In spite of protecting smoke screens, the bridges across the Marne were unceasingly bombarded by the Allied aviators and artillery, and sometimes destroyed. The Germans accordingly reduced the number of these bridges, and increased that of the less vulnerable foot-bridges. In this way, thirty foot-bridges were built between Treloup and Reuil-sur-Marne.
The Allies’ resistance, so far from abating, stiffened, while each attempt of the enemy to advance was checked with heavy loss. The Germans were already beginning to show signs of exhaustion when on July 18 the Allies’ great counter-offensive, which the German press had declared to be impossible, was launched against the right flank and in the rear of the German divisions, who were struggling desperately to reach Epernay.
THE ATTACKS AND COUNTER-ATTACKS OF JULY 17.
AMERICAN UNITS ENGAGED FROM THE END OF JUNE TO JULY 18, 1918.
2nd Division (see composition, p. 12).