;a Qass Book OPO bRO \o .2^ D History^ Battery B One Hundred Third Field Artillery Twenty -Sixth Division WITH PICTORIAL SUPPLEMENT WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY COMMITTEE FROM THE BATTERY APRIL, 1917, to APRIL, 1919 PROVIDENCE: E. L. FREEMAN COMPANY, PRINTERS 1922 3 ^3 ^ -y 9 Qme Date of Enlistment _ ate of §ailinO from Date of(>ftrrivarin fiance. ImillllllllllllllllllHIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIilfg DEC Z6 hci « I BOCUMtNTB D""': '-r 'ON l D5TO 'M!^:«^ jy .-.t« npO OUR COMRADES OF BATTERY B, WHO FELL WHILE FIGHTING FOR THEIR COUNTRY, THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. FOREWORD In preparing this book the writers have attempted, at least, to meet what they considered the two chief recjuirements of such a book. First, we have tried to compile an accurate record of the Batterv from the time it was formed until the time it was mustered out of the Federal Service. We have neither attempted to glorify nor make light of the hardships and achievements of the Battery. It is as it happened — nothing more and nothing less. In the second place by stories of what happened "Over There," by little incidents of our daily life, by a little word of each man in the Battery, we have tried to give the book a personal touch for everyone. The experiences we endured, the friendships we formed while in that best of all outlits, were too great for us ever to forget, but often even such great things as these are helped by a little reminder. If then in the days to come this book should serve as that reminder the writers will feel that their work, in spite of its imperfections and there are many, will not have been in vain. The Committee wishes to acknowledge its thanks to the officers of the Battery for their help in starting the book, especially to Captain Hanley, whose aid, in furnishing a place in which to work and other ways, has made the book possible ; and to the original book committee, especially F. C. Perkins, for supplying the material. The Committee which finally composed the book was made up of John W. Russell, Editor-in-Chief; R. E. Jordan, Editor; H. W. McCarthy, J. G. Emmons, W. A. Watson, P. C. Wilkin- son, F. Sisson, H. L. Emidy. R. E. Jordan For the Committee. [5] Major-General Clarence R. Edwards Headquarters Northeastern Department 99 Chauncey Street Boston ii, Mass. August i8, 1920. I well recall the fine work of the 103rd Field .Xrtillery with their heavy guns and how after eighteen days in the advance at Chateau- Thierry that regiment started out shooting across the Marne and wound up firing across the Vesle and the last positions it took were in front of the Infantry of the 4th Division. In that regiment was "B" Battery, made up of Rhode Island lads. It stood well on its legs; it was well disciplined; it worked hard and had a marked spirit. I recall in the Chateau-Thierry advance how the battery were well forward and had maintained its fire in spite of the severe enemy shelling and numerous casualties. Especially was this true at Le Four a Verre where they were especially tried and did splendid work; also at the Ravine d'Haumont they were under desperate shelling and almost constant gas, but they kept their nerve and continued their fire, and only stopped at eleven o'clock on the morning of November nth, Armistice Day. My congratulations to that fine battery. Sincerely yours, CLARENCE R. EDWARDS [7 Capt. Gerald T. Hanley aaa i iwin^|[;ifi i fiM!iillll!!llli!;ip|l||i!lil|i iiy GANIZATiaM TTEIRY- ]]inTT^n';'::if!i--;i'i'"i;.'i^-'iT:--nTn?!ni! The Organization of Battery B, 103 F. A. Vl/HEN the Congress of the United States decided that the time had arrived when this country could no longer remain neutral, but must enter the great war raging in Europe, the first thing to follow the declaration of war against Germany was a call for volunteers. In different sections of the country this call was issued in different ways. In Rhode Island, it was mostly through National Guard units, among which, because of its border reputation. Battery A was prominent. Rhode Island was assigned three batteries of Field Artillery, to be formed through the addition of recruits, from the battery already men- tioned. Providence and vicinity immediately became the scene of an active campaign for men, and enlistment headquarters were established in the Central Fire Station. Posters, picturing "Rhode Island's Finest," with an empty saddle and a "place for you," or a battery of field artillery going into action on the gallop, aroused the young men's enthusiasm and brought many of them to the recruiting station. Then followed the physical examina- tion. "Did you ever have what's it?" We didn't know whether we [9] had (ir not. We said "no" and then hoped the doctor wouldn't call us an u, that it took a minute ins[>ection to discover just where the stove- pipe began and where it ended. Fuel was scarce, until we started demolisliing the barracks, anil no amount of higher mathematics or thermal research could seem to overcome the obstacles presented by their matched boards, ten wimlows and four iloors. Added to these dilhculties wen' tlie sto\e hounds, about ten to each sto\-e. Night after night these same individuals had a continuous round of boiling clothes, thawing, bathing, or "cocoaing." During the winter, tiie majority sought the blankets and mattress l"or si^lace and warmth. Tlu" day alter our arrixal the cannoneers were ushered to the gun l>ark, anil introduced gravely to Mr. Schneider's 155mm i)roduct Lieutenant Metcalf, whose lengthy pedal extremities had caused him to outstrip us on the way over, did the honors. He was succeeded by Sergeant Long, late of the ist Division, whose arduous duties, we soon found, necessitated his appearance at least once a week. The can- noneers fell in with a \ enueance, and three davs later were demolishing an abandoned town out on the range. [28] TIk- "si)cci;il (k'lailcrs" were sent to (elcphoiu', lele^raph and Radio School. The inslriuiors were l)()tli I'rciuli and American, hul judging from [he reports Hu'lr pupils l)roughl hack to the barracks, they seemed to he trying to make niort' of an impression with wihl lak's from the front, than with the task at hanck As for tlu" pupils, many of them became so expert in a short time that they bunked school regularly. For the llrst three weeks, tlu' drixers had little to do. Time dragged fearfully, but I'mally the horses came and Captain Hanley recei\-ed them at the new stables just erected by German prisoners. The horses were all true "cheveaux," unversed and uneducated in American ways and customs, but tlu' drixcrs were innnediately assigned mounts, the horses introduced to American harness, and our training was in full swing. Let it sulTice to say that from that time on, there was no complaint of not having enough to do. Synonymous with the arrival of horses, came a new issue of officers, nine of them, the hrst and finest i)roduct of Plattsburg. "Camp Fire Girls" was their first sobriciuel, but we were glad to live and learn better. Only four of them survived far beyond the training camj) days, but those four, "Jawn" Garrett II, "Reveille" Wheat, "Jazzbo" Stark, and " i^'erdy " Bailey, made an enxiable aiul lasting rei)utation with the men of llu' Battery. The last, Lieutt'iianl Bailey, is the only ofiicer connected witli the liatler\' who has seiMi service from that day until we were mustered out at Camp 1 )e\ens. From this time on we ran a life of routine duty that would gladden the heart of tlu^ man who founded the anuy. Re\eille at 5:30, stables followed, a lifteen minine walk through slippery sticky mud, such as France only can boast of. Wot' to the man who slejit a few seconds tot) long and fril \\\[o line with shoes unlaced. Then back to a dark breakfast o{ tt)o crisp bact)n and black colTee. Stables again for the drivers with ''water call," groom, harness and hitch, or clean harness. Drill for the cannoneers, incessantly, and at nightfall, due to six different kinds of guard duty, cK)wn they marclied io the stables to help with the evening's water and feed. Retreat just at dark, Tlic Stove Hounds. [29] W.jiiit :!^ /^ <^^^ <:^:-^i":^ ■ Lest Vie Forget." [30] and then another nK'al by the bewitchinjj; caiulle Hght, — candles that have long since lost their romance being minus a fair face and a little "jazz." At times difficulties were experienced with the mess, due to no apparent cause. Both A and B Batteries were using the same kitchen so we took it out good naturedly on each other and hoped for the best. It came in due time, but not until A Battery made a new Mess Sergeant, so B Battery was vindicated. Thanksgiving and Christmas were two days, at least, which left nothing to be desired in the way of eatables. Near the middle of the Winter a Fresh Air Camjiaign was instituted by some worthy soul higher up, whose comfortable and cosy quarters necessitated ventilation. Those in the barracks had experienced too much (lillticulty in keeping warm to give deep thought to the matter of ventilation. C\)nse / ' mlcrlaker Dead l/orscs removed at short notice Tel: Yin Rouge 2f§o Garrett — Thai is some card. Hut I don't know about that short notice stuff. The last dead horse laid art)i.nid a week after I called you up. The next time someone else gets the job if this one isn't out of here in an hour. All right — all right — 1 can't listi'U to you now. I've gi)t work to do. hon'l forgi'l the wiiu'. Where's Mehin ? Battery B certainly lost a useful man when some months later Har- wood was sent back lo Coetciuidan as an instructor. Life at Bucy wasn't all work either, imi^'oxised concerts, with the Frenchmen from the Chateau jt)ining in, whiled awa)' many an e\'ening. jNIany a likely game was broken up by " Lights out 1 .\eroplane." Steve Knowles said this alwaxs happened just as he was "coming back." Then, lot), the a\ions furnished us with enlertaimiu'ut through the day. 'lliey were conliiuiall)- in tlu' air with shrai)nel biu'sting around them, and we oftin wondered how it was that the\- could so successfully stay above a barrage. It was here that they who stayed at the echelon had their first sight o{ an air battle. A German who had been doing quite a little mischief anK)ng the balloons was attacked b)- two JM-ench Avions. .\l lii'st the Boche seemed to ha\e the supicnKuy, but suddenly one Frenchman got the right position and opened up with his machine gun. The German machine began to fall, and at the sanu' t ime burst into flames. It landed not far from the echelon, and cNcryone took a trip o\er to \iew the Boche. Battery B's would-be axialors lost all ambition. We were all glad when the lime came to ka\e Bucy. It wasn't the work we mimled, we expected that. It wasn't the lioche aviators or the shells that were coming over near the end oi our stav there. We 36 expected that. But it was here that we first ''got em" and we remem- bered with shame how we laughed at the German ])risoners in Coetquidan when they "Read their shirts" and here we were doing the same. Meanwhile the cannoneers were learning how to make war. One sunny afternoon, several days after pulling into Bucy, the gun .sections, newly e(|uipped, from their unscratched tin hats to their un- soiled field shoes, rolled rolls, slung rifles, mounted off horses, and left for their initial appearance on the Western Front. The Chemin des Dames sector, at that time, was experiencing one of its few quiet periods. New grass was slowly covering the old shell holes. The battered and half destroyed buildings were beginning to show signs of habitation again, and a rifT-raf! of unpoliced and dirty French and German equipment, grisly relics of the half forgotten battles of the year before, lay rusting in the fields. About as warm a spot as you'd hope to find a few months previous. That afternoon, however, when we pulled out of Bucy, through the suburbs of Soissons, and into the camouflage skirted road that led to the beautiful old town of Coucy-le-Chateau, found the war business on a slump. And we, readers of many a lurid account of going into action under fire, open-mouthed listeners to many a tale of hot battle, expecting about half of Fritz's reserve supply of ammunition first crack out of the box, found ourselves nearing the line, along a highway as quiet as a country road in America, with nothing more military in sight than a friendly plane circling overhead, and a swaying balloon in the dis- tance. You know the old slogan that goes "First impressions" and so on. Fine things these old pro- verbs, providing instructions are issued simultaneously as to when and where to apply, l^hat's pre- cious knowledge. We gained it at Toul, Chateau-Thierry, and other warm spots, but not at Banc-de-Pierre. Along towards seven o'clock, after it had become dark enough to '-' How they "got" Boche Avions. I 37 nM^ y ■» : <^' Hy ^ ■I |»Mj^^Y r'- •vt; ^ mil .- v I '->V-.'-,'^<^ V F^ tf. 'lA, ^ ■%j 'icq. [ 3S ] conform to ihc regulations covering the taking up of gun positions, we cut into a winding stony road to the left, tipi)ing down the side of a steep hill, and continuing in the form of an achievement in corduroy, with mud holes at frequent inter\als through the valley below. Some- where along its length we jiassed what appeared in the dark to be a shoulder of a hill, bul which we immediately discovered, by the simple method of trying to walk on it, to be an intricate arrangement of camou- flage, designed to protect the four gun pits, connecting passages, living and ammunition dugouts and all the additional works necessary for the proper working of a six inch howitzer battery in action, from the curious eyes of the Boche avions. 1 don't know how it appeared from above but it looked good from underneath, that is, until it contracted the unpleasant habit of taking fire. We saw very little of it that night. After hauling in the pieces and posting a guard we were ordered to the top of the hill, with whatever of our haversacks we might liiid intact, to join in a grand controversy over a tangled mass of blanket rolls. By the flickering light of a lantern, held by a most excitable French Lieu- tenant, we salvaged what we could of our rolls, and were assigned quarters in one of the biggest dugouts it has ever been our luck to see. Originally a chalk mine, the property of an exceedingly ambitious owner, judging by the size of the hole he had made, the cave served many good purposes during the war. Frenchmen claimed for it a capacity of a divi- sion in case of ne- cessity, not countin the bugs, rats, and that sort of thing. Infantry in reserve were stationed there, troops going in for an attack occupied it over night. P>itz made it a head- quarters when he came through early rr," HHEy-MAc- —"how ii,G~ Do yovj w^MT This, On« of Corporql n'CorrU's in 1917, and the deloiU in action Bucy. French returning trapped several hundred Boche inside. It was divided into chambers about twenty-five feet square, lighted by acetylene lamps, and ventilated, here and there, by holes in the roof. Damp, stuffy, and ill-smelling it was, but when the German planes were up and their'high 39] explosive (lioppiiit; near, llu' llidu^lit of forty feci of solid rock overhead was alniiifhty soolhintj;. Tlu' lU'aresl thiii.t:; lo real war \vt' ran across up iherc occurred tlie first (lay. ll came with shell hauling; the curse of a cannoneers existence from oni' end of a scrap to the other. 'I'hal day's experience was a fair sample of what wi' look as a matter of course later on. Just how many shells we carried is unknown, hut an indication of their number may be gained by an astute jierson who has a knowledge of the habits of the species, when he li'arns that tlu' l'"irsl Sergeant himself managed sixteen of them. Lii'utenant Metcalf in demonstrating his theory that it was easier to carry two shells at oni' time than one shell at two times, estab- lished an imbeatable record by hoisting an "O. A.'' to each shoulder and pulling a laborious and precarious way down the slippery path to the posit iiMis. liefore we had done enough hring to necessitate another shell party, Lieutenant Stark soKed the ])roblem for this position bv designing a chute, leading from tin- little one-horse narrow gauge, half wav up the hill, down to the first section gun pit. It was l)uilt of planks, padded with sand bags at llu' bottom, and, when sufhciently greased, permitted a conu't like passage of an)- missile introduced. This idea finally de- veloped into a kind o{ corporation with Lieut. Stark, President, presiding over the controlling end at the top; First Sergeant Drummond, general manager at the l)ottom, disi)osing of the many problems at that end in an admirable manner; and Burlingame, in his capacity of Chief Mechanic usually being found along the line of llight, a grease can in one hand and a dauber in the other, dislodging unruly shells that now and then held up trailic because of some defect in the device. We of course were the boys that nuule "tlu^ wheels go riuuid." Another occupation which became a tlller-in for the blank spaces between our daily duties was that oi sand-bag tilling. It was one of our endless jobs, like that of constructing trail bumpers, to catch the back Hip of a double zero charge of B G 5. There was an immeasureable (juantity of sand, innumerable bales of sang-bags, and endless ways of using the linishetl product. We built revetments, and walls, and walks of intricate design; padded the roofs of dugouts, and the rear ends of our hopping howitzers. The sand itself was at once a source of trouble and pleasure. \\\' uWcd our own and other people's shirts, shoes and pockets with it; scoured our mess kits in it, used it instead of sugar in our coffee, in the [ilace of i)epper in our slum, and managed to loaf aw'ay an occa- [40] sional lazy February afternoon on the sand banks of Banc-cle-Picrrc, dreaming of the l)eaches of Narraj^ansett Bay. Tn fact our existence at Chemin-des-Dames seems to ha\e been made u\) mostly of endless jobs. Dugout digging was probably the worst of the lot, for while we seemed to accom])lish something of a definite character along other lines, managed to build revetments sufHiciently strong to withstand shell fragments if any should happen along, trail bumpers that at least held our guns in the pits, and respectable piles of ammunition, dugout building had us defeated. Plenty were started, but beyond excavating heaps and heaps of sand, nothing seemed to material- ize. We'd sweat and cuss on a little four by eight hole that came through with a crash the first fine evening we fired. For a time the gun crews, when off duty, took up excavation as a side line. Later, details were sent up from the echelon, with Havard in charge and (luy Flmer assist- ing. They worked under the direction of two energetic Frenchmen, and toward the end of our stay became most proficient in the art, nearly finishing a beauty. This was intended to shelter the third section, which, however lived in a small affair dug into the side of their gun pit during their entire stay. Though rather deficient in the building of dugouts, we certainly gained a knowledge of how to live in them. During the first week or so the cave remained the hcjme of most of the men on the gun crews, with small details, — skeleton crews, — bunking near the pieces in case of a hurry call to fire. The first, third, and fourth section details occujMed small dugouts near their guns, and the second "sans abri," corked off in a small tin shack some little distance from the positions. The Cave, however, remained the meeting place and club room of the outfit. It also seemed to serve in a like capacity for the greater part of the French Army. Even after establishing ourselves comfortably in the dugouts at the pieces, we instinctively wandered up the hill when our evenings were free and mixed into those lively international banquets at which such brilliant entertainers as Bill Mackie and Ca]) Kenaston presided. The co-operative on the " Couchy Road" played a leading part in making these gatherings successful by furnishing lobster, biscuit, cake, cham- pagne, the "Two vins" and candles at very reasonable prices. Let it be said again, this wasn't such a tough war. Following pay day the stock on the shelves over our l)unks would make the proverbial farmers larder look like a Y. M. counter in the Zone of Advance during a rush season. But even here life had its serious side — its privations. It was our first taste of warfare and we early found that certain of the rules and 41 rcp;ula(ions r;iii cound'r lo our nature. One of tlu'se — that one which commanded us to ki'ep our shirts on al ni.u;lu, and climb into the i)lankets, full patk, proxcd csi)cciaiiy irritatint rolling along in its easy manner, not with the idea of putting up a brax'e front or treating the incident with the nonchalance of a seasoned \eteran (I've just said that we were de\c)i(l of ideas) but simply because the old bean had not yet begun to function after the shock. When it did, we took to the cover of the hills ahead with all the speetl that dignity would allow. After reaching the echelon where we could again draw breath freely and light up for a smoke, we rexiewtnl our casualties — one young man, who, in s])ite of the balmy atmosi>here, had gone "cold" on the front seat of the park wagon. The day after the pieces had been pulled out and the cannoneers had returned to the echelon, we pre]iared to leave the sector. OH MUD OF FRANCE. O, Thou Mud of France: Tliou art not like any other ^Slud: Thou stickcst and clingeth and niakctli us bereft of all reason. Wliether the southern zepliyr or the an<^ry north wind blow: whetlier the Sun and Moon and Stars hunger to dry thee up or the cold and c[uiet night would harden thee — Thou, O Mud, art always there. Thou causeth us to fall, and our wearied steeds to loose their footing. Thou criest out against our comfort, and filleth us with despair. '"Charrogne" art thou called by the Peasant of France, but the "Damnedest Mud" by us from across the sea. Long is thy sta\' ami close is thy grasp, long also will be our memory of thee. Helpless ha\"e we l)een, l)ul Thou hast us ne\er defeated. When we bid Thee farewell for a friendh" ^lud, we would lling in Thy teeth, the dust of our shoes; but we cannot, for all that on them is; is Thee, Thou Mud of France. [44] The Big Hike. A LMOST simullaiH'ously with our orders to move came the initial preparations for the j^reat German offensive that developed several months later. Soissons was again under shell tire. Especially heavy fire was directed on the railroad station and those portions of the system that served for the unloading and loading of troops. This, undoubtedly, was the reason for the orders that took us to the half- forgotten and long unused railhead of Pommiers, with its half-rotted platform, its grass covered tracks and its petite loading ramps. On March i8th, igiS, we hiked from our echelon in a drizzle that turned to a driving rain as we neared the railroad and immediately proceeded to load up. This process, with which we were soon to become more familiar, was never accounted the easiest of our jobs. Here, handicapped as we were without the proper tools, it presented about every obstacle in its power to hamper us. Finally, however, after a great deal of manhandling of both horses and material, some little cussing, and a touch of brain work here and there, we got the last caisson and park wagon tacked down, and the last of our kicking, sciuealing nags into their cars. Then we indulged in steaming mess cups of hot Y. M. coffee, tinctured slightly with cognac after the French custom, found our "Hommes 40 — Cheveaux 8" and sought what repose we might on the [45 damp straw cowrcd floors, as we wended our weary and jerky way through the soon to become famous territory of Fere-en-Tardenois and Chateau-Thierry. We rumbled along through Epernay and Chalons, and on to Chavanges where, at twenty-tw^o o'clock, March nineteenth, we detrained. That night, after a hike to the outskirts of Ronnes, we turned into a farm yard and billeted. The next day Rhode Island came to La Rothiere, a town boasting of one cafe, where the entire Battery congregated. Here we held one of the most famous celebrations of our career until call to Quarters put an end to the songs, jokes and stories that had carried the house by storm. Then a snake dance was hastily organized to the amazement of the good French proprietor, and, headed by Billy JVlackie we wended a dizzy w'ay to our billets. For two days we remained in this town, grooming horses, washing material and cleaning ecjuipment. On the third day, March twenty- third, we started on a regimental manoeuvre, hiking for the front as a unit. Uj) to this time we were fully expectant of a rest and further training before again entering the lines. In fact, the division had re- ceived orders for a manoeuvre against the 42nd Division, which had only recently left our old training grounds. But the German offensives were assuming dangerous proportions in Flanders and Chemin-des-Dames territory. American re-enforcement was greatly needed; and it was decided to send the First Division, operating in the Toul sector where they had been stationed through most of the preceeding winter. And it was this division we were destined to relieve. Orders were not The Driver's "Recreation " Period. [46] definitely changed immediately, however, although, as we moved out of La Rothiere talk of our rest was broken now and then by rumors of a return to the front. More care was now given to the equal distribution of material, with the idea of saving horses and men, and the order of a ten minute rest in every hour of hiking came into use. Frecjuently we utilized twelve or fourteen hours a day in plain walking, and even after reaching "park," our days work was not done. For there were still dusty and weary horses to be groomed and freshened, and dirty collars and bits to be washed. The close of this day's hike brought us, footsore and weary to Thil. That evening the talent of the Battery entertained at the "Y." The next day. Palm Sunday, we remained in Thil, in the midst of the S. O. S. and peace time soldiering. Consequently the majority of the Battery was free from military duties. In the morning many of the boys attended service in the old French church. In the afternoon several of the outfit took advantage of the fine weather with a plunge in the brook. The water was cold but the results excellent. In the evening the 103rd band gave a concert in the public square, much to the amaze- ment of the troops, but greatly to the delight of the inhabitants. Up to this time the weather had been perfect. Miles of France's rolling country was unfolded to us in vivid colors. How clearly that peasant and his hitch of oxen stood out against the sky — and if we might only forget our feet, stretch out on that green bank and smoke, — it would have been a great country. The people, too, were very friendly and much interested in their first glimpse of American soldiers. Countless privations and almost the total annihilation of all men useful to the army had done much to numb their minds, so that, to many, rumors of American aid could be nothing more than a myth. How could the far-off Americans ever land in sufficient numbers to help? And, more important, how could they train men and get them here in time? German propaganda had passed through the whole of France and left these cjuestions behind. Perhaps this is why an American unit was sent over the road, — an American answer to the German question. And it gave the French people — hope. The twenty-fifth found us on the road again after our holiday. We reached Civy-sur-Blaise early in the afternoon and pitched pup tents on the grounds of a beautiful old chateau just outside the town. It was one of our most picturesque camps, but that fact interested us but little at that time. We were dog-tired, and after a hasty mess most of us climbed under our shelters and corked off. [47] () Two more days followed and wc put l)cliiiid vis the town of Vicville. Al this slop most of the Battery went wilhoul hri'akfast. failing to reach the kitchen in {'mwv. Luckily our hike (o Uhmchexille was compara- ti\tly short, and on arrixini!; \]vvv all Lilooni was dispelled by the sight f a lua\y eonsignnunl of lirsl and secontl-elass mail, our heavy freight, and (he liarrack hags wln\h we hadn't seen since leaving Cam]) de roet(|uidan. (ireal hilarity and joy reigned for several hours; candy and cigarelles were again pU'utilul, and e\ en home made cakes, ship])ed in llu' pan Irom ihe States were in t'\ idence. Billets were occupied, and \\i' immediately began to gi't ac(|uainted with our I'"rench neighbors through the always effect i\i' medium of American sweets and cigarettes. We began to settle down foi- a considerable sta_\', inijiroving our (|uarters here and there, and getting om" e(|uii)ment in tn"st-class condition once moil'. Rumors of another front had almost died out again when one afternoon Major Chaffee called the Battalion together and told us we had bei'ii ordered to lake owv anolher si'Clor. With the change of plans canu' a change of wt'ather. After spending two da\s in ileaning e\er\lhing in sight wi' now followed a road of mud and wati'r that si)on coxered ovu' t.'