THE COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE LIBRARY

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Accession Number N7?649 C&GSC Library A

PL9-0733—C&GrSC—30 Nov 48—8M

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

SECOND SECTION, GENERAL STAFF GENERAL HEADQUARTERS AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

APRIL 1918

NUMBERS 1 TO 30 INCLUSIV . ; 4 1" No In this re-print of the Intelligence Summaries in order to retain the original form in which they were published and that the reference numbers may be utilized, no attempt has been made to re-number the issues The Summaries may be traced by the date of publication.

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G. H. Q. A. E. P. . /Jfljl SECOND SECTION, GENERAL STAFF No. 1. No. i, i APRIL 1,^1918 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION CHANGES IN GERMAN ORDER OF BATTLE, MARCH 31, 1918.

XV IITH ARMY 26th Div, from reserve of XVIIIth Army enters line, between 221st Div. and 239th Div. 2d Guard Div. from XVIIIth Army in reserve. IID ARMY 23d Div. to XVIIIth Army. 228th Div. to XVIIIth Army. XVIIIT H ARMY 88th Div. withdrawn from line, and re-enters to the S. of 243d Div. 23d Div. from IId Army to line S. of 88th Div. 228th Div from IId Army to line S. of 19th Div. 52d Div. from Hid Army enters line between nth Res. Div. and 5th Bav. Div. 7th Res. Div. from 1st Army relieves 1st Bav. Div. 26th Div. to XVIIth Army. 3d Bav. Div. from Vllth Army in reserve 2d Guard Div. to XVIIth Army. 35th Div. to reserve. VIITH ARMY 3d Bav. Div. to XVIIIth Army. 1ST ARMY 7th Res. Div. to XVIIIth Army. IIID ARMY 52d Div. from reserve to XVIIIth Army.

UNITS IN REAR OF FRONT XVIIITH ARMY 2d Guard Div. 4th Guard Gren. Regt. at Wancourt in rear of Arras Front. March 29 Declaration of prisoners. 3d Bav. Div. In region of Noyon, March 29. Up ARMY 4th Guard Div. 4th Guard Div. in the IId Army, March 29, Doc. IDENTIFICATIONS 31ST Div. FLANDERS SECTOR 166th Inf. Regt Sector of Moors lede March 30 Doc. 12TH Div. REGION OF ARRAS. 62d Inf. Regt S. E. of Tilloy-les-Mofflains March 30 Many prisoners. 239TH Div. 468th Inf. Regt X. W. of Hamelincourt < . March 30 1 officer killed, 26TH Div. 125th Inf. Regt N. of Hamelincourt March 30 Prisoners. REGION OF ALBERT. IST GUARD RES. DIV. 2d Guard Res. Inf. Regt N. of Puisieux March 30 1 prisoner. 4TH Div. 140th Inf. Regt F. of Colincamps March 30 Men killed. 54TH RES. DIV. 247th Res. Inf Regt E. of Martinsart March 29 1 killed. 50TH RES. DIV. 229th Inf. Regt W. of Meaulte March 30 Many prisoners. 13TH Div. 13th Inf. Regt .. . S. W. of Morlancourt March 30 j . 1 killed. IST Div. ist Gren. Regt .....;.. . N. of Sailly-Laurette March 36 Many prisoners. I8TH DIV. 86th Inf. Regt , E. of Sailley-les-Sec March 29 Prisoners. 31st Inf. Regt ' N. of Sailly-Laurette March 29 1 prisoner. GUARD ERZ. DIV. REGION OF CHAULNES. 339th Inf. Regt S. W. of Morcourt March 29 prisoners. 88TH DIV. 35 2d Inf. Regt. ) 353d Inf. Regt, \ Mezieres March 29 Many prisoners. This Division had entered the line March 29 for the second time. 228TH Div. REGION OF MONTDIDIER 35th Inf. Regt Region of Hamel i March 30 1 prisoner. 5TH Div. 8th Inf. Regt N. of Pierrepont March 29 1 prisoner. 230 Div. 100th Inf. Regt E. of Moreuil March 30 Prisoners. 52D Div. 170th Inf. Regt E. of Molpart March 30 Prisoners. 52d Div. had been retired from the Champagne Front about March 9. 206TH Div. 4th Erz. Res. Inf. Regt W. of Montdidier March 30 1 prisoner. 9TH Div. 9th Inf. Regt. / 17th Inf. Regt. j Near Ayencourt March 30 50 prisoners. IOTH RES. DIV. REGION OF LASSIGNY. 155th Inf. Regt S. W. of Rollot •, March 30 Prisoner. 238TH Div. 463d Inf. Regt At Boulogne March 29 21 prisoners. 464th Inf. Regt At Boulogne March 29 . 2 prisoners. 103D Div. 116th Res. Inf. Regt At Le Plemont March 30 3 prisoners. 37TH Div. 150th Inf. Regt Region of Thiescourt March 30 1 prisoner. — 309 — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. I, APRIL r, 1918.

7TH RES. DIV. <36th Res. Inf. Regt Between Le Plemont and Lassigny . March 30 4 prisoners. The 7th Res. Div. had been retired from the Champagne Front toward the middle of January, and had been resting in rear of the Front in Argonne. 33d RES. DIV. REGION OF RHEIMS. 130th Res. Inf. Regt N. E. of Cormicy March 30 2 killed.

86TH DIV. t .,, 1 341st Inf. Regt •. In front of Betheny March 30 1 killed. 203D Div. ,406th Inf. Regt S. W. of Beine March 30 2 prisoners. They state order of battle, \Y. to E. is : 406th Inf. Regt. 410th Inf. Regt. 409th Inf. Regt. The order of battle previously was : 409th Inf. Regt. 406th Inf. Regt. 410th Inf. Regt. The 406th and 410th Inf. Regiments not having moved, it may be assumed that there has been a change in the sector with an extension toward the east of the Division, and as a consequence a diminution of the density between the 203d Div. and the Suippe. ALSACE. 30TH BAV. RES. DIV. 15th Bav. Ldw. Inf. Regt N. of Amertzwiller March 30 1 killed GERMAN ATTACK TACTICS FROM G. 0. G. BULLETIN, MARCH 29, 1918. According to captured documents and prisoners' statements : The German attack in the present offensive seems to have been carried out in its main lines according to principles followed during the period of intensive training. 1. ATTACK ON ORGANIZED POSITIONS. Rate of infantry advance : 200 meters in 4 minutes. The accompanying barrage (Feuerwalze) lifts and advances at carefully calculated intervals beginning at zero hour and occurring as required by the conformation of the trenches to be taken. The trench mortar detachments follow and stop at the same time as the infantry waves. Maps show the mechanism of the attack and the barrages. 2. ADVANCE OVER LEVEL GROUND. As soon as the organized positions have been passed, the enemy echelons his successive attacks. He masses his forces on various points and makes a rapid attack in order to bring about a local withdrawal of the line. Then he advances through the intervals so created and threatens the flanks of neighboring units, against which a new attack is prepared and launched. The attacking troops have generally advanced by passing through their own lines. A number of divisions seem to have entered into combat several times at different points after having been withdrawn. 3. USE OF AUXILIARY ARMS. Artillery actions are limited to fire with 77 mm. and 105 mm. field guns. Cavalry was observed several times, but in small units, in the region of HAM-NESLE-PERONNE. Its functions seem to have been to maintain touch between or to support advanced elements. Aviation has shown little activity. It has been limited to making flights in order to determine the line. There is little or no reconnaissance at long range, but bombing squadrons are always very active at night against railway stations and important points.

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF GERMAN OFFICER AVIATOR An officer, who was a member of a bombing flight, was brought down on February 18. The follow­ ing are extracts from the information obtained from his diary : "All German aviation units on the Italian front will be replaced by Austrian units." "The A. E. G. is the best type of German bombing airplane. It'has two 260 H. P. Mercedes engines, two Parabellum machine guns, and carries three aviators and 600 to 800 kilograms of projectiles." "The most powerful type of bombing machine is the R (Riesen). It has six engines and can carry nine men." "Zeppelins are giving way to airplanes, and though the production of airplanes in Germany is intense, the intervention of America is causing the authorities considerable worry. It is feared that production will hardly more than compensate for losses and deterioration of materiel. In order to decrease the number of losses only night bombing is allowed, but the anti-aircraft fire of the Allies has so improved that hardly a night passes without some plane, at least, returning in a damaged condition." "In bombing the pilot glides at an angle of about 30 degrees against the wind and toward the object­ ive. The bombs are dropped at very short intervals, after which the pilot continues a descending flight in order more rapidly to escape from the zone of anti-aircraft fire." "German aviators have lately been experimenting with.a new parachute. It was tried first with bags of cement, and then, with excellent results, from a height of 1,000 meters by an officer."

GERMAN INFANTRY WEAPONS FOR THE ATTACK

(FROM FRENCH GV 0. G. BULLETIN, MARCH 31, 1918.) An officer of the 175th Regt., 35th Div., who had been taken prisoner, stated that every soldier takin* part in the attack of March 21 carried his rifle and two grenades. He also said that in open warfare there would no longer be special grenade throwers. Moreover, rifle grenades would not be used any more as they are too cumbersome and difficult to keep supplied with ammunition. In open country machine-guns precede the infantry, while in close country they follow it. Machine-gun companies march in rear of rifle companies within the regiment.

— JIO — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION. NO. I... APRIL I, 1918.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUES MARCH 31, 1018. FRENCH. 1 1 I9I II 00 a m ^1-, 1 ^fv 3 ' r^> - - -) The fight which occurred yesterday evening with continued obstinacy, completed the cneck to the powerful attempt to penetrate our lines which the Germans began on the 30th instant. -Between MONTDIDIER and MOREUIL our infantry fire mowed down the enemy's battalions which continually returned TO tne assault. MOREUIL, which was taken by the Germans, retaken by us and again lost, was finally carried'in a bayonet cnarge ot incomparable dash by Franco-British troops fighting together in the same ranks. The woods to the North of MOREUIL were also taken in intense fighting. We have taken many prisoners in this region. it is confirmed that the check to the enemy between MOREUIL and LASSIGNY was complete ; we have succeeded in advancing to the outskirts of CANNY-SUR-MATZ. The picked division which retook LE PLEMONT and held it against all attacks took 700 prisoners. On the rest of the front there was intermittent artillery fire. Three hostile raids on the right bank of the MEUSE were without success. (March 31, 1918, 9 p. m.) The Germans fatigued by their check of the day before have only carried out violent local attacks on certain points of the front. N. of MOREUIL the enemy was unsuccessful except in the region of HANGUARD in bANTERRE, where he managed after a violent struggle to get a foothold in the village. Between MOREUIL and LASSIGNY our troops—according to recent information—recaptured last night AYENCOURT and LE MONCHEL, taking 100 prisoners and 14 machine-guns. Today in the course of violent combats we have made an appreciable advance in the region of ORVILLERS. On the OISE Front a hostile detachment consisting of a battalion of assault troops after having crossed the river near CHAUNY attempted to plant a bridge-head on the left bank. This detachment was entirely wiped out or captured by a vigorous counter-attack. Over a hundred Germans were taken prisoners. Our long-range guns fired on and destroyed a German train loaded with heavy artillery in the region of LAON. There is nothing of note on other parts of the front.

BRITISH. (March 31, 1918, 10.50 a. m.) Yesterday afternoon we succeeded in re-establishing our line S. of the SOMME, near the Valley of the LUCE. Two heavy attacks launched by the enemy in the course of the clay against our front from MARCELCAVE to the SOMME were repulsed, and both times with severe losses to the enemy. Immediately North of the SOMME German infantry advanced in four waves and was repulsed at all points by our first line. The losses on this part of the battle front alone are estimated at thousands of men. Yesterday, early in the afternoon a local engagement in the neighborhood of SERRE was successful. Our line in that locality was advanced a short distance. We have taken 230 prisoners and captured 40 machine-guns. At other points on the battle front we have also advanced our line and taken prisoners. German artillery was active yesterday evening in the neighborhood of BUCQUOY. (March 31, 1918, 7.40 p. rri.) To the N. of the SOMME the enemy has not launched any new attacks today. Never­ theless several sectors of the front have been violently bombarded. In local actions we have made prisoners and captured machine-guns. To the S. of the SOMME the Germans attacked in large numbers towards noon to the S. of the road PERONNE-AMIENS. The fight continues in the valleys of the LUCE and the AVRE and between these two rivers. Both sides are fighting at the present time for the possession of strategic points, woods and villages. AVIATION. During the afternoon of the 30th the weather was very bad. In spite of the driving rain our pilots' con­ tinued to participate in the battle to the S. of the SOMME. Up to a late hour they dropped bombs and fired machine- guns on targets offered by the enemy. Valuable information concerning the German troops was brought by aviators, and in the northern sector it was possible for them to work in liaison with our artillery. Active aerial combats have taken place between our machines flying low and those of the enemy. Twelve German machines were brought down and 3 others were compelled to land in a damaged condition. One balloon was destroyed by our guns and two airplanes were brought down by our anti-aircraft guns. • Five of our machines have not returned.

GERMAN. (March 31, 1918, 2.17 p. m.) WEST FRONT. On the heights west of the Upper ANCRE -ve repulsed British counter­ attacks. Between the SOMME and the OISE we have achieved new successes. On both sides of the LUCE we penetrated the foremost British lines which have been reinforced by French regiments, took by assault the villages of AUBERCOURT, HANGARD and DEMUIN, lying in the valley, and threw the enemy back in spite of the most violent counter-attacks towards MOREUIL and the wooded hills to the North. Between MOREUIL and NOYON we attacked the French Army Corps which were being brought up. North of MONT­ DIDIER we forced the enemy back beyond the low ground along the AVRE and the DON and took by assault the hills on the West bank. Repeated counter-attacks of the French west of MONTDIDIER launched from FONTAINE against MESNIL, which we had taken, broke down with severe losses. FONTAINE was taken by storm in the evening and MESNIL occupied in obstinate fighting. Between MONTDIDIER and NOYON the assaulting troops threw the enemy out of his newly dug trenches beyond ASSAIN­ VILLERS, ROLLOT and HAINVILLERS, and also towards THIESCOURT and VILLE. Strong counter-attacks by the French at this point also were unsuccessful. FORT RENAUD, Southwest of NOYON, was taken in assault. It is reported from all parts of the front that the enemy has suffered very heavy losses. There is nothing new to report from the other fronts. (March 31, 1918, 8.36 p. m.) We made successful local attacks between the LUCE and the AVRE. Counter-attacks of the French W. and S. W. of MONTDIDIER were repulsed with heavy losses.

AUSTRIAN. (March 31, 1918, 2.20 p. m ) The increased fighting activity continued in Italy.

— 311 — Q. H. Q. A. E. F. SECOND SECTION, GENERAL STAFF No, 2, No. 2APRI, L 2, 1918 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION POSSIBLE GERMAN MUNITION AND ARTILLERY TRANSPORTS (FROM FRENCH G. Q. G. BULLETIN, MARCH 31, 1918.) It is reported from the front of a certain army that there is an abnormal rearward traffic of trains which seem to be heavily loaded. It is possible that these are transports of munitions and artillery. Attention is drawn to the importance of watching, by aerial or ground observation, movements of this nature, which may constitute an indication of purely defensive intentions in the sector where they occur.

BATTERIES IN OPEN FIELDS (FROM FRENCH G. Q. G. BULLETIN, MARCH 31, 1918.) In the course of a violent artillery action which was carried out by the Germans on the right bank of the Meuse between March 15 and 23, 166 batteries of all calibers were observed in action between the Meuse and the Moulainville line. On this front there were 387 available battery positions, and it seems that all the batteries in action could thus have been put into position behind prepared epaulments. How­ ever, 50 batteries were observed in action without any kind of epaulment. More than one-fourth of the batteries in action were therefore placed by the Germans in the open fields.

GERMAN ORDER FOR ATTACK TRANSLATION OF A CAPTURED GERMAN DOCUMENT. FROM BRITISH SUMMARY, MARCH 28, 1918. 50th Inf. Div. Div. H.Q., March 18, 1918. Abt. la, Nr. 1629. Secret. DIVISIONAL ORDER FOR THE ATTACK.—NR. I. 1. THE XVIIITH ARMY will break through the enemy's positions on X day. The date and time of the attack will be issued later. 2. THE IXTH CORPS will debouch to the attack from St. Quentin, and will drive the enemy back across the Somme Canal on either side of Ham. 3. On X day, the $oth Div., which is under the orders of the IXth Corps, will break through the enemy's positions on either side of the Savy road, with its troops distributed in depth ; after the capture of the Margarin Heights, the division will push forward through the enemy's 2nd line west and south­ west of Savy, with the troops echeloned in depth from the left. At the same time, the enemy's first line from east of Panama strong point to the Roman road will be rolled up from the north by the detachment Maillard (2 companies cyclists, 1 assault company). After the capture of the 2nd line, the division will attack the enemy's 3rd line east of Etreillers and east of Vaux, in close touch with the 45th Res. Div. at Roupy ; subsequently the attack will be continued on either side of the Germaine brook (with strong forces on its east bank) towards the Somme-. On the right of the $oth Div., the 28th Div., with the 40th Inf. Regt. on its left flank, will attack the enemy's position on either side of Fayet, and, pushing forward in strength through Francilly and south of Holnon Wood, at the same time out-flanking this wood towards the north, will break through the enemy's 3rd line north of Vaux. On the left of the 50th Div., the 45th Res. Div., with the 210th Res. Inf. Regt. on its right flank, will attack the enemy's position south of the Savy track, and, after the capture of the enemy's 2nd line east of Roupy, will push forward on either side of the St. Quentin—Ham main road, to the Somme at Ham. At the moment of assault, the 231st Div. will reach, with the heads of its two columns, the Pfarr and Glo­ riette bridges, north of Rouvroy. Corps H. Q. will give orders as to the further advance of this division. 4. BOUNDARIES OF THE ATTACK OF THE 50TH Div.—(See Appendix I).* 5. ARTILLERY AND "MINENWERFER" PRELIMINARY BOMBARDMENT.—(See Special Order, Nr. 2). * The preliminary bombardment will be divided into 7 periods. Fire will be opened at zero hour, which will be notified separately. (a) 1st period.—The engagement of the enemy's artillery and trench mortars by the whole of the artillery and Minenwerfer for two hours ; this will be interrupted by a hurricane burst of fire for 10 minutes on the enemy's infantry positions (from zero + 50 to zero + 60). (b) 2nd to 4-th period.—Continuation of counter-battery work by the batteries detailed to engage the enemy's artillery (Aka-Baiterien), until the creeping barrage reaches the batteries which have been engaged. Gradual switching of the batteries detailed to engage the enemy's infantry (Ika Batte­ rien) from artillery targets on to the infantry positions. (c) $th and 6th periods.—Fire for effect for 2 hours and 25 minutes by the artillery, directed on the enemy's infantry positions. In the last hour before the attack, the heavy and medium Minenwerfer will open fire for effect on the positions which they have to prepare for the assault; half an hour before the actual assault the light Minenwerfer will also open fire for effect on the infantry posi tions. r (d) yih period.—5 minutes before the actual assault (zero + 295), all batteries taking part in the sweeping barrage will switch on to their initial barrage lines. 6. THE CREEPING BARRAGE.—(See Appendix* "The creeping barrage"). The creeping barrage will start at zero -j- 300, so that at that moment the first rounds will fall simul­ taneously 300 meters in rear of the enemy's 1st line. *Not captured, — 312 — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 2, APRIL 2, 1918. From this moment the creeping barrage jumps forward 200 meters every 4 minutes. (a) Exceptions.—-The creeping barrage reaches the middle of the intermediate position at zero + 319, and stays here till zero + 330 (11 minutes). On the flanks of the interme­ diate position, the creeping barrage jumps forward 200 meters at X + 324 (after 5 minutes) to enable the infantry to move up to within assaulting distance of the intermediate position. At zero -|- 330, the creeping barrage, by jumping forward 400 meters,, will clear the intermediate position' for the infantry assault. (6) Further halts.—West of the narrow-gauge railway which passes through the divisional sector from north to south, the creeping barrage will halt for 7 minutes at zero + 358. The creeping barrage will stop on the eastern outskirts of Savy for 22 minutes. At zero + 415, the creeping barrage reaches the 2d line on the flanks of the a'ttack. From this point, the creeping barrage will move forward in the center in normal jumps until it reaches the trenches of the 2d line. Then it will halt for 19 minutes ; at zero -f 450, the creeping barrage will clear the 2d line for the infantry assault. c) In the further advance, the creeping barrage will gradually stop, as the batteries get out of range. Artillery support will then be provided by the batteries which have moved forward, in accordance with para. 11. 7. THE ASSEMBLY OF THE INFANTRY and attached troops.—(See Appendix I). Half-an-hour before the assault, the infantry will work its way forward to within assaulting distance of the enemy's trenches, beginning on the right flank. The companies in rear will close up as near as the enemy's fire allows. The 36th Fus. Regt. (divisional reserve) will move forward into our own front line trenches in close formation. 8. THE PENETRATION OF THE ENEMY'S IST LINE east and south-east of Panama strong point, as well as on the front between the Roman road and the Savy track, will be carried out simultaneously at zero -f- 300, without any cheering. All the assaulting troops will move forward simultaneously. 9. INFANTRY TASKS IN THE ATTACK. The infantry attack will be under the orders of Col. von Sommerfeld und Falkenhayn, commanding the- 100th Inf. Bde. (a) 11th Tank Detachment.—5 captured English Tanks, under the command of Captain Koch. 12 minutes before the assault, the tanks will have occupied their departure position in the Roman hollow. At zero + 300, the tanks, with their left flank on the Savy road, will penetrate the enemy's ist line simultaneously with the infantry, and will support the attack of the 158th Inf. Regt. as far as the road from Francilly to Pt. 115.6. After reaching this road, the tanks will incline to the south, and will accompany the attack of the 53d Inf. Regt., with their left flank on the Savy track. After breaking through the enemy's 2d line, the tanks will attack the enemy's 3d line east of Etreillers and east of Vaux, with their left flank on the Roupy—Vaux road. (b) Detachment Maillard, echeloned in depth from the left, will break through enemys's ist line Co™™"n Maiiard eas t °^ P anama strong point, and will roll up the line from north to south 53rd Inf. Regt. down to the Roman road. After carrying out this task, the detachment ist Cyclist Coy., Guard will come under the orders of the commander of the 100th Inf. Bde., and ist Cyclist Coy, Guard wm" follow the advancing division in rear of the right flank (the cyclist com- Jager Bn. panies with their bicycles.) 13th Assault Coy. r J ' (c) The 158^ Inf. Regt., echeloned in depth from the left, will break through both the enemy's Commander • Ist lines> rolling up the Pacific and Pershin trenches northwards as far as Lt.-Col. Boettcher, the Roman road by means of the rear waves, and will capture the Margarin O. C. 158th Inf. Regt. Heights and the intermediate position situated on its western slope. Troops:— At the moment of penetrating the ist line, a defensive flank will be 158th Inf Regt. formed by the attached machine-gun marksman company west of the V* isYwP G Coy 5th nursery garden north of the Roman road, and annihilating machine-gun Assault Bn. ' fire will be opened on the enemy's trenches north of that road which have ist Coy., 36th M. G. not yet been attacked. MaJ et jks- P - Co After the capture of the intermediate position, the regiment will ad­ 1-3 "nth ^y. °Guard vance echeloned in depth from the right, through Savy, and will capture Res. Pion. Regt. the 2d line west of the village. (Flammenwerfer) j^ g protection of the right flank will be the special task of the batteries *%5Z" " th Fd- Art" accompanying the infantry. 21st By. 7th Mountain After passing over the English 2d line, the regiment will continue its Gun Abteilung. advance via Etreillers, and will penetrate the English 3d line east of Vaux. 1 inf. gun by., 5th Ass. If necessary ) the attack of the 28th Div. is to be facilitated by rolling up n y2 5oth Minenwerfer the 3d line northwards. Coy. The main objective, however, lies in the original direction forward. fd) The 53^ Inf. Regt., echeloned in depth from the right, will break through the enemy's lines _ south of the Savy road and will advance through the enemy's interme- Co

"U XtM5!? CwaUditto' the I58th Regt in itS attack on the villa& e b y outflanking it from the south, 2d Coy., 36th M. G. and will capture the 2cl line. S 99th Pion. Coy. Thence the regiment will advance south of Etreillers througk the 3d 13 Pi^Re^?" Gd" ReS' line« at the samc time sllPPorting tne attack of the 45th Res. Div. on Roupy^ (Flanwi-enwerfer). Fluquierel s and DouchJy (o the south, but without allowing itself to be 6th By., 99th Fd. Art. n . . , Regt. diverted from its general line of advance. th Minenwerfer Coy. {e) The 39//? Fits. Regt. will follow the 53d Inf. Regt., echeloned in depth and at the disposal of the Divisional Commander. The battery accompanying this regiment is to be brought into action as soon as possible near the Margarin Heights ; it will, however, be at the disposal of the regiment for further tasks. 10. MOVEMENTS OF THE ARTILLERY.—Under orders to be issued by the division, the following movements will take place :— (a) 1st and 3rd Abteilungen of 99th Fd. Art. Regt., 95th Foot Art. Battalion with nt h Bty., 3rd Gd. Foot Art. Regt. (probably after the capture of the intermediate position, about zero + 330 minutes) to the Margarin Heights, in accordance with detailed orders by the officer in command, Major Kollm, 0. C. 99th Fd. Art. Regt. (6) 501st Fd. Art. Regt. (only 2 batteries of each Abteilung, probably after the capture of the English 2nd line) to the neighbourhood of the eastern outskirts of Savy, in accordance with detailed orders by the Regtl. Commander (Major Guttich). (c) 1st and 2nd Bies., 112th Foot Art. Regt., probably about zero + 360 minutes. 11. TASKS OF THE FORWARD BATTERIES. Kollm Group. (a) Until the infantry has entered Etreillers, to support the infantry according to the situation. If, after the creeping barrage has ceased, there are no remunerative living targets, the 3rd line will be heavily bombarded as follows :— yd Abteilung, 99th F. A. Rl, and 2 heavy field howitzer batteries will shell the trenches on the eastern outskirts of Etreillers as far as the Roupy—Vaux road, inclusive. 1st Abteilung, 99th F. A. R., will shell the trenches south of the Roupy—Vaux road. 10-cm. battery will shell the eastern edge of Vaux. (21-cm.) mortar battery will shell the trenches on the eastern outskirts of Vaux astride the Roupy—Vaux road. {b) After the infantry has entered Etreillers, the fire of the whole of the 95th Foot Art. Bn. will be concentrated on the trenches on the eastern outskirts of Vaux, astride the Roupy—Vaux road. (c) After the 501st Fd. Art. Regt. (less 3 batteries) is in action in the new positions, ready to open fire :— The 99th F. A. R. (less 2nd Abl.) will support the further attack of the 158th Regt. The 501st F. A. R. (less 3 batteries) will support the further attack of the 53rd Regt. The 95th Foot Art. Bn. with nt h By., 3rd Gd. Foot Art. Regt., from now onwards placed under the immediate orders of the Art. Commander of the 50th Div., will support the attack of the whole of the infantry in accordance with the situation. 12. BATTLE FLIGHT. The battle flight (Schlachsiaffel) will attack the English 2nd line and the intermediate position, to­ gether with the communication trenches, simultaneously with the infantry. The weight of the attack- will be directed against the trenches on the Margarin Heights. Further attacks will be ordered in accordance with the situation. 13. SYNCHRONIZATION OF WATCHES. (a) On X minutes 1 day, at 12 noon, official time will be issued at Div. H. Q. Fieulaine ; Brigades, Artillery Commanders, Artillery Groups and Regiments, will send representatives provided with well regulated watches. (b) On X day at 12.15 a. m., a further comparison of watches will be made in the battle headquar­ ters of the 100th Inf. Bde. in St. Quentin (the present battle headquarters of the K. T. K. Nord, opposite the Lycee), for which the regiments will send the same representatives as before. (c) At 6.30 a. m., the 100th Inf. Bde. will again give out the exact time, on this occasion by telephone. 14. I shall be at the battle headquarters south-east of the Langer Wald, on Marschstrasse 4, from 10 p. m. on the X minus 1 day, onwards. As the attack progresses I shall move to St. Quentin, to the battle headquarters of the K. T. K. Nord, opposite the Lycee. (Signed) v. Engelbrechten.

AUTOMATIC RIFLE BATTALION (FROM FRENCH VTH ARMY BULLETIN, MARCH 28, 1918.) According to a prisoner's statement: An Automatic Rifle Training Company (Musketen Ausbildungs Kompagnie) is located at the depot of the 117th Regiment at Mayence. It serves the double purpose of depot for the two automatic rifle battalions in existence and of school of instruction. The automatic rifle in use is said to be still the Madson. ' _ During the stay of the prisoner at Mayence in January, his company once sent several reinforcements to one of the automatic rifle battalions at that time in Italy.

— 314 — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 2, APRIL 2, 1918.

SERGEANTS IN THE GERMAN ARMY (FROM FRENCH VTH ARMY BULLETIN, MARCH 28, 1918.) According to a prisoner's statement: For some time past, the existence of the grade of sergeant (Sergeant) in the fighting units of regiments has been noticed with some frequency ; formerly they were hardly found except at regimental headquar­ ters. This is said to be due to the promotion to the grade of sergeant of all infantry corporals who have been 5 1-2 years in the service, of which 2 years on active service. Their functions are the same as those of a corporal {Unieroffizier), but their 10-day pay is 22 marks instead of 16 marks.

ACTIVITY OF THE ENEMY ON THE FRONTS OF THE FRENCH VIIITH AND IID ARMIES March 13 to April 1, noon to noon. The enemy's activity was generally normal. In WOEVRE the enemy made a raid on the French, in the course of which one of our battalions was heavily shelled but without suffering any casualties. Artillery was slightly more active than usual and H. E. and gas shell was directed on the roads near RAMBUCOURT. LUNEVILLE was shelled but with little property damage and only one casualty. Airplane and balloon activity was below normal.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUES APRIL I, 1918. BRITISH. (April 1, 1918, 9.50 a. m.) Yesterday evening the enemy made two assaults on our positions in the western outskirts of ALBERT. He was completely repulsed both times. S. of the SOMME, the Germans continue their efforts to advance along the valleys of the LUCE and the AVRE, but have made little progress. Attacks and counter-attacks followed one another yesterday afternoon and evening with more or less success, and it is probable that fighting will continue in this sector. The number of machine-guns taken during the local engagement in the region of SERRE, reported in the communique of yesterday morning, has increased to 109. (April 1, 1918, 11 p. m.) The day has been comparatively quiet. This morning the enemy was repulsed and suffered severe losses in local attacks launched by small detachments in the vicinity of ALBERT. We took some prisoners. S. of the SOMME there were local engagements at MOREUIL and HANGARD. We were able to gain ground by suc­ cessful counter-attacks. On March 31st, our observation balloons and airplanes were active. Visibility being good, our balloons did useful work with the artillery. Our airplanes operated mainly in the sector S. of the SOMME. The movements of the enemy were observed at close range. A heavy column of troops or of convoys was bombarded and attacked with machine-guns. There were few aerial combats. Two German airplanes were brought down and another forced to land, disabled. Four of our machines have not returned. Four others, which were previously reported as lost have rejoined their units . Flights were not possible during the night until after midnight on account of low clouds. From midnight to dawn our bombing squadrons worked constantly. 24 tons of bombs were dropped on the railroad stations at DOUAI, CAMBRAI, BAPAUME, ROSIERES and THOUROUT, and on the docks at BRUGFS. Troops and convoy? in the neighborhood of BAPAUME and CHAULNES were bombed and attacked with machine-guns. All of our machines have returned.

FRENCH. (April 1, 1918, 1.30 p. m.) N. of MONTDIDIER fighting continued yesterday evening and during the night with extreme severity. The enemy directed his effort on the line between MONTDIDIER and the PERONNE-AMIENS road and launched considerable forces particularly with a view to increasing his gains W. of HANGARD-EN-SANTERRE. The Franco- British troops broke up the attacking waves which were unable to penetrate. A brilliant counter-attack in the course of which our Allies showed irresistible dash enabled us to throw back the enemy completely and to retake the village. Further S. the struggle was not less violent. GRIVESNES, the objective of constantly renewed and heavy attacks which developed into hand-to-hand fighting, remained in our hands in spite of the heavy losses suffered by the Germans. No change is reported between MONTDIDIER and LASSIGNY. (April 1, 1918, 9 p. m.) The battle continues with violence along the front to the N. of Montdidier where the hostile artillery has shown special activity. The enemy launched fresh attacks on GRIVESNES ; all his assaults were repulsed with heavy losses to him. In the course of brisk combats English and French troops succeeded in making appreciable advances between the SOMME and DEMUIN. There is nothing of note along the rest of the front. AVIATION. During March 28-29 our aviators made numerous raids in spite of the rain and low clouds ; 5,000 kilos of explosives were dropped on the enemy's cantonments and on the railroad stations in the vicinity of ST. QUENTIN­ GUISCARD-ROYE. Our airmen made numerous attacks with machine-guns and bombs on the enemy's formations and dispersed them. Nine machines and a captive balloon were destroyed by our pilots. Italian bombing planes took an active part in the expeditions of the last few days and executed numerous raids with admirable daring.

