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{
    "localId": "75438310",
    "label": "Plan of Defence, Chapter II, Sector of Sommedieue",
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    "citationUrl": "https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75438310"
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{
    "id": "75438310",
    "sourceUrl": "https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75438310",
    "contentType": "document",
    "title": "Plan of Defence, Chapter II, Sector of Sommedieue",
    "citationUrl": "https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75438310",
    "collections": [
        "Harry S. Truman Papers Pertaining to Family, Business and Personal Affairs",
        "Military Files"
    ],
    "subjects": [
        "World War, 1914-1918"
    ],
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{
    "url": "https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75438310",
    "naId": 75438310,
    "levelOfDescription": "item",
    "productionDates": [
        {
            "day": 8,
            "logicalDate": "1918-10-08",
            "month": 10,
            "year": 1918
        }
    ],
    "recordType": "description",
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{
    "seq": 7,
    "pageIndex": 0,
    "type": "document",
    "url": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/presidential-libraries/truman/598589/961745-006.pdf",
    "mediaId": "da650399338d69f8",
    "ocrText": "SECTOR OF SOMMEDIEUE\nBrought up to the date of\n396\nOct. 8, 1918.\nInfantry\nTRUMAN\nPLAN OF DEFENCE\nBARRY\nNATIONAL\nARCHIVES AND\nLIBRARY\nRECORDS\nCHAPTER II\n0.5.\nSERVICE\"\nBOVERNMENT\nA - LIMITS OF SECTOR. - See Sketch.\nThe sector of Sommedieue is comprised between the Sector of Cabar-\net to the North and the Sector of Troyon to the South.\nThe limits are:\nNorth\nNorth Edge of the Bois Nobras, Fond de Beaupre (inclusive), South\nWest corner of the Bois de la Laufee batterie du Tunnel Bellevue\nFerme ( to the 15th D.I.C.) Casernes Chevert ( to the South D.I.C.)\nFort of Belrupt (to the 15th D.I.C.) Platriere ( to the 10th D.I.C.\nHaudainville ( to the 15th D.I.C.)\nSouth Embranohment ( means a fork of roads or a branch line of railroad)\n333 (North of Chateau and Forme d'Aulnois) Meanil sous les Cotes\n(inclusive) road and earthroad leading from Mesnil to Mouilly\n(This section of road common to the two adjoining sectors)-Mouilly\n(exclusive)\nB - MISSION OF THE DIVISION\nThe division has for a mission the defence of the Sector of Somme-\nDieue. It must prohibit the enemy from taking a foothold on the\nHauts-de-Mouse and conserve at any price, The possession of the\nobservatories which command a view of the entire plain from the\nfoot of the hills as far as the region of Briey and Mars-la Tour.\nC - GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE DEFENCE\nAnalysis of the Terrain\n(a) The plain occupied by the enemy is out by small woods and\nclumps of trees permitting a rather easy infiltration; it is sep-\narated into about two equal parts by a wooded zone (Bois de Man-\nheulles and Bois Chabotte) which might permit to the enemy a shel-\ntered gathering, in the immediate vicinity of our lines, of a\ngreat quantity of troops.\n(c) On the French side, the Haudiomont and Chatillon a salient\nrather plainly detached from the whole of the mass of hills. This\nsulient which makes a bastion permits to flank all our main lines\nof resistance to the North.thxx This bastion is very near to the\nBois de Manheulles and therefore the zone of outpost in this region\nis nearly non-existent. This is the delic te point of the defence\nof the sector; in case of attack by the enemy, it will be very\nlikely there he will bring all his efforts. Southward the line\nof resistance parts from the Hauts de Meuse, crosses the valley of\nthe Longeau at Meshil sous les cotes and catches the Hill of Les\nHures. Except in the wooded region of the centre, the enemies line\nis generally distanct by about 1 kilomster from ours.