaughn would enlist into the United States Army and would serve in the 30th Division with the 119th Infantry. The 30th Division was nicknamed the "Old Hickory" division, in honor of President Andrew Jackson. The division was originally activated as the 9th Division (drawing units from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee) under a 1917 force plan, but changed designation to the 30th Division after the American entry into World War I in April of 1917. It was formally activated under its new title in October of 1917, as an Army National Guard division from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Dock T. Vaughn was placed into Company B of the 119th Infantry. His Army service number was 1314997. On May 11, 1918, the 119th Infantry was ready to sail for England on its way to France. That day on May 11, Pvt. Dock Vaughn went aboard the SS Ascania in New York Harbor and on the passenger list he wrote the name of his father, Abe Vaughn of Crawford, Tennessee as his person to contact in case of an emergency. At the time Pvt. Vaughn could not know that within six-months and seven days’ time he would be killed on the battlefield in France. Today there is no way to know what thoughts Pvt. Vaughn had during the trip across the Atlantic, but each man of the 119th Infantry at least once may have thought this may be a trip in which I might never return from. But for Dock Vaughn, this would be that one-way trip.
Pvt. Vaughn would while serving with the 119th be advanced to Private First-Class, and would serve in combat with all the battles the 119th fought in up until October 18, 1918, during the assault on the town of Ribeauville, France.
The events of the last three days of the life of Dock Vaughn can be redrawn from the recorded events of the 119th during the 16th, 17th and 18th of October.
After having made the assault into the famed Hindenburg Line, the 30th Division was then about to attack the German lines in the area of Busigny, France. On the evening of October 16th, the 119th had reached the woods immediately southwest of the town of Busigny, where the men were able to rest and sleep for the night.
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| A view looking back into the woods just southwest of the town of Busigny where the 119th Infantry spent the night of October 16, 1918. |
Just before daybreak on the morning of the 17th, the men of the 119th were up and going. They were ordered to form in the general area along a line from the eastern outskirts of the town of La Haie Mennerese and to the town of Vaux Andigny and be in position for Zero Hour which was set for 5 o’clock that morning.
On this attack the 59th Brigade, which consisted of the 117th Infantry, 118th Infantry and the 114th Machine Gun Company, would be the lead assault troops. The 60th Brigade consisting of the 119th Infantry, 120th Infantry and the 115th Machine Gun Company would be the close support troops and follow the 59th Brigade during the advance. At Zero Hour the artillery opened up with a rolling barrage which the troops of the 59th Brigade were to advance under.
At Zero plus six-hours the 59th would allow the troops of the 60th Brigade to filter through them thus taking the lead assault into the Germans. The 1st Battalion of the 119th was on the left side of the line, and the lead assault troops were Companies A and B. Company C was acting as close support company and Company D was the support company. PFC Dock Vaughn was then with Company B in the lead assault on the left of the line.
About 11 o’clock in the morning of the 17th the 119th Infantry took over the assault from the 117th Infantry that had bogged down due to heavy German machine gun fire. They were advancing through the farm fields from the east side of the town of St. Martin Rivére and were moving to a railroad cut that would afford them some protection. This was reached toward the evening of the 17th and the men dug in to consolidate the line. They were pointing towards the town of Ribeauville, which was only about 2,000-yards across several more farm fields. The church steeple in Ribeauville was clearly visible and gave the men of the 119th a good aiming point. But the Germans gave the men of the 119th who were dug into the railroad cut a very heavy shelling and quite a number of casualties resulted from this shelling.
By the end of October 17th, the casualties for the 119th Infantry were as follows:
HQ Co.: 11 Wounded
Co A: 27 Wounded and 5 killed
Co. B: 25 Wounded and 1 killed
Co. C: 32 Wounded and 3 Killed
Co. D: 29 Wounded
Co. E: 15 Wounded
Co. F: 8 Wounded and 1 Killed
Co. G: 7 Wounded
Co. H: 1 Killed
Co. I: 3 Wounded
Co. L: 28 Wounded and 1 Killed
Co. M: 1 Wounded
As the men dug into the railroad cut 2,000-yards east of the town of Ribeauville and tried to get some rest, this was the place PFC Dock Vaughn spent his last night alive. Were his thoughts of home and family on that last night or was his mind on the fields leading up to the town of Ribeauville or would he be able to make it into Ribeauville and see the rest of the church that he could only see the steeple above the town. But with 186 men wounded and 12 men killed in the days assault the odds were the next days assault was going to be more of the same or worse.
