New-York tribune., 1919-11-09
Story Told
Of Attack Against
Hindenburg Line
Part Carried by the 9th
and 3Oth Divisions i'm
Famous Battle Is Made
Clear to Settle Disputes

WASHINGTON, Nov. S.--An official
summary of operations by the 9th and
Both divisions against the Hindenburg
line, between September 27 and Octo-
Der l, 1918, was made public to-day.
There have been many conflicting
claims put forward with reference to
these operations, and the summary,
according to the War Department, was
issued to correct erroneous reports. Ii
follows:
ain September, 1919, the Second
American Corps (27th and 30th divi-
sions) was placed at the disposal of the
Fourth British Army for operations
against the Hindenburg line, east of
peronne. On the night Of September 23
was known as the Nauroy sector, with a
front of $3.50 yards, about 900 yards
west of the main Hindenburg line and
approximately on the old Hindenburg
outpost line. On the next night the
9th Division took over the Gouy sec
tor, on the left of the 30th Division
and connecting with it; it's front was
$500 yards, approximately along the
old British front line trenches, very
close to the Hindenburg outpost line.
"On September q, preliminary
operation was undertaken to straighten
the line of the 30th Division and to
bring the 27th up to the start line for
the main attack. The 3Oth Division
succeeded, but by the afternoon of Sep
tenber Is. the 27th Division was back
nearly in its original position.
Australians Support Attack
"At $3.50 a. m, September %, the
corps attacked supported by the Aus
tra!ian Corps. The Second British Corps
attacked slmultaneousl on its right,
and the Third British Corps on its left.
The. attack was to be led by tanks,
behind rolling barrage. The start
Hindenburg outpost line, and the OBJ
1ective east of Nauroy and Gouy The
plan provided that after the Americans
had reached their objectives, the Aus
ira ians were 10 pass through. them and
continue in the advance
THE 30th Division was already on
the start line, close behind the initial
hne Of the barrage: The eth, however,
mad not yet been able to take the three
strong points, the Knoll. Guilemont
Farm. and Quennemont Farm and was
consequently about 900 wards behind
he barrage line. which was east of
them. The question of changing the
Darrage lines for this division wa raised.
but decided in the negative. ne brigade
NeslCnated TO make the attack having
reported at p. NJ. on the 2Sth that it
expected TO be within 400 yards of the
harrage lines. or possibly even on the
intended starting line, before the hour
Of attack.
"The barrage fell as planned at s: 80
4. m. September % stood for four min
Ites on the initial line, and then ad-
yanced at the rate of one hundred
ards in four minutes. The 30th Divi-
sion advanced behind it. 60th Brigade
n first line The l17th Infantry was
o follow across the tunnel, then de-
ploy. fac ng south, and cover the right
of TIE Australians after the relief
Arrangement were made to seize tie
outhern exit Of the tunnel which Law
the division sector.
Support Suffers Heavily
THE German barrage was rot heavy
out nevertheless there were many casu-
eltles. especially in the support bat
talions. Smoke and fog rendered il
difficult to keep direction and contact.
The l20th Infantry. on the right,
erossed the Hindenburg line and oc-
cupied Nauroy; the 117th reached its
proper position, facing southeast and
connecting the l2Oth with the 45th
Britt h Division. The 119th, however.
on the left. was enhladed by machine
guns from its own left, and had to form
defensive flank in that direction,
reaching back TO the tunnel and then
connecting with the 9th Division A
battalion of the 117th and one of the
1lSth were sent to support this flank
this position the Australians passed
trough the lines and relieved the 3Oth
DIVISION on the afternoon of Scptem-
Der 90
an the 27th Division, the 54the In
fantry Brigade made the attack under
the same difficulties on account of fog
and smoke. l. also received machine
gun fire in enfilade from the direction
of Vendhuile, outside its sector to the
left. Part of the right regiment, the
108th. by detour to tie south avoided
Quennemont Farm and reached the Hin
denburg lire south of Bony Groups
rom all attacking battalions succeeded
IN penetrating between the strong