Until February, 1918, the training of the Marines in France was handicapped by the fact that units of the Brigade were engaged in duties along the Line of Communications (Services of Supply), one company and a battalion commander being absent in England until March, 1918. It was not until the middle of February, 1918, that the Fourth Brigade of Marines (less the company in England) was conducting its training as a brigade with any degree of satisfaction. Owing to the well-trained condition of the individual Marine this condition did not vitally affect his professional ability as was so distinctly shown by his later accomplishments.
The Fourth Brigade continued its training in the Bourmont training area until the middle of March, 1918, when it entered the front line trenches in the Verdun sector.
The Marine replacements received little or no training in a training area in France as most of them were hurried into the fighting immediately upon arrival overseas.
To summarize, the average Marine who arrived in France received at least six weeks’ training in the United States in a recruit depot and a very short period at Quantico. This is a contrast to the six months’ training received by the average enlisted man of the Army. After arrival in France the Marines, except those of the original Fourth Brigade, received practically no training in a training area since they joined the brigade almost immediately. The Marines comprising the Fifth Brigade of Marines received no training in a regular training area in France.
Chapter VII.
ORGANIZATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS SENT TO EUROPE—ORGANIZATION OF THE FOURTH AND FIFTH BRIGADES.
THE FOURTH BRIGADE OF MARINES.
The Fourth Brigade of United States Marines was composed of the Fifth and Sixth Regiments of Marines, and the Sixth Machine Gun Battalion of Marines.
The companies forming the battalions were as follows: