The 1st battalion, which has been in regimental support, has had comparatively few casualties.
The 3rd battalion is the regimental reserve.
It is now 4.30 p. m.
It has been decided to have the 1st battalion, with one platoon of the howitzer company attached, organize and hold a defensive position covering the front of the regimental sector just in rear of the line now occupied by the 2nd battalion.
Major A, the battalion commander, accompanied by his company commanders and Lieutenant Z, commanding the howitzer platoon, has made a personal reconnaissance of the position and issued the following verbal orders to the assembled officers:
“The enemy has stopped our advance temporarily. It is necessary for us to assume the defensive until our troops can be reorganized and arrangements made to resume the advance.
“Our 2nd battalion is now holding the line (b-c). It will withdraw after dark. Our 3rd battalion relieves us as support battalion.
“The —— infantry on our right will hold the front from (d to e); the —— infantry on our left will hold the front from (f to g).
“This battalion, with one howitzer platoon attached, will organize and hold the line from (h to i).
“Company H will be disposed as follows: