They’d been at it for weeks, and it was the coldest winter anyone in that part of Europe had known. And yet the first thing the regimental scribes committed to the record was about how temperatures continued to fall. We only know that my great-grandfather served in the 137th Infantry Regiment. We don’t know which company, or even which battalion he was in, but the success we have had in digging up some details tells us that Tonice, a combat medic, was in Belgium on this day 70 years ago. And everyone was cold. Here is a glimpse into that unit’s history, and where he was, in the thick of it.
So, then, for Jan. 06:
The weather grew colder and the 137th Infantry continued its pressure for the second day on Villers, after capturing the all-important road junction. Heavy fire was received all along the Regiment’s front.
The 6th Cavalry Group relieved Company G in the Surre Woods and the unit assembled in the town of Surre … The 6th Cavalry Group moved into positions between the 3rd Battalion, 137th, and the positions vacated by Company G, 137th.
The organic and attached field artillery battalions continued to support the Division attack, firing TOT’s on all towns and roads in the Division sector. A heavy schedule of harassing fire continued throughout the day.
This information is derived from the unit history, found here and here and from this unit overview. These markers are rough estimates and are meant to be illustrative. Any errors are mine alone.