(|uipmenl inches di'cp. And with the rain came I'old, so that the dri\ers, chilled through, ultimately would take to the road, their saddles immediately being tilled by footsore cannoneers, only too glad for the change and rest until they in turn were driven to ext'rcist- for warmth. "March ,^oth, LilTol-Le-retil, though much like a thousaiul other I'li'mh \illages, pro\ i-d a welcome refuge for the night, — the e\'e of Easti'r Sunda\-. it was a mighty i)oor war on Ivister ^Morning. We took to the road earlv. Too early, it seenu-d, and spent three hours in standing still in tlu' middle o{ a ruiming ri\er o\ nuul with no sort of shelter at hand, l^verybody grumbleil about anxthing they could think o\, but later on in the da\- it cleared and as we passed through Neufchaleau wi' were able to ajipreciate the wonderful scenery around that citv. On reaching Neufchateau many of our olftcers were sent ahead to learn the ground of our new sector northwest of Toul, while the Battery struck through to Brancourt and Bagne, passing through the city of Toul, anti arriving at Lucy on Aiiril jnd. There we found lu\ui\' in cols and electric lights. On April ;rd the ist platiHMi, or lirst, secontl, fifth, and sixth sections, started the last lap of the big hike. This brought them to Rangeval where the echelon was establislunl. The lirst two gun crews movetl to the front along the Heaumonl .Mandres roail that night, relieving one [48] platoon of the Fifth Field Artillery, U. S. A. The next day the rest of the Battery followed to Rangeval, the third and fourth sections completed the relief of a Battery of the Fifth Regiment, and details helped take over the position of 05 mm guns at Dead Man's Curve, and man llie anti- tank battery in Seicheprey. "The big hike" had extended over a period of eighteen days. With the exception of the stay in Thil and Hlancheville, the Battery had covered not less than twenty kilometers e\'ery day. All sorts of weather had been encountered and rations had frequently failed to reach us. The men and horses both had suffered wet and hunger, yet the Battery came through the hike in excellent condition. And one great result had been accomplished. American troops were showing themselves all over France. The sea-ports had seen them land. The towns of the S. O. S. had seen them go through in their "box cars." Now the towns imme- diately behind the lines, the people who had the most to fear from the German Armies saw a new force. They didn't know the numbers, but the big hike had acted as propaganda of the best sort. The i)eople of all France knew that the Americans had come. OUR FRIEND. We made his acquaintance at Coci, Got more friendly at Banc-de-Pierre. At Toul he was ahvays on duly And followed us closely from there. It was then that he wore out his welcome. When we realized he wanted to stay. At night he raised havoc and bedlum, Though he did fairly well through the day. Persistence and Speed were his mottoes, And he thrived on the simplest of fare. The folds of a shirt were hut grottoes, Where he cuddled and hid from the air. He always left much irritation, In the wake of his wriggly old paths, And he stuck, to our great consternation. Till we stepped into Camp Devens baths. [49] -/•'. C. F Northwest of Toul. nplll'", Anu'iican Sector, as that section of the front nt)rthwest of Toul was known since its occupancy by the First Division, U. S. A., ci)vered about eighteen kilometers along the Paris-Metz highway. Opposite this sector and seeming to cast a shadow over it was MonlsiH-, well fortified by the Germans. From this position the German artillery could effectually pound the entire sector. In spite of this achantage of ]-)osition, the Germans had been content to remain quiet for wars, so that what we were taking owv was kni)wn as a c|uiet sector. It was wi'll lor B J^attery that it was. On April 3d, the 1st platoon moved from Lucy to Rangexal, wlu-re our echelon was established in an old monasterv. That night the i)latoon started for the front. While rounding a curve, the park wagon which carried the men's ecjuipment went off the side of the road into a ditch. With many "heaves" from those who didn't have to heave, the wagon was forced back onto the road and the trip to the front resumed. This happened on what we later knew as "Dead Man's Curve," because of the effectiveness of the attention the Germans ]\\u\ to it. Passing through Beaumont, just beyond the cur\e, we turned to the left, following a road which appar- ently followed the line of the front. Judging from the star shells and Hares we were pretty close to the front lines. A short distance out on this road we were met by guides from the Fifth Field Artillery, who led us to the gun position known as Bryan L We took over their guns, which were already in position, learned what we could of our new position from our guides, and then found bunks in the dugouts, while our friends from the regulars disappeared. A COLD 5H0Wm 6LF0fiL^MmFA5TX..V T! [50] The Searching Party. Bryan II. Toul Sector. With the mornmg we had an opportunity to see what our new position was Hke. We were just off the Beaumont Ridge Road, Beaumont itself was to our right, beyond that "Dead Man's Curve" and Mandres. Off to our left was Ramboucourt and in our rear La Reine forest, which was soon occupied by the second platoon of our Battery. Over the ridge in front of us were the towns of Seicheprey, Xivray, and Richecourt, and beyond them Montsec. Our dugouts were different from what we had expected, instead of having dug in, the constructors of these dugouts had built them up above the ground. Constructed from earth, sand bags, I beams, logs and re-enforced concrete, they afforded protection from shells up to those as large as our own cent cinquante cinqs. Being above the ground, however, we were soon to find out that they afforded an excellent target. There were six dugouts in all for quarters, besides smaller ones for powder, fuses, shells and one for a first-aid station. A narrow-guage track ran from the road to the position, and this we used in transferring ammunition, and supplies from trucks to the position. A small well on the left provided all the water we needed. [51] "Rut wIkiI ni;i(K- llu- pusilion bad was llu' nuid and water. Tlu' ,ly for us, and for the first time in our experience we found a use for the rille. We remained in position here until August 2nd. Our infaiilr}- mean- while, had been relieved by the 28th l)i\-ision Doughboys, only to have to come back into the lines again. The 42nd Division Doughboys now relieved our own, but the Twenty-Sixth Artillery followed along in support. On :\ugust 2nd we moved forward to a new position near Villier-sur-Fere on the banks of the Ourc(|. We had rather expected a difficult job in crossing this ri\er. The only ones who found it so were the members of the spare gun crew. In some way they got their feet wet while carrying shells across the iiuuli talked of stream. Sergy, the [62] last town Uiken Ijy our Infantry, was just in front of the position, and there was plenty of evidence of the character of the lighting which had gone on for possession of this town. The next day, August 3rd, we made our last move forward through the town of Sergy to ajiosition near Chery Chartreuse. We had ad- vanced farther against the enemy than any other division. We were as proud of that as we were of the evidence of the result of our firing. Any- one who thought the artillery at ail unessential, needed only to follow u]) the drive, before the damage was camouflaged by the engineers, to find out their mistake. On August 5th we were relieved by the 4th Division and started back that evening. The ne.xt morning we reached Tieauvardes. Here we met the rear echelon, which had had experiences all its own, l)ut just as exciting and trying as that of the gun crews. "Whitney's Circus," as the rear echelon and reginieiita! horse lines had been dubbed, had remained in Jouarre a few days. Then as the Jiattery positions moved forward the "Circus" prepared to do likewise. The first move brought it to the outskirts of Essommes, a wheat field just outside of the town serving as a camping ground for three days. The hardships of war on the civilized population could be all too ])lainly seen here. Many pathetic, and many grewsome sights were to be seen in the houses of the town and in the hills beyond. The next move took the echelon through Chateau-Thierry, but instead of following the left bank of the Marne as the firing Battery had, it crossed the river and followed the right. That night Mont St. Pere was reached out of which the Germans had been driven only a few hours previous. It was a beautiful moonlight night and this made the " Circus" visible to the German aviators. As the boys left the town and reached the parking area they were met with what seemed a veritable shower of bombs. The sky seemed full of planes. While it lasted it was "some party." After the "birds" had left, the horses and wagons were parked in the open and then the men sought the safest possible "parking place" for themselves. They were up before day break to camouflage the wagons. In the afternoon they prepared to move to safer cjuarters. To do this it w'as found necessary to cross a pontoon bridge, built by the 6th Engineers. A half dozen wagons were over when nine enemy planes appeared. They opened up with machine guns and hand gre- nades. Some of the boys who were hiking had reached the opposite bank when one aviator, swooping down a little lower than the others heaved over a hand grenade, and Billy Brailsford, one of the flnest boys [63] to leave Providence with the Battery, was down. The boys did all they could and an ambulance was secured to rush Billy to a field hospital, but, as was afterwards learned, he died before the hospital could be reached. Soon after this some of our own aviators a])i)eared and chased the Boches. We next passed through Mezzy, a town the boys of the rear guard will never forget. A few days of "easy life" was passed here and then a new move was made to Beauvardes, where the firing Battery found them. In the afternoon of August 6th the reunited Battery moved out and in a driving rain plodded its way back through Torcy and Chateau - Thierry to Auluois where the boys, wet and hungry, were more than contented to find billets — the first in many days — in the deserted houses of the town. Auluois was reached a])out two o'clock in the morning. Six hours later the Battery was again on the road. The weather, how- ever, had cleared and as we followed the Marne the front was already beginning to seem far away. That night we reached Courcelles, or La Ferte as we knew it. Pup tents were pitched in the same meadows that we pitched them in when we started the drive. Now things were a little different. We had been through a great experience. In order to make us "forget it" passes to Paris were issued to some. Others went A. W. O. L. The Colonel gave a party with Haigh, Barnes and Cook assisting. It was some party. Then, too, there was a swimming hole and the "cootie machines." The cooks were making special efforts, in fact everything combined to bring the boys back to normal after the strain. It worked and before we left La Ferte the sickening stench of the front and the screaming of incoming shells were almost forgotten. While in La Ferte we suffered more losses, l)Ut in a different way. Captain MacLeod, who had commanded the Battery through most of the drive was taken away and made a major. He certainly deserved it, but we didn't like to see him leave us. Major Hanley, who always really seemed "our Captain," Lieutenant Metcalf, who generally made us smile although we weren't sure whether he was "kidding" or "razzing" us. Lieutenant Stark, whose work at the front made him popular, Lieut. "Jawn" Garrett, of horse line. and riding breeches fame, Lieut. Colonel Chaffee, whom we all admired as a real and efficient soldier, were ordered back to the States to get a new di\ision ready to "come across." Cap- tain Carey took charge of the Battery. On August 13th we broke camp, marched to the railhead at La Ferte and entrained for what was to prove to be one of our most pleasant memories of France. [ 64] UGLEY npHE Battery detrained at Latrercy, Cote-D'Or, after a very pleasant ride in the French Puhmans from La Ferte. The boys thought as they saw Chaumont in the distance that the much-promised rest was to be spent in a lively French town, but circumstances turned out in their usual manner and Chaumont was left far behind. Murmurs of dis- appointment were heard as orders were given to detrain at Latrercy. This was a wonderful place for a rest in the literal meaning of the word, but the boys wanted to see a little of life and wanted to visit cafes and restaurants where they might satisfy a long disregarded and robbed stomach. But no stop was made here and the Battery moved over the road to Boudreville, where the night was spent. On Friday, the i6th we reached our destination, a small town, Leugley by name. The picket lines were established in a very picturesque meadow, hedged in by tall poplar trees and through which ran a small brook, the Ourcq. Leugley is a typical village of France and noticeably tidy are its streets and houses. Overlooking the town from a hill nearby is a quaint old church. Rumors had it that we were to spend some time in the S. O. S. resting and being refitted. But G. H. Q. thought our services indispen- sable and ordered a rather premature departure. This town to us was as the North Pole was to Peary. From here we were to leave on our permissions so generously prescribed from Chaumont. We were to rest. Did we? No ! We had no sooner arrived than we were immediately put to work doing some foolish thing or the other. At six in the morning, "Hoppy" or some foolish bugler, blew something which sounded like "Reveille," and every one had to turn out with the exception of the mail orderly and a few of the other favored ones. Breakfast was served, or rather thrown [65] in lilt' kitchen, wliicli was in a meadow across the brook from the horse Unes. In the forenoon, stancUnjj; gun (hill, grooming, watering, and all the either duties of a Battery stationed at Camp Devens. In the after- nt)on we had to suffer lectures, aiming drill, or target practice, and not to forget foot drill, such as the Infantry needs. However, the officers were most considerate, for on Saturday afternoons and Sundays we were free, that is some of us. A few forward persons thrust their ac(|ua'ntances upon some of the hospitable nati\cs and enjoyed their stay in Leugley. One family in particular was very considerate and amiable towards a grouj) of boys and treated them to dinners, boat rides, and swimming privileges on their estate. These very good peoi)le owned and operated a mill nearby wherein was manufactured wood alcohol. Many wished that they made a more drinkable product. Considerable pleasure was ohlaiiied in tlu' town from a dail}' publica- tion known as "Clrunt Issues" or tlu' "Daily En(|uirer." "Life" t)r "Judge" had nothing on it when it came to real wit. Below are some choice bits from this daring paper, if it may be called such: ''Can Cooties die?" "Where's the YM C A?" "Why doesn't Headciuarters start a kitchen?" "When is canary-seed to be our regular ration?" "Do we ever K EST?" "How long, () Lord, how long must wt' iMidure such mess?" "How come, this distressing, cold, black bexerage?" "Why pass General Orders about the price of eggs to us?" "Could you invest a franc if you had one?" " Sherman said ' War is Hell,' but Rest Camps were beyond his ken." "Use and abuse, the Gentleman knows when to sto]x" "When Cooks are sick of cooking, let them join the army." " What happened to the two cans of beans which left the rear echelon? " And the following are from the "Grunt" i)ublished in other i)laces: "Five Minerva cookies and a demi-tasse of fountain pen ink for breakfast." "To come down to this 'Ilart, SchalTner & Marx' stutT, Oh Standish bring me n.)' alpaca !" [66] "Five loaves among a hundred men 1 Our cooks can'L perform the Biblical miracle." "Does the Mounted Orderly feed the sugar to the horses?" "Some of the high mucky-mucks hiked it this last tri]). Does chem- istry teach us that cold reacts upon " lead " so that it loses in weight?" Does the reader now believe that there is no humor in army life? War is not all that Sherman claimed it to be. The village of Leugley itself was remarkably well maintained. It was the cleanest and most hosi)itable ])lace that the Battery had ever visited. Sidewalks, a municipal water system and street sweepers from Battery B gave it a peculiar distinction. The weather during our stay was splendid — good, warm, summer days. [67] Bordering upon this town was Voulaines. Tn one of the chateaux of this village was Regimental Headquarters and from the steps of this building General Edwards gave his first talk to the men of the Regiment. It was a plain heart-to-heart talk from a leader who knew his men and how to lead them. He raised our spirits with the announcement that permissions had been applied for. In concluding, he wished to know the wants of the boys, and was immediately deluged with a storm of demands for pay, summer underwear, shoes, etc. It was laughable, but un- fortunately some of it was quite serious. After this speech the men applied for furloughs and a day or so later the lists of those who were to go first were posted. Almost everyone cabled for money from home. The hopes of a few weeks of real pleasure were again dashed when orders to leave the town were received. On August 25th at the conclusion of the first act of the Y D Minstrel Show given at Voulaines, Colonel Glassford announced with great excitement, "Men, we're off for another tight !" Two hours later the First Battalion was pulling out of Leugley and the populace stunned and anxious at the sudden departure turned out with cheers and tears to see us march away. SEICHEPREY. Seicheprey, the town, war ravaged and worn, Scarcely a place where a stiell has not lorn; Tottering walls tliat stand out in relief, Damp, chilly dugouts away underneath; Ruined masonry, stones, and tiles, Scattered equipment, salvage piles: Cooties, rats, odors vile and rank, This is the home of the Anti-tank. Seicheprey, the town where all is bereft, Save only the relics the War God has left. Nameless graves, half hidden in weeds: An atmosphere of valorous deeds: Forgotten trenches, neglected wire. Poison gas, and scattering fire, From Fritz, right out on our flanks; This is the home of tlie Anti-tanks. -{IVrillcn by F. C. Perkins icliilc in Seicheprey.) [68] Ib'STMIHlCI, 'Pt, Saint Mihiel. \T7'E had enjoyed our pleasant and refreshing sojourn in Leugley; about the only thing we didn't do being to rest. The small postal telegraph station in the Hotel de Ville had never experienced more prosperous days, for everyone from the buglers to the general had cabled home for money to make Aix les Bains a second Monte Carlo. The permissions were planned from Leugley to all parts of the world. But events turned out in their usual fashion — our plans were mere castles in the air. After thirteen unlucky days we received orders to bid adieu to the hospitable civilians of this town by the Colonel in his brief expression that we were "off for another fight ". We were not greatly disappointed because we were heartily tired of foolish little drills and inspections. The orders to leave were sudden, arriving shortly after noon on Tuesday, August 25th. The friendly natives left their work to wish us a last farewell and Godspeed, and in many of their eyes were tears, for they well knew the tragedy of war. In their minds as well as in ours were thoughts of death in the lines. How many of these boys would be laid in the sad soil of France. With a shake of the head and a last parting, "C'est la guerre," the Battery plodded its way in the warm sunny after- noon over the. dusty roads which led through the ripening fields and- rolling hills to the town of Boudreville. The stop for the night was made here and bunks were made on the side of a low hill. As usual the curious populace looked on but the boys were too tired and low in spirits to be talkative. [69] At three of the next afternoon the Battery left Boudreville and reached the railroad sidhig at Latrecy at five. Conveniently located was a cafe, and many decided that the march was unusually hot and dusty, more- over there was a large amount of idle francs in the pockets, francs which were intended to defray the expenses of a few days in some famous watering resort. But the officers considered water to be the only beverage prescribed in regulations — fini the cafe, loading was more important. Spirits were somewhat dampened by the report that a man in A Battery had been run over and killed by one of the heavy guns. The loading was orderly and a competition was announced between the Batteries for speed in loading. The reason was probably to give stimulus. At nine in the evening and during a light shower the train left. Rumors as to our destination were many and varied, but no one really knew where we were going. Complaints and grumbling were in evidence, our equipment had not received satisfactory attention. The days and nights, mostly nights, during the offensive at Chateau-Thierry, had left us in very poor con- dition. Our clothing was poor, the food was unsatisfactory. But the gloomy spirit was only superficial, for underneath was a wonderful feeling and understanding of fraternal good cheer. This train journey was shorter than the ordinary, and at six o'clock of the next morning, August 2gth, we detrained in a town of fair size, Ligny. A road march of seven hours brought us to Longville, where the guns were parked and the boys snatched a few hours sleep. In the same town were men of another division who were telling us with great pride of standing as a support division to the British for six or seven days. And they thought they knew what war was ! "Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." Orders came again that evening for another hike and we began a twenty-five kilometer march at eight o'clock and were at Marat at three in the morning. Every piece of rolling stock had to be hidden and the boys were quartered in a square patch of woods bordering on a wheat field. A few who looked after themselves very well, appropriated as beds some of the gathered stacks of wheat, and were severely reprimanded for it the same day. We were still j)lodding northwards. Leaving Marat in the evening of the 30th, the Battery hiked through a miserable night of rain. The landscape was bleak, and extremely lonesome. Over white chalk roads, which dipped and rolled over hills where the chill winds blew mourn- fully. No moon, a biting piercing rain, the mud, the fatiguing hills, empty stomachs, everything seemed discouraging. The crunching of [70] the guns on the road and the steady plodding of the horses were the only sounds, to interrupt the whistling of the wind. We came to a cross-road and saw a sign-post marked "VERDUN." We took the road to the famous city. Were we to enter the lines where over a million men lost their lives. The mere word "VERDUN" carried a terrible meaning to us. But it also brought a thrill. At five o'clock in the morning of the 31st, we reached Heippes and pitched camp in a patch of woods. It was still raining. Heippes was one of those busy towns a score or so kilometers in the rear of the lines, in which were ammunition dumps, engineer dumps, and a railroad center. Guards were stationed with whistles and bugles to warn us of the approach of airplanes. Upon hearing such a warning everyone was to seek cover and remain there until "the bird" had disappeared. Everyone felt that something was going to happen in a few days — and something did. We remained in the woods between Heippes and St. Andre for six days, having rain the first four. Conditions were far from being comfortable. At 7:30 P. M. on September 5th, we were on the road again heading northeast. Twenty kilometers were covered that night and day break the next day saw us echeloned in a deserted French camp in the woods near Rupt-en-Woevre. This location was the best we had struck in some time. There were numerous huts built into the sides of the hills and most all of them contained wooden bunks and fireplaces. These would shelter us from the rain at least. Many of the boys chose to sleep in the open but they had a chance to regret their decision later. Pup tents were matched and everyone was as comfortable as the cir- cumstances would permit, when a terrific rain and hail storm washed almost everything down the hill. Those who were fortunate enough to secure places in the huts congratulated themselves. It was noticed at this time that there was an enormous trafBc over the roads at night, and piece after piece of artillery of all types was being advanced toward the lines. Yet not a bit of life was seen on the road in the day time. The horses were watered only a few at a time. Everything was done to conceal the presence of a large body of troops from the enemy observers. As was learned later, this precaution was responsible for the success of the offensive which took place a few days later. The Battery remained in the hills about Rupt-en-Woevre for four days, and some rest was obtained. The forward position of the guns was occupied on the 9th of September, in a very thickly wooded valley, Ra\'in d'Apparot. Considerable work was necessary to clear a space [71] . for the guns among the trees. The pieces were pulled in during a cold piercing rain, at night, and a few of the boys learned that a French Infantry kitchen was only a few rods distant. This offered some pro- tection from the rain and advantage was immediately taken of this fact. The cooks who were asleep got up and hospitably served the boys with rum and hot coffee, which was greatly appreciated. The horse lines were also advanced to a quarter of a mile in the rear of the guns. In the immediate vicinity of the ravine were innumerable Batteries both French and American, some coming from the very distant sector of Montdidier. "Long toms," seventy-fives, one fifty-five shorts, rail- road rifles, and howitzers were cleverly concealed throughout the entire region. Everything indicated a very cordial "Howd'ye-do" to Fritz in a few days. The first lines were three kilometers away. For three days, ammunition was continually being hauled to the various gun positions. It was also noticed that there was very little artillery action on this front. It was a sector where worn-out troops were given a chance to remain quiet and at the same time hold a portion of the line. The gun crews were called out at midnight on the 12th, and every thing was made ready. At one o'clock sharp on the morning of Friday the 13th, hundreds of guns flashed and hurled their tons of steel into the German positions. For miles around the sky was lighted with stabs of red, and the noise was terrific. One of the Battery officers remarked at the time that there were forty guns on one target. The boys worked with great enthusiasm. Hardly one return shell fell within hearing distance. For different intervals of time the guns were turned on various points of strong resistant power. The gun crews were working for all they were worth, the guns became hot from the continual fire. Never had we heard such terrific artillery action. Early in the day we heard the report that 10,000 prisoners, mostly Austrians, had been taken. The attack was a great surprise, and little resistance had been offered. The guns were soon out of range and were hurried on to the road. A number of boys hearing that the guns were not to be advanced that day, went on souvenir hunts into the trenches, which were occupied a few hours before by the unsuspecting troops. Winding their ways through tortuous communicating trenches they arrived in the front line trenches, overlooking no man's land. What a scene of desolation and destruction. The paths taken by our advance Infantry who were led by French Colonels, who knew the terrain perfectly, were easily followed. The barbed wire was not staked, but it appeared to have been thrown [72] carelessly and plentifully. There were hundreds and hundreds of yards of rusty wire, up through which the briars and grasses of four years had grown and almost completely hidden. The land was pocked with shell holes in which stagnant water had collected and which stunk horribly. Gaunt bare trunks of trees stood out hideously, nicked and shattered by shrapnel of terrible years. Here and there w^ere human bones, bleached by the pitiless sun. Duds of all calibres were strewn about and even these were cut by pieces of flying shell. Posters of propaganda were picked up addressed to Bavarian troops telling them that the real enemy of the Germans was not America, not France or England, but the House of Hohenzollern. Evidently these had been dropped by Allied airmen. After ripping puttees and trousers on the treacherous wire, the boys came to the German front line. What a contrast between the construc- tion of these and the French lines. The enemy trenches were about eight feet deep. The sides were built of evenly cut blocks of rock, cemented together. On the ground were duck-boards and at even distances in the firing walls were steel boxes containing grenades, signal rockets, etc. Here and there were firing steps. The dugouts were remarkable in their construction. In the direction of the French lines they extended to a depth of twenty or thirty feet. Comfortable beds, stoves, chairs and tables were found. It was told that even female clothing was discovered. From the front line trenches, cleverly camouflaged communicating trenches wound their way to the second and third lines of defense and into the woods. At the strategic and commanding points were cement Saint Remy. [73] block houses or cheese boxes, almost impre.snable in appearance, wherein were found machine guns and ammunition a plenty. Only a few dead soldiers were seen and this gave more evidence of the surprise and cleverness of the attack. Barracks complete with electric lights and water system were only a few kilometers from the trenches. A cemetery such as we had never seen before was nearby. The tombstones were of remarkable work with the names and regiments carefully engraved upon them. Every stone was made conspicuous by a black Maltese Cross thereon. Walks were neatly arranged and the entire cemetery was carefully fenced off. War and its terrible toll was certainly in evidence here. After obtaining numerous souvenirs, the boys returned to the gun positions in the Ravine and told of the real "Hindenburg Line." The next position to be taken up by the advance was located in Saint Remy, a little devastated town close to Les Eparges, famous in the earlier days of the War. The pieces were laid just off the road and fronting a swamp, which by the way was thoroughly appreciated later on. A quarter of a mile in front of the guns was a line of hills, the Heights the Woevre, from which a wonderful view could be obtained. Stretch- ing for miles on the further side of these hills was a plain, almost un- broken by any eminences, and a few fellows counted fifty-two villages scattered along the white roads of the valley. Far on the other side were the Heights protecting the city of Metz. It was easy to under- stand that an advance by either the Americans or Germans was im- possible, because of the wonderful facilities for observation on either line of hills. The heights in front of the position were honey-combed with caves and in one large underground chamber was a complete power station which supplied the electricity for miles around. The dugouts in this region were very elaborate and strong. The Germans certainly appreciated comfort. During the stay near Saint Remy the boys did as the French were wont to do. They immediately began to construct shacks with lumber and corrugated iron which was appropriated from the deserted German positions. Stoves were procured and bunks made. Of course all were camouflaged. The horse lines were about a niile in the rear and the drivers, like the men of the gun crews, did everything possible to make themselves comfortable. Every day there was considerable air activity, both on the part of Allied and German airmen. Fire was also maintained by means of balloon and ground observation. We were thankful that we were not bothered by day or by night by Boche planes. The gun crews did not [74] carry on mvich action during the stay at this position, that is, in com- parison to the activity of preceding days. On the eighteenth of September citations from various sources were posted on the bulletin boards and also the facsimile of General Edwards request to G. H. Q. for relief. Appended to this was the reply of General Pershing that it was impossible to grant such at the present momentous time. The feeling for Pershing was not very keen heretofore, but now tl e men were very bitter in their opinions of the leader of the A. E. F. We were tired, our clothing was in poor shape, and the horses in very low condition. In fact we were almost as badly off as when we left the lines at Chateau-Thierry. However, there was nothing to do but grin and pray that the end of the war was near. In fact, there was a per- vading spirit that the end was not far off. Communiques were pub- lished stating that Bulgaria had asked for an Armistice, and that Turkey was in sad plight. Of course, such news had a tendency to strengthen the morale considerably. Moreover, life at Saint Remy was not trying. There was the eternal rain and mud, but shelter was unusually good. During the day of the 22nd we listened to the low grumbling shells passing over our heads to the rear, but as they did not bother us we thought very little of them. But two days later we began to pay some attention to enemy shells, for they were falling in Saint Remy with great gusto. Fortunately we were a few hundred yards from the town. The boys sat on the side of a neighboring hill and saw dust, stones and dirt fly in the air, then the whistle of the shell and the explosion. Altogether it was a first-class exhibition of fireworks. Some humor was afforded by the mule-skinners in the town attempting to lead their "cares" out of danger. The mules showed greater ease of mind than the very excited skinners. A memorable expedition left our ranks on the evening of the 26th. In this detail were Major MacLeod, who at that time was in command of the Battery, Justin Richardson, Dave Parrenteau, "Hubby" Ellis, and Irving Morris. The last four enlisted men had been chosen from a list of many volunteers. Besides these men from B Battery were details from the 102nd Infantry who were to act as patrols. The plan of the expedition was as follows: A. gun had been captured in the advance a week or more previous. It was a Krupp model of 1883 and in excellent working condition. Cap- tain Oberland of the Intelligence Department suggested that the gun be taken to a position in front of our own furthest outposts and fired point blank into the enemy. Of course the plan was attendant with many dangers, but it was originated with the idea that by such an act [75] the strength and morale of the enemy would be learned. The <^un was to be drawn into j)osition by four horses in mule harness, to eliminate the sound of chains which are used on horse harness. As the beginning]; of the plain was reached, orders were issued by officers in charge to stick together if an enemy patrol was met, to remain absolutely silent, to refrain from smoking. In case of machine gun fire to lie