=Special Situation—Blue=:
The Blue forces, after severe fighting, have reached the line (_a_). The
reds have vigorously defended every foot of the ground, and it is
apparent that the resistance is growing stronger.
On account of the exhausted condition of the troops and the lack of
fresh reserves, the Blues are unable to continue the advance and it has
been decided to assume the defensive, temporarily.
The 2nd battalion, which has been the assault battalion, has been
stopped and is now holding the line (_b-c_). It has suffered heavy
casualties.
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:
“One section at (_j_), covering (_k_).
“One section at (_l_), covering (_m_).
“One section at (_n_), covering (_o_).
“One section at (_p_), covering (_q_).
“The platoon from the howitzer company will be disposed as follows:
“The 37 mm. gun at (_r_) and the light mortar at (_s_), covering the
front of the battalion.
“The firing line and support line are (_t_) and (_t′_) respectively.
They will be organized into two strong points.
“Company A will occupy the area (_u_).
“Company B will occupy the area (_v_).
“Company C will occupy the battalion reserve line along (_w_).
“Companies will proceed with their tasks with the least practicable
delay.
“Administrative arrangements, later.
“Battalion C. P. at (_x_).”