FIGHTING THE CANAL CHARLEROI
Region Virginal-Ronquières-Arquennes-Feluy-Seneffe
FREZOULS Maurice
This booklet, published for the 40th anniversary of the Battles 1940 shows, for the most part, the text of that which was published in 1952 for the day June 2, when the solemn inauguration of memorials, Belgian and French. We add
first testimony received by the dedication of MM. Colonels and BLECH LAROCHE, relations with the officers A1lemands survivors opponents in 1940 ; 1a special card, with its many indications enable easy reading and will understand, we 1'espérons, why we want to highlight the sacrifices of the 70 RI, May 17 and subsequent days. After
lists once established, which unfortunately still valid, we list those of us who sit in the National Cemetery Chastre, near-FELUY ARQUENNES, where events are held with the participation of all REMEMBRANCE 1ES Veterans 1940.
Moreover, in order to manifest, a lasting friendship grateful for our Belgian comrades, and our profound unity in faithfulness the duty of remembrance, you will find the picture of the Belgian Monument, like the ce1le FRENCH MONUMENT, 1a and list of DEAD. Thus
grouped in the same place at the center of the city, and the two monuments are kept for future generations the evidence of their sacrifice for the defense of our freedoms. 1'avenir can, through meditation lesson rising from their graves symbolically ensure lasting peace.
PART
Before May 17
CHAPTER 1 OVERVIEW
Fighting the l7 May 1940 were conducted, for the most part, in the region Virginal, Ronquières Arquennes, Feluy Seneffe, troops of the 32nd Infantry Division, part of the 1st French Army, 1st Army Group. Both to better understand them, it seems useful to place them. Events and men - very quickly - in the entire development phase so painful the last war, from September l939 to June 1940. The
\u0026lt;phoney war >>...
It probably did not forget what has been called, not without some injustice, moreover, the \u0026lt;phoney war, "which lasted more than eight months since the declaration of war until On the morning of l0 May with it beyond a few bloody episodes.
Neither the surprise attack on Norway, or alerts, in April 1940. But it is the morning of l0 May, a Friday, suddenly, another way of war began, we could suspect the terrifying novelty
While the nature again, if awakened in the enchanting setting of a spring bloom, deafening noise of engines and explosions successive suddenly come across the width of the Western Front, peacefully and shake the torpor in which he seemed to enjoy. The grand assault was given by the German armies, in the sky, with huge fleets, on earth, with the violence of armored divisions, the Panzerdivisionnen, which would quickly drive the device ally in the region of Sedan-Mezieres. The device
ally.
The complete defense NORTH EAST consisted of the following
RIGHT WING, Switzerland in Saarland by 3 Army Group (General Besson) and the Saar to the Belgian border, the second Army Group (General Pretelat)
CENTRAL, Longuyon the Canal des Ardennes, by the 2nd Army (General Huntzinger) attached to the 1st Army Group (General Billotte) which formed the big left wing, with the south, the Army Coralp (9eArmée), then the army Blanchard (1st Army), British Army (General Gort), and the army Giraud (7th Army), up to the entrenched camp of Dunkirk.
The left wing to make the mission possible movement in Belgium, in case of invasion of this country, pivoting on the Monthermé Mezieres.
First Army (General Blanchard)
Lies or middle of the left wing in the region of St. Quentin, Cambrai, Valenciennes, Avesnes (Limit straight Gap Trélon (excluded); left boundary, forest Raismes (included) It has, in the north, left the British army of General Gort, on his right (east), the 9th Army (General Coralp). As of May 10, she understands from the newspaper Walking Group Arrnées No. l. three Army Corps, the 3rd (General of the Laurencie), 4 (general Aymes), the first fifth General (Altmayer}, 1 Cavalry Corps (General Prioux), eight infantry divisions: the 1st-12 The l5th motorized divisions, the 2nd and 5th Divisions in North Africa, the first Moroccan Division, and in reserve, the 32nd and 43rd Infantry Divisions, in addition, the Sector fortified the Scheldt and the Division l01e fortress, training must remain on site after l0 May
On the morning of May l0, once known the sudden attack of the Germans, the 1st Army begins its movement to implement the plan given to him in the defense of Belgium: prohibit the passage of the Dyle, a tributary of Scheldt.
Here is the situation on May 11 at midnight: the l st Cavalry Corps has advanced to beyond Tongeren and Liège; Divisions front line were brought to the height of Namur. The 32nd Division, in reserve in the area of Cambrai, whose primary mission was to participate in defense of the Dyle, completes his preparations for movement, it must begin in the early hours of 12.
The 32nd Division .
must give details, especially since it is c that will lead the battle of l7 May that we report.
Trained initially in August-September 1939, in the Languedoc region with HQ in 'Montpelier, she was recruited in the region Toulouse, Auch, Albi, Rodez, Castelnaudary, Perpignan. Narbonne, Montpellier. In March alone, she received the 7th Infantry Regiment, recruited donations the Eastern Region, in exchange for a regiment of Zouaves (which Nor had the Zouave fez). It included as cavalry, the 38th Reconnaissance Group, three infantry regiments, the 122nd, the 143, the 7th
Two regiments of artillery, the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (75 guns) the 203rd Regiment Heavy Artillery (cannons 155), the artillery, a battalion of fire engineering, two telegraph companies and radio transmissions, two companies of the train (motor and horse-drawn) the health service with a medical group, and for. ensure supplies the operating group, stewardship, post treasure 'Military Justice, Provost (police). Chaplaincy was attached to the Department of Health. Here
coaching basics:
the 32nd Division Commander: Major General LUCAS
Chief of Staff, Colonel Dubois (since promoted to General)
Divisional Commander Infantry Brigade Commander Alaurent
divisional artillery Colonel METTELIN
the Commander Lieutenant-Colonel l22e RI ROLLAND
the 143rd RI Commander Lieutenant Commander Colonel Imbert
the 7th R 'I' Colonel Paquelier
the 38th Reconnaissance Commander: Commander Commanding the 3rd GRIVET
R. At. D. : Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding the 203rd BOUQUIN
R. A. LD, Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant PERRÉlN
Engineering, commanders and DURAND CAGNARD
Commander Engineer-Radio: Captain Commander MACE
health service doctor Colonel AUDOUY
simply recall that the 32nd Division had been engaged on the Lorraine front in September 1939, with residence in Sector from November to late December when she had her first combat deaths.
Placed in reserve in the Cambrai region since late December, she had not left for the Army General Blanchard.
The events of May 10 to 15
We know them enough to make it more useful to repeat length. The army pushed into the region Coralp Sedan-Mezieres, the whole right flank of the 1st army threatened to overflow. "The day of May 15 was clearly the gravity of the situation," wrote General Gamelin (Serve, Volume 1, p. 341), the 9th Army was in full retreat, the breach was open nearly 100 kilometers. We can say that the Battle of the Meuse was permanently lost (page 342).
For cons, the first army, the movement in Belgium was carried out in fast conditions. All the troops were in place on the 14th, they were attacked on the 15 position of strength. When was ordered to retreat to the front line units, it still seems that you it advances local minor (Gamelin o.cit. P. 331).
But in these circumstances, the primary mission of the 32nd ID is no longer to stand on the Dyle, already taken. It must prevent the passage of Charleroi canal, west of Nivelles, in the area between the south and Seneffe Virginal-Samme north.
CHAPTER II THE SITUATION IN THE EVENING OF MAY 16 .
(See map to unfold To follow the presentation)
the ground.
The front is about to take l5 km ' As the crow flies, but in fact, exceeds 20 km in length, with the meanders of the channel. The average depth 'between the Canal' in the East and the railway Hennuyères - Braine-le-Comte Marche-lez-Ecaussinnes is four miles north and south, reaching seven to eight kilometers in the center. It's really a great defensive front that we spoke over the Reserve Officers in 1935-38, based on the firepower of automatic weapons, and the flanking. If these principles of efficiency in the open, we could not rely in this region, mainly compartmentalized in width and depth. I n'entretiendrai certainly not to describe themselves to the people who know for having repeatedly traveled in every direction. But I wanted to visit again after the war, twice during my visits to Belgium, when I bow to the graves of my comrades, so piously maintained by the piety of the Belgians, in each of the cemeteries, which recall the various points of the battle, I wanted to cover it with care, especially in the central part, which fought the toughest attacks.
Ridges and valleys running down to the Charleroi canal on one hand and the other to Braine-le-Comte, Ecaussinnes, sometimes gently, sometimes more abruptly, hills and meadows planted with trees, fields separated by sunken paths so supportive of penetration, thick curtains formed by the timber Houssière, extending for miles from the road Virginal in Braine-le-Comte , bypassing the shelf behind Virginal-Ronquières, until the High Houssière and Charly-Bois, softwood Horrues, behind the ridge northeast of Ecaussinnes; Escaille of wood, other West Feluy halfway Marche-lez-Ecaussinnes Seneffe, three miles further south along the wood Courrières, west of Familleureux. But
month March, the vegetation is well advanced Probably meadows, fields of wheat and beet does not constitute an obstacle to progress, and sight. But the trees are leafy poplars, along the Canal el many trees in the countryside do not allow to make observation difficult.
In addition, the area assigned to the 32nd Division, has many paths to the service firm, is crossed by very high roads from east to west, north road Ittre Virginal Braine-le-Comte, the center, the road south Henripont Ronquières Nivelles, Nivelles road Arquennes Feluy Marche-lez Ecaussinnes. Finally, the two railways, one western edge of the area, the other by cutting down the middle, following the contours of the terrain.
Thus emerges in its general lines, this vast plateau, cut very, very wooded, between Hennuyères-Virginal the north and south Familleureux Seneffe, bordered on the west by the railway from Braine-le-Comte and east by the channel, it curved sharply to Arquennes el Ronquières, these two points constitute a positive step forward for the start of the assailants. We will see that they fail to use them.
All in all, a hard ground to defend not only the magnitude of the distances assigned to the units, but especially by extreme fragmentation and the difficulty of observation. I still remember in the late afternoon of May l5, full installation of the troops, a captain, certainly full of good will, that after cutting the area assigned, just for a way to record, but also critical and warning, to see if there N is no way to make some tightening, exclaiming with a troop strength gestures: "But they are crazy! ... What do they want us to do? I have three miles to cover with my company (which was 700 to 800.mètres for a group of 10 to 12 men and one submachine gun). That do you want me to do a site like this? > He just said, but the situation does not allow to take other measures.
The distribution of the troops.
The three infantry regiments are on the front line: the north, 143, Virginal Ronquières at the center of Ronquières (excluded) in Arquennes {} included the 7th to the south, 122, of Arquennes (excluded ) Seneffe. Each is 5 to 7 kilometers of front. The connection is made to the North with the British army, for the 143 on the south by the 122 with the 43rd Division, which was brought in to cover the right of the First Army. The direct support artillery 175) divides a group to each infantry regiment of the 3rd to the 2nd 143 at 122. Battery anti-tank spread over the whole front should prohibit the major crossing points. The heavy artillery of action set up the fifth group in the north-east of Ecaussinnes d'Enghien, the sixth group of the western edge of the Bois Houssière and south of Highway Ronquières Braine.
Riders (38th group) are in the vicinity of Little Roeulx-lez-Braine, able to stand, or north of Virginal to the left of 143, for association with the British or South to strengthen or cons attack. The Engineering prepares destruction to impede the crossing of the canal. Services remained on the west Braine-le-Comte. During the day of May l5, it continues the installation of the units, and infantry elements begins trench, nothing was known in this corner of the front, the exact conditions of mobile warfare conducted by other tanks.
The morale of our troops.
He was certainly good. Without doubt, the first bombs of the aircraft were very surprised, and had no friends during those early days, had painfully affected.
But our soldiers, for the most part, had already experienced the ordeal of war during their stay in Lorraine, and time spent at rest and instruction in the region of cambridge, had not erased the memory of the harsh conditions where they had lived for months in winter. But what was hitting them much, since it was three days of incessant ebb civilians and troops. 12, crossing the border, had been stirred Belgian and French flags as they passed, as a sign of enthusiasm, to greet rescuers. Now, it was a sad spectacle, this incredible column of refugees, first on-highway, passenger cars and trucks laden with people, and often protected watchin, against the bullets of aviation large trucks four wheels coupled several horses, and crammed with supplies and clothes, and old men and women and children, in a confusion explained by the feverish haste of departure. On secondary roads, although other columns of refugees, even more dismal; quelques.uns on foot, sometimes pushing that car to entant which a wheelbarrow, carrying suitcases and bundles, most bicycle, heavily loaded, all fleeing the battle, carrying with them look full of anxiety the first echo of that terrible war that drove them from home. Dear friends from Belgium, why you call them, these hours of anguish and woe to you who have so heavily focused on weight if not to understand the morale of our soldiers could only be painfully affected by this sight so unexpected for them. And yet the advantage pained reflux Belgian troops first, announcing the abandonment of the Albert Canal, and French, which left no doubt, nor on the outcome of the battle ahead of them, to east of Charleroi canal, nor on the appalling conditions that aircraft and tanks, were now in action.
the morning of May 16
Here on the morning of May l6, manages an agenda of General BILLOTTE commanding the 1st Army Group, giving a quick indication on the general situation, and directing the defensive "no thought of retreat" on the line drawn in broad strokes that passes east of Brussels, the Belgian capital to cover the west of the canal from Charleroi (the same ridge line where we will install), and suddenly curves into French territory to Maubeuge.
What had happened? After reading this agenda, it was consternation among us. Until then, we did not know the tragic gravity of the overall situation of the French Armies. The sight of troops flowing back positions located in front of us, toward the Dyle, we learned that the enemy was pressing steadily towards the border. We knew that the defense provided on the Albert Canal did not last long. But we ignored the most serious. For several intersections, and liaison officers of the army, we soon find out in the 9th Army Coralpe is pressed, crossing the Meuse at Dinant Mezieres, and already the Germans are trying to cut back the army of the North towards the Channel. Later we learn that at the same date, May l6, some units are German tanks on the outskirts of Cambrai, and that on May l7 Havrincourt Township, near Cambrai, the latest elements in us left on 14, is occupied by the enemy.
After the first movement of surprise, it pulled himself together. Colonel Dubois, Chief of Staff, shall prepare an agenda for the diversion, communicating the essence of the agenda of General Billotte and urging the troops to do their duty bravely to the positions they occupy, and "no thought of retreat>>. A copy is sent to each company, to be read that evening to all men. We here in the atmosphere of the battle, bombing aircraft have continued on the outskirts of the canal and the gunfire getting closer.
Around 11 am, General the Laurencie, commanding the 3rd Army Corps, has flatly declared: "The 1st Division is volatilized mechanics, you'll replace the device in the 3rd Corps>>
Thus, as from this time The 32nd Division will deliver the fight, part of the Corps, while so far, she reported directly to the Army. In the afternoon, and late at night, retreating troops keep coming, and on the forehead of 122, south of Nivelles, the 1st Moroccan Division continues to decline.
PART
The May 17
is the day when going fierce battles take place, till a late hour of the night. We wanted to make the reef as accurate as possible, examine all the evidence from official documents - called Market Journalism - Held for the Units asset (Army Corps, Division, Regiment. ..) to reports and letters provided by the performers themselves, whatever their rank was. We have consulted extensively on site in Paris at the Historical Service of the Army that we generously opened its archives and we reserved the addition of more gracious welcome at the Chateau de Vincennes. I do not think we Unsurprisingly, I resume here, on another form the testimony of the 7th Infantry Regiment, who carried on that day the heaviest burden.
The following table will show that these reviews cover the whole regiment, they can reconstruct the essence of coaching in the order of battle. It seems fair to highlight them because they enable people to find all the features accurate and detailed the day. What if, despite all the care taken to try to be complete, it is possible, I would even say that some normal points have been overlooked, forgotten names, and actions being brave not listed, we apologize. It's not too late, moreover, to know them, and we gratefully receive any information relevant to the truth of the story. But as it stands, it gives, I believe, the true face of battle.
- For ease of exposition, we will take in each of the following chapters, the chronological order of events in the student by Infantry Regiment (the technical term is sub-sectors, which means the land to be defended by a regiment ), and North to South: 143rd, 7th, 122. We certainly do not want to forget the higher levels, or other weapons, and we do not perceive good reading. But the infantry is not she \u0026lt;Queen of Battles, "or more precisely, the main executor. In fact, all weapons must contribute to the action of infantry, which on the ground, we shall see, will defend it with valor. With
map unfolded before me, the reader can easily - we hope - to follow the presentation.
The concern for accuracy would he have the disadvantage of making the story too fragmentary, to break up and cut, in a sense, the unity of the day? We do not want. Both
, let us introduce immediately a general overview, and the region to defend and fight. The area to defend
Based on the operations order No. 95 of the First Army, dated May 16 (12:45), received 16 hours, which required to keep the channel position-position Charleroi Resistance Army - and defend it all costs' until further notice u, Maj. General. Division gives the order (operation order No. 3) to hold:
-on the main line of resistance, West slopes, Canal de Charleroi, with the dam on the canal.
-stop on the line, the line-Farm Sarlain Virginal 'Coast 113, Closes Escaille, Our Lady of Walcot (1600 meters west of Seneffe).
The Fight. The newspaper
walk from the Division, and regiments, distinguish three phases:
1. - From dawn until midday. Outreach across the forehead.
Crossing-Vains tests north and center.
enemy infiltration in the south (Region-Feluy Arquennes).
2. - In the afternoon, until about l8 hours. Fierce fighting on the resistance line. The enemy goes
Canal at several points, penetrated into our lines. The center held by the 7th - see the most violent engagements. The enemy advance can be maintained. The order fallback on the track of Ecaussinnes is given to 18h.
3. - In the evening, and center mainly on fighting the stop line; cons-attacks to slow the enemy advance, the general situation (not just the 32nd) requires the Army to give the order to withdraw General on the Dender, 20 hours. This order immediately forwarded by the General Staff of the division, will affect all units.
Fighting isolated
last well into the night, and for some until the morning of May 18
If we seem to put some emphasis to report fighting the 7th RI, c is good because this regiment undergoes the strongest shock, and paid the heaviest price of resistance to the enemy. Cemetery FELUY warn the painful testimony, which has the largest number of graves of soldiers throughout the region. Can there be a more legitimate reason to raise to the same FELUY Memorial sacrifice of our dead. As well, we say our deep gratitude once again to our Belgian friends for their wonderful gesture, so generously made.
On the whole front of the 32nd Division, is making contact, the enemy is testing the waters, trying to cross the Channel. The most activity is on the front of the South Battalion (7th R W), where he was take off before noon, while on the rest of the Canal, he failed to pass.
studied the various sub-sectors, from North to South (see map).
l. - Region-Ronquières Virginal.
It is held by the 143rd Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Imbert. North of the regiment, we recall, the association with the British Army, which will prove difficult, moreover, is provided by the Divisional Cavalry (38th GRDI) deployed along a front of eight kilometers, this group of cavalry is also responsible for keeping the bridges and Clabecq Oisquerq, north of Virginal. And there he collects items 2nd Division North Africa, who retreated.
At 143, the North End is occupied by the 2nd Battalion. (Commander OJEU), even the outskirts of Virginal, the southern district (Ronquières) by the First Battalion (Commander CROS). The 3rd Battalion (Cornmandant CARBONNEL) is subject to Division Hennuyères-Ardennes, in the woods of North Haudremont.
At dawn on 17, the scouts Lieutenant Tourrel motorcycle, driven from the l6 at night beyond the Channel, up to height of Nivelles, signals the approach of enemy motorized units. The last troops of the 2nd Division North Africa complete their withdrawal, to the bridges mined to advance are destroyed by the Corps, but their incomplete destruction, will not be an absolute barrier to the crossing by the enemy in the course of the afternoon.
