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+Project Gutenberg's The Delta of the Triple Elevens, by William Elmer Bachman
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Delta of the Triple Elevens
+       The History of Battery D, 311th Field Artillery US Army,
+       American Expeditionary Forces
+
+Author: William Elmer Bachman
+
+Release Date: January 28, 2007 [EBook #20468]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DELTA OF THE TRIPLE ELEVENS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Christine P. Travers and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+(This book was produced from scanned images of public
+domain material from the Google Print project.)
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's notes: Obvious printer's errors have been corrected
+(e.g. gunnner for gunner), recurrent misspelling of the author haven't
+(e.g. Montlucon for Montluçon, canvass for canvases, incidently for
+incidentally, paraphanelia for paraphernalia, calesthenics for
+calisthenic, etc...).
+
+Chapter III: The word "by" has been changed to "from" (partially sheltered
+         from the Southern sun).
+Chapter XVII: The spelling of Sommbernont has been changed to Sombernon.
+Chapter XX: The word casual has been changed to casualty
+         (sent him home as a casualty).
+Chapter XXV: It is not clear if the printed word is trained or roamed
+         (where he last trained/roamed).
+
+Definitions:
+Cootie: Noun US: a head-louse (Macquarie Online Dictionnary - Book
+        of slang).]
+
+
+
+
+                              THE DELTA OF THE
+                               TRIPLE ELEVENS
+
+
+
+                               THE HISTORY OF
+
+                      BATTERY D, 311th FIELD ARTILLERY
+                             UNITED STATES ARMY,
+                        AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+                                     By
+
+                            WILLIAM ELMER BACHMAN
+
+
+
+
+                           Standard-Sentinel Print
+                                 Hazleton, Pa.
+                                    1920
+
+
+
+
+
+                               COPYRIGHT 1920
+
+                                     BY
+
+                            WILLIAM ELMER BACHMAN
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: GROUP PHOTO OF BATTERY D. 311th F. A.
+Taken at Benoite Vaux, France, March 14, 1919. Reproduced from the
+Official Photo taken by the Photographic Section of the Signal Corps,
+U. S. A.]
+
+
+
+
+                                     To
+                            The memory of our pals
+                           whom we buried in France
+                                 This Book
+                                Is Dedicated
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: WILLIAM E. BACHMAN
+
+ARMY RECORD.
+
+Inducted into service at Hazleton, Penna., November 1st, 1917. Sent
+to Camp Meade, Md., November 2nd, 1917, and assigned as Private to
+Battery D, 311th Field Artillery. Received rank of Private First
+Class, February 4th, 1918. Placed on detached service, May 18th, 1918,
+and assigned as Battery Clerk, First Provisional Battery, Fourth
+Officers' Training School, Camp Meade. Rejoined Battery D June 27th,
+1918, and accompanied outfit to France. Assigned to attend Camouflage
+School at Camp La Courtine, September 30th, 1918, and qualified as
+artillery camouflager. On October 3rd, 1918, was registered, through
+Major A. L. James. Jr., Chief G-2-D, G. H. Q., A. E. F., with the
+American Press Section, 10 Rue St. Anne, Paris, which registration
+carried grant to write for publication in the United States. Remained
+with battery until March 7th, 1919, when selected to attend the
+A. E. F. University, at Beaune, Cote D'Or. Rejoined battery at St.
+Nazaire May 1st, 1919. Discharged at Camp Dix, N. J., June 4th, 1919.]
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD.
+
+
+"You're in the Army now."
+
+"So this is France!"
+
+Oft I heard these phrases repeated as more and more the realization
+dawned, first at Camp Meade, Md., and later overseas, that war seemed
+mostly drudgery with only the personal satisfaction of doing one's
+duty and that Sunny France was rainy most of the time.
+
+The memory of Battery D, 311th U. S. F. A., will never fade in utter
+oblivion in the minds of its members. 'Tis a strange fancy of nature,
+however, gradually to forget many of the associations and
+circumstances of sombre hue as the silver linings appear in our
+respective clouds of life in greater radiance as each day finds us
+drifting farther from ties of camp life.
+
+Soldiers, who once enjoyed the comradeship of camp life, where they
+made many acquaintances and mayhap friends, are now scattered in all
+walks of civilian life. While their minds are yet alive with facts and
+figures, time always effaces concrete absorptions. The time will come
+when a printed record of Battery D will be a joyous reminder.
+
+With these facts in mind I have endeavored to set forth a history of
+the events of the battery and the names and addresses of those who
+belonged.
+
+The records are true to fact and figure, being compilations of my
+diaries, note-books and address album, all verified with utmost care
+before publication.
+
+In future years when the ex-service men and their friends glance over
+this volume, if a moment of pleasant reminiscence is added, this book
+will have fully served its purpose.
+
+                                           WILLIAM ELMER BACHMAN,
+1920.                                                 Hazleton, Penna.
+
+
+
+
+PREFATORY NOTE.
+
+
+An effort has been made in this volume to state as concisely and
+clearly as possible the main events connected with the History of
+Battery D.
+
+To recount in print every specific incident connected with the life of
+the organization, or to attempt a military biographical sketch of
+every battery member, would require many volumes.
+
+My soldier-comrade readers will, no doubt, recall many instances which
+could have been included in this volume with marked appropriateness.
+
+The selection of the material, however, has been with utmost
+consideration and for the expressed purpose of having the complete
+narrative give the non-military reader a general view of the
+conditions and experiences that fell to the lot of the average unit in
+the United States Army in service in this country and overseas.
+
+Grateful acknowledgment is due to those who aided in the verification
+of all material used. Many of the battery members made suggestions
+that have been embodied in the text.
+
+To A. Ernest Shafer, D. C., and Conrad A. Balliet, of Hazleton,
+Penna., belongs credit for information supplied covering periods when
+the author was on detached service from the battery. To Dr. Shafer
+acknowledgment is also due for the use of photographs from which a
+number of the illustrations have been reproduced.
+
+From Prof. Fred H. Bachman, C. A. C., of Hazleton, Penna., who read
+over the manuscript, many valuable suggestions were received.
+
+                                                         W. E. B.
+Hazleton, Penna., 1920.
+
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+SOURCES OF THE DELTA
+     World Events--The Nucleus--Declaration of War. U. S.
+     Joins--Selective Service Plans.
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A CAMP BELCHED FORTH
+     Selection of Camp Meade Site--Cantonment Construction
+     Building Progresses--Home Leaving Preparations.
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+"YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW"
+     Officers at Fort Niagara--Assignment of Officers
+     Barrack org.--New Soldiers Arrive.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+FIRST IMPRESSIONS
+     Description of Barracks--A Day's Routine--Getting
+     Catalogued--Inoculations and Drills--Soldiers Arrive
+     and Leave.
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+LEARNING TO BE A SOLDIER
+     First Non-Commissioned Personnel--Effects of
+     Transfers--Schools--Hikes--Athletics--Idle Hours.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+FLEETING HOURS OF LEAVE
+     Holiday Season Approaches--Thanksgiving Feast Practice
+     Marches--Barrack 0103--Christmas 1917.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+WELL GROOMED BY DETAIL
+     Stable Police--Inspections--Staff Changes.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+BATTERY PROGRESS
+     Formal Retreat--Quarantine--Celebration--Rumors. Baltimore
+     Parade--West Elkridge Hike.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+FAREWELL TO CAMP MEADE
+     Getting Ready--Advance Detail--Departure.
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ABOARD THE S. S. MORVADA
+     Set-Sailing--Coastland Appears--Halifax Harbor--Convoy
+     Assembles.
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+DODGING SUBMARINES
+     Ocean Journey Starts--Transport Life--Sub Scares. Destroyers
+     Delayed--Battle With Subs.
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A ROYAL WELSH RECEPTION
+     Barry, South Wales--Parade--His Majesty's Letter. English
+     Rail Journey.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A BRITISH REST CAMP
+     Crowded Tenting--English Mess--A Rainy Hike. Off for
+     Southampton--Flight Across the Channel.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+"SO THIS IS FRANCE!"
+     Cherbourg--A Battery Bath--Side-Door Pullmans. Montmorillon.
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+WHITE TROOPS INVADE MONTMORILLON
+     Racial Difficulties--French Billets--Impressions. The
+     Gartempe.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ACTIVE TRAINING AT LA COURTINE
+     To La Courtine--French Artillery Camp--Russian Revolt--Life
+     on the Range--Sickness--Casualties.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+NOVEMBER 11th AT LA COURTINE
+     November 7th--November 11th--Celebration--Farewell
+     Banquet--Ville Sous La Ferte--Fuel Details--Delayed Departure.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+MUD AND BLANCHEVILLE
+     Mud and Rats--Historic Monteclair--Thanksgiving 1918--Candle
+     Mystery--Sick Horses Arrive.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AN ADVENTUROUS CONVOY
+     Belgian Trip Proposed--100 Volunteers--Remount 13--Convoying
+     Mules--Christmas 1918.
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+ON THE ROAD TO BENOITE VAUX
+     Anxious to Join Division--First Service Stripe--A. E. F. Leave
+     Centers--Mounted Hikes--Overland to Benoite Vaux.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+WAR ORPHANS AND HORSE SHOWS
+     Two Battery Mascots--Battalion and Regimental Shows--Division
+     and Corps Shows--More Personnel Changes--Maneuvres--More
+     Sickness and Casualties.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+HOMEWARD BOUND
+     Boncourt--Cirey les Mareilles--Divisional Review. Camp
+     Montoir--St. Nazaire--Edward Luckenbach--New York--Camp
+     Dix--Home.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE LORRAINE CROSS
+     Story of the Seventy-Ninth Divisional Insignia.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+BATTERY D HONOR ROLL
+     Names of Those Who Died and Graves Where Buried.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+"ONE OF US"
+     Tribute to Private First Class Joseph A. Loughran.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+IN MEMORIAM
+     In Memory of Departed Comrades.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+FIRST BATTERY D STAFF
+     First Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Personnel.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+BATTERY D OFFICERS
+     Complete List of Officers Associated With the Battery.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+ROSTER OF BATTERY D
+     List of Names That Comprised the Sailing List of the U. S. S.
+     Edward Luckenbach.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+RECORD OF BATTERY TRANSFERS
+     Those Who Gained Commissions--List of Men Transferred to Other
+     Organizations.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+PERSONALITIES
+     A Few Battery Reflections.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A FEW GENERAL ORDERS
+     Messages From Several of the Officers.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+MEMORABLE DATES
+     Calendar of Battery's Eventful Dates.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTIONS.
+
+
+Group Photo of Battery D
+
+William Elmer Bachman
+
+Albert L. Smith
+
+David A. Reed
+
+Perry E. Hall
+
+Sidney F. Bennett
+
+C. D. Bailey
+
+Frank J. Hamilton
+
+Third Class French Coach
+
+Side-Door Pullman Special
+
+Interior of French Box Car
+
+A Real American Special
+
+Montmorillon Station
+
+Montmorillon Street Scene
+
+Entrance to Camp La Courtine
+
+American Y. M. C. A. at Camp La Courtine
+
+A Battery D Kitchen Crew
+
+Group of Battery D Sergeants
+
+Battery D on the Road
+
+Aboard The Edward Luckenbach
+
+At Bush Terminal
+
+Serving Battery Mess Along the Road
+
+Battery D on the Road
+
+Lorraine Cross
+
+Joseph A. Loughran
+
+Cemetery at La Courtine
+
+Horace J. Fardon
+
+Grave of William Reynolds
+
+Barrack at Camp La Courtine
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+SOURCES OF THE DELTA.
+
+
+Official records in the archives of the War Department at Washington
+will preserve for future posterity the record of Battery D, of the
+311th United States Field Artillery.
+
+In those records there is written deep and indelibly the date of May
+30th, 1919, as the date of Battery D's official demobilization. The
+history of Battery D, therefore, can be definitely terminated, but a
+more difficult task is presented in establishing a point of inception.
+
+The development of Battery D was gradual--like a tiny stream, flowing
+on in its course, converging with the 311th Regimental, 154th Brigade,
+and 79th Division tides until it reached the sea of war-tossed Europe;
+there to flow and ebb; finally to lose its identity in the ocean of
+official discharge.
+
+The Egyptians of old traversed the course of their river Nile, from
+its indefinite sources along the water-sheds of its plateaux and
+mountains, and, upon arriving at its mouth they found a tract of land
+enclosed by the diverging branches of the river's mouth and the
+Mediterranean seacoast, and traversed by other branches of the river.
+This triangular tract represented the Greek letter "Delta," a word
+which civilization later adopted as a coinage of adequate description.
+
+Fine silt, brought down in suspension by a muddy river and deposited
+to form the Delta when the river reaches the sea, accumulates from
+many sources.
+
+In similar light the silt of circumstances that resulted in the
+formation of the Delta of the Triple Elevens, accumulated from many
+sources, the very nucleus transpiring on June 28, 1914, when the heir
+to the Austrian throne, the archduke of Austria, and his wife, were
+assassinated at Sarajevo, in the Austrian province of Bosnia, by a
+Serbian student.
+
+Austria immediately demanded reparation from Serbia. Serbia declared
+herself willing to accede to all of Austria's demands, but refused to
+sacrifice her national honor. Austria thereby took the pretext to
+renew a quarrel that had been going on for centuries.
+
+Long diplomatic discussions resulted--culminating on July 28, 1914,
+with a declaration of war by Austria against Serbia. This, so to
+speak, opened the flood-gates, letting loose the mighty river of blood
+and slaughter that flowed over all Europe.
+
+The days that followed added new sensations and thrills to
+every life. The river of war flowed nearer our own peaceful shores as
+the days passed and the news dispatches brought us the intelligence of
+Germany's declaration of relentless submarine warfare and the
+subsequent announcement of the United States' diplomatic break with
+Germany.
+
+Momentum was gained as reports of disaster and wilful acts followed
+with increasing rapidity. The sinking of American vessels disclosed a
+ruthlessness of method that was gravely condemned in President
+Wilson's message of armed-neutrality, only to be followed by acts of
+more wilful import--finally evoking the proclamation, April 6, 1917,
+declaring a state of war in existence between the United States and
+the Imperial German government.
+
+Clear and loud war's alarm rang throughout the United States. All
+activity centered in the selection of a vast army to aid in the great
+fight for democracy. Plans were promulgated with decision and
+preciseness. On June 5th, 1917, ten millions of Americans between the
+ages of 21 and 31 years, among the number being several hundred who
+were later to become associated with Battery D, of the 311th F. A.,
+registered for military service.
+
+The war department issued an order, July 13, 1917, calling into
+military service 678,000 men, to be selected from the number who
+registered on June 5th. Days of conjecture followed. Who would be
+called first?
+
+July 20th brought forth the greatest lottery of all time. The drawing
+of number 258 by Secretary of War Newton D. Baker started the list of
+selective drawings to determine the order of eligibility of the young
+men in the 4,557 selective districts in the United States.
+
+War's preparations moved rapidly. Selective service boards, with due
+deliberation, made ready for the organization of the selective
+contingents. While the boards toiled and the eligible young men went
+through the process of examination, resulting in acceptance or
+rejection, officials of the war department were planning the camps.
+
+Battery D and the 311th Field Artillery were in the stages of
+organization but plans of military housing had to mature before the
+young men who were to form the organization, could be inducted into
+service, thereby bringing to official light The Delta of the Triple
+Elevens.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A CAMP BELCHED FORTH.
+
+
+On that eventful day in 1914, when the war clouds broke over Europe,
+the farmers of Anne Arundel county, Maryland, in the then peaceful
+land of the United States, toiled with their ploughshares under the
+glisten of the bright sun; content with their lot of producing more
+than half of the tomato crop of the country; content to harvest their
+abundant crops of strawberries and cucumbers and corn, to say nothing
+of the wonderful orchards of apples and pears, and not forgetting the
+wild vegetation of sweet potatoes.
+
+The peaceful, pastoral life in the heart of Maryland, however, was
+destined to be disturbed. A vast American army was needed and the vast
+army, then in the process of organization, needed an abode for
+training. Battery D and the 311th Field Artillery was organized on
+paper soon after the call for 678,000 selected service men was decided
+upon. The personnel of the new organization was being determined by
+the selective service boards. Officers to command the organization
+were under intensive instruction at Fort Niagara, New York. All that
+was needed to bring the organization into official military being was
+a point of concentration.
+
+The task of locating sites for the sixteen army cantonments, decreed
+to birth throughout the United States, presented many difficulties.
+What could be more natural, however, than the fertile farm lands of
+Anne Arundel county, almost within shadow of the National Capital, to
+be selected as the site of a cantonment to be named after General
+George Gordon Meade?
+
+Territory in the immediate vicinity of Admiral and Disney was the
+ideal selection: ideal because the territory is only eighteen miles
+from Baltimore, the metropolis of the South; one hundred miles from
+Philadelphia, the principal city of the State which was to furnish
+most of the recruits; and twenty-two miles from Washington, the
+Capital of the Nation.
+
+Situated between the heart of the South and the heart of the Nation,
+Camp Meade is easily accessible by rail. Ease of access through
+mail-line facilities, was a necessity for transportation of building
+materials and supplies before and during construction. The same
+facilities furnished the transportation for the large bodies of troops
+that were sent to and from the camp; also assured the cantonment its
+daily supply of rations.
+
+Admiral Junction furnished adequate railroad yard for the camp.
+The Baltimore and Ohio railroad station is at Disney, about one-half
+mile west of Admiral; while the Pennsylvania Railroad junction on the
+main line between Baltimore and Washington is at Odenton, about one
+and one-half miles east of Admiral. Naval Academy Junction is near
+Odenton and is the changing point on the electric line between the two
+chief cities. The magic-like upbuild of the cantonment, moreover, was
+the signal for the extension of the electric line to encircle the very
+center of the big military city, thus adding an additional link of
+convenience.
+
+Camp Meade having been officially decided upon as the home of the 79th
+Division, a sanitary engineer, a town planner, and an army officer,
+representing the commanding general, were named to meet on the ground,
+where they inspected the location, estimated its difficulties, and
+then proceeded to make a survey in the quickest way possible, calling
+upon local engineers for assistance and asking for several railroad
+engineering corps.
+
+The town-planner, or landscape architect, then drew the plans for the
+cantonment, laying it out to conform with the topography of the
+location and taking into consideration railroad trackage, roads,
+drainage, and the like. Given the site it was the job of the
+town-planner to distribute the necessary buildings and grounds of a
+typical cantonment as shown in type plans.
+
+The general design for the camp was prepared by Harlan P. Kelsey, of
+"city beautiful" fame, who was one of the experts called on by the war
+department to aid the government in the emergency of preparing for
+war.
+
+After the town-planner came Major Ralph F. Proctor, of Baltimore, Md.,
+who on July 2nd, 1917, as constructing quartermaster, look charge of
+the task of building the cantonment. Standing on the porch of a little
+frame-house situated on a knoll, set in the midst of a pine forest,
+Major Proctor gave the order that set saw and axe in motion; saws and
+axes manned by fifteen thousand workmen, consecrated to the task of
+throwing up a war-time city in record time.
+
+Chips flew high and trees were felled and soon the knoll belched forth
+a group of buildings, fringed by the pine of the forest--to be
+dedicated as divisional headquarters--around which, with speed
+none-the-less magic-like, land encircling was cleared and buildings
+and parade grounds sprang up in quick succession.
+
+The dawn of September month saw over one thousand wooden barracks
+erected on the ground, most of which were spacious enough to provide
+sleeping quarters for about two hundred and fifty men; also hundreds
+of other buildings ready to be occupied for administrative purposes.
