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Title
Over There
Description
First U.S. troops arrived in France in July 1917, but they needed numbers and training. Over the winter-spring not much happened except a German raid at Seicheprey in April. By May, the Doughboys wanted in the fight. The big German …
Publisher
Date
1918-05-28
Scenario#
10
Scenario Description
First U.S. troops arrived in France in July 1917, but they needed numbers and training. Over the winter-spring not much happened except a German raid at Seicheprey in April. By May, the Doughboys wanted in the fight. The big German offensive "Kaiserschlacht” hastened their timetable. When 1st Infantry Division went into line in the Somme area at Cantigny in April, plans were made to retake the town. Located on higher ground, Cantigny had given the Germans a forward observation post in the lines. On 28 May, Allied artillery softened their defenses for an hour. Tlhe 28th Regiment of 4,000 strength went over the top at 0645 hours and seized the town in one day. Opposing them was the German 82nd Reserve Division, itself worn out and understrength. French Schneider tanks penetrated the north end and helped rout defenders. The next several days German counterattacks tried to dislodge the Doughboys, and they held. Allied morale improved. The Americans had their first victory, though small, over there.
Location
Cantigny, France
Battle Name
Battle Narrative
The Battle of Cantigny, fought May 28, 1918 was the first major American battle and offensive of World War I. The U.S. 1st Division, the most experienced of the five American divisions then in France and in reserve for the French Army near the village of Cantigny, was selected for the attack. The objective of the attack was both to reduce a small salient made by the German Army in the front lines but also to instill confidence among the French.
Narrative Source
Combatants
German
French/American
Collection:

Geolocation