From all parts of the front, French divisions poured in. Long lines of motor-lorries sped along all the roads converging towards Montdidier. The high spirits and fine bearing of the men reassured the anxious population, who, for several days past, had heard the guns drawing nearer, and seen the endless stream of refugees fleeing before the invader.
General Debeney arrived with his staff from Toul, to take command of the 1st Army (in formation), divisions of which arrived each day.
The 77th. Inf. Div. (d'Ambly) was added to the 3rd Army (Humbert). The operations of these two armies, whose task it was to bar the road to Paris and cover Amiens, were co-ordinated by Gen. Fayolle.
The Push towards Montdidier and Fall of Roye.
The Push towards Amiens and Fall of Albert.
On the 26th, Gen. Pellé's group occupied Mont Renaud—a natural rampart protecting the valley of the Oise.
Determined to force a passage at all cost, the enemy attacked with fresh troops.
The present positions must be held at all cost. The honour of each commanding officer is at stake, proclaimed Gen. Pellé. Trenches were dug, and Mont Renaud organised. The road to Compiègne was barred and the hills to the south and south-west of Noyon became the pivot of the defences. Repeatedly attacked, Mont Renaud changed hands several times, finally resting with the French. The exhausted 10th Div. fell back on the massif of Le Plémont, where the 77th Div. had just taken up its positions.