59 Days Until Armistice

September 11th, 1918 was a day of short, sharp engagements between the Allied Powers and the German Empire, and one of preparation for both the B.E.F and the A.E.F.

The British Third Army under Julian Byng readied for their assault on Havrincourt. A week’s worth of preparations and a strong jumping off position afforded the British some advantages, but the three divisions (the 62nd, 37th, and the New Zealanders) were still outnumbered by the defending German forces, which outnumbered them by an entire division. It would be a difficult task. As the Third Army prepared, other units within the B.E.F continued the push forward, capturing the villages of Attilly, Vendelles, and Vermand. 

The French front saw little progression, instead fending off strong German counterattacks near Cambrai. The recently captured towns of Gouzeaucourt and Moeuvres were subjected to sharp fighting throughout the day - but the French would stand strong. The attacks were repelled, and the towns remained under Allied control.

The American Expeditionary Force under John J. Pershing readied themselves for an assault on the St. Mihiel salient. Occupied by German forces for nearly the entirety of the war, Saint Mihiel’s position inhibited communications between French forces and blocked the road between Nancy and Verdun. Capturing the village and ending the German incursion into the Allied lines was a priority. The start date was set for September 12th, 1918.