From 7 pm, light armored vehicles come before the bridges with the guns of Section 25 of the Sub-Lieutenant ASSENS in demolishing some of the other fold. Soon after, German infantry elements reach the eastern edge of the canal, and are immediately taken under fire from the infantry and artillery. This will make fire ban l0 to l2 hours, on the whole front of the two battalions, about five kilometers - about five times the normal front of a group artillery. - The effectiveness is diminished. However, across the width required by the 143rd, the channel is not taken all morning.
2. - The Region Ronquières - Feluy - Arquennes.
The 7th is the sub-sector. Liaison with the 143rd (Lieutenant Vidal) is provided by 2 mixed groups under Captain CHRISTIAN, Company of the 11th, the regiment is at the center of the 32nd Division on a front of 9 km, if one follows Canal, which is described in this place a double curve, with two recesses, there are seven bridges or gateways, 8 locks, and is reported in the canal, barges abandoned a quarantine. It's a lot, and trying to pass the enemy, who will quickly realize the benefits.
Colonel Paquelier disposed, because of the breadth of his forehead, the three battalions in line, and in each; device in a triangle: two companies first step, the stop line (as companies gear distributed between these three companies by the battalion commander) which, if necessary, may allow the maneuver within the battalion. These measures show a strong sound.
The Command Post Regiment (abbreviated to PC, we often find these two letters) is located Western Wood Horrues and south of the farm Poirier, near a crossroads that makes connections easier. The battalions will follow in the order of table-cons, taking in the South or North, if you will, from left to right.
THE NORTH BATAILLQN (3rd Battalion), while German-elements have been reported from 16 May to 20 hours in a grove along the canal, 17, 6 hours, enemy aircraft appear on whole front, at 6:30, an artificial fog rises over the canal. and 7 pm, a lively fusillade extends to the left at the front of the 143rd, new features enemies infiltrate the wood to the Canal. At 8 o'clock, a German motorized column of eleven vehicles, appears in the north-east Ronquières, the friendly artillery, were informed immediately, triggering his shot and the material is dropped by the Germans, the shot was precise. For small columns, the German infantry, the value of a battalion, crossing the ridge east of the canal, heading southeast {Arquennes).
THE BATTALION CENTER (1st Battalion), up to 10 hours, it's quiet, the enemy approached the canal, and to l0 hours, a few isolated trying to cross, using ropes, tree trunks, and gateways; artillery because of heavy losses. The Germans do not insist.
BATTALION IN SOUTH (2nd Battalion), for 6 hours, before the 7th Co., Lt. VALOT, Sergeant GALLERAND points:
"The latest French tanks, Divisions that fold, cross the bridge that the engineers could protect Belgian far. You can see the Germans approaching; machine guns to take full gusts; enemy mortars (Minen) meet. A German plane flew over the positions, and soon pass bombers at low altitude. Machine gun fire seemed to come very close>>. A 6 h.45, the I05 and 150 Germans bombed the whole neighborhood south at 7 am, intense gunfire. At 7 pm 20, tanks, preceded by a tricolor cockade Somua, open to the west of Arquennes, approach channel, attack Section DESCHAMPS, trying to pass a swing bridge that jumps around 7 Arquennes h.30. The bridge, badly eroded, is not destroyed. At 9 o'clock, Lieutenant VALOT indicates that 5 brindis gear head to the bridge and the lock and not destroyed between arquennes Feluy. They opened fire on the group of machine guns and a rifle squad in Section Deschamps. Around 9 pm 30, crossed by some light elements makeshift bridge and, protected by tanks. To l0 hours, other elements, taking advantage of the slope, depth of five to six meters, cross the lock and between Arquennes Feluy and storm Corporal COURIEÂUD group, which suffered heavy losses. The struggle began soon, very lively, which will last until the afternoon. Staff Sergeant Schmidt, commanding the 2nd platoon of the 7th Co., to clear the section Deschamps (4th section), leads a cons-attack: he was killed. Before the group BONNIGEOL the enemy approaches the village, captured the gardens, near the parsonage Sergeant BONNlGEOL cons-attack, resumed the gardens, but is driven out again. The left section of the 7th Co. folds.
The enemy has a foothold on the west bank of the canal seepage in the valley continue Daublaine, between 7th and 1st Coy Coy Centre. PATEL Captain of the 6th Co, which is back on the line to stop the signals from the Petit Moulin, Blain, Mariemont farm, farm Luipré. Busy units are taken prisoner and is about l2 h30.
The fight was severe. In a group of machine guns, all officers and men were killed or seriously injured, except one. "I feel we have turned," wrote Sergeant GALLERAND, in eight, we were both unarmed, no ammunition for the revolver 92, and a pistol without a firing pin and {despite reports). Our guns were silent: the Germans rushing to the bridge from the lock, they go, they arrive on our already back in the factory. CABEAU pulls and gets killed by a bullet in the forehead. The Germans jumped into the pasture. A hand grenade hard PERROT. It pulls us from behind. I disassemble and reassemble the machine gun, and gusty in full, I pulled on the lock. Behind us, in the pasture, perhaps the equivalent of a section. The Germans shouting " rendezvous Fleuriet saute.sur the towpath. I empty a box before last charger, and take the same path. The Germans are pulling me like a rabbit. I meet and Mongenot SCHMIDT. I turn GRÂPPINET, shoulder injury, is not there.
Mongenot rush and go get the bullets' GRAPPlNET had been shot full belly MANGENOT him back. He was dressed ...
Despite strong defense, which shows an example in this testimony, the enemy has on the front of the 2nd Battalion, successfully crossed the Channel, and begin his infiltration, but he will face strong resistance early in the afternoon ' La.7e Co. (Lieutenant VALOT) will brilliantly his duty to the end. We shall see to presently. Let us remember that only in this corner fighting continues without interruption.
3. - The Region of Anspach in Seneffe
is the sub-sector assigned at 122, but a skeletal regiment, as the '. Said Lt. Col. Rolland, who has established his command, to Chellerie (West Seneffe). In fact, it only has the 2nd Battalion, and the field level.
recall that the 3rd Battalion (Captain ARBOLA) is subject to division in the region south of the Bois de Houssière, behind Henripont, and that l Battalion (Commander Vacquier) ', from 15 in the morning was taken to Auto in Charleroi to keep bridges. Sambre, and strengthen the 43rd Division, sent to defend the right flank of the lst Army, highly threatened.
Not only dislocated a regiment, but he soon the orders of the 4th Army Corps with the lst Division Moroccan, or rather what remains as it was completely disorganized. We try to bring such legal cutting of the 122nd Division 32'E, will make the command and 'bonds roughly difficult. In vain, the 122nd will become the 4th Corps, including the retirement in the late afternoon. With a workforce
barely louder than a battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Rolland will defend a front of more than five kilometers. The commander of the 2nd Battalion (Commander MONTAL) has disposé.les 3 companies online, from north to south along the Canal: the 5th, 7th, 6th. His PC is Scrawelle.
