This is Jockel Podcast number 277 with Echo Charles and me, Jockel Willink.

Good evening, echo.

Good evening.

It is again impressed upon every officer and man of this command that ground once captured

must under no circumstances be given up in the absence of direct, positive and formal

orders to do so, emanating from these headquarters.

First occupying ground must be supported against countered attack and all gains held.

It is a favorite trick of the Germans to spread confusion by calling out retire or fall

back.

If inaction any such command is heard, officers and men may be sure that it is given by

the enemy.

Whoever gives such a command is a traitor and it is the duty of any officer or man who

is loyal to his country and who hears such an order given to shoot the offender upon

the spot.

We are not going back but forward.

This is the order from Major General Robert Alexander on the morning of September 26,

1918.

At the beginning of the Muse Argon Offensive World War I.

A few days later, October 1, Major Charles White Whittlesey was given his orders.

He was to advance north of the Argonne-Rovine, go across a brook and take Charlevo Mill.

The purpose was to get control of this mill from which a nearby rail line could be controlled.

Once they had that completed, they were to push on to Hill 198 to complete a flanking

...