+
+While workmen of all trades diligently plied their hands to the work
+of constructing the cantonment, hundreds of young men were getting
+ready to leave their homes on September 5th, as the van-guard of the
+40,000 who were in the course of time to report to Camp Meade for
+military duty. The cantonment, however, was not fully prepared to
+receive them and while the first contingent of Battery D men were
+inducted into service on September 5th, the cantonment was not deemed
+sufficiently ready to receive them until almost two weeks later.
+
+[Illustration: *CAPT. ALBERT L. SMITH*]
+
+ARMY RECORD.
+
+Discharged from the National Guard of Pennsylvania, First Troop,
+Philadelphia City Cavalry, after seven years of service, to enter
+First Officers' Training Camp at Camp Niagara, N. Y., May 8th, 1917.
+Commissioned Captain, Field Artillery Reserve, August 15th, 1917, and
+ordered to report to Camp Meade, Md., August 29th, 1917. Placed in
+command of Battery D, 311th Field Artillery. Accompanied battery to
+France and remained with outfit until ordered to Paris on temporary
+duty in the Inspector General's Department, February, 1919. Rejoined
+regiment to become Regimental Adjutant May 6th, 1919. Discharged at
+Camp Dix, N. J., May 30th, 1919.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW.
+
+
+At Fort Niagara, situated on the bleak shores of the River Niagara,
+New York State, the nucleus of the first commissioned personnel of
+Battery D assembled, after enlistment, during the month of May, 1917,
+and began a course of intensive training at the First Officers'
+Training School, finally to be commissioned on August 15th in the
+Field Artillery Reserve.
+
+On August 13th, pursuant to authority contained in a telegram from the
+Adjutant General of the Army, a detachment of the Reserve Officers
+from the Second Battery at Fort Niagara were ordered to active duty
+with the New National Army, proceeding to and reporting in person not
+later than August 29th to the Commanding General, Camp Meade, for
+duty.
+
+A day's brief span after their arrival at Camp Meade--while the
+officers, who were the first of the new army units on the scene of
+training, were busily engaged in dragging their brand new camp
+paraphernalia over the hot sands of July-time Meade,--the dirt and
+sand mingling freely with the perspiration occasioned by the broiling
+sun,--to their first assigned barracks in B block, an order arrived on
+August 30th, assigning the officers to the various batteries,
+headquarters, supply company, or regimental staff of the 311th Field
+Artillery, that was to be housed in O block of the cantonment.
+
+Captain Albert L. Smith, of Philadelphia, Pa., was placed in command
+of Battery D. Other assignments to Battery D included: First
+Lieutenant Arthur H. McGill, of New Castle, Pa.; Second Lieutenant
+Hugh M. Clarke, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Robert S.
+Campbell, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Frank F. Yeager, of
+Philadelphia, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Frank J. Hamilton, of
+Philadelphia, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Berkley Courtney, of Fullerton,
+Md.
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel Charles G. Mortimer was placed in command of the
+regiment on August 28, 1917. He remained in command until January 17,
+1918, when Colonel Raymond W. Briggs was assigned as regimental
+commander. Both are old army men and were well trained for the post of
+command. On March 31st, Col. Briggs, who had been in France and
+returned to take command of the 311th, was again relieved of command,
+being transferred to another outfit to prepare for overseas duty a
+second time. Lieut. Col. Mortimer had charge until June 10th,
+1918, when he was promoted to Colonel, remaining in command
+until the regiment was mustered out of service.
+
+Major David A. Reed, of Pittsburgh, Pa., was placed in command of the
+2nd Battalion of the 311th at organization and remained with the
+outfit until put on detached service in France after the signing of
+the armistice. Major Herbert B. Hayden, a West Point cadet, was
+assigned to the command of the 1st Battalion of the regiment. When
+time to depart for overseas came he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel
+of the regiment. Capt. Wood, of Battery A, was made Major of the 1st
+Battalion and First-Lieut. Arthur McGill, of Battery D, was placed in
+command of Battery A. Later he was given the rank of captain.
+
+Major-General Joseph E. Kuhn was commanding officer of the 79th
+Division and Brigadier General Andrew Hero, Jr., commanded the 154th
+Field Artillery Brigade.
+
+"O" block, in the plan of Camp Meade, was designated as the training
+center of the 311th Field Artillery and barrack No. 19 was the shelter
+selected for Battery D.
+
+Barrack 019 was situated in a small glade of trees which fringed the
+edge of the horse-shoe curve that the general plan of cantonment
+construction assumed. The spurs of the great horse-shoe were at Disney
+and Admiral. The blocks of regimental areas starting at Disney,
+designated by A block, followed the horse-shoe, encircling at the base
+hospital in alphabetical designation. "N" and "O" blocks nestled in a
+glade of trees, partially sheltered from the Southern sun, just around
+the bend in the curve of the road from the base-hospital. "Y" block
+formed the other end of the spur at Admiral--while divisional
+headquarters rested on the knoll in the center of the horse-shoe.
+
+It was at "O" block the newly assigned officers established themselves
+and made ready to receive the first influx of the selected personnel.
+Blankets and cots and barrels and cans and kitchen utensils began to
+arrive by the truck load and the officers in feverish haste divided
+the blankets, put up as many cots as they could, and established some
+semblance of order in the mess hall. They were pegging diligently at
+their tasks when the first troop trains pulled in at Disney on
+September 19th and unloaded the first detachment of future soldiers.
+
+Scenes of home-leaving and farewells to the home-folks and loved ones,
+which first transpired on September 19th, to be repeated with
+similarity as subsequent quotas of recruits entrained for military
+service, were of too sacred a nature to attempt an adequate
+description.
+
+What might have been the thoughts of the individual at the breaking of
+home-ties and during the long, tiresome railroad journey to Camp
+Meade, were buried deep in the heart, to be cherished as a future
+memory only. Personal griefs were hidden as those seven hundred young
+men in civilian clothes stepped from the train at Disney, grasped
+their suit case, box, or bundle, firmly and set out on the mile and a
+quarter hike through the camp--past divisional headquarters;
+perspiring freely under the heat of the setting sun. It was with an
+appearance of carelessness and humor they jaunted along, singing at
+times, "You're in the Army Now"--finally to breast the rise of the
+hill previous to "O" block, the descent thereof which was to mark the
+first stage of their transformation from civilian to soldier.
+
+Descent of the hill lead down to a sandy square in front of a long
+building that housed regimental headquarters. After, what seemed like
+hours to the recruits lined-up, roll of the seven hundred was called,
+divisions made, and the first quota of Battery D was marched to 019.
+
+[Illustration: *MAJOR DAVID A. REED*
+
+ARMY RECORD.
+
+Enlisted in the service of the United States Army, May 11th, 1917,
+and received commission as Major at the First Officers' Training Camp,
+Fort Niagara. N. Y. Was ordered to Camp Meade. Md., August 29th, 1917,
+and placed in command of the Second Battalion, 311th Field Artillery.
+Accompanied the outfit to France. On detached service with the
+Interallied Armistice Commission, Spa, Belgium, from November 20th,
+1918, to February 1st, 1919. Was awarded the French Legion of Honor
+medal April 4th, 1919. Discharged February 26th, 1919. Got commission
+as Lieutenant-Colonel in the Field Artillery Reserve, August 6th,
+1919.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
+
+
+Iron-bound was the rule. You couldn't escape it. Every selected man
+who entered Camp Meade had to submit. Of course, the new recruits were
+given a dinner shortly after their arrival--but not without first
+taking a bath.
+
+019, like all the other barracks of the cantonment, was a wooden
+structure, 150 x 50 feet, two stories in height. Half of the first
+floor housed the kitchen and dining hall while the remainder of the
+building was given over to sleeping quarters, with the exception of a
+corner set apart as the battery office and supply room--a most
+business-like place, from which the soldier usually steered shy,
+unless he wanted something, or had a kick to register about serving as
+K. P., or on some other official detail when he remembered having done
+a turn at the said detail just a few days previous.
+
+The rows of army cots and army blankets presented a different picture
+to the new soldier at first appearance, in comparison to the snug bed
+room, with its sheets and comfortables, that remained idle back home.
+The first night's sleep, however, was none-the-less just, the same
+Camp Meade cot furnishing the superlative to latter comparisons when a
+plank in a barn of France felt good to weary bones.
+
+Before rolling-in the first night every one was made acquainted with
+reveille, but no one expected to be awakened in the middle of the
+night by the bugle calling, "I Can't Get 'Em Up, etc., etc." Could it
+be a mistake? No, indeed, it was 5:15 a. m., and the soldier was
+summoned to roll-out and prepare for his first real day as a soldier.
+
+"Get dressed in ten minutes and line up outside in battery-front for
+roll call," was the first order of the day. Then followed a few
+precious moments for washing up in the Latrine, which was a large bath
+house connected with the barrack.
+
+Before the call, "Come and Get It" was sounded the more ambitious of
+the recruits folded their blankets and tidied up their cots. When mess
+call was sounded but few had to be called the second time.
+
+The hour of 7:30 was set for the day's work to begin, the first
+command of which was "Outside, and Police-Up." In the immediate
+vicinity of the battery area there was always found a multitude of
+cigarette butts, match stems, chewing gum wrappers, and what not, and
+the place had to be cleaned up every morning. If Battery D had
+saved all the "snips" and match stems they policed-up and placed them
+end by each the Atlantic could have been spanned and the expense of
+the Steamship Morvada probably saved.
+
+The first few weeks of camp life were not strenuous in the line of
+military routine. Detail was always the long-suit at Camp Meade.
+During the first few days at camp if the new recruit was lucky enough
+to be off detail work, the time was usually employed in filling out
+qualification cards, identification cards; telling your family
+history; making application for government insurance; subscribing to
+Liberty bonds; telling what you would like to be in the army; where
+you wanted your remains shipped; getting your finger-prints taken, and
+also getting your first jab in the arm which gave the first insight
+into a typhoid inoculation.
+
+When a moment of ease presented itself during the life
+examination--the supply sergeant got busy and started to hand out what
+excess supplies he had and, in the matter of uniforms, of which there
+was always an undercess, measurements were taken with all the
+exactness and precision befitting a Fifth Avenue tailoring
+establishment. Why measurements were ever taken has ever remained a
+mystery, because almost every soldier can remember wearing his
+civilian clothes thread-bare by the time the supply sergeant was able
+to snatch up a few blouses and trousers at the quartermasters. And
+these in turn were passed out to the nearest fits. It was a case of
+line-up and await your turn to try and get a fit, but a mental fit
+almost always ensued in the game of line-up for this and line-up for
+that in the army.
+
+After being enmeshed in such a coil of red tape all of one whole day,
+5 o'clock sounded Retreat, when instruction was given on how to stand
+at ease; how to assume the position of "parade-rest"; then, to snap
+into attention.
+
+Evening mess was always a joyful time, as was the evening, when the
+soldier was free to visit the Y. M. C. A. and later the Liberty
+Theatre, or partake of the many other welfare activities that
+developed in the course of time. From the first day, however, 9:45 p.
+m. was the appointed hour that called to quarters, and taps at 10
+o'clock each night sounded the signal for lights out and everybody in
+bunk.
+
+The inoculations were three in number, coming at ten day intervals.
+When it came time for the second "jab", the paper work was well under
+way and the call was issued for instruction on the field of drill
+to begin. Many a swollen arm caused gentle memories as part of each
+day was gradually being given over to, first calesthenics, then to a
+knowledge of the school of the soldier. The recruit was taught the
+correct manner of salute, right and left face, about face, and double
+time.
+
+Newly designated sergeants and corporals were conscripted to the task
+of squad supervision and many exasperating occasions arose when a
+recruit got the wrong "foots" in place and was commanded to "change
+the foots."
+
+Meals for the first contingent of pioneer recruits ranged from rank to
+worse, until the boys parted company with their French civilian cooks
+and set up their own culinary department with Sergeant Joseph A.
+Loughran, of Hazleton. Pa., in charge. August H. Genetti and Edward
+Campbell, both of Hazleton. Pa.; George Musial, of Miners Mills, Pa.,
+and Charles A. Trostel, of Scranton, Pa., were installed as the
+pioneer cooks. By this mess change the soldiers who arrived in later
+contingents were served more on the American plan of cooking.
+
+On September 21st, 1917, came the second section of the selected
+quotas, bringing more men to Battery D. Their reception varied little
+from the first contingent's, with the exception that the first arrived
+soldiers were on the ground to offer all kinds of advice--some of the
+advice almost scaring the new men stiff.
+
+The future contingents were greeted with a more completed camp,
+because the construction work was continued many weeks after the
+soldiers began to arrive. And, in passing, it might be recorded, that
+the construction work continued long after the contractors finished
+their contracts. Military-like it was done by "detail."
+
+On October 4th and 5th more recruits arrived and then on November 2nd
+another large contingent arrived and was assigned to Battery D. This
+was the last selected quota to be received directly into the regiment,
+for, thereafter, the Depot Brigade received all the newly selected
+men.
+
+Almost all of the recruits of the first few contingents, including the
+delegation that arrived on November 2nd, came from Eastern
+Pennsylvania, from the Hazleton, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre districts
+of the Middle Anthracite Coal Fields. The delegation that arrived on
+November 2nd was accompanied by St. Ann's Band, of Freeland, Pa. The
+band remained in camp over the week-end, during which time a
+number of concerts were rendered. The band was highly praised for its
+interest and patriotism.
+
+All the men originally assigned to Battery D were not to remain with
+the organization throughout their military life. On October 15th,
+1917, Battery D lost about half of its members in a quota of 500 of
+the regiment who were transferred to Camp Gordon, Georgia. On November
+5th, two hundred more were transferred from the regiment and on
+February 5th, seventy-two left to join the Fifth Artillery Brigade at
+Camp Leon Springs, Texas.
+
+The latter part of May Battery D received a share of 931 recruits sent
+to the regiment from the 14th Training Battalion of the 154th Depot
+Brigade at Camp Meade. On July 2nd and 3rd, one hundred and fifty more
+came to the regiment from the Depot Brigade; 540 from Camp Dix, N. J.,
+and Camp Upton, N. Y.; fifty from the aviation fields of the South;
+and a quota from the Quartermaster Corps in Florida.
+
+Many of these did not remain long with the battery. In the latter part
+of June and the beginning of July the battery was reduced to nearly
+one-half and the March replacement draft to Camp Merritt took
+thirty-two picked men from the regiment. This ended the transfers.
+While in progress, the transfers rendered the regiment like unto a
+Depot Brigade. Over four thousand men passed through the regiment,
+five hundred of the number passing through Battery D.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+LEARNING TO BE A SOLDIER.
+
+
+"Dress it up!"
+
+And--
+
+"Make it snappy!"
+
+"One, two, three, four."
+
+"Now you've got it!"
+
+"That's good. Hold it!"
+
+"Hep."
+
+Battery D had lots of "pep" during the days of Camp Meade regime.
+
+First Sergeant William C. Thompson, of Forest, Mississippi, kept
+things lively for the first few months with his little whistle,
+followed by the command, "Outside!"
+
+Merrill C. Liebensberger, of Hazleton, Penna., served as the first
+supply sergeant of the battery. David B. Koenig, also of Hazleton,
+Penna., ranking first as corporal and later as sergeant, was kept busy
+with office work, acting in the capacity of battery clerk. Lloyd E.
+Brown, of East Richmond, Indiana, served as the first instrument
+sergeant of the battery. John M. Harman, of Hazleton, Penna., was the
+first signal-sergeant to be appointed.
+
+It might be remarked in passing that Messrs. Thompson, Liebensberger,
+and Harman were destined for leadership rank. Before the outfit sailed
+for overseas all three had gained application to officers' training
+schools, and were, in the course of time, commissioned as lieutenants.
+Battery Clerk Koenig continued to serve the outfit in an efficient
+manner throughout its sojourn in France. Instrument-Sergeant Brown
+early in 1918 answered a call for volunteers to go to France with a
+tank corps. While serving abroad he succumbed to an attack of
+pneumonia and his body occupies a hero's resting place in foreign
+soil.
+
+A wonderful spirit was manifested in the affairs of Battery D despite
+the fact that the constant transfer of men greatly hampered the work
+of assembling and training a complete battery for active service in
+France. Men who spent weeks in mastering the fundamentals of the
+soldier regulations were taken from the organization, to be replaced
+by civilians, whereby the training had to start from the
+beginning. This caused many changes in plans, systems, and policies.
+Rejections were also made for physical disabilities.
+
+For the greater part of the Camp Meade history of the battery, the
+organization lacked sufficient men to perform all the detail work.
+Thus days and days passed without any military instruction being
+imparted.
+
+Instruction in army signalling by wigwag and semaphore was started
+whenever a squad or two could be spared from the routine of detail.
+Then followed instruction on folding horse blankets, of care of horses
+and harness, and lessons in equitation, carried out on barrels and
+logs.
+
+Stables and corrals were in the course of construction. By the time
+snow made its appearance in November horses were received, also more
+detail.
+
+First lessons in the duties of gun-crews and driving squads were also
+attempted. Matériel was a minus quantity for a long time, wooden
+imitations sufficing for guns until several 3.2's were procured for
+the regiment. Later on the regiment was furnished with five 3-inch
+U. S. field pieces. Training then assumed more definite form. For
+weeks and weeks the gun crews trained without any prospects of ever
+getting ammunition and firing actual salvos.
+
+Learning to be a soldier also developed into a process of going to
+school. Men were assigned to attend specialty classes. Schools were
+established for gunners, schools for snipers, schools for
+non-commissioned officers. Here it might be stated that the first
+non-coms envied the buck-privates when it came to attending
+non-commissioned officers' school one night a week when all the bucks
+were down enjoying the show at the Y hut or the Liberty Theatre.
+
+Schools were started for all kinds of special and mechanical duty men;
+schools to teach gas-defense; buzzer schools; telephone schools;
+smoke-bomb and hand-grenade courses; and map-reading and sketching
+schools. Sergeant Earl H. Schleppy, of Hazleton, Penna., who assisted
+in the battery office work before he was appointed supply-sergeant,
+developed extra lung capacity while the various schools were in
+progress. It became his duty to assemble the diverse classes prior to
+the start of instruction. He was kept busy yelling for the soldiers to
+assemble for class work.
+
+It soon developed in the minds of the men that war-time military life
+was mostly drudgery with only the personal satisfaction of doing
+one's duty. Hardships and drudgery, however, did not mar the
+ambition of the soldier for recreation. Baltimore and Washington were
+nearby and passes were in order every Saturday to visit these cities.
+
+Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, during the first few months of camp
+life, were off-periods for the soldiers, but later Wednesday afternoon
+developed as an afternoon of sport and the men took keen interest in
+the numerous athletic interests which were promoted.
+
+On Tuesday, November 6th, a half-holiday was proclaimed and Election
+Day observed throughout the camp. The soldiers who availed themselves
+of the opportunity of marking the complicated soldier ballot that was
+provided, cast the last vote, in many instances, until after their
+official discharge.
+
+Daily hikes were on the program in the beginning to develop a hardness
+of muscle in the new soldiers. Lieut. Robert Campbell was in charge of
+the majority of the daily hikes at the off-set. His hobby was to hike
+a mile then jaunt a mile. When it came to long distant running Lieut.
+Campbell was on the job. He made many a soldier sweat in the attempt
+to drag along the hob-nailed field shoes on a run. Hikes later were
+confined to Wednesday afternoon.
