CHAPTER XXI
THE SECOND BATTLE OF LE CATEAU—THE RUNNING FIGHT
I
“Tank Corps Intelligence Summary, October 8th”
“An attack was launched this morning between Cambrai and St. Quentin on a front of eighteen miles, which was entirely successful—all objectives being gained—in spite of obstinate machine-gun defence.
“Heavy Tanks and Whippets co-operated.
“The line now runs N. and E. of Niergnies—E. of Seranvillers and La Targette—Esnes Mill—E. edge of Esnes—through Briseux Wood—Walincourt—Audigny trench line to Walincourt Wood—W. of Walincourt—N. and E. of Serain—E. of Prémont—E. of Brancourt—E. of Beauregard.
“Depth of penetration varies, the maximum being 6000 yards.
“The French continued the attack on the southern portion of the battle front and made progress in the vicinity of Fontaine Utetre and Essigny le Petit.
“A large number of prisoners have been taken, but the actual numbers are not yet known.
“The enemy made a heavy counter-attack from the direction of Awoingt against our line between Niergnies and Seranvillers, and the situation at Forenville is not quite clear.