flat on the ground until the iirst volley was fired and then to double time toward our lines, everybody for himself. The objective was St. Hilaire which lay five kilometers in front of our lines. The gun was unlimbered in the road and worked by man power into a position behind a clump of bushes. The piece was loaded and a long lanyard attached ready to fire, when suddenly a Battery of 75's barked a few hundred meters in the rear. Disappointment number one. A few minutes later a slight noise was heard in front of the gun and a small patrol was sent ahead to ascertain what it might be. They reported an enemy outpost two hundred meters away and slightly to the left. Disappointment number two. Orders were now given to fire and the lanyard was pulled but no report. The expedition was declared unsuccessful and orders given to withdraw. A sample of the powder was taken back. Major MacLeod tried a match to it, when a small town was reached on the return, but it would not burn. Headquarters had furnished the party with Flash Reducer instead of the absolutely essential powder. The last and greatest disappointment. The next night the swamp in front of our guns did us a great favor. Shell after shell from some German battery fell into it with great reg- ularity only to sink into the mud with a kerflop. The ground was not hard enough to set the fuses. About this time the men became tired of Saint Remy. The days w'ere mostly rainy and cold, and nothing was being accomplished. A "Foolish" cootie machine made its appearance and the boys took advantage of it by procuring new underwear which was sadly needed. As usual the steaming process killed the older "coots" but stirred the more vicious younger ones to greater activity. Little benefit was re- ceived. Advantage was taken also of the huge shell holes in the swamp which were filled with water. Some of the daring ones closed their eyes and imagined that they were diving into the swimming holes around Providence. Of necessity the costumes were a la September Morn. We had often wondered why the horse lines were continually being shifted. This time they were brought very near the guns of C Battery, which by the way, was rather warmly shelled by the Boches. But who could understand the whys and wherefores of army life, or rather, [76 J existence. A little excitement was experienced before advancing the echelon. One fine night a squadron of Gothas kept the drivers awake by dropping a few uncomfortably close. Another evening a group was seated around the dying embers of the kitchen fire trying to absorb some heat through their mud-caked "hobs." A Boche was overhead and the anti-aircraft were firing to keep him away; and by the way, it alwayg appeared that it drew the "birds" closer. The talk was the ordinary, who worked the most, the cannoneers or drivers? Why didn't they get new cooks? Why was it necessary to groom three times a day? When was our Swish — Flip. Everybody ran away from the bomb which landed three or four feet away and which was found to be nothing but an empty shrapnel case from an anti-aircraft shell. The 79th Division passed over the road on Sunday, October 6th, and we made preparations to move. The new troops were continually asking questions about the amount of fighting in this sector and the nearness of the German lines. From their conversation and attitude we judged that they had not been in the lines for a very long time. We encouraged them as best we could. We were very discouraged and tired ourselves, but we were thankful that we were about to leave Saint Remy. During the last few days there was considerable artillery action towards Verdun which was to our left. The air was charged with rumors of a coming armistice and everyone felt that the war would not go through the winter. There were the pessimists who maintained that Germany was no nearer defeat than she was when the first Americans arrived. Such joy killers were not suffered to talk for any length of time. The food was fine but it seemed that we had no sooner established supply depots and obtained our "eats" regularly than we would be ordered to move on, or in Glassford's famous words, "Of^ to another fight." One year in foreign service ! On October 9th we were entitled to wear our second gold service chevron. None seemed very anxious to obtain them and everyone wondered whether we would remain long enough in France to wear the third. This same day orders came to move and the greater part of the afternoon was taken up in preparation. Orders were cancelled in the evening and we remained another day, "Pack rolls, and Unpack Rolls " were familiar orders. The 30th Division took over a portion of the sector the next day and at nine in the evening of the tenth we left St. Mihiel and St. Remy, but carried with us the vivid memories of our fourth position in the lines. The condition of the horses was pitiful. Orders from Division Head- quarters were constantly being read to us of the great necessity of proper and careful treatment of our animals. In the Battery there were only [77] eighty-six horses. All the non-coms including the top sergeant had to walk. Strict orders were given that every man carry his ])ack. Some of the rolling equipment could not be drawn and consequently had to be left behind. The guns were hauled from the valley, in which Saint Remy was located, with great difiliculty. Only one piece could be drawn u}) the hill at a time. When the top was reached the two or three leading pairs were sent back to aid in pulling up the second piece and in this fashion the Battery was started on its way to another position. Joe Marcotte was driving a pair, one of which w^ould not pull, even with severe whipi)ing. Joe with tears in his eyes condemned Trouve, the Stable Sergeant, for shooting one of his pair of handsome blacks, simj^ly because the horse's nose was running. Joe's pair was his pride. After calling out his oj^inions of Jack, Joe pleaded for a cartridge to shoot his off horse which siin])ly would not pull. Several times the men had to aid the horses by pulling on the draw ropes. The orders to carry the ]:)acks were not heeded after a few kilometers had been covered. Every- one piled them onto some piece of caisson and thought that the condition of the horses was not attributable to them. Grumbling as usual was much in evidence and no one was sorry when a halt for the day was called at Genicourt after six kilometers had been covered. Headquarters allowed us to remain a day and a night here and on the evening of Columbus Day, October 12, 191 8, we began the march of all marches. We left at 5:30 o'clock. Orders to carry packs were again issued, but as soon as darkness came on they were again disobeyed. Orders were also given forbidding smoking, which were also disregarded. When we began this hike we believed that it would be nothing extra- ordinary. But we were fooled. One of the Lieutenants who was lead- ing, forgot to leave a marker at a certain cross road and we continued straight ahead. We had stumbled along our way k)v twelve kilometers and arrived in a town which the lieutenant was able to locate on his map. He now realized his mistake and the order to do an about face was given. As the boys repassed landmarks after landmark they readily voiced their opinions of the Lieutenant and in such a tone of voice that it could be heard. The men lighted cigarettes and pipes and when ordered by ofj&cers to stop they would politely answer, '" Go to Hell," and duck behind a piece. The Lieutenant rode back to the ofificer in charge and on his way was greeted with \ery uncordial saluta- tions. As he made his report to the commander the latter, a wise old- timer answered, "Hell — let them smoke." Many men droj^jped by the side of the road and sought resting places for the night. Those of greater determination and strength plodded on [78] cursing the efficiency of some American officers, and one Lieutenant in particular. Orders were issued again, and this time the drivers were told to exchange places with the cannoneers every now and then. The night was very dark, not a star was visible, and the road particularly rough. The Battery finally reached the point where they should have turned after twenty-four kilometers of useless hiking had been completed. We reached our destination at seven-thirty the next morning, the Bois de Balecourt, which was six kilometers from Verdun. The march of this memorable night was of fifty-one kilometers. The men w^ere utterly exhausted. Many did not wait for breakfast, but went to sleep, either in the woods or in old barracks. The first definite news of Germany's petition for an armistice appeared this same morning in the Paris edition of the Chicago Tribune. Such welcome tidings served in a small way to make the gloom and fatigue of this trying hike a little easier to bear. But Columbus Day of 191 8 occupies a most conspicuous place in our diaries. CHATEAU THIERRY. We toyed with the Boche up at Soissons, Did belter later on, When at Seicheprey and Xivray-Marvoisin We sent them back on the run. Tin Soldiers, some one had called us, We were only Volunteers In the National Guard from New England, We'd developed some in a year. For now we were wanted to start them Back, towards the Rhine's farther bank, And 'twas here that the war weary Frenchmen, To the old Twenty-Sixth, gave their thanks. For we did what was asked when we started. There at the banks of the Marne, And drove through Torcy and Sergy, Took a short rest at Paris Farm. Then on we went through Beauvardes, Right on up to Chery, 'Twas only orders that stopped us From driving right through Germany. "Regulars " sit up now and notice, When a blue Y. D. comes in view, "Bon Division " murmurs the Frenchy "Chateau-Thierry remembers you." [79] r"^ -1 '••^^r^- -t- : f ,J> "Saint Remy. [So] T TPON being relieved at St. Remy by the artillery of the 30th Division, the first thing we asked was, ''Where do we go from here?". The rumor squad, headed by Walter Donnelly, made many guesses. The best one seemed to give us a rest, — long overdue, — but as usual, it was wrong. Not that we cared, so much either, for at least there were no "foolish orders" aiming to make "good soldiers" out of us, while we were in the lines. Anyway, we had had enough of rest camps. When we did move, it was with that pleasing feeling of wondering where we were going to stop. On October loth, we pulled from our positions at St. Remy to the ravine behind Rupt-en-Woevre, known as Genicourt. The position had been a difficult one to pull out of. The horses were in terrible condition, and there were not enough of them. The second piece suffered a slight mishap, a broken pole. Going up the hill from the position, it was necessary to take one section up, using the horses from two sections, then go back for the other section. At the cross roads the firing Battery had been joined by the Battery Field Train and the trip was made to Genicourt without accident. We remained at Genicourt two days, doing little, but sleeping and trying to entice the commissary department of the 7th Division to sell their stock. This was fine, but was soon to be paid for. Early in the evening of October twelfth, we left Genicourt. At first, we took it as we had taken all hikes, figuring that twenty kilometers w^ould probably end it. After a few hours, we began to wonder. We were beginning to get tired. Still the column kept moving, except for the short rests that came once an hour. Finally, we stopped. We knew we had covered about thirty kilometers and we were sure this must be the end. We waited about an hour and then, — suddenly the head of the column [81] went back past us. Soon, we were following;, and then we realized that we had lost our way in the dark. During the short intervals of rest now, many of the men ch\)i>i)ed in the mud to literally "snatch forty winks." Commands to stop smoking met with jeers. Towards daylight we found t)urselvcs moving along a road with a high citadel off on our right. What place was this ? Then some one said, Verdun. Verdun ! We bad heard of this town long before we thought of being soldiers. We had heard of it, as soon as we struck France. Scarcely a French family but seemed to have lost some one there. Most of the German prisoners we had seen at Coetquidan had been captured at Verdun. As we saw this town, and thought of its history of the men who had made good their cry, "On ne passe pas !", our spirits revived. What was a hike of one night compared to what they had stood. With main' of llu' boys it was only this sjjirit that kept them going. About nine o'clock of the morning of the thirteenth found us pulling into the woods outside of Balecourt. We had covered fifty-two kilo- meters, and it was a tired outfit that helped the horses get the pieces up the muddy slopes to the woods. As soon as the picket line was stretched and the horses taken care of, almost every man sought a bunk in barracks assigned to us. The exceptions were the "choco- latehounds" who had heard that their favorite "tid-bit" was to be had in a town twelve kilometers away. Late in the afternoon they returned loaded with chocolates, cigarettes, candles; in fact, everything needed. The "wolves" went to work immediately, while the "hounds" slept. We remained here for two days. In the evening of the fourteenth, we moved up about four kilometers, parking just otT the road. In the distance we could count a lunnber of small towns all in ruins. On the night of the sixteenth, the first platoon pulled into position in Ravine de Boussiers, near Verdun, relieving the French. The tri]) had been a hazardous one. ^^ 82 Due to the good work of the engineers, the roads were in good condition and we made good time, until we reached Charney. Here a hVely barrage directed at the bridges over the Meuse between Charney and Bras, held us up. The men were forced to unhitch and go back about a kilometer, to what was left of the position of an old French outfit. The horses were picketed and the men sought the shelter of the old dugouts. These offered protection from everything except the rats, which infested the place and made sleeping impossible. After about four hours the shelling eased up and the men and horses returned to the pieces. After leaving Charney we crossed the Meuse into Bras. At the main cross roads we turned to the left, following this road for about three kilo- meters. Then we turned to the right onto a shell torn road that led to our new position in Ravine de Boussiers, or Death Valley. The ground all around was strewn with dead horses and men. The drivers did good work in getting the guns into position. Before day break the drivers were covering the road back to the echelon, anxious to get ofE the road before it was light enough for German obser- vation. That night the second platoon followed the first, and another snappy night was experienced, the fourth section especially being lucky to get away without casualties. At the same time the echelon moved back to Bois-de-Ville, where they stayed for three days, when they moved to the Caserne Niel at Thier- ville. This place had formally been a War College for Field Artillery and had received its share of fire. The barracks and stables, however, were still in fairly good condition and the men found good quarters, where they could be comfortable and fairly clean. The echelon, however, knew it was at the front. A twelve-inch Naval Gun, which fired from an open track just outside of Thierville, brought German answers. The Germans were continually sending shells over Caserne Niel into Verdun, and at times dropped shrapnel on the echelon, German aviators did some strafeing, killing two men and wrecking a truck by the use of hand grenades. This was at the gate of the echelon. Every day, however, someone went to a commissary somewhere and brought back supplies, which were divided, half to be sent to the front. On Hallowe'en eve the boys celebrated. An entertainment was put on in one of the barracks, and doughnuts, coffee and apples handed out. It was an enjoyable evening and so more followed. The mess served was much better than we had been receiving, so that, all in all, the war at the echelon wasn't so bad. [S3] At the position things were anything but pleasant. Hcinie staged a party every afternoon at tliree, when he would try to send a whole ammunition dump over. Many of tlie men had close calls and some were wounded. On October 23rd came tlie attack on Houi)py Bois and Bois de Belieu. For days then it was merely a continuation of this attack with our Artillery supporting the Infantry. The men were suffering from the German tire. A number had been wounded, and practically every man was gassed, some so badly, they could not speak. But none went to the hospital, the only changes being as some were relieved for a few days by fresh men from the echelon. On the twenty-fourth, the third section piece had been temporarily ])ut out of action, when it was struck by fragments from an enemy shell. On November 2nd the firing Battery moved forward a short way and took up positions at Cote de Paivre, relieving a French battery, which had just sulTered rather heavily by having the breach of one of their guns blow up, killing the entire crew. The change in some ways was a good one. (lood dugouts and gun pits were ready for us. But also, directly behind us were some oi the forts that guarded Verdun. The German shelled these forts incessantly, and every time a shell dropped short — and they were many now — we received the benefit of it. Two men were wounded and forced to lea\'e for the hospital and we were being con- tinually gassed. The very food seemed to taste of different flavors of Germany's worst. About that time it was decided that the hea\y artillery was too much for horses, and that we had better be motorized. The regiment was ordered to send a detail, comprised of a certain number of men from every Battery, to motor school. The required number of men were picked, many of them from those serving on the gun crews, as it was felt that they needed and deserved a rest. On November 3rd the men who had been picked from the firing Battery prepared to move to the echelon. They were leaving the position and had almost reached the main road behind the position, when the Germans suddenly started a terrific strafeing. One shell hmded between Flint Grinnel and Ray Bertherman. When the smoke cleared away Ray Bertherman was down, severley wounded in the leg. A large shell fragment had struck behind his right knee, almost taking the leg off. l'"lint attempted to stop the flow of blood by applying a tourniquet. A stretcher was secured and Ray was taken to a hrst aid station from where he was rushed to the hospital. There it was found necessary to IS4] amputate his leg. Ray really never recovered from the operation, the loss of blood having been too much. A few days later, we were informed that he was dead. He was buried in the cemetery at Limoges. Ray's loss was keenly felt, as he was one of the steadiest and best natured men in the Battery. At two o'clock in the morning, November nth, we received orders to move the gun positions into the open and to lay them well to the right. Orders were given for a schedule of fire that would keep the gun crews busy until five o'clock in the afternoon. Then at nine forty-five that morning we received news that seemed too good to be true. An armistice had been agreed upon, and we were to stop firing at eleven o'clock. The men went wild. Up until eleven o'clock we gave Heinie everything we had. On the last shot every member of the firing Battery, all the cooks included, as well as a number of officers from G. H. Q., helped to pull the long lanyard which had been brought out for the purpose. For a moment there was silence, not a gun to be heard anywhere. Then the men gave vent to their feelings. We joined the French in celebrating. Mess was forgotten. Evening saw a wonderful sight. Huge bonfires were made all along the line of the front, every loose powder charge— anything we could lay. our hands on, going into the fire. Flares were used as fireworks. At * the echelon, there were flag raisings, parades, speeches and bonfires. It was a wonderful sight. The position at the front was held two more days. Then, on Novem- ber thirteenth, we pulled out from our last position in the lines and marched back to the echelon, where the Battery was reunited. On the same day the first men from the Battery received their fur- loughs, twelve men leaving for Aix-les-Bains. Truly, the war was over, and we made up our mind that we would enjoy the rest of our stay in France. But we overlooked the fact that there were drill grounds, guard duty and other things in the S. O. S., and that G. H. Q. was already making plans to teach us how to be soldiers after our ten months in the line. Ten months of hiking, shell lugging, firing, privations. Ten months of trying to fight like men and meet whatever came, like soldiers. Ten months continuous service in the line,— and we knew that the Forty- Second Division and the First were the only other American outfits to have seen as much. We were proud of our record. Mixed with our feeling of pride for the past were bright dreams of the future, and then — our air castles were ruined. [85] Post Armistice. "r?INI La Gucre! Sure cnou<^h it was over. No more lugjijing shells. No more lines to be run and rcj^aired. No more firing at unholy hours — and finished the thousand and one details of a Battery in firing position. Would we go to the Army of Occupation was the next and most im- portant of <|uestions. During the next few days rumor had us posted everywhere from a position in the Zone of Occupation to "Home for Christmas." — Home for Christmas ! What a welcome sound. Strangely enough, we really believed it at first. Most of us had no i^articular longing to hike through Germany, and with the scarcity of horses, it looked as if we would have to "man handle" the guns. However, it was at length decided that we were not to be part of the "American movement watch on the Rhine," and on November 13th , we hauled the guns from their last jjosition and hiked back to the echelon, in Caserne Niel at Thierville. 'J'he men from the position arriving at the echelon found the men on (hat detail quite comfortably established in old stone barracks with stoves and bunks under cjuite agreeable conditions. It didn't look so tough until we were shown our sleeping cjuarters for the night. Upstairs on a cement floor, not a pane of glass to be had in any of the windows, and apparently not heated since Csesar's conquest of Gaul. There we slept — or rather lay awake— for it was so cold that three men sleeping together with all their clothes and ten or a dozen blankets were unable to offset the bitter cliill from the cement floor. We were assembled early next morning for our deix\rture from the Zone of Advance. All surplus equipment was turned in, wagons and all. It now looked as if we must carry packs without a chance to cheat. However, on this occasion, we were fortunate enough to have motor transport for our packs, and it wasn't with any regret that we loaded them on. After an all day hike we arrived after dark at Nubecourt, where the men had a delightful job sorting out their equipment by the light of a lone lantern. Finally, however, they reached a satisfactory agreement and sought sleeping charters. [86] Assembling on the road the morning of the 15th, waiting for the "Forward Ho" that would start another day of hiking — along came old "Never be the same." T. P. Hazelhurst, back from the hospital, re- splendent in a long overcoat with a court train effect. He certainly was accorded a real welcome. The night of the 15th found us billeting in Levoncourt after a long day on the road. While Levoncourt boasted nothing more than the usual piles of wealth? about town, several noteworthy incidents occurred. Lieut. O'Connor had been surreptitiously egging on the Grunt editors for a publication and here it was that the last and most slashing copy of that daring sheet was ])ublished. Posted on a ration wagon at the kitchen directly in front of the officers' quarters it was a center of interest. Close on its heels came disaster. Great gobs of wrath descended on the tenth section, some of whose members were known to be chief offenders. Bright and early on the i6th came an order: "Sgt. Redfern, the detail will report for fatigue — clean stables, and police the town." That for our poor old Grunt ! The detail was to be divided up among the battery to prevent any further outbreaks of near-Bolshevism; and in spite of the fact that the leaders of the Grunt issue offered them- selves as sacrifices to save the rest of the personnel of their section, they became parts of other sections in very short order. On the morning of the lyth the guns were hauled to Tronville to an Ordnance park and there left until further orders and on the i8th we bade farewell to our poor old, worn out horses — faithful old beasts, may their surviving days be of peace and plenty for they, too, are veterans of the Great War. November 20th found us leaving Levoncourt, foot artillery with a vengence, no horses or guns. We were once more in the condition we left the States, except, of course, in the matter of various personal changes and in a state of almost entire disillusion. Arriving at Nancois- le-Petit we were installed in very comfortable billets and the town itself was noticeably neat and tidy. Here we spent Thanksgiving and although the ration issue for the day was "canned willy" and salmon, with hard-tack, we drew on the good old Battery Fund (thanks to the folks at home) and had a real dinner. In the evening we commandeered an old barracks in the town and staged an impromptu, but very snappy, vaudeville show. The show and the nine barrels of beer bought in nearby Bar-le-Duc, made a very successful Thanksgiving. [87] Now we began to get a taste of peace-time soldiering, it being decided that, inasmuch as the war was over we must learn to be soldiers, and drills and hikes became a part of each day's program. After ten days, R ■ ■■ ^ on November 30th, we packed up and mo\ed to Loisey or "Lousey " as "she is spoke." Still in the same area with no apparent reason for moving except to move. Now we had real cause to curse drills, for the only place the town afforded that was large enough for the purpose was at the top of a very high hill and this climb became more irksome as the days went by. Sick call had a heavy attendance every day. Loisey was also inhabited by Brigade Headquarters, our late Colonel P. D. Glassford, now a Brigadier General, being in the town at all times. Talk about salutes — we even drew one Captain Von Kumer, a Dis- ciplinary Officer, whose duty was to go around passing out $5.00 fines and ten days in the jug for each unfastened button. Orders were read to salute all passing staff cars on suspicion that there might be an officer inside, and the boys went around with ever ready hand saluting beer wagons, wood carts and all vehicles for fear that they might pass some one up and get life. On December 20th the cards were once more shuffled and this time we were dealt a train ride starting from Ligney and arriving on December 2ist at La Ferte sous Amance, where we detrained and marched twenty- seven kilometers to Vicq (L'Haute Marne). Vicq was the scene of our continued activity in the Peace-Time Soldier Game. Drill and hike. Hike and drill. In- spection and muster, not forgetting a few full pack hikes so we wouldn't forget our equipment. In Vicq the "Own your own home" movement was speeded up and a large percentage of the Battery was housed among the good people of the town, beds being obtainable at one-half franc per day. Every stove and fireplace in town was busy each night cooking rabbits, steak, sausage and every other eatable for sale__!in the town, together with many, many Pommes de Terre. We who found homes here were surely sitting on the world. December 25th — Christmas day — found us still in Vicq, and although we were to have been at home according to Dame Rumor, there was an ocean of very deep water between us and the best place of all. The day passed quietly, with a vaudeville show in the evening. At Vicq our long lost barrack bags came back, but oh, how sadly depleted, bereft of nearly everything except dirty clothes — they were sorry looking sights. Lean and cadaverous and almost valueless. Athletics were fast coming into vogue as a relief from the monotony of drill and football, soccer and many games helped to fill out the days. Billet— Vicq. I89] One bri<^]it da}', lu and behold, noisy and liun^ry as ever, in breezed Walter Wolf, prisoner in Germany since the battle of Seicheprey, to keep us entertained for many days with his tales of prison life in Germany. The motor school detachment returned to us at Viccj full of knowledge of gasoline vehicles and weird tales of their soft jobs at Le Elanc. They also brought final verification and full details of the death of "Dutchy" Butts from the effects of gas received in Death Valley. The tractor detail which left some weeks before came roaring into town one night spouting flames from the exhaust pipes of ten ton tractors which were to haul the guns we didn't have. This material had been ordered a year previous and this delivery twelve months later showed marked efficiency. The inhabitants were most curious and, in fact, we were very nearly in the same state of mind. However, after a few days they were rattled off to be turned over to another outfit at the Division rail head. On January 24th, after the many events at Vicq, we pulled out in the morning for La Ferte sous Amance, there entraining for the Le Mans area, there to be cleansed and purified, de-cootieized and made ready for our trip home sometime in the indefinite future. Many stories came to our ears of the "Dirty Camp," the Belgian Camp, and the strict con- ditions existing in the Le Mans area. We were not greatly enthused at the prospect of several weeks stay under such conditions. However, we passed Le Mans and found that we were to be billeted in a small town in the area instead of in the main camp. We detrained at Mayet and after hiking four kilometers to Pont- vallain were billeted under somewhat crowded conditions. The entire regiment was assigned to this town and there wasn't any too much room anywhere. The town, however, proved not too bad from a standpoint of comfort and certainly we were not overworked here. Sports and athletics were very prominent. Basketball, football soccer, and boxing were greatly encouraged even to the Divisional Con- tests at Ecomoy, which lasted several days. Prize drill scjuads were trained, boxers speeded up, and everyone, who could find an athletic excuse, was ducking drill and details. Now that we were nearing the final leg of our journey someone in G. H. Q. decided that we were ignorant and illiterate and should be educated. Classes were to be formed in French, mathematics, English and what not, with instructions from the personnel of each outfit. As long as the classes were an excuse to duck drill, they were a huge success; but when the time off was reduced to the hours necessary for class there I 90] was a huge falling off in attendance. Finally, with the possible exception of the elementary class in English, most of them died a natural death. Here also the non-coms received much instruction in the use of rifles, with which they were totally unfamiliar heretofore, and were, as a matter of fact, willing to remain ignorant. One of the chief diversions of this area was chasing the elusive cootie. It was the original idea of this area to make us once again clean and vermin proof. To this end we were endlessly bathed, our clothes boiled, the seams smeared with a sticky substance, traps set, lynching parties organized, and finally our grey-backed enemies were exterminated. Each week we appeared before the medical officers and had our shirts examined for a possible hardy cootie who could survive the extensive offensive of the winter of 1919. The much delayed furloughs came through in February and the lives of the officers, the Top and the Battery Clerk became one of constant labor, sorting out, answering a million questions, taking approximately the same number of kicks every day and even then everybody didn't get a furlough. Every corner of France was named by enterprising young men in Olive drab for their sojourn of three or fourteen days as the