+
+Battery D always put up a good showing in the numerous athletic
+contests. On Saturday, November 10th, the Battery won the second
+banner in the Inter-Battalion Meet; in celebration of which a parade
+and demonstration was held on the afternoon of the victory day.
+
+Music was not lost sight of. The boys of Battery D collected the sum
+of $175 for the purchase of a piano for barrack 019. Phil Cusick, of
+Parsons, Penna., was the one generally sought out to keep the ivories
+busy. November 19th witnessed the first gathering together of the
+regiment on the parade grounds for a big song fest under the
+leadership of the divisional music director. Battery and battalion
+song jubilees were conducted at intervals in the O block Y hut.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+FLEETING HOURS OF LEAVE
+
+
+Towering like a giant over the uniform type of barrack and buildings
+at Camp Meade, stood a large observation tower, situated on what was
+known as the "plaza," the site of divisional headquarters. A general
+panorama from this tower was an inspiring sight. Radiating from the
+plaza, extending for several miles in any direction the gaze was
+focused, there appeared the vista of the barracks of the troops
+together with the sectional Y. M. C. A.'s canteens, stables, corrals
+and other supply and administration buildings; also the interposing,
+spacious drill fields.
+
+The beauty of this scene was enhanced by the mantle of snow that often
+garbed it during the winter mouths. To see a city of 40,000 in such
+uniformity as marked the cantonment construction; with its buildings
+covered with snow; the large drill fields spread with a blanket of
+snow; and, a snow storm raging--is a tonic for any lover of nature.
+
+On the night of Wednesday, November 28th, the first snow greeted the
+new soldiers at Camp Meade. The ground, robed in white, breathed the
+spirit of the approaching holiday season. The coming of Thanksgiving
+found discussion in 019 centered on the subject of passes to visit
+"home."
+
+On November 24th fifteen of D battery men were granted forty-eight
+hour leaves and departed for their respective homes. All the officers
+remained in camp and planned with the men to enjoy the holiday.
+
+The Thanksgiving dinner enjoyed by Battery D was one never to be
+forgotten in army life. Mess-Sergeant Al Loughran and the battery
+cooks, ably championed by the K. P.'s, worked hard for the success of
+the Thanksgiving battery dinner. Battalion and battery officers dined
+with the men, the noon-mess being attendant by the following menu:
+
+
+                          Oyster Cocktail
+Snowed Potatoes            Roast Turkey                Turkey Filling
+      Cranberry Sauce            Celery                  Peas
+        Oranges     Apples     Candy       Cake       Nuts
+                Bread        Butter       Coffee
+                            Mince Pie
+                  Cigarettes          Cigars
+
+
+Sweet dreams of this dinner often haunted the boys when
+"bully-beef" was the mainstay day after day many times during the
+sojourn in France.
+
+After the dinner officers and battery members adjourned to the second
+floor of the barrack where battery talent furnished an entertainment,
+consisting of instrumental and vocal numbers and winding up with
+several good boxing bouts. Barney McCaffery, of Hazleton, Penna., a
+professional pugilist, was the pride of the battery in the ring.
+
+Corporal Frank McCabe, of Parsons, Penna., was one of the real
+comedians of the battery. His character impersonations enlivened many
+an evening in 019. Every member of the outfit was deeply grieved when
+Corporal McCabe was admitted to the base-hospital the latter part of
+January, suffering with heart trouble. On January 24th at 8:20 p. m.,
+Corporal McCabe died. This first casualty of the battery struck a note
+of sympathetic appeal among the battery members. A guard of honor from
+the battery accompanied the body to Parsons where interment was made
+with military honors.
+
+After Thanksgiving Battery D settled down to an intensive schedule of
+instruction. Days of rain, snow, and zero weather followed, making the
+routine very disagreeable at times, but never acting as a demoralizer.
+Days that could not be devoted to out-door work were used to advantage
+for the schedule of lecture periods during which the officers
+conducted black board drills to visualize many of the problems
+connected with artillery work.
+
+On December 6th, 1917, a series of regimental practice marches were
+instituted, first on foot, then on mount. The first mounted marches,
+however, were rather sore-ending affairs, as were the first lessons in
+equitation. Saddles and bridles were lacking as equipment for many
+weeks after the receipt of the horses. Mounted drill, riding
+bare-back, with nothing but a halter chain as a bridle, was the
+initiatory degree of Battery D's equitation.
+
+Barrack 0103, about half the size and situated in the rear of 019, was
+completed on December 19th, when a portion of Battery D men were
+quartered in the new structure, thereby relieving the congestion in
+019.
+
+Christmas and New Year's of 1917 furnished another controversy on the
+question of holiday furloughs. On Saturday, December 15th, inspection
+was called off and forty men were detailed to bring more horses
+from the Remount station for use in the battery. The detail completed
+its task faithfully, the men being happy in the thought that,
+according to instructions, they had, the night previous, made
+application for Christmas passes. Gloom greeted the end of the day's
+horse convoy. Announcement was made that all Christmas pass orders had
+been rescinded in the camp.
+
+The gloom was not shattered until December 20th, when announcement was
+made at retreat formation that half of the battery would be allowed
+Christmas passes and the other half would be given furloughs over New
+Year's Day. The loudest yell that ever greeted the "dismissed" command
+at the close of retreat, rent the atmosphere at that time.
+
+More disappointments were in store for the boys before their dreams of
+a furlough home were realized. Saturday, December 22nd, was decreed a
+day of martial review at Camp Meade. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker
+visited the cantonment that day and the review was staged in his
+honor. Battery D formed with the regiment on the battery street in
+front of 019 at 1:20 o'clock on the afternoon of the review. The
+ground was muddy and slushy. The regiment stood in formation until
+3:15 o'clock when the march to pass the reviewing stand started. At
+4:30 o'clock the review formation was dismissed and the boys dashed
+back to 019 to get ready to leave on their Christmas furloughs.
+
+It was a happy bunch that left 019 at 5:15 p. m. that day, under the
+direction of Lieut. Berkley Courtney, bound for the railroad station
+and home. An hour later the same bunch were seen trudging back to 019.
+Their happiness had suddenly taken wing. A mix-up in train schedules
+left them stranded in camp for the night, while the hours of their
+passes slowly ticked on, to be lost to their enjoyment.
+
+The "get-away" was successfully effected the next morning, Sunday,
+December 23rd, when the same contingent marched to Disney, reaching
+the railroad yard at 7:30 o'clock, where they were doomed to wait
+until 9:15 a. m. until the train left for Baltimore.
+
+More favorable train connections fell to the lot of the New Year's
+sojourners to the land of "home."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+WELL GROOMED BY DETAIL.
+
+
+"This is some job."
+
+And the opinion was unanimous when stable detail at Camp Meade was in
+question, especially during the winter of 1917-18, which the Baltimore
+weather bureau recorded as the coldest in 101 years. Stable detail at
+first consisted of five "buck" privates, whose duty it was to take
+care of "Kaiser," "Hay-Belly," and all the other battery horses for a
+period of three days.
+
+When on stable detail you arose at 5:45 a. m.; quietly dressed,
+without lights, went to the stables and breakfasted the animals. If
+you were a speed artist you might get back in time for your own
+breakfast.
+
+After breakfast you immediately reported to the stable-sergeant, who
+was Anthony Fritzen, of Scranton, Penna. The horses were then led to
+the corral and the real stable duties of the day commenced. In leading
+the horses through the stable to the corral, the length of your life
+was dependant upon your ability to duck the hoofs of the ones
+remaining in the stables.
+
+When it came to cleaning the stables, many a "buck" private made a
+resolve that in the next war he was going to enlist as a
+"mule-skinner." Driving the battery wagon bore the earmarks of being a
+job of more dignity than loading the wagon.
+
+Besides cleaning the stables and "graining-up" for the horses, the day
+of the stable police was spent in miscellaneous jobs, which Sergeant
+Fritzen never ran out of.
+
+The stable detail underwent changes as time wore on. A permanent
+stable man was assigned for every stable and the detail was reduced to
+three privates.
+
+Stable police was of double import on Saturday mornings, preparatory
+to the weekly inspection. Every branch and department of military life
+has a variety of inspections to undergo at periodical times. The
+inspections keep the boys in khaki on the alert; cleanliness becoming
+second nature. Nowhere can a vast body of men live bachelor-like as
+soldiers do and maintain the degree of tidiness and general sanitary
+healthfulness, as the thorough arm of camp inspection and discipline
+maintains in the army.
+
+A daily inspection of barracks was in order at Camp Meade.
+Before the boys answered the first drill formation each morning they
+did the housework. Everything had to be left spick and span. There was
+a specific place for everything and everything had to be kept in its
+place.
+
+With mops and brooms and plenty of water the barracks were given a
+good scrubbing on Friday afternoons and things put in shape for the
+Saturday morning inspection. Besides the cleanup features a display of
+toilet articles and wearing apparel had to be made. When the
+inspectors made their tour each bunk had to show a clean towel, tooth
+brush, soap, comb, pair of socks, and suit of underwear. The articles
+had to be displayed on the bunk in a specific manner.
+
+"Show-Down" inspections were a big feature of the routine. This
+inspection required the soldier to produce all his wares and equipment
+for inventory. The supply officer and supply sergeant of the battery
+made many rounds taking account of equipment that was short, but
+several more "show-downs" usually transpired before the lacking
+equipment was supplied.
+
+There was also a field inspection every Saturday morning, where the
+general appearance of the soldier could be thoroughly scrutinized.
+Clean-shaven, neatly polished shoes, clean uniform with buttons all
+present and utilized, formed the determining percentage features. When
+the inspection was mounted, horses and harness had to shine, the same
+as the men.
+
+January 1920 ushered in a period of changes in the staff of officers
+for Battery D, some of the changes being temporary, others permanent.
+Trials of sickness and quarantine were also in store for the battery.
+
+Early in January Capt. A. L. Smith was called away from his military
+duties on account of the death of his father, Edward B. Smith, of
+Philadelphia, Penna.; a bereavement which brought forth many
+expressions of sympathy from the men of his command.
+
+Captain Smith returned to camp the latter part of the month. Some time
+later he was ordered to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to attend the artillery
+school of fire. Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke also left the battery to attend
+the school of fire. First-Lieut. Arthur H. McGill was detached from
+the battery about this time and assigned as an instructor at the
+Officers' Training School that was opened at Camp Meade. Lieut. Robert
+S. Campbell was transferred from Battery D at this time.
+
+First-Lieut. Robert Lowndes, of Elkridge. Md., was assigned to
+temporary command of the battery. First-Lieut. J. S. Waterfield, of
+Portsmouth, Va., served as an attached officer with D Battery for some
+time.
+
+First Sergeant William C. Thompson and Supply Sergeant Merle
+Liebensberger were successful applicants to the officers' training
+school at Meade. James J. Farrell, of Parsons, Penna., was appointed
+acting first-sergeant and Thomas S. Pengelly, of Hazleton, Penna., was
+appointed acting supply sergeant, both appointments later being made
+permanent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+BATTERY PROGRESS.
+
+
+"Retreat," the checking-in or accounting for all soldiers at the close
+of a day's routine, was made a formal affair for the 311th Field
+Artillery on January 13th, 1918. The erection of a new flag pole in
+front of regimental headquarters furnished occasion for the formal
+formation when the Stars and Stripes are lowered to the strain of "The
+Star Spangled Banner" or the "Call to the Colors."
+
+When the formal retreat was established Battery D was in the throes of
+a health quarantine. A case of measles developed in the battery and an
+eighteen-day quarantine went into effect on January 19th. About a
+score of battery members, who were attending speciality schools and on
+special detail work, were quartered with Battery E of the regiment
+while the quarantine lasted.
+
+On March 24th scarlet fever broke out and a second quarantine was put
+into effect. This quarantine kept Battery D from sharing in the Easter
+furloughs to visit home.
+
+The regular routine of fatigue duty and drill formations took place
+during the quarantine periods, the restrictions being placed on the
+men leaving the battery area between drill hours.
+
+On March 6th Battery D took occasion to celebrate. The battery kitchen
+had been thoroughly renovated by Mechanic Grover C. Rothacker and
+Mechanic Conrad A. Balliet, both of Hazleton, Penna., the renovation
+placing it in the class of "The best kitchen and mess hall in camp,"
+to quote the words of Major General Joseph E. Kuhn, divisional
+commander, when he inspected Battery D on Saturday, March 23rd.
+
+A fine menu was prepared for the banquet that was held on the night of
+March 6th. Col. Raymond Briggs and the battalion officers were guests
+at the banquet and entertainment that was furnished in the barracks
+until taps sounded an hour later than usual that night.
+
+Details continued to play a big part in the life of Battery D. On
+March 11th the first detail of fifty men was sent to repair the
+highway near Portland. These details had a strenuous time of it; the
+hardest work most of the detail accomplished was dodging lieutenants.
+
+Transfers had made big inroads in the battery's strength. Guard duty
+fell to the lot of the battery once a week. When the guard detail was
+furnished there were scarcely enough men left to do the kitchen
+police work and other detail work. It was a time when rank imposed
+obligation. Sergeants and corporals had to get busy and chop wood and
+carry coal and wash dishes and police up and in many other ways
+imitate the buck private.
+
+On March 5th Lieut. Frank Yeager inaugurated a system of daily
+inspections at retreat, when the two neatest appearing men in line
+were cited each day and rewarded with a week-end pass to visit
+Baltimore or Washington, while those who got black marks for the week
+were put on detail work over the week-end. A list of honorable
+mentions was also established for general tidiness at "bunk"
+inspections.
+
+Rumor was ever present at Camp Meade. Almost every event that
+transpired was a token of early departure overseas, or else the
+"latrine-dope" had it that the outfit was to be sent to Tobyhanna for
+range practice.
+
+The first real evidence of overseas service presented itself during
+March when physical examinations were in order to test the physical
+fitness for overseas duty. Several, who it was deemed could not
+physically stand foreign service, were in due time transferred to
+various posts of the home-guards. Several transfers were also made to
+the ordnance department; a number of chemists were detached from the
+battery, and transfers listed for the cooks' and bakers' school, for
+the quartermasters, for the engineers, for the signal corps, in fact
+men were sent to practically all branches in the division.
+
+On Saturday, March 30th, wrist watches were turned to 11 o'clock when
+taps sounded, ushering in the daylight savings scheme that routed the
+boys out for reveille during the wee dark hours of the morning.
+
+Training during April centered on actual experience in taking to the
+march with full mounted artillery sections. April 4th, 1918, found a
+detail from Battery D leaving camp at 8 a. m., with a section of
+provisional battery, enroute to Baltimore to take part in the big
+parade in honor of the opening of the Liberty Loan drive on the first
+anniversary of America's entrance into the war. While in Baltimore the
+outfit pitched camp in Clifton Park. The parade, which was reviewed by
+President Woodrow Wilson, took place on Saturday, April 6th. The
+detachment returned to camp by road on Sunday, April 7th.
+
+During April a decree went forth to the Battery that set details
+at work every day clipping horses. Every one of the one hundred and
+sixty-four battery horses was clipped.
+
+The morning of Friday, April 26th, was declared a holiday at Camp
+Meade; all units being called forth to participate in a divisional
+parade and Liberty Loan rally.
+
+A battery hike in march order was set for May 6th. The battery took to
+the road at 8 a. m., and drove through Jessup, thence to West
+Elkridge, Md., a distance of sixteen miles, where camp was pitched and
+the battery remained for the night, returning to camp the following
+afternoon after several firing problems in the field were worked out
+by proxy fire.
+
+Chances for a quick departure overseas began to warm up about the
+middle of May, which perhaps was responsible for the big divisional
+bon-fire that was burned on the night of May 13th.
+
+[Illustration: CAPT. PERRY E. HALL LIEUT. SIDNEY F. BENNETT LIEUT.
+C. D. BAILEY LIEUT. FRANK J. HAMILTON _Officers Associated with
+Battery D._]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+FAREWELL TO CAMP MEADE.
+
+
+First authentic signs of departure from Camp Meade came during the
+month of June when the boys witnessed the departure of the infantry
+regiments of the division.
+
+Void of demonstrative sendoff, regiment after regiment, fully and
+newly equipped, was departing on schedule; thousands and thousands of
+sturdy Americans, ready to risk all for the ideals of liberty and
+freedom.
+
+It was with no unsteady step they marched through the streets of the
+military city that had sheltered, trained, tanned, and improved them
+aright for the momentous task which was before them.
+
+The scene, as they marched, is one that will live in memory of the
+boys of Battery D. It was no dress parade such as the march of like
+thousands in a civilian city would occasion. Battery D men and others
+were spectators, it is true, and the departing ones were sent off, as
+was later the case with Battery D, with cheers of encouragement and
+words of God-speed--the spirit breathed being of hearty, thoughtful
+patriotism such as can come only from a soldier who is bidding adieu
+to a comrade in arms, whom he will meet again in a common cause.
+
+Wonderful days of activity within Battery D foretold the news of
+departure. The regiment was in first class shape to look forward to
+service overseas, despite the fact that range-practice was a
+negligible factor. During the latter part of May, firing, to a limited
+extent, was practiced from the three-inch field pieces directed over
+the Remount station, but the experience thus gained was too light to
+be important. About this time a French type of 75 mm. field piece was
+shipped to the regiment. Major David A. Reed became the instructor on
+this gun, when it became known that the outfit would likely be given
+French equipment upon arrival overseas. One gun for the regiment,
+however, and especially when received only several weeks in advance of
+the departure for overseas, afforded but little opportunity for
+general instruction on the mechanism of the new field piece.
+
+France, moreover, was the goal and the real range practice was left as
+a matter of course for over there.
+
+All activity centered on getting ready to depart. The battery
+carpenters and painters were kept busy making boxes and labelling
+them properly for the "American E. F." Harness was being cleaned
+and packed. The time came for the horses to be returned to the Remount
+station. Supply sergeants were busy as bees supplying everybody with
+foreign service equipment. It proved a common occurrence to be routed
+out of bed at midnight to try on a pair of field shoes. All articles
+of clothing and equipment had to be stamped, the clothing being
+stamped with rubber stamps, while the metal equipment was stamped with
+a punch initial. Each soldier got a battery number which was stamped
+on his individual equipment.
+
+On June 28th, Joseph Loskill, of Hazleton, Penna., and William F.
+Brennan, of Hazleton and Philadelphia, Penna., were assigned to
+accompany the advance detail of the regiment. Lieut. Arthur H. McGill
+was the Battery D officer to accompany the advance detail, which left
+Camp Meade about 7 p. m., proceeding to Camp Merritt, N. J., for
+embarkation. The advance guard arrived at Jersey City the following
+morning at 6 o'clock, where they detrained and marched to the Ferry to
+get to Hoboken. There the detachment was divided, the officers
+boarding the S. S. Mongolia, the enlisted men the S. S. Duc d'Abruzzi.
+The ships left Hoboken at 10:30 a. m., May 30th, bound for Brest.
+
+Battery D was filled to full war-strength during the first week of
+July, just before departure, when the outfit received a quota of 150
+men who came to the regiment from the Depot Brigade. Five hundred and
+forty came to the regiment from Camp Upton, N. Y., and Camp Dix,
+N. J., and fifty from the signal corps in Florida.
+
+In the front door and out of the back of 019 the battery passed in
+alphabetical line in rehearsal of the manner in which the gang plank
+of the ship was to be trod. Departure instruction likewise included
+hikes to the electric rail siding to practice boarding the cars with
+equipment.
