Losses were however, heavy on both sides, the 303rd Brigade when relieved having lost 2,500 men and 65 officers.
On the 31st, fighting broke out afresh. In the village of Vaux, the attackers surrounded the garrison which made its escape and clung to the Western outskirts.
On April 2nd, a fresh enemy division swarmed down the southern slopes of Caillette wood and reached Bazil ravine. It was a serious moment. Douaumont was outflanked to the South, and Vaux to the West.
The 3rd Corps (Nivelle) was rushed to the relief, the 5th Division (Mangin) at the head; Mangin had only the 74th Regiment available at the moment. There was no time to lose. Mangin reached Souville where he turned and said to the colonel of the 74th who accompanied him: "My friend, no half-measures here but get to close quarters with the Boches and get after them with bombs".
The 74th and then the whole 9th Brigade crossed Bazil ravine, which was filled with gas, cleared Caillette wood with bombs and at the point of the bayonet, and held fast to the recaptured line, repelling all counter-attack.
On April 9th and 10th the enemy again attacked unsuccessfully in front of the fort but captured Vaux village.
The June attacks.
At the beginning of June the enemy planned to make violent attacks upon Vaux fort.
