Villers.
The big attack had been a complete success. By 4:30 P. M. – the hour that the 2d Battalion,
360th Infantry, had achieved its mission for the day – all troops of the 180th Brigade were on the corps
objective, thus breaking the Freya Stellung. The other divisions in the 1st Army had also succeeded in
their missions, and the enemy’s main line of resistance was broken. In order to make the most of the
exploitation, division orders were issued about 6 P. M. for the 180th Brigade to organize the corps
objective line for defense, at the same time pushing forward fresh troops with the utmost vigor. The
179th Brigade in the meantime had been telephoned to move forward to position in the woods west of
Bantheville.
But, owing to the general disorganization of the enemy, corps instructions were issued at 11 P.
M., ordering a further advance on November 2 than was originally contemplated. Hence division orders
were also changed. The 179th Brigade was given the task of holding the corps objective to guard
against counterattacks, and General McAlexander was directed to use his entire brigade to push the
advance on November 2 to the Halles-Mont-devant-Sassey bluffs.
View taken of Bantheville while it was being shelled on the morning of the drive, November 1.
P. C. Sterling of the 359th Infantry, one kilometer north of Cunel.
The officers shown are, from left to right: Captain Geo. Young,
Colonel E. K. Sterling, Captain Irwin O. Montgomery,
Captain G. P. Knox and Lieutenant Chas. P. Hinkle.
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