+
+The last few days in camp were marked by daily medical inspections,
+also daily inspections of equipment. Everybody had to drag all their
+equipment outside for inspection. The men were fully and newly
+equipped with clothing and supplies upon leaving. Two new wool
+uniforms, two pairs of field shoes, new underwear, socks, shirts,
+towels, toilet articles, and a score of other soldier necessities,
+were issued before leaving. All old clothing and equipment was turned
+in.
+
+Each man was allotted a barrack-bag as cargo. The barrack-bag was made
+of heavy blue denim with about a seventy-five pound capacity,
+which weight was cited as the limit a soldier could obtain storage for
+in the ship's baggage compartments.
+
+Although seventy-five pounds was the order, all the boys resorted to
+some fine packing. There were not many under the limit. Most of the
+boys had their knitted garments in the bag, also a plentiful supply of
+soap, because rumor had struck the outfit that soap was a scarce
+article in France. Milk chocolate and smokes were also well stocked
+in.
+
+Besides the barrack-bag each soldier was provided with a haversack and
+pack-carrier, in which were carried--on the back--two O. D. blankets,
+toilet articles, extra socks, clothing, and the various articles that
+would be needed on the voyage across.
+
+Saturday, July 13th, 1918, was the memorable day of departure from
+Camp Meade. Battery D furnished the last guard detail of the regiment
+at Meade. The 13th, as luck would have it, dawned in a heavy shower of
+rain. Reveille sounded at 5:15 a. m., after which, those who had not
+done so the night previous, hiked out in the rain and emptied the
+straw from their bed-ticks; completed the packing of their bags and
+packs and loaded the bags on trucks while the rain came down in
+torrents.
+
+As was usually the case in army routine, early reveille did not vouch
+for an early departure from camp. Detail aplenty was in store for the
+boys all day. The last meal was enjoyed in 019 mess-hall at 5 p.m.,--then
+started a thorough policing up of barracks. Sweeping squads were sent
+over the ground a dozen times and finally the boys assembled outside
+on the battery assembling grounds, at 7:30 p. m., with packs ready and
+everything set to begin the march to entrain.
+
+During the hours of waiting that followed the boys indulged in a few
+sign painting decorations. Among the numerous signs tacked to 019
+were:
+
+"For Sail. Apply Abroad."
+
+"For Rent, for a large family; only scrappers need apply. Btry D,
+311th F. A."
+
+"Von Hindenberg dropped dead. We're coming."
+
+It was a grand sight to see the regiment depart at 8:45 p. m. The band
+was playing; colors were flying at the head of the column--everybody
+was in high spirits. But there were no civilians to enjoy the
+spectacle. It was night and but few knew of the departure. The rain
+had ceased and twilight was deepening into darkness as the regiment,
+excepting Battery A, which was left in camp for police detail, to
+follow a few days later, started on the hike; back over
+practically the same route the soldiers were marched from Disney to
+019 when they first arrived in camp. This time they were leaving 019;
+marching for the last time with Battery D through the reservation of
+Camp Meade; marching to the railroad yards at Disney where trains were
+being made up to convey the regiment to a point of embarkation. But
+few knew whether it was to be Philadelphia, New York, or Hoboken. The
+men were leaving home and home-land and departing for a land of which
+they knew nought. What the ocean and Germany's program of relentless
+submarine warfare had in store for them, no one knew. All hearts were
+strong in the faith and all stout hearts were ready to do and to dare;
+content in the knowledge that they were doing their duty to their home
+and their country.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ABOARD THE S. S. MORVADA.
+
+
+Land appeared in rugged outline along the horizon as the Steamship
+Morvada swept the waves when dusk was falling on the Tuesday evening
+of July 16th, 1918. It was a beautiful mid-summer's night and the boys
+of Battery D, in common with the members of the 311th regiment, stood
+at the deck railings of the S. S. Morvada and watched the outline of
+shore disappear under cover of darkness. The ship had been sailing
+since 11:30 a. m., Sunday, July 14th, at which time the Morvada had
+lifted anchor and slowly pushed its nose into the Delaware River;
+leaving behind the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad docks at Port
+Richmond, Philadelphia, Penna., the last link that held them to their
+native shores.
+
+Surmises and guesses were rife as the ship rolled on in the darkness,
+leaving the boys either arguing as to the destination or else seeking
+their "bunk" down in the "hatch" and rolling in for the night.
+
+It was generally agreed that the course thus far was along the coast.
+It was apparent that the ship was skirting coastline, because convoy
+protection had been given by sea-planes flying out from the naval
+coast stations, accompanying the transport for a distance, then
+disappearing landward. The boys on the transport spent many an idle
+hour watching the aviators circle the ship time and time again, often
+coming within voice range of the transport's passengers.
+
+It was also settled that the course had been Northeast, but no one was
+quite certain as to location.
+
+The morning of July 17th found the Morvada approaching land. A
+lighthouse appeared in the dim distance, then, as the hours passed and
+the ship sped on, the coast became visible and more visible,
+disclosing rugged country, rising high from out of the water's edge.
+The country, moreover, appeared waste and devastated; the land being
+covered with wrecked buildings that showed signs of explosive force.
+
+Location finally became apparent as harbor scenes presented an unique
+picturesqueness of territory. The S. S. Morvada was in Halifax harbor,
+Nova Scotia, and the surrounding territory was the scene of the famous
+T. N. T. explosion. It was 11 o'clock on the morning of July 17th that
+the ship cast anchor in Halifax harbor and word was passed that all on
+board could remove life preservers and breathe a sigh of relief.
+
+To be suddenly found in Canadian environment furnished a new
+thrill for the soldiers. The Saturday night previous the same soldiers
+were making the trip from Camp Meade to port of embarkation.
+
+Everybody was expecting a lay over in an embarkation camp before
+embarking, therefore the surprise was the greater when the train that
+left Camp Meade at midnight on the evening of July 13th, deposited its
+cargo of soldiers on the pier at Port Richmond within a short distance
+of the ship that was waiting for its cargo of human freight before
+pulling anchor for the first lap of the France-bound journey.
+
+Orders to detrain were given at 8:29 a. m. Tired and hungry the
+soldiers were greeted on the pier by a large delegation of Red Cross
+workers who had steaming hot coffee, delicious buns, cigarettes and
+candy to distribute to the regiment as a farewell tribute and morning
+appetizer. Postal cards were also distributed for the soldiers to
+address to their home-folks. The messages were farewell messages and
+were held over at Washington. D. C., until word was received that the
+Morvada had landed safely overseas.
+
+At 8 a. m. the repeat-your-last-name-first-and-your-first-name-last
+march up the gang-plank started. Each man got a blue card with a
+section and berth number on; also a meal ticket appended, after which
+it was a scramble to find your right place in the hatch.
+
+At 11:30 o'clock anchor was lifted; the little river tug boat nosed
+the steamship about; then, with colors flying, the band playing, the
+Morvada steamed down the Delaware; passing Hog Island in a midway of
+ships from which words of farewell and waves of good-bye wafted across
+to the Morvada. The sky-line of Brotherly Love, guarded over by
+William Penn on City Hall, gradually faded from view and the Sunday
+afternoon wore on, as the boys spent most of their first day aboard a
+transport on deck, watching the waves and admiring the beauties of
+nature, revealed in all splendor as the ever-fading shore line, viewed
+from the promenade deck, lost itself into the mist-like horizon of sky
+and water, richly enhanced by the brilliancy of a superb sunset.
+
+The S. S. Morvada skirted the shore for some time and for the first
+few hours all was calm on deck. By night, however, sea-sickness began
+to manifest itself and there was considerable coughing up over the
+rail.
+
+Besides watching the waves and the various-sized and colored fishes of
+the deep make occasional bounds over the crest of the foam, the
+soldiers spent their time trying to get something to eat, which was a
+big job in itself.
+
+The Morvada was an English boat, of small type, that was built in 1914
+to ply between England and India, carrying war materials. The voyage
+of the 311th was the second time the Morvada was used as a transport.
+Except for officer personnel the ship was manned by a crew of East
+Indians, whose main article of wearing apparel was a towel and whose
+main occupation was scrubbing and flushing the decks with a hose, just
+about the time mess call found the soldiers looking for a nice spot to
+settle down with mess-kit and eating-irons. Up forward were batteries
+B, D, E, and F, and the Supply Company, and aft were Headquarters
+Company, Battery C, and the Medical Detachment. Each end of the ship
+had its galley along which the mess lines formed three times a day.
+The khaki-clad soldiers could not get used to the English system of
+food rationing with the result that food riots almost occurred until
+the officers of the regiment intervened and secured an improvement in
+the mess system.
+
+The first night in Halifax harbor was a pleasant relief from the
+strain of suspense that attended the journey to Canadian waters. Deck
+lights were lighted for the first time and vied for brilliancy in the
+night with the other ocean-going craft assembled in the harbor. The
+Morvada did not dock, but remained anchored in the harbor, from where
+the soldiers on board could view the city and port of entry that was
+the capital of the Province of Nova Scotia.
+
+To the Southeast the city of Halifax, situated on a fortified hill,
+towering 225 feet from the waters of the harbor, showed its original
+buildings built of wood, plastered or stuccoed; and dotted with fine
+buildings of stone and brick of later day creation.
+
+When the soldiers on board the Morvada arose on the morning of July
+18th the Halifax harbor was dotted with several more transports that
+had arrived during the night. The day was spent in semaphoring to the
+various transports and learning what troops each quartered. Official
+orders, however, put a stop to this form of pastime and discussion was
+shifted to the whys and wherefores of the various camouflage designs
+the troop ships sported.
+
+During the stay at Halifax the first taste of mail censorship was
+doled out. Letters were written in abundance, which were treated
+rather roughly by two-edged scissors before the mail was conveyed to
+Halifax to be sent to Washington, D. C., to await release upon
+notification that the Morvada had arrived safely overseas. Many of
+these first letters are still held as priceless mementos by the
+home-folks.
+
+Each morning of the succeeding days that the Morvada was anchored in
+Halifax harbor brought several new ships to cluster about in the wide
+expanse of water. A sufficient number for convoy across the Atlantic
+was gradually assembling, each ship appearing in a different regalia
+of protective coloration that made the harbor sight vastly
+spectacular.
+
+Newspapers from the Canadian shore were brought on board each day. On
+July 19th the papers conveyed the information that the United States
+Cruiser, San Diego, was sunk that day ten miles off Fire Island by
+running on an anchored mine placed there by German U-boats. The
+Morvada had traversed the same course several days previous.
+
+To read of such occurrence, in such environment was to produce silent
+thought. To be in the harbor of Halifax, within shadow of McNalis
+Island that rested on the waves at the mouth of the harbor, was to be
+in the same environment as the confederate cruiser, "Tallahassee,"
+which slipped by night through the Eastern passage formed by McNalis
+Island, and escaped the Northern vessels that were watching off the
+western entrance formed by the island.
+
+The time was drawing near when the Morvada was destined to creep
+stealthily through the night, to cross the 3,000 miles of submarine
+infested Atlantic.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+DODGING SUBMARINES.
+
+
+Under serene skies on the morning of July 20th, seventeen ships,
+assembled in Halifax harbor, made final preparations to steam forth to
+the highways of the broad Atlantic.
+
+At 9:30 o'clock that morning the convoy maneuvered into battle
+formation with a U. S. cruiser leading the convoy while four small sub
+chasers circled about in high speed and an army dirigible flew
+overhead. Each ship was directed in a zig zag course, a new angle of
+the zig zag being pointed every few minutes, a course of propellation
+that continued the entire route of the water way.
+
+Good-byes were waved from ships stationed along the several miles of
+water course that marked the harbor's length, until the open Atlantic
+was reached, then the sub chasers and the dirigible turned about,
+leaving the seventeen transports and supply ships under the wing of
+the battle cruiser that proceeded to pick out the course across the
+ocean, to where bound no one on board, save the captain of the ship,
+knew.
+
+Clad in their life preservers the soldiers idled about the decks as
+the convoy sped on. It was a source of delight to stand at the deck
+rail and watch the waves dash against the steel clad sides of the
+ship. On several occasions when the waves rolled high, many on board
+experienced the sensation of a sea bath, the stiff sea breeze carrying
+the seething foam high over the rail on to the deck.
+
+To see the waves roll high created the impression of mightiness of
+creation; the impression of mountains rising magic like at the side of
+the vessel. Suddenly the ship rises to the crest of the wave and the
+recedence leaves one looking down into what appears like a deep
+cavern.
+
+When the sun was rising in the direction one was thrilled by the
+beauties of the rainbow observed in the clearness of the waves, when,
+at the height of dashing resplendence the surging sprays descend in
+fountain semblance, drinking in, as it were, the very beauty of God's
+handiwork.
+
+The same position on deck the boys found none the less attractive when
+the shades of night had fallen. On one of the first nights out the
+ship passed through an atmosphere of dense fog, suddenly to emerge
+into elements of star lit splendor, the moon, in full radiance,
+casting a silvery luminous path on the sparkling waves. It was a
+phenomena worthy of the tallest submarine risks to witness. The full
+moon and the very repleteness of things aesthetic gave opportunity for
+those who were able to portray an attitude of indifference, to tell
+gravely how the radiance of the night fully exposed the convoy to the
+U-boats that were lurking in every wave.
+
+Established routine of transport duties and formations was continued
+during the ocean voyage. Ship-abandon and fire drills were a daily
+feature of life aboard. Each outfit had a specific place to congregate
+when the signal for ship-abandon drill was sounded. All that was
+necessary was to stand at the appointed place while the coolies,
+comprising the crew, scampered to the life-boats and made miniature
+attempts at hacking the ropes and dropping to the waves.
+
+The promenade deck, both port and starboard sides, was in use each day
+accommodating group after group for half-hour periods of physical
+exercise. The tossing of the vessel lent itself in rhythm to the
+enjoyment of the calisthenics, or else it was physical exercise enough
+in trying to maintain an equilibrium while the arms and legs were
+raised alternately in eight counts.
+
+Guard duty was firmly established on board. A guard roster numbered
+more men than a guard detail at Camp Meade ever required. The
+significance of the precise guard forms another of the mysteries of
+Battery D. No one went A. W. O. L. while enroute and when it came to
+challenging after taps, a sentry in most cases could not be greeted by
+the customary answer, "a friend," although the challenged party was a
+friend indeed, also a friend in need. How could he answer when he had
+his hand over his mouth and his primary object was to get to the rail
+quick. After several days out, however, a majority of the boys "got
+their sea legs," as evinced by the mess line three times daily.
+
+A schedule of formations, similar to Camp Meade routine, was
+promulgated on board. Reveille was set for 7 o'clock each morning.
+When the time came to assemble on deck the space was so small and the
+crowd was so large that many a recruit slept-in until the last mess
+line was treading the beat. Reform measures were instituted and extra
+duty lists published, offenders being added to the regular details
+that were selected to daily wash up the deck and clean up the hatch.
+
+A permanent submarine guard was detailed, the members of this detail
+landing state rooms for the journey; living next door to the officers.
+During the trip this guard sighted several score of "subs" but
+generally their "object port-bow" proved to be a keg that had
+become prohibition and therefore found itself abandoned in mid-ocean.
+
+Outside of bunk inspection, medical inspection, feet inspection,
+several kinds of arm inspection, with details, drill formations and
+exercise periods, the life of the American soldier aboard a transport
+was an idle one. The ship's canteen did a big business during office
+hours. A world's series bleacher crowd had nothing on the canteen line
+of the Morvada. A place in the line commanded a high premium, which
+led to speculation in canteen supplies.
+
+The afternoon of July 21st was attendant by a high wind, making it
+very cool on deck, while the wind lashed the waves with great fury.
+The cold wind blew all day July 22nd, the day when the first wireless
+reports were posted on board, telling of the Germans being driven over
+the Marne and thousands of prisoners captured.
+
+The sea became calm on Tuesday, July 23rd, the gale having died down.
+The ship was traveling East and each morning watches had to be
+readjusted to correspond to the change in longitude.
+
+At 3 a. m. on the third morning out a great commotion was occasioned
+on board. Everybody was awakened by a loud rumbling. A majority
+thought a submarine had been encountered. Several dashed up the steps
+of the hatchway to be ready for action. Someone shouted, "Don't get
+excited, but make room for me to get out first." Later it was
+ascertained that the noise was caused by the ships' anchor slipping
+several rods of anchor chain.
+
+The first taste of real excitement was occasioned at 1 o'clock on the
+afternoon of July 25th when a strange craft was sighted on the distant
+horizon. The cruiser of the convoy was all action immediately. Warning
+flashed to all the convoy party and a wild series of zigzagging ensued
+while the cruiser chased pell-mell in the direction of the sighted
+craft. A shot was fired from the cruiser in the dash, but only a
+mountain of water was blasted by the discharge.
+
+The convoy continued Eastward while the cruiser investigated. Finally
+the cruiser returned to the convoy and reported everything O. K. The
+troops never learned the official identity of the strange vessel that
+sent the first sub-chasers up the vertebrae of many.
+
+Word was passed about on Saturday, July 27th, that the convoy was
+approaching the imaginary line in the ocean that Germany had
+established as the dead-line, past which her U-boats were operating in
+unrestricted warfare. The approach of the danger zone was the signal
+for all on board to remove no article of clothing while asleep at
+night and to carry a canteen of fresh water strapped to the belt at
+all times. In this manner everybody was prepared to take to the waves
+at a minute's sub-warning.
+
+As the journey continued the officers of Battery D instituted a series
+of battery lectures, also took up plans for the organization of a
+permanent battery commander's detail.
+
+Sunday, July 28th, found the sea calm in the morning, but a strong
+gale set in at noon, followed by a heavy rain during the afternoon. A
+dense fog enveloped the convoy. Fog horns came into play and it was a
+miserable night aboard for everybody. Standing at the deck rail one
+could not pierce the fog, although it was known that within a short
+radius all the other ships of the convoy were groping their way
+through the darkness; each creeping as a black monster through the
+gloomy night, depending upon the fog-horn to keep aloof from their
+sister convoy ships; a sense of loneliness enshrouded the scene. It
+was a wild night for the timid with sub-scares, especially when the
+information leaked out that the sub-chasers which were scheduled to
+meet the convoy and escort it through the danger zone, were overdue
+and still missing.
+
+Fog still lay close to the water on the morning of Monday, July 29th,
+as eager watch was kept for the new convoy. The transports had reached
+the danger line and the destroyers were not in sight.
+
+Finally at 10 a. m. on the morning of the 29th, the first of the
+sub-chasers was sighted. It was not long before others appeared,
+bobbing up and down. The waves dashed high about the light craft and
+at times seemed to submerge the shells as they bore down upon the
+groups of transports. Eight sub-chasers appeared on the scene. A great
+shout went up from the transports as the convoy was sighted. They
+circled the transports and the last and most dangerous lap of the
+journey was started.
+
+Thoughts strange and varied filled the minds of the majority aboard as
+they tossed in their bunks on the night of July 29th. Realization of
+location in the danger zone was keen. Those who were at ease
+sufficiently to sleep were annoyed and disturbed by the noises of
+whistles and signal horns as the ships and the convoy kept ever alert
+for submarines.
+
+On the morning of July 30th the eight sub-chasers encircled the convoy
+party in closer proximity. The dash through the danger zone continued
+unmolested until 3 o'clock in the afternoon when the first real
+periscope was discovered by the look-outs.
