COAST ARTILLERY, JOURNAL - Air Defense Artillery

OPERATION OF NOVEMBER 14, 1918 547
2d: The immediate exploitation of this break-through by the two
armies in the direction Morhange-Sarreguimines; combined with:
A lateral exploitation by the army of the right, which will come to
support its flank on the region of the Marshes (Maizieres-Dieuse.)
The organization by the army of the left, in liaison with the Second
American Army, of a covering position facing Metz, between the
Seille and the Nied.
VI.-On account of having at our disposal relatively limited effectives,
although largely provided with tanks-counting on the effect of surprise-and
attacking an enemy of mediocre quality, the offensive of the Group.
of Armies of the East should be conceived and directed, not as a continuous
assault against a fortified line, but as a maneuver.
We must try to create large breaches among the hostile contingents, to
engage them resolutely, and to overthrow by maneuver those positions at the
front that have not been attacked directly but have been outflanked.
The army corps, therefore, have to push straight on their objectives.
Surprise, maneuver, and vigor will constitute by themselves their best
security and will assure their success.
VlI.-The General Commanding the Group of Armies of the East will,
in addition to the large units that are already in sector, receive the following
units:
Headquarters for the Tenth Army.
Four non-divisional elements of Army Corps (of which two come from
the Sixth Army).
About 20 divisions.
1 Cavalry Corps.
1 Air Service division.
3 Regiments of light tanks (includes the 508th).
2 Groups of medium tanks (one Schneider and one St. Chamond).
10 to 12 regiments of field artillery.
180 to 200 heavy artillery batteries.
A certain number (yet to be determined) of heavy, long-range
artillery.
Subsequent orders will give the details of the conditions of arrival of
these supplementary means, the concentration of v;-hich on the territory of
the Group of Armies of the East v;-ill be progressive and will probably
terminate between 10 and 15 November.
V1II.-GE~ERA.L PRESCRIPTIO:XS. It is essential to achieve surprise and
to preserve up to the last moment the most absolute secrecy.
a. The Command will, therefore, take the most rigorous measures to
avoid divulging its projects and preparations.
It will not hesitate to orient those executing the operations with respect
to eventualities contraIJ- to the projects of the Command.
The face of the front will he maintained at least up to J minus two
days (J is the day of the attack,.
The reinforcing artillery, munitions, and materiel will be put in position
as late as possible and should be camouflaged with the utmost care.
The grand units will he concentrated by night movements. Their halts
will be concealed from aerial observation du:-ing the day and night, day
traffic being s~rictly l:mited and lights :orbidden at night.