case might be. Naturally every man wanted to reach Paris, but Paris was taboo. So all planned their trips with the great city as a connecting station where they might stop over for a few hours. The stories of these furloughs spent in Lyons, Dijon, Nice, Aix-les-Bains, and other places would make a book worth reading, particularly if the stories were written exactly as they were told. Many of us will have little giggles to ourselves as long as we live when we are reminded of our journeys as Permission- aires in France. Some kilometers outside of Pontvallain lay a large wood reported to be infested with wild Boar, and the Regimental Commander set aside a day for a grand Boar Hunt by the entire Regiment. Armed with bay- onets, clubs, and spears, but no guns, we chased the elusive "saugher" all day. The fruit of the hunt was one poor, little, scared rabbit, driven into ambush and slaughtered. He should have received "posthumously" the Medal of Honor for so gallant a battle — one rabbit against 1,200 men. True enough boars were seen, but they were too fast on their feet. This escapade was the cause of gales of laughter for many days among the inhabitants of the town. On February 19 the inspection of the Division was held by the Com- mander-in-Chief of the American Armies, General Pershing. It rained, [91] the field was ankle deep in mud, we stood roughly four hours waiting for the inspection (or rather, for the General to arrive). Bayonets and rifle barrels were rust spotted, clean equipment muddied; then a hasty inspection, and a tired and disgruntled outfit hiked back to Pontvallain. Meantime the Battery Clerks were kept busy conipleting service record data, which was in very bad condition, making all kinds of reports, catching up on the many items that had gone behind and been neglected during combat days, and finally making passenger lists for the homeward journey and really busy for the first time in their L. A. career. Finally the great day. On the 28th of March we hiked to Mayet there entraining for Brest in American box cars. Oh, the stories they told us ! No noise, no jeering the M. P.'s., no hopping on the S. O. S., no drinking or they would send us back for life. Further we must have full equipment whether for issue or not. Two cans of dubbin, two extra shoe laces or we would be detained at Brest. Some of us w^ere hardened enough to laugh, but others, fearing such a calamity at the last moment, fell for this bunk and packed the works — and at that the greasy dubbin came in handy to help burn wet wood at Brest. Arriving in Brest at about eleven o'clock at night in a downpour of rain, we detrained, wondering if we would sail as we had landed with old Jupiter Pluvius on the job as usual. We marched across the road to some model mess halls where we feasted our stom.achs on beans and prunes, and our eyes on the marvelous efficiency of the Port of De- barkation Kitchens. System was the prevalent note here, and after a long up hill hike we found more evidence of it at the Camp de Pontanazen. We were lodged in comfortable tents with Sibley stoves, and cots with springs and real mattresses. Quite livable, in spite of the terrible tales of the mud hole at Brest. The final inspections were rapidly gone through as well as the last touches of red tape on the paper work. In the meantime a great part of the outfit was kept busy on detail work, for the greater part of the work about the camp was conducted by the troops stopping in the area. On the morning of March 31st, we packed up once more and marched down to the docks, where we were, after a few of the usual preliminaries, checked off, and marched aboard the lighters which were to convey us out to the Mongolia, which lay in the harbor. Along in the afternoon, up came the anchor, and the shores of France, the scene of many experiences for eighteen months, some of them hard, and some of them easy, and some of them regrettable, drew slowly from our sight. Needless to say, however, we were not at all displeased [92] to start on the last and final leg of our journey HOME. Even at that, it being April ist, there was much pessimistic talk that they might be playing us for April Fools, and that we would wake up well on our way to Russia, or some other such outlandish destination. For ten of the longest days in our existence we sailed the Atlantic, spending our time reading books from the Y Library which contained many pleasing volumes, playing cards, watching movies, singing, eating the fruit provided by the various welfare organizations on board, and standing in line at the ship's canteen. The night of April 9th found us outside Boston Harbor standing at the rail, watching the harbor lights, and expectantly looking toward tomorrow, when for the first time in eighteen months we would tread home soil. Dawn found practically the entire ship load of men crowding the decks, the windlasses, hoisting winches, and every other bit of available space; and while the rising sun spread the morning glow across the harbor, the Mongolia steamed slowly toward the dock. Then what commotion. Ferry boats, small steamers, excursion boats, sub-chasers, skiffs, all manner of craft crowded the waters through which we were moving. Pandemonium reigned supreme. Amid the screeching of whistles, cheers from the passing boats, the shouting of the men, and the playing of the bands, everything from the banners on the various boats, the cheers of the people, and their smiling faces, gave forth a welcome to the home hungry men on the Mongolia. Can words describe our feelings. Service has found a bit of it in these lines: Hunger not of a belly kind, That's banished with bacon and beans, But the lonely hunger of half-starved men For a home, and all that it means. Welcome Home ! It was glorious, something we will never forget. As one of the sub-chasers passed close by us, we espied the first familiar figure. On the pilot house, bent in a posture peculiar to but one, his eyes glued to his glasses, stood a man, whose build and carriage left no doubt in our minds. Suddenly above the tumult boomed Ben Miller's voice, "Agnew, bring me a large piece of pie," and Captain Metcalf waved a smiling greeting in response. Beside him was our first Captain, now Major Hanley. Reaching the dock, which was jammed to the very edge with home people who had come to help out the welcome, we were showered with every imaginable kind of eatables, cigarettes, fruit, candy, and what not. The air fairly rained good things, and many of us received staggering [93] l)l()\vs from falling packages, wliicli we niiiulcd not in the least. Never was a barrage so welcome. Some few were allowed to go ashore and \isit around for ten minutes, l)ut this ordi'r was soon rescinded, inasnuieh as we prohahK' would have been there yet. Soi)n enough we were lined up and marched down the long gang i")lank, out through the sheds ])iled high with "canned willy" and salmon, at whitli we (at least sonu' of us) surreptiously thumbed our noses. Here we were gixi'U great alttiition by the various welfare organizations, and fmally loaded on real American trains for our trij) to Camp Devens. The tri]) to Dexi-ns was a slow one, for the train stopjted at practically every station, where we were beseiged by hospitable people who crammed us with delicacies like so many sjioiled children. Detraining at C'amp Dexens it was t)ur turn to wondi'r at the way of Ami)' Camps. Real barracks, with steam heat, hoi and cold showers, electric lights, canteens galore, Hostess House, Soldiers' Club, e\en the stables were better than our axerage run of billets. We could scarcely believe our eyes. We were hrst segregated oxernight in a tent camp, on suspicion that we might be carrying a few pi'ts in the seams of our shirts. Early the next morning we were marched to the cleansing station, where we were bathed while our clothes were put thr(Migh \hc machines and brought back to us wrinkled beyond recognition. Throughout the days that folk)weil the camj) was thronged with visitors, our families and friends, who stuffed us on ]Me and cake, and home cooked grub, until tin- really good mess serxed at the kitchens xvas hardly attended. The Wilfare League sent up many crates of fruit xvhich xvi-re duly apprcciatt'd and gixcn propi'r attention. Most of us divided our time e(iually betxvri'ii the showi'r baths, eating and xxander- ing around the camp. Large batches of men were given passes every fexv days, and hox\' they did llock home. I'rox'idence looked as if it xvas under military rule. The reception conuniltees worked tliemsi'lxes to di'ath lor tear that souk' one of us would get 1)X' without haxing shaken hands with the mayor and simdry other oflftcials, eating their dinners, and receix ing the theatre tickets xvhich tlux' were dispensing. We ln'gan to feel as if xve really xvere of some importance, and most of us thri'w ()Ut our chests just a little farther and tried our best not to strut too much. On .\pril J5th came the great YD parade in Boston. .\ bitter cold xvind blew all day, but the croxvds sxvarmed the stands and the streets. From a military standjH)int the parade xvas not a rect^rd one, l)Ut as a I 94 J (Iciiionslralioii il was unsurpassed. New England liiiiicd out thai day and Boston was never so crowded, and I he wainilli of llic j^reel-ing was worlli the lon^ line of march. Directly after the Divisional Keview at Devens, held on April 22, 1919, large nunihers of our replacements were being sorted out and sent to the camps nearest their homes for demobilization, and it was with real regret and sincere admiration and friendship that we parted with these men from all o\er the country, who had, by their hardihood, courage, and loyalty, helped to make history for our outfit. Many of them we may never meet again, but deep in our hearts and minds will ever be the memory of these our comrades, through thick and thin, who wore their YJ) with all < redit and pride, although their homes wvrc many miles from New l">ngland. The last days were crowded with inspections, turning in of equipment , and all the hnal odds and ends of catching up, and on April 2()th, the last great day, we drew our Inial pay and discharges and dashed lor home and its comforts for ever and ever. On May 5th we were once again called upon to parade, this time in Providence, and again we felt the *' keen joy of seeing friendly, wel- coming faces lining the streets in the final demonstration of welcome to their boys. This was our last appearance as an active military organization. Our service was ended and by others will be forgotten, but for us, Battery B will always exist. The days of joys and sorrows, pleasure and hardshii)s, which we s])ent together will always be real. Those comrades whom we with aching hearts left over there will always be with us. The spirit of the old outfit, of "all for one and one for all," will never die, and because of that it will not be until Taps is blown for the last of us that we can ever write the end of Battery B, lo.^rd Field Artillery, 51st Brigade, 26th Division. Result ol Overindulgence in "O. D. V. 9.S \«^*3i&!(?t**i-j>», Showing our Billets at Vicq. [q6 y^ BATTERY ol the One Hundred and Third Field Artillery could and (lid stand on its own feet. If we indulj^e in a hil of history then, it is not for the pur])ose of clainiiii^ that we are the continuation of some other famous "outfit." Hut tlu' fact that "way hack in '()i " a Battery went forth from Rhode Island called "H Battery — Rhode Island Field Artillery" and established an enviable record, gives us a little additional pride, as that was our designation when we started, and we always felt that we were really still that. What they did of course, is a tradition, not for us alone, but for e\ery man who ever wears the American uniform. Hut would it be surprising to lind that the>' followt'd our outlit with a little sj)ecial interest? In the years to come if fate should bring anotlu'r war, would we not follow tlu' futures of Battery H, io_:;rd 1'". A., a little more closely than any other outlit? C\'rtainl\' we would, and in a certain sense we would feel that we belonged to each other. And so with Battery H of Civil War days. They, like ourselves, were members of the first Battery B of Field Arliller_\- to leave this state to tight, and they certainly had their share. In the Battle of the Wilderness and that of Gettysburg, the Battery was in the xery thick of the lighting. In the latter engagement, one of tlu' pieces of the Batterv was struck as it was being loaded and the shot wedged in the mouth of tlu' mu/zle st) that the gun could neither be tired nor the shot remoxed. The ])iece was ri'inoxt'd with hea\}- losses. Today, this gun, "Battery B Ciun," with the shot still in the muzzle is on exhibition at the State House. Tn the Battle of the Wilderness, B Battery was again in the thick of the lighting. The l"ollowing clipping is taken from a copy of the Provi- dence Journal , [)rinled at that time: "Battery B, commanded by Capt. T. Fred Brown, has been attached to the ist l)i\-ision (Barlow's) 2nd .\rmy rori)s, and has been engaged se\erely during the recent battle. In tk.e Battle of the Wilderness it was not ALL woods, and this batter}- took position m an open space in 100 the advance line. The enemy however could no! he induced to leave the woods and face the muzzles of our guns, and so fought to the right and left of them with a stubbornness never before equalled. At 'J'odd's Tavern four guns of Battery B were placed in the front line in woods so dense that a road was cut for each gun, and when planted the eye could not ])enetrate fifty yards in advance. On the afternoon of May 9, 1864, the battery reached the Po River and a section was sent forward to shell a wagon train beyond the river. A rebel battery replied, and the rebel guiuiers were fatally accurate. Private William Dennis and Private Ezra L. Fowles were killed. Dennis was a veteran. His left leg was torn off at the thigh by a solid shot. "Somebody take my si)onge staff," were the only words he uttered. Fowles was literally pierced in two by a shell that [)assed through from side to side. The rebel battery limbered to the rear and in an hour lirown was over the Po following the Irish Brigade. " On the loth Barlow's Division was attacked by a greatly superior force and was ordered to recross the IN), iiattery B was sent to take position on a high hill overlooking the river to cover the crossing. Two narrow pontoon l)ridges lay directly beneath the muzzles of Brown's guns, over which the Division must pass. An ()])eii ])lain stretched out beyond the river, terminated by a long strij) of woods. Our men fell slowly back, and had nearly gained the bank when the exultant rebel conlklent of the cai)ture or rout of Barlow's Division, emerged from the woods into the plain, in two long lines of battle. The shot and shell rained upon them from Brown's guns and large gaps were opened in their wavering ranks. Nothing could stand against the shower of shot and shell hurled against them, and the discomfitted rebels retreated in disorder to the woods. The Division recrossed in safety, and the bridge was destroyed. During this time Battery B was subjected to an enfilading fire from a battery on its left, to which of course no answer could be given. Private Peter Phillips was killed, and four men were seriously wounded. On the 12th the battery was stationed all day within 500 yards of the rifle pits, where the desperate hand-to-hand encounter was carried on till after two o'clock A. M. of the 13th, and its solid shot did fearful execution in the woods beyond. A section was at once sent to the rille pit itself, and with the muzzles of the guns almost touching the face of the enemy, double charges of canister were fired into the pit until the su])ply was exhausted. On the 15th it was determined to capture two rebel guns that lay abandoned between the lines of sharpshooters. All day on the i4lh our efforts to secure them had [lOlJ proved unavailing. Two men of Battery B, Corporal Josiah McMeekin and Private Stephen Collins, volunteered to run out and fasten a rope to the guns while a company of Infantry would pull them within our lines. Brown placed his guns to the left and suddenly opened a heavy rapid fire upon the works that gave cover to the rebel sharpshooters. At the same moment the ropes were adjusted and the guns hauled in. On the 19th Battery B was severely engaged, but escaped with the loss of only one man, owing to friendly cover given by the rebel works in which the guns had been placed. " The men and horses of the battery are extremely exhausted, the latter having been in harness nearly night and day for fifteen days." Throughout the war B Battery found itself actively engaged in the major operations of the Union Army. We are proud of the record of that old outfit and sincerely hope that the survivors of that old outfit feel a little pride in what the new B Battery of Rhode Island did in the kist war. The Welfare Organizations. AXT^E had scarcely arrived at Quonset Point, before we were informed that the square building across the parade ground was a Y. M. C. A. Hut. Here during the days that followed we went to write letters and hear concerts in the evening. At Boxford the Y. M. C. A. was also in evidence and we took it as a part of our Army life and came to look for it wherever we went. After landing in France, and in the days that followed, we very naturally kept on the lookout for a Y hut. Sometimes we found one and sometimes we didn't. It occurs to us that perhaps in dealing with the Y. M. C. A., we have all of us been a httle too much influenced by local conditions, rather than a general consideration of the vast problem with which it was confronted. We were chiefly concerned with the fact that " Y" goods cost money, which sometimes we didn't have and then it hurt. Then too, often- times, due to the fact that the staff was necessarily a large one, the "Y" was perhaps handicapped in securing the proper individuals as [ 102] secretaries. Some of the men in this field of endeavor were fine likeable chaps, whose heart was in the work, and who tried their utmost to make things pleasant, but there were many others who were sorry failures in dealing with red-blooded men. Summed up briefly it follows that the "Y" was not nearly as black as it has been painted, neither was it as faultless as the " Y" heads would have us think. "Y" workers did their best according to their own lights, and the rules laid down for them, and what more can we ask. The K. of C. came late. It was not until St. Mihiel that we met the first secretary of this outfit, and when we did meet him our francs were of no use to us, everything that he had was free. Some may not approve of giving to men, but at such places as St. Mihiel, Verdun, yes, any where in France, a little candy or a cigarette helped a lot, and we appre- ciate what the K. of C. did. Of the Salvation Army enough cannot be said. Always to be found, even at the very front and in the toughest spots, its workers were always willing to do what they could for you. The only place in the S. O. S. that we found the Salvation Army was at Brest, and that sure is some record. The Salvation Army was always the soldier's friend, for, broke or flush, you were welcome to whatever they had. If you could pay, very well, if not, take just the same. It will always hold high place in the hearts of the men. The American Red Cross. The men in the hospitals know what that organization means. Some of us thought that that was all they did — look after wounded men. But many of the best things issued us for mess while at the front was the result of Red Cross activities. Whatever the Red Cross had was divided evenly among the various outfits and handed out in the mess line, and most of us never knew where it came from. But behind all these workers stood our own people — our own fathers and mothers and families. What all these organizations did was made possible by means of the millions of dollars which the working people of America gave. It is to them we really owe our thanks. Families, even to those who could ill afford it, gave what they could in order that their boy, somewhere "over there," might have some little delicacy. As always, the great mass of American people stood behind their fighting men and gave, that "their boys" might be as nearly comfortable and happy as possible. A tribute to any organization is but a tribute to the people at home who gave, and gave, and gave. [ 103 ] And giving this way was not all. Each section of the country had its own local organizations for Soldier Welfare. In Rhode Island the Battery Welfare League, The Junior Welfare League, and the Marine Corps of Artillery of Rhode Island were the organizations backing our particular Regiment. Repeatedly our Mess Fund was replenished by contributions from these organizations. All the while we were in France we were conscious of their work, and mere words can never express our gratitude to the people of Rhode Island who stood so loyally behind us. A resume of the Battery A W^elfare League follows: "Battery A of Rhode Island." WELFARE LEAGUE. The Organization was originated in July, 191 7, through the initiative of Mrs. Mary Downey, whose son was a member of Battery A, and had its first meeting through the courtesy of the Shepard Company in the recreation room of the Shepard Company's store, July 24, 1Q17. The meetings continued to be held there once a week until it was found that the Organization had outgrown its first meeting-place, and since January, 1918, all meetings as well as most of the varied activities to raise funds for the carrying on of the work of the Organization, have been held at the Marine Artillery Armory, Benefit street. The original object of the Organization was to in\ite those interested in the welfare of the "Boys" of Batteries A, B and C of the 103rd Field Artillery and the "Boys" of the 104th Ambulance Company to meet and formulate plans for adding to the comfort and welfare of those "Boys" for the duration of the war, and to do whatever could be done to cheer and comfort those left behind. The first President of the Organization was Mrs. J. E. Osgood, under whose careful and devoted leadership the Organization steadily grew, and its jiurposes began to materialize. Among the first things accomplished was the purchase and steriliza- tion of hospital supplies which were sent to the camp at Quonset Point. A quantity of yarn was also bought, and distributed to \-olunteer knitters, the knitted articles being sent to the "Boys" as soon us need became known. Later, tobacco, chewing-gum, candy and other sweets were sent to the camp at Boxford, and eatables and knitted articles to those "Boys" who had been ordered to Newport News. [ 104 ] As soon as it was learned that the units had sailed for France, plans were immediately made for the sending of Christmas boxes overseas, and on the first of November, 191 7, ten packing cases, filled with 1,200 bags containing all sorts of Christmas remembrances were shipped to the five units. Packages of comforts and necessaries were forwarded to the "Boys" until the ban was put upon "Overseas" parcels, and the League began to plan ways and means for raising money to increase the Mess Funds of the five units. Through the co-operation and faithful work of mem- bers and their friends all sorts of entertainments and suppers, ranging from card parties on a small scale to bazaars on a large scale, were successfully carried through and from the proceeds the League has been able to send, between June, 1918 and March, 1919, the sum of $3,650 to these units, besides generous donations to all war drives, monthly contributions of $25 to the Journal Tobacco Fund, and the purchase of $500 worth of Liberty Bonds. Since the return of the "Boys" to the United States the League has tried to learn the names of Rhode Island boys in the various hospitals, and where such names have become known, fruit, candy and other com- forts have been sent, and as an expression of welcome from the League, fruit and chocolate were sent to Camp Devens as the units arrived. The League kept abreast of the times by inviting speakers in widely different spheres of life to their meetings, all of whom gave instructive and impressive addresses. It was the League's good fortune to hear from time to time a member of the 26th Division, direct from France, bringing personal news from the boys overseas and the encouraging message brought by each in turn, was a great source of comfort and cheer to the hearers. Among the members of the 26th Division bringing such news and messages were: Lieutenant Siteman, Corporal Cairns, Sergeant Jeffers, Private Emidy. In February the League was honored by a visit from Major-General Edwards accompanied by His Excellency Governor Beeckman. Major- General Edwards in a thrilling address paid a glowing tribute to the men of the 26th Division, and was an inspiration to all who had the good fortune to hear him. After his address General Edwards dedicated a Y. D. flag that had been presented to the Organization, and he and Governor Beeckman were made Honorary members of the "Battery A of Rhode Island" Welfare League. [105] Germaine Sylvais TN June of 191S a movement was started through the "Stars and Stripes," the American soldier's paper, to have different outfits adopt destitute French children. This idea appealed to Battery B and enough money was raised on the first pay day to take care of one orphan for one year. As we had our choice of orphans, we elected to adopt a light haired girl. As a result we were soon receiving letters from four year old Germaine Silvais, whose father was killed in service. Photographs of our mascot were also received and proved so highly satisfactory that a second collection resulted in enough to adopt her younger brother. During the rest of our stay in France we took care of our two orphans by pay day contribu- tions, and when we left France we left enough money behind to care for them for about two years. The veteran organization intends to keep up the work. Battery Orphan. Lieutenant Mctcalf had just f^iven the Klaxon a whirl. \V\\\ Mixckie pays no atten- tion to the alarm. "Mackie, why haven't you your gas mask on?" "Oh," says Bill in his usual jovial manner, "I just knew you were only joking." [106] The Viper. A Tale of the Sea. /^ NE of the most treacherous and deadly snakes known is the Viper. It is small and as far as snakes go harmless-looking, but it has a most terrible venom hidden in its poison sacks. However do not be misled, this is not to be a discourse on biology but a tale of the sea and a sad tale also. When a slim and slick looking craft slipped down the ways of a British ship-building yard, somebody possessed with the ability of keen prognostication smote the ship with a valuable bottle of cham- pagne and cried out, "I dub thee Viper." Her home port was Southampton and it w'as in this fair village by the sea that we were introduced to the malevolent creature. Oh, but she had the lines of a regal lady, but down deep in her heart she had the wickedness and inconsideration of a Siren. As in the proverbial tale she was the spider and we were the flies. With little knowledge of what was in store for us we slipped up the gang-plank and wandered over the ship, remarking about her keen lines and rakish appearance. Nature was also most unkind to us that night for she flaunted a fair moon in the heavens and a smooth sea underfoot. But it must be remembered that we w^ere within the harbor and the channel currents outside were being whipped into a diabolical fury by the ever-increasing winds from the north. We knew nothing about the ungratious sea until we were outside of the harbor. Slowly slipping through the peaceful waters of the sheltered port we bid farewell to Britain and her camps of tea and jam. Goodbye Southampton and more power to your emaciated soups. The majority of the boys were on deck to enjoy the lure and fascination of a silvery moon upon the waters. The others were below decks, yea well below, in the very bowels of the boat. They had made their bunks against the sides of the walled-in inferno and over their heads on hooks were hung their packs and rifles. Under compulsion we renewed our acquaintance with the girdles of "Baltic" fame, the cork surcingles or life-preservers. A picket fence would have been more comfortable than the floor when one had to wear these bracelets. After having put a safe distance between us and the land so that a jump to terra firma was an impossibility, the furies were let loose to play their havoc. The celestial torch was extinguished, black clouds fur- [107] nished the vestments of mourning, the winds began to howl llu'ir lone- Hness in anathemas of hatred, the sea boiled in the maelstrom and we — we were in the Channel. Gigantic waves which wholly disregarded the peace which our stomachs sought battered the Viper from the starboard, ])ort, fore, and aft and we were plunged into foaming cross currents each of which sought to outdo the other in spiteful vengence. Stinging waves of salt water lashed those on deck as the vessel careened from side to side. The winds Ijccame icy. Slipping, sliding, rolling over the decks the boys grabbed masts, funnels, lines, rails, and anything tenable to serve them as anchorage but it was useless to try and remain in one place. They looked like Uncle Tom, ducking and dodging the whip of Simon Legree. Too often, too often did they retch and belch and hurl the semi-digested canned-bill to the denizens of the deep, who chuckled and leered at the suffering above. One poor guy, the battery ton- sorialist, Elmer "Goosey" by name, lost consciousness and dreamed of the Elysian fields of Woonsocket where the surface of Mother Earth was content to remain in one place. Poor "Goosey" came to many hours later and found himself comfortably nestled in a pile of soft coal in the boiler room. How lucky for him that he could not appreciate what the malice of the English Channel is. But have we forgotten those down below ? The odors from a steaming boiler of carrion are as frankincense to those which arose from the torrid under decks. Is it possible that boys of such good rearing could cast the reeking remains of their gastric con- tents so indiscriminately ? Can it be possible that the sons of Provi- dence's elite chose the toilets as lounging rooms ? Are such scenes but lurid nightmares ? Sad to say the answer to this last question is No. Such events actually transpired and they may be attributed to the effects of the Viper's venom. If one were to cast his eyes onto the sight offered in the room where the under dogs were, he would immediately recall to his mind Dante's description of the Sixth Circle of Hell. A pit of woe, a caldron of suffering, a dungeon of fetid odors, and a heap of human forms, guns, packs, all indistinguishable. Every lurch of the Viper brought some hard Springfield onto the livid green face of a sea- sick youth, who was too miserable, too dejected to protest against the elements. Oh, who was it that said France was only twenty-one miles from England ? If we were to speak of the joys of seeing the welcome ])ort of Le Havre it would detract from the utter misery of this trip, so suffice it is to say that these were the doings of a Viper, a tale of the sea. H. L. Emidy. [ io8 I Ran eva 1. /^LOSELY embraced by the green hills north of Toul lies the deserted monastery of Montpre, which sheltered the drivers and echelon men of the Battery while the division held the sector facing Mont Sec. Many were the letters home containing the beginning words of an old song, "I dreamt I dwelled in marble halls," for we were living in rather pretentious quarters, that is, when viewed from the outside. The furnishings inside were nothing to brag about, there being nothing but cold white stone walls and floors well worn by time. The building was large and of stone. Quartered in the front facing Mont Sec and of course entirely segregated, were a few families of natives. Surrounding the monastery was a massive wall which enclosed what were once gardens, but now weeds had widely outgrown and killed the finer plants and flowers. There were numerous pools of clear water from the springs of the encircling hills, and one of these basins was the swimming pool for certain of the men. The men slept for the greater part on cots which had been made and left by the French soldiers