"An AEF Setback: August 1918 " Topic
4 Posts
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Tango01 | 16 Jul 2014 11:50 a.m. PST |
"These are official reports of this incident and have the coldness of such documents with a sprinkling of CYA. For a personal and chilling account of this American defeat, read Hervey Allen's great memoir, Toward the Flame. This affair is one of the reasons the emblem of the 28th Pennsylvania National Guard Division became known as the "Bloody Bucket." A memorial bridge built by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania now stands across the River Vesle connecting the two villages discussed here. Extract from III Corps History Enemy Attack Against Fismette 27 August 1918 I. SITUATION: On the night of August 26/27, 1918, the village of FISMETTE was held by Companies G and H, 112th Infantry. These two companies totaled six officers and 200 men. This garrison relieved the previous garrison at 2 a.m. August 27.
II. OPERATION: At 4 a.m. on the same day a heavy enemy barrage was placed in and around the town of FISMETTE. After 20 minutes the barrage lifted and the enemy attacked with a force estimated at about one battalion. The attacking troops were evidently picked troops, being referred to in the German communiqué as "Baden troops." The attacking forces were apparently divided into three columns, one attacking from the northeast. another from the northwest, and the third from the north of the town. The attack followed immediately upon the lifting of the heavy bombardment, and caught our troops while they were more or less demoralized as a result of same. The platoon occupying the east edge of the lawn put up a good resistance. but the platoons to the north and west gave way with feeble resistance ante. resulting in the enemy practically enveloping the remaining defenders on the lawn, some of whom escaped to the south and crossed the VESLE. The enemy attack was accompanied by low-flying airplanes, which dropped bombs and fired machine guns. There is a report that a soldier in an American uniform ran through the streets shouting that the lieutenant in command said resistance was useless and had ordered his men to surrender. It is not definitely settled as to whether or not this man was an American soldier or any enemy in disguise…" Full article here link Amicalement Armand |
Tgunner | 16 Jul 2014 12:22 p.m. PST |
Interesting. I thought the "bloody bucket" was from Hurtgen: the Battle of Schmidt. |
jdginaz | 16 Jul 2014 10:55 p.m. PST |
It was during the battle in the Hurtgen that the 28th got the name bucket of blood. That article is wrong in that respect. |
Tango01 | 17 Jul 2014 10:47 a.m. PST |
Glad you enjoyed it my friend. Amicalement Armand |
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