ITALIAN. (March 31, 1918, 4.47 p. m.) Along the whole front there was reciprocal harassing fire on the part of artillery of both sides. Hostile cantonments were hit in the Rio FREDDO Valley (POSINA). Our patrols have been very active on various portions of the front. They inflicted casualties on the enemy and captured a few prisoners. In the area of MT. TOMBA hostile parties were repulsed by hand grenade fire. British aviators brought down six hostile machines above MANSUA (N. E. of ODERZO) and one on the MELETTE ; two more were forced to land in this area. One of our pilots shot down a hostile airplane on CAMPO MOLON while another one was hit by our anti-aircraft batteries and fell in the ORNIC Valley. (April 1, 1918, 4.35 p. m.) On the ASIAGO Plateau and on the Lower PIAVE there was patrol activity ; desultory actions occurred along the rest of the front. ALBANIA : On the night of March 30-31, the enemy attempted a raid against our bridge-head at CIFLIK IDRISTA, but failed completely and was repulsed with losses.

GERMAN. (April 1, 1918, 2.10 p. m.) WEST FRONT. On the battlefield N. of the SOA-IME, artillery and trench mortar fighting became more active during the evening. Between the LUCE and the AVRE, we continued our attacks and took the heights N. of MOREUIL. The British and French who made repeated unsuccessful counter-attacks suffered heavy losses. A local attack on the W. bank of the AVRE, resulted in our capture of the Forest of ARRACHIS.

- 315 — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 2, APRIL 2, 1918. French divisions yesterday again attempted, in repeated assaults, to recover the villages and heights which they had lost W. of MONTDIDIER, as well as between the DON and the MATZ. Their attacks broke down under heavy losses. In the fighting of the Jast few days, the number of prisoners taken since the beginning-of the battle has increased to over 75,000. There is nothing new to report from the other fronts.

AUSTRIAN. (April i, 1918, 2.16 p. m.) Along the lower PIAVE, in the ASTAGO region, and in the LAGHI basin, Italian recon­ naissances were repulsed,

— 316 — G. H. Q. A. E. F. SECOND SECTION, GENERAL STAFF No. 3. No. 3, APRIL 3, 1918 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

CHANGES IN GERMAN ORDER OF BATTLE, APRIL 1 AND 2, 1918. VITH ARMY ^2d Div. withdrawn from front. Its sector taken over by neighboring units. Con­ firmation demanded. XVIITH ARMY 24th Div. withdrawn from line. 232d Div. suppressed. The identification of the 232d Div. reported in Summary of Intelligence No. 79 was an error. It has since been established that the prisoner reported to have belonged to the 232d Division actually belonged to the 239th Div., which had already been reported in line. As the 232d Div. was last reported in Russia the suppressing of that division in line on the Western Front reduces by one the number of Divisions identified on the Western Front.

Order of battle, XVIIth Army, N. to S.( as follows : 12th Res. Div. 26th Res. Div. 5th Bav. Div. 240th Div. 6th Bav. Div. 195th Div. 23d Res. Div. 234th Div. 1st Guard "Res, Div. 41st Div. 221st Div. 39th Div. 187th Div. 26th Div. 3d Guard Div. 5th Bav. Res. Div. 239th Div. 119th Div. 185th Div. 2d Guard Res. Div. 20th Div. 12th Div. 17th Div. 4th Div. 236th Div. 16th Bav. Div. 21st Res. Div. Used Reserves : Fresh Reserves : 38th Div. 204th Div. 24th Div. 219th Div. 16th Div. 15th Div. 2d Guard Div. IID ARMY 51st Res. Div. from reserve to XVIIIth Army. 208th Div. from line to XVIIIth Army. 199th Div. from line to XVIIIth Army. 53d Res. Div. withdrawn from line. 228th Div. from XVIIIth Army relieves ist Div. Order of battle, N. to S., IId Army, now appears to be as follows : 54th Div. 9th Res. Div. 18th Div, 54th Res. Div. 3d Naval Div. 228th Div. 107th Div. 1 nth Div. Guard Er~. Div. 183d Div. 13th Div. Used Reserves : Fresh Reserves 1 D. 7th Div. 50th Res. Div. 27th Div. 24th Res. Div. 25th Div. 115th Div. 4th Guard Div. 9th Bav. Res. Div. 16th Res. Div. 53d Res. Div. 79th Res. Div. XVIIITH ARMY 228th Div. to IId Army. 231st Div. from reserve to line. 242d Div. from reserve of Ist Army to line. 75th Res. Div. from. Vllth Army to line. 5th Guard Div. from reserve to line. 10th Div. to reserve. The following Divisions have been withdrawn and are in close support: 28th Div. 231st Div. 5th Div. 36th Div. 6th Div. 2d Bav. Div. The following Divisions from reserve to close reserve : 10th Div. ist Bav. Div. 223d Div. 14th Div, withdrawn from line to general reserve. 199th Div. from IId Army to line. 6th Bav. Res. Div. from Vllth Army, in reserve. 13th Ldw. Div. from reserve to Vllth Army. 34th Div. from reserve to line. Order of battle, N. to S., XVIIIth Army, now appears to be as follows : 19th Div. ist Guard Div. 7th Res. Div. 199th Div. 52d Div. 103d Div. nth Res. Div. 206th Div. 37th Div. 243d Div. 9th Div. 34th Div. 208th Div. 51st Res. Div. 33d Div. 88th Div. 10th Res. Div. 242d Div. 23d Diy» 238th Div. 75th Res. Div. 50th Div. 5th Guard Div. 2 nth Div. Reserves, close support Used Reserves : 28th Div. 113th Div. 5th Div. 47 Res. Div. 6th Div. 14th Div. 10th Div. 45th Res. Div. 231st Div. 35th Div. ist Bav. Div. 36th Div. Fresh Reserves : 223d Div. 3d Bav. Div. 2d Bav. Div. 6th Bav, Res, Div.

-317 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 3, APRIL 3, 1918.

VTITH ARMY 6th Bav. Res. Div. from line to XVIIIth Army. 13th Ldw. Div. from XVIIIth Army relieves 6th Bav. Res. Div. and 75th Res. Div. 197th Div. has extended to the west. "? Div. between 108th Div. and 5th Res, Div. is suppressed. 75th Res. Div. to XVIIIth Army. 1ST ARMY j 4 -d Div. from reserve to XVIIIth Army.

UNITS IN REAR OF FRONT REGION OF CAMBRAI. IID ARMY 53d Res. Div. This Division has not been identified since March 23, and is believed to have been withdrawn from the front to be reconstituted. REGION OF ST. QUENTIN. XVIITH ARMY 14th Div. This Division has not been identified since March 23, and is believed to have been withdrawn from the front to be reconstituted. 6th Bav. Res. Div. N. of Chauny, April 1. Statement of prisoner. The withdrawal of this Division from the front of the Ailette is reported under "Identifications." REGION OF ALSACE. ARMY DETACHMENT "B" Jaeger Division. This Division is reported to have entrained for the North of France at a recent date, but the report is subject to confirmation.

IDENTIFICATIONS 31ST Div. FLANDERS SECTOR. 174th Inf. Regt S. of the Zonnebeke March 31 4 prisoners. The order of battle N. to S. is as follows : 174th Inf., 166th Inf., 70th Inf. 42D Div. LILLE SECTOR. The 42d Div. has been relieved by the extension of the front of the 33d Div. This information demands confirmation and is given with reserve. Declaration of prisoners. 4TH ERZ. DIV. 361st Inf. Regt W. ot Hulluck March 31 Prisoner. 234TH Div. ARRAS SECTOR 453d Inf. Regt Near Boisleux-Saint-Marc March 31 Many killed. 452d Inf. Regt Near Boyelles March 31 1 prisoner. IST GUARD RES. DIV. 2d Guard Res. Inf. Regt Near Bucquoy March 31 Prisoner. 26TH Div. j-ist Inf. Regt Near Boyelles March 31 Statement 1 6TH BAV. DIV. of prisoner. 21st Bav. Res. Inf. Regt Near Hayet March 31 Statement 239TH Div. BUQUOY SECTOR. of prisoner. 466th Inf. Regt W. of Moyenneville March 31 1 prisoner 20TH Div. and 1 killed. 77th and 79th Inf. Regt E. of Colincamp March 30 Prisoners. 195TH Div. 233d Inf. Regt. ) 6th Jaeger Regt. \ Near Buquoy March 31 Many prisoners. 4TH Div. 140th Inf. Regt E. of Colincamp March 30 Prisoners. 53d F. A. Regt E. of Colincamp March 30 Prisoners. 39TH Div. 126th Inf. Regt. ; I32d Inf. Regt. \ Near Hebuterne March 31-Apr. 1 . Many prisoners. 21ST RES. DIV. 88th Res. Inf. Regt E. of Colincamp March 30 Prisoners. 183D Div Contalmaison March 30 Document. 20TH Div. 32d Machine Gun Detachment E. of Colincamp March 30 1 prisoner. He states that his unit is attached to the 20th Div. 228TH Div. SOMME SECTOR. 35th Inf. Regt E. of Hamel March 31 Prisoner. 228th Div. appears to have relieved the ist. Div. March 29-30. 3D NAVAL DIV. 2d Marine Inf. Regt W. of Albert April 1 Many killed. 19TH Div. 91st. Inf. Regt Marcelcave March 30 2 prisoners. From their statements the 19th Div. was in the course of relieving the 208th Div. 19TH Div. MOREUIL SECTOR. 74th Inf. Regt Near Moreuil April 1 10 prisoners. 199TH Div. 237th Res. Inf. Regt S. of 19th Div April 1 Statements This identification is subject to confirmation. of prisoners. 243D Div. ' i22d Inf. Regt S. of Demuin March 30 Prisoners. 2081H Div. 65th Res. Inf. Regt Region of Villers-Aux-Erbles March 30 1 officer 88TH DIV. prisoner. 352d, 353d, 426th Inf. Regts E. of Moreuil March 30 Prisoners. 50TH Div. 39th Inf. Regt S. of Moreuil March 30 Prisoners. IST GUARD DIV. ist Foot Guard Regt Near Grivesnes March 31 Prisoners. 4th Foot Guard Regt W. of Pierrepont March 31 Killed. 2d Foot Guard Regi Near Grivesnes March 31-April 1.. 2 prisoners. 52D Div. MONTDIDIER-LASSIGNY SECTOR. 1 nt h Inf. Regt Between Grivesnes and Malpart. . . . March 30 Prisoners. 169th Inf. Regt N. W. of Montdidier March 30 Prisoners. 206TH Div. 394th Inf. Regt Chateau de Cantigny March 30 Prisoners. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 3, APRIL 3, 1918.

9TH Div. ;th Gren. Inf. Regt W. of Mesnil-St. Georges March 31 Prisoners. 51ST RES. DIV. 235th Res. Inf. Regt N. of Ayencourt March 31 1 killed. The 51st Res. Div., which had been reported in reserve, is now in line. IOTH RES. DIV. 155th Inf. Regt Between the woods of Vaux and Rollot March 31 Prisoners. 238TH Div. 464th Inf. Regt E. of Rollot March 31 Prisoners. 5TH GUARD DIV. 20th M. G. Co Region of Conchy les Pots March 30 10 prisoners. This division has attacked Orvillers. It appears to have relieved for the attack the 1st. Bav. Div. 7TH RES. DIV. 36th Res., 66th Res., and y2d Res. Inf. Regts Plessier-de-Roye March 30 643 prisoners of whom 20 103D Div. are officers. 116th Res. Regt le Plemont March 30 3 prisoners. 37TH Div. 151st Inf. Regt Thiescourt March 30 Prisoner. 33D Div. NOYON SECTOR. 98th Inf. Regt Mont-Renaud March 30 30 prisoners. 242D Div. 475th Inf. Regt. i 476th Inf. Regt. \ N. of Orvillers March 31-April 1.. Many prisoners. 475th Inf. Regt Orvillers March 31 Prisoner. 242d Div. appears to have taken part in the attack on Orvillers to the W. of the 5th Guard Div. SECTOR S. OF CHAUNY. STURMBATTALION NO. I S. of Chauny March 31 23 prisoners. 75TH RES. DIV. 251st Res. Inf. Regt S. of Chauny March 31 52 prisoners, including 1 officer. 75th Res. Div. was relieved eight days ago in its sector S. of Laon. It is not known what unit has been put in its place. 211TH Div. CHAUNY SECTOR. 390th Inf. Regt Near Varesnes March 31 1 officer killed. IOTH Div In rear of the 9th Div March 31 Declaration of prisoners. 23IST Div. 67th F. A. Regt N. of Monchel March 30 Prisoner. This regiment, previously considered as independent has been attached to the 231st Div. 3 6TH DIV. ' 5th Inf. Regt N. of Roye-sur-Matz March 31 Prisoner. 13TH LDW. DIV. ) LAON SECTOR. 6TH BAV. RES. DIV. ', 75TH RES. DIV. ) According to the statements of prisoners of the 75th Res. Div. the 13th Ldw. Div. on March 26th relieved a part of the 6th Bav. Res. Div., and a part of the 75th Res. Div. The 249th Res. Inf. Regt. appears to have been relieved by the 273d Res. Inf. Regt. of the 197th Div. It is probable that the westernmost regiment of the 6th Bav. Res. Div. has been relieved by an extension of front by the 222d Div. Accordingly there appears to be a reduction of 1 Division on the front of the Ailette, the order of battle from W. to E. being : 2 22d Div. 13th Ldw. Div. 197th Div. The 13th Ldw. Div. had been holding a sector on the right bank of the Oise since September 29, 1917, and on March 21 and 22 took part in the present offensive, being relieved March 22, or immediately thereafter. The 6th Bav. Res. Div. had been in line on the Ailette since February 20, and now appears to be in reserve in the XVIIIth Army, north of Chauny. It is considered to be an attack division. 86TH DIV. RHEIMS SECTOR. 343d Inf. Regt Near Rheims Recent date Doc. 2IST Div. 81st Inf. Regt N. W. of Prunay March 31 7 prisoners. The 81st Inf. Regt. has taken over the sector of the 409th Regt. of the 203d Div., which confirms statements of prisoners of the 203d Div. noted in the Summary of Intelligence No. 81. 52D RES. DIV. 238th Res. Inf. Regt E. of Butte-de-Souin March 31 Prisoner. HAUTS-DE MEUSE SECTOR 8TH LDW. DIV. 109th Ldw. Inf. Regt Before Haudiomont March 31 1 killed. Sturmbattalion No. 14 Before Haudiomont March 31 Killed. 82D RES. DIV. 272d Res. Inf. Regt S. of Spada March 31 1 prisoner. 270th Res. Inf. Regt. At a very recent date in liaison with the 225th Div. Statement of prisoner. . 121ST Div. 7th Res. Inf. Regt Normal sector April 1 4 prisoners. IOTH BAV. DIV. LORRAINE SECTOR.­ 8th Bav. Res. Inf. Regt Arreaux April 1 1 prisoner. He states that elements of a Landwehr Division have already arrived at Moussey to relieve forthwith the ioth Bav, Div. ALSACE SECTOR. 6TH BAV. LDW. DIV. Bav. Pioneers N. W. of Metzera March 31 Officer killed.

REGIMENTAL AND BATTALION COMBAT TACTICS IN THE RECENT OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS FROM THE FRENCH G. Q. G. BULLETIN, APRIL. 2, 1918. (Information obtained during the special examination of an officer of the 175th Regiment, 36th Division.) 1. The initial formation was as follows : The ist and 2d battalions were in the first line trenches, the 3d battalion was in the second line. — 319 — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 3, APRIL 3, 1918. 2. The three battalions of the regiment left the trenches simultaneously in order that the zone of barrage fire might be crossed in as short a time as possible. 3. The zone of barrage fire having been crossed, the battalions were formed in depth, the 3d batta­ lion increasing its distance and remaining in reserve. 4. The formation of each battalion was two companies leading and two in support. 5. The companies had two platoons in the first line and two in support. Over open terrain the light machine-guns preceded the infantry : over terrain on which there was cover riflemen preceded the machine-guns. There were no specially trained bomb throwers, and rifle grenades were not used. 6. The machine-gun companies maixhed in two lines in rear of the companies of their respective battalions ; they had six machine-guns in the first line and three in support. 7. Light trench mortars followed the machine-gun companies. 8. As far back as the post of command of the Colonel, communication was maintained by means of runners, further to the rear by means of telephone or relays. 9. The Colonel was with the reserve battalion. With him there was an artillery liaison officer to insure the maintenance of touch with the artillery.

REORGANIZATION OF ASSAULT BATTALIONS FOR THE OFFENSIVE FROM FRENXH G. Q. G. BULLETIN, APRIL. 2, 1918. According to the statements of prisoners from 2d Assault Battalion of Vouziers and from the 227th Div., the organization of an assault battalion as known up to the present, provided for four companies, each comprising six assault detachments, of from 30 to 40 men. The prisoners state that in the new organization each assault detachment would form the nucleus of a company consisting of : (1) the assault party ; (2) two platoons (zuge) of infantry of from three to four squads of nine men ; a total of about 100 men per company. The old company would therefore make six new assault companies. The original assault battalion would thus have 24 companies and 2,400 men. To obtain this strength, it was necessary to draw on the depots in rear and in the interior. It seems therefore that the old assault battalion, created with a view to defensive warfare and for carrying out raids or for the instruction of assault detachments, at present serves as a basis for the organ­ ization of picked infantry units destined to play an important part in the offensive. 200 or 300 officers from all parts of Germany are reported recently to have attended the manoeuvres carried out by the 1st and 2d Assault Battalions of Vouziers.