A hole exists on the right 122, and must establish the link. Elements of the 3rd Cavalry Division Mechanics (General LANGLOIS) are sent to the region Marange
Few events in the morning. \u0026lt;Around 7 am, said Capt. Vincent, the shooting begins on the left. It's on forehead of the 7th Battalion South RI before us, the infantry accompanying German seeks to approach the banks of the Canal and is decimated by the fire of our guns; German tanks arrive, come and go, pull on our positions , machine guns and cannon, for hours, they will take us to the party, without our anti-tank guns can respond, and mortars 8l not more effective. " At 1:00, the 2nd Battalion Maj. phone \u0026lt;Detachment enemy armored vehicles including occupies crête.500 meters east of the canal, request artillery provided. " But the firing of the first group of the 3rd Artillery not impede the progress of this new enemy wave to the channel. At l0 am, the battalion Larcher, the 22nd Regiment of Algerian infantry, retreating in the region held by l22 to be grouped in the region Ecaussinnes - Wood Houssière, and kept the orders of the 32nd Division .
In the morning on the front held by the 122, despite its size, the Canal could be crossed.
CHAPTER IV. - GENERAL ATTACK .
By early afternoon, the enemy who has already gained a foothold in the South zone, and began its infiltration into our lines, go, on all points front, developing his attack, but with particular violence against the party held by the 7th, which it will, writes Colonel Paquelier \u0026lt;day test>>. First heavy artillery bombardments and air force, then to l5 hours, the general attack in the three sub-sectors and a fierce attack up the order to withdraw, given to l8 hours, to bring back-track railway Ronquières - Ecaussinnes.
l. - In-Region Virginal Ronquières (143rd).
Lieutenant Souillot (2nd Battalion, 7th Co.) said, about l3-hour rally Infantry German ridges, east of the canal, and convey to them the ravines. Himself attacked by the firing off of enemy artillery, remains with his section along the canal in the loop, north of Ronquières. Several attempts
Crossing backed by tanks, to Ronquières bridge, bridge and Locks Virginal, are blocked, the Germans do not insist. Towards
l5 hours the situation will change. The enemy artillery resumed shelling along the whole front, from the deck of Oisquerq the north, held by our men of the 38th GRDl which can prevent the progression of enemy infantry, under the covered numerous and dense, or crossing the canal, but comes to the net block by firing automatic weapons. Our 75 obstructive. On this point, at night, the enemy could lead to the canal.
The right flank of 143 begins to be threatened, because of the increasing decline of the elements of the 11th Coy 7eoù engaged for a few hours the big fight '
2. - In-Region Ronquières Feluy-Arquennes
All reports stress the violence of the cornbats afternoon
Let the order of the battalions
NORTH, THE 3RD BATTALION
is the l0th Co. (Captain DEPIERRE) who suffered the first shock. After the bombing by artillery and air force, Lieutenant TORRACHI, which controls the left section, along the canal, in conjunction with the 143rd, said that to l3h. the Germans tried to go through the lock No. l, by hiding their movement through smoke grenades and shells. Our shots make him suffer heavy losses, managed to pass the lonely, regroup, concentrate their efforts on the right of the field, defended by Lieutenant TORRACHI, managed to isolate sections of the first step, cut all connection with the 11th Co. The l0th is already in poor posture. A
l4 hours, order is given in Section frank 3rd Battalion (Lieutenant LAROCHE) cons of attack. Section reaches the last row of hedges, approximately 50 meters from the farm specified as the goal of cons-attack. Front right, sharp shooting, explosions. A German section is moving in the valley along the hedges.
Warrant HOLLOW ordered the shooting, the enemy withdrew. LA ROCHE-section will move to the farm, put on the defensive. The German artillery watered farm and pasture surrounding it, automatic weapons, which draw closer by Gust. To l5 hours, the Captain of the 9th GABLE Co. is studying the situation to take all appropriate measures. While l0th Co. folds, infiltration occurs at the 11th CIE between Section 2 and the PC Company, said that the aspirant MICHAUX l4 to 30 pm, two German tanks appear on the right, German groups come under the covers, climb trees, take away the gun. Towards
l6 h.45, the fulcrum of the 11th Co. is suddenly invested.
CENTER, 1ST BATTALION
In the hard fighting taking place there, one can, according to all reports, two distinct phases:
- from noon till about 4:00: enemy advance
- l6 l8 hours hours: cons-delay attacks.
noon, upon this area as the area north and southern zone of intense bombardment by aircraft and artillery are reported thirty aircraft bombing and dive-machine gun. The
Lieulenant BRONIMANN the 3rd Co., said that when the Germans occupy 12h.20 a farm near the canal, 60 meters from his company in the western part of the loop on the other side of the Castle the ROCQ, there is indeed, in this corner, a crossing below the channel that facilitates the crossing, especially since it opens to the west, on paths in range and there are also two locks . Were défruites or not? The sketch that accompanies the report Warrant MALLET, of the 1st Co., (4th section) indicates that the Germans tried to outflank, and the right and the left, this implies two points of infiltration. A l2 h.30, you pull of the farm on Section 2 of the 3rd Co., and the group DEMICOURT folds. The enemy advance into the sunken road, turn section, and the shooting committed on both sides.
At 13 hours, an enemy battery installed on the heights east of the canal to beat the western slopes. A l3 h.15, 3rd Co., which seeks the link on the left, finds no troop of l0th Co. A l3 h.30, a new German band - a dozen men-pass the lock's Hamlet Warte, north of the castle ROCQ, is runs south through the canal.
The enemy advances using the covered and the valleys. A l4 h. the observer of the 2nd Co. (Lieutenant BLECH} which is the stop position, said enemies to about 600 meters southeast of Côte 113; an hour later, north-eastern coast L19, along a line of birches we observe the enemy advance. Meanwhile, about l4 h.30, other troops have crossed the channel between the first and third companies.
Our guns are trying to delay their advance near Hamlet of Warte. Lieutenant Almy was fatally wounded at his post.
Towards l4 h.30 again, comes the report of the 2nd Battalion, south, stating he is overwhelmed by the north, at the 7th Co. The situation becomes serious. Infantry fire repeat the Germans involve their "Minen> (mortars).
And here again, artillery and aircraft. A l6 h. 15, note BRONIMANN Lieutenant, he must praise the accuracy, Lieutenant DELPHIN, although already wounded, wanted to stand in the frontline.
DELPHIN arrives sweaty: "The situation is untenable, just broke". À.se bring it into the forefront, and to l6 h. 15, in close combat, he is mortally wounded.
A hole has been left at the 3rd Co., where the section Second Lieutenant JACQUOT-cons will attack soon, and its leader to be killed.
