THE FORMATION OF THE ST. MIHIEL SALIENT (Sept. 20-29, 1914)
Their set-back at Troyon did not prevent the Germans reforming, and they attacked the Meuse Heights again on September 20, in an endeavour to outflank Verdun from the south. Four army corps under General von Strantz, starting from Metz, advanced rapidly on the 22nd to the Combres-Vigneulles-Thiaumont line, and began a methodical bombardment of the forts on the Meuse Heights. These were soon pounded into shapeless heaps of débris, but the gallant defenders still held on and repulsed all assaults.
On the 23rd, the enemy advanced to Seicheprey. The mobile defence forces of the region, greatly outnumbered (two or three to one), formed only a very thin line, the depth of which steadily decreased as it extended beyond Verdun to the south.
On September 24, the German attacks were renewed with increased fury. On the 25th, they succeeded in gaining a footing on the Meuse Heights near Vigneulles, whence they advanced to St. Mihiel, which they entered without, however, crossing the Meuse. At this point the river was only defended by one battalion of Territorials, and the Germans were able to cross on the 26th, after which they began to advance towards the valley of the Aire, in the direction of Verdun. The situation was critical. The 16th Corps from Nancy met and defeated the German forces, and obliged them to fall back in disorder on the suburbs of St. Mihiel, but were unable to force them back across the river. On September 29, the front line ran through Combres, Chauvoncourt, Apremont and Seicheprey.