GERMAN LOSSES IN'THE COURSE OF THE OFFENSIVE FROM FRENCH G. Q. G. BULLETIN, APRIL 2, 1918. Statements by prisoners captured since the beginning of the offensive indicate that the losses suffered by the Germans were very heavy. The following units are reported as having been most severely punished : 1st Div. (average company strength reduced to 40, March 28), 16th Bav. Div., 28th Div. ; 12th Div. (the 62d Regt. is reported to have lost 800 men) Guard Erz. Div. (the losses are reported to amount to 25 per cent) ; 6th Div. ; 195th Div. ; 4th Div. ; 119th Div. (the company strength is reported to be not greater than 40 men) ; 3d Guard Div. ; 45th Res. Div. (40 per cent of strength) ; 2d Guard Res. Div. ; 5th Div. (the losses are said to be 50 per cent) ; 107th Div. ; 21st Res, Div ; 26th Res. Div. ; 7th Res..Div. ; 88th Div. (suffered very heavily) 50th Div. GERMAN LISTENING POSTS FROM FRENCH VIIITH ARMY BULLETIN, MARCH 29, 191S. The following information was obtained from a corporal and a private belonging to Listening Post Section, (Arendt AUeilung), No. 13, captured March 23 in the region of Nomeny : ORGANIZATION. The organization of listening post service as known until now, which was rather complicated with its division into sub-groups, each of a number of posts, seems to have been modified. According to one of the prisoners, the sections were regrouped about Feb. 21, and the Arendt or listening posts are now under the direct orders of the Chief of the Army Communication Service, (Artnee Nachrichten Kommandeur) SERVICE AT THE LISTENING POST. The personnel comprises 12 men, of whom 6 are linemen, and one chief of post of the grade of sergeant, who is stationed at Secourt. Constant service at the post, which only operates during the day, is insured by two interpreters who listen either alternately or simultaneously according to requirements.' The tour of duty at the post varies from three to six days, the rest period in cantonments being of the same length. The lines cannot be repaired during the day, so that the linemen come to the post at night only. Reports are made in the evening and sent direct to the sergeant at Secourt. When an interesting piece of information is overheard, it is sent direct to this non-commissioned officer in the form of a cipher message and it is left to his judgment whether to communicate it to the local command or not. The messages are ciphered by means of a reading frame of known model. EFFICIENCY OF THE POST. Th' post has made a very poor showing. It only rarely overhears French conversations, all of which furthermore, relate to artillery adjustments. The French ground telegraphy is heard only very faintly There are no German conversations as the telephone was suppressed between the first line and Mailly that is to say, to a depth of two kilometers (except for ciphered communications from the listening post, Communication was by runners or messenger dogs.

— 320 — N

MAP SHOWING THINNING OUT OF GERMAN LINE IN SECTORS OTHER THAN PRESENT BATTLE FRONT. APR/L 2,

7/W//\ — D/v/sions w///?c/r&tv/?i&/7d sectors taken over by adjointncf divisions. IZH- suspected of being withdrawn, and seciors taken over by adjoining divisions.

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 3, APRIL 3, 1918.

INSTALLATION OF THE POST. The post conventionally called "Taubenzucht" was installed N. E. of Nomeny in the gravel pit at 8943. in a sap near a trench mortar emplacement. It has three listening lines of steel, not copper, wire, each grounded by a stake to which they are soldered. The first line follows the trench of the Brotteaux and ends in front of the wire entanglement at the Seilleloch, the second passes across the accessory defences through the cut on the road from Nomeny to Raucourt and ends in our own wire entanglement at the extrem­ ity of the salient N. N. W. of Nomeny, the third passes by the Canuts works and ends in our entangle­ ment at 8531. The listening apparatus is made up of two amplifiers, each having two lamps in series. The two prisoners could not give any information on the working of the apparatus, which is known only to the chief of post. They stated that the lamps were egg-shaped and truncated at both ends.

NEW GERMAN SIGNALLING APPARATUS In a captured German document entitled "The Signalling Service," dated July 15, 1917, the trans­ lation of which was recently published by the British, it is stated under the heading of "Telephony" that vigilant supervision of the lines is the only safeguard against tapping. It now appears from a captured German document dated January 22, 1918, according to the British Summary, March 30, 1918, that a German signalling apparatus.ref erred tojas the Utel is being used, the signals from which cannot be intercep­ ted. No other details are given. The attention of intelligence officers is invited to this matter and pris­ oners should be specially examined regarding this apparatus.

SHELL BEING USED BY THE GERMANS IN THEIR LONG RANGE FIRE ON PARIS FROM FRENCH G. Q. G. BULLETIN, APRIL 2, 1918. The shell being used by the Germans during their long range fire on Paris is of 210 mm. caliber. Its weight must be about 150 kg. , It is made of tungsten steel and has four rotating bands, two of which are of grooved steel and two of copper. The thickness of the walls varies from 50 to 70 mm. The shell is provided with a base fuse and has a thick, flat plug in the head, screwed into the body of the shell. There is a very pointed stream-lined false cap which is screwed onto the shell. The interior of the shell is divided into two explosive compartments separated by a sort of diaphragm, which is pierced by many vents. A shell of this design, which is simple of manufacture and very strong, does not permit the use of a heavy explosive charge. It seems that the total weight of the explosive contained in the shell fired on Paris is from 10 to 25 kg.

ACTIVITY OF THE ENEMY ON THE FRONTS OF THE FRENCH 2D AND 8TH ARMIES APRIL 1-2, NOON TO NOON. There was increased hostile artillery activity in WOEVRE. Headquarters and the southern part of the sector held' by American troops were subjected to an intense artillery bombardment. Reconnaissance combats took place near HAUDIOMONT. In other respects all activities were normal.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUES APRIL 2, 1918. FRENCH. (April 2, 1918, 11.00 a. m.; Along the front of the OISE and the SOMME the night was relatively quiet. The artillery duel became somewhat active in a part of the battlefield. The Franco-English troops made some progiess during the night between the SOMME and DEMUIN. In the vicinity of CALONNE CUT and at BAN-DE-SAPT we made two successful raids which gave us some prisoners. At CHAMBRETTES a hostile attempt against our advanced posts failed. (April 2, 1918, 9 p. m.) The day was marked by a rather heavy artillery duel, especially between MONTDIDIER and LASSIGNY. Our batteries fired on hostile concentrations E. of CANTIGNY. A strong German reconnaissance, attacked by our troops on the left bank of the OISE and S. W. of SERVAIS, was repulsed. In WOEVRE and in upper ALSACE hostile raids were made without result. There is nothing to report from the rest of the front. BRITISH. (April 2, 1918, 11.10 a. m.) During yesterday's fighting in the sector between the AVRE and the LUCE we took fifty prisoners and captured thirteen machine-guns. A considerable number of German killed were found on the terrain. Two counter-attacks by the enemy later in the day were broken up by our artillery which inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. A German battery in action in this sector was attacked successfully at short range and silenced by our machine- guns. A local engagement on the battle front near HEBUTERNE was successful and we captured seventy-three prisoners and three machine-guns. Many Germans were killed and a counter-attack by the enemy during the afternoon was com­ pletely repulsed. Successful raids were made on the rest of the front, and several prisoners were taken and a number of Germans killed in the regions of ACHEVILLE and of HOLLEBEKE. (April 2, 1918, 11.25 P- m-) In the course of a secondary operation which we carried out near the village of SERRE we captured a German post. Apart from this the day was calmer along the whole battle front.

ITALIAN. . (April 2, 1918, 4.45 p, m.) Our patrols were active and captured several prisoners in the regions of TONALE and VALLARSA. In the GUIDICARIK and E. of PONTE DBLLA PRIULA, hostile groups were put to flight by our rifle fire. On the entire front the artillery of both sides showed moderate activity. The bad weather prevented all aerial operations,

GERMAN. (April 2, 1918, 2.12 p. m,) WEST FRONT. The situation on the battle front remained unchanged. Counter-attacks by the enemy near HEBUTEKNE and, with particular determination, against the heights taken by us between the LUCE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 3, APRIL 3, 1918. and the AVRE, broke down under heavy losses. Between the AVRE and the OISE, there was minor infantry fighting. The French continued to bombard LAON. There were many victims among the inhabitants. Reconnaissance combats occurred on the E. bank of the MEUSE, near HAUDIOMONT and S. E. of THANN and prisoners Avcre taken. AVIATION. Yesterday 22 hostile airplanes and five captive balloons were shot down. Lt. Kroll achieved his 23d air victory. Flight No. 3, under the command of Lt. Friecke has performed extraordinary work in carrying out the long- distance reconnaissance from the Coast to S. of the SOMME. There are no new developments to report from the other fronts. (April 2, 1918, 8.35 p. m.) There is nothing new to report on the western front.

AUSTRIAN. April 2, 1918, 2.15 p. m.) There is nothing to report. 1 . W ^ t ' I Fontaine

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G. H. Q. A. E. F. SECOND SECTION, GENERAL STAFF No - 4 - No. 4, APRIL 4, 1918 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION CHANGES IN GERMAN ORDER OF BATTLE, APRIL 3, 1918. XVTIITH ARMY 3d Bav. Div. from reserve relieves 7th Res. Div. 2d Bav. Div. from close reserve to general used reserves. 5th Res. Div. from Vllth Army enters line E. of 211th Div. VIITH ARMY 5 th Res. Div. from line to XVIIIth Army. 108th Div. has extended its front to the East, taking over sector of 5th Res. Div. 1ST ARMY 227th Div. has been withdrawn from the front. Its sector has been taken over by adjacent units. (Subject to confirmation.) UNITS IN REAR OF FRONT REGION OF ST. QUENTIN. XVIIIT H ARMY 2d Bav. Div. Latest information indicates that this division is no longer in close support of battle line, but in rear. REGION OF ALSACE. ARMY DETACHMENT "B" -235th Div. This division was still N. W. of Bale, March 30. Doc.

IDENTIFICATIONS FLANDERS SECTOR. 214TH Div Dixmude April 2 Doc. 17TH RES. DIV. 76th Res. Inf. Regt S. W. of Houthem April 2 3 prisoners. 49TH RES. DIV. LILL= SECTOR. 225th Res. Inf. Regt Near Deulemont April 2 Many prisoners. 207TH Div. 213th Res. Inf. Regt E. of Hulluch April 2 18 prisoners. 187TH Div. ARRAS SECTOR 188th Inf. Regt N. of Drocourt April 2 1 prisoner. 239TH Div. 466th Inf. Regt E. of Moyenneville April 2 1 prisoner. IST GUARD RES. DIV. SECTOR OF THE ANCRE. 64th Res. Inf. Regt N. of Puisieux April 2 Prisoners. 20TH Div. 77th Inf. Regt. ) 79th Inf. Regt. \ N. of Beaumont-Hamel March 31 Prisoners. 39TH Div. 126th Inf. Regt , S. of Hebuterne April 1 Prisoners. 4TH Div. 49th Inf. Regt S. of Hebuterne April 1 Prisoners. 54TH RES. DIV. 248th Res. Inf. Regt E. of Bouzincourt April 1 Many prisoners SECTOR OF THE SOMME. and killed. I8TH DIV N. of the Somme „ March 31 Doc. 228TH Div. 35th Inf. Regt S. E. of Hamel April 2 Prisoners. 48th Inf. Regt N. of Marcelcave April 2 Prisoners. 23D Div. MOREUIL SECTOR. 101st Inf. Regt Moreuil April 1-2 Prisoner. 243D Div. 479th Inf. Regt Moreuil April 1-2 Men killed. 88TH DIV. 353d Inf. Regt E. of Mailly-Raineval April 1 Men killed. IST GUARD DIV. ist Foot Guards Near Grivesnes April 1 Prisoners. 3D BAV. DIV. NO YON SECTOR. 23d Bav. Inf. Regt N. of Plemont April 2 2 officers and 18 men prisoners. The 3d Bav. Div. appears to have relieved the 7th Res. Div., which had lost heavily in the attack on Plemont. The 3d Bav. Div. had been reported in reserve, having been relieved in line of the VIIth Army, March 26. 103D Div. 116th Res. Inf. Regt On slopes N. of Plemont April 2 Prisoners. 5TH RES. DIV. CI-IAUNY SECTOR. 12th Res. Inf. Regt Near Condren April 2 2 men killed. Deserters of 108th Div. who surrendered April 2 state that 5th Res. Div. was withdrawn from line in VIIth Army on March 26. IO8TH DIV. LAON SECTOR. 5TH RES. DIV. 265th Res. Inf. Regt W. of Corbeny April 2 3 deserters. They state that 108th Div. has extended its front to the east, relieving part of the 5th Res. Div. It is probable therefore that 108th Div. relieved 5th Res. Div. 25TH RES. DIV. RHEIMS SECTOR. 168th Inf. Regt Between the Miette and the Aisne. April 2 1 deserter. 227TH Div. and two regiments of 227th adjacent units. CHAMPAGNE SECTOR. 2 D Div Normal sector Recent date Statements 52D RES. Div. • A ., of prisoners. 239th Res. Inf. Regt W. of Tahure April 2 1 killed.

— 323 — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 4, APRIL 4, 1918.

56TH Div. VERDUN SECTOR. f Prisoners of 75th Res. Div. captured March 30 state that elements of 118th Inf. Regt. (56th Div.) were1 at Chery, near Laon, March 28. The last identification of 56th Div. at Verdun was by the capture of prisoners of the »8tn int. Regt. March 18 at Bois de Cheppy. Prisoners of 118th Inf. Regt. were captured in the same sector Marcn 10. m e report that 56th Div. is near Laon requires confirmation. 15TH BAV. Div. , -,1 -, 31st Bav. Inf. Regt , ,. .. Bois des Cawrrieres '. April 1 2 Kiijea. 39TH BAV. RES. DIV. ALSACE SECTOR. Btn. Ldst. 1 -1 Rastatt S. of of Ban de Sapt April 1 ...... 8 prisoners This battalion, formerly attached to 301st Div., has for two months been in sector of 2d Bav. iirz. Int. Kegt., 39m £>av. Res. Div. 30TH BAV. RES. DIV. 22D RES. DIV. 44TH LDW. DIV. 25TH LDW. DIV In line in normal sectors March 30 Doc.

AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN INFANTRY FROM BRITISH WAR OFFICE. COMBAT COMPANIES. It appears that in certain infantry regiments the shortage of men, and more particularly officers, has caused the authorities to adopt the system of regrouping the 4 companies of battalions for tactical pur­ poses into 2 combat companies (Kamfjkompagnien), which are known by the name of the commander, or by the number of one of the component companies. The 7th Bosno-Herzegovinian Infantry Regi­ ment is one of the regiments in which this reorganization has taken place.

REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF COMPANIES PER BATTALION. According to the statements of recent prisoners, there appears to have been a reduction in the number of companies (normally 4) per battalion of infantry. The following table shows the regiments in which these reductions have occurred, and the date when they were reported :

Regiment Battalion No. of Cos. perBn. Date k. u. k. 10 I 2 Jan. 27, 1918 k. u k. 17 All 3 Jan. •25, 1918 k. u k. 21 IV 3 Feb. 4, 1918 k. u k. 28 II 3 Feb. 1918 k. XL k. 55 I, II and IV 3 Feb. 23, 1918 k. u k. 61 III 3 ) I I 2 ) k. u k. 7 3 II j 3 Feb. 7> 1918 k. u k. 100 I to III 3 Jan. 2 , 1918 k. u k. 104 I 3 Feb. 14, 1918 k. u k. 7 B. Ii. VI 2 Feb. 14, 1918 k. k 6 Schuetzen II and III 2 Feb. 1918 k. u 3 Honved I All 3 Feb. 13, 1918 k. u 12 Honved II 3 Jan. 14 . 1918 k. k 1 Lstm.^ All 3 Feb. 9, 19T8 k. k 32 Lstm. All 3 Dec. 5> 1917 40th Lstm. 3 Feb. 22, 1918 Ill Volunteer 3 Feb. 11, 1918 Auer Stz. 2 (? ) Cavalese Stz. 2 Feb. .5, 1918 NOTE : Regiments are termed "k.u.k." if Austro-Hungarianarian, "k.k." if Austrian, "k.u." if Hungarian.