Lieutenant LESLOURDY, at the same time, is overwhelmed by the south, because of the advance between the 2nd and 1st Battalion. At 16:30, Lieutenant BORNIMANN further notes, in terse terms, they reflect his impotence: "Two groups of Germans are behind us, 200 meters. At 16 h 30, I'm stuck with my men (Section 2), the fourth section and the command section of the company (3rd Co.) are also trapped. "
Fighting is not so far done, we come to the second phase: the cons-attack, to stop infiltration between the two enemy battalions. The mission was entrusted to Lieutenant FAGOT at 16 h.45. he must stop the enemy on the ridge 119, which passes the stop line of the battalion. The friendly artillery intervenes, but his shot badly adjusted - and how to know the exact position of enemy troops in the confusion that comes complete? - Do not let them reach locations occupied by our troops. A
l7 pm 30, the group still holds the position FAGOT, when enemies approach the eastern slopes of the ridge, 200 men enlisted in the glaze on the coast 119, and were soon stopped by heavy losses. Our artillery fire - 75 and 155 .- supporting our infantrymen. Standing, Lt. GAULT rule firing, he is beaten to death. A
l8 hours, the era is completely turned Co., where to l8h.10, comes the order to retreat behind the line-Ronquières Ecaussinnes, 1'ordre can not, alas, be received from units already outdated, and that are left to their own fate, to fight again in the evening, the front lines.
The order received by Captain BIDU at l8 h. l0:
"Order of Maj. Regiment 1 Battalion: Have been instructed by the Commanding General, Division of folding elements of the 7th IR on track Ronquières in Ecaussinnes. The will, the minimum at Ford of Dimes Wattriamont-up to the edge of Ecaussinnes D'ENGHIEN. The items will be folded rallied on this line
1st Battalion: North-Ecaussinnes D'ENGHIEN north to half of the sector;
3rd Battalion on the north to Ford, 2nd Battalion
: on reserve in the Southeast Farm Frieuré. PC
Regiment Farm South-East Frieuré.
The downtrend will take place in steps, and immediately. "
This order, given the PC at 17 h.45 Regiment, was able to quickly reach the 1st Battalion, which the PC is only 200 meters from the PC's Regiment, west of Wood Horrues. The 3rd Battalion (North) may be affected by the order. The 2nd Battalion is not the Commander PARGADE having brought to the eastern edge of the woods west of the Farm Escaille his PC, because the thrust of the enemy. We will see all at the time it will become.
Thus, in the afternoon of 17, the 1st Battalion suffered extremely violent impact, but it was fiercely defended. Remember only the death of Lieutenant Almy, about l4 h. 30; of Lieutenanf DELPHIN at l6 h. l5; Lieutenant GAULIER, about l8 hours ... Three officers, about a quarter of the workforce ... and we do not know exactly the number of noncommissioned officers or soldiers wounded or killed in action in those few hours. The prisoners were numerous, but for the most part, taken at night or the next morning ..
SOUTH, THE 2ND BATTALION . If enemy elements have already infiltrated in the morning, and were able to move between the 2nd and 1st Battalions, the 7th and 5th Co. still hold the line of resistance.
recall the attacks against the BONNIGÉOL Sergeant of Sergeant Schmidt, who was killed while trying to clear the section of Sub-Lieutenant DESCHAMPS. L3 to hours, the enemy's progress is continuous, despite the firing of "Minen" - At 13:30, Lieutenant VALOT brings together survivors of the 2nd and 3rd sections, and runs a third-cons attack, takes the field, exceeds the body SCHMIDT, dispersed a second group of Germans, strongly resists opposed to any progress, despite three bombings, and several enemy attacks. He manages to bring out what is left of the 7th Co. about to be surrounded, and the enemy flows back towards the canal
Hear the story really tragic Sergeant GALLERAND (3rd section): "The afternoon was more confused. The front had changed direction, we set out to occupy a wooded knoll dominating our old positions, Schmidt walked in front, and he saw a shadow behind a tree. He shouted: "French or German? "Replied a ball. He fell crossing the neck, dead. His men retreated.
"The German tanks trying to break. The guns of 25 to halt the net-I hear gunfire in the forest above. BOURGEOIS, DEVAILLERE, Laroya are killed at their guns mitrailleur.-I-back in a hurry. When I arrive on location Borrgeois arises a German group, yelling, bayonets fixed, almost blank, the sergeant put me in plays and draws. I do not know how providence protected me. I saw all red and ran into a brick hut. I began to stack the wood on my body. The hut was dark and a German came in, fired. The German left.
"The dam of 155 then fell on the neighborhood. Extinct, I fell asleep and I woke up around 9 o'clock in the evening. I was starving and staggering like a drunken man. I searched a house without finding anything. I was going to lie down on a bed when I heard in the street was taken by two French German bayonets, I was picked up and joined them ... .
That fact, in these early morning hours 1'après, 5th Co., further south, in the loop Arquennes? Fiercely contested since the morning, it vigorously resists. A l5 hour, the Germans held the bridge area of Arquennes, and are on the west bank, we see others who take the channel under the railway bridge, with bicycles, German machine guns sweep without ceases the road, says the Aspirant LANOIR, a French armored car and an occupant approaching wonder to help clear the bridge. It is a little over 15 hours.
Up l6 hours, a bit of appeasement. A l6 hours, new
Bombing; to l6 h.15, the planes reappear. Retry progression; the eastern edge of Feluy, where the enemy succeeded in infiltrate, as it appears on the flank, "said Lieutenant VALOT always stood by his position, a heavy fire from all weapons cause massive losses among the enemy, and Lieutenant PILLARD adds:" Our units resisted stubbornly. " But there are also many wounded and dead in the ranks of the 7th Co.
In Group 2 (3rd Section), Sergeant Strohl resists Petit Moulin, severely bombed by aircraft. Badly wounded in the head by a burst which reaches in the face, he succumbed shortly thereafter. And Staff Sergeant GALLERAND added: "Louis was killed beside him,
HUGON received a grenade into the side and died drained of blood in the night. Cuzol had his thigh broken. Thery had been injured in the afternoon by the dam of 155. It was a massacre for this group! After
l6 h. 30, rush events, the link is cut between the 7th and 5th Co.; what remains of the two companies is turned. At the 5th Co., the Aspirant LANOIR was taken prisoner to l7 hours: "Enemy soldiers appear on the fulcrum of the section, strafed with heavy weapons near the line of railway to Arquennes Seneffe el soon shoot us caught in the crossfire, we are forced to make. " Second Lieutenant is made DESCHAMPS prisoner, too.
AI 7 pm 30, the group VALOT, the 7th Co., died in Feluy, where the streets are busy. Yet Lieutenant will do that later. "A l8 hours, with only 4 men (I had 3 killed, 2 wounded, 3 missing), 2 chargers submachine gun, submachine gun jammed. and a few cartridges per man, I give the order to cease resistance.
Overwhelmed by two battle groups, and a group of German machine guns, 19 hours, a support company makes us prisoners. " And he adds: "At 21 o'clock we're locked in cars, walking into the station Feluy: 200 men, 4 cars : There are soldiers of the 122nd, the 7th (over 100, including 20 of the 7th company). " Further north
Feluy, growth was very strong and threatens to turn ra stop line of the 2nd Battalion. At 17:30, the enemy is already on the way to the headquarters of the Regiment, which passes near the Escaille, where the PC of the 2nd Battalion.
Any link is cut, to 17 hours, between the 5th Battalion and Co., and at 17:45 with the Regiment. Yet at the same time, the battalion commander with the idea of cons-attack towards Daublaine, he organizes a position défensse in conjunction with a section of the 43rd RI with 122, located to its right.
The order to withdraw can only be received by the battalion commander who, under enemy pressure to move your PC a few hundred meters to the meter, West, it is cut off from the regiment.
: rl is cut Regiment * v Yuv'L
3. - In the Region of Anspach-Seneffe . The Battalion
.2 CCDT MONTAL} is affected by the shock suffered by the battalion of 7th to gauche.Il reports that around 12:15, the elements of the 7th jostled a few hours ago, resulting in their withdrawal fraction of the 5th Co. in association with the 7th. Towards 13heures, Germans have crept north and south of his battalion. But it has yielded nothing on the line of the channel must keep. The artillery support did a great job in front of the canal, where the tanks appear again. But soon the firing battery-cons are doing to our artillery heavy losses and reduce its power. A
l4 h. 30, under enemy pressure, .5 th, 7th, 6th. Cies begin to fold, because of the threat on the left flank. The Battalion Chief
reform its unity around Castle Scrawelle. CREPIN Colonel commanding the infantry of the 1st Moroccan Division, said that Colonel Cordier, Cdr. The 2nd Regiment of Fusiliers Moroccans will find at short notice, with some units of Moroccans in the southern region Feluy to clear this area. Indeed, 17 hours, the commander of the 122 meeting Colonel Cordier. But you learn the strong advance of the Germans who turned Feluy the west, and the gravity of the situation on the whole sub-center area.
The proposed operation with the 2nd RTM will not occur. Nevertheless, the 2nd Battalion continues, until l8 hours, near the Castle Scrawelle and enemy pressure is not felt. On. West bank of the canal. Because the violent battle takes place on the front of the 7th, and will last well into the night.
added that the 122 having passed the orders of 4'e Corps order withdrawal Ronquières-Ecaussinnes has not been communicated '
CHAPTER III. - THE BATTLE OF THE EVENING
After the order to withdraw, given by the General commanding the Division, on the line of rail-Ronquières Ecaussinnes. for the consolidation of the fighting will continue, first in the area previously defended, where units have not received orders. Colonel Paquelier noted in his report: "A l9 hours, beginning the decline by the 1st and 3rd Battalions. The units of the 1st level of these battalions are fighting again, and surrounded can be affected by the order, officers are sent transrnission
killed or injured again, resuming the story in order of sub-sectors and the chronological order, from l8 hours.
l. - In the Region Virginal - Ronquières
North of 143, the cavalry of the 32nd Division, which liaises with the British army is in charge, 20 hours, cover the left of 143, which seems threatened. During the night, every connection will be broken with the 32nd Division. Thanks to Colonel Sevez, the 13th Regiment of Algerian infantry, the order of general retreat westward from 38 GRDI is known to be restore, as all of the Division, behind the cut of the Dender.
At 143, from l8 h.30, there is a decline in the north 'to Virginal, the situation worsens, communications. are broken with the PC and General General Alaurent LUCAS soon h30 l9 and 20 hours forward, the PC of the Regiment is not connected with the units on the channel. Furthermore, we announce to the colonel commanding the 203rd heavy artillery - the 32nd Division - a group of reinforcement provided by the 3 l8th; one starts looking for him on the left side of 143, where it was announced, we finds no troop. The 318th is folded s directly on the road to Mons, we must bring in Braine-le-Comte. The situation becomes critical in the north. Colonel of 143 decided to organize a support to Hennuyères, it must rely on the few infantry forces he had left the artillery support _ the mistletoe rest of the FDR group no longer, h15 to 20, only 6 shells and heavy artillery of 203 (Group 6) takes his last gargouses, performing a shot off in front of the railway-Ronquières Ecaussinnes
The order of general downturn arrives Colonel at 22 h. 30.
the 1st Battalion (Commander CROS) near Ronquières, many units have could be achieved by the first order of withdrawal, which prescribed to regroup behind the track and they are fighting on their sites of struggle until the morning, where the survivors will be captured. Lieutenant Signolle, 2nd Co., fall itself, serving as rifle.
Lieutenant Souillot, the 7th Co., receives his battalion commander, in person, the order of general retreat. Until then, he had held his position with his section. Almost alone on the ground, the section is folded up, walking all night on the road to Mons. Are you one represents what it means, this night march, harassing, for tired soldiers depressed st the battle of yesterday, without refueling and forced to retreat, the heart as empty as his stomach. All
not fold without equipment and without weapons. I remember that I was called precisely Beloeil with two soldiers from the 143rd placed on a stretcher, and the doctor said I lost staff. And as I asked the latter what injury they had received \u0026lt;
I gave them absolution, in the day, I went to inquire about their fate, they had been brought in an abandoned house in a clean bed, with clean white sheets. One of them was in agony. The other was able to regain his strength. I hope this day saved. I want to know his name and address ... tribute to him for keeping his retirement, while his "kit" and its weapons, but at what cost fatigues! So it is true that withdrawing our troops abandoned all, a stampede is distraught ... And we cite the example was repeated many times? Do not forget.
2. - In the region Ronquières - Feluy-Arquennes.
We left everything did earlier, the 7th to 18 hours, when the order to retire him was given to bring back Ecaussinnes Enghien.
We know that all units could not get it.
the 3rd Battalion (North Cdt. POCH) Co. asked the 11th at 18 o'clock, when she knows nothing about ordered retreat, a cons-clearing attack. In vain, and for good reason. Only the soldier has 19heures AMARE, the 11th Co., brings the order to retreat, and at 19.15, Maj.. POCH the captain informed the BERGUIERE, the company's gear from the 3rd Battalion. Capt. CHRISTIAN could not get time, he was taken prisoner at 20 h.15. A 2l hours, and Lieutenants DELARUE FANTON after have all been exhausted or destroyed, must travel in turn. During the night, the prisoners are brought to this corner of Nivelles, where Captain CHRISTIAN found nearly 300 men of the 7th. Happier in the night, Captain GABLE, the 9th Co. succeeds with small items to cross enemy lines and can not find the 7th, but with other units, to retreat, to Calais.