+
+The cruiser at the head of the convoy lurched forth; fired a shot and
+tossed up the waves in answer. The resonance against the steel sides
+of the transport rang out clear, bringing hundreds scampering out of
+the hatches and state rooms of the ship, on to the decks, to peer out
+over the rail and watch in awe the great drama that was being enacted
+in serious reality upon the waves of the ocean.
+
+The sun was shining brightly. Every transport in the party struck out
+at full speed, while the zigzagging was increased in comparison. Eight
+sub-chasers cut the waves with frantic speed. The circle-convoy
+formation was abandoned. The destroyers cut short to make for the
+scene of action, which held forth and was witnessed to good advantage
+from the starboard side of the Morvada.
+
+As the transports fled under full steam the cruiser and sub-chasers
+snorted and crashed and roared in the vicinity the periscopes had been
+discovered. Depth-bombs came into play. Those missiles of destruction
+were hurled from the destroyers as they combed the waves for miles and
+miles around the spot where danger threatened. Each discharge of
+depth-bomb raised an avalanche of water; the deadly bombs blasting the
+depths for great distances, while the reverberation shook the
+transports, creating the impression that the transport was in direct
+contact with each explosion.
+
+For fully an hour the detonations continued as the depth-bombs were
+discharged. Finally the destroyers swept back and the convoy formation
+was resumed. The news was spread that the final result of the battle
+was success, as vouched for by films of oil the destroyers saw appear
+on the water's surface. General report had it that five submarines
+composed the attacking party and that wreckage and oil coming to the
+surface gave evidence of two having been destroyed.
+
+The convoy continued on its journey. Sailing orders were executed in
+detail. It was 4 o'clock, one hour after the sub-battle, that the
+convoy parted, the various ships bound for different ports of
+debarkation, which were soon to loom in sight.
+
+At 6 p. m. that same day the soldiers on board the Morvada sighted
+land. Throughout the night the ships sped on but land was dimly
+discernible, the rugged outline appearing through the shadows of the
+night, while the appearance of fishing smacks, which the transport
+passed without fear or sign, created the impression that friendly
+shores were near.
+
+Unable to ply their nets at their life's occupation as fishermen
+the sturdy shoresmen of Brittany's coast gave of their time and their
+smacks to the perilous task of combing adjacent water for mines and
+explosive obstacles.
+
+It was these the Morvada passed out in the darkness of night, on the
+eve before landing and setting foot on foreign soil. The Morvada crept
+on, the contrasting stillness of the waves showing that channel waters
+had been reached. But few on board knew, or could rightly guess what
+shore was to greet their eyes on the dawn of the morrow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A ROYAL WELSH RECEPTION.
+
+
+A surprise reception was in store for the soldiers aboard the S. S.
+Morvada when it came to debarking on foreign soil. As the ship plied
+the channel waters on the night of July 30th, 1918, but few on board
+knew what port was its destination; but not so with the people of the
+British Isles. They knew the plans for the arrival of the American
+army transports. On July 31st, the people of Barry and Cardiff, in
+common with Newport, in the province of South Wales, did honor to the
+American troops.
+
+Barry, the urban district and seaport of Glamorganshire, Wales, on the
+Bristol channel, was the foreign shore that greeted the troops on the
+Morvada early in the morning of July 31st.
+
+It was perfect weather for such a visit, the first ever paid to Barry
+by a large body of American troops, and Barry's reception was
+whole-hearted. The citizens turned out in great force. Enthusiasm was
+manifest on every side, and this, despite the fact that, owing to the
+unavoidable delay in the ship's arrival, the people had to wait
+several hours while the Morvada rested at anchor in the harbor until
+docking could be accomplished at 9 a. m.
+
+While preparations to dock were in progress crowds lingered on the
+piers. The soldiers amused themselves by tossing one-cent pieces to
+the Welsh children. Immediately a demand for American cigarettes and
+chewing gum arose among the older Welshmen.
+
+The crowds and the town itself were in holiday attire. The vessels in
+dock were gay with bunting. Flags were displayed from shop-windows,
+the municipal offices and the fire-brigade station, while from the
+summit of the Barry Railway Company's offices "Old Glory" was flying
+to the breeze.
+
+As the Morvada docked and the command was given for the troops to
+debark, loud welcome was sounded by sonorous "hooters," screaming
+sirens and shrill ship and loco whistles.
+
+At 10 o'clock the soldiers were assembled on terra firma once more.
+Parade formation was ordered in answer to the glad welcome plans of
+the inhabitants.
+
+Headed by the regimental band the 311th Artillery skirted the banks of
+a small brook named Barri, whose waters encircled an island--the
+island which in the 7th century is supposed to have contained the cell
+of the Welsh saint, named Barri, from which the name of the island and
+the river is derived.
+
+British troops, with rifles at present arms and bayonets glistening in
+the sun, formed a guard of honor that lined both sides of the streets
+of Barry, through which the American troops passed in royal welcome.
+The march proceeded until King's square was reached, where official
+ceremony of welcome to the town was enacted.
+
+Here the officers and men formed in the large public square in front
+of the municipal offices, where Councillor George Wareham, J. P., as
+chairman of the district council, extended to the Americans a hearty
+welcome.
+
+Lieut.-Col. Bradbridge, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, addressing Col.
+C. G. Mortimer, in command of the 311th, said he had been commanded by
+His Majesty, the King, to welcome all to the shores of Great Britain.
+
+Each soldier was then presented with a copy of an autographed letter
+from King George V., bidding God-speed and every success. The letter
+was as follows:
+
+                                                 _Windsor Castle.
+     Soldiers of the United States--The people of the British Isles
+     welcome you on your way to take your stand beside the armies of
+     many nations now fighting in the Old World the great battle for
+     human freedom. The Allies will gain new heart and spirit in your
+     company. I wish that I could shake the hand of each one of you,
+     and bid you God-speed on your mission._
+                                                     GEORGE R. I.
+
+Col. Mortimer expressed his appreciation of the very hearty welcome
+his men had received. "We are here," he said, "for one purpose, and
+you all know what that is. We are young at the business, but if spirit
+counts for anything, it will surely win out. We have been looking
+forward to this for some little time, and I can assure you we will do
+our part."
+
+Then the band struck up the National anthem of America and this was
+followed by "God Save the King," and the soldiers moved on amid the
+cheers of the people.
+
+The last mess on the Morvada was partaken of at the conclusion of the
+parade. At 2 o'clock that afternoon all packs were removed from
+the boat, the troops assembled in a large warehouse on the pier;
+British Red Cross workers distributed refreshments while trains were
+being made up to convey the soldiers to their first foreign training
+center.
+
+A combination of first, second, and third-class coaches of the
+compartment type characteristic of the English rail system made up the
+section of train that was assigned to Battery D. The coaches and
+British locomotives were the source of considerable interest to the
+soldiers. Each compartment accommodated eight men, which allowed a
+division of squads being made for the journey.
+
+At 4:30 o'clock the wheels began to grind the rails and the first ride
+on foreign soil was started.
+
+Fast-fleeting stretches of fertile farm land and extensive pasture
+field, rich in verdure, with cattle grazing drowsily at the close of
+day, presented the picture of a peaceful pastoral life of British
+subjects as the train continued to add up mileage. Station after
+station was passed without stop by the American troop special. Battery
+D displayed an American flag from its section and the inhabitants in
+the vicinity of the railroad station as the special passed through
+their town or hamlet, could not mistake the identity of the Americans.
+
+From Barry the route stretched to Penarth and Cardiff; passed through
+Newport, Christ Church, and Major, thence across the funnel waters of
+the Bristol channel to the thriving city of Bristol; into the rural
+districts of Wiltshire; passing Bath, Trowbridge, and Warminster.
+
+Rations of hard bread, corned-beef, corned-beef hash, canned tomatoes,
+and jam, had been distributed to the squads before leaving the
+Morvada. When the troop special was nearing Salisbury, evening was
+well advanced and the appetites of the soldiers were being gradually
+appeased enroute, stop was made at Wilton, where everybody on board
+took advantage of permission to get off at the station and enjoy a cup
+of hot coffee that a contingent of British Red Cross workers handed
+out.
+
+The journey was resumed after a twenty-minute lay-over. The South of
+England was penetrated farther as the boys tried to figure out whether
+they would remain on British territory long, or whether France was to
+be the first active training center.
+
+[Illustration: 3rd CLASS FRENCH COMPARTMENT COACH]
+
+[Illustration: SIDE-DOOR PULLMAN SPECIAL
+TRAVEL A LA MODE IN FRANCE]
+
+[Illustration: INTERIOR FRENCH BOX CAR
+BATTERY D ENROUTE]
+
+[Illustration: A REAL AMERICAN SPECIAL
+NEW YORK TO CAMP DIX]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A BRITISH REST CAMP.
+
+
+At 9 p. m., it was yet daylight. The boys were weary and tired as the
+troop train on the London and Southwestern railway pulled into a
+station, the sign-boards of which gave the name as Romsey. Orders to
+detrain were passed along.
+
+All soldiers and packs were soon off the train; then, line-up as per
+usual, and march, first under a stone railroad bridge, through the
+town, soon to strike a highway leading out of the town.
+
+The pack on the back got heavier every minute, but the march
+continued; one mile, two miles, then along the stretch of the third
+there appeared scenes of buildings and tents. Post-signs glared the
+information that Camp Woodley had been reached. There appeared to be
+many parts to the camp. Battery D did not stop at the first, nor the
+second, but halt was made at what was designated as C Camp.
+
+It was a welcome order that allowed the troops to fall-out along the
+roadside as official parlance was started with the powers that ruled
+the destinies of C Camp. The vicinity was closely guarded by American
+M. P.'s., who proceeded to communicate stories, savoring the good,
+bad, and indifferent prospects of the abode that was to shelter the
+311th for one night at least. "It's a rest camp", they said. The words
+sounded peaceful to the tired troops assembled. It required only one
+day, however, to find out that the only part of a soldier that got
+rest at a "rest-camp" was the stomach.
+
+The hour was almost 10:30 when it was finally decided what area
+Battery D was to occupy for the night. C Camp was a tented camp, the
+tents being spacious enough to comfortably house about four army cots
+for a healthy soldier to rest his weary bones on. The cots, however,
+were missing. Battery D was marched down the main road of the selected
+area. Halt was made at the first tent. Twenty-six men were ordered
+inside. The remainder continued to the next tent in order where
+twenty-six more were registered for the night; and so on down the
+roster, until Battery D was under canvass.
+
+The battery cooks and details were put to work immediately to prepare
+something to eat, but a majority of the soldiers either got tired
+waiting or else had such a hard job finding what was prepared that
+they wended their way through the tented city and after considerable
+wandering found the tent wherein they were to be one of the twenty-six
+registered for the night.
+
+Twenty-six men and twenty-six packs in one tent. Crowding was more
+than a necessity; it was a torture, as was soon evinced when twenty-six
+men stretched themselves out on the board floor of the tent for the
+seeming purpose of sleeping. Extra blankets had been drawn from the
+quartermaster, which, combined with the blankets the soldier carried
+in his pack, furnished mattress and coverings for the sweet but hard
+repose. No blue-print diagram was furnished as to how the sleeping
+space was to be allotted in twenty-six portions; with the result that
+one fellow was awakened out of a sweet dream of eating pie and cake,
+to find his buddy's feet pushing him in the face.
+
+Reveille sounded at C Camp Woodley at 7:20 o'clock on the morning of
+August 1st, when Battery D received its first taste of British mess.
+Details of varied description were furnished from the battery roster,
+while the battery spent most of the first day in camp trying to figure
+out the English system of mess. The outfit was assigned places at
+tables, by squads, in mess-tents. Two from each squad were delegated a
+committee to go to the kitchen and bring on the chow.
+
+For breakfast the committee brought back an iron-bound kettle of
+oatmeal; another kettle of prunes and a quantity of bread. The system
+then was one of "help yourself and pass it on," which was all right
+for the fellow at the head of the table, but the fellows on the
+opposite end had to do the figuring.
+
+The same procedure was followed at noon when slum was served. Night
+mess in England invariably was cheese and tea and jam, which was
+always good as far as it went. The entire 311th regiment was served
+from one kitchen. It was good fortune that the Americans had
+individual mess kits with them and that there occurred no sanitary
+inspections of said eating utensils while in C Camp where fifteen
+hundred mess kits were washed in a two by four bucket.
+
+During the first day in an English camp many of the soldiers slipped
+past the M. P.'s and made their way to the town; a quaint market town
+and municipal borough, numbering almost 4,000 inhabitants, in the New
+Forest Parliamentary division of Hampshire. As far as sight seeing,
+the only thing of interest in the town was an old abbey. Cafes were
+numerous, while English ale signs were more numerous.
+
+An American Y. M. C. A. was housed under canvas at Camp Woodley. The
+workers in charge prepared a royal entertainment, while the regimental
+band gave a concert the second night of the soldiers' stay in
+camp. Members of a Romsey dramatic club furnished the entertainment.
+Towards the close the band struck up, "The Star Spangled Banner,"
+then, "God Save the King." The Romsey entertainers started to sing
+their National Anthem, while the Americans joined in with, "My Country
+'Tis of Thee." All that was needed to complete the effect of the Babel
+scene was John J. Jlosky and Otto Skirkie to sing, "Down Where the
+Green River Flows."
+
+Reveille for Friday, August 2nd, had been set for 7:30 a. m. All heads
+were awakened by the bugle at 6:45 o'clock that morning. No one in
+Battery D stirred. The impression was that the call was for another
+outfit. Six fifty-five found First Sergeant James J. Farrell going
+from tent to tent to find out the cause of the silence. Then there was
+great hustling to get out in line and many a woolen puttee was missing
+that morning.
+
+The day was destined to be a rough one. It was raining at reveille
+call and still raining when call was sounded at 9:30 o'clock for a
+hike. The hike was started and continued for three miles, so did the
+rain. The longer the soldiers walked the faster it rained. The scenery
+was beautiful through the stretch of pleasantly situated country in
+the rich valley of the Test. Picturesque English homesteads, set amid
+hedges and roses, with moss-overgrown thatched roofs, dotted the
+wayside. At a cross-roads the battery halted for rest. Along the road
+came a baker's wagon. There was a raid on its gingerbread cookies. The
+bakerman reaped a harvest of good American quarters for every three
+cookies he handed out.
+
+Drenched through slicker, et al. the soldiers retraced their step to
+Camp Woodley, the beauties of the flowery countryside being lost to a
+majority by the far-soaking rain. When Lieut. Hugh Clarke dismissed
+the watery battery admonition was added for everybody to change to dry
+clothing. But, alas, the advice was far better than expedient. The
+only clothes the soldiers possessed at the time were wet on their
+backs. Their extra uniform and clothing was in their barrack-bags,
+which had not been seen since leaving Camp Meade. No fire was
+available. The only open course was to let the clothes dry on the
+back. The boys of Battery D spent a very lonely afternoon, sitting in
+the tents, with wet clothes. And, it continued raining on the outside.
+
+When the battery drew individual rations, consisting of one can of
+corned-beef; a hunk of cheese; a box of hard bread and a can of jam,
+at 9:30 o'clock, Saturday morning, August 3rd, the sun was shining
+and the day was waxing warm. Under full pack the command started for
+the seaport of Southampton.
+
+Romsey is seven miles Northwest of Southampton by the London and
+Southwest railway, but the 311th did not take the L. & S. W. The
+hob-nail limited was the official troop train and the route covered
+nine miles by winding road.
+
+It was on this hike that "Corona" became lost. David B. Koenig, the
+battery clerk, was the chaperon of "Corona." But he could not carry
+her all the way, so the boys took turns at carrying the precious
+thing. During one of the rest-halts, however, some one left poor
+little "Corona" lay by the roadside. When her disappearance was
+discovered it was necessary for Lieut. Clarke to hike back several
+miles and find the lost. "Corona" was the battery typewriter.
+
+Southampton was reached at 12:30 o'clock. Stop was made at the British
+rest camp at the Commons where refreshments, in addition to the cheese
+and jam rations, were secured at the British Y. M. C. A. canteen. At 2
+p. m. that day it started to rain and at 2:15 the regiment resumed its
+march and reached the docks at 3:15 o'clock.
+
+It was a regiment of tired soldiers who sat on their packs in the big
+warehouse pier at Southampton waiting for word to go up the gang-plank
+of the vessel that was to take them across the English Channel.
+
+"The King Edward" was the name of the channel-going vessel that drew
+alongside the pier late in the afternoon. It was a cute-looking boat,
+just big enough to transport Battery D across the channel in comfort.
+At 6:30 p. m., Battery D and 1200 other members of the 311th were
+loaded on the King Edward. Everybody had a pleasant time. No space
+went to waste, whatever. Some tried to sleep during the long night
+that ensued while standing against a post and others tried to strap
+themselves to the ceiling with their cartridge belts. In general the
+scene was like unto a large meat-cooler in a butcher shop, with the
+exception that the ship furnished life-preservers instead of
+meat-hooks and the temperature was the extreme of zero.
+
+Convoyed by several destroyers with piercing search lights, which
+scanned the same waters that held the dead of the Hospitalship
+Walrilda, which was torpedoed in the English Channel while conveying
+wounded back to England, the King Edward started on its dash across
+the channel at 8:30 p. m., on the night of the day that the Walrilda
+met its fate.
+
+The troops huddled together in the small hatches of the King
+Edward did not have much thought where they were or whither bound.
+They did not recall at the time that they were passing the Isle of
+Wight and the spot in the English Channel that witnessed the defeat of
+the Armada in the same month, back in the year 1588.
+
+Sufficient unto the night was the misery thereof. Sea sickness came
+over quite a few, which was duly abetted by the stifling air. Those
+near the hatch-ways were fortunate in getting to the deck rails when
+their inner recesses were most severely tempest-tossed. Those who were
+hemmed in on all sides by human forms, who lay stretched on the
+stairs, in hallways, benches and wherever there was an inch of space,
+had a difficult time when they attempted to find a passage way through
+the closely matted carpet of humanity.
+
+Col. C. G. Mortimer, the regimental commander, came down from his
+station on the deck and found it well-nigh impossible to get through
+the corridor of the forward saloon.
+
+Through the hours of the long night the King Edward was convoyed
+across the channel at a speed nearing 25 knots an hour. Early morning
+of Sunday, August 4th, drew the King Edward near the shores of
+Northern France. At 2 p. m. the ship approached a harbor, but it was
+not until daylight that those on board could see a sign on a warehouse
+of a pier, bearing the name Cherbourg.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+SO THIS IS FRANCE!
+
+
+"So this is France!"
+
+For the first time the boys of Battery D repeated this phrase in all
+its reality as they stood upon elevated ground in the vicinity of the
+British Rest Camp at Cherbourg and viewed the vista of harbor, four
+miles distant, where, from the gang-plank of the King Edward they set
+foot on French soil on Sunday morning, August 4th, at 8 o'clock.
+
+The panorama presented the naval and commercial harbors, from which
+Cherbourg, the seaport of Northwestern France, derives its chief
+importance. The eye can see the three main basins, cut out of the
+rock, with an area of fifty-five acres, which forms the naval harbor
+and to which are connected dry-docks; the yards where the largest
+ships in the French navy are constructed; magazines and the various
+workshops required for an arsenal of the French navy.
+
+A glance about reveals surrounding hills, in which batteries are
+located in fortification of the works and the town.
+
+A second glance toward the harbor shows a large naval hospital close
+to the water's-edge, at the mouth of the Divette, on a small bay at
+the apex of the indentation formed by the Northern shore of the
+Peninsula of Cotentin. There is also at the mouth of Divette, the
+commercial harbor, connecting with the sea by a channel. This harbor
+consists of two parts, an outer harbor and an inner basin. Outside
+these harbors is the triangular bay, which forms the road-stead of
+Cherbourg.