earlier in the war. A few slept on straw mattresses on the floor. The main corridor was the principal dormitory and in the rooms which led off were quarters for both men and ofi&cers, it being understood of course that they did not occupy the same rooms. Situated on the opposite lower floor was the Y. M. C. A., the refuge of the "leaders" (please use proper pronunciation) who sought knowledge from ancient magazines in preference to the more degrading physical pastime of manicuring the feet of horses. Seeing that we ha\'e very Sergeant Holland. log] little interest in the other batteries which were quartered in the same building, we will not mention them. The cooks, those masters of the epicurean art, held congress and plotted the ordeal of food stuilfing in the depths and darkness of the basement, where they belonged. It was in this place that the braised beef problem was thrashed out and placed before the men as the dish de luxe and supreme triumph of our noted chefs. Braised beef ! ! What a delicacy ! ! ! Choice bits of tendon and ligaments diluted by watery tomato soup, floating an amazingly beautiful and iridescent multitude of drops of grease which served to lubricate the passage of the gristle through into the stomach. Scientists claim that snakes are able to digest the entire bodies of animals by means of powerful ferments in the stomach. The reptiles had nothing on us. The most powerful boa constrictor would develop dyspepsia if he were to feast on our braised beef. Be it so, the cooks did nobly, and we appreciate those days, at least Ben Miller does. Many were the humorous incidents of life in Rangeval. John Broady, pal and bunk mate of Stubby Bourbon, chose to sleep on the wire support of his bunk for three months, rather than walk to the picket line and fill his mattress with hay. Of course Stubby did his best to rebuke John, but big Broady would so excite little Stubby that the latter's tongue abso- lutely refused to work. Then there were the arguments between Walter Donnelly and the same Stubby. Each tried to convince the other that he stuttered, and both strongly denied the assertion, yet it took them days and days to debate on questions which would be explained by Baltazar and John Tufenkjian in ten minutes. The tough crowd from Wickford and vicinity had their days also. Tully was going to do the Jack Dempsey stunt to some A Battery man and Cassidy looked like the Statue of Liberty, with a candle in hand, shedding light on the scene of the battle, and acting as Tex Rickard managing the bout and telling Tully to square off. The same belligerant Tully and his cohort Hopkins staged a football scene one night and threw Forrest Wood for a loss, much to the objection of "Rubberset." The latter evidenced his dislike of the whole affair by biting a piece off Tully's nose. Poor TuU was innocent of the whole affair for Hoppy was the man who tackled Forrest. However, Tully went out about sixteen times that night looking for the fat K. P. who had sunk his incisors in his nose, and vehemently declaring that he would [no] get him in the morning, but when the day broke he had completely forgotten it. Chippy Sisson dashed madly in one night with the startling news that he had discovered a light signalling to the enemy. But on second sight he found it to be the moon rising from the hills. Another lad, while under the thumb of Vin Blanc et cetera, had the habit of using saddle bags for a most unusual purpose, and Billy King one evening protested against the indiscreet treatment of his ec}uipment. Life at the monastery had its sorrows as well as joys. The greatest sorrow was the attention demanded by the horses. B Battery received a commendation from Divisional Headquarters for the immaculate picket line — the cleanest line of horses in the entire division. This necessitated a great amount of work on the part of the men, who struggled most diligently to keep pace wdth the horses which littered the lines at their own convenience. Incidentally, the Kitchen forces received a commendation at Rangeval for the extreme cleanliness of their equipment, and general conditions. This was entirely due to Bill Mackie's brand new set of inspection dishes, and Steve Knowles most untiring energy with the push broom. Steve's unfailing diplomacy in dealing with inspectors is set forth in the following conversation. Heavy Inspecting Officer — " Sergeant, this kitchen is remarkably clean, I do not understand how you keep it so." (Evidently he thought we didn't eat). Steve — (in a most polite tone): "Oh, that is very easy, sir; you see, this is my inspection kitchen; we do our cooking over in the woods." When the orders came for the departure from Rangeval, not one was sorry, for the place had become monotonous. The Battery moved to a town between Rangeval and Toul, called Lagney. This latter town was much bigger than Rangeval. The picket line was stretched in an open field, and the men quartered in various barns in the town. Lagney lies under the shadows of those hills protecting Toul and on the summit is a fort. Life at Lagney was easier than at Rangeval, nevertheless, at the end of June, we were glad to leave the sector altogether, not knowing that we were going to more difficult and trying positions. At Leugley:- — " What-ya-doin ' fatigue for. Shorty?" "I'm a Parisite," in Shorty's best form. [in] Walter Wolf, K. G. '"pHE echelon had just been estabh"shcy our guards. We were informed that in a few days we would be set free. Nine and ten days passed, and still we were held here. A few officers took the matter into their own hands, watched for an oppor- tunity, and made good their escape. Then I became desperate. Escape seemed possible. An Aviator, another buck private and myself worked together on the details. We picked a dark night, broke thrcjugh the lock of our separate enclosure, and made our way into the first aid station, which looked out on the road, patrolled at that time by four or five sentries. Heavy wire gratings barred exit by the windows, still by skillful manipulation, two can openers were made into a pair of wire cutters, and pretty shortly we were one step nearer fre-cdom. Uefore dashing through the window we stopped a few minutes and listened to see if our work had been overheard. Sure enough the interior guard had heard something out of the way, and came down to investigate. No one moved. There was not a sound save the ste{) of the sentry approaching our door. We had hopes that he would pass by, but no. He paused for a moment, the key entered the lock, the door creaked and the buck private plunged out through the window. I went under the bed, and the aviator under the tabic The guard turned the switch, but no light. We had shorted it just before he came in. Sus- picious as hell, he started to examine the room. As he passed the table the Lieutenant dove for the door, slamming it as he went, the guard went out after him, but losing ho})e, came back just In time to catch me half way out from under the bed. The old duffer being old and nervous, 1 expected he would land me one on the bean with his rifle. He ilnally decided, with much muttering that the i)lace for me was the guard house. What an unlucky night was this night of the twenty-first of November, my birthday. To the guardhouse I went, with my carefully hoarded supi)]ies, all taken from me. The rest of the night was very cold and un[)leasant. In the morning the American Lieutenant Colonel in charge of the camp, came and told me that he would have me out in an hour's time. I never saw him again. I had been in there three and one-half days, when word came that the camp was to be evacuated. They took me out of the pen, 11 ■ thank (lod for ihat. This was Ihc end of my stay at Villigen's Officers' Camp in Baden. Our next stop was at Constance, a town half of which is in Germany and the other half in Switzerland. We arrived here the day before Thankswivin<:; D'ly, 'incl were assigned to certain ([uarters. But we took things into our own hands and toured the whole city, deriving great benetit and satisfaction therefrom. Money was easily available, for a cake of soap in exchangr for delicacies brought at least the value of ten marks. Restrictions letting up a bit we had (juite a party that night, coming back \ery late. We had a lieutenant with us, who marched us back to our cjuarters in the old scjuad formation, getting hell the next day for the same. Schnapps, of course, was plentiful. This was Thanksgiving Day. The following morning at seven A. M., we went by train to Zurich where we recei\ed a wonderful welcome. As a result I began to lose my idea that it was a disgrace to be a prisoner returning from enemy terri- tory. Still farther along we passed through Berne. It was here that I saw my first American girl since leaxing home, and I will always remember her. After receiving rations, clothing, cigarettes and other luxuries, we left for (ienexa. The Swiss Red Cross greeted us here. Their welcome was exceptional, for we were the first American prisoners returned through Switzerland. The scenery during this whole trip was extremely beautiful. The train wound its way through deep ra\ines crowned with snowy heights, with many foaming cataracts coming down to the glassy lakes. Finally Belgard, that historic village of France, hove in sight. At Belgard we hit a great Red Cross receiving station, where we found sleeping cars waiting for us. In these we were dispatched to AUary. Here we were held in (|uarantine for two weeks. Each man when physically fit, was gi\en his chance of going home or returning to his outfit. Under such circumstances I said nothing about my weak arm, for 1 jM-eferred to go home with the gang rather than go home alone as a pot)r, forlorn casual. So 1 was sent on to my regiment. Then came the great day. Instead o{ finding nnself disgraced for having been a i)risoner, all the old men of the battery that were left, greeted me with arms wide open. When I learned of some of the changes I was given a se\ere jolt, especially as one of the boys who was not there to greet me was one of my best Irieiuls. And now I am back with the Battery again. ii() *'The Battery Grunt/ ' I ^HE specialists had often taken i)ri(le in calling themselves the "brains of the Battery." As a matter of fact they were considered by most of the boys as being lazy and useless, and sort of vmnecessary anyway. One day, however, they vindicated their claim to brains in the eyes of the men. A mysterious pai^er appeared on a tree at Leugley. It was the tirst issue of "The Grunt." Snappy and sarcastic, the men found it highly amusing. At iirst, the oi^cers tried to let it die a natural death. They noticed it, that was certain. Even Colonel Glassford stopped and gave it the once over. But it did not die. Some of the issues were not so good. The "Hourly Enquirer" sprang u]) as a rival, but was soon forced to unite with the "Grunt." Whether this "publication" ever did any good or not is doubtful. It did, however, voice the complaints of the men. The very thing the men had been thinking was appearing in writing. Some of it was justified. Some of it was not. It all could have been explained, but army dis- cipline didn't allow officers to explain to men. We do think some good was accomplished. The mess certainly seemed to improve. It was certain that greater efforts were made to give us clean mess-kit water. In other little ways, things seemed better. But with each new issue it became more the style to razz the officers. Finally, in Levoncourt, one issue was devoted almost wholly to knocking the officers. Some of it was well deserved, but most of it was not. As a result. Captain Green investigated the matter, found that the paper was pubhshed by the specialists, broke the section up for a while, jnitting the members on fatigue, and so brought an end to the publication. Clippings from some of the "papers" follow: II' Grunt" Issues: Tin: Hourly Inquirer. Vol. I, No. I. Leugley — Cote d'Or. August 17, 1918. (Gratuitous) Inquiries, Where are our seven-day furloughs ? o'clock Where is our June pay ? Where is our July pay ? Do we ever REST? What hapi)i'ne(l to our 30,000 franc Aless-fund ? When will the Supply Dept. come through ? Can cooties die ? Why doesn't Headquarters start a kitchen ? Why do we all want fatigue ? Where's the Y. M. C. A. ? Where do they get this "double-time" stuff ? When is canary seed to be our regular ration ? Why pick on US ? P. M. How did you like our A. M. Edition ? How long, O Lord, how long must we endure such mess? How come, how come, this distressing, cold, black bever- age ? And these unendurabl}- cold steak chunks ? Why pass general orders about the price of eggs to US ? Do your folks Hooverize as much as we do ? Why do you suppose ji'ff winked as he left the mess-line for the last time ? VIII " Could you in\est a franc if you had one ? [iiS] IVJ. I o'clock II a 111 a IV i i V a VI a VII a VIII a IX i( X ti XI a XII a Vo. I, No. II I P. M. II a ITT i( IV (I V a VI 11 VII a IX o'clock Is it inconceivable that one can starv^e in the midst of plenty ? X " Where do you spend your Spare time ? XI " Where's "Pole-Prop"? XII " Can you truthfully say of all this, "C'est la Guerre" ? (Some over-zealous reader took this copy ofT the tree on which it was posted, and put it on the OfBcial Bulletin Board. A passing Inspecting Officer saw it, and Captain Cary caught Hell.) The Daily "Grunt" combined with The Hourly Enquirer. Vol. I, No. I. Leugley — Cote d'Or. August i8, 1918. Editorial. We desire first of all to make public the fact that we were not respon- sible for the appearance on the Official Bulletin Board of the last issue of The Hourly Enquirer. Said appearance — ^as well as various addenda must be laid at the door of some too patriotic member of the Battery. The noted effects of our previous efforts have been highly satisfactory, that is, discussions have started. But, now we demand Action ! On with the dance, — let's have it ! Disgruntled Grunts. Grunt No. I. Glad to remark upon the improved mess situation. Will the good work continue ? Grunt No. II. Why not another edition to our much depleted uni- form, — "blue blowsers, white trousers, straw 'ats and no bloody boots " ? Grunt No. III. Sherman said, "War is Hell !" But Rest-Camps weren't within his ken. Grunt No. IV. Chatillon — why not Dijon ? Grunt No. V. Today, a pass — tomorrow, pay ! ******** We have a picket line; We have a Captain fine; And a commissary Truck, With only half a Dime ! Battery Butts. Why not put the Cow out of its misery ? A certain other Battery, last night, turned a quiet Cafe into a howling bedlam. " B " Battery take notice, and do not likewise, — even if paid! If Provost guards were more polite, their work would be more effective. Use and Abuse — The Gentleman knows when to stop. (To avoid undeserved criticism, please allow this sheet to remain where posted.) Special Edition of "The Grunt." (Posted on taking position near Ranzieres.) When cooks are sick of cooking, let them join the Army ! With plenty of water a hundred yards away, why can't we have mess- kit water ? What happened to the two cases of beans that left the Rear Echelon ? The Grunt. Vol I, No. lo. In Position Near Ranzieres. Sept. 12, 191S. Editorial s. Having noticed the many eager faces that approach the Bulletin Board, only to turn away disappointed, the Hoard of Editors have decided to post one copy of each issue in a Public Place, so that all may gaze upon it, ponder and learn Wisdom therefrom. "We must be happy !" 1 120 1 In the coming issues, desirous of being reported "snappy," we would model ourselves on "Vogue " or rather "Vanity Fair " — but lack of space prevents. Classicism becoming popular, we must hereafter style our- selves "The Diurnal Grunt." B EE ATTERY ULL In regard to the Tours of France, long hikes at Water Call, it is a question whether the beneficent effect of the water hasn't been non- plussed by the time we tie in ! "Men we're ofT for another Fight !" As a bugler, Haigh is a good sign-painter; sure he is ! And so, as a wrestler, Rube Chase is a good singer. We hear that Sir Charlie Thorndike is a Corporal — "Wow ! See what hard-tack did to me !" Somebody was wondering whether Krautzmeyer's brother lives around here ! Let's see men, that first bunch will be back from Aix-les-Bains in a day or two, won't they ? They left August twenty-eighth, you know. Are you an A No. i Preferred ? If you are, get slicked up, you're due to go next. Every man who conscientiously feels that he has the Army licked, report to us for examination ! Due to our rapid expansion, we are in need of another stenographer, Red-headed ones need not apply ! To come down to this "Hart, Schaffner & Marx " stuff, "Oh, Standish! Bring me my Alpaca !" To show^ that we are not all "Grunt," here's to a man among men- Lieutenant Ramsey. At Andre, who left the Muses and went to bed ? Ask the Old Man (Captain Cary), he knows. (Chorus: Boola, Boola, as sung by Perkins to the tune of "Annie Laurie.") [I2l] Near Rupt : Five Minerva cookies and a demi-tasse for Ijreakfast ! Oh Boy ! This is The Life ! I ! Can a Stable Sergeant run a Garage ? If not, good-by, Jack ! "Charge this man with a helmet ! And a shirt ! And a gas mask !" Levencourt. November 17, igiS. Here's Your Old "Grunt " ! Five loaves among a hundred men ! Our cooks can't perform the miracle of the five loaves and the two fishes. Gee ! The beer tasted good at the Echelon ! Ask Demming, he knows ! Now that the war is over, the Supply Department arrives at the Front with its usual pair of shoes. Increase in rank in our own Battery is subject to congratulatory remarks, but the comparative term of it in a certain other part of the Regiment is applied most appropriately. Does the Mounted Orderly feed THE sugar to THE HORSES ? Hooray ! Jocko stayed half an hour this time I He must have had some good dope from somewhere ! Princeton is quite famous for her hard-boiled eggs. Wanted: A man to muss up "Fast and Wrong." (We've got a snappy Ammunition Ofiicer !) My word ! It's getting cold, these evenings, Old Top ! We haven't seen our Alpaca for some time. Did the doughboys appreciate it too much or not ? Never mind, old scout, you stuck with 'em ! "The Twenty-Sixth have had their furloughs !" Sure, all four. Looking as if Solomon Levi had fitted them out ! The atmosphere of decadence left in the Supply Sergeant's Office by its last occupant still seems to linger. "How would you like a YD on your shirt ?" My word ! Its a reality ! [ 122] It is reported that the Machine-Gunners, under Baron Albee, are going through a period of much needed recuperation on the "Heights." How soon will the Official supply of Murads be exhausted ? A man from "Pershing's Pets," — look him over, boys ! Alas, educa- tion is better late than never. Some of the High mucky-mucks hiked it this last trip. Does chem- istry teach us that cold reacts upon lead so that it loses in weight ? Now that we are at Levoncourt for a day or two, let's start right in and clean up the town ! Notes. As a result of this last edition, the whole "Seventh Section" was put on fatigue. Policing the town was the main feature. Also the section was scattered in among the other sections for "drastic treatment." A conference between the two especially responsible and Captain Green smoothed things out — explanations being very much in order, as is apparent ! Later the section was gathered together again. With Pick and Shovel. B ATTERY B was introduced to serious engineering at Banc de Pierre in the Chemin des Dames sector, its first position on the line. No one in the Battery had had practical experience in dugout building and the only technical experience was that gained by the officers while at Coet- quidan. It was cjuickly realized that Banc de Pierre offered just the opportunity needed for learning the rudiments of sheltering the personnel and that, together with the fact that the great cave, which could have easily afforded accommodations for all at the position, was too far away from the guns to enable the crews to answer promptly to a hurry call in the night, determined a plan of dugout construction. The services of a French Sergeant who had had experience in the line of engineering were obtained and a detail of men under Sergeant W. A. Grant began the work of digging under. [123] I'luTc were two {y]X'S of (lu[fou(s In use (lurin chicken wire or thick boards, yet no one complained of a hard bed. The dugouts on this front ne\er had to undergo the lest of enemy shell-lire and the ri'al value of the work was in giving the men jiractical experieiue in dugout construction which proxetl to be of great assistance later on. in the Toul sector the Battery occupied two positions known as Bryan 1 and Bryan 11, a i^latoon bt'ing at viicU. .\t Bryan 1 dugouts, which had bi-i'ii built by the division we reliewd, provided shelter, but tin' damage done to the Cierman batti'ries bv our guns soon brought a 124 beautiful retaliation, and ihe dugouts proved almost worthless, crumbling under the attacks of the heavy shell as does a claph)oard house in the path of a cyclone. At their best such shelters have a huge task to with- stand the demolishing effect of a 220 mm. shell and the only thing the first platoon could do was to keep the dugouts in a state of c(jnstant rejmir by using cement and 1 beams, sandbags and broken rock. At Bryan II, a position well camouflaged in a wood but where the soil was marshy, there were no dugouts. 'J'he battery which held the posi- tion before our arrival had its men sleeping on the ground in ele])hant iron shacks, taking life easy. After our guns had been iiring a few days with effect on the Hun it became fjuite necessary to dig under. iMans were laid for hve shelters of the open-cut type, quite different from the ones built at Chemin des Dames, and easier of construction. Rec- tangular pits ten feet wide, ten feet long and ten feet deep were dug in the surface o[ the earth, a flooring oi i)lanks laid and curved corrugated iron sections set in j)lace for walls and ro(jf. P^ach iron section had two holes near the to]) into which two ])lugs of the corresponding section fitted. The interior was ])ro])j)ed by heavy beams and planks and a roof of beams sup])orted by soil was set under the iron. The space between the curbed iron and the n;of was solidly flacked with earth. Dirt was shovelled over the whole to a depth of eighteen inches, over this were spread iron "I" beams, then more earth, reinforced cement beams, and finally a hard layer of rock and earth. The theory of construction was that the velocity of a shell which struck the hard layer and cement beams was retarded, giving the fuse added time to act, so that the burst of the projectile was caused before it settled deeply enough for effective work. The marshy condition of the soil necessitated the installation of pumi)s in each dugout. Occasionally the water gained on the ])um])s and in one dug(jut i)articularly it has been reported that the men found their shoes sailing about and the water oozing between the planks of the lower bunks in the morning. The I'oul sector was the last attempt at dugout building. (Jn the big drive the men slept in their tents near the guns or under whatever shelter was handy. At St. Mihiel, wood and elephant iron shacks were thrown together for ]jrotection from the weather only, but on the last front, Verdun, the ground held was formerly German territory and dugouts were available f(jr most of the men. Some of the crews, how- ever, had to remain close to the guns and they slept in ])up tents on the slope of the hill which screened the positi(;n in Death \'alley fr(jm direct observation by the enemy. I125] Rest Camps a Fallacy. "L-T ARK back with me boys to those miquities of war, the Rest Camps. In the first place they should have been called Test Camps, of patience and endurance. Can you recall them in your mind's eye. Slippery, slimy, sticky, stinking seas of mud, floating on their glisten- ing bosoms, derelicts of what were once "Rain proof" tents. Those breezy, blustery affairs, which should be sheltering (the term is mis- leading) tubercular patients, must have been anchored by two ton mud hooks, which would have done justice to a modern superdreadnaught riding out a sixty mile gale. And do you remember boys some of these tents were camouflaged ? What more useless waste of artistic ability; why paint these, when they and the atmosphere were one and the same thing ? Imagine the Hooverizing of space that was attempted, putting ten full-grown Americans in these gross exaggerations of bee hives. It would take an expert interior decorator of a "Phillipe Canard Sardine tin" years and years to accomplish what these conserving Britishers tried at Southampton, and Le Havre. There was a comfortable position in these tents, and that was standing up, but we were not Chinese coolies or horses, who fortunately can sleep while standing. Of course, a dwarf who had backward curvature of the spine, and loss of sursation in the hips and shoulders, might have been able to sleep around the center pole, pro\'iding he received a hypo of morphine or a gallon of ether vapor. Teachers of modern hygiene advocate ventilation in crowded quarters. We practiced it, never mind advocating it. The only thing between the sleei)ers (another misnomer) and the air was a first-class sieve of some cloth material. The hard wooden, not hard wood, floor served as an excellent absorber for the water "au-dessous." Had we been rubber dolls, we would have been all jake. As it was we were very close to nature — veritable Joe Knowles. Then the rain, those torrential down- pours, which diluted the mud to the consistency of army coffee, and of the same color, — namely black. Skid chains on our feet, would not have helped us. What we needed were pontoons. The old familiar guard cry at night of "Who goes there," should have been changed to "Who swims there." [126] Oh, delightful places were these rest camps, yea, for alligators or mud puppies. Not only were the outside of our miserable hides kept sat- urated, but the cooks soaked our insides with beef stew (accent on the stew), bean soup, and that delicious demi-tasse. In certain more pro- gressive rest camps, such as Southampton, "duck boards" to walk on. The term duck board is well chosen. They float, bridges would have been more appropriate. So far we have spoken only of conditions of the camps. Will you ever forget the REST part of the farce ? Remember Leugley. Consider the lillies of the field, "they toil not neither do they spin." We must have been sun flowers. Foolish " squads right " day in and day out. The horses had to be groomed at least forty times daily. One would think that we were preparing 'is Majesty the King's 'orses for a prance along Rotten Row. The picket lines had to be immaculate. The guard had to stand ready with shovel and broom, at the con- venience of the horses. They should have issued roller skates to these equine chambermaids. Time and back bending would have been saved. The only thing lacking was the table cloth on the ground along the picket lines. It seemed to the unfortunate guards that the horses were either eating a great deal or else they were receiving double rations of bran mash instead of oats. Then they had to be watered scores of times daily. They should be ashamed to look a river in the face today. Standing gun drill was another favorite diversion for the officers. They put the drivers through foolish tricks on the guns, and the con- noneers grooming from the hock down. Its a good sport hopping around a gun ready to fire a salute to the new governor of Rhode Island, where a curious crowd gazes in wonder and admiration at the efficiency of the gunners, but its our idea of nothing at all to do the same thing before one or two French peasants, who are totally unappreciative, and who are as familiar with gims as they are with reeking mounds of stable debris piled in front of their humble homes. After gun drill, of course, inspection was in order. " Fold your blankets with the northeast corner toward the Constella- tion of the Great Bear. See to it that the fourth rivet in your mess cup is in line with the tipless lace of your middle shoe. Sharpen your bayonet and clean off the blood of the last combat." These were typical orders issued before the all important inspection, on which de- pended the fate of the American Army, yea, the entire allied forces. Then we had to stand at attention, with a tropical sun beating on our f 127 1 backs, stirring the striped ones into galloping over our anatomies like young ga/elles, hut sinking their tusks into a us like famished full- grown hip])()]M)lami. if we attempted to scratch ourselves, we were rebuked, but relief had to be obtained some way, and the Hne looked like a bunch of "shinnny" experts. After the inspecting officer had played telescope with our rifles, to see if some ungracious fly had taken a subway walk, and hesitated in the middle and walked on, we were dismissed, and allowed to suffer eimui for ti\c' minutes before plodding our weary way to the mess line, wondering whether it would be braised beef, or rice and karo. Then came guard duty, witli protests to the Battery Clerk, who was as familiar with the keys of his Corona, which spelled our names as he was with the duties and reciuisites of a first-class "Lead tail." Walking up and down behind the rear ends of the che\au.