When the Major finished his instructions, we sat quiet for a moment. Then Fleischmann said “Well, come on, Daddy; we’ve got a lot to do before dark,” and we set out.
As we climbed Dead Man’s Hill, the Boche balloon saw us, and they amused themselves by sniping at us with a couple of 88’s. We kept about 20 yards apart, so that if one was potted the other could see to the attack. It was rather like playing “Going to Jerusalem.” We would linger by a good shell hole and then hustle for the next one; and of course the shells would always catch us between two holes, and we would have to flop into some six inch puddle.
On arriving at Co. Hdq. I sent for the platoon commanders and sergeants. Welch and McGarrity were left in command of the 3rd platoon; I had perfect confidence in their ability to handle it after their showing two nights before.
I knew that the moment we opened fire the German barrage would drop. If he hadn’t shortened his range since Monday night we would have it behind us. If he had, we would have to go through it anyhow, and the sooner the better.
B Co. was attacking over a full kilometer front, which in a regular supported attack would be the sector for at least a battalion. If we met any serious opposition, we could not hope to push through to our objective on this frontage. I therefore made my main objective the edge of the open field along the line 369.0-243.0 to 368.6-243.2. This line was along the top of a rather steep reverse slope, which would give us protection from frontal fire, and from this as a base we could throw out combat patrols to the flanks, and eventually get in touch with the units on either side.
The company was to advance with the 1st, 4th and 2nd platoons in the first wave, in above order from right to left; all in line of combat groups. The 3rd platoon was to follow at 50 meters, and would act as support and mopping up party. All would jump off from the line of outguards, so that all would get clear of the enemy’s barrage as quickly as possible. The 1st Plt. already had a common post with D Co., which was to move down the road on our right flank as a combat patrol. Our left flank post was to arrange with the visiting patrol of the 312th Inf. to advance similarly along the left flank of our sector.
By the time these orders were issued and the ground reconnoitered, it was nearly dark. Our rations were to be brought up that night by details from the rear; but they lost their way—or their ambition—and the chow never got beyond the foot of Dead Man’s Hill.
About midnight Capt. Fleischmann came over for a last consultation, and we explained our plans to each other. Then we shook hands hard, wished each other “Cheery-O” after the manner of the Scotties; and the night closed behind his tall figure as he strode off down the path.
Various details of the arrangements kept me busy until the 2nd and 3rd platoons came up at 5 A. M. to take their posts for the attack. Things were comparatively quiet; only the usual shells going overhead. There was just time to see the platoons properly disposed and to get my headquarters platoon into position between the 1st and 4th platoons. Then I watched my wrist watch tick off the last five minutes, as the first tinge of dawn crept into the sky on our right. I ran everything over in my mind hastily, to be sure nothing was forgotten. And then the minute hand pointed the half hour.
Nothing happened.