+
+The bay is admirably sheltered by the land on three sides, while on
+the North it is sheltered by a large breakwater, which is protected
+and leaves passage for vessels. The passages are guarded by forts
+placed on islands intervening between the breakwater and the mainland,
+and themselves united to the mainland by breakwaters.
+
+Glimpses of the town of Cherbourg which the boys received as they
+hiked the four miles from the docks to the rest camp, through narrow
+and crooked streets, revealed no buildings of special interest, apart
+from the church of La Trinite dating from the 15th century; a statue
+of the painter J. F. Millet, born near Cherbourg, stands in the public
+gardens and there is an equestrian statue of Napoleon I in the square
+named after him. After reaching the rest camp the soldiers were
+unable to get down to the town again, although they had been told that
+the Hotel de Ville housed a rich collection of paintings.
+
+It was at 10 a. m. when the regiment arrived at the British Rest Camp
+at Cherbourg. Halt was made on a large parade ground in front of a
+Y. M. C. A. hut. The boys stretched themselves on the ground while
+search was instituted for the area the outfit was to occupy at its
+second rest camp.
+
+Rest had just been commanded a few minutes when the command to
+"fall-in" was sounded. Everybody hustled to their feet, shouldered the
+heavy pack and awaited the next order.
+
+"About-Face" was ordered. And the regiment obeyed. "Rest" was next.
+This was the first time in the history of the battery that it was
+necessary to shoulder packs to execute an about-face.
+
+The camp consisted of dome-shaped, sheet-iron barracks and tented
+areas. After an hour's wait Battery D was assigned to the 13th row of
+Section C of the tented area. Tents were pyramid in shape. Fourteen
+men were crowded into each tent that was originally intended for
+eight.
+
+By laying in wheel formation, with fourteen pairs of feet meeting at
+the center pole, the boys rested themselves on the board floors of the
+tents that night. There was no room for packcarriers and other
+paraphanelia in the tents. Most of the soldiers deposited their excess
+luggage on the outside. About midnight it started to rain. There was a
+scurry to get the equipment in out of the rain, which also disturbed
+the sweet slumbers as water trickled in under the canvass or else came
+through leaks in the roof.
+
+Reveille sounded at 5:30 the next morning. Orders were given for packs
+to be rolled preparatory to moving. A move was made from Section C to
+row 19 of D Section of the same tented area. The remainder of the
+morning was set apart for Battery D to take a bath. The soldiers' bath
+had been a negligible quantity since leaving Camp Meade, with the
+exception of some few who attempted to work up a lather with salt
+water on the Morvada. To the boys, therefore, the prospect of a good
+bath was hailed with delight.
+
+No dressing room was attached to the bathhouse that was situated at
+one end of the Cherbourg rest camp. Therefore the boys had to make
+ready for the bath in their tents. With slickers and shoes on the
+battery lined up and marched to the bathhouse, while the rain came
+down and the wind was wont to play with the flaps of the raincoats, as
+a battery of bare-legs was exposed to the elements.
+
+Arrived at the bathhouse, it was discovered that the showers would
+accommodate eight at one time. The first squad in line went into the
+water sanctum, while everybody else waited their turn on the outside.
+
+The showers consisted of three half-inch pipes suspended from the
+ceiling. There were three lengths of pipe, each length being
+perforated at two places to emit the shower of water. The perforations
+comprised about four holes, each hole about one-sixteenth of an inch
+in diameter.
+
+The first eight who entered the bathhouse were eager to get under the
+showers and consequently did not glance about to inspect the equipment
+of the room. The eight soldiers braced themselves under the showers
+and yelled for the man in charge to turn on the water. Instead of
+being washed away by the force of the current, as the firmly braced
+attitude of each gave evidence that such was to be the case, the
+opening wide of the flood-gates let four needle-like streams of water
+descend upon each figure.
+
+The eight took the bath good-naturedly and as they passed out of the
+bathhouse, making room for the next eight to enter, they passed word
+along the end of the waiting line to the effect that it would be just
+as expedient to take off the slicker and stand out in the rain, that
+was still falling.
+
+The same evening orders to leave the rest camp came forth. At 6 p. m.
+the regiment was assembled on the parade ground and soon started its
+march back over the four miles, through Cherbourg, to the railroad
+yards of the Ouest-Etat railway, which skirted the docks.
+
+Arrived there at 7:45 p. m., sections of French trains were assembled
+ready to receive the soldiers. This assemblage of coaches was of
+infinitely greater variety than those of English ownership. Third
+class coaches were in evidence, but of greater import were the box
+cars containing the inscription, "40 Hommes or 8 Chevaux."
+
+Forty men or eight horses may have been the official capacity but when
+forty soldiers with equipment C were assigned to such a car to spend
+the night and several succeeding nights, all that was needed to make
+sardines was a little oil.
+
+Several sections of the battery were fortunate in securing third-class
+accommodations, but the remainder prepared to settle themselves in the
+box cars, the majority of which cars turned out to have flat wheels as
+the journey started.
+
+Daylight remained abroad for the first two hours of the journey;
+while the cars jolted over the rails the boys sang and kept alive the
+spirit. Then came darkness. No lights in the car. Forty men stretched
+out in a small box-car. Incidently it might be added that a French
+box-car is about one-half the size of similar type of car used on the
+railroads in the United States. It wasn't fair to kick your buddy in
+the face or get on his ear. The night, however, gradually wore on and
+the towns of Valognes, Isigny and Manche St. Lo, were passed. Thence
+out of the Manche department, through the railroad center at Vire, in
+Calvados, the special, with its side-door Pullmans, rolled on, enroute
+through Flers, Coutenne and Pre during the early hours of the morning
+of August 6th. Daylight dawned as Alencon was reached and at 11:30 a.
+m., Le Mans loomed in sight. A half-hour's ride from Le Mans and an
+half-hour lay-over was ordered. The troops were allowed to alight for
+the time. A supply of iron rations was also furnished each car from
+the supply car of the special.
+
+The next stop was made at Tours from 6 to 8 p. m. A short lay-over was
+also made at Poitiers at 11 p. m. The troop special was then nearing
+its destination. But few on board were aware that at the end of the
+next thirty-four kilometers was Montmorillon, in the department of
+Vienne, which was to be the stopping off place of Battery D for a stay
+of several weeks.
+
+The troop special of thirty-five coaches and box cars, pulled into the
+station at Montmorillon at 1 a. m.; all was quiet about the station. A
+majority of the soldiers were too tired to care about location. They
+slumbered on as best they could in their box-car berths, while the
+special was pulled in on a siding, to remain until daylight when the
+order to detrain was to be issued.
+
+[Illustration: MONTMORILLON STATION
+Where Battery D Detrained in France After Leaving British Rest Camp
+at Cherbourg.]
+
+[Illustration: MONTMORILLON STREET SCENE
+Building Marked X was Billet for Half of the Battery During the First
+Month Spent on French Soil.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+WHITE TROOPS INVADE MONTMORILLON.
+
+
+Dotted with quaint architecture of 12th and 13th century Romanesque
+and Gothic design, the hills of Vienne department, France, cradle the
+crystal-clear and drowsy-moving waters of the Gartempe, a river, which
+in its course winds through the town of Montmorillon, where four
+thousand French peasantry, on August 7th, received their first lesson
+in American cosmopolitism.
+
+Montmorillon, where the boys of Battery D were billeted for the first
+time in the midst of the French people; where they received their
+first impressions on French life and mannerisms, lives in memory of
+the boys as the prettiest, cleanest and most-comfortable place of any
+the outfit visited during its sojourn in France.
+
+Despite the fact that a feeling of strained hospitality attended the
+reception of the 311th Artillery, the first body of white American
+troops to visit Montmorillon, the cloud of suspicion was soon lifted
+and four weeks of smiling August sunshine days, undarkened by
+rainclouds, were spent along the banks of the Gartempe.
+
+When the 311th troops alighted from the troop special early on the
+morning of their arrival, the station and avenues of approach to the
+town were guarded by American negro M. P.'s, members of the 164th
+Artillery Brigade, who had arrived in the town several weeks previous
+and had made themselves at home with the natives.
+
+The 311th was not in Montmorillon many days before the explanation of
+the half-hearted reception came to light. An element of negro troops
+had started the story on its rounds among the guileless French
+peasants that the white troops, who had just arrived, comprised the
+"Scum of America," and that they (the negroes) were the real
+Americans; the whites being the so-called "American Indians." As the
+flames of gossip spread from tongue to tongue, admonition was added
+that the white arrivals were dangerous and corrupt and the French
+should refrain from associating with the new arrivals.
+
+Thus there was created an intense and bitter racial feeling that
+loomed gigantic and threatened open racial hostilities as the white
+and colored American troops traveled the same streets of a foreign
+village; were admitted to the same cafes and vied with each other for
+the friendship of the French populace.
+
+Street fights were not infrequent, while scenes in cafes were
+enacted wherein white refused to sit in the same room with colored
+troops or vice-versa.
+
+Persisting in their set standard of chivalry, the element of the white
+soldiers often took it as ordained to induce the French demoiselles to
+leave the company of their opposite in blood. Many of the colored
+troops were equally persistent, with the result that the breach of
+ill-feeling gaped bigger, until official cognizance came to bear.
+
+Within a short time the 164th Brigade was withdrawn from Montmorillon,
+leaving the 311th to commence its active and intensive course of
+training on foreign soil.
+
+On August 7th, the day of the 311th's arrival, the troops waited at
+the station for several hours while the billeting officers were
+locating billets throughout the town. Iron rations were partaken of at
+the station and everybody was glad that battery mess outfits would
+soon set up shop and the American Q. M. system of rationing would be
+resumed.
+
+The march through the town to the various assigned billeting districts
+was started from the station at 9:30 o'clock. The batteries of the
+regiment were scattered in various billets throughout the town. Every
+vacant house, barn or shed that possibly could be pressed into
+service, was designated as a billet for the troops.
+
+Battery D continued its march through the town; across the cement
+bridge over the Gartempe; into an octagon-shaped intersection of
+public streets, lined with several three-story buildings, the
+principal one of which gave evidence of being a cafe and bore the
+sign, "Cafe du Commerce."
+
+Opposite the bridge, the route was along Rue de Strasburg, where, in
+the rear of the Cafe du Commerce, Battery D halted before a
+three-story stone structure that bore signs of having been vacated for
+many years.
+
+The area billeting officer produced a large key, threw open the door
+and half the battery was ushered inside. It immediately fell their
+task to brush the cow-webs from the ceilings; gather up the fallen
+plaster from the floor; sweep out several years' accumulation of dirt
+and dust; while the old-fashioned shutters were pried open for the
+first time in many years and the sunshine streamed into the rooms, to
+drive away, to some degree, the mustiness of environment.
+
+The other half of the battery was directed to a barn structure
+about a block distant from the first battery abode. Clean-up
+activities of similar nature were instituted in the barn.
+
+About 3 o'clock that afternoon the barrack bags of the regiment were
+received and distributed to the soldiers. The bags had been in transit
+ever since leaving Camp Meade.
+
+Arrangements were made with several French farmers to bring a quantity
+of straw to the public square, where the soldiers, later in the
+afternoon, filled their bed ticks. It was on a tick of straw, thrown
+on the floor of the old dilapidated, vacated house, that one hundred
+of the battery spent their nights of sleep in Montmorillon while the
+other half occupied similar beds on the upper-lofts of the barn.
+
+There were no formations the morning after arrival. The battery men
+spent most of the time about town. It was strange to observe the
+peasantry hobbling along in their wooden shoes, the flopping of the
+loose footwear at the heels beating a rhythmic clap, clap on the
+cobblestone pave.
+
+Each day brought new scenes of peasant life. Quaintly and slowly oxen
+under yoke were used on the streets to haul the farmers' grain to the
+large public square, where, under the scorching sun the farmer and his
+helpers toiled with hand flailers, thrashing the grain. Strange
+looking carts, drawn by donkeys with large ears, vied with the
+ox-carts for supremacy of traffic.
+
+Along the river's edge were located public places for clothes-washing.
+The peasant whose house adjoined the river had a private place at the
+water's-edge where the family washing was done. The river served as a
+huge tub for the entire community, the women carrying their wash to
+the river, where, kneeling at special devised wash-boards, garments
+were rubbed and paddled until they shown immaculate.
+
+Washing was greatly increased at the river when the 311th came to
+town. The hundreds of soldiers sought out washer-women. The peasant
+women welcomed the opportunity of earning a few francs doing American
+washing. The more active of the washer-women spent entire days washing
+at the river for the soldiers. At first one franc was a standard price
+for having a week's laundry done, but as days passed and business
+became brisker, rates went up to two, five and in some instances
+higher.
+
+To the Americans the town of Montmorillon, as was the case of most of
+the ancient towns visited in France, presented an impression of
+isolation. Houses built during the 12th century with their high walls
+surrounding and barricaded entrances, were greatly in evidence; houses
+of such nature, history records, as furnishing protection in the days
+when feudalism fought at spear-points. The stages and wages of war
+advanced with the centuries, but not so with the ancient French town;
+where the peasants live content with no sewerage or drainage system;
+content to pursue the antiquated customs. To be thrown in the midst of
+this 12th century environment was productive of lasting impressions on
+the part of the American troops who were suddenly transplanted from a
+land of 20th century civilization and advancement, to an old and
+foreign soil.
+
+The first night the 311th was in Montmorillon fire broke out in "The
+Baines," an ornate and modern French homestead near the Cafe du
+Commerce. Several officers of the 311th regiment had secured quarters
+in the Baines. They were forced to vacate by the fire. Bucket brigades
+was the only fire protection the prefecture afforded its citizenry.
+The fire drew a large crowd of the new soldiers, a score of whom took
+active charge of fighting the blaze; giving the Frenchmen a real
+exhibition in the art of bucket-brigade fire extinction.
+
+Time, however, was not to view French scenery. Training activity was
+the official topic of interest. It was decreed that instruction in the
+school of the soldier should begin immediately. Fifty per cent of the
+regiment comprised new recruits, who had been assigned to the outfit
+previous to departure from Camp Meade. It was necessary to begin the
+training at the beginning.
+
+Out from the town, among the open farm lands, a large grain field was
+secured as a drill field for the battery. It required a thirty-five
+minute hike from the battery billeting area to reach the drill field.
+This hike was in order every morning and afternoon. The time on the
+drill field was spent in learning the rudiments in much the same
+manner as the training was started and progressed with the first
+recruits at Camp Meade.
+
+When 4 o'clock of each afternoon came, the order was established for a
+swim in the river as the parting day's rejuvenator. Montmorillon was
+the only place in France where the battery got frequent baths.
+
+Saturday morning for the troops at Montmorillon was generally inspection
+time. Inspections were held on the public plaza. Showdown inspections
+were as exacting as Camp Meade days. Saturday afternoon and Sunday
+were days of rest for those who were lucky enough to escape detail.
+
+Regimental services were held in the public square on Sunday mornings,
+while many of the soldiers visited the curious, two-storied chapel of
+octagonal form and Romanesque style, that was built in the 12th
+century, in which services were still conducted. The chapel is
+connected with the ecclesiastical seminary that occupies a building
+that was formerly an Augustinian convent.
+
+The Church of the Notre Dame is another ancient landmark of
+Montmorillon that held interest for the Americans. It, also, is a 12th
+century building, built on a high slope, with its chapel undermined
+with a series of catacombs. Trips of inspection to these subalterean
+chambers, where the worship of the early ages was conducted, were
+numerous and interesting to the soldiers.
+
+Various schools for instruction of the officers of the regiment were
+established at Montmorillon. A detachment of new officers from the
+Saumur school arrived in town to take charge of the training work
+while the regular officers attended the schools. Second Lieut. Sidney
+F. Bennett of Derby, Vermont, was assigned to Battery D at this time
+and was given plenty of work in supervising the morning drill and
+battery instructions. Lieut. Bennett immediately won great favor among
+the men. He varied his periods of drill and training with athletics.
+"O'Grady," "Crow and Crane," "Belt 'Round the ring," and numerous
+other sport contests were indulged in with great vim.
+
+A battery kitchen, utilizing the field range, was set up in close
+proximity to the two battery billets. Here the boys lined up with
+their mess-kits three times a day. They sat out in the narrow French
+street as they appeased their appetites. Gone were the mess hall
+tables of Camp Meade days. Gone were the cots of Camp Meade memory.
+Cheer was added, however, when mail from the United States and home
+began to reach the outfit. The first despatch of mail to reach Battery
+D overseas was at Montmorillon on August 13th.
+
+Then on August 14th came the first overseas payday. The battery
+members were paid with an addition of ten per cent for foreign
+service. The first pay was in French currency, the rate of exchange at
+the time being 5:45 francs to the American dollar.
+
+When French peasants toiled a whole day for several francs and when
+the pay of the French soldier was not equalling one franc a day,
+the French, when the American private was paid $33 a month in
+179.85 francs, gained the idea that all Americans were millionaires.
+The result was the establishment of two standards of price in French
+shops; one price for the French and a higher price for the Americans.
+
+Souvenir postcards sold anywhere from 10 centimes to five francs
+apiece. In the matter of fruits, peaches commanded one franc for three
+during the peach season; apples sold two for one franc; while tomatoes
+that should have sold for one franc a basket, brought one franc for
+five.
+
+The soldiers were allowed to be on the streets until 9 o'clock each
+night. Many spent their money freely. The wine shops did a thriving
+business and as is usual in large crowds, the element was present that
+was not satisfied with sampling the large assortment of wine-vintages
+but indulged in Cognac. Strict disciplinary measures were immediately
+adopted. Several of the first offenders, none of whom, however, were
+from Battery D ranks, were reduced in rank at a public battalion
+formation on the public square.
+
+The cognac proclivities of the few endangered the privileges of the
+many in having freedom to visit in the town at night. Battery
+punishment was inflicted at times, which constituted carrying a full
+pack on the back at drill formation or for a certain period after
+drill hours.
+
+Toward the latter part of August steps were taken to organize a
+battery commander's detail. Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke took charge of the
+instruction work. Special instruction was started in map and road
+sketching, orientation and signal work. The battery in general was
+also put through a strenuous course in the use of the semaphore and
+the wigwag.
+
+On August 21st the regiment passed in review on the large regimental
+drill ground, under a burning sun. The swim in the river at the close
+of that day was especially inviting.
+
+While in Montmorillon Lieut. Sidney F. Bennett instituted a series of
+battalion and regimental setting-up exercises. Calesthenics, to the
+music of the regimental band, was the feature of the exercises.
+
+The long hike to the grain field drill ground was abandoned after two
+weeks and the village plaza was used for drill purposes. About this
+time several French army sergeants were attached to the regiment and
+instruction in gun pit construction was started. Details were kept
+busy for several days digging gun pits near the regimental drill
+grounds, but before the job was fully completed orders came for
+the regiment to leave Montmorillon.
+
+Present day reminiscences vouch for the fact that the stay in
+Montmorillon was most pleasant. The weather had been ideal throughout
+the month of August. Except for a detachment from the regiment who
+replaced the negro M. P.'s no guard duty was necessary in the town.
+During the first week of September, 1918, however, all that the boys
+had to compare their lots and life in Montmorillon with was Camp Meade
+regime. In the light of this comparison many expressed words of
+approval that the outfit was finally getting away from such a horrid
+place. Those who failed to see the good points of Montmorillon,
+moreover, were without knowledge of what the future held in store for
+the outfit in its journey through France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ACTIVE TRAINING AT LA COURTINE.
