The St. Mihiel Offensive: 12 to 16 September 1918

by Maarten Otte

Overview

The St Mihiel Offensive, which took place between the 12th and 16th September 1918, was the first full scale attack that was under the direct command of the Americans, in the person of General J Pershing. He combined his command of the First (at the time the only) American Army with that of Commander in Chief of the AEF, a tremendous burden.

The St Mihiel Salient had its origins in the early fighting of the war and had been stabilized by the end of 1914, although there was fierce fighting there in the first half of 1915 as both sides jostled for position; the high ground of Les Eparges became notorious for the intensity of the mine warfare that took place below it, extensive remains of which can be seen today.

The American attack (with the assistance of a French Corps) was an outstanding success and the Germans were forced into a rapid withdrawal to the Michel Line, a strongly defended position that formed the Hindenburg Line in this area. On the other hand, the success was in part assisted by the fact that the Germans intended to withdraw from the exposed position of the Salient back to this line, the only question being the timing of such a move. Historians argue about whether the move had actually begun or not; but the reality is that senior German officers knew that it was imminent and certainly some heavier artillery had already been pulled back.

Pershing’s original hope had been to continue the offensive to seize Metz, crucial rail links and economically vital areas to the German war effort. In fact any such attempt would have taken weeks of preparation, as even a casual examination of the Michel Line defenses still existing today would show.

It is probable that relatively easy success here led to overconfidence amongst some that the next offensive, the Meuse-Argonne – to the north and scheduled to begin on the 26th, would have a similar outcome. If so they were in for a rude awakening.

This book is profusely illustrated with contemporary photographs and numerous maps, the narrative supplemented by a number of first hand accounts; the whole is supported by several walking and car tours.

This is the latest in a series of Battleground books by Maarten Otte on the American Expeditionary Forces, with several more in preparation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526734952
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	01/10/2020
Series:	Battleground Books: WWI
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	490,240
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Maarten Otte is a long time resident of the Argonne. Growing up in the Netherlands with a fascination with the Great War, particularly the role of the United States. He has published books on Nantillois in 1918 and on US Medal of Honor winners.

Table of Contents

Series Editor's Introduction vii

Introduction xii

List of Maps xvii

Chapter 1 Setting the Scene: St. Mihiel 1914-1918 1

Chapter 2 1918: The St. Mihiel Offensive - The Americans Take Over 10

Chapter 3 IV Corps 28

Summary 28

Car Tour 1 IV Corps Area 55

Walk 1 The Trenches of Hauls de Mad Woods 82

Chapter 4 I Corps 91

Summary 91

Car Tour 2:1 Corps Area 129

Walk 2:1 Corps: Vilcey-sur-Trey, Stumpf and Quelle Lager 154

Car Tour 3 Bouxières: 92^nd Division 167

Chapter 5 V Corps 181

Summary 181

Car Tour 4 V Corps Area 197

Walk 3 V Corps: Hattonchâtel 214

Chapter 6 The Michel Line 228

Background and a summary history 228

Car Tour 5 The Michel Zone 240

Chapter 7 The All-American tour 248

Car Tour 6 U.S. Monuments and Memorials 248

Appendices

1 Order of Battle, First Army 268

2 Composition of an average American division 270

3 Some facts and figures 272

4 German Order of Battle 274

5 German reports and battle notes 1 to 16 September 280

Advice to Tourers 285

Acknowledgements 289

Select Bibliography and Recommended Further Reading 290

Index 292

Editorial Reviews

"I'd forgotten how good the Battleground series books can be. Enjoyed it."

Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

"An essential account of the American Expeditionary Force's encounter at St Mihiel in 1914-15."

Books Monthly

"...I find this to be a compelling method of presenting the historical material in a new dramatic way."

AMPS

"...an exceptional example of learning history by firsthand experience...We are pleased to award it with the highest possible recommendation from ISD. Now go buy this book and experience history!"

Indy Squadron Dispatch

"...a fascinating book, well written in a clear and concise manner."

IPMS/USA