Prosnes was a small town of relatively new brick construction. During the last war it was apparently one of the battlefields, because it had been leveled and rebuilt. Wine was available in moderate quantities, and it helped to thaw out the personnel and to improve spirits as the weather continued cold with snow.

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of Pont-A-Mousson on the Moselle River. Crossing the IP at 122600 January about four hours late due to slow progress of Divisional units ahead, the Battalion encountered mean march conditions. The temperature fell below zero, and roads were sheets of ice. All ammunition trailers were pulled by half-tracks or by six-by-sixes. Nevertheless, the steel tracked M-7s skidded off the road continually, and in many cases were taken across fields along tank trails paralleling the road. To improve progress the Battalion Commander divided the unit into two groups with the slow-moving full-track vehicles in one group under his command and the remaining vehicles proceeding ahead under the Battalion Executive.

Except for continual hold-ups caused by full-track vehicles of preceding units, the Executive's march serial made good progress. Tanks and M-7s of preceding units were found stalled at irregular intervals throughout the march. Sheared telephone poles, trees, and fences bore witness to this march. Even buildings were damaged by sliding full-track vehicles.

Leading elements of the Battalion passed through Pont-A-Mousson and proceeded east to Rouves, a small town near Nomeny, France arriving around 132000 January. Headquarters, 'A' and Service Batteries were billeted in the 'beat-up' barns and houses of this hamlet while 'B' and 'C' and the Medical Detachment stayed at Clemery about three miles away at a once-beautiful Chateau which had been damaged in a recent battle. The guns arrived at the bivouac area late the following day. All personnel in this group deserved considerable credit for a superb job in bringing all their vehicles in under the hazardous conditions, for the 398th was the first unit with full-track equipment to close all vehicles in the assembly area. Notwithstanding the ordeal of the march, morale was excellent.

As was the case with all towns in the section, both Rouves and Clemery were well scarred by battle. The area was heavily mined, and abandoned enemy equipment and ammunition were abundant presenting an ever present hazard. Two dead German soldiers were found in the trenches north of Rouves, and Lt Snedecor had the task of disposing of these at a QM burial ground at Pont-A-Mousson.

While at Rouves, the Battalion prepared further for battle. Vehicles were camouflaged with white calcimine to blend with the snow background. Excess equipment and clothing were stored at a Division warehouse at Pont-A-Mousson. The Personnel Section reverted to Division control at a Rear Echelon set up at Thiancourt.

Two casualties were suffered during this period. At 141830 January, Tec 4 Robert Welch, "A" Battery, was accidentally shot in the back by a defective submachine gun in the hands of Tec 5 Wesbrick. Welch was given expert first aid treatment by Battery Aidmen and later was given plasma under the direction of Capt Rubba, Acting Battalion Surgeon. The casualty was removed to an evacuation hospital and it was reported that he would recover, but would not rejoin the unit. Later the same evening, Capt Knight, 'C' Battery, accidentally shot his Reconnaissance Officer Lt Rankin, in the leg while cleaning his pistol. Lt Rankin was removed to an evacuation hospital.