\n-2-\nBAb\nD - CONCEPTION OF THE DEFENCE\n(a) Infantry The outposts have a mission of watch and retardation\nin case of attack. They must secure to the reserves time enough to\ntake their alert positions; they are nev F reinforced. The positior\nof resistance is the one for which and an which the fight takes\nplace; in this position, the zone which must be held at any price\nis the one which leaves in our possession observatories and heads\nof ravines: it is the zone comprised between the line of redoubts\nand the support line of redoubts; (expression formerly imposed by\nthe Army and which it is interesting to keep in use in order that\nthe commanding authority and executing party speak the same lang-\nuage). An utmost interest requires that the enemy be prevented from\nreaching the foot of the crests, (dead angle;) this is why the pos-\nition of resistance was carried to such extent in front of the foot\nof the hills: the defence of the advanced portion of the position\nof resistance and of the slopes will be realized by the low flank-\ning furnished by machine gun platoons. The local reserves may be\nbrought into action for retaking the lost points in this advanced\nportion: the main reserves (including the reserves of C.R.and sub-\nsector) are brought into action only in the zone which must be\nheld at any price : (zone comprised between the line of redoubts and\nthe support line of redoubts)\n(b) Artillery (See plan of employment) First barrages:\nOn account of the great extent of our dines, they are set up and\nonly in front\nof the important points of our line of outposts, Manheulles, Haudi-\nomont-Watronville-Ferme Mandre-Bois le Chene La Fievreterie - The\nmaximum density of barrages is in front of the weak point of the\nfront, between Haudiomont and Watronville.\n(2d) Counter preparations. A priori established on the probable\nzones of the gathering of the enemy: Ville en -Woevre, La Noire\nHaie, South part of the Bois de Manheulles, Bois de la Chadotte\nand Bois de la Moranville.\n(3d) Concentrations: Prepared on regions of our own zone of resis-\ntance where the enemy might have penetrated, especially on the sal-\nient Haudiomont- Camp Romain.\nCHAPTER III\nBANKY ARCHIVES NATIONAL RECORDS TRUMAN AND\nSERVICE\nDETERMINATION OF DEFENSIVE POSITIONS\n(a) A zone of watch or a zone of outpost the line of advanced posts\nof which is marked by the Fresnes-en-Woevre (to the Troyon sector),\nManheulles, Haudiomont, Romvaux, Watronville, Ferme Mandre, Bois\nMoncet, Eix, point 7074 (Rante d'Etain road) Bourvaux, Ferme Red-\nonte 5886, Batterie de Damloup (to the Cabaret Sector)\n(b) A second position marched by Amblonville Ferme, Carrefour, Berna-\ntant, the fort du Rozelier, the Deramee works, the Fort de Moulain-\nville.\n-3-\n396\nCHAPTER IV\nFLAN OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE WHOLE OF THE TROOPS OF THE DEFENCE:\n(a) Mission: To secure the integrity of the positions of resist-\nance by echeloning of the troops of the defence.\nArrangement of troops for defence.\nRegiments placed side by side (square shaped division.)\nUnits Covering position Second\nRemarks\nand position of\nPosition\nResistance\n2d R.I.C. 2 Battalions (1) 1 Batt. (3) (1) These battalions occupy the\nC.R. of the covering position and\nof the position of resistance.\nThey are echeloned in depth\nhaving on an average 1/3 of their\nstrength in the covering zone and\n3/3 on the position of resistance\n(including the reserves of C.R.\nand sub-sector)\nThe C.M. (machine gun compants\nof these battalions are in the\ngame conditions echeloned in depth\nin the sone of watch and resistan-\nce, flanking P.T.O.\n5thR.I.C. 2 Battalions (1) 1 Batt. (2)\nMost especially the spurs of the\nCotes de Meuse by low flanking\nfires\n(3)These Battalions usually in\nreserve are stationed in the nei-\n6thR.I.C. 3 Battalions (1) 1 Batt. (2)\nghborhood of O.R. of the 2d posit-\nion which they should occupy in\ncase of alert\nTOTAL\n6 Battalions (XXX 3 Batt.\n(o) Organization of command and delimination of the subsector & C.R.\nThe sector of Sommedieue is divided into three subsectors of regts.\nTRUMAN\nThe subsector BOURE held by the 6 R.I.C.\nNATIONAL\nARCHIVES AND\nThe subsector of DERAMEE held by the 5th R.I.C.\nRECORDS\nLIMRARY\nU.S.\nSERVICE\"\nThe subsector TAVANNES held by the 3d R.I.C.\nThe organization of the subsector is the following one\nBUVERNMENT\nSub Sector\nBOUEE\nEtc Etc\n(See French text.)\nThe limits between the sub sectors are:\n-4-\nB96\n(Between the Sub-Sector BOURE and the Sub-sector DERAMEE:\nNorth Edge of the Bois Massemoue\nRONVAUX to the sub sector DERAMEE\nTRUMAN\nPoint 9002 on the METZ Road.\nLimit between Sub sector DERAMEE and Tavannes\nHARRY\nARCHIVES NATIONAL AND\nLIBRARY\nCreek of MOLAINVILLE, to the sub sector TAVANNES\nRECORDS\nU.S. SERVICE\" BOVERNMENT\nCantonment of the ReservedBattalions\nBattalions having for a mission to occupy the second position in\ncase of alert :\n2d R.I.C. eto (See French Text)\n(d) Means put at the disposal of the Commanding Officer of the sub-\nsectors\nSub Sector\n3 Battalions\nBOUFE\n13 Sector Machine guns Model 1907\netc. (See French Text)\n(e) Particulars of the Mission of troops in each sub sector\n(1st) Battalions in line\nFractions in XXX nextt out post (minimum strength)\nMissions of watch and retardation in case of attack.