It was during the rapid advance of the last days, when the far vision of the Rhine was already beckoning forward the victorious Allies, and giving wings to the feet of youth.

On the night of November 3rd, after a successful day, the 9th and 23rd Infantry of the Second Division found themselves in column formation on the road leading north to Beaumont, a small town south of Sedan.

The way lay open, and they took it.

They marched on and on through the night, throwing out the usual advance guard and flank patrols, but otherwise unprotected.

By all the rules of war the brigade should have been cut off.