A very heavy and continuous barrage has been going all day.

In a matter of weeks in October and November 1918 the governments of the Central Powers fell apart. On October 6 the Germans sent an armistice request to President Wilson, which was rejected. On October 17 the Austro-Hungarian Empire began to dissolve: Hungary separated from Austria, and the next day Czechoslovakia was declared. On November 9 Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated and the Weimar Republic was declared.

Friday, November 1, 1918:
    Hell broke this morning about 3 o’clock. A very heavy and continuous barrage has been going all day. Our position is a novel one indeed. Here we are right up in the midst of things and we haven’t got a car out except on an occasional “tour of inspection” for our own benefit. Reports up to 4 P.M. today were not over encouraging. The Boche are resisting stubbornly. But after our rush had passed machine gun emplacements the whole Boche line had given way and up to 10 P.M. our boys were still going forward find it difficult to keep in touch with the enemy. There is practically no resistance from their artillery. I think they have made preparations for this retreat days ago. This attack is a general attack along the whole front. Tonight’s’ reports state that the whole line has advanced, many prisoners and much booty have been captured.

Saturday, November 2:
    Our boys are still advancing having met slight resistance. Apremont is so far behind the lines now that even the big guns sound far off. Many prisoners are passing down the road. About 3000 were assembled this A.M. in the field near the Chateau. Very young! Some look worn and very exhausted. All seem to be very thankful and satisfied with their present lot. 

    Two or three of our cars have been up over the new front souvenir hunting. They report terrible devastation wrought by our artillery both in life and property. Many interesting souvenirs are coming in. Chapigneulle and St. Georges and Imécourt saw the brunt of our barrage and severe hand to hand combat later.
 
    We have our orders to move and leave tomorrow morning for les Islettes, there to await further orders. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if 647 and the 82nd had seen the last of front action. ’Tis reported that we are bound for Vaucouleurs down near Neufchâteau for a long repos during which time the division will be recruited.