+
+
+La Courtine, a village in the Department of Creuse, France, is
+surrounded by hilly country, the very nature of the hills affording
+ideal artillery range. La Courtine, therefore, was the site of a
+French artillery camp for many years.
+
+The village is divided into two parts; that which is gathered around a
+progressive looking station, and part is on a hill, which part is
+called Hightown. Both parts are confined to one street, replete with
+bars and cafes.
+
+It was to La Courtine that the 311th was bound after leaving
+Montmorillon. The French had turned the artillery camp over to the
+Americans and thither the 311th regiment was sent to get active and
+intense training in range fire with the use of the French 75's.
+
+The troop special assigned to the regiment upon leaving Montmorillon
+was made up of box cars, many of which had recently been used to
+transport crude oil, evinced by the oil on the floor of the cars. Onto
+every box car was loaded anywhere from 36 to 50 soldiers and a supply
+of iron-rations for the trip.
+
+Montmorillon was last seen at 10 a. m., September 4th, when the trip
+of box cars began to jolt and bang and back and switch over the rails,
+with the troops aboard making the best of the situation, reclining on
+straw that had been secured to partly cover the crude oil.
+
+The route was through Dorat, Gueter, Busseau and Feletin. La Courtine
+was reached at 9 o'clock. As per usual the first few sections of the
+battery were left at the station as a baggage detail, while the
+remainder of the battery marched through the village to the camp on
+the outskirts.
+
+The camp consisted of concrete barracks, with no lights at night and a
+majority of the windows broken. The floor and ceiling, however, was
+solid, which, at least, meant dry shelter during the nights of
+France's rainy season, soon to be experienced.
+
+Besides having a majority of the window panes broken, the barracks
+bore marks of having been the target for machine-gun bullets. The
+exterior walls were pitted with holes. Battery D was not in camp long
+before the members knew the story of the Russian revolt that had been
+staged at La Courtine during the days of Russia's exit from the war.
+When Russia withdrew from the fighting Camp La Courtine sheltered
+Russian troops. When the crash came part of the Russian army encamped
+there revolted against a portion that sought to remain loyal to
+France. The result was battle. The revolutionists fortified the
+surrounding hills with machine-guns and opened fire on the barracks of
+the camp below. Many Russians were slain in the revolt and lie buried
+in a cemetery in the camp. The revolt was finally suppressed by a
+detachment of French cavalry dispatched to the scene.
+
+Sleeping quarters at Camp La Courtine contained bunks made of two-inch
+plank, on which the Americans used their bed-ticks filled with straw.
+
+Battery kitchens were set up the morning after arrival. The kitchens
+were located under a tented roof. Mess was enjoyed by the soldiers out
+in the open, as there was no mess hall for Battery D.
+
+Except a slight rain the first day at Montmorillon, the four weeks
+spent by the outfit in Vienne Department were weeks of sunshine
+without a single day of rain, save the slight shower on the day of
+arrival. It was the declining days of the French dry-season. Advent of
+the outfit at La Courtine was with the rainy season. It rained the
+first night in camp and it kept raining almost continuously during the
+two months the battery spent at range practice.
+
+The weather, however, affected no training schedules. The first days
+at La Courtine were given over to hours of intensive exercise, drill
+and instruction in all lines of artillery work. Specialty schools were
+started in orientation, telephone, radio, machine-gunners, etc.
+
+It was at La Courtine that Bill Brennan and Joe Loskill, who
+accompanied the advance detail of the regiment to France, rejoined the
+battery. They had arrived at La Courtine several weeks previous to
+attend the machine-gun school. The machine-gunners, who left the
+battery at Montmorillon to attend the school, were also at La Courtine
+when the battery arrived.
+
+Instruction was continued from early morning until nightfall. A large
+Russian cannon was discharged in the camp each morning at 5 o'clock,
+also at retreat time each night. Reveille was a daily formation but,
+as was the case at Montmorillon, retreat was suspended during the
+months the war continued. All energy was devoted to essential
+war-training formations.
+
+Camp La Courtine housed a large and well-equipped American Y. M. C. A.,
+presided over by a large and capable staff of secretaries. To a
+majority of the troops the Y. M. C. A. furnished greater inducement
+for an evening's entertainment than did the numerous wineshops
+down town, that always stood open and ready to receive the cash of the
+American soldiers.
+
+On September 10th matériel began to arrive for the regiment. Within a
+few days the regiment was equipped with French artillery equipment,
+the field pieces being the famous French 75 millimetre guns.
+
+It was the first time that a majority of the boys of the regiment ever
+came in contact with a 75. During the period of training at Camp
+Meade, Md., U. S. A., the old members of Battery D spent eight months
+in learning the 3-inch American field gun. It was an entirely new
+proposition when equipped with 75's and ordered to range practice.
+
+Instruction was also started in equitation and harnessing. French
+artillery harness presented many new problems to the Americans. Many a
+soldier became highly exasperated in a vain attempt to untangle a set
+of French harness.
+
+About twenty horses were furnished the regiment at La Courtine.
+Several motor trucks were also supplied, whereby sufficient traction
+was secured to drag the guns out among the surrounding hills for
+actual firing practice.
+
+Battery D was not long in getting acquainted with the French 75's. On
+September 16th, just a brief span after the first instruction on the
+mechanism of the gun, the boys fired the first salvos on the range at
+La Courtine.
+
+September 19th was the beginning of what was almost incessant work on
+the range. Rolling out at 5 a. m., the boys toiled on the range
+through the rain and mud, returning to barracks at 6:30 p. m.
+
+Training continued in intensity. September 30th was one of the days
+reveille sounded at 4:30 a. m. The weather was miserable--rainy,
+windy, dreary. The battery left the barracks at day-break and hiked to
+the range with field-packs, to sleep in pup tents on range grounds, to
+be on hand early the following morning.
+
+Gas masks and steel helmets were additional implements of war issued
+to the soldiers at La Courtine. Then followed hour after hour of gas
+instruction. Gas masks were carried by the battery on all hikes and
+drill formations. Besides adjusting the mask a countless number of
+times a day, a regimental order made it mandatory that the masks be
+worn for at least one-half hour continuously each day.
+
+Influenza struck the regiment while encamped at La Courtine early
+in October. On October 5th, the camp Y. M. C. A. was closed under
+quarantine. The quarantine in the regiment was accompanied by strict
+daily inspections. The barrack squad rooms were thoroughly cleaned and
+disinfected each day and all blankets were taken out for a daily
+airing.
+
+There was a plentiful supply of ammunition at La Courtine. The battery
+spent the days at range practice when thousands of dollars worth of
+shells were fired at a great variety of targets from several different
+battery positions that were established.
+
+While the battery was fitting itself at range practice, specialists
+were qualifying in all the attendant duties of artillery work. Toward
+the last of October it looked as though the outfit would soon see
+active service, as perfection in firing was rapidly being reached.
+
+On October 15th the battery camouflage detail, headed by Sergeant Leo
+Delaney, of Pittston, Penna., began the construction of camouflaged
+gun positions on the range, after which Battery D participated in the
+firing of a brigade problem.
+
+Several days previous, October 11th, William Reynolds, of Pottsville,
+Penna., was killed when acting as No. 1 man of the first gun crew, in
+charge of Sergeant James Duffy, of Parsons, Penna. Standing in the
+rear of the piece, Sergeant Duffy had given the command to fire. The
+execution of the command was immediately followed by an explosion in
+the gun's tube, a portion of steel flying and striking Private
+Reynolds, almost decapitating him. Nicholas Young, of Pottsville,
+Penna., acting as Number 2 man on the gun-crew, sustained a compound
+fracture of the leg. Gunner-Corporal John Chardell, of Hazleton,
+Penna., sustained injuries about the body which confined him to the
+camp hospital for several weeks.
+
+Private Reynolds was buried in the American cemetery at Camp La
+Courtine on Saturday, October 12th, at 2 p. m., with military honors.
+This first casualty overseas awakened a new cord of sympathy among the
+battery members and it was with thoughtful determination they turned
+from the grave of their departed comrade and went back to their tasks
+of preparing for active war.
+
+Training was continued amid rumors of early departure for active
+battle sectors. As early as October 10th orders were received for the
+outfit to prepare to move. Supply wagons, etc., were immediately
+packed. Days passed, but no transportation was in sight. Each day
+the boys looked for an order to entrain, but the R. T. O.'s were not
+heard from.
+
+Thrilling news of the final stages of the drives reached the boys
+through the Paris editions of the New York Herald and Chicago Tribune,
+that were sold in the camp each day. The news enthused the soldiers
+and thrilled them with the desire to move forward and get in on the
+grand finale. They had toiled early and late, in all kinds of weather,
+to learn how, and it is natural to presume that a red-blooded soldier
+yearned the opportunity to make use of that knowledge acquired with
+such sacrifice and toil.
+
+While waiting orders to move the battery took up a new position on the
+range. A brigade firing problem including a night barrage was fired on
+October 21st, with the signal details at work with signal rockets.
+
+The brigade problem, which was the last firing the battery did in
+France, ended on October 30th with the laying down of a defensive
+barrage. The problem required twenty-four consecutive hours.
+
+On October 28th, First Lieutenant C. D. Bailey joined the battery at
+La Courtine. Lieut. Bailey was formerly of the ambulance service of
+the French army and the S. S. U., No. 5. and at that time, he was the
+only man in the regiment entitled to wear a French decoration.
+
+Meanwhile the outfit was packed up in the main, and was ready to move
+at short notice. With the approach of November the boys thought their
+movement was assured and plans were laid for a "feed," consisting of a
+pig-roast, to be held on November 2nd.
+
+Late in the afternoon of November 2nd death claimed First-Sergeant
+James J. Farrell, of Parsons, Penna., who died a victim of pneumonia.
+Sergeant Farrell, who was a regular army service man, was buried at La
+Courtine on Monday, November 4th.
+
+The same day, November 4th, another battery member was claimed in
+death by Influenza. He was Private Horace Fardon, of Paterson, N. J.,
+who was buried on November 5th. That evening at 6:55 o'clock Private
+First-Class Joseph A. Loughran, of Hazleton, Penna., fell a victim to
+pneumonia. Private Loughran was buried alongside Private Fardon, on
+the morning of November 6th.
+
+Besides paying last military honors to their departed comrades the
+boys spent the days previous to the cessation of the fighting on the
+pistol range, developing their proficiency with side-arms.
+
+On the evening of Wednesday, November 6th, a battery entertainment
+was staged in the auditorium of the camp Y. M. C. A. A mock trial was
+the feature of the entertainment.
+
+On one of the trips to the pistol range, on November 5th, Private
+William Van Campen, of Ridgewood, N. J., walked into a loaded hand
+grenade, which he kicked. The resultant explosion caught him in the
+knee and incapacitated him on the hospital list. Corporal James F.
+Kelly, of Plains, Penna., almost collided with a grenade on the same
+trip.
+
+An order was issued, November 9th, for front-line packs to be rolled;
+transportation was in sight. The inevitable delay resulted, however.
+All transportation facilities were busy hauling ammunition to the
+front where the Allies were giving the Germans the rain of fire that
+caused them to think seriously and quick about an armistice.
+
+[Illustration: ENTRANCE TO CAMP LA COURTINE, FRANCE
+Road Leading from the Village Street to the Artillery Camp. The Scene of
+the Armistice Celebration.]
+
+[Illustration: AMERICAN Y. M. C. A. AT CAMP LA COURTINE
+Officers' Mess Hall of French Camp Used as a Recreational Center by the
+American Army.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+NOVEMBER ELEVENTH AT LA COURTINE.
+
+
+November 11th, 1918, was a memorable day to the populace of La
+Courtine, France, as was the case in every hamlet, village, town or
+city in the world, when the news was flashed that Germany had accepted
+the terms of an Allied armistice and that fighting was to cease at 11
+a. m. that day. The armistice that ended the World War was signed at 5
+a. m., Paris time, and hostilities ceased six hours later, which was 6
+o'clock Washington time.
+
+The American troops encamped at La Courtine this eventful time
+received the tidings with great joy. The roads leading from the camp
+to the village were crowded with soldiers who paraded up and down in
+hysterical good humor. The crowds thronged into the village where the
+one main street was ablaze with celebration. The French populace were
+out to celebrate with the Americans. The cafes did a land office
+business. Wine flowed freely. The French kissed the Americans in some
+instances as the celebrators swayed through the street. The band was
+out. The crowds shouted, yelled, sang and cut-up all kinds of antics.
+
+The scene, however, was similar to that enacted everywhere throughout
+the Allied world. The end of the fighting was officially announced and
+everybody was glad. The same hysterical good humor swayed the crowds
+at La Courtine that prompted like celebrations throughout the United
+States.
+
+Great as was the enthusiasm and celebration of November 11th, the big
+gusto of celebration had been spent at La Courtine, as was the case
+everywhere else, on Thursday evening, November 7th, when a premature
+and unofficial announcement of the armistice was made.
+
+Battery D spent the afternoon of November 7th on the pistol range.
+About 5 o'clock the news quickly spread that a bulletin announcing the
+end of the fighting had been posted at the Y. M. C. A. The bulletin
+was up only a short time when it was removed, with the explanation
+that it was unofficial, also contradicted.
+
+But the anxious hearers, as was the case everywhere, wanted no
+denials. The enthusiasm of the hour made people speak of the thing
+which they had been hoping for as though it had come true.
+Consequently the enthusiasm led to celebration.
+
+It was a gala night in La Courtine. The days following brought sober
+realization that the end had not yet come. Stern realities of war
+loomed big in Battery D circles on Saturday, November 9th, when a
+front-line pack inspection was in order.
+
+A quiet Sunday followed, then, at noon on Monday, November 11th, came
+the authentic news of the armistice signing. Joyous celebration
+started immediately and assumed its peak during the afternoon when
+special passes were issued to the soldiers to visit in the village.
+The celebration continued until late at night.
+
+Official recognition of the news was thundered from the cannon at Camp
+La Courtine at retreat, when a royal salute of twenty-one guns was
+fired.
+
+The following day was also an off day for Battery D. Passes to visit
+the town were issued to half the outfit from reveille to 3 p. m.,
+while the other fifty per cent were given the privilege from 3 p. m.
+until 11 p. m.
+
+Word was received that the regiment was to entrain at La Courtine on
+November 14th. Preparations were immediately made for a farewell
+banquet. After great preparation by the cooks and the K. P.'s, the
+banquet was staged at 6 o'clock on November 13th, with stewed chicken
+as the mainstay of the menu. A number of the Y. M. C. A. girls were
+guests at the banquet.
+
+Thursday, November 14th, the regiment had the task of getting its
+matériel to the station at La Courtine for transportation by rail to a
+new billeting area of France. No one could guess where it was to be or
+what the future held in store for the troops in the way of service and
+training during the months that were sure to intervene before it was a
+question of homeward bound.
+
+The regiment was well supplied with matériel, but had no horses. A
+number of motor trucks were sought out to haul the heavier of the
+supply wagons. It was necessary for the soldiers to furnish the power
+to drag the guns and caissons from the camp to the station, a distance
+of over a mile.
+
+The matériel was loaded on flat cars at the station. Then the soldiers
+were ushered to side-door Pullmans once again. Bed ticks were not
+emptied of their straw before leaving camp. Thus the soldiers entered
+the box cars with their bed ticks as a mattress to recline on the
+floor of the car.
+
+The first section of flat cars and box cars with Battery D left La
+Courtine at 2:30 o'clock. Another seeing France by box-car trip was
+on.
+
+An improvement in mess enroute was experienced during this trip.
+A flat car was used for the rolling kitchen. Hot meals were prepared
+in transit. Back over the same route, through Feletin and Abusson, to
+the junction point at Busseau, the troop special proceeded, reaching
+the junction at 6:30 o'clock when mess call was sounded. Here the
+first section of the train waited until 8:27 for the arrival of the
+second section at the junction point.
+
+It was dark when the trip was resumed. Deprived by the darkness from
+sight-seeing privileges, all that remained for the troops to do was to
+stretch out on the floor and try to sleep. The nights were long and
+dark while traveling in a French box car.
+
+During the night the towns of Jarnages and Montlucon were passed. The
+train entered the Department of Allier, traveling Northeast, through
+Commentry, Villefranche, le Montel and Moulins.
+
+Daylight was breaking by the time Moulins was sighted. Stop was made
+at Paray le Monial from 7:30 to 8 a. m., when breakfast was served
+from the flat truck dining car.
+
+The next day, November 15th, was spent traveling through a beautiful
+stretch of country. The railroad ran almost parallel with the Boninoe
+river, a branch of the Loire. Through pasture lands and farming
+country, the road stretched along Palinges, Montceau, Changy, Beaune.
+A lay-over for lunch was made at Nuits St. Georges at 1 p. m.
+
+In the afternoon stop was made at Dijon, where the troops got a chance
+to detrain and partake of refreshments that a corps of French Red
+Cross workers served at the station.
+
+Soon after leaving Dijon darkness fell upon the troop special. The sun
+had not yet gone to rest. The famous tunnel between Sombernon and
+Blaizy-Bas had been penetrated. This tunnel, on the road to Paris, may
+be a note-worthy piece of engineering skill, but its designers
+evidently never dreamed of a troop special of thirty or forty old box
+cars, many with rust-corroded doors that could not be closed, whizzing
+through; leaving the passengers to eat up the exhaust from the smoke
+stacks of the locomotive.
+
+At this time the troop train was headed Northwest, toward Paris, but
+hopes of getting near Gay Paree were soon shattered. When Nuits sous
+Ravieres was reached, switch over to another branch was made and the
+direction then was Northeast, toward Chaumont, the A. E. F.
+headquarters town.
+
+Stop for night mess was made at Les Laumes, where orders were also
+issued for the troops to get their packs ready as the outfit would
+detrain in about three hours time.
+
+A heavy frost developed that night and the troops almost froze in the
+boxcars. After delay in getting started from Les Laumes the journey
+continued over a considerable longer period than three hours. Laigne
+and St. Colombre were passed and La Tracey, the detraining point, was
+reached at 3 a. m., Saturday, November 16th, 1918.
+
+Reveille was not sounded until 6 a. m. During the interim most of the
+troops left the boxcars and built fires in the railroad yards, around
+which they sought warmth during the early morning hours.
+
+The hustle to get all the matériel from the flat trucks started at 6
+o'clock. A section of a motor transportation corps was dispatched to
+La Tracey to convey the regiment to its new billeting district. The
+motor outfit was late in arriving, but finally start was made. Three
+and four guns and caissons were attached to each truck, the truck
+loaded with soldiers and packs, then for a thirty kilometer race
+through the Marne Department in motorized artillery form. The last
+detail did not leave La Tracey until 4 p. m.
+
+The first details arrived at Ville sous La Ferte, a small village in
+the Department of Aube. This village was the billeting center for the
+2nd Battalion of the regiment. Regimental headquarters was established
+at Clairvaux, four kilometers from Ville sous La Ferte. The 1st
+Battalion went to Juvancourt, about a kilometer distant.