\nThese fractions carry on the fighting proper to troops of out\npost. No ************ drawing back is to be looked on. They are\nnever reinforced.\nGarrison of position of resistance (reserve of C.R. and of sub\nsector -Maximum strength)\nTo secure at any price the defence of the position of resistance.\n(3d) Battalions on the 2d. line\nTo secure the defence of the 2d position. Occasionally, if events\nshould permit, they might intervene in support of the position of\n(3d) resistance. Battalions in reserve of the Infantry Division.\n(f) In case of an obviously characterized raid which does notaffect a\nSee plan of defence of the 2d position\nfront superior to 500 meters, the falling back of outpost on de-\ntermined resistance point (émplacements to be fixed by Commanding\nOfficer of Sub Sector after investigation) will be effected by the\naction of commanders of the interested organizations, under the\nconditions they should report it immediately to the superior auth.\nThe ority. ground temporarily abandoned should be retaken immediately af-\nter the raid by local counter attack studied and prepared in ad-\nvance. For what regards the sub sector BOURE the special situation of the\nvillage of MANHEULLES does not permit the application of the above\nprescriptions. No falling baok can be looked on. The garrison mail\nin any case hold and resist on the spot.\n(g) Liaison\n(1st) adjoining sectors\nWith the CABARET gector (53th R.I.C.)\nLiaison secured by the 2d R.I.C. by patrols between\nthe neighboring G.C.'s; moreover agents of liaison\nwill be exchanged at the posts of command of battal-\nions. Mutual support by machine gun fire will be real\n-5-\n396\nized, between the 2d R.I.C. and 53d R.I.C.\nWith the TROYON Sector (313th Inf.U.S) liaison\nSHERE secured by the 6th P.I.C.\nCovering Zone: Mixed post stan in 5185 (commanded\nby an American N.C.O.)\nZone of Resistance: Mixed G.C. in 3567 (commanded\nby a French N.C.O.)\n2d Between the Sub Sector BOUEE and DERAMEE\nby patrols in the covering zone\nBy exchange of enlisted men between the neighboring G.C.near the\nSouth end of RONWAUX\nBetween the Sub sector DERAMEE and TEVANNES\npatrols in the covering zone\nBy exchange of enlisted men between the neighboring G.C.s\nin the outskirts of MOLAINVILLE\nGarrison troops of the forts of the sector and reinforcement troops of the\nforts in case of alert:\nWorks\nNormal Gar-\nReinforcement\nOrganizations furnishing\nrison\nGarrison\nthe reinforcement Garrisons\nHaudain- 6 enl Men I.T.\nville 13 Mach June I.T. 12 platoon\nBattalion in reserve at\n2 artillerymen\ncamp des DAMLOUP\n18 Engineer Corps\n8 Miscel. men\nTRUMAN\nHARRY ARCHIVES AND RECORDS LIBERTY\nU.S.\nGOVERNMENT\n-6-\n396\nROZALIER\n1 plato\nI.T.\na Platoons C.M.P.\n2 platoons\nBattalions in reserve\n1 #\nC.M.I.T.\nat Camp de RENNIS\n50 Artillerymen\n25 Engineer CorpsMen\n15 Miscellaneous\nDERAMEE\n11 platoon I.T.\n1 platoon\ndo\n1 Platoon C.M.P.\n16 Artillerymen\n12 Engineer Corps Men\n9 Miscellaneous\nSYMPHORIEN\n7 enl. men I.T.\n1 platoon\ndo\n6 Mach. Guns I.T.\nMOULAINVILLE 2 platoons I.T.\n2 Plattons Battalidn in reserve at\n3 S.M.P.\nCamp St.Airy\nLA LAUFEE\n1 platoon of the com-\npany occupying P.A.\nCONDE\nTAVANNES\nThe Inf. of the D.I.\ndoes not furnish any reinforcement garrison.\nMARRY ARCHIVES NATIONAL RECORDS TROMAN AND LIBERTY\nSERVICE\"\n(1) Anti-airoraft defence.\nSOVERNMENT\nSecured in each sector by infantry machine guns\nemplacements fixed by the commanders of sub sectors\n(j) Searchlights\n1 searchlight of 0.90 in F632 (Ravine de la Coulotte in the C.R.\nCHATTILLON\n1 searchlight of 0.60 between WATRONVILLE and RONVAUX\n1 searchlight of 0.90 quarry MONT sous les COTES.\n1 searchlight of 0.60 P.210 work of La Lauffe\n1 searchlight of 0.60 P.215 (Batterie max d'EIX)\n(k) P.Gs. and P.Os.\nAuthority\nEmplacement of\nEmplacement of\nRemarks\nP.Os.\nP.Os.\nColonel in command\nP.C.Moscow\nP.O.Decap 10.05\nof the Infantry in\nthe lines\nColonel in command\nP.C.Bouse\nP.O.Gaston (12.73\nof the sub sector\nP.O.Monlucon (11.01)\nBOUEE\nP.O.Nice\n(10.05)\nColonel in command\nP.C.Rome\nP.O.Wilson (03.16)\nof the sub sector\nP.O.Rocton (16.36)\nDERAMEE\nP.O.Clerville (93.22)\nColonel in command\nof the sub sector\nP.C.Escargot\nP.O.Thiepval (60.79)\nTAVANNES\nP.O.Metz (65.73)\nP.O.Strasbourg (65.83"
}