BATTALION IN CENTRAL (1) - Cdr. BIDU order received by Maj. at l8 h. 10, the withdrawal Ecaussinnes, is immediately communicated to the units of the first level .. All could not get it. A l8 h.15, the Aspirant MALLET, of the Co, which knows nothing. Of the order to retire and who has-l8 hours, is under fire from the enemy, coming from behind, decides to go out to the ridge 119, it was again swept by enemy fire, a group of German reform to 300 yards away, and progress continues on enemy positions in the 1st Co. But here, we will fight until the end. The farm where the PC is the Lieutenant. LESLOURDY, commander of the 1st Co. is in turn taken by automatic weapons fire. Lieutenant gave the order to Porter to the slope to 20 meters 1y farm across the road, he was mortally wounded. It is h'l5 l9. It The fourth officer of the 1st Battalion, which in this day du17mai falls to battle stations. Dare we even say that the officers gave the example of flight? ... These four certainly not with heroism is exemplary. At the 2nd
Co. (Lieutenant BLECH), the stop line, a violent shootout comes from the line of birches, to the ridge 119; Horrues the hamlet was destroyed by bombing, what remains of the 9th Co. folds on the left of the 2nd Co., the enemy advancing to the west of Côte 113. The detachment of the 2nd timer Co. folds his turn he held his ground until 11:40 am. At 19 pm
30, Battalion Chief leaves his PC and went to Ecaussinnes Enghien. Until that time, the line he had to defend has been held, but the losses were terrible, and two thirds of the workforce engaged is lost, many prisoners and killed many more. Any resistance is not over yet: Sub-Lieutenant ROSENBERG, of the 1st Co., reported that about 20 h. 15, he still heard the firing of infantry. That the Sub-Lieutenant FAGOT that folds with the survivors of his attack-cons. At 21 hours, Lieutenant Elechi occupies new sites to the west of Wood Horrues, behind the PC Battalion, he sy continue until about 22 hours to get only at night.
SOUTH, THE 2ND BATTALION
Maj.. Na PARDAGE been affected by the order to withdraw. The farm is the Escaille violently bombed the 6th Co. retreated to the edge of the woods, 400 meters west, where the Battalion Chief was organizing a defensive position. Lieutenant PECHEUX, intelligence officer of the 7th, be sent the order to withdraw, may happen to the farm. He noted donations his report: "Arriving at the farm to the Escaille l9 hours covered table set with four; heating stove; person field kitchen smoking, loose horses, harnessed, eat; near the farm to the north. The post of defense against aircraft, machine guns intact, two men killed on the road side. In a neighboring thicket, I found a small post that tugged relentlessly, and said to belong to the 1st Battalion. Feeling alone, they wanted to withdraw and I told them to wait for orders that were to happen to them ... I had not seen a single man of the 2nd Battalion. And yet these men are not far, just 400 meters westwards. The Battalion Chief sends to l9 h.40, a patrol, the enemy is revealed at 30 meters, the fight begins, Chief of Battalion in the lead, remaining alone in front of the enemy group, some twenty yards away. The enemy was stopped at 300 meters north of the wood. A 2l
h.30, it includes what remains of the 5th and 6th Co., with Captain ROUSTAN and he gives the order to retire, what remains, about 150 men, while the 2nd Battalion, the fifth Workforce barely joined in the night Roeulx Region - Mons. Later in the night, the Commander PARDAGE, which was surrounded in the farm of Escaille, arrived at about 23 hours, the testimony of Lieutenant PILLARD (7th Coy) to join his battalion skeletal. He lost contact with his regiment, which we know nothing since l7 h.45. The 2nd Battalion did find his family in Forest Raismes few days later.
3. - In the Region of Anspach - Seneffe.
On the front of the 2nd Battalion (Maj. MONTAL) to l8 hours, machine gun fire were similar to the PC's Regiment, The enemy does not take long to fill, 600 meters north of Chelleries. At the same time, the order comes to relate what remains of the l22 (2nd Battalion and field level) at the 1st Moroccan Division, which, 2l hours, orders the general retreat. The 2nd Battalion retreated on Erbaut, covering the 43rd Division. But some elements are not affected by this order and until the 1h.30 l8 May, remained in first lines, near the Canal.
Regiment, in retirement, is completely dislocated his 1st Battalion was detached, as we have seen, to defend the bridge over the Sambre at Charleroi, and the 3rd Battalion (Captain ARBOLA) in Reserve Division -cons made the attack in the region of Henri-bridge-la-Houssière to cover the retreat of the 32nd Division. Thus concludes this
s l7 May Day, who lives across the front held by the 32nd Division, harsh attacks from the early hours of the morning till late at night. Following the story, hour by hour, and region by region. The card under your eyes, you could do with mind what the defense was conducted. And how, in the afternoon until about l8 hours, and even after our troops had fought valiantly against the enemy on land they had for keeping "hopeless back), as required by the order Day of General Billotte, recalled by the agenda of LA32 Division on the evening of l6 May
But with heavy losses. Our regiments are dislocated; links disorganized, prisoners, wounded, dead. Especially in the 7th Infantry Regiment, which bore, as has been appreciated, the most violent shock, and who showed heroism. Nearly 100 killed - including 7 officers - and 80 graves Feluy only. and late evening, the workforce, such that it will be consolidated into the night, fell from 2,500 to 800 men around, writes Lieutenant STRAW, the 122nd (CAB 2) who has witnessed the region Arquennes:
"The 7th has suffered a strong German attack after a fierce defense, as evidenced by the number of deaths remained in this corner of Belgian soil." But as said Colonel Paquelier, recalling the sacrifices he made to pay heavily to advance their enemies.
losses inflicted on the Germans that day by the regiment supported by his artillery, were very important. According to the sayings of the people consistent Feluy Arquennes and surrounding farms, the Canal de Charleroi, and its banks from the mid-morning on May 7 I, the Germans evacuated to 19 sub-sectors regiment of the dead and wounded by the truckload. These eyewitnesses encrypt these beads of 1500 to 2,000 men and more. The only Germans buried Feluy (35 bodies found on the ground after the Germans') belong to 9 different courses: which shows the strength of the attack as the 7th Regiment had to undergo.
And we make our own history of these lines 7th RI tribute to his troops, extending it to other defenders of the 32nd Division, "So, in very difficult conditions, facing an enemy superior in numbers and equipment on a front unusually extensive, and in a worst field, the 7th Regiment, May 17, has fulfilled its mission, with heavy losses, thanks to the skill and tenacity of its officers of all grades, discipline, spirit of sacrifice, endurance of all its men, whose attitude in this first major battle (for the majority of the Regiment was the baptism of fire) deserves admiration .