\, seeking and coaxing them to cease their arguments. Why should we interfere with their prixate disputes and ([uarrels ? Why were we expected to stumble and stagger through the Stygian blackness of the night, trying to i)lay bloodhound on tlu' trail of a l)lug who was troubled with in- somnia or somnambulism ? The "puir beaslie" knew where he was to get his breakfast, he wouldn't wander far. Any way he could always l)e found near the stable Sergeant's bunk. Not that he was seeking to a\enge himself upon this soldier who wore the insignia of the traflfic cop on his arm. although he had griexances enough, but the Sergeant always sought the protection of the |)aulin which covered the oats. Now do you know wh)- the wanderer was in the \ icinity ? We always wondered why guards were placed on the picket lines. I guess after all it was to protect the hay and grain, which in reality wi're more valuable than the consumers thereof. Or on second thought it might have been to see that the slabk' Sergeant was not disturbed in his slumber by wandering horses. The cry of kindness to dumb animals is hackney. They should be taught to be kind to us. Oh, for some auspicious drug which would forext'r blot out of our minds the word Rest ("amp, and all the memories it exokes. Of course carbolic acid would do it, but then it would also destroy reminiscences of Marie, Germaine, pay day, cognac, mail, etc., etc. T^et us demand of our next enxoy to the League of Nations that he not only favor the abolition of ])oisonous gases and lif|uid fire, but also make the Rest Camps past, horrible nightmares, not future possibilities. I 128 1 =^The Old Plugs." T^ ROM the first day that we became acquainted with Ginger and Tom. and the other brutes at Quonset, until the day that we turned in the last Chevau, we alternately cursed and loved them. During our days of soldiering in the States, the horses meant little to most of us. Our real acquaintance — and we needed an introduction in French — began when the horses came at Coetquidan. After a few days of loafing, Trouve with a detail of picked men had been summoned to the stables by Capt. Hanley, who was acting as purchasing agent for the brigade. A number of French remounts had been sent for the Captain to pick from. As he accepted a horse, men from the different outfits beginning with A Battery of the loist, would take the chevau away, after Johnny and his detail had branded them. After about three weeks of this, B Battery began to draw horses. In three days we were assigned one hundred and forty-five and then no more. We were starting out short of horses, for we should have had two hundred and five. The drivers now, and especially Trouve, began to realize they were in the army. No more ducking calls. The first few weeks were the hardest. In the first place after branding the horses the hoof numbers had to be taken. Never before had we heard such scientific cussing. The fours looked like sevens and Trouve told us all about it. Then the nags had to be paired up according to size and color. Later they had to be shifted according to the way they pulled together. After the "pairing off" the different sections were assigned their proportionate number and then the drivers really began their army work. Good care must be taken of the horses. The first thing in the morning, feed; at night, after a hard day's work — look after the horses; first, brush them, water them and feed them. Of course in training camp it was more a matter of calls, but here the drivers were imbued with the order of "Horses First," an idea which later went a long way in pulling the outfit through tough places. [ 129] Besides learniiifi; to take care of the horses, the drixers learned -or attempted to learn, how to handle them. Monkey drill and iodine became inseparable. The toughest part of it was that at "come on," and "Whoa," they simply cocked an ear and said, "Pas Compris." So the drivers took to visiting the cafes at night in order to learn French to talk to their nags. Of course while all this was going on it was impossible that the horses should escape without names. "Haigh" and "Haigh," they went to- gether as lead of the garbage wagon. "Red" a fire eater; "The stable hound," Bill Bacon's favorite; and others equally fitting. As the time approached for leaving Coetquidon we began to wonder about loading as some of us still remembered our Davisville ex- perience. But all horses were in box cars in less than a half hour in spite of the fact that some had to be man handled. After this, loading horses meant nothing to us. The horses made the trip from Coetquidon to Soissons very well. There were many wild tales told by the men, who were assigned to the different cars to look after the horses. But none of them really kicked or showed a great desire to be reheved. Eight horses and two men, gave the men more room, grub and liquor than they could have had in a box car with forty men. At Soissons we received about a dozen horses — American horses this time. Also we began to lose horses — forage poisoning, according to the "Vet." This made good business for "Pop" Harwood's detail. The only work for the horses was the night trip to the front and this wasn't very bad. The first real test for the horses came on the hike to Toul. For days we followed the road to Toul, averaging twenty-one kilometers a day. The horses stood it well especially considering the fact that we were short of horses, so each one had to do more than his share. One horse absolutely gave in, and Johnny had to shoot him. The rest reached Toul, a little thin, but still going strong. At Toul the horses were called upon every night to keep ammunition and supplies going up to the front. They became as familiar with Dead Man's curve as the drivers, and i)erhaps dreaded it more. They had a right to, as they couldn't duck. Fi\e horses were lost while standing in Mandres. Although the ])icket line at Rangeval was exposed to shell fire, nothing happened until the day after we had moved to Lagney. [130] The biggest test the horses received was during the Chateau-Thierry drive. Just before the drive we lost a lot of horses from eating poisoned grass. After the drive started the horses "got theirs." Often they would have their harness on day and night. Shell fire caused a num- ber of losses. Grain and water was scarce, and the horses with their numbers re- duced, often had to accomplish tremendous tasks. At Beauvardes one shell killed six horses, another literally shot Besser's big black "Nemo" out of his hand. On the fourth of z^ugust we were relieved. At the same time we received orders to evacuate all horses with the mange or harness sores. This left us exceedingly short, but then we received replacements. After a short rest at Leugley we started on our second great offensive at St. Mihiel, with only one hundred and twelve horses. Before the drive had hardly started we had to evacuate the odd twelve. One horse was now doing the work of two. So it went through the days that followed, horses were lost by shell fire; were shot because they were "all in," or evacuated because of mange, so that when we finally pulled out of St. Mihiel and started our great hike we had only eighty-nine horses. Men had to carry everything possible and at times get "on the wheels." Verdun saw more losses from shell fire, gas and mange. On November fourteenth, sixty-nine who were too tough to be worn out, pulled the battery from Verdun to Levencourt. Here sixty-one were turned over to the Army of Occupation probably to be worked to the very end. The remaining eight were turned in at Vicq. And so we were once more horseless artillery. Tractors were to take the place of our old "friends." It sounded good at first — but most of us realized that no machine could ever take the place of those faithful hard working nags. No reward was theirs. Hard work and harder knocks was all they received for the most part, and it was not until after they were gone that we realized what we owed and how much we really cared for the good old squealing, kicking, fighting "nags" of Battery B. [131] PERHAPS it was tlie recollection of what ha]ipened to the men who went to school with the "anti-tankers" and "ninety-fivers" when we were up northwest of Toul, that caused Holland to look dubious when he received orders to ])ick a detail to go to motor school; or perhaps it was just his usual natural inclination to be fair that caused him to ponder. At any rate when he finally made up the list it included such men as Girvan, GilTord, Bertherman, and many more hard workers who deserved a rest. Immediately some of the "others" started looking for a chance to go — - and some met with success. On November ^^rd, the day before it was to lea\e, a se\ere strafing from Fritz left vacancies in the detail. .Mso at the last minute a few of the chosen were ordered to the hospital as a result of the gassing experienced in death valley. A few more sub- stitutes of the "others" were chosen and at two o'clock on the after- noon of the seventh the detail lined up under Sergeant Howell. As Ted viewed his detail he groaned. The orders had been to fall in full i)ack with all ecjuipment. "Perkins, Short, Jordan, where are your rifles ?" The three good soldiers all denied any knowledge of any such useful article — for tra\elling in the S. O. S. Ted could do nothing but march the detail away. Seeing this a half-dozen more good soldiers immediately lost their soldierly ai)pearance. Outside the echelon the detail joined those furnished by the other batteries of the regiment and under command of Ca])tain Henderson started for the railway station at Verdun. At the railway station it was found that the train which was supposed to l)e there was not. Of course, we should have exj^ected this. But as the hours passed, and we thought of the bo}s at the echelcMi hax'ing a "nice mess," some began to doubt their wisdom in joining the detail. Had it not been for "Pop" Henderson we would probably have all starved to death. He finally found rations for us, and then, like good Xo-'J soldiers, the detail was happy. About eight o'clock our train arrived and we drew third class coaches. At first this seemed a luxury — but when we came to sleep — how we did wish for our old friends "Hommes 40." Late that night or better early the next morning we reached St. Dizier — better known as "Dizzy" — where we were marched to a camp — La Tambourine — a rest camp. That alone was enough to our ears, but here we found an improvement. The powers that be had conceived the idea of cement floors for the barracks, but no cots — not even chicken netting. There was nothing to do but stretch out on the floor and wonder if the inquisition had any- thing on rest camps. In the morning after mess — and what a mess it was — the boys thought they had found a redeeming feature to their rest camp. It was said that in the French canteen real beer could be bought. But before the rumor could be verified the boys were ordered to fall in, and were marched over to the train and started on their way again. During the day stops were made at various stations and each time refreshments found a way into the coaches. It was a merry company that left the train that night at Vierzon — a little town whose inhabitants had never before seen American soldiers — or said they hadn't. "Pop" told the boys not to get too heavy a load on as they had to leave the next morning. Imagine the result. The first time in many months that most of us had really had such freedom. The detail from each battery tried to keep the rest of the boys sober by drinking up the wine supply first. Girvan and Gifford were put on guard, thereby pro\-ing that Howell did not go to college for nothing. In the morning many big heads — but none missing — lined up for the final lap of the journey. A short ride brought the detail to Le Blanc. At first we thought we were in a town too small to notice. All that could be seen from the " gare " was one cafe and a few trees. But a short hike brought us to the top of a hill from which we could see the town, and in that first glimpse there was something about the town we liked. Much like every French town it somehow had a more prosperous appear- ance than most towns we had seen. When we reached the center of the town we saw no less than two hotels, two large cafes, and many smaller ones, besides the usual line up of small stores. It must be a good town ! We were halted in the square in the center of the town to await the pleasure of the officer in charge. While waiting, other soldiers began to gather around us. The four hundred and umpty-umps, when they heard that magic number "twenty-sixth," showed the proper respect. Also [ 133] they carelessly showed francs — many of them — and a disposition to buy souvenirs from the front. A German button, with a little tale^of cutting it off the clothing of some German who had fallen to your rifle, would bring many francs. A belt buckle had a fabulous value. What a chance of becoming a millionaire ! As it was the boys did pretty well — thank you. After the usual unnecessary questioning the authorities decided to believe "Pop's" statement that we needed something to eat, and we were directed to a kitchen. Here, of course, we had to wait until the cooks got something ready, and during the wait what was more natural than a crap game. The game had been going just long enough to be disastrous to the representatives of B Battery when an S. O. S. shave tail breezed in, stopped the game, and how he panned us out. Right away we saw trouble. In order to keep us out of further mischief the usual inspection was held. We were found to have cooties — lousey the medic called us. We were permitted to eat — under the watchful eyes of officers, then marched to billets and quarantined. The afternoon of our first day we were decootized. At this time the effects of the gassing which Al. Butts had received at Death Valley became too much for him. He reported to the hospital and was im- mediately sent to bed. In two days he was in serious condition, and few of us, who were permitted to see him, would have known him on the third day. The next day we were informed that he was dead. With us from the start, Al. had made friends of all by his good nature, and his death caused gloom in the entire outfit. Corporal Wilkinson took the body to Chateauroux, where it was buried in the American cemetery. "Died of disease," it was reported, but Al. died of wounds received in battle if any soldier ever did. The "cleaning up" orders had worked fine. We were permitted to throw away all of our equipment and after a bath to draw new as we pleased. Things were looking up. Following this the riot act or some- thing was read to us. Its main note was military discipline. It had no effect. That evening a number of the boys went to a moving picture show. There not being enough present to warrant the showing of the pictures, the boys hired the theatre. Then the proprietor tried to give us our money's worth and the result was we were all arrested for being out after taps and given fatigue — the fatigue consisting of one hour's guard, during which time it was perfectly permissible to sleep. The next day the detail was divided up and "sent to school " — some to learn about tractors, some about niotorcycles, some to mechanics' [134] school, and the lucky-Rylcy to auto school. School didn't prove so bad. Part lectures, and part practice, the lectures were easy to duck, and the practice furnished a lot of fun. The fourth day of our stay at Lc Blanc l)rought word of the Armistice. The Frenchmen seemed to have gone crazy. A celebration was arranged, and of course there had to be a parade. As the 103rd had been in France longer than any other American soldiers in the town they were given "the place of honor," and allowed to ride. After the parade a general celebration — in the cafes — followed. All in all it was some time. The next day we were back to our regular routine, although excitement was still running high, and the different papers from Paris were sold almost before they were on sale. At night and the "work" over it was customary to find a place at which to eat. It being forbidden to buy bread, eggs, or meat in the town, the more public places had to be avoided, but nearly everyone found some quiet little place where everything could be had. This lasted for six weeks, when we "graduated." At the same time we were told that we probably would not go back to our own outfits. Many prepared to go A. W. O. L. until "Pop" Henderson persuaded them to wait awhile. "Pop" was putting up a great fight to get us back, and we certainly appreciated it. We were transferred to new billets and a new battery^from the details of the 103rd F. A., io6th F. A., and 315th F. A., was formed. Lieut. Doherty, whom we all knew in Coetquidan was in command, assisted by Lieut. Shryoc of the 103rd. A regular army sergeant from the 315th was top kick. Jordan was made battery clerk. Some of the boys became instructors for new men arriving in town, but for the great majority it was a case of drills and details — but here again the 103rd won out. Jordan was allowed to pick the men for all details. The result was soft details for us, and all the tough ones for the io6th and 315th — the men of the 315th getting the toughest of course — they being the newest soldiers. Orders were received to send men to Camp Hunt, La Courtine, and other places. The 315th was sadly depleted, the io6th lost heavily, and only two men went from the 103rd. Ray seemed to have learned Jocko's job pretty well. Things went along in this way for another month. No one worked hard through the day, and at night, the "Foyer Soldat" — where you could buy chocolate for two cents a glass — and the cafes made it a "good war." But we were getting restless and wanted to be back with I 135] our own outfit. Finally the orders came and one evening we marched up the hill to the station to our old friends, the box cars. That the 103rd was leaving friends behind was shown l)y the number of citizens who turned out to see us leave. One of them, Minnie — who had been a great friend to the boys from the start, "presented" us with a large bouquet. The trip back as far as St. Dizier was made under the command of some new "shave tail." He thought it his duty tt) prevent the boys from getting refreshments on the way, and "Short," Perkins and others were told to consider themselves under arrest. Consideration was as far as it went, and the shave tail finally becoming discouraged buried himself in his coach and we saw nothing more of him. From "Si. Dizzy" on, it was a good trip — no officers to be bothered with. We found the battery at Vicq, got settled and, in a few days were wishing we were back in Le Blanc. After all it was a good battle we fought down there. The Toughest Hike of Them All. T^IVE o'clock, of a bright October afternoon, as the sun was lowering in the West, we pulled out after a day of rest in a meadow near Rupt en Woevre, and started for a new destination. As per usual we knew absolutely nothing of where we were headed or what we would encounter, but if we had known in advance what was in store for use, we would scarcely have been happy about it. As it was we sloughed along at the usual marching stride, cussing and wondering what was coming. Rumors were rife of course, rest being the chief among them, but as we came up to a cross-roads about dark the decision was final though painful. One road led to the rear and REST, the other was marked with the name of a town that will ever be remembered when men talk of battles, VERDUN. Thus read the signpost and along the road so marked we shufiled along behind the guns. As it grew dark, the orders came down from tlic liead of the column, "NO SMOKING." More curses and grumbling. " Ht)\v come this NO Smoking stuff ? " For a while the orders held good, but as the miles rolled by, little gleams showed here and there, the tell tale glow of [136] cigarettes. Very soon an officer rode down and ordered all cigarettes out. This procedure was repeated many times, until finally he rode up to the Captain and the following dialogue ensued. "Captain Green, sir, those men behind the fourgon won't stop smok- ing." "Did you tell them to stop, Lieutenant ?" "Yes, sir; several times." "All right. T' hell with them; let 'em smoke," and that ended it. On we went, and on again, and as our weary feet began to tell us that the usual number of kilometres had been passed, the grumbling grew louder, but still no pause. On again, and as we rose from the rest periods, our feet were like lead, and for many steps there would be absolutely no feeling in them at all. Great stuff, this hiking game. Suddenly as we were in the middle of a ruined town the order came down "Halt!" and directly after there was much talk and excited reading of maps at the head of the column, then more noisy talk. Busy officers dashing up and down and everything balled up for some few minutes. The next move came in the shape of an order to right about, and out we marched again and back over the same road. While we were not exactly sure what had happened, we were beginning to have our sus- picions. They were surely well founded, for herein lies out tale of woe. It is the usual custom in making a long move, to place men on the cross roads in advance of the column to direct them over the proper highways, thus preventing any mishaps or wrong moves. But in this particular instance on one of the most important highway intersections, the officer in charge had neglected to place the usual marker. Net result, a battalion of men completely lost, and some extra twenty kilometers to walk. Did we enjoy it ? We did not ! ! ! Back we went over the road, with a groan for every step, for by this time, we were about done up, and on again over the right road, and at five o'clock the next morning, after twelve hours of continuous marching, covering fifty-one kilometers, we reached our destination, the most bedraggled, tired out gang of men that ever stepped. As soon as the horses were taken care of we sought rest, which was sadly needed and only chow call brought us out. Well did we know that "some one had blundered," for hiking an ordinary distance is scarcely a pleasure, but hiking an extra twenty kilometers is hardly a pastime that would become popular. [137] Battery Athletics. "1X7HEN Battery B first got together one tiling was e\ident, — it was a " line hnneh of men," as the top kick put it . Knowledge of this made (he nuMi anxious to do something. As the Germans were still far away, and we couldn't start a real first class scrap without landing in the "cooler," we prepared to "l)eat up "all corners in legitimate ways. Consequently a baseball team was organized as soon as we reached Quonset Point. Due to the fact that the other team always brought their own umpire, and bribed the adjutant into putting B Battery on regimental guard every time they were scheduled to play, we were somewhat handicajiped. Still we managed to win four games out of six, and so did not feel so bad. Our time was coming. It came with the transfer of our regiment to Boxford. There the manly game of rugby was started. One of the linest teams possible, fully equipped as a result of a Battery collection, prepared to meet all comers. Emidy was elected captain, Lieut. Langdon agreed to coach the team, and Sergeant Churchill was made manager. The team lined uj) with Emidy and Redfernas ends; Howell and Smith, tackles; Melarkey and Mason guards; Donelly, centre; Stewart, Chase, Tillinghast and Crowe in the backfield, with S. Roberts, Albee, Allen, Miller, Wolf and Ryley ready as subs. An attractive schedule was arranged but the second battalion pulled out, much to ouv (.lisappointment. This broke up the schedule. A game, however, was arranged with F Battery who claimed to be good. They went down 30-0. They didn't e^•en have a show. Redfern showed his utter disregard for the human anatomy when he broke an opponent's leg when tackling him. Having tasted blood, only one thing would satisfy. We must have A Battery's hide. Accordingly a game was arranged for the next " Our IVlascol.' [138] Saturday, but A Battery, after talking over what happened to F, begged off, on the ground that they needed more practice. Headquarters company and a lieutenant were substituted. The ex- cavalry men were rugged. They fought hard, and at the old driving game it seemed a toss-up who would win. But the value of brains and a college education showed up. Emidy doped up a couple of trick plays, told them to Stewart, they worked them— final score, Battery B 14^ Headquarters Co., o. Loudly now the call rose to "Bring on those A Batteries." A date was set but again we were denied. Rumor has it that every man in A Battery used to say a prayer every night that something would intervene to save them from the impending defeat. Their prayers were answered. Before the date of the game we were on our way overseas. After arriving in France we had little or no time for athletics except of the indoor variety. Jordan seemed to have the upper hand here as he could talk faster than anyone else. Poker and crap teams were also battling for a thousand— at times. There is still a question as to who went broke oftener, A Battery or B. The next real opportunity came along in May of '18. The drivers at the echelon at Rangeval organized baseball teams and many interesting intersectional games were played. Just before the start of the Chateau-Thierry drive, the men at the rear echelon took part in a regimental track meet. The results were highly satisfactory. B Battery won the '' big event," the regimental relay race. Marcotte, Devine, Lawson and Stewart turned the trick. Stewart was the big star of the meet, winning the 220-yard dash and placing third in the 50 and 100. B placed second in the meet. At Leugley during our notorious rest period a ball team was organized. Lieut. Ramsay, whose enthusiasm led to the formation of the team was coach. The line-up was made from the following men: catchers, Devine, Bergen, White; pitchers, Gifford, Hurley; infielders, Hodgson,' McCaffrey, Boardman, Bebee, Tillinghast, Smith; outfielders, Patterson, Perkms, Arnold, Hazelhurst. One game resulted. It was one of these moral victories we read about but the actual score was A Battery n, B Battery 4. Before we could get even, we moved. While on our way to St. Mihiel, we parked for a few days along the road outside of Souilly. After ordering an inspection. Colonel Glassford thought of a track meet. As it was ordered— so it was. B Battery got only one place, first in the high jump, Ted Howell clearing the bar at a height nearly equal to himself. [139] No more alhU-lics until after tlu' Armistice. Then with the Germans out of the \va)- H Hattery prepared to start in where they k'ft off at Boxford. Soccer football was enthusiastically taken up by the regiment. B Battery had a team which performed brilliantly. It never lost a game, which was to be expected when one considered A. Roberts and Craven, who had been shouting, "eads hup" and "hover" ever since they were kids. Holmes, Plant, Jim Richardson, Patterson, S. Roberts, Cahill, C'ra\en, Allen, Hughes, Needham and A. Roberts made U}) the team, with UeSisto, White, Boardnian and McCaffrey as subs. The sweetest game of all was when " B Battery beat A Battery." The scores of all the games were: Battery B t, Battery A o; Battery B 2, Headquarters o; Battery B 2, Battery D i ; Battery B o. Battery C o, in game that went overtime twenty minutes. The game proved so popular that a regimental team was formed. The hrst game with the 102nd resulted in a 4-4 tie. A week later the entire regiment, led l)y the Colonel marched to the 102nd stamping grounds. After sixty exciting minutes the TO_:;rd came away a winner i-o. B Battery was represented on the team by Cra\en, S. Roberts and Allen. After the regiment moved to \'ic(i battalion teams were formed. A Batter)- and H Hattery lining up together lieat the second battalion at both soccer and rugby. A regimental rugby team was formed. The team was beaten by the loist and it was largely through the work of Nick Bergen and Ray Booth that the loist was stopped from running up a much larger score. At Pontvallain our regimental soccer team continued to wnn and in a number of games played throughout the di\ision was never beaten. Owing to the fact that one of the batteries of the 103rd became "puffed up"' dissension was caused in the ranks of the ri'gimental rugby team. Perkins, Slu)rt, and others who could probably have carried the team through, (luil in disgust. The result was a thorough beating at the hands of the 102nd at Mayet. Basketball teams were formed. B's team composed of the following men: W. Da\is, Hopkins, Kaufman, Harding, Hazelhurst, Clough, Elmer and Mahoney, played seven games, winning five and losing two. Sec- tion games were also played but did not seem to create much attention. Prize drill squads had been organized in the diflterent batteries. Com- petitive drills were held, B's Battery squad defeating everything in our own regiment tirst, then cleaning up the loist and 102nd Artillery teams. At Ecomoy a team from the infantry barely nosed them out for divisional championship. The Battery was \ery proud of its representatives. [ 140] While all this was goin^ on l)().\ing had been encouraged. Prac- tically every man with any ability was going around with marks on his face. Boxing bouts were held at Mayet and Ecomoy. Ray Cook, S. Roberts and Kaufman won many bouts. "Young Kloby" of the 102nd defeated Lajoie of our own regiment for the divisional cham])ion- ship in a tight that will long be remembered. Orders to leave for Brest put an end to our athletic endeavors, but looking it all over, we'll say Battery B was there! Those Medics! 4 ( P AINT it with iodine and mark him duty," or " Give him C. C. i)ills and mark him duty." How often these two phrases have sounded in the ears of some healthy young gent from B Battery who had managed to duck calls until sick call and then fell in hoi)ing to get light duty. And how the "docs" could pick them out. Sometimes one of the boys who had never had a sick clay in his life could fool "Doc Hascall or one of his sergeants into giving a light duly or "(|uarters" sentence, but not very often. A strong dose of salts, etc., often helped a man to decide he wouldn't answer sick call again and made him seek some other way of beating drill. So of course "iodine, C. C. pills and duty," made the mention of the sanitary detachment bring forth rather sarcastic but generally rather "enlightening" remarks. Besides that, there was the "Fall in for — inspection" call, and the "doc" looked us over. What nuisances, and then too — well perhaps that is enough. But on the other hand we never lost a bit of time in heading for the sanitary detachment if we were really sick. We might "ride" them at times, but when things felt topsy turvy we knew they were the men who could straighten us out. They looked after our health and cer- tainly any man in the outfit will admit they did it well. And besides this there was their work at the front: At Verdun, at the "ninety-fives," at Chateau-Thierry, and many other places, the medics showed that they were game. Certainly this book would not seem complete without some mention of Captain Hascall or of Guindon, Frarry, Barnard, etc., for in reality they seemed a part of the Battery — and we certainly wouldn't want them to think that we had forgotten our old friends who handed out "C. C. pills and Iodine." [141] Reminiscenses. IV/r ANY people thought that a soldier's life in France was made up of worry and fighting. As a matter of fact when not actually engaged we often found life extremely interesting, and even in beating the Germans many rather humorous incidents happened. Those listed below are absolutely vouched for. The Model Kitchen. Located in a sort of Hawaiian Bungalow with its whitewashed walls was the celebrated Model Kitchen at Rangeval. Here, each morning WHAT TO REMEMBER * That Q^uarte-TTe Those Inspectioms '? Oh' How We Used "To Look FoRwARO To l)right and early (about io:,^o) our kiniinous Mess Sergeant wielded the push broom around the courtyard with the ease and grace of an Exchange Place white wing. As the only passage from the stables to the blacksmith shop lead through the kitchen, the work of the Sergeant with said broom was sadly but greatly increased. Many a cheval was cursed as he made a flying trip through the yard ''on the receiving end" of an ever ready "pomme de terre" thrown with the accuracy of a Walter Johnson. [ 14^ One morning our Lieutenant, with his "Varsity 55" appearance (he would have made the heart of any dashing debutante beat double time) came rushing out to the kitchen with his golden locks giving off the aroma of brilliantine. In a thunderous and gruff voice he said "Ser- geant Knowles, the Divisional Inspector will be here in an hour." The Sergeant made a few unkind remarks about Inspectors, which if heard would have given him a nice "stone mansion somewhere out West," for at least twenty years. Then he grabbed the broom and started to work. Everyone hustled like beavers and put the kitchen in fine order, but oh — the utensils — horrible. We were ruined! But no! there was the brand new kitchen equipment which lay dor- mant in the bottom of a powder box in the secluded corner of the mon- astery. With hands and arms loaded down with dirty meat saws, cleavers, etc., we rushed to the monastery and made the exchange which later brought us fame. Now all was complete, and sitting calmly under the reeds of our "bungalow" we waited with joyful anticipation the arrival of said Inspector. He came — he saw, we conquered! Ever afterwards ours was the "Model Kitchen of the Division." "Motto." You can fool some of the inspectors some of the time, you can fool most of the inspectors most of the time, but if you have a Mess Sergeant like "Steve," you can fool all of the inspectors all of the time. "Who was defeated this time." Bryan II. Word was one day received that Colonel Smith was coming around for inspection of the Battery position, meaning that all guns, etc., must be cleaned and polished. Lt. Metcalf made a very pretty little speech urging the men to prepare. Just before this, two orderlies had spent much time in washing the above mentioned officer's underwear, and he with the vision of clean clothes, took a bath. Meanwhile, the men went to work on the guns, etc. Polish and clothes were needed to put everything in first-class condition. The only cloth available was a suit of underwear hanging clean and dry on the barbed wire. It was immediately commandeered, and the guns were cleaned in the most approved manner. Then the men turned their attention to their personal appearance. Polish was needed, and on a table lay a nice large box of ox-blood, prized very highly by a [143] certain gentleman wliosr hoots required a great deal of polish to cover their surface. I h' lost in's yirize, but the men wcrt' prcpari'd for in- s])ectioii. The ollKer Imished his hath. " Agnew hring me my clean underwear." Agnew (\'n\ his hi'st, hut returned emjjty handed. "It's gone, sir." "What," shouted the Lieutenant, "Gone? Gone? I'll see to that." Time howcxiT was \aUiahk" and otlu-r mulerwear had to be donned. "Oh, Agnew — polish up those hoots.' Again a rei)ort of missing e(iuii)ment from tlu' bewildered and scared orderly. "What, my new box of ])olish?" And a hunt took place which was interrupted by the lns])ecling OlTicer. The inspection was held and the men highly complimented both on tile ai)pearance of the guns, and their personal appearance, and the Colonel departed. Imagine the rest for yourself, Lieutenant Metcalf had been i)utting two and two togi'tiier during the ins])ection, and arri\ing at four as the answer, excn Sergeant Aylesworth receixed fatigue duty as a result. What wt' were doing or were going to do had, of course, to be cam- oullaged from German spies. Here's one sample of the way it was done. FoOLINCi TllK Gl'.KMANS. The ciuiain rises on a scene in the telephone dugout at Bryan I. The time is about 10:583/2 P. M. Seated at the hoard is an operator more than m'ne-sixteenths asleep. The board buzzes and the "op" comes to the ])Osition known as action front, shoves in a plug and the folUnving con\erstion takes place: Oj^erator — "Bryan I operator, sir." Voice at Lundy's Lane (believed to be Lt. McCormick) "Give me llanley." Oi^erator then plugs Mr. Mac through and listens to the following line of junk. Mac — "Hello, Hanley. This is Mac. Are you getting any perfume^ over your way? " llanley — "Yes; liailey just came in and took off his l)oots." Mac— "Is it pretty heavy?" 