INFANTRY ORGANIZATION. (a) INFANTRY REGIMENT. According to 17 Polish deserters belonging to the 79th Infantry Regiment (48th Division) who gave themselves up on March 9 at Monte Tomba, the regiments of the 48th Division are organized in the normal way and each have three battalions of three infantry companies and one machine-gun company (8 machine-guns). Each infantry company has three platoons, the formation of a fourth light machine-gun platoon being still only under consideration. (b) TECHNICAL TROOPS. Each regiment also possesses a technical company constituted as follows : 1 Infantry Artillery Detachment, Inj anteriegeschuetzabeilung, (two 3.7 cm. guns). 1 Bombthrower Platoon, Granaienwerferzug. 1 Telephone Detachment, Telephonabteilung (30 men). Pioneers (number unspecified). (c) ASSAULT TROOPS. Each of the mountain brigades of the 48th Division has an assault company. The assault company of the nt h Mountain Brigade was formed in October, 1917, and comprises 6 Infantry Platoons (1 from each battalion in the brigade)—140 men. 1 Light Machine-Gun Detachment, Handmaschinengewehmbteihmg, (4 guns) provided by 79th Inf. Regt. 1 Bomb-thrower Platoon, Granatenwerjerzug, (two 9-c.n1. Granatenwerjer)—8 to 10 men. 1 Infantry Artillery Detachment, Injanteriegeschuelzabteilung, (two 3.7 cm. guns) provided by 70th Inf. Regt.—25 to 30 men. Elements—Pioneers and stretcher-bearers. Tactically the company is under the orders of the brigade commander, who may place it wholly or partly under a battalion commander. It is commanded by a First Lieutenant, Obevleutnant, and each platoon or detachment by a Second Lieutenant or Cadet. It is proposed to assimilate both nth and izth Mountain Brigade Assault Companies into a divisional battalion with four infantry companies and one machine-gun (? light) company. The assault company train comprises— 2 wagons—supply and baggage. 2 wagons—ammunition and stoics. 2 wagons—trench guns.

- 8 ? 4 ­ SUMMARY OF INFORMATION,- NO. 4, APRIL 4, 1 traveling kitchen. (14 horses in all). (d) LIGHT MACHINE-GUNS. The contemplated establishment of a light machine-gun section {Hamdmaschwengewehrmg) with each company has not been realized, Actually each of the four regiments has onlnly\ received four light machine-guns. These sections are known as AUsilnngm. The Ableilungen of the 73d and 79th Regiments are attached for tactical purposes to the two assault companies, while those of the 119th and 120th Regiments remain with their respective regiments. (e) TRENCH GUNS. Each battalion has a detachment of two 3.7 cm. guns. The 73d and 79th Regiments each provide one section for the assault companies.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUES APRIL 2, 1918. FRENCH. (April 3, 1918, 1.35 p.m.) On thefrontfrom the SOMME to the OIS.E, the artillery of both sides showed increasing activ­ ity. S. of MOREUIL, the enemy launched a lively attack against the position between MORISEL and MAILLY-RAINEVALLE. The assailants were repulsed by our fire and were only able to penetrate our advanced line at a single point. A hostile attack N. of ROLLOT was broken up by our fire. Yesterday evening, we made a raid on the slopes N. of PLEMONT, in the course of which our troops extended their positions appreciably and took 60 prisoners. There is nothing to report from the rest of the front. AVIATION. On March 31 and April 1 during the day, our squadrons dropped 13 tons of projectiles on the railway lines and cantonments at HAM, CHAUNY, NOYON, etc. A large fire was observed in the railway station of CHAULNES. The enemy's cantonments in the region of ROYE were well covered with projectiles and by our machine-gun fire from a low altitude. Our pursuit airplanes gave frequent battle and shot down eight German machines. Two others were destroyed by anti-aircraft fire. (April 3, 1918, 9.00 p.m.) There have been no infantry actions during the course of the day. The artillery fight continued to be quite heavy in the region N. of MQNTDH?IER, especially between DEMUIN and HANGARD-EN-SANTERRE. The day was quiet at all other points.

BRITISH. (April 2, 1918, 7.25 p.m.—Continued). AVIATION. On April 1 our airplanes carried out a number of long distance reconnaissances, as well as several photographic missions. Good visibility permitted active co-operation with the artil­ lery. Many German batteries were countered by our guns under the guidance of the aerial observers. The activity of our machines flying at low altitude did not decrease ; more than 17 tons of bombs were dropped and thousands of machine-gun rounds were fired on the enemy's infantry and on other ground objectives. German squadrons were active on the southern sector of our front. Several of their two-seater machines fired with machine-guns and at fairly low altitudes on our troops. Ten German airplanes were shot down and six forced to land disabled. Another was forced to come down within our lines by the fire of our artillery. Two German balloons were destroyed. Eleven of our machines are missing. Late in the afternoon our night squadrons began to attack the enemy's railway stations, cantonments, troops and convoys. Many tons of bombs were dropped on the station at CAMBRAI and on the railway line S. E. of DOUAI, as well as several other objectives. All of our machines returned safely. (April 3, 1918, 1.40 p.m.) An attack which a large hostile detachment pushed home yesterday at daybreak against our positions near FAMPOUX was repulsed after lively fighting. Many German killed and several prisoners remained in our hands. A successful local action by our troops yesterday in the neighborhood of AYETTE gave us possession of the village ; we took more than 100 prisoners and three machine-guns. In the course of the operation near SERRE already reported, we also took some prisoners. There is nothing further to report from the field of battle. Lincolnshire troops made a raid yesterday morning on the German trenches northeast of Loos and captured 31 pris­ oners and one machine-gun. An equally successful raid was carried out last night northeast of POELCAPPELLE and some prisoners were captured. (April 4, 1918, 12.20 a.m.) The day was still relatively quiet along the entire battle front. Local actions took place last night and this morning in the region of DONCHY-HEPUTERNE. We captured two machine-guns and killed a large number of Germans. The number of prisoners captured yesterday in the course of our operation at AYETTE is 192, six of whom are officers. There is nothing else of particular interest to report.

ITALIAN. (April 3, 1918, 4.48 p.m.) South of MARCO (LAGARINA VALLEY) one of our assault detachments surprised an advanced post of the enemy and after heavy fighting annihilated its garrison. Our men then returned without losses with 15 prison­ ers. More prisoners were taken by our detachments on the southern slopes of CIMADORO (GIUDICARIE) and captured war material on the northeastern slopes of MT. ALTISSIMO. Successful reconnaissances were carried out on the ASIAGO plateau and the enemy was harassed in the area of MT. TOMBA. In the upper DAONE Valley and at CORTELLAZZO we drove back hostile patrols. Under cover of the snowstorm an enemy skiing party attempted an attack on one of our outposts at an altitude of 2,518 meters in the upper VAL FULVA. The enemy, however, was detected and forced to retire pursued by one of our own skiing detachments.

GERMAN. (April 3, 1918, 2.11 p.m.) WEST FRONT. Near and South of LENS, artillery fighting was intermittently more active. On the battlefield, activity during the day was limited tq long-range artillery fighting. An attack by British compa­ nies on AYETTE was repulsed in counter-attack. The enemy made a strong attack during the evening between MARCEL­ CAVE and the LUCE, but he was thrown back with heavy losses. We captured the heights southwest of MOREUIL by a surprise attack. The destruction of LAON by French artillery continues. On the VERDUN front and in the middle VOSGES, artillery activity increased. Southwest of HIRZBACH, prisoners were taken in the course of a successful raid. Capt. von Richthofen achieved his 75th air victory. There is nothing new from the other fronts. (April 3, 1918, 8.31 p.m.) There is nothing new to report from the battlefield in France.

AUSTRIAN. (April 3, 1918, 2.i.| p.m.) In the ADIGE Valley, Italian rexoinioitering parties were repulsed.

3*5 G. H. Q. A. E. F. SECOND SECTION, GENERAL STAFF No. 5. No- 5> ApRIL 5' *9l8 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION CHANGES IN GERMAN ORDER OF BATTLE, APRIL 4, 1918. IVTH ARMY 38th Div., which has been considered as in XVIIth Army, is in line in its normal sector at Passchendaele, S. of 58th Div., replacing "? " Div. XVIIT H ARMY 38th Div. from reserve to IVth Army. ^5th Div. from XVIIIth Army in reserve. 236th Div., 26th Res. Div., 6th Bav. Div., 221st Div., 2d Guard Res. Div., 195th Div., and 20th Div. from line to reserve. IID ARMY 25th Div. from reserve to line between 228th Div. and Guard Erz. Div. XVIIIT H ARMY 35th Div. from reserve to XVIIth Army. Iith Res. Div. from line to close reserve. UNITS IN REAR OF FRONT REGION OF ARTOIS. XVIITH ARMY 35th Div. From statements of prisoners this division is near Douai, where it went direct from the Flanders Front after its relief about March 20. Its identification in line in the XVIIIth Army appears to have been an error, but the identification of some of its elements reinforcing the line of the XVIIth Army at Hebuterne on March 28 is confirmed. It is to be considered as a fresh division in reserve of the XVIIth Army. 236th Div. 26th Res. Div. 6th Bav. Div. 221st Div. 2d Guard Res. Div. These divisoins have not been identified in line for eight days. All have been vaguely reported as withdrawn. It is now considered that these divisions have been withdrawn to the rear for reconstitution. 20th Div. Examination of prisoners indicates that 39th Div. in line in XVIIth Army relieved 20th Div. March 31. 20th Div. is, therefore, considered as in the rear for reconstitution.

REGION OF ST. QUENTIN. XVIIITH ARMY 223d Div. Statements of prisoners indicate this division in reserve S. of Demuin. It had not been identified in line since March 24, and is now to be considered in reserve. 2d Bav! Div. Near Beaucourt-en-Santerre, in reserve, April 3, Doc.

IDENTIFICATIONS 214TH Div. FLANDERS SECTOR. 363d Inf. Regt Dixmude April 2 Doc. The division appears to haveextended its front towards Dixmude. 38TH Div. 96th Inf. Regt E. of Poelcappelle April 3 4 prisoners. They state that 38th Div. has been in this sector since March 6. The 38th Div. has been reported as engaged in the battle of Picardy, based on presumed identification of a prisoner of this division at Mory, March 24. That identification now appears to have been an error, and the 38th Div. is not to be considered as having been engaged in the battle. 31ST Div. 70th Inf. Regt S. W. of Becelaere April 1 1 killed. 49TH RES. DIV. J LILLE SECTOR. 32D Div. \ io2d Inf. Regt. (32c! Div.) E. of Armentieres April 3 1 prisoner. He states that his regiment is in touch on the north with the 225th Res. Inf. Regt., 49th Res. Div. 4TH ERZ. DIV. 361st Inf. Regt S. of La Bassee Canal April 3 1 prisoner. 12TH RES. DIV. ARRAS SECTOR. 51st Res. Inf. Regt E. of Acheville April 2 2 prisoners. 23D RES. DIV. 392d Inf. Regt S. of Oppy April 2 1 prisoner. 185TH Div. 161st Inf. Regt S. of Beugnies April 2 1 killed. 239TH Div. 468th Inf. Regt AYETTE April 2 . Prisoners. 1 6TH BAV. DIV. 14th Bav. Inf. Regt Ayette April 2 1 killed. 17TH Div. i BUCQUOY SECTOR. 90th Inf. Regt Near Bucquoy April 2-3.. . . 1 prisoner *u^f- ?t^ teS, tha* 9 oth J?L Kfgt., 17th Div., relieved a Jaeger Regiment of 195th Div. in the night of April 1-2. ' The 17th Div. had not been identified since March 25, and appears to have been in reserve subsequent to that date The 17th Div. and 195th Div. appear to alternate in line. IST GUARD RES. DIV. 2d ^Ts? ]£?." Div. Regt Near BucqU0y Ni§ ht of A P ril 2-3 • 1 prisoner.

88th Res. Inf. Regt N. E. of Anchonvillers April 1 x killed. 3D NAVAL DIV. ALBERT SECTOR.

2dU^™iiv. Regt W> Of Meaulte ••• AP"1 3 1 prisoner. 13th Inf. Regt Near Dernancourt April 2 ! prisoner. 25-ra Div. MOREUIL SECTOR. f "^e^SSaViith Div.^Vc ^ d t^Kinthe night of April" i^. ^ ° ^ ^ " ' **«»"*• •243D Div. 479th Inf. Regt At Moreuil April 2 j prisoner. 23D Div. MONTDIDIER SECTOR. -\ IO8t28raDwgl Near Sanvillers April,..: 1 prisoner.

109th Inf. Regt >Jeyr Monchel Nigh t of April .2_3. , officer ^ „ men prisoner^, i_ 326 — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 5, APRIL 5, 1918. 13TH LDW. DIV. I LAON SECTOR. 6TH BAV. RES. DIV. \ 6th Bav. Res. F. A. Regt N. of Bruyeres April 2 1 prisoner. He states that he is attached to a battery of the 6th Bav. Res. Div. which was to be the last to leave the sector but confirms the relief of the 6th Bav. Res. Div. by the 13th Ldw. Div. already reported, 203D Div. CHAMPAGNE SECTOR. 409th Inf. Regt Between Bois de la Grille and Cornillet No date 1 killed. This confirms the extension eastward of the 203d Div. already reported. 14TH BAV. DIV. 8th Bav. Inf. Regt Mont Haut April 3 12 prisoners. LORRAINE SECTOR. 46TH RES. DIV Normal sector April 3 " Doc. 26TH LDW. DIV. ALSACE SECTOR. 123d Ldw. Inf. Regt At Richwiller March 26 Doc. FURTHER EVIDENCE OF LOSSES AMONG GERMAN DIVISIONS FROM BRITISH SUMMARY, APRIL 2, 1918. From documents and prisoners' statements : Unit. Remarks. 4TH Div A document shows that the strength of the 1st Bn., 140th Inf. Regt., after the first day's fighting, was 3 officers, 15 N. C. O's and 94 men. I&T GUARD RES. DIV Has suffered heavily during the battle. A document shows officer casualties to the number of 32 in the 1st Guard Res. Inf. Regt. 208TH DIV The 65th Res. Inf. Regt., which was already weakened by continuous fighting, suffered further heavy losses on March 30. The 338th Pion. Co. lost one-third of its strength while repairing a bridge at Bellenglise. 228TH Div Prisoners of the 35th Fus. Regt. state that their losses were very heavy when attacking Hamel on March 30. 206TH DIV Stated to have suffered severe casualties from machine-gun fire. 9TH Div Division is stated to have had heavy losses and is expecting relief. 234TH Div 2nd Bn., 452nd Inf. Regt., was practically annihilated in the attempt to capture Boisleux-St. Mare on March 31. I8TH DIV (From diary of man in 86th Fus. Regt.).—"On March 25, the battalion had very heavy losses, the battalion commander adjutant and six officers being killed." NEW GERMAN SPECIAL SHELLS FROM FRENCH G. O. G. BULLETIN, APRIL 4, 1918. An army reports that the enemy has made use of shells which projected small bullets giving off slight smoke. From preliminary examination it appears that these shells contained sulphuric anhydride. The attention of intelligence officers is invited to this matter. ARMAMENT AND EQUIPMENT OF GERMAN INFANTRY IN THE ATTACK FROM BRITISH SUMMARY, APRIL 2, 1918. From prisoners' statements and a captured document, it appears that the equipment of the German infantry in the attack on March 21, was as shown below. The men apparently threw away much of this equipment in the early stages of the advance. (a) Assaulting infantry :— Rifle and bayonet. 2 hand grenades. 2 field dressings. 1 signal cloth (for signalling to airplanes). Pack (with great coat strapped round it) containing :— Canteen. 3 days' rations ^ 1 iron, ) 2 ordinary. Linen. 1 pair ankle boots. Field cap. Rifle cleaning accessories. Waterproof sheet. 2 water bottles (generally containing coffee). 150 rounds of S.A.A. Entrenching tool. Gas mask in the alert position, and spare drum. (b) Assault detachments (Strosstrupps) carried no packs but were equipped with wire-cutters, 8 stick and 10 egg grenades, and 100 extra rounds of S.A.A. in the tunic pockets. (c) Rifle grenades.—According to a captured officer, the rifle grenade is not used in open warfare.

PRINCIPAL AVIATION BOMBS EMPLOYED BY GERMANS Explosive. Incendiary. Trench Class 300 kg. 100 kg. 5O kg. 10 kg. mortar 10 kg- 5 kg. Total weight 300 91 55 11 108.5 '10 5 Explosive or incendiary charge . 180 53 • 5 20 1.2 47 3 1 Maximum diameter (mm) 360 250 180 90 2^0 125 90 Total length (m) 2.80 •1.87 1.70 o.75 * 1 • 45 0 .81 0.75 Length of tail piece (m) .80 •54 •50 •34 7 •25 Oct. '17 Oct. '17 Oct. '16 May '16' T " .° Feb Jan. '18 Approximate date of appearance June 17 • '17

327 — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION) NO. 5, APRIL 5, 1918.

