Among the numerous feats of arms performed in this region, that of the 33rd Colonial Regiment, which defended Mareuil-le-Port and stood firm in Nesle-le-Repons Woods, was one of the most glorious. The enemy was finally checked on the line: Celle-les-Condé, La Chapelle-Monthodon, Comblizy (where the French reserves were already counter-attacking), Oeuilly and Reuil.
North of the Marne, the enemy was held up on the first position throughout the morning by two French divisions, and two Italian corps, but succeeded, in the evening, in advancing as far as the second position, where they were checked.
On the 16th, south of the Marne, French reinforcements continued the counter-attacks begun on the previous evening in the direction of La Chapelle-Monthodon, Chézy and Le Clos-Milon. Checked at this point, the Germans attacked vigorously in the direction of Epernay. At about 4 p. m., they launched a powerful attack to the east of Leuvrigny, and succeeded in reaching the Chêne-la-Reine-Villesaint front. French and Italian counter-attacks between the Marne and the Ardre were unsuccessful, the attacking forces being thrown back on the Belval-Venteuil line.
THE GERMAN ADVANCE TOWARDS EPERNAY ON JULY 16.
Although Ludendorff had obtained slight tactical advantages to the south-west of Rheims and on the Marne, he had entirely failed in Champagne (see the Michelin Guide: “Champagne and Argonne,” French edition). Abandoning his plan of outflanking Rheims from the east, he now sought to turn the Mountain of Rheims from the south. A striking success at all cost was considered necessary. Partly through temerity, partly through an underestimation of the French strength, he resorted to the dangerous manœuvre of concentrating his efforts against Epernay. Recklessly throwing masses of men into the battle in an attempt to reach his objective quickly by sheer weight of numbers, he launched five powerful attacks in five different places. Considered in the whole, these attacks were unsuccessful, while in the Ardre Valley the enemy was vigorously counter-attacked. Meanwhile, four French divisions began an offensive in the region of Dormans.