November 10, 1918 – Full diary entry:

“Left this village at 5:30. We seem to be going toward the lines.

Got a box from Aunt Aggie + a letter from Nora.”

Chaplain Edwards, in From Doniphan to Verdun, fills in some of the gaps since the last time we heard from Robert:

Beginning November 6th, we were relieved and moved out to Belrupt, Autrecourt, Pierrefitte, and reached the village Nigre the 10th.

The first battalion was at Fresnes, the second and third at Rupt. The march up was a gruelling one.

At Village Nigre, Regimental Headquarters standing for the regiment, we were equipped with maps and necessary equipment, with the understanding that we were to take part in the drive on Metz in a few days. The new men were eager to be sent into the line, but the veterans were not so anxious to go. They were willing to advance if necessary, but they knew the real meaning of war.

As usual, Chaplain Edwards is incredibly helpful. Robert’s First Battalion was headed to Fresnes-au-Mont. And the next drive, if there had been one, would have been toward Metz, near the top middle of this map.

Funny how Robert always seems to get mail – or get paid – just before a long hike. That was no coincidence; I seem to remember Chaplain Edwards writing that they purposely found ways to raise morale just before a battle or hike.

Where was Robert today? See the timeline.