REMARKS: All of the above, except the converted trench mortar bomb, ate torpedo-shaped. This bomb, fitted with a tail piece, has presumably been employed when sufficient supply of 100 kg. bombs was not avai­ lable. . The 300 kg., 100 kg. and 50kg. bombs are provided with fuses which can be set for either percussion or delayed action ; the 300 kg. and 100 kg. bombs have two fuses each, one in front and one in rear. The other bombs shown above are providedwith one percussion fuse each. The 10 kg. bomb is especially effective against personnel as it gives a wide horizontal dispersion. All torpedo-shaped explosive bombs contain 60 per cent trinitrotuluol and 40 per cent Hexamtro­ diphenylamlne. The 300 kg. bomb has the same explosive charge as the most powerful torpedo of the German navy. Before an airplane drops a 300 kg. bomb, it must be throttled down, and on a glide, otherwise its equi­ librium will be dangerously disturbed.

ACTIVITY OF THE ENEMY ON THE WOEVRE AND LORRAINE FRONTS APRIL 3-4, NOON TO NOON. The enemy made a raid on one of our listening posts in Wcevre yesterday morning after a heavy bombardment. Two of our men are missing. Hostile fire was also directed on our cantonments and a convoy but without causing any casualties. The enemy's artillery was more active today in Wcevre. With the improvement in the weather the aerial activity, which yesterday had been below normal, showed a slight increase. Increased road traffic occurred in the St. Mihiel salient.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUES APRIL 4, 1918. FRENCH. (April 4, 1918, 11 a. m.) During the night, artillery fighting became very intense in the region N. of MONTDIDIER. N. W. of RHEIMS, in CHAMPAGNE and on the left bank of the MEUSE, our troops penetrated the enemy's trenches at several points. These raids resulted in the capture of about Jo prisoners and two machine-guns. Hostile raids E. of RHEIMS, in AVOCOURT Woods, and N? of ST. DIE, were unsuccessful. There is nothing to report from the rest of the front. (April 4, 1918, 9 p. m.)" The battle was renewed this morning with extreme violence in the region N. of MONTDIDIER and still continues. On a front of about 15 km. from GRIVESNES to N. of the AMIENS-ROYE Road the Germans have launched enormous forces, disclosing a firm determination to break our front at any cost. Up to the present we have identified n divisions by means of prisoners. Our troops resisted with intrepidity the assault of the attacking masses, which were mown down by our artillery fire. In spite of the efforts of the Germans, which were repeated ten times, they only succeeded at a cost of great sacrifice in taking several hundred meters of terrain, including the villages of MAIIXY-RAINEVAL and of MORISEL, the heights adjoining which are in our hands. GRIVESNES, which was attacked with particular violence, remained in possession of our troops. After having broken up all assaults, we counter-attacked with vigor and made progress at that point. Artillery of both sides was active between MONTDIDIER and LASSIGNY.

BRITISH. (April 4, 1918, 10 a. m.) During the night, a German machine-gun post near HEBUTERNE was captured by our troops. Several prisoners were taken in other sectors of the battle front. Excepting the activity of hostile artillery at several points on the battle front and in the Sectors of MENIN and PASS­ CHENDAELE, there is nothing to report. (April 4, 1918, evening.) After heavy artillery preparation, the enemy launched a strong attack this morning on the entire front between the SOMME and the AVRE. On the right and center of the BRITISH line the German infantry was repulsed, but on the left powerful assaults forced our troops to withdraw slightly in the neighborhood of HAMEL, S. of the SOMME. Early in the afternoon the enemy also attacked our lines W. of ALBERT, where he was completely repulsed. During the last few days, in the course of lively attacks which occurred S. of the LUCE, a Canadian cavalry brigade partic­ ularly distinguished itself in successful fighting, which it carried out mounted as well as on foot.

ITALIAN. (April 4, 1918, 4.42 p. m.) Our patrols have been fairly active along the whole front; desultory actions of the artilery of both sides are also reported. At MALGA GIUMERLA (PONALE) and on MT. SPINONCIA, we drove back hostile parties. To the S. of SAN DONA there was frequent trench mortar fire ; the advanced posts exchanged violent rifle fire across the PIAVE VECCHIA. Our aviators set fire to a hostile captive balloon in the vicinity of VALDOBBIADENE. During the fight they bombarded the railways in the VAL LAGARINA.

GERMAN. (April 4, 1918, 2.12 p. m.) WEST FRONT. Fighting became more active on the battle front S. of the SOMME The enemy attempted four times early in the morning and in the afternoon, by surprise attack and after heavy artiUerv preparation to recover the heights S. W. of MoREuiLjwhich had been taken from him. He was unsuccessful and his attacks broke down under heavy losses. Artillery fighting frequently showed greater activity in front of VERDUN and alone the Forest of PARROY. & EAST. In agreement with the Finnish Government, German troops have landed on the mainland of Finland There are no new developments to report from the other fronts. (April 4, 1918, 8.35 p. m.) In the continuation of our attack S. of the SOMME we have achieved new successes In reprisal for the French bombardment of our billets in LAON for the last few days, we have opened fire on RHEIMS AUSTRIAN. (Aprit 4, 1918, 2.12 p. m.) Fighting showed somewhat increased activity along the Italian mountain front In the course of hostile raids, prisoners were left in our hands. G. H. Q. A. E. F. SECOND SECTION, GENERAL STAFF No. 6. No. 6, APRIL f>, 1918 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

CHANGES IN GERMAN ORDER OF BATTLE, APRIL 5, 1918. I ID ARMY. 4th Guard Div. to line, between 107th Div. and 183d Div. 53d Res. Div. from reserve to XVIIIth Army. 54th Div. from line to XVIIIth Army. 1 nt h Div. from line to reserve. 199th Div. from XVIIIth Army, in reserve. XVIIITH ARMY. 6th Div. from close support to line, S. of 50th Div. 2d Bav. Div. from reserve relieves elements of 88th Div. and is in line S. of 208th Div. 53d Res. Div. from lid Army relieves elements of 88th Div. and is in line S. of adBav. Div. 88th Div. from line to reserve. (Subject to confirmation.) 80th Res. Div. from Hid Army relieves elements of 1st Guard Div. and 23d Div., and is in line S. of 53d Res. Div. 1st Guard Div. and 23d Div. from line to reserve. (Subject to confirmation.) 199th Div. from line to reserve of lid Army. Position of 242d Div. in line is shifted to between 238th Div. and 5th Guard Div. 5th Div. from reserve to line, N. of 52d Div. 36th Div. from reserve to line, E. of 37th Div. 34th Div. from line to reserve. 54th Div. from lid Army to line, between 243d Div. and 208th Div. Order o19tf Battleh Div,. XVIIIth Army therefor5th Dive .i s : 3d Bav. Div. 243d Div. 52d Div. 103d Div. 54th Div. 206th Div. 37th Div. 208th Div. gth Div. 36th Div. 2d Bav. Div. 51st Res. Div. 33d Div. 53d Res. Div. 10th Res. Div. 75th Res. Div. 80th Res. Div. 238th Div. 211th Div. 50th Div. 242d Div. 5th Res. Div. 6th Div. 5th Guard Div. In close support: Fresh Reserves : Used Reserves : 28th Div. 113th Div. 231st Div. 6th Bav. Res. Div. 7th Res. Div. 10th Div. 47th Res. Div. 1st Bav. Div. nt h Res. Div. 22d Div. 14th Div. 88th Div. 45th Res. Div. 23d Div. 1st Guard Div. 34th Div. 1ST ARMY .. 6th Res. Div. to line. It is not yet certain what sector division has taken. However, it should no longer be considered in reserve. IIID ARMY. 80th Res. Div. from reserve to XVIIIth Army. UNITS IN REAR OF FRONT REGION OF BAPAUME. IID ARMY. 16th Res. Div. East of Bucquoy, April 4. Statement of prisoner. 1 nt h Div. This division appears to have retired from line for reconstitution. REGION OF ST. QUENTIN. XVIIITH ARMY. 14th Div. 16th Inf. Regt., near Chauny, beginning of April. Statement of prisoner 34th Div. This division has not been identified in line for 8 days, and appears to have been withdrawn for reconstitution. 119th Div. This division appears to have been withdrawn from line of XVIIIth Army and to be in reserve of IId Army. REGION OF CHAMPAGNE. 1ST ARMY 227th Div. Prisoners of 14th Bav. Div., captured April 4 confirm the withdrawal of the 227th Div., and the extension of front by the 14th Bav. Div. to take over part of the former sector of the 227th Div. REGION OF ALSACE. ARMY DETACHMENT "B" .. 48th Res. Div. and Jaeger Division. In upper Alsace, March 24. Doc.

IDENTIFICATIONS 31ST Div. FLANDERS SECTOR. 174th Inf. Regt S. of Roulers April 4 1 prisoner. 8TH DIV. 153d Inf. Regt E. of Zandvoordc March 28 Statement of prisoner. 8IST RES. DIV. LILLE SECTOR. 269th Res. Inf. Regt Near Vielle-Chapelle April 4 1 prisoners. 240TH Div. ARRAS SECTOR. 471st Inf. Regt N. of Arras April 3 Doc. 239TH Div. 466th Inf. Regt Ayette April ( Prisoners. 17TH Div. BAPAUME SECTOR. 89th Inf. Regt. / 90th Inf. Regt. j K. and S. of Muc<|iioy April 4 Prisoners. IST GUARD RES. DIV. 1st Guard Res. Inf. Regt. / 64th Res. Inf. Regt. \ S. of Bucquoy.­ April 4 ,..., Prisoners, 329 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 6, APRIL 6, 1918.

4TH GUARD DIV. . ., . „„ 5th Foot Guard Regt Bouzincourt April 3 •••••. ; • •. Tprisoners3 n . The 4th Guard Div., from reserve after having then engaged once in the present battle, is again 111 line. 1 8TH DIV. „ In the lid Army N. of the Somme April 4 Doc. GUARD ERZ. DIV. SECTOR OF SOMME TO AVRE. 7th Guard Inf. Regt Near Marcelcave April 4 Prisoners. 191H Div. „ . 78th Inf. Regt Near Marcelcave April 4 Prisoners. 2O8TH DIV. 185th Inf. Regt S. of Demuin April 1 3 prisoners. 54TH Div. SECTOR OF MOREUIL TO MONTDIDIER. 84th Inf. Regt Moreuil Railroad Station April 4 Prisoners. The 54th Div. was last identified in line March 22c! at Thiepval. It appears to have been withdrawn from line in the northern part of the lid Army, and to have re-entered the line in the XVIIIth Army. Elements of the division at Moreuil April 4 Statement of prisoner. (Subject to confirmation). The 3d Guard Div. was last identified in line in the XVIIth Army, March 28, near Hebu­ terne. It is possible that it is in line in the XVIIIth Army, but this identification, subject to confirmation, and referring only to elements, is not sufficient to establish presence of division in line. 2D BAV. DIV. ) 88TH DIV. 20th Bav. Inf. Regt S. of Moreuil April 3 k Prisoners. The 2d Bav. Div., identified near Chauny March 25 was later withdrawn, and appears to have returned to line and relieved elements of the 88th Div. 53D RES. DIV. 241st Res. Inf. Regt W. of Mailly-Raineval April 4 2 prisoners. The 53d Res. Div. was engaged in the lid Army, in the vicinity of Havrincourt in the first two days of the enemy attack. It was then withdrawn, and now appears to have re-entered the line in the XVIIIth Army, relieving elements of the 88th Div. 8OTH RES. DIV. 23D Div. IST GUARD DIV. 266th Res. Inf. Regt S. of Sauvillers-Mongival April 4 Prisoners. They state that 80th Res. Div. has relieved elements of 23d Div. and ist Guard Div. 80th Res. Div. was last iden­ tified in reserve of the Hid Army. 6TH DIV Near Sauvillers April 4 Statement of 5TH Div. prisoner. 52d Inf. Regt. I 5th M. W. Co. \ S. of Sauvillers April 4 Prisoners. 52D Div. 169th Inf. Regt. I 170th Inf. Regt. \ Vicinity of Cantigny , April 4 Prisoners. SECTOR MONTDIDIER TO NOYON. 9TH Div In line of XVIIIth Army April 4 Doc. 242D Div. 127th Inf. Regt Near Mortemer April 4 1 prisoner. 7th Dragoon Regt S. of Conchy-les-Pots April 4 1 prisoner. 5TH GUARD DIV. 3d Foot Guard Regt Near Roye-sur-Matz -. April 4 Prisoners. 36TH Div. 128th Inf. Regt Near Mont Renaud April 4 1 prisoner. He states that 128th Inf. Regt. is in the second line in the region of Beaulieu-Candor. 13TH LDW. DIV. LAON SECTOR. 15th Ldw. Inf. Regt S. of l'Ardon April 4 1 prisoner. 197TH Div. 7th Jaeger Regt Near Colligis April 4 Doc. 86TH DIV. - RHEIMS SECTOR. 343d Inf. Regt E. of Rheims April 3 Men killed 6TH RES. DIV. 35th Res. Inf. Regt. A document indicates that this regiment detrained in the rear of the front March 17, and on March 31 was "before Rheims." This regiment already had been reported as in Champagne March 22. It now appears to hav° entered the line of the Ist Army, but it is not yet determined in what sector. 14TH BAV. DIV. CHAMPAGNE SECTOR. 8th Bav. Inf. Regt Mont Haut April ^ 8 prisoners. They state that the order of battle which was formerly 8th Bav. Inf. Regt. 25th Bav. Inf. Regt. 4th Bav. Inf. Regt. now is 4th Bav. Inf. Regt. 25th Bav. Inf. Regt. 8th Bav. Inf. Regt. 105TH Div. According to the statements of prisoners of the 14th Bav. Div., captured April 4, the 2i«t Inf Re^t nf th* Div. has relieved the 4 th Bav. Inf. Regt. of the 14th Bav. Div., and the 105th Div. has extended to the W 52D RES. DIV. " 240th Res. Inf. Regt E. of Butte de Souain April 5 , pri SOners 15TH RES. DIV. VERDUN SECTOR.

17th Res. Inf. Regt Bois de Malancourt April 4 T nrJ=™Br 84TH Div. prisoner. 336th Inf. Regt Bois de Forges April 4 5 prisoners. 8TH LDW. DIV. WOEVRE SECTOR.

noth Ldw. Inf. Regt Near Haudiomont April 2 Me 1 "11 48TH LDW. DIV. LORRAINE SECTOR. ist Co., 28th Ldw. Pion. Bn Ajoncourt April 4 He states that this company is assigned to the present sector of I lie 48th Ldw Div * cleserter < 202D Div. Presence of the division in the region of Chatcau-Salins March -"? n 233D Div. * ° JJoc­ 449th Inf. Regt Region of Saverne April 4 D0Ci SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 6, APRIL 6, igiS, Assault Bn. No. 15 N, of Saint-Die April 4 , 1 feldwebel prisoner. He states that Assault Bn. N. 15 assigned to Army Detachment "A" is in cantonments at Saarburg. 39TH BAV. RES. DIV. T^e prisoner of Assault Bn. No. 15 captured April 4 states at the time of his capture he was in the sector of (he 5tlht Bav. Erz. Inf. Regt., 39th Bav. Res. Div.

FIELD STRENGTHS OF GERMAN INFANTRY AND GAVALARY UNITS

FROM BRITISH SUMMARY, APRIL 3, 1918. The following recent War Ministry Order shows that its proposed to maintain the strength of a German infantry battalion in the field at 850 other ranks. Including the machine gun company, which forms an integral part of the battalion, the field strength of an infantry battalion appears to be 1,004 au" ranks, as will be seen from the following table : Officers Other ranks Headquarters and 4 companies (say) 20 ... 850 . . . 870 Machine-gun company 4 ... 130 . .. 134 Total infantry battalion 24 ... 980 .. . 1,004 "War Ministry, No. 375/18, secret. Jan. 26, 1918.

"The various methods of estimating the fighting strength make it difficult to calculate the reinfor­ cements actually required and give no adequate idea of how many men are available for actual fighting. The term fighting strength will therefore no longer be employed. "From February 21, 1918, onwards, the basis in demanding reinforcements, etc., will be fur­ nished not by the fighting strength, but by the field strength (Feldstaeke), which must not be exceeded. "The term "field strength;' denotes a strength which specifies to what extent the establishment laid down in the war establishment may be maintained. The decrease in numbers involved by this order only affects the number of privates, the number of N.C.O's, lance-corporals and bandsmen remain­ ing unchanged. • "The field strengths are as follows :— Infantry (and Jaeger) battalion 850 N.C.O's. and men. Machine-gun company 130 " " " Squadron (cavalry division) 135 " " " Dismounted cavalry (Schuetzen) squadron 195 " " " Dismounted cavalry machine-gun (Schuetzen) squadron 135 " " " "The personnel of the light machine guns will be included in the field strength of infant^ (and Jaeger) battalions." (Signed) WRISBERG.

