XVI
RECONNOITERING IN FRONT OF FISMES
The reconnaissance we made in the Fismes sector on August 14th was about as much like our Lorraine ones as a pleasant day is like a period of violent storm. Nor was it as agreeable as a reconnaissance made during an advance, for here we faced a semi-stabilized battle. The Huns could see our little party, and they had registered everything. Still all reconnaissances have one feature in common. They never work out exactly as one plans. They fail invariably to follow the pretty rules laid down by the books. At the front you mould technique to the demands of the moment, and to the necessity for quick results.
It is a matter of interest to preserve the field order that sent us into this, our costlicst battle. The reconnaissance was made in pursuance to its provisions. It follows:
Headquarters 77th Division, American E. F. 14 August, 1918.
FIELD ORDER NO. 23. MAPS: FERE-en-TARDENOIS 1:20.000 FISMES
1. The 4th Field Artillery Brigade will be relieved by the 152nd Field Arlillery Brigade on the nights of August 15-16 and 16-17, 1918, in compliance with G-3 order no. 31, 3rd Army Corps, 14 August. 1918.
2. The 305th Field Artillery will relieve the 16th Field Artillery, the 304th Field Artillery will relieve the 77th Field Artillery, the 306th Field Artillery will relieve the 13th Field Artillery,
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