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| This view is from the eastern outskirts of the town of St. Martin Rivére looking in a general eastward direction. On the horizion in the center is a clump of trees, which is the railroad cut just beyond the horizon where the 119th was dug in on the evening of October 17, 1918. |
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| In this view you are looking back in a general westernly direction from the western side of the town of Ribeauville. on the extreme horizion on the center is the railroad cut that the men of the 119th infantry lauched the assault on Ribeauville from. It is most likely in this field that PFC Dock Vaughn was killed in on October 18, 1918. |
As the 18th of October began, over on the right side of the line the 120th Infantry was not able to keep up their advance and lagged behind the 119th. The planned advance for the morning of the 18th could not be made as this would have left the right side of the 119th exposed if they had advanced and so the assault was put off. As the 119th laid dug in that morning the German machine guns tore into the men in the railroad cut. In the late morning of the 18th the artillery had managed to lay down another barrage on the right side of the line and the 120th Infantry had advanced and made connection with the 119th along the railroad cut by 11:30 that morning.
Now with the right flank protected the 119th Infantry attempted to advance on the town of Ribeauville, but heavy German machine gun fire forced both the 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry, and the 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry, to withdraw back to the jumping-off point after moving forward a few hundred yards. Practically no advance had been made by either the 119th or the 120th Infantry up to 5 o'clock that afternoon, nor by the units on either flank of them. About 7:30 that evening after discovering that the Germans had withdrawn that evening, the 119th Infantry pushed forward almost two kilometers, occupying the village of Ribeauville—one of the primary objectives for the first day. At 8:00 o'clock that evening orders were received from Commanding General, 60th Brigade, to the effect that the 119th Infantry would advance immediately, keeping liaison with units on right and left. The attack formation consisted principally of Combat Groups and Patrols joined by connecting files, which pushed out and continued the advance over very rough country, assisted only by the dim moonlight and compass. Owing to these conditions, very slow progress was made, as it was very hard to maintain connections.
The casualty count for the 18th was not as high as the day before but it was much deadlier. casualties were as follows:
Co. A: 1 Wounded
Co. B: 3 Killed
Co. C: 1 Killed
Co. D: 5 Killed
Co. E: 1 Wounded
Co. F: 2 Wounded
Co. G: 2 Wounded and 6 Killed
Co. K: 1 Killed
Co. M: 1 Wounded
Of the three men in Company B who were killed on the 18th one was PFC Dock T. Vaughn. He would have been in the 1st Battalion with company B in the Assault on Ribeauville and was most likely killed in attempting the move forward after 11:30 in the morning. If PFC Vaughn was hit and killed during this part of the days assault then it was likely that his body had lain out in the field to the west of Ribeauville for several hours until the assault in the evening of the 18th which finally took the town of Ribeauville.
The body of PFC Vaughn would have been removed from the battlefield as soon as it could be after the capture of Ribeauville and it may have been buried in a temporary battlefield grave near Ribeauville. Then after the end of the war when these temporary battlefield graves were located and the bodies removed he was moved to the new Somme American Cemetery about 32-miles away.
Today in the Somme American Cemetery, PFC Dock T. Vaughn lies in honored respect being cared for by the French citizens whose Freedom PFC Vaughn and his fellow soldiers help to defend.
This series of four photos shown below were taken in late December 2019, by Jean-Luc Gibot, a local French historian, and show several views of Ribeauville and the Railroad cut the 119th would have dug in at on October 17-18, 1918.
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| This is the church in Ribeauville with its high steeple making it a good landmark. | A view of the bocage landscape directly to the west of Ribeauville, with the church steeple visible in the center. This would have been the sort of landscape the men of the 119th would have had to contend with during the assault on Ribeauville. |
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| A view of the railroad cut the men of the 119th were dug in during the night of October 17th. The rail line has now been removed and it is now a farm road. | Another general view of the landscape approaching the town of Ribeauville. During that failed assault on the morning of October 18, 1918, these fields would soak up the bloof of 16-Killed and 7-Wounded men of the 119th Infantry, among the killed was PFC Dock T. Vaughn. |
The names of the men from the 119th who were killed on October 18, 1918, during the assault of Ribeauville are:Cp. Bruce L. Blevins, Company D |
This page was created on January 5, 2020, and last updated on January 8, 2020 © 2020 Joe Hartwell If you have research comments or additional information on this page e-mail them to: Joe Hartwell [ Return to the Site Map ] [ Return to the Ships Histories Page ][ Return to the Coast Artillery Corps History Page ] |