'Perfume — Gas. [ 144] Hanley — "Fairly — not bad on the nose but terrible on the eyes." Mac — "You'll be wild wooly and full of fleas^ soon." Hanley — "Good Lord, is there no rest for the weary? The coots are defeating me now. I was down sitting on Aff's bunk this afternoon and they're fair running off with me." Mac — "Let me know if you get rid of those fleas OK." Hanley — "Sure, good night. Oh, by the way Mac, what's all this talk about Metcalf going to Iv " Mac — "Fact Hanley, they need him." Hanley and Operator, in chorus — "Good; we don't." Mac — "Yes; Smith got out an order on it tcniight." Hanley — "Good for him; its the only favor he ever did this Jiattery." Mac — "Here's a party^ for you Hanley." Hanley — "Bailey get out your pencil." Mac— "Ready?" Hanley— "Shoot." Mac — "At H hour and () minutes put lo beggars factotum''' on 6634." Hanley — "Can't be done. My horses'^ are out in the grass not in a stable."-^ Mac — "Well, try one horse over this course then, starting him at the same time. I'ut him over the 6679* course and load him with 50 bipeds falsetto'' and give him an hour to do it in." Hanley — "Here's something ior you, Mac. About 100 wild women^ just came into my house and drank u|) a lot of grape juice.''" Mac — "You won't be thirsty for a while then. Keep cool and let me know if you need any dogs'", (iood night." Hanley — All right. Good night." 'Wild and wooly and full of floas — The fourgon witli rations. ^Party — Order to fire. 'Beggars-factotum — F. A. Shells — L. R. Fuse. , }(\vd I'icld Artillery: On the c\e of Uk' IkiIUc of Xivray-Marxoisin, I reporled to ihc placid villa.^o of Boucc[ and was assigned to the command of the 103rd Field Artillery. 1 was then a Lieutenant-Colonel. See what the 103d Field Artillery has done for me. The stirring days thai followed are all recorded in this little book. We shall re-li\(.' a thousand times in mi'inory that lirst great otYensive against the (lermans, where for sexenteen tla>s our big guns thundered continuously against the retreating enemy, and ad\ancing each day we more than kejit ])ace with our infantry. Through this and other cam])aigns the aggressi\eness, steadfastness, and valor of the nun of the 103rd ha\e indelibly engraved the fame of this regiment in tin- history of the World's Greatest War. (Signed) Pkuiam I). Glassford. Brif^adicr (inicral, Comniandhig ^rst Bri(^adc F. A. At Banc de Pierre, Fel)ruary, ujiS, at 2:45 o'clock, sudden call for emergency liri' on l-'ox Salient to smash enemy attack. H Battery lirst to lire with a speed and accuracy in delivery of " obus alk)ngee " at enemy concentration ])oints and machine gun nests that brought an official expression of appreciation from General Connnanding 22nd Division Infantry (French; for "your efficacious intervention in the affair of the 19th." April 20th, I'liemy concentration at and in tlu' \icinity of Lehayville to follow up Seicheprey attack. Hryan II placi's lu'r little q8 pound darlings in the \ illage square and on road and trenches leading out to the northeast. Obserxers reported town smashed, trenches bashed in, and Boche blown tweKe feet in air. Another report was sixty per cent German casualties. Fnemy attack not made. Before Courpeil in July, enemy battery shooting up our infantry lines, woods and town with deadly eft"ect when its location was given by air- plane. Volleys from B Battery and its ancient rival Battery A at German position, and slu' never oi)ened again. These are thnx' from a long list of efru'ienl Sl•r\■il■e^ on the lield of battle. Tlu' knowledge that sixty seconds oi your work at an}- time, [14S] Brig. -Gen. Pelham D. Glassford. Major Hascall. Lieut. -Col. E. S. Chaffee. Father Farrell. 149 1 in meeting such emergencies was so vitally important to the country, must repay for great sacrifices and unending devotion which you gave to make Battery B. (Signed) E. S. Chaffee. Formerly Lieut. Col., lojrd F. A. To the boys of my outfit: It is only natural that I should feel that B Battery was particularly my own, and I feel proud of the fact that I was the first commander of that outfit. Through the training days you made my job easier by putting your hearts and souls into the work, and your performances through the trying days at Bryan I and at Chateau-Thierry were more than gratifying to the officers. I could not at the time express my sorrow at leaving the old outfit at the end of the Chateau-Thierry scrap, but I always watched with pride the doings of my boys. Gerald T. Hanley. Captain, Battery B, 103rd F. A. To the Boys of Battery B: As I start to write you a word of greeting the Mongolia is steaming westward, bringing you, my old comrades, back home; and it is with the greatest impatience that I am waiting to greet you, when you enter Boston harbor. In reminiscencing of the old days, my thoughts are sometimes humor- ous, sometimes sad. It was my great good fortune to serve with you for eight months, and I was very happy and content while acting as Battery Commander. Later when as observer I watched your firing, I could not be blamed for being carried away by the work of my boys, and several high officials who at first went nearly crazy at my reports, soon learned that "my boys" meant the boys of Battery B. In the joy of your home coming I feel deep sorrow in realizing that such men as Harmon, Black, Coats, and others will not be with us in our reunions. The memory of the brave boys who made the supreme sacrifice for their country will always thrill me, and I shall lift my head higher, because of the pride I feel in having served with the splendid men and ofhcers who made "up my old outfit." Duncan Langdon. 1st Lieut., Battery B, 103rd F. A. [150I Capt. Carey Lieutenant Grant. Lieut. Duncan Langdon. Lieutenant Deuel. [151] T.inil. Wheal's Sld/cniciil: My regards lo all llu' men of liadery B. T cotiainly wanted lo he in Providence when you all c:\\ur hatk, 1 hough no more than 1 had wanted to l)e with \-ou on tlie Marni' and in the Argonne all last smnnuT and fall. I'w always l)een a\vfull\- proud of ha\ ing \)vvu with BalLei}' Ji and wish you all the best of luik in the woild. RkN\11,1.I'. WllKAT. Jiid Lieut., liatlcry />', lo^rd !•'. A. To Ihc Mil! of Hallcry l\ lovd /''■ ^1. I am certainly glad to ha\t' the o]')iiort unity to set down in hiack and while tlie extri-me pleasuri' and pridi' I had in serving with you men in \\hal has so apll\- been called the "retcnl unpleasantness." Y\t times, 1 am afraid thai il was truly unpU'asant. We of tlu' Sam Hrownes often made you do things (hat nou did not want to do, and graWhi'd the best billets and all that sort of thing. And as for you, >'ou will probably ne\'er know all the worrii'S yi)u ga\e us and llu' numbt'r of times we soothed the injurt'd fi'i'lings of a justly irate town mayor. Hut in the end we were just a litth' proud of one another — were we not — and played the game. Thai was the thing, and il was an insj^'ration to see you i')lay it, for vou did il so well, like the rt'd-blooded .Americans that you are. It was as a proud ri'lalion that 1 walcluti N'our line work in the Toul sector, at St. Miliiel and at A'enhm, and to ha\e ser\-ed ell)ow to I'lbow with \ou duiing thosi- heart bri'aking, wi'ar\- (la_\s and niglUs at Chateau- Thierry will i'\-er remain one of the most cherished meiuories of m_\- lite. Wishing you all the success in youi- fulmc life that you st) richly deserxe, belie\i" me, ^, . .• • i Your snicere Iriend, Norman D. MacLeod. Major, inyd F. A . To serve under nuai like CUassfortl, ChaiTee and Hanley was a pleasure. To work with mi'u liki' Drummond, (Irant, Chaffee, Holland, Knowles, iind all the ri'st, was a privilege. Mud, overwork, lack of sU'cj), cold and cooties are to be expected. Shortage of clothing, e(|uii>iut.'nt , rations, and ovi'rdue pay-days, were somi' of the things the mt'U faced as part (»f llu' price of getting tlu-re first. Thev faced tluMU all as they faced the enemy, with a smile and a joke. That is why tlu'ir olhcers were proud of them. E. r. II. Metc.vlf. 1st Lieut., Battcrv B, lo^rd F. A. I 152] ! ■ "1 i A 1 1 ^ \. ■1 ,. ;;^ ^^1 % i^H V — 9 X. A i Ml 1 wn "! DH ■ Major Noriimii U. MutLfnl. I.iciil. Joliii J. I lickcy. Capt. 11. '1 . H. Mol.aH. f.ic-ut. i lir>rnaH I.. lift\niiHfm. 153] At first I was in command of E Battery, and when things were turned upside down and I found myself with B Battery, I felt rather out of place. Outside of a few "grunts" however, the men and 1 have gotten along fine together and I am more than satisfied with the outfit. The men may growl at times and say they are through with soldier life, but in the years to come when they read this book they will never regret the days spent in Battery B. Walter Green. Ca plain, Bullcry B, lojrj F. A. In January, igiS, when with two other issue officers I was assigned to Battery B, 103rd F. A., I little realized how fortunate I was. But even in those days of early training, slopping around in the mud of Coetquidan with Johnny Garrett and "Feets" Metcalf, I began to appreciate the spirit and determination of the outfit. Through the soft war at Chemin des Dames and the more trying days at Bryan I, where we still had reveille at six o'clock, my respect for the boys grew. The way the boys kept their spirits when they had Chateau- Thierry substituted for furloughs at Aches and Pains, then St. Mihiel, and the final days of the war at Verdun, impressed upon me that fact that I had fought the war with an outfit that was second to none. During this time we had all grown up, so to speak, and the experiences will never be forgotten or regretted. As my service with the Battery lengthened my attachment to the men increased proportionately and I am proud to feel that I belong to Battery B. F. W. Bailey. isl Lieut. , Ballcry B, lojrd F. A. I feel as if I sort of climbed aboard B Battery after it had won its reputation, ])ut it is the only outfit with which I was identified and I am proud of it. For the men themselves I formed a deep liking as no one could com- mand a Battery like ours without becoming attached to it and interested in every member of such an outfit. Edward Hutchins. 1st Lieut., Battery B, 103rd F. A. [154] > , - 1 ■ --<'*^ 1 ^ Capt. Walter Green. Lieut. Lawrence M. Ramsay 1 % \J Lieut. Edward Hutchins. Lieut. F. W. Bailey fi55] It is superflous for me to say how pleasant a war T fought with the Battery and how much T care for all the fellows with whom I was asso- ciated. 1 have ne\er known a better or more likeable crowd than the men whom I knew best in our Battery — the drivers. After I came back to this country, I found how different it was to be placed with a lot of men who seemed to have an entirely different attitude in regard to the relationship between ofhcers and men. John Garrett. isl Lii'ul., Balkry B, lojrd F. A. I am unable to put into words the admiration I have for the men of Battery B, 103rd F. A. I watched the Battery change from an organi- zation of recruits to seasoned soldiers of the line, able to comply with any order given them, no matter how difhcult or dangerous. I consider it an honor to have been associated with such a tine organi- zation of men, and regret that I was unal)le to go through the whole show with them, but shall always look back upon the thirteen months I served with them as the happiest of my army life. John H. Siteman, Jr. 2iid Lieut., lojrd F. A. As good luck would ha\'e it when the otllicers were shulBed up and dealt out I landed with B Battery. I soon learned one thing, the heart of the Battery was sound. Behind the lines in France I never doubted its beat. "A" Battery might make a Battery, but "B" made a battalion. Sorry that T could not serve with the Battery at the front, although I never lost faith in you, and from the grandstand in the rear I looked on and api)lauded and appreciated the result. RrsH Sturges. isl Lieut., B Battery. [156] fi::; '••tT^lB ^a^^ma^^KKM '/i m «W' r* ^^ 1 \ y 'M ■^ ^ j^fF^ :^ ^ . \ 'L. i Lk. Lieut. John W. Garret. Lieutenant Siteman. Capt.Rush Sturgess. Lieut. John Stark. [157] Lieut. MacDonald L. Edinger. Lieut Harold T. Phinney. 1 ir Lieut. Howard C. Rather. Lieut. P. C. Drummond. [158] f 1917 — 1919 IN MEMORIAM WILLIE J. BACON RAY C, BERTHERMAN EDGAR R BLACK ALFRED C BUTTS^ ARCHIBALD COATS WILLIAM EFRANCIS ,,mLL\MJ.BRAILSFORD FREDERICK A HARMON i HARpy LEEMAN' DULCE ET DECORUM 8 EST 9mQ:PArmA. m>M i 1 nil P*^'"'T!!rT Specialist sergeant. "Ed" was highly respected by every man in the Battery. He was always to he seen spotlessly clean, ewn amid the dirtiest of conditions. A good soldier, his death came because he stuck to his job while suffering from a severe cold. Died while we were leaving the sector north- west of Toul. Edgar p. Mlack. Gunner corporal. The ideal type of soldier; big, strong, good-humored and hard work- ing, but above all, game. Severely wounded as he was leaving our last ])osilion at Wrclun. He diid short l>- after- ward. Ray C. Bertliormaii. [i6o] William J. Brailsfc>r( "Dutchy" was just a little, quiet chap, but his friends were numerous. He loved horses as probably did no other man in the Battery. He died at Le Blanc as the result of the severe gassing received at Ver- dun. Quiet, capable and willing, "Bill" was popular with every man who knew him. He was the ty])e upon which the Bat- tery's reputation was founded. Killed during an attack by German aviators at Chateau- Thierry. Alfred C Butts [lOi] Archibald C oats. Wluii l'"rt.'(l \\vn{, his xoiix' and cheery iH-rsonaHtv left a gap ill thi' Hatterv which was never fiUed. Killed al his pctst in the position at Hryan 1, northwest of Toiil. A royal good fellow who was given a commission and as- signed to another oullit. Our loss was their gain for Archie was one o{ the best. He stood the test and his record ])roves him a soldier. Died from wounds received in action. Frederick A. Harmon. [ 162 ] WILLIE J. BACON. A boy from the country with j^lenty of humor. Happy-go-hicky and rehable, he took things as they came and never worried. Died as the result of disease contracted at the front. WILLIAM H. FRANCIS. His voice was weak, but who can forget tlie strength he showed while working around the stables. Suffering all the time from disease, he was never heard to complain, but worked hard until he was forced to leave us at Chateau-Thierry for the hospital where he died. HARRY C. LEEMAN. A breezy Westerner who, though not long among us, had many friends who sincerely mourned his death. Killed by shell fire at Beauvardes, on the Chateau-Thierry drive. [163 I DAME RUMOR. Old dame rumor of army woes, Was a cjueer old lady with a big hook nose, And monstrous ears that stuck way out To catch each word, be it whisper or shout. He took great delight as the stories grew. Till where they had started, no one knew. Rumors of gloom and those of cheer. Stories of rest in the far away rear, Rumors of "leaves" that we didn't get. Tales that we wouldn't believe, and yet We hated to be the ones to find fault. So we swallowed them all with a grain of salt. "Home as instructors," came through at Toul, "We're going to run a Divisional School," "Parade in Paris the 4t.h of July," And the doggone train just tore right by To the war torn sector at Chateau-Thierry; Those blasted liars they made us weary. Here is a sweet one, "We move tomorrow," Get all the dough you can beg or borrow. "We're getting our furloughs, the dope is right," Then Glassford's, "We're off for another tight." "After this sector we're due for relief;" Get this one, now, "there's no more canned beef." "After the Armistice, we go to the Rhine," Then "Home for Christmas by White Star Line." "The next time we move we go by train," We did — hiked fourteen hours in the rain. "Full equipment, or stay in Brest," Honest, that rumor hound is a pest. So till the day that they turned us loose, Rumors would start with the least excuse. All kinds of stories came to our ears, Filling us with all manner of fears. Till we turned our backs on O. I), at last, Glad as hell that 'twas done and past. [1O4J Battery B Personnel. Adams, Fk\jmk A. "Fat," whose platform during the recent campaign was not G. 0. P. but O. D. V. One man who will never say a word against a steel lid. A soldier of real ability, he proved his worth in more ways than one. Agnew, Charles "Agnew, A-G-N-E-W— Bring me a BIG piece of pie." An Orderly Sergeant. He at least stuck to one job, and judging by results, did it well. AiTKEN, James D. S. Commonly known as " Jickey." A soldier before the Armis- tice — but then — a triangle hound. As a member of the fourth gun crew he needs no further recommendation. He surely stood some punishment in more ways than one. Albee, Gerard O. " Jed ". Member of " the suicide squad " — machine gunners. Ever ready "to do or die" when the comanche yell of Standish announced an airplane. [165] Alexander, Donald B. Not "THE GREAT," Init just "Whoofy," the "Cooties Choice." Major Leatherbelt's son and P. C. Booth's favorite to pick on. A whale of a <2;oocl telephone man, even to testing lines in his slee]). Allen, Frank Report to Corp. Allen for athletics. The Walter Camp of the Battery. A good caisson corporal. Also a bit of a tonsorial artist. Alling, Thomas B. Tom. " Assistant Veterinary " and a great friend of " Jickey" Earl. If dispositions are contagious he contracted "Trouve- ites." Tom sure did work around those poor nags and finally contracted a bad case of trench feet from constant standing in mud around the stables. Anderson, Gustave C. One of our latest recruits. Wished he had joined us sooner so that we could have known him better. Andrews, Clarence R. "Red." Always quiet but always ready. We're mighty glad the C. A. C. couldn't keep you "Red." No. i man on the second gun crew. He pulled the old lanyard cjuite a few times. Arnold, Milton C. — "Comprendre-pas" The Paul Revere of the "Champagne" Front. Another of the "Oriental Sergeant's Crew." Author of the book, "Bring- ing Good Cheer" to the officers. Did excellent work at OT43 and also in many other sectors on his old switchboard. Aylesworth, Howard E. "Why do they call you 'dizzy' Howard?" We could never figure it out ourselves. A non-com, but that isn't to be held against him. A hard worker who deserved all he got. Com- mander of the Terrrible Terrors — the 4th Section. [i66j Bacon, Camile "Show the ladies where you were wounded." "Daisies won't tell Camy, dear." A. K. P. of renown. Held his breath for five minutes at Bryan II. Bailey, Ferdinand W. One of the so-called "issued" officers, received at Camp de Coetquidan. In spite of this handicap he became a popular officer. During the Front Line Work he was a fearless and brilliant reconnaissance and Firing Officer and was often the mainstay of the Commissioned strength of the Battery. Barber, Harrison C. Came to us at St. Mihiel, but time enough. Rather late, but gave us the benefit (?) of his S. O. S. information. The Watch- man's Rattle personified. Barnes, Decatur B. Came to us at Toul but left for the hospital before we got acquainted. Never came back! Barnes, James E. "Tubby." A combination of Lew Dockstader and "Dick" Canfield. Infected with joy-bugs. A regular guy as they say. Another Anti-Tanker. Barnes, P. S. "Phil." A classmate of "Jawn" Garrett, but not in the army. "Phil" left us to become a Chemical Warfare gent. The S. O. S. certainly gained a good thing when they got "Phil." Baltazar, Zajo — "Back piazza!" Now of the Soviet Army. His schooling in an iron foundry at home made him a valuable man on the ammunition detail. Spoke three languages — and some broken English. Rode (?) as orderly for Garrett at Coetquidan. [167] BAUTLi'7rr, Aubrey C. Quiet, oh, \cr\' (|ui(.'l; hul what a hustler. Tireless worker and good fellow at all times. Gunner corporal of second section, then a sergeant and sort of a strong right arm for everyone tt) lean on. Dependability personified. BARTLpyrT, Victor N. The boy who wanted to see a barrage. Hope you saw all you wanted, Victor. If you had joined us sooner you certainly would have. One of the best of those who joined us later. Bassett, William G. Known as "Narrer" for various reasons. Slept on the Western Front in a chamois lined "Waterman." Official jester for "Steve." From incenerator king to cook. Bayne, Daniel P. — "Those Bayne" 'T)anny." Would try anything once, even to tinkering with time fuses. Did as much (?) as the rest of the mechanics. Headquarters pawned him off on us at Rangeval. Its an ill wind that blows nobody good. Like the barber, he was very proud. Beck, Rudolph M. Started to raise a moustache, but the mange set in. Had to go the the hospital, Init not l)ecause of the moustache. Beebe, Lawrence C. "Bo- Jack." " How's the Javy? " A sunny dispositioned lad from the Middle West. Popular with all the boys. Swung a wicked Coffee Ladle. Bell, Chester You were only with us a short while, but from what we saw of you we sure would have liked to seen you lugging shells in France. [168I Bennett, Ra^tviond A. Known as " Sarge." Successor to the alley Rabbit. Worked hard for the welfare of the Hanley mounts. One of the best riders in the Battery and that's saying quite a bit. Benoit, John B. Capt. Green's handy man. Did everything for him — even to cooking. Judging from the Captain's appearance you must have been a good cook, John. Napoleon said, "An army moves on its stomach." Benoit says, "and he never met our officer." Bergan, Nick T. " Nick." Made the boys step some. The Jim Thorpe of the outfit. Good athlete and good soldier, you've got to hand it to "Nick." How he could lug shells — he sure was a big boy. Bergin, Frank E. — "Frances" "Windy" He hails from Riverpoint, that's enough. Good natured, quiet and a willing worker. He did his share of the work. Still he got "his" when the mess line formed as few could beat him to "seconds." Bergin, W. E. "Bill" Two big handicaps. He came from the C. A. C. a corporal and had Frank for a brother. Like many of the other men from the Coast Artillery you did your share towards making a real outfit out of the Battery. Besser, Sidney S. "Stokes." Nearly died twice. The first time when he gave the gas alarm while asleep in the Sentry Box, and the other when "Nemo" was shot out of his hand. A friend of Perkins, Short and Jordan, he lost all sense of discipline at Vicq and Pontvallain. [169] Black, Frederick E. Guidon " Ferdie," the Pawtucket Flash, whose specialty was rumors. As guidon and courier he was equalled by none. Usually quiet, but firey at times. Well liked by all, including the Swede, BoARD^iAN, John W. — "Mother" "Cy." A cannoneer and ball player. "Cy" was inchned to take the army seriously. Just how seriously "Fritz" could probably testify to, as "Cy" was one of our best "Httle" cannoneers. Booth, Palmer C. Had the detail licked till they found his middle name was "Caddenhead." Left us to become Headquarters Radio man. Sarcastic, but well liked by all. Ask any member of the "detail" about his coolness under fire. No, No, we don't mean the battle of Paris! Booth, Raymond I. "Exzema" of the jaunting car fame! A good soldier and a whale of a football player. The gunner corporal on the 4th piece. He served from start to finish. A popular man always, although sort of a human tornado at times. Bourbon, Arthur P. "Stubby." The boy who will give any athlete a "rub." Answered all " Jawn" Broady's questions and that was enough to keep any man busy. Still he found time to learn to become one of the best drivers in the Battery. BOURGET, x\RTHUR W. "Art." "Goosey's" younger brother, whose conscience would not allow him to tear the beard out of his fellow warrior's face. A sober serious worker. [170] BouRGET, Elmer J. "Goosey." That's him all over. "Goosey" by name and the same by nature. He certainly did wield a wicked razor. Next ! BOURKE, WlLLL\M D. "Messkit Spiller." Every time he opened his mouth he put his foot in. But when all was said and done there wasn't a better natured, harder working boy in the outfit than "Billie." Bo^^N, Charles P. Supply Ofificer at times. We did, however, by virtue of our scouts, and Lt. Metcalf's pure nerve get two cars of lumber from him. Brailey, John H. "Jack" was inclined to hand out a little sarcasm along with the grub. A cook extraordinary he was enticed away by the M. P's. His beef steak pie was Blondy Jack's making. Briden, E\'ERETT a.— "Ev" Also another caller at Number 19. " On and off " the water wagon at the same time. Harrison's side kick and equally fiendish. One of the three men who "Jickey" Aitken shunned. We wonder why. Played the ponies, therefore caisson corporal. But he didn't let that change his 170 lbs. of square deal. Brien, Leo A good-hearted chap from Woonsocket. He horned his way into the Band and eventually Headquarter's Company. That was unfortunate Leo, as we would have liked to see you stay with the Battery. He and his watch parted company at Southampton owing to the H. C. L. The Ligersoll was later recovered and Leo then fought a peaceful war. 171] Broady, John, J. ''A broth of a boy," to quote "Stubby." Asks more ques- tions ihan a census taker. "What time is it?" "Let's take your fountain pen." "Got a shoe lace?" Strong for Karo. When told to i)ut on a gas mask, he said, "Have another sandwich, sergeant!" Brown, Harry R.— "Dirty Dan from Denver." Made a lot of noise and took uj) a lot of room. Another one of our members who followed the M. P's. at Pontvallain. He should have made a good one. "Don't fuss up, I'm from Colorady." Brown, Howard C. "Big Brown." A good natured chap and a hard worker. Outside of training wheel horses, he also trained cigarettes to hang to his upper Hi). He trained Ijoth well. Bullock, Harold A. Veterinary's Assistant and tamer of dogs. Souvenir hunter of the first water having only one peer — our own Standish. Bunch, Luther From Missouri — he had to be shown. A member of the sixth section, his army life was no cinch, but he took all details as they came. Burlingame, Harold W. The latrine architect and toolless mechanic. "The border was tougher than this war," said "Burly.'' "Burly" was a good scout in spite of a few pessimistic views. Burns, Charles J. Not the detective, just a corporal. A sticker for detail, and one who enjoyed working hard. Handled the sights on the 3r(l piece throughout the war, except when he was running the ammunition detail. [172] BuRRiES, Dee Could absorb more heat than any other six men in the outfit No Eskimo blood in his veins he was always ready to let some cannoneer ride on a cold night. "Too bad there wasn't more like him," says cannoneers. Burton, Wallace "Wally." Specialist Sergeant, he was typical of his section. Left us for officers school and became a lieutenant. We know he made a good one, unless he changed a lot. Butler, Franklin C. — "The Adjutant" Through several observation post details he came up smiling. A good all around man, although many of us didn't really get to know him until late in the game. Also served as a can- noneer, and worked hard. Butterworth, Walton B. Ike-addicted to cigarettes now. You should hear him holler when the commissary truck didn't have his Edgeworth. And he was such a nice boy when he enHsted! Never mind "Ike," you didn't change, much, and you certainly showed some of the other boys how to make good. Cabot, Henry During his short service in the Battery he proved himself a wizard at firing data. Would [)robably have turned out another good "issue" officer if he had remained with us. Cahil, Philip J. "Little Flip," the smallest man in the army. What he lacked in stature he made up in nerve. If he wasn't turned up so far at the bottom he would have been a tall man. Says "Flip," "You don't need length to be a good soldier," and we agree with him. [173] Cmkns, CiIOoik;!'; j. " Corporal I'JliciciuN' " alias " Li tier I'ound." VV'Iutc do voii i;(l llial "o\(i' tlic lop" willi dri'ss suit slulT? Soil of an acKaiu'c aj^i'iiL lor JkLLU'iy J>. Deserved his LiLle oi Corporal JOnicieiicy. Callahan, John | "Siiiiliii!^ jawn," a son ol ( )ld Liiii One of our Lcsl drill- niaslcrs. Tlic old ('lic\au\ woiiicd liini lor a while hul pcr- S('\ cranci' won oul. Li lact a j;ood all around man, whom ewryoni' was glad to know. Cally, MLLHLK/I' l''ollowc(l ri'fj;ulal ions lu'a\il\'. Came lo us with a wonderful "rc|)" from 1 he Coiinei. lieul oullil. Lt'fl lor staff sc1uh)I. A ath'ry. Seared the S. (). S. half to death with his tales of life at tlie front. Mis fi'et helped him liek the ai'uiy on the long hikes. ChakkkI':, Hit; am I]. 'lli" was a good sergeant . Leeame a lieutenant alter mueh delay, and suri' did deserxc it. .\ hard working efrieient enlisti'd man and aftt'iward a popular ollieer whose rise in lank I handed him not at all. •74 Chase, Reubion R. "llonu'ly." "The liMlc l)l;i(k (IoukIhuiI kiii«." His sole accomplishnu'iil —words ;iiul music of " JVljidclon." He would always help make a quartet, or get into a wrestliiij^ mah li. lie could make doughnuts or drive a pair and really was a i)retty useful man. Chase, Kii* I. One of the most efficient non-coms we inherited from old A iiattery. Rather inclined to he (i. II. ()., hut made |)lenty of friends hefore he left us for Plattshurgh. We know he made plenty there. Cheever, Wai/jmou K. He |)roved his worth a1 the ninety-fives. That was a tough detail for you Walter, hut you showed that you were a soldier every inch, and the Battery is mighty jjroud of y Jordan, Raymond E. "The chocolate hound" The man who tried every job in the Army except cook. Was wounded on the 95 detail but galloped back at Chateau- Thierry. Held high favor with "Jocko"??? An ardent follower of the clickers. Finally as motorcycle expert and chauffeur he toured the country. Great on explaining things. A realgood scout. Kamp, Estel A slow going young boy from the prairies, but as a wrestler Kindig will vouch for his ability. He well knows the weight of a 155 mm shell from his service on the ammunition detail. One of the best from the Middle West. Kaufman, Carl W. Not the $2.00 hat bird, but a wee bit of a boxer. Quiet and one of the late comers; we haven't much on him. Keeley, Daniel J. — "Snake" Small and happy. Went to Headquarters Company early in the game and there acquired a "Black Jack" reputation! [1S9] Kenastqn, Arthur V. — "Parade Rest" "Cap" "Serfi^eaiU Drummoiul, I want a raise or Dl (juit the army." Made a hit with the French officers at Ranc-de-Pierre. Had no use for Vin Rouge. One of our best French scholars. "Vive la France, Pomme de terre," was his greeting to the French demoiselles. Canned Willy vs. Vin Rouge. A fair exchange is no robbery. A great worker at all times. Kenyon, Frank C. "Fall in." He literally did fall in on the Baltic, and was ever after known as "Fall in" Kenyon. A driver of real ability, and a good worker among the horses. Did his share at all times. He was, however, on "Steve's" black list. Kenyon, Pardon H. — "Parcl" Driver of the Officer's Jam and Poultry Wagon. Not noisy but accomplished many tasks without a grumble. A likeable chap. KiNDiG, Raitviond — "Shindig" "The Stranglcr Lewis of the outfit." 