So, upon this morning in June, just before dawn, the French advanced all
along their entire front.
Under the protection of their big guns they would be able to progress for
some time; and as they attacked the German first line trenches in a
charge, the fire of the big guns would continue, firing overhead at the
German second and third line trenches beyond.
And it was in this manner that the advance was made.
The day dawned while the French were still some distance from the German
first line trenches; and the German guns, far to the east, and the German
defenders in the trenches opened on them with a vengeance. But the French
were prepared for this. There had been no thought of a surprise attack in
the plans of the general staff. It was known that the Germans would
realize what was about to happen when the duel of big guns began more
than twenty-four hours before.
Before sun-up the French infantry sprang forward in its first charge. It
was thrown back. Immediately a second charge was ordered. This met the
same fate as had the first. A third brought no better results.
On the next charge, as the French advanced the Germans left their
trenches and sprang forward to meet them.
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