Shared headstone of Paul Wiegandt, Unteroffizier (Sergeant), died June 3, 1918, and Heinrich Balg, Musketier (Infantryman), died June 6, 1918, Dormans German Cemetery, Dormans, France. © 2014 by John M. Shea

Paul Wiegandt

Unteroffizier [Sergeant]

† 3.6.1918



Heinrich Balg

Musketier [Infantryman]

† 6.6.1918

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Monday, June 3, 1918

"The 7th Machine-gun Battalion held the Germans at bay, and gradually the attack died down. Meanwhile the 4th Infantry regiment relieved the French in the town of Château-Thierry. On June 3, the 9th Machine-gun Battalion of the 3rd Division relieved the 7th Machine-gun Battalion and on leaving the town for its short rest, the latter unit was given the highest praise by the French in orders:

"The episode of Château-Thierry will remain one of the most remarkable deeds of this war. It is a pleasure for us all to know that our valiant allies have shared with us there."

Contrary to popular belief, there was no gap in the line at Château-Thierry as there had been after March 21 in front of Amiens. The French lines were intact and the German drive had reached its limit."

Quotation Context

American machine gunners and French colonials held the town of Château-Thierry on May 31, 1918 during the German Aisne Offensive, the third German offensive of 1918. The defenders prevented German forces from crossing the Marne River, blowing the bridge over it. The first German offensive, Operation Michael, had been launched on March 21 against British forces which, though driven back, held Amiens.

Source

The History of The A.E.F. by Shipley Thomas, page 90, copyright © 1920, by George H. Doran Company, publisher: George H. Doran Company, publication date: 1920

Tags

1918-06-03, 1918, June, Château-Thierry, Chateau-Thierry, Château Thierry, Chateau Thierry, Paul Wiegandt