INFORMATION FROM TWO PRISONERS FROM THE 449TH REGT. CAPTURED MARCH 5, AND FROM A VIZE-FELDWEBEL AND A SOLDIER FROM THE 448TH REGT. CAPTURED MARCH 20. FROM FRENCH VIIITH ARMY BULLETIN, APRIL I, 1918. (These men were severely wounded and could not be interrogated until recently.) The 233d Division was relieved in the Domevre sector on January 20 by the 12th Division and returned to this sector about February 17. During this period is was billeted in Lower Alsace at Niederbronn, Reischoffen, Morsbronn, Froeschwiller, etc., and was given a course of progressive training in open warfare methods. It appears that the 449th Regiment had no instruction in the school of the platoon nor the school of the company. The 448th Regiment, on the other hand, had many company drills. DEPLOYMENT OF THE BATTALION. (Information from the 449th Regt.) The company was divided into three platoons. The machine-guns, both heavy and light, were distri­ buted within the company. The departure formation was in squad columns. Each man rapidly gained his interval—normally six paces, but sometimes less. The artillery and trench mortars were in the exercise, but no definite information has been obtained concerning their use.

DEPLOYMENT OF THE REGIMENT. The maneuver was the same. The regiment was echeloned in depth. Two battalions were designated "for maneuver" and the third as "resting." DIVISIONAL MANEUVERS. (General Information.) The maneuvers do not seem to have been combined with long approach marches. The operations lasted from 6 a. m. to 3 p. m., with numerous intervals for critiques. There was no special instruction for officers and non-pommissioned officers. Two maneuvers were executed during the day and two during the night with all the units properly belonging to an infantry division.

PROGRAM FOR THE DAY. The day began with a march of 10 to 15 kilometers from the billets to the maneuver field. Maneuvers lasted from three to four hours and were followed by the return march to the billets.

ATTACK FORMATION. The formations most used were : 1. A line of three regiments in battalion formation. 2. A line of two regiments with two battalions in line and the third regiment acting as the divisional reserve, — 331 — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 6, APRIL 6, igi8.

DISPOSITION OF THE BATTALION. Generally there wore two companies in the line and two in reserve. The width of the battalion front was from 400 to 600 meters (600 meters for a battalion having all its companies in line). Position of the Units and \\ieir L

Light Trench M or tare

T T ~r ~r ^n. C.Os. o o o o °il° I I olio olio I I olio Reserves ana || C"::::::=:1 U U ' || rtmld Artillery

MACHINE-GUNS. The machine-guns were carried by the men. The ammunition supply was carried by pack-horses.

TRENCH MORTARS AND AMMUNITION. Trench mortars and ammunition were brought up as far as possible by one-horse carts, and then carried the rest of the distance by hand.

ARTILLERY. 77 mm. and 105 mm. guns. 105 mm. howitzers. Blank cartridges were used during the maneuvers.

COMMUNICATION. 1. By telephone as far as the battalion commanders. The wire was strung by a mounted telegraphic detachment. 2. Wireless telegraph was used. No information concerning it. 3. Ground telegraph was not used. 4. Visual signaling. ' Little used during the maneuvers. 5. Mounted couriers from the battalion to higher commands. 6. Couriers from companies to battalions and even to regiments. 7. Liaison between infantry and artillery. No information. 8. At least one infantry airplane per division (even in rainy weather), designated by flames painted on the wings. It signaled by rocket. It determined the position of the enemy's first line. It had an "acknowledge" signal (code was variable). No other signals. "Complicated arrangements obtain no results," said the prisoner. There may have existed signal known only to the staffs. The infantry signaled its demands to the airplane by means of identification panels (projectors were not used). The position of the line was indicated by panels (not by Bengal lights).

DEPTH OF THE ATTACK. The first objective of the leading battalions was eight kilometers distant. These battalions were reinforced or relieved only if they suffered very heavy losses. There was no systematic arrangement for the passage of the reserves through the assault battalions. The objective was reached in two hours. No stop was provided for. The telephonists and trench mortars were able to follow.

LOCATION OF BATTALION HEADQUARTERS. Not more than one kilometer in rear. The battalion commanders were mounted.

NIGHT OPERATIONS. The same as by day. Without airplanes. One of the night operations was a corps maneuver, the other divisions being assumed. EFFECTS OF AIR TACTICS FROM BRITISH SUMMARY, APRIL 2, 1918. Prisoners captured by the British state that losses caused by bombs and machine-gun fire from the air have been heavy, and that the moral effect of this method of attack is very great. That after an attack on the 22d March the 109th Body Gren. Regt. relieved the 40th Fus. Regt., but were so severely bombed from the air that they had to be again relieved on the following day. A battery of foot artillery was destroyed by the bombs at the same time, and its detachment, together with 12 horses, killed

SIMULATED AVIATION CAMPS FROM FRENCH VIITI-I ARMY BULLETIN, APRIL I, 1918. According to the statements of aviators taken prisoner on the front of another Army, the location of dummy aviation fields, Scheinhafen, is said to be indicated at night by one green and "two white fires '

— 132 — SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 6, APRIL 6, 1918. the real camps, however, are indicated by two white fires and one red, lighted at the request of the airplane, communicated by firing one white star rocket followed by one red rocket.

HOSTILE AIRPLANES MARKED WITH COCKADES FROM FRENCH IID ARMY BULLETIN, APRIL 3, 1918.

Anti-aircraft artillery reports that it has seen on the front of this Army an airplane with inverse trape­ zoidal wings, showing under the wings black crosses and under the fuselage a three-colored cockade of black, white and red.

ACTIVITY OF THE ENEMY ON THE WOEVRE AND LORRAINE FRONTS APRIL 4-5, NOON TO NOON. • The activities of the day were normal and there is nothing of importance to report.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUES APRIL 5, 1918. FRENCH. (April 5, 19187 n a. m.) The Germans continued their attacks during the night with undiminished obstinacy and employment of new forces. We have identified 15 divisions on this part of the front, seven of which are fresh, in spite of the marked superiority of his forces which he used recklessly, the enemy did not attain his objective which was the railway from AMIENS to CLERMONT, as evidenced by orders found on prisoners. Our regiments by their steady resistance and energetic counter-attacks maintained their lines generally and inflicted severe losses on the enemy. While in the north we transferred our positions to the western outskirts of CASTEL, we threw the enemy out of the woods of ARRIERE-COUR, E. of MAILLY-RAINEVALLE. S. E. of GRIVESNES, a brilliant counter-attack brought about the capture of the farm of SAINT AIGNAN, which we have held against all assaults. Between MONTDIDIER and NOYON, artillery fighting became very intense. Our troops attacked the German lines and conquered the greater part of the woods of the EPINETTE, 600 meters to the N. of ORVILLIERS-SEREL. All efforts of the enemy to dislodge us were frustrated. Further E. a local action permitted the extension of our positions N. of MONT RENAUD, which the enemy, in spii.s of his false statements, has never been able to take from us. (April 5, 1918, 9.45 p. m.) In the course of the day the Germans did not renew their attempts on the front N. of MONTDIDTER. Our troops executed vigorous counter attacks on the enemy and succeeded in improv/ng their position at many points, especially in the region of MAILLY-RAINEVAL and of CANTIGNY, of which we hold the N. and W. outskirts. Between LASSIGNY and NOYON violent artillery activity has continued. We gained ground inthe afternoon N. of Mount RENAUD. The day was fairly quiet along the rest of the front. AVIATION. On April 3 five hostile machines were brought down, one of them by the fire of our machine guns. In addition, a German captive balloon was set fire to by one of our aviators. On the night of April 2-3 and during the day of the 3rd, our bombing planes made a number of raid nights. 23,000 kg. of shells were dropped on the billets, stations and establishments of the enemy. Fires were noticed, notably in the stations of LAON and of SAINT QUENTIN. It is confirmed that five more hostile machines were destroyed by our aviators on March 27 and 31 and April 1 and 2.

BRITISH. (April 5, 1918, 12.15 P- ill-) Between the LUCE and the SOMME, fighting continued with the same violence yesterday afternoon and up to a late hour of the evening. The enemy employed considerable forces and launched repeated attacks. His assault were repulsed and cost him considerable losses. Our troops were slightly forced back and occupy new posi­ tions E. of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX. N. of the SOMME, German artillery showed activity during the night near BUCQUOY and in the Valley of the SGARPE. Early this morning, concentrations of hostile troops near ALBERT were taken under fire by our artillery. ITALIAN. (April 5, 1918, 4.50 p. m.) Along the mountainous portions of the front, the enemy carried out persistent harassing fire against our lines on the ASIAGO PLATEAU ; we dispersed hostile parties on the western slopes of the ORTLER and engaged marching troops and movements in the rear lines from SUSEGANA to CONEGLIANO. Our patrols carried out reconnaissance work, capturing a few prisoners in the VALLARSA. Moreover, they put to flight the garrison of an outpost and repulsed by rifle fire hostile patrols in the FENER area. Along the PIAVE, the activity of the artillery of both sides reached a remarkable intensity at intervals. Our batteries caused a firo to break out within the hostile positions artd destroyed gangways buiit by the enemy opposite GRAVE. British aviators brought down three hostile machines above CISMON ; a fourth was compelled to land near STRIGNO. GERMAN. j (April 5, 1918, 2.51 p. m.) WEST FRONT. We attacked yesterday S. of the SOMME and on both sides of MOREUIL and threw the enemy out of his strong positions.' British and French reserves were brought up against our troops, but their assault broke down under our fire. After hard fighting between the SOMME and the LUCE, we have taken HAMEL and the woods N. E. and S. E. of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX, and on the W. bank of the AVRE, CASTEL and MAILLY. The enemy offered desperate resistance on the whole front and his losses are therefore extraordinarily heavy. We took several thousand prisoners. According to completed returns, the number of prisoners taken by General von Hutier during the period of March 21 to 28 is 51,218, while the number of guns is 729. The total captures therefore exceed 90,000 prisoners and 1,300 guns. In reprisal for the bombardment of our billets in LAON, which has been continuous for several days, we have directed our fire on RHEIMS. In CHAMPAGNE and on the E. bank of the MEUSE, successful raids enabled us to take prisoners. In front of VERDUN, the artillery fighting which had increased during the day, continued active during the night. EAST : In the UKRAINE along the railway line from POLTAVA to CONSTANTINOGRAD we captured from hostile bands 28 railways cars laden with French guns and ammunition and more than 1,000,000 artillery projectiles. Ti'oops advancing in the Valley of the DNIEPER have taken EKATERINOSLAV after fighting. ASIATIC FRONT : After several days fighting the German troops, in co-operation with Turkish forces have forced back towards the JORDAN, British troops which had crossed that river via ES-SALT, and advanced towards AMMAN. The British troops comprised both infantry and cavalry brigades. (April 5, 1918, 8.33 p. m.) Artillery fighting and local infantry engagements took place on both sides of the SOMME. On the W. bank of the AVRE French counter-attacks broke down. There was moderate artillery activity opposite VERDUN.

AUSTRIAN. (April 5, 1918, 2.55 p. m.) In VENETTA, S, of FONTANA SECCA, we repulsed a night attack by the Italians. Along the DEVOLI, in ALBANT\ hostile operations against our lines of outposts "were also unsuccessful. •— 333 ~ Q. H. Q. A. E. F. CONriDCNTlAl: SECOND SECTION, GENERAL STAFF

NO I 7 No. 7, APRIL 7, 1918 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION CHANGES IN GERMAN ORDER OF BATTLE, APRIL 6, 1918. XVIIT H ARMY 2d Guard Res. Div. from reserve to line S. of 12th Div. 26th Res. Div. from reserve to line, N. of 234th Div. (VUTT , 41st Div. from line has relieved 21st Res. Div. in line near southern limit orXVlltns Army. 5th Bav. Res. Div., 3d Guard Div. and 4th Div. from line to reserve. IID ARMY 183d Div. from line to reserve. 9th Bav. Res. Div. from reserve to XVIIIth Army. XVIIITH ARMY 9th Bav. Res. Div. from IId Army enters line S. of 19th Div. 14th Div. from reserve enters line between 2dJ3av. Div. and 53d Res. Div. 1ST ARMY 232d Div. from Russia relieves 105th Div. 87th Div. reported on Eastern Front, March 16, is, therefore, not to be considered a on Western Front. VTH ARMY 10th Ldw. Div. from Russia relieves nt h Bav. Div. UNITS IN REAR OF FRONT

REGION OF ARRAS. XVIITH ARMY 5th Bav. Res. Div. this division has not been identified in the battle line for eight days, and appears to have been withdrawn to the rear for reconstitution. REGION OF BAPAUME. 3d Guard Div. ) 4th Div ( These divisions have not been identified in line since March 28 and April 1, respectively, and there are other indications that they have been withdrawn from line. Accor­ dingly they are now considered to be in reserve. IID ARMY 183d Div. This division has not been identified in the battle line for eight days, and appears to have been withdrawn to the rear for reconstitution. IDENTIFICATIONS

49TH RES. DIV. FLANDERS SECTOR. 228th Res. Inf. Regt Near Warneton April 5 2 prisoners. 185TH Div. ARRAS SECTOR. 161st Inf. Regt Near Tilloy-les-Momaines April ^-5 1 prisoner. 28th Res. Inf. Regt S. E. of Feuchy April 4-5 3 prisoners. 2D GUARD RES. DIV. 15th Res. Inf. Regt W. of Neuville-Vitasse April 5 1 killed. This division was last identified in the vicinity of Ervillers, March 25. It had been withdrawn, and now appears to be in line again. 26TH RES. DIV. 180th Inf. Regt. : N. E. of Boisleux April 5 Prisoners. This division which had been engaged in the vicinity of Henin and withdrawn appears to have re-entered the line. 234TH Div. 453d Inf. Regt Near Boyelles April 4-5 1 prisoner. 239TH Div. ALBERT SECTOR. 468th Inf. Regt E. of Hamelincourt April 5 1 prisoner. 41ST Div. 2IST RES. DIV. 79th F. A. Regt S. of Beaumont-Hamel April 5 1 prisoner. He states that 18th Inf. Regt., 41st Div. is also in this vicinity. The 41st Div. appears to have relieved the 21st Res Div. in the neighborhood of Beaumont-Hamel. The 41st Div. had last been identified March 28 E. of Arras. Accordingly it appears to have been withdrawn in the northern part of the XVIIth Army, and to have entered the line in the sou­ thern part of the same army. 9TH RES. DIV Near Albert April 5 Doc. 4TH GUARD DIV. SECTOR SOUTH OF THE SOMME. 93d Res. Inf. Regt N. of >Hamel April 4-5 1 prisoner GUARD ERZ. DIV. ' r 399th Inf. Regt Near Villers-Bretonneux April 4-5 1 prisoner 19TH Div. r 91st Inf. Regt Near Villers-Bretonneux April 4-5 ' Prisoners. 14th Bav. Res. Inf. Regt Near Villers-Bretonneux April 4-5 . Prisoners This division was engaged at the beginning of the offensive, and was withdrawn in the first dav's of the hnH-lP Tf now appears to have re-entered the line. y UdUlBi l t 2D BAV. DIV. MOREUIL SECTOR. 20th Bav. Inf. Regt ,. ... E. of Moreuil April 5 .... Prisoners 14TH Div. y ° -trisoneis. 56th Inf. Regt. ) 57th Inf. Regt. \ E. of Rouvrel Apri l =; p • This division was engaged in the battle March 21 and March 22, andwas'then withdrawn to"rVserve in thfvicinitv of Chauny. It appears to have re-entered the line. xn c vicinit v 53D RES. DIV. 241st Res. Inf. Regt. i 242d Res. Inf. Regt. \ Mailly-Raineval April 5 Pri^r,^ 8OTH RES. DIV. l 3 Prisoners.

266th Res. Inf. Regt W. of Mailly-Raineval April 5 p ris 52D Div. ' MONTDIDIER SECTOR.

170th Inf. Regt Near Cantigny April 5 Mnri , r „ . 9TH Div. Man y Prisoners. 19th' Inf. Regt ; S. W. of Montdidier April «?. . M . ' J Many prisoners. — 334 ~ SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 7, APRIL 7, 1918.

242D D/v. SECTOR MONTDIDIER TO NOYON. 127th Inf. Regt W. of Orvillers April 5 1 prisoner. 3D BAV. DIV. r J 1

23d Bav. Inf. Regt Near Evricourt April 5 1 prisoner. 2IST Div. CHAMPAGNE SECTOR. I Pioneer Bn. No. 21 E. of la Pompelle April 5 1 prisoner. 232D Div. l L D 1 105TH Div. \ 445th Inf. Regt W. of Vaudesincourt April 5 1 prisoner. He states that 232c! Div. left Galicia March 12, arrived in the Juniville region about March 18, and relieved 105th Div., about March 30. The 105th Div. had been in this sector since the beginning of February. 87TH Div. This division, which had been considered as in reserve in Champagne, now appears from documents and special reports to have been in Livonia on March 16. It, therefore, should be considered still on the Eastern Front.