220 lbs of avoirdupois. Kamp showed him something. Shines with a messkit. How can one man know so much and live? King, William J. One man whose name Cai)tain Hanley soon learned. Started off wild, but finished well. Nothing phased him, not even Eau de Vie. Knowles, Stephen D. — "Steve" Words fail us. He should rate a book by himself. Most of us would be without nick names but for "Steve." Death on Kitchen Spies and Mess Kit rattlers. His keen sense of humor and dry comments helped smooth over many a rough spot. Took a trip to Paris at the close of the unpleasantness, and we were right glad to see him back. [ 190 J Langddn, Duncan "Dune" Laiifijdon was a fj;reat scout, believe us. Lcfl us lo become an observer in the Balloon Squadron, and kept track of us from the air, sometimes directinjf our fire. We surely wish he might have remained as one of our officers throughout the war. LARMIE, GE()K(iE A. Worked like lull for the second section. Red headed and with the usual energy given to men of this type, he soldiered f(;r all he was worth which was some worth, believe us. Lattinville, Joseph A.^"Jcike the TToundcr" The inventor of a new language. " You can't do him a speck." "Say, you haven't got a dirty, old, wrinkled, torn five francer, have you?" was "Joe's" favorite greeting. The last man to take off his gas mask and helmet in Providence. Author of "Journeys with a Bicycle thrtnigh France." LaVIN, (iEOIKiE E. 'J"he (^nly man in llie A. K. F. who could chew Bull Durham. A sanitary K. P. 'J^ie Fox Puttee nKKlel. It isn't rheumatism boys, its the ])utts. A hard working young man. Lawson, William i\ "The ti})sy violinist" Of violin fame. Drove a snappy j)ark wagon hitch. One of the (ieneral's P'iddlers. Not given to noise making except through his music, he was a nice retiring kind of a boy. Le Clair, Homer "Can't do a s])eck on dcjuble time. Lieutenant boixlle." Had his own ideas of soldiering and generally got away with them. LEPERE, (jR.VilEX L. "Ji(joby" A master of the French language. An excellent driver always dependable. Went on a furhjugh with "Slubby." Heard they had a good time. Gave up a chance for a cushy jol) as inter- preter in the S. O. S. to stay with the outfit and do a few specks on seconds. [191] Lezotte, Leslie W. The l)ir(l with the regular urmy i)ast. Evidently learned foot drill somewhere. What we want to know is, "who painted his helmet on the Mongolia?" "Good morning, my name is Butts, have you read my manual?" Lincoln, Leroy D. — ''Line" Abe had an ear for music. How he could murder "Parlez- Yous." A driver of renown, even fortunate enough to be featured in the "Yanks in Action" (see Captain Cooper). A good fellow always, and the army never had him licked. LiKDSEY, H.\ROLD A. In civil life a tire agent, in army life, a gent tired. Saw service at Saint Aignan. From what he said, he evidently enjoyed life in the S. O. S. LiPPOLD, Herbert W. — "Jam Hound" Little Piggy Deerfoot. Some wielder of the knife and fork. Could get thirds before the rest of us got through firsts. With all this grub inside, no wonder he was a good man. Littlefield, M.\rsil\ll E. Left the Special Detail for Aviation where a young man has a chance to rise. Read his book, "Twenty hours in the Air," illustrated by Haigh. One of those conscientious boys who always do their best, the army was mostly work and no i)lay for him. LovELL, Kenneth W. A battle-scarred chief of section t)n the ()5's, where he did corking good work. "Ken" had brains and was often dis- gusted with the way things were run in the army. He didn't hesitate to show his feelings and so got in wrong with the powers that be. A good soldier and a better fellow. 192] MacDonald, Lester A. — '1-Beam" An ex-telephone lineman, he found himself indispensable in repair work on the battery telephone squad. Known to the boys as "I Beam," probably because of his ability to stand the gaff. One of the mainstays of the special detail. Mackie, William A.— "Willie," per Steve Dirty, tired, peeling potatoes, his big round face shining with sweat and good humor. His potatoes were not always per- fect, but his spirit was priceless. From cook to the Villain's assistant. Violinist m the Jazz Band. Mahoney, James P. — "Jim" "I wish this damned war was over." "Naw, get tuhell outa here, I aint got no shoes." In spite of the fact that he always talked as if he was about to gobble a man up, there wasn't a better hearted, better liked, or harder working man than Jim. ]\iASON, OrIN a. Old King Brady, an A. E. F. Sleuth, or Intelligence?? Officer Bet he had a good time in Paris? MliRcoTTE, Joseph M. The vain driver of the greatest pair of plugs in the army. Trouve's eternal enemy. "He shot my horse because his nose was running." Didn't mind the army, but disliked the whistle of shells. IVIartin, Robert E. A big fellow who came to us late in the game, but in spite of his short experience a good soldier. Martinson, John A. The Hanley mixologist. " Come seven, five franc limit." A good cook. Martinez, Julian A good hombre. A strong man on the ammunition detail doing great work lugging shells. Very quiet indeed. [193] McCabe, Ch.\eles p. A heavy driver who took up horses on coming from the C. A. C. Like ull the Coast men he proved a good soldier and a welcome addition to our organization. McCaffrey, Frank E. Mail Orderly, cannoneer, s])are driver, and K. P. A regular old trusty. Mac could be relied upon for almost any kind of a job that came along, and you could be satisfied that when it was done it was well done. McCarthy, Henry W.— "Mac" The boss of all the 6 x 3 details. The only man outside of Napoleon known as ''the little corporal." Like Napoleon he was most efl&cient and a good soldier. His knowledge of police duty was equal to his knowledge of five franc Vinegar Blinck. McCuLLOUGH, Charles E.— "Tim Toolin" The champion of the day. "Will three eggs do you for breakfast." A happy go lucky sort of an individual and a heluva good fellow. At his best when handing out chow to the mess hounds. Suffered from thirsty-itis. McCuLLEY, Charley. "Young Un" The lonesome boy from Mississij)i)i. A great big fellow who assisted in the kitchen. Not much known, but under a quiet exterior he had a very likeable disposition. McKain, Loring. The rather small and rather quiet Lieutenant from the regulars. Suppose that is why we almost forgot him. A good drill master and a regular fellow. McLaxtghlin, Bernard J. Barney left us for Plattsburg, and we were truly sorry to lose him, for he had the makings of a very popular and efficient non-com. for B Battery, and that kind of men are always needed. [ 194 ] McLeod, Norman D. From our Senior ist Lieutenant to Battalion Commander. A very popular officer at all times. As Regimental Adjutant he never forgot Battery B. Also came back as commander for a short time. One of the few National Guard Officers whom we were able to retain from start to finish. McRae, Donald Short in stature, short in stay. Left to be a 2nd Lieutenant via Plattsburgh, and we don't know what became of him after that. Melarkey, Joseph F. His war experiences made him a fitting candidate for Pro- hibition Enforcement Agent in Rhode Island. Went to the Supply Company and worked hard getting out the grub, so that he was always really working for the outfit. Feverish at all times his thirst was never quenched. Melvin, Ernest S.— "Ike" "Chips" "Poor old Ike." ''Take that cannon off my foot." "He's a good fellow is Jawn." The original hard luck man, put his foot under a gun, and than had a caisson run over his hand. John Garret's helpmate. "Oh, Melvin, bring me a bottle of champagne, and Melvin, don't forget the change, will you." Metcalf, Ernest T. H. The biggest man, and the greatest kidder in the A. E. F. He had most of us guessing for fair, but under an exterior that was most difficult to penetrate lay a genuine interest and affection for the men who ser\'ed under him. Beat us across by many weeks, and was many bottles ahead of us when we landed. (We never caught up until he left us.) Miller, Benjamin W. — "Big Ben" Broke the record for the long distance plunge at Rangeval. Pluck and Luck series for boys. "From Picket line to Field Range." Please furnish recipe for spaghetti a la Miller. After all a bear of a cook. [195] Mitchell, Reuben J. — "Reub" Formerly of the Scully line barge "Sarie Ann," and Capt. of mud scow " Mary Lou." A cook of value who could make hash and flapjacks without a cook book. A woman hater and pro- hibitionist from the very first. Monte, William A. — "Private Monte of the A. E. F." A good driver and somewhat of a cook, as the O. P. gang at St. Mihiel will assert. He enjoyed some strenuous moments in his folding cook shack. Morris Harry. Lieutenant Hickey's assistant. His knowledge of French made him a valuable purchasing agent. Morris, X\mes I. "Diaz." "Morris — I command you to trot." The slow young can- noneer of the first section. He never hurried in his life. How- ever, like most men who take their time he generally got there. Moreau, Louis J. The States went dry so he went to the MP'S. A valuable horseshoer with wide experience. Battery B was lucky to have his experience in this line. MouLTON, Charles H. — "Chuck"— "Little Lead" The smallest man in the Battery but small in stature only. He went big with the boys. Did keen work at Seicheprey. A great pal of Carl Short. The two "cleaned up" Leugley, MuiR, John P. As a driver he was always on deck, and right here our in- formation stops. Those quiet chaps could hardly be heard in the midst of the din we noisy ones made. A worker and not a mess hound — there's something to think about. [190 J Nance, Herbert W. "Hey, Dominick, blow taps for me, will you?" Like all the Middle Western boys he knew the game and held his end up with the best of them. Needham, Edgar — "Enry the Eighth, I am" 'Enry the eighth, I am." Another good cannoneer. Hav- ing learned to shout "H'over," at a young age, it was no wonder he was one of our best "footballers." Nelson, George O. The other business man. Also a kitchen spy. A great man with hammer and saw. "Latrines made while you wait." A hard worker. Nevins, J. Benjamin Benny was a B Battery man, although he had many jobs in the regiment ending up with the M. T. C. Finally got his commission and it certainly was deserved. Nichols, Glide K. He of the classical features and imperial French moustache. "The chocolate soldier," or "The orchestra's mascot." Nick was Mac's assistant and then took the supply job. How a man could keep smiling then was beyond us — but Nick did. Guess you had the right stuff, Nick. O'Connor, Hugh— "Rhode Island Red"— "Our Hughie" The little red top from the corner of Broadway. Bright and brainy — but he preferred a slide rule to good liquor. Youth is a fault we all outgrow. After all is said, — a good scout. Oden, Lloyd A.— "Blinky Olaf" the pride of Stockholm. Nothing phased him, not even Metcalf. A good hearted chap; you were welcome to anything his friends possessed. A gunner of no mean ability, was Axel. Also plenty of ability for having a good time. That is why he was — our only lance corporal. [197] OKell, James E.— "Toothless" — "The BilHken Kid" or "Jack O'Lantern Jim" Used whale oil for a beverage. "Champagne goes to the head, use whale oil for de-feat," says Jim. A big linesman with beaucoup nerve, — strong as a bull and not afraid to use his strength. Jim was a good corporal. Olson, Carl G. Never said much except to ask cjuestions. But when it came to riding bucking horses, Carl won. Here was one boy who could really handle the "Chinese Flag." Also a bit of a "rivet king." Olson, Roy G. He didn't stay very long, so we didn't know him very well, but he looked like a shavetail who would have been a valuable addition to the outfit. O'Neil, Arthur R. 'Top'O'Neil! Shave!" The man who went in for light housekeeping on the Chateau- Thierry drive. A cook who could really make pastry. Seems that he once guarded a wine cellar at Pontvallain. r> Ormlston, Percy B. Between bunk fatigue and hospital life he was kept quite busy. Hated a game of draw, but was never known to pass up a game — with his fifty franc note. But he worked when it was needed and gave a good account of himself. Parpenteau, Octave J. He scattered slum our way at Vicq. Served as a cannoneer through the war and well he knows the weight of a shell. Finally became the driver of a camouflaged, "galloping Dodge," and made up for some of his hard working days. Paterson, Andrew M. "You flatter me. Doctor Hascall." He chased all over France to join B Battery and his brother, and we'er all glad he came. I 198 J Paterson, George G.— "Pat" One of the best ball players in the regiment. He did his work without talking about it — and then forgot it. "Well, sure, I'd sit in for a little while." "He does well," says Steve. Peck, Joseph J.— "Pekker" He looks like N. Bergan. Which is which? Only Steve Knowles could tell. Had a lot of rough luck, but reached Devens with us all right. Perkins, Faelton C— "Perky" A regular Houdini at escaping drill. He and Ray had the same ideas about the Army and they could usually be found carrying out those ideas. Whatever "Perk" did, he smiled — the smile that won him friends and kept them. He tried many jobs, driving "Haigh & Haigh," anti-tanking, tanking, mail orderly, and cannoneer. "Do what you have to, and don't worry," was his motto. Phinney, Harold T.— "Pete" Chief of the Second section and later a Lieutenant. A regular fellow for sure. No chief of section was ever more popular with his men. A thorough going good soldier through- out the war, he earned and well deserved his commission. Pillar, Charles G.— "Uncle" Let it be here said that he was some horseshoer. He could make a horseshoe out of a karo can. His dry Connecticut humor was always amusing. The man who almost brought down a plane. (What kind?) Loves mules. Says he, "Its a turrible waste of good liquor." Pitt, Frank In the culinary department he had no equal. Could do more with ringboned and spavined beef than any chef in the A. E. F. Although sarcastic and impulsive, his friends, and they were many, swear by him. [199] Plant, Albert Five feet seven inches of empty stomach. One of the many- carrying the sobriquet of " Jickey." Some kicker — at football of course. Also a kitchen spy. A good chap except at mess time. PONCELET, Arthur L.— ''Creeper"— "Greek" As driver of the fourgon he did fine work. His nightly dash with the "four whites" would make a Wild West Show stage coach look sick. His horses were always immaculately groomed. Luckier than Girvan. Prefontaine, George J.— "Jump o' the Brook" Nicked again at Chateau Thierry. How many wound stripes now? A good interpreter. Priest, Charles E. The old saw, "Like father, like son," knocked in the head. Mr. Priest, Sr. was a General. Charlie brought good cheer to us more than once as our olhcial postman. Also served as a snappy driver and as machine gunner with Baron Allbee. Racicot, Arthur — "Louis Moreau's Orderly" Robillard's side kick and fellow bootlegger. Always ready to help us out. Handy man with the nags. Ramsay, Lawrence M. A much liked officer whom we would have liked to have had with us at all times. A man of rare understanding he took us by storm and held high favor with every one. Did much to promote athletics in the Battery, Rather, Howard C. A Lieutenant inclined to be stout. We didn't have him very long. He tried hard to do everything expected of a Shavetail, and it worked out well in the end. [ 200] Redfern, Thomas N.— "Shortlip"— "Tom"— "T. N." Responded amiably to the call of the "Chinese Sergeant." "Tenth section, three men absent." He never grew up. Tom was a hounder for rumors, especially the gloomy ones, but he didn't believe them at that. A good scout all around, and a popular young man with the boys. Remington, Frederick A. Served a lot of time in hospitals throughout the A. E. F. A good cannoneer while among us, and a hard worker. The third section was his hang-out. Richardson, James— "Jimmy" A quiet likable fellow was Jimmy. An all around worker and always on the job. Richardson, Justin B.— "Richy" Drummond's pal. A real honest to goodness soldier in spite of all obstacles. Knew more about guns than Old Man Howitzer himself and proved it all the way through. Also a master of foot drill and the manual of arms. One of the few men who still maintain that crossing the ocean was worse than the channel. Roberts, Alfred— "Alf" "H'over, 'Eads up." One of our best young kickers. A slight red-headed chap, full of the vigor of life, which he en- joyed to its fullest extent. As a cannoneer of the second section, he was even better than as a soccer player, and that is some recommendation. Roberts, Simeon— "Simmy" " What's h'up, Sim ? " "A bloody 'orse is down, that's what's h'up." Simmy held the same views on Prohibition as Tully. " H'avez vous vin blanc, madam? " A bit of a boxer, but where he really performed was seated jauntily on a pair of old plugs. A mighty good driver. [201] RoBTLLARD, WiLLiAM— "Rubberset" The man with the "gimmes." Most of the boys had a fi;ood passage on the Baltic, but Robby "pas de tout." Robinson, Thomas L. Lieutenant Robinson was with us but a short while in the Toul Sector, but he made friends on every hand. Displayed real nerve at Bryan I. We mourned him as lost at sea on the way home, but were glad to learn that he came smilingly through as usual. Rollins, Francis W. " Roily " left us for Plattsburgh, and rose to the rank of Captain of Artillery, proving his real worth, for he was a good soldier. Ross, Myron The Middle West sent him to us, and we thereby gained heavily. Quiet, a good scout and a hard worker. RijERAT, Jules "Ruerat absent again." Can dig a six-by-three with no means of measuring. "Practice makes perfect," says he. Jules was all right at that, and he certainly did his best to lick the Army. Russell, John F.— "Jack" "His Eminence." A well known young man. One of our best at all times. To be seen pushing along a mangy pair of lead horses. Awarded the O. D. V. for distinguished service. His numberless friends swear by him. Like McCarthy, he had a terrible thirst. Ryt.ey, Norris W. For a long while some of the boys were inclined to razz Norris, but he showed that he had the "guts" at the Davis position. Volunteered twice to go around "Dead Man's Curve" for ambulances. That's a recommendation for any man. [ 202 1 Sanville, Albert "Let's go, one for me and one for the tape." Sandy always drove something, either a horse or a motorcycle. Even tried to be a bugler without much success and changed back to driver for the good of the service. Seamans, Louis H. A former wearer of hair pants. He sports a natty mustache and can handle a wheel team to perfection. Sheldon, William The master of the Ooom-pah horn. Blew into the band on the great big horn. A genial soul and exceedingly popular wherever he went. Probably it was because he could play anything from the piano to bridge, and sing and tell a story as well. Sheridan, Royal F. "Wet wash, 35c a basket. Intimate apparel a specialty." As an indefatigable worker he "leads." A bit pessimistic, but a good scout withal. Sherman, Elmer R. Another of those quiet birds. With his rifle he performed well on that memorable morning of April 20th. A veritable Sphinx. One who said little and did a great deal. A real soldier. Short, Carleton W. A lover of African golf. Paris looked better than three stripes. Good nature is his strong point. Come easy, go easy. The man whose friends were a multitude. One of the promi- nent members of "Perkins' Pontvallain drill-duckers." Simmons, Toni' M. Acting Corporal of the Guard of the Fourth rehef. Also a horseshoer, at least he was listed on the pay-roll as such. A sort of Questionnaire. [ 203 ] SissoN, Fred R.— 'Chippy" Any September Morn looks j^ood to this youiijf artist. From till' t'ountry, quiet and easy goino;, a driver from start to finish and A No. i we rise to state. With a brush — well, just look through this book. SiTEMAN, John H. 1'h(' first To]) Cutter of the Battery. Received his bars (and patronized many.) One of our most efficient officers. Strict, but always fair, and therefore popular. Smith, Lincoln B.— "Link" Good natured and a very good man with the long faced brutes. Do you remember Mandres, Link? One of our most poi)ular caisson corporals. SouzA, Joseph F. 'I'he Globe Trotter. Fox Point to Norfolk and return, lion voyage. The vociferous t^'jic. Troubled with his ears. "Whistling shells aggravates the complaint," says he. A likeable lad, who swung a mean pair of dice. Sponholz, Alb]]rt H. A nice little fellow whom we were glad to know. Showed marked interest in the outfit. Visited Pro\-idence and liked our town. Stansbury, Fra^k— "Santa Claus" The Canfield of the Battery. ''Time for me to go on guard now." As a workt-r he e(|ualled his record as a pokerist. Stewart, Carroj.l C. Drove along with us right through. One of Harrison's victims. A good scout even if he was a rumor hound. Helped to keep the Battery in front in athletics. [ 204] St. Petp:r, John— "The Garrulous Frenchman" "Salt Peter" was jockey on the Jam and I'oultry wagon. "Pete" orderlied and gas guarded throughout the war, and at intervals was sort of a wet goods merchant for us all. Staples, Robert L.— "Bob" Left us early at Coetquidan to be a Regular. Lieutenant in the 6th Field Artillery. A fine fellow, and his rapid advance proved that he was there. Strom, William R. A pinch hitter for Louis Moreau. Made the anvil ring with two frankers. Easy to get along with, he made many friends. Sturges, Rush Unfortunately Lt. Sturges was not allowed to stay with us. Left us to become a Captain of Ordnance. A square deal was always assured when Rush had anything to do with it. Well liked by all the men of the Battery. Tate, George H.— "Joe Gans" A very popular cannoneer. Worked hard and continuously. His section would have missed him sorely, and so would many more of us, for his ready grin was never missing in spite of any- thing that might happen. Tedeschi, Domenico "Make a little whistle Domenic." The Garibaldi of the Battery. A typical Italian patriot. A former engineer in the Italian Army and one with whom Doc Cook and Baron Mun- chausen could not cope. Thorndyke, Don C. "Don Throckmorton " "Now you whoa." "See what hardtack did to me!" Left the Battery for Headquarters Company. A bit young in years and in experience, but a good worker and a likeable lad. [205] TlLLINC.HAST, WiLLIAM B.— Tilly" Little known, occasionally neglects sick call for football. Tilly was a driver for the third section. Football and base- ball player extraordinary, and like all good soldiers, ready to drill if he had to. ToMiCH, Makko A native son of the Golden Gale. Paul Holland's orderly. "He was a bit of all right, was Marko." Toll, Erk^ 0.-"McFlubbin"— "Ozzie" llie analytical member of the Detail. One of the Grunters. "Here's my head, etc." One of the three men peq^etually absent at roll call. An all around specialist, telephone man, and observer; also good at camouflage (all kinds). The fastest dresser in the A. E. F., but was caught bare — handed at Coqui. Trela, Wladyslaw— "Tarantula" Always to be found in a heated argument with Baltaza. Worked hard on the ammunition detail. Always ready to pick uj) a few francs. Trouve, John V. "Iodine Johnny." A real frientl to the underfed and mangy cheveaux. Worked hard to alleviate their suffering. A horse- man of real ability himself he could not understand poor horsemanship. Rather hasty at times, but his heart was in the right place. The main reason why B Battery horses stood the test so well. Tufenkjian, Ohannes— "John No Knees" Didn't know much about the Army and cared less. The sick book always found him a faithful serxant. Poor "John No-knees," he luid piles of trouble. "I think I be sick like Lippold." [206] TuLLY, Vincent G.— "Tull" One hundred and twenty pounds of good fellow. Old iron legs. The staunchest advocate of prohibition in the Battery. One of our best drivers, a really dependable fellow in spite of his seeming nonchalance. Vincent, James— "Ted's Orderly" A breezy Westerner, who drove on the Park wagon for Ted Howell. "These yere bosses is different from cow ponies." A friendly man, he made friends. Walling, El wood W. "Notorious famine." Another driver who swung a wicked grooming kit. Always on the job. His work was com- mendable. Walsh, Raymond J. Left us to be a Lieutenant via Plattsburgh. A good man and thoroughly likeable, we were sorry to lose him. Watson, Louis A.— "Gum Drops" A new addition to the K. of C. Speaks Hog Latin with remarkable fluency. A member of the Fourth Section; that is sufficient recommendation A cannoneer and a weeper of a good one. Watson, William A.— "Sliding Billy" One of "Jocko's" best assistants. He even survived him. Of course he also did other things, such as licking the Army with the Special detail. Still Bill was one of the best boys that ever dashed off a guard list on the old Corona. He should have been in better business. West, R_\ymond B. Smiles, sunshine and song. A dynamo of optimism. A valuable asset to the Special Detail. As an entertainer we are indebted to him. Another Grunter. [ 207] WiiEAi\ Renville Sometimes known as " Re\eille." Came to us at Coetquidan witli tin- official issue of IMattsburjrh officers. For a while we thought he was going to be O. !)., hut we soon found him to be a regular fellow. The Seicheprey fight deprived us of his services, but during that engagement he brought credit to himself and the organization. White. Jeremiah F.— "Pat" lie never said a word at home or abroad, but his smile spoke many words. As broad as his full round face, it was worth a lot to see him grin. A hard working cannoneer of no mean ability. Whitmarsh, Henry A.— "Pop" Sort of a general banker, at least he always had "jack." Looked the Battery over, tried out as a cook, and then went to the "ninety-fives." After that he went to Paris as a machinist. We'll bet he a]~)preciate(l the big ville! WiETHOLDER, FRANK H. Ne\er made noise enough to be well known. Never neglected his job, and that speaks well for any man. Wilkinson, Percy C— "Wilkie" The boy cori)()ral with the face of a cherubim. "Wilkie" stuck to the guns from start to finish, and we hereby stand up on a caisson and announce to the whole wide world, that he was some gunner and some soldier. Also one of "our artists." WiNSOR, Howard F. A good driver and a good fellow. Had many friends in the outfit. Never shirked his job. A heavy mess kit swinger. [ ^08 ] Wolf, Walter S. A peculiar sort of duck until you iU'"tfir I. ^^.- ■! 4I|1 Tin- I .11.1 ..I lt,illil\ Stlrel. (,llc>llni-l. l-'i-"l ^ »\%%\ I )i \\\ n I '>] Tough Days at Boxford. "^^tsb ''-^■^^■. Combat Train, Boxford. [-'I7] A Lazy Day at Boxford. Battery B Street. Boxford, Mass. [ 2lS I, A'^ \ fee. 1 4 Waiting for Inspection at Boxford. ■— liimiii ill ' — Last Line-up at Boxford. [219 ■iiiMBI Halifax Harbor — British Submarine. Halifax Harbor. MHMm^< [ 220] ' Convoy on Way Over' 3.030 Loundrymen Enroute to Build Roads. [221] r-*i:; kt All Preserved — Ray West on Baltic. ■Rest" Camp at Le Havre. Battery Street — Camp de Coetquidan. *«g&- ■■Y*^^*i«^^?^l mai^^ Battery Street at Coetquidan. [223] I'ulting on the Iced Bag. Coetquidan. The Battle of Combien, at Guer. I 224 Washing the Soldiers' Clothes at Coetquidan. *.-£"! V^4S^ ^V/ i^*H,-*.'', Cent Cinquante Cinqs on Range at Coetquidan. [225] Firing Range at Coetquidan. On Range, Coetquidan. [ 226 1 Gun Dril Range Guard at Coetquidan. [227] I ^ -«w«tl^ Stables at Coetquidan. Infirmary, Camp de Coetquidan. 228] Xmas Mail at Coetquidan. 1275 Rennes. La P!ac: J4U Miislon et U Gare dcs TraiM*'ii'» d^'parKmentauK f -. -r. 1.x iX Our Play Ground while at Coetquidan. f 229] Soissons, Looking Down. Chateau at Bucy le Long, Echelon. 230] Gun Position at Banc de Pierre. [231] No. 3 Gun Pit at Banc de Pierre. CunimunicaLiun I rencli li^nlraiuc, C heinin-dcH-Oanies. [ 232 ] Ruins at So Signal Station at So [233] 4 i f Coucy le Chateau. A- 1 1 i:ii' Jk^Ii^^^ Coucy le Chateau. [234] Major Chaffee and Lieut. Stark at Bane de Pierr [235] French Cemetery at Chemin-des-Dames. Ruins Outside of Soissons. [ 236 ] Over the Hills, No Man's Land at So [ 2,37 ] 2nd and 3rd Section Billet at La Rothiere. La Rothiere. [ 238 ] /////. :Aube) - LEglist (Vitrnui do xvi- S'ide) ' I'-Ol. i, Xi,-1- K ir;.Ie>, p'u'l , tifii->a»--V( Where We All Went to Church. Palm Sunday. April. 1918. THIL (Aobe) - Hotel F. Piot On the Way to Toul. [239] On the Hike to Toul. [240] Road March to Toul Sector. Just Hanging Around, Blanchville. [241] Lucey, Northwest of Toul. Watering Place. La Rothiere. [242] Rangeval. Monastery at Rangeval. [243] Kitchen at Rangeval Major G. T. Hanley. Major H. R. Barker [ 244 . r- Battery B Ball Team Working Out at Rangeval. J^|3^:^ Animal Procession at Corneville. [245] .****^' Mandres. Showing Battalion Headquarters. [246 Battalion.Headquarters at Mandres. O. T. 43, Beaumont — ^Ambrose F. Churchill on the Glass. [247] Ruins at Beaumont. Beaumont. [ hs ] >' 'iV .V ■ .'i l'^..i^!*i;4 Dead Man's Curve, Toul Sector 95 MM. Guns Used in Toul Sector. [249] Third Section Gun Pit at 95's after April 20th, 1918. Dugout at 95's, Northwest of Toul. [250 Bryan I, Showing Dugout where Fred Harmon was Killed. Bryan I. [251] Bryan I. Captain Hanley's Dugout at Bryan I. [252] CQ CC [253] No. I Gun at Bryan I. [ 254 ] No. I Gun at Bryan_l. 1st Gun Crew. Bryan I. f 255 ] Bryan I, After Things Happened. A Masquerade Party, Second Gun Crew at Bryan I. [256] •Little Rhody." at Bryan I.— One of our Cap pistols at rest. No. 2 Dugout at Bryan I. [^57] c >> ffl a >, jj « X c a a a O c a >, u CO 3 O tui 3 Q c I C-^ss ] i8^.*>t*''^^^.' Battery Positions at Bryan I. After Shelling. Bryan I. 259] ■*«■--- iti //«f .sw***:-. Sta^'fe No. 2 Gun Pit, Bryan I. No. 2 Gun Pit. Bryan I. [ 260 E 5 « V j: V u o V CQ c a QQ 3 o O [261] . ■ .w«i»;VJK'f >^ •»M !•■' .f. 1> -f' 'i^ i*^i Powder Abri, After Heavy Shelling, Bryan I. Bryan I, Showing Narrow Gauge Tracks Over which Ammunition was Carried. [262 ] Concealed Gun Pit at Bryan I. Bryan I After a Rough Day. [263] Gun Position No. I, Bryan I. Conference of Officers at Bryan 11. 264 1 "j^^ Gun Pit. Bryan II. Gun Crew at Bryan II. [265] Officers' Mess. Beaumont. Lieut. Churchill at Left. it^ --.^^'^sfldfe Rolling into Seichprey. ?66] Looking Across Mt. Sec. Showing Cemetery on which We Used to Register. Environs it Toul. - GYE. • La Laiicrte IMin« I. U6at ■ lifii Wealth of Town, as Exhibited at Gye. [267] Mandres. A Camouflaged Position. [268] [269] "Some" Ammunition. [-'7o] Chateau Thierry from the Air. La Ferte Sous Jouarre, Echelon. [271] ^^%^l s^ "Parked" at La Ferte. Outside of Citry. [272] Ruined Town on Chateau Thierry Drive. Through Sergy on Chateau Thierry Drive. [273] :^sr"«.-;'v.^t"'-"^.'i'j Birds-Eye View of Veaux. » VMii^i^i^vidr^nn.« ^ «''«.*v French Cavalry, 2nd Battle of Muiiic. 15i auvtiidcs. [274] Big Bertha Emplacement. On Chateau Thierry Drive. [-'75] > 3 (0 u OQ a a < [276] At Rest, Leugley. -"^^m^ Gun Park, Leugley. [277] [^Machine Gun]^Instruction atLeugley. Mess Time, Leugley. [27S] Outside of Leugley. At the Front, St. Mihiel. 279] Morilly. Before St. Mihiel Drive. Building Gun Pits at St. Remy. 280] A Mud Hole on Plains at St. Mihiel. ^^ « ^1 ». •< »■ .!:^i X Trenches at St. Mihiel. [2S1] ■i^^% German Dugouts at St. Mihiel ;-« ?:r ■•'" M-r-'T-- - J^J^^ if^^'c^ ^'"-v^"-.- After thf Advance St. Mihiel. [282] "Cannoneers on Wheels" — Verdun. '^H Flag Raising at 103rd Infirmary at 1 1 o'clock, November I I, 1918, Verdun. [2S3] The Main Stem, Vicq. Haute Marne. LE BLANC - l.a f.are Le Blanc — La Gare. [284] .>«.^» Leaving Brest — Sorry V Merchants Limited, Parlor Chairs Only. 2S5] tie c c J "5 a. < [ 286 ] T^: Observation Car, to Brest. ^ '^''' \\^|iPMiip> Va. 'V / -* ->«^ , *' Going on Board Mongolia. [287] On the Mongolia. Starboard Gun — ^Transport Mongolia. [ 28S " Almost Home " — Boston Harbor. Mongolia Entering Boston Harbor. [289] A "Tough Gang" at Camp Devens. •■• -.f^ Our Boys at Cani[> Dcvcns. [290] 'T*HE Battery wishes to acknowledge its thanks to the State and to the following men, who, through their financial assistance, have made the publication of this book possible. Aldrich, Richard S. Beeckman, R. Livingston Canning, John E. Carter, Patrick Chaffee, E. St. John Coats, Alfred M. Dart, William C Gainer Joseph H. Gerry Peter G. goddard, r. h. i. Hanley, Gerald T. Harris, Stephen C. Keefe, John W. LiPPiTT, H. F. MacAllister, E. W. MacLeod, F. N. Metcalf, I. H. Payne, J. Milton Peck, F. S. Potter, Alfred K. Rathom, John R. Rhodes, Edward S. Rhodes, Thomas H. Richmond, Frank E. Samuels, Leon San Souci, Emery J. Shepley, George L. Taft, Robert W. Viall, William A. White, J. I. (320 935 624 7