Now all roads lead to France and heavy is the tread Of the living; but the dead returning lightly dance. Edward Thomas, Roads. There was apprehension of the Germans crossing the Marne, at least in sufficient force to seize a bridgehead available for later renewed attacks. The division's infantry entrained to go by railroad, a procedure which, because of the demoralization of the French railway service by the German advance, was certain to require several days.
One unit of the division, however, was ready to make its own way to the Marne. This was the 7th Machine Gun Battalion, which was equipped with its own motor transport.
After a hour forced drive, the battalion reported to the French commander at p. Breakdowns and lack of gasoline had delayed some of the cars, but there were 17 machine gun squads present [to continue on]. When darkness fell that night one section of Company A, under 1st Lt.
Bissell, was sent across the west bridge to take up an outpost position on the north bank. He was to fight a delaying action if attacked, to keep the main line of the battalion notified of developments, and to fall back to the sought bank if attacked in force.
The Germans pounded the south bank that night with a bombardment so severe that in spite of the extended fashion in which the battalion was posted, 14 of its personnel were wounded before morning.
