in Robbins spent his time at the battalion observation post. The
first platoon was commanded by Lieutenant Waters and the second by
Lieutenant Adams. When the latter left, July 13, to act as instructor at
an artillery school, many were the regrets expressed, not only by the
men of the second platoon, but also by those of the first platoon, who
had spent the months at 163, in Lorraine, under him. Lieutenant Cronin
came up from the horse-lines to take his place.

About five kilometres back, the horse-lines were located in a wood of
evergreens, where the caissons and picket lines were camouflaged under
trees. During the hot, sunny days before the attack, the men lay in the
shade and "read their shirts." After July 14, they were so constantly on
the road for ammunition that the horse-lines were deserted.

Sunday, July 14, was "Bastille Day," the French Fourth of July. If the
rumor was true that the French army issued a bottle of champagne to each
three soldiers in way of celebration, it affected the American troops
with it not the least. For the day was as dry and hot as those
preceding, and the only variation in drink from the coffee at mess was
the water of the Suippes river, where some men went to bathe and swim
and wash clothes. If the German high command believed the rumor, and
thought by beginning their offensive that night they would catch the
French incapacitated from their holiday spree, they found they were
sadly mistaken.

At any rate they commenced their greatest and last offensive against the
Allies that night, a night the 149th can never forget. Shortly before
midnight the order came to make up our rolls and packs, so that if
events required, we could move out quickly. The information came over
the wire that two prisoners captured about nine o'clock had revealed the
entire plans of the attack to the minute. At midnight the preliminary
bombardment was to commence, which was to last four hours. At 4:15 a. m.,
the enemy's infantry was to start over the top. And so it occurred.

At twelve o'clock broke loose a thunderous roar, which sounded like a
gigantic hailstorm, so many and so rapid were the cannons' reports. Over
five thousand cannon, it is estimated, were in action. Our orders were
to stand by the guns ready to fire the instant command came. So we stood
listening to the tremendous cannonading, the whistle and screech of
shells overhead from the long-range guns behind us, and watched the red
glow of canno