237TH Div. VERDUN SECTOR. 461st Res. Inf. Regt W. of Vauquois April 5 2 prisoners. 366th Pioneer Co W. of Bois de Cheppy April 5 1 prisoner. I3TH RES. DIV. * 57th Res. Inf. Regt Left bank of the Meuse April 4 Doc. 15TH BAV, DIV. 32d Bav. Inf. Regt.. Sector of Bois le Chaume April 4 Doc. . IOTH LDW. DIV. ) IITH BAV. DIV. \ 372d Inf. Regt Near Watronville April 5 1 deserter. He states that 372d Inf. Regt. entrained March 13 in Russia, detrained in France March 19, and relieved the 22d Bav Inf. Regt. of the nth Bav. Div. March 27. The ioth Ldw. Div. had been recently on the Volhynia front, and had been an the Eastern Front since the beginning of the war. The nth Bav. Div. had been in this sector since Feb. 12. 201ST Div. ' WOEVRE SECTOR. 403d Inf. Regt Vicinity of St. Mihiel April 5 1 killeJ. 5TH LDW. DIV. 65th Ldw. Inf .Regt Normal sector April 6 2 prisoners. 44T11 LDW. DIV. ALSACE SECTOR. 93d Ldw. Inf. Regt W. of Hirtzbach April 2 2 killed. SUMMARY OF AIR INTELLIGENCE WEEK OF MARCH 27 TO APRIL 2, 1918. NEW IDENTIFICATIONS. (Regions corresponding to those occupied by German Armies.) Flights. In Region of From Region of 1 Observation Flanders River Lys to Arras. 1 Pursuit River Lys to Arras New unit. 3 Observation Eastern front, Verdun and Arras-Bapaume. 1 Mosaic section : New class of unit. x Pursuit Arras-Bapaume Verdun. 1 Protective Peronne-Chauny. 3 Observation Flanders, Alsace and River Lys-Arras. 2 Pursuit Bapaume-Peronne Lorraine (one new unit). 2 Observation Verdun and Champagne. 1 Observation Peronne-Chauny Verdun. 1 Protective Laon New unit. 2 Observation Eastern front and River Lys-Arras. 1 Pursuit Woevre New unit. 1 Bombing Arras-Bapaume. 1 Pursuit Alsace New unit. 1 Observation ; River Lys-Arras. 1 Observation Asia Italy.

AIRDROMES. Confirmed. Removed. Region. Sheds. Hangars. Sheds. Hangars. Flanders 2 10 13 River Lys-Arras 6 42 Arras-Bapaume 13 Bapaume-Peronne 38 . . 1 Peronne-Chauny 1 8 . . .. Laon 1 17 In a British Summary of Air Intelligence attention is called to the amount of new construction in the River Lys-Arras region. This may indicate an extension of the battle front northward. A captured aviator has given the opinion that this construction is for purposes of deception.

DISTRIBUTION OF GERMAN AIR FORCES APRIL, 2 1918. FLIGHTS BY CLASS. Pursuit Bombing Protective Observation Region. (18 Machines) (12 Machines) (6 Machines) (6 Machines) TotaU Flanders 9 6 7 14 36 River Lys-Arras 4 3 5 I 3 25 Arras-Bapaume n 6 3 18 38 Bapaume-Peronne 1 • • 3 9 13 Peronne-Chauny 7 3 ~ 9 21 Laon 1 r 3 6 2O 4° Rheims 2 . . . . 10 12 Champagne 5 • • • • y X3 Verdun 2 . . 4 *3 19 Woevre 2 3 l 8 *4 Lorraine • • • • • • 7 7 Alsace 3 •• •• 1O J 3 E. Europe l • • J J4 2(i Asia • • • • • • / 7 Interior • • • • • • ' 1 Not located 8 . . 3 3° 4*

Total Flights 66 24 35 2O 1 .^6

— .3J5 ~" SUMMARY OF INOFRMATION, NO. 7, APRIL 7, 1918. ACTIVITY OF THE ENEMY ON THE WOEVRE AND LORRAINE FRONTS APRIL 5-6, NOON TO NOON. There is nothing to report except greater activity than usual of the artillery on the St-Mjhiel salient.

GERMAN DISPOSITIONS FOR ATTACK The general theory of the formation of the German attack, as practised behind the lines, was an arrangement of organizations with narrow fronts and great depths. The depth increased and the breadth of front decreased according to the greater difficulties of the intended operation. Better results were obtained in both offense and defense when a unit was supported in rear by elements of its own organization. The Germans, therefore, attacked with their divisions on fairly narrow fronts. Their purpose was to break through the allied defenses, and then, increasing their mass, to cause local retirements along the sections of the front so attacked. It was then their intention to continue the attack on the flanks of the units between these gaps, and cause a general retirement. The attack was launched by divisions, two or three deep, depending on the resistance expected and the objectives to be taken. The organization of the divisions varied slightly for the various sectors at­ tacked. During the preliminary bombardment, Sprengpommando detachments. (those to clear the obstruc­ tions) and Stosstruppen go to the front line trenches. Shortly before the attack, the Sprengcommando leave the trenches by previously prepared fire steps, and place charges where the breaches are to be made. The exploding of these charges is the signal for the general attack. At this signal the Stosstruppen, in columns of twos, pass through the wire. Their objective, which they are to reach as quickly as possible, is the third line of trenches. There they are to remain under a powerful barrage. A rocket fires the signal when the line has been reached. Following the Stosstruppen, come three divisions in attack, one behind the other formed in depth. The first division, being the strongest of the three, is called a Sturm-division, which is a division especially trained for attack. It passes through and beyond the Stosstruppen, who organize the ground for defense. This, however, varies, for in some instances the best troops are the last, in order that the most efficient troops may deliver the final blow. In each division the regimental front is about 600 to 800 meters. In each regiment the battalions are formed one behind the other. Each battalion is formed in two lines, each line composed of two com­ panies abreast. Each company in turn is formed on a front of two platoons, two in front and two behind. The advance is executed in column of sections. The attack itself is composed of six successive waves, each wave made up of six companies. Attached to the companies of a Sturmdivision are six light machine-guns. Light machine-guns also go with the first and second waves. Heavy machine-guns go with the third and fourth lines, Trench mortars, field artillery, and some heavy artillery go with and behind the last waves. In the Picardy battle,, each division attacked with two regiments, each composed of two battalions, in the first line, and one regiment in reserve. (One battalion of each forward regiment was with the regiment held in resrve.) The attack was composed of two waves. The first wave was made up of two companies of infantry from each battalion and five light machine-guns per company. The second wave, about a hundred meters in the rear, was made up in the same way. The troops in reserve in the rear were composed of the remaining elements of the division : Five battalions of infantry (one full regi­ ment, and one battalion from each of the forward regiments). At 200 to 300 meters followed trench mortars and the battalion staffs. Finally, 200 meters still farther back came the field artillery which deployed as the situation demanded. The speed of the infantry was to be 200 meters in four minutes. Each non-commissioned officer was provided with both a panoramic sketch of the terrain to be attacked and a plan map of the country. In the attack of the German 50th Division, the first objective was the British third line. In the first line were two regiments, to each of which were attached some special units. These were: 1 Divisional Assault Battalion. 1 1-2 Companies additional of Machine Guns. 1 1-2 Companies of Engineers. 1 Flame Projector unit. 1-2 Company of Trench Mortars. 1 Field Battery. Each regimental unit was also provided with two batteries of infantry cannon. In close support was a regiment with a field battery, and five captured British tanks, and cyclist's units. Twelve field batteries supported the division and were to advance three hours after the assault. The colonel of the regiment was with the reserve battalion. Communication was kept up with him by means of runners. There was also, along with him an artillery liaison officer. Units of cavalry appeared from time to time in small numbers. They seemed to have been used more for liaison than for actual offensive purposes. There is no doubt that the German organization for attack allowed for considerable flexibility of .movement. In some cases, however, the infantry, having advanced so rapidly as to completely distance its supporting artillery, came under the fire of the defending batteries and was thrown back with severe loss The Sturmbataillone are special units attached to armies. It would seem from figures compiled by the Lrench G. O. G. Bulletin of April 2, that such a battalion is composed of 24 companies, each company composed of 100 men. The composition of the companies is (1) 1 Assault party of 30 to 40 men and (2) two platoons of infantry of three or four squads of nine men each. This, therefore, is a development of the old Sturmbataillon used for trench raids and minor operations. It has now become apparently an important organization for offensive operations.

THE ENEMY'S METHODS OF FRATERNIZATION ON THE RUSSIAN FRONT FROM FRENCH IID ARMY BULLETIN, APRIL 3, 1918. (Translation of a German document.) The following order issued by the 218th Infantry Division indicates the enemy's manner of organi­ zing propaganda.lt shows that attempts to fraternize are not left to the initiative of sub-commands and

- 336 ­ SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 7, APRIL J, 1918, of the troops, but that they are developed with great care and attention to detail. Every attempt to fraternize or to exchange commodities is a ruse from which the enemy expects to obtain an advantage and which must therefore be thwarted : No. 226. (Confidential.) Not to be communicated to the first line troops. 1. In consequence of the telephone order Geroch, No. 2089, it is necessary to increase the efficiency of propaganda in the army of the enemy. 2. The purpose of this propaganda is to disorganize the enemy's army and to obtain information concerning it. It must be clone in the following manner : (a) By throwing into "the hostile trenches newspapers and manifestos intended for the intelligent elements. (b) By persuading the troops with oral propaganda. For that purpose it is necessary to find officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers who appear to be most suitable. The advance examination posts {Front Vernehmungsstellen) must be placed under the orders of com­ pany commanders, who must be in the first line positions. These officers must be acquainted with the points from which papers, proclamations, etc., can most easily be thrown. At these points one should seek to establish contact by means of our interpreters, and, if the enemy agrees, to fix a time for future parleys. One must immediately advise by telephone the chief of the intelligence section of the division of all contact established. The latter alone has the right to undertake parleys according to instructions received. It is strictly forbidden our soldiers to enter into relations with the enemy excepting as autho­ rized, for fear that the enemy might try to take advantage of their frankness. All letters and printed matter which the enemy carries on his person must be immediately taken from him and transmitted to the chief of the intelligence section. Company commanders must above all attempt to locate the regions where the soldiers of the enemy have received newspapers, the points where the newspapers were taken openly and without precautions and where the enemy showed hostility or reserve. Points must be avoided where there are artillery observation posts, as French officers may be present there. In these attempts to obtain contact with the enemy, success depends on the cleverness with which they are handled. Outcries may scare the enemy, who is naturally timid, and may give the alarm to the entire position. The best results are obtained by calling in a friendly tone, indicating feelings of com­ radeship or by repeated promises not to shoot, or offers of tobacco. The tobacco for this purpose is fur­ nished by the company commander. Every day at 8 p, m., the company commander must transmit direct to the intelligence officer a report on propaganda carried out during the day. This report must contain the following information : (a) Where and at what time were the newspapers delivered or thrown into the trenches of the enemy? (b) Has he collected them? (c) Have attempts been made to enter into relations with the enemy? (d) With whom has contact been obtained—officers, non-commissioned officers, privates? (c) All other information on the enemy's behavior. At the same time, interpreters will send to the intelligence officer a detailed report on conversations with the enemy during the 24 hours. Hostile positions where propaganda is in progress must be spared by the artillery ; they will be bom­ barded only in case of attack. Company commanders must indicate to batteries what these positions are: The enemy is treacherous and without sense of honor ; consequently care must be taken as he may attempt to take our men prisoners or kill our propagandists. Such of our soldiers who may leave the lines to carry newspapers and pamphlets must be warned of this. In order to protect them, it is necessary carefully to select special detachments for the purpose of mounting guard near trenches and firing when commanded by the company commander in charge of relations with the enen^. Signed : For the Acting Commander of the Division. The Major General commanding the 62dBrigade.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUES APRIL 6, 1918. FRENCH. (April 6, 1918, 11 a. m.) The night was marked by violent artillery fire N. and S. of the AVRE, pa-ticulaiiy in the region of LE MONCHEL. There was no infantry action. On the right bank of the MEUSE and in the Forest of APREMONT, artillery fighting was intermittently active. Two hostile raids, one N. of VAUX-LES-PALAMEIX and another near SEUZEY, were unsuccessful. The night was calm on the rest of the front. (April 6, 1918, 9 p. m.) The artillery combat continued violent on the lronts ot the OISE and the SOMME. The enemy delivered this morning a strong attack on our positions between NAUVILLE-ST. Georges and LE MONCHEL. The attack, broken by our artillery fire, failed completely. Numerous bodies were left on the ground in front of our lines. Further to the N. our batteries dispersed hostile concentrations in the woods S. of HANGARD and in the region of DEMUIN. In the NOYON sector, after a bombardment by heavy guns, the Germans' tried to recover the ground gained by us X. of MONT-RENAUD. After a very sharp fight our troops kept the advantage and retained the conquered ground. On the left bank of the OISE the day was marked by a series of violent attacks launched by 'the Germans on the front ABBECOURT—S. of CHAUNY—BARISIS. Our troops resisted on our line of advanced posts, and after having inflicted serious losses on the attacking forces, occupied prepared positions, in accordance with orders. In ARGONNE, in the region of ST. MIHIEL and the BAN DE SAPT, there was considerable artillery activity on both sides. BRITISH. (April 5, 1918, 7.55 p. m., received April 6, 10-45 a. m.) This morning N. of the SOMME, the enemy increased the activity of his artillery and trench mortars and subsequently launched vigorous and repeated infantry attacks on the entire battle front between the SOMME and the outskirts of BUCQUOY. The latest reports received indicate that these assaults on the whole were every-where unsuccessful, under heavy losses. On the same front, we succeeded in an engagement in the region of HEBUTERNE, in which we took 200 prisoners and captured several machine-guns. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, NO. 7, APRIL 7, 1918. S. of the SOMME, the enemy did not renew his attack today at all. Reports confirm that yesterday's fighting was particularly obstinate and prolonged ; the enemy launched repeated attacks against our positions E. of VILLERS-BRETON­ NEUX. AVIATION. On April 4, the rain and fog hindered aerial activity to a marked degree ; nevertheless our aviators kept the command informed of the battle in progress S. of the SOMME and fired on the enemy's troops. Six German machines which flew over this part of the front were shot down by our airplanes and another by our anti-aircraft guns. One of our machines is missing. Two others which had been reported as missing in the communiques of yesterday and the day before have returned to their squadrons. April 5 towards noon, our machines dropped 22 large bombs on the railway station at LUXEMBURG. Many of them were seen to burst on the railway. A fire was started in spite of the intense fire of the anti-aircraft guns. (April 6, 1918, 10.55 a- m- received at 2.10 p. m.) N. of the SOMME, the enemy yesterday began an attack on the entire front S. of the AYETTE and continued with the same violence to a late hour in the evening. The enemy renewed his attacks constantly with considerable forces, but had no more success than in the morning. A local engagement occur­ red yesterday afternoon S. of the SOMME near HANGARD. We improved our position slightly by a counter-attack. (April 6, 1918, 8.00 p. m.) Today the infantry actions on the battle front were limited to a local combat in the neighborhood of the Wood of AVELUY, N. of ALBERT, without bringing about any change in the situation, and to en­ gagements of small detachments of troops at various points. The enemy's artillery continued active. The presence of at least ten German divisions was established at the time of the unsuccessful attack which the enemy delivered yesterday N. of the SOMME. The fighting was very hard at various points of this front as far as BUCQUOY, toward the North.

ITALIAN. (April 6, 1918, 4.40 p. m.) The action of hostile artillery was generally more moderate on the entire front, but showed some activity on the ASIAGO Plateau. Our artillery replied to the enemy's fire and shelled convoys on the road from PRIMOLANO to ENEGO ; it also destroyed hostile works on the Island of FOLINA, and near the PONTE DI PIAVE. Between the ADIGE and the PIAVE our detachments continued their activity and took several prisoners near ASIAGO. In the region of TONALE, an Austrian detachment which approached our lines was dispersed by bursts of our machine-gun and rifle fire.

GERMAN. (April 6, 1918, 2.10 p. m.) WEST FRONT. Local actions near BUCQUOY and S. of HEBUTERNE resulted in the capture of prisoners and numerous machine-guns. A British attack on PUISIEUX was unsuccessful. On the west bank of the ANCRE, we enlarged our bridgehead on both sides of ALBERT by assault. Active artillery fighting and minor successful infantry combats occurred S. of the SOMME. Railways near AMIENS were bombarded. Between MOREUIL and MONTDIDIER, the French attacked on wide sectors in the attempt to take from us our gains of April 4 ; they were unsuccessful and suffered very heavy losses. MONTDIDIER was under French fire. In front of VERDUN, the artillery of both sides showed increased activity. There are no new developments from the other fronts. (April 6, 1918, 8.33 p. m.) There are no new developments on the western battlefield on both banks of the SCMME. French attacks on the west bank of the AVRE broke down. S. of the OISE we penetrated the enemy's position near AMIGNY.

AUSTRIAN. (April 6, 1918, 8.35 p. m.) Fighting in Italy became less active.

-338 STRENGTH OF GERMAN ARMIES ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

T> M r 6TH.ARMY ji7 W; 2 A**r \\d "A*m;

LEGEND RECKONED AT 9000 RIFLES PER DIVISION Black = per meter Jan. I, l