+
+Farm lands and vineyards surrounded these villages. The inhabitants
+were of the quiet peasant type. With nothing of interest and no form
+of amusement, Ville sous La Ferte was a quiet place for Battery D. The
+battery was divided among a score of barns, lofts, sheds and houses,
+covering considerable length of a village street. A grist mill with
+its water-wheel and mill-pond was situated near the building in which
+the battery office was established. All formations were assembled in
+the street in front of the battery office. Difficulty was experienced
+during the stay at this place in getting the battery out at all
+formations, especially those members who were billeted in the loft of
+a barn at the extreme end of the battery street. As a remedy the
+battery buglers were given the job of traversing the street each
+morning and routing out the fellows.
+
+It was mid-November. The days and evenings were getting damp and
+chilly. Fires were comfortable things those days, but heating stoves
+were unknown to the peasant homes of Ville sous La Ferte. The
+houses were equipped with fire-places. The big question, however,
+was to procure fuel. It was all the battery could do to get a supply
+of wood from nearby woodlands to supply the needs of the battery
+kitchen. At first the fellows started to make raids on the wood pile
+that came in for the kitchen, but this soon had to be stopped under
+necessity of suspension of the commissary department.
+
+For many of the squads billeted in the barns and sheds there was no
+chance for warmth as there were no fire-places. During the damp, cold
+nights the only choice the inhabitants of those billets had was to
+roll in and keep warm under the blankets.
+
+To chop a tree down in the numbered forests of France was to commit a
+crime, so the fellows who were in billets that did have fire places
+faced a series of crimes to get wood. The inhabitants of such billets
+took it upon themselves to devise ways and means to obtain fuel. The
+occupants of one billet sent details out to root up old fence posts
+from adjacent farm-lands; while in another instance eighteen men
+housed in a billet borrowed several French wheel-barrows and at night
+made a raid on a large pile of newly cut tree trunks which was located
+a kilometer from the village.
+
+The result of this night's work provided fuel and light for several
+days in the billet of the raiding party. Light was another essential
+feature. With candles selling as high as a franc apiece, letter
+writing home was sadly neglected in many cases. So the receipt of an
+extra letter written by the light of a log-blaze, kindled with wood
+secured through great difficulty, has had to act as savoring
+repentance for any misconduct employed in acquiring possession of the
+means of light and heat.
+
+The battery had among its equipment dozens of new horse-blankets. With
+the exception of a few stray animals, no horses had been received by
+the battery in France thus far. Several were in care of the outfit at
+Ville sous La Ferte, where six horses caused as much stable detail
+work as a complete battery of mounts occasioned at Camp Meade. The
+main feature, moreover, was the distribution of the horse-blankets
+among the troops in an effort to keep warm at night.
+
+There was no room in Ville sous La Ferte to do any maneuvering, so the
+guns and caissons were parked in a field and were not used during the
+stay. The time of the soldier was employed in hikes and various forms
+of athletics. Soccer developed as the leading sport and great rivalry
+resulted in games that were played on furrowed ground of a large wheat
+field.
+
+War was over, so official orders again gave birth to Retreat
+formation, which was held with much disciplinary ado in front of the
+Hotel de Ville at 4:15 o'clock each afternoon. Guard mount was also
+decreed and last, but not least, regimental reviews came into their
+own with great official solemnity.
+
+On Thursday, November 21st, a wild boar hunt that had been planned by
+the battery, had to be called off. A regimental review was to be held
+at Clairvaux that afternoon.
+
+The 2nd Battalion formed at 1 p. m. and hiked to Clairvaux with colors
+flying for the big review. A mix-up in giving commands "flunked" the
+first attempt at passing in review. The entire ceremony of dignity had
+to be executed a second time. Close order drill then came into its
+own. The following day, November 22nd, the battalion again hiked to
+Clairvaux, where another review was staged and the regiment kept at
+battalion close-order drill until 4 o'clock.
+
+Sunday, November 24th, reveille sounded at 6 o'clock. Orders were
+given to make rolls preparatory to moving. When the soldiers were
+ready to move the order was changed. It was discovered that the motor
+trucks would not arrive until the following day.
+
+The motor transportation squad was expected to arrive early on Monday
+morning. It was 9 o'clock at night when they arrived. Departure was
+delayed until next morning, but this did not keep back an order that
+called the battery out in detail during a heavy rain at 9:30 Monday
+night to pull the guns and caissons through the mud, from the field
+where they had been parked to the road, so that they could be attached
+to the motor trucks. There was a great tendency to "duck detail" that
+night.
+
+Ville sous La Ferte was finally left in the distance, Tuesday,
+November 26th, at 10 o'clock. The soldiers and their packs had to pile
+in the few motor trucks that were furnished. A few of the boys rode
+the matériel attached to the trucks and had a wild ride. The rolling
+kitchen of the battery, with ovens blazing away, covered the roads at
+a fine clip behind a motor truck, with George Musial having his hands
+full trying to manipulate the brake.
+
+The trip continued through Maranville and Bricon. Chaumont was circled
+about 4 o'clock and stop was made about twenty-one kilometers from
+A. E. F. Headquarters, at a sleepy little hamlet of about fifty houses
+and barns, called Blancheville.
+
+[Illustration: A BATTERY D KITCHEN CREW
+Photo Taken at Mess Tent at Camp La Courtine, France.]
+
+[Illustration: GROUP OF BATTERY D SERGEANTS
+Capts. Clarke, Smith, and Hall in foreground.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+MUD AND BLANCHEVILLE.
+
+
+Blancheville, mud and mules are associated in memory of the holiday
+season of 1918-19 that Battery D spent in France.
+
+It was Thanksgiving week when Battery D arrived in Blancheville. The
+auto convoy deposited the battery paraphernalia in the vicinity of the
+old stone church and graveyard that stood along the main highway as
+the landmark and chief building of the village. Nearby stood the only
+other building of import--a stone structure that housed a pool of
+water in the manner of the ancients. This was the public pool where
+the women of the village came to do the family washing, as the village
+was deprived of the natural advantages of a river. Watering troughs
+surrounded this wash-house on two sides. Twice daily the cattle and
+live-stock from all the village barns were led to this watering place.
+Water for drinking purposes was also supplied the village from a
+special fountain on the exterior side opposite the water troughs.
+
+Mud was the chief characteristic of Blancheville. It was a farming
+community of unusual quietude. Plenty of barns and roosts were found
+in which to billet the battery. The natives were very hospitable. They
+readily chased out the cows and the chickens to make room for the
+Americans. The boys lived next door to animal nature. In one billet an
+adjacent room housed the live stock and it was not uncommon to have
+slumbers awakened by the cow walking into the sleeping quarters of the
+troops.
+
+While in Blancheville the boys got used to the largest of the French
+rat species. During the hours of the night they traveled flat-footed
+over the faces and forms of sleeping soldiers, also played havoc with
+all soldier equipment stored in the billet. It may sound like myth,
+but it is a fact that a rat in one billet dragged an army mess kit
+across the floor--they were some rats.
+
+On the road opposite the church stood an old, one-story stone building
+that was built in its present form, eight hundred years ago. The roof
+was overgrown with moss and one corner had started to crumble in from
+old age. In this building Corporals James Cataldo and Michael A. Tito,
+the battery barbers, set up a barber shop. They did good business
+after they were able to convince the battery in general that the roof
+would not cave in for another hundred years.
+
+The first day in Blancheville was spent in parking the guns and
+caissons, digging Latrines and the usual duties attendant upon
+establishing a new battery home. It was also a job in itself to make
+some semblance at getting some of the billets cleaned up and half fit
+to sleep in.
+
+Reveille for the first few mornings was at 8 o'clock. Thursday,
+November 28th, was an off day for the outfit, except those on K. P.,
+who got an extra job in preparing a battery Thanksgiving spread. The
+day was spent by the idle mostly in hiking over the roads and visiting
+some of the nearby villages where the other units of the regiment were
+quartered. Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Supply
+Company, Battery C, and the Medical detachment were at Andelot, about
+four kilos from Blancheville. The 2nd Battalion Hqrs. and E Battery
+were at Cirey-les-Mareilles; A Battery was at Vignes; Battery B at
+Montot, and F Battery at Mareilles.
+
+The town of Andelot, built in the shape of an amphitheatre on the
+slope which forms the base of the hill of Monteclair, is situated on
+the banks of the little river Rognon, 21 kilometers from Chaumont,
+seat of the Department of Haute Marne.
+
+On this hill of Monteclair, on which there was a strong-castle during
+the years 101 to 44 B. C., Caesar established a camp. Under
+Constantine (306 A. D.) Andelot became the seat of a province. A Court
+of Champagne fortified the position of Monteclair (440 A. D.). On the
+28th of November, 587, the treaty of Andelot was made between Gontran,
+King of Burgundy, and Cnideberft, King of Austrasia, who was
+accompanied by his mother, Brunehaut.
+
+In 871 A. D., Andelot became the seat of a county, which was broken up
+in the course of the tenth century, and which was a dependency of the
+Duke of Lorraine. From 1201 to 1253 the fortifications of Monteclair
+were strengthened and enlarged, the town was beautified and surrounded
+by walls, which were demolished in 1279. Andelot became the seat of a
+prefecture of which Domremy, the birthplace of Joan of Arc, was a
+part.
+
+In 1356 and again in 1431 Monteclair was taken by the English. It was
+returned to France in 1434. In 1523 a German army occupied Andelot and
+the castle of Monteclair for a short time. There followed famine and
+pestilence. Francis I, King of France (1494 to 1547) repaired the
+fortifications and ordered a great amount of work to be done on the
+fortress. During the religious wars (1337 to 1453) Andelot was taken
+and re-taken by the Catholics and Protestants, its church was
+burned and its bells melted down. Monteclair came again under the
+authority of the King in 1594.
+
+The fortress of Monteclair was dismantled in 1635, and in the
+following year the Germans devastated the town of Andelot. The
+fortress was finally destroyed in 1697. From that time until the
+present Monteclair and the towns in its vicinity have been rich in
+souvenirs.
+
+It was among these scenes Battery D idled the Thanksgiving day. At 5
+p. m. a special feed was put on in the battery mess hall in general
+celebration. The feasting was getting along nicely; everybody was
+enjoying the menu of roast pig and prune pie and nuts and candy, when
+it was suddenly discovered that a number of the candles used to light
+the mess hall had suddenly disappeared. The aftermath was felt for
+several days. A thorough search for the lost candles was instituted.
+They could not be found. An official battery order was then
+promulgated, stating that if the candles were not returned within a
+certain time a very heavy battery guard would be put on for the
+remainder of the stay in Blancheville.
+
+About a half dozen candles had disappeared. When the ultimatum was
+issued about two dozen candles of all sizes and descriptions were
+returned to the battery kitchen. The guard never went on. Candles
+continued to sell in Blancheville for fancy prices and the battery in
+general suffered in its letter writing for the want of light at night.
+
+Leather jerkins were first issued the battery at Blancheville on
+November 29th, which was the signal for horses to be received. The
+receipt of horses started a long and hard battle with the mud. To
+multiply miseries mules played an important part in the life of the
+battery. All told it is a long, muddy tale.
+
+On Friday, December 6th, fourteen sick horses arrived in Blancheville
+to be cared for by Battery D. The following day another consignment of
+horses arrived. The majority of the animals were afflicted with the
+mange. All had seen active service and were badly used up. Many
+suffered from neglect, the troops having but little time for the
+proper care of the animals while up in the front lines. Some were
+minus pieces of their ears, which had been shot off in battle.
+
+Two large, open artillery stables had been erected at Blancheville by
+a previous contingent of troops, so Battery D had stable facilities.
+The constant rain, however, soon played havoc with the ground in the
+vicinity of the stables and it was not long after the horses were
+received that the heavy traffic in the vicinity of the stables
+created a regular sea of mud. Hip rubber boots were issued and it was
+a grand battle with the mud each day. The animals had to be led
+through the mud three times a day to the public water troughs in the
+village.
+
+Besides caring for the horses the time at Blancheville was spent in
+hiking, at physical exercise and in the enjoyment of various forms of
+athletics. The manual of the pistol again came into its own and the
+guns were not neglected, as gun drill was finally returned to the
+schedule.
+
+At least once a week the battery hiked to Cirey les Mareilles, three
+kilos distant, where the only bath house was located.
+
+Thoughts of the Christmas season came to the battery at Blancheville
+when the first Christmas boxes from the folks back home were received
+during the second week in December. The boxes continued to arrive
+until the festal holiday.
+
+Sunday, December 15th, was payday for the soldiers in Blancheville.
+This particular payday was of ill omen for the battery. A number of
+the boys indulged too freely at the cafes in Chantraines, with a
+to-be-regretted fracas resulting. A guard of military police was put
+on at Chantraines following this escapade.
+
+Monday, December 16th, thirty-five additional horses were received by
+the battery. Considerable time was spent in getting the harness in
+shape, especially the saddles, after which lessons in equitation were
+again started, also a number of battery mounted hikes inaugurated.
+
+Early in December announcement was made of a proposed horse convoy to
+the Belgian border. The topic was discussed for many weeks, the
+proposed trip having been scheduled and cancelled several times before
+a convoy finally materialized. What the one hundred volunteers for
+this convoy had to contend with during the trip is a tale of its own,
+which must be related in terms of hardship, rain, mud, and mules.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AN ADVENTUROUS CONVOY.
+
+
+What could be more pleasant or soothing to an adventurous spirit than
+a trip in the saddle through the scarred and devastated battle sector
+along the Lorraine border? This is what appealed to the boys of
+Battery D when announcement was made at Blancheville early in December
+that one hundred men were wanted to accompany a horse convoy to Longwy
+on the Belgian border. One hundred volunteers were asked for, and it
+was not long before the required number was enlisted from the military
+ranks.
+
+The first convoy was to have left Blancheville on December 13th, but
+at the eleventh hour the trip was cancelled. Various other dates were
+set. Finally, on Wednesday night, December 18th, Capt. Smith assembled
+the battery in the Y. M. C. A. tent that stood near the old church,
+when announcement was made that the horse trip was to start on the
+morrow and the names of the one hundred men who were to make the trip,
+were called off.
+
+In high spirits the volunteers made ready for the trip. Each man
+packed a set of saddle bags; made ready a driver's roll with shelter
+half and blankets. All the other individual equipment was gathered
+together and left in the Y. M. C. A. tent, as rumor had it that the
+regiment was soon to move to another billeting area and the order to
+move might come when the horse convoy was on the road. Thus the extra
+equipment was left with the remainder of the battery, on whose hands
+evolved the task of remaining in Blancheville and caring for the
+battery horses and doing the other detail work. The schedule worked
+hardship both ways. There was more than enough work for those who
+remained at the battery area, and those who volunteered for the convoy
+were not long in realizing that they had a tough job on their hands.
+
+The detail of one hundred men left Blancheville at 7:25 a. m.,
+Thursday, December 19th, in five auto trucks. The trucks also conveyed
+a saddle and equipment, also driver's roll, for each member of the
+party.
+
+The auto convoy proceeded through Chaumont; then came a pleasant ride
+along the Marne river, passing through the towns of Luzy, Vesaignes,
+Rolampont and Langres. Stop was made at the latter fortified town,
+where the soldiers visited the town and procured refreshments. The
+trip was continued and at 12:30 p. m. the party reached Remount No.
+13. at Lux, situated about three kilometers beyond Is-sur-Tille.
+
+In fighting the mud at Blancheville the battery members thought they
+had struck the muddiest spot in France. Nothing could be muddier, they
+thought. But this thought was soon shattered when the volunteer convoy
+reached Lux. Perhaps it was due to the Remount being numbered 13, but
+the mud that surrounded it is beyond adequate description.
+
+It was raining heavily when the battery arrived at Lux. Slimy mud,
+three feet thick in places, covered the territory of the remount.
+
+The original order was for the detail from Battery D to remain at the
+remount over Friday and start with the horses for the Belgian border
+on Saturday morning. Arriving at the remount the battery detail was
+housed in a sheet-iron barrack with corrugated sheet-iron bunks. And
+everything was covered with mud.
+
+Thursday night, while the detail lingered at the remount, official
+orders came changing the plan for the convoy party. Instead of taking
+horses to Longwy the detail was ordered to start the following morning
+to return to the 311th Regiment with several hundred mules.
+
+Friday morning, December 20th, reveille was held in the rain at 5:45
+o'clock. Immediately after mess the auto trucks were loaded and made
+ready for the trip. The detail, in charge of Capt. Smith, and
+accompanied by Lieutenants Yeager and Bennett, ploughed through the
+mud to the section of the remount that housed the horses the convoy
+was to escort.
+
+Each member of the convoy selected a horse to saddle. The animals were
+of various spirits. Many of the battery detail were recruits who did
+not have the lessons in equitation at Camp Meade that the older
+members of the battery experienced. After considerable difficulty the
+horses were saddled and the convoy assembled in a large field to
+receive the consignment of mules.
+
+Many of the horses had never been ridden in the saddle before, with
+the result that a regular wild-west exhibition transpired on the
+field. Riders were thrown from the saddle into the mud, but all the
+boys had their nerve with them and stuck to the horses, bringing them
+under control.
+
+Lieut. Yeager was induced by the remount officers to saddle a large
+and fiery stallion, but after a brave attempt on the part of Lieut.
+Yeager to break and ride the stallion, during which the rider was
+precipitated into a large, muddy pool and covered with mud from head
+to foot, change had to be made for another animal, the stallion being
+left behind when the convoy started.
+
+When all was set with the detail mounted, the remount attaches trotted
+out 237 mules, tied in series of three.
+
+The mules were divided among the mounted men, each man getting three
+mules to lead, besides having to manage the horse he was riding. All
+the mules were frisky, having remained unworked for a considerable
+period. There was great prancing around as the convoy assembled. The
+mules, in many cases, started to pull one way and the horse pulled the
+opposite. Many of the mules were tied up in various speed
+combinations. Ones that were always on the run were coupled with ones
+that did not know how to step lively, or else the horse of the mounted
+party was either too fast or too slow for the trio of mules the driver
+had to lead along.
+
+At 9:30 a. m. the convoy got started on the road. The convoy consisted
+of 96 mounted men leading 237 mules, the rolling kitchen drawn by four
+mules, in charge of George Musial, who had the assistance of Cook
+Burns and two K. P.'s in preparing meals enroute. Five auto trucks,
+carrying the forage and picket-line equipment, formed the remainder of
+the train.
+
+Slowly the convoy proceeded over the mud-covered road leading from
+Lux. At noon stop was made at Fontaine-Francais, where the animals
+were watered in a stream and given nose-bags. Then the rolling kitchen
+came along the road and hot slum and coffee was served to the horsemen
+stretched out along the side of the road. It was against orders to tie
+the animals anywhere while on the march. Each driver had to hold his
+charges at rein's length with one hand, and attempt to eat the slum
+with the other hand.
+
+After a two and one-half hour lay-over the march was resumed, a
+distance of thirty kilometers having been set for the day. The route
+was through Montigny in the afternoon and at 5:15 p. m., under a cover
+of darkness the convoy reached Champlitte. Through the town the road
+stretched, past a large chateau, then came a long hill, down which the
+horses and mules galloped, wild with hunger and fatigue. It was a dark
+night and difficulty was experienced in keeping to the unknown road.
+In making the descent of the hill leading from Champlitte several
+riders and mules almost struck the edge of the elevated road and had a
+narrow escape from going mounted over a precipice.
+
+It was about 6 p. m. when stop was made at the base of the hilly
+road, where orders to remain for the night were issued. There were no
+stable accommodations, or nothing ready to receive the animals. A
+picket line had to be erected in a muddy ravine. The animals had to be
+led to a nearby stream and watered by bucket as there was no shallow
+approach to the stream. As the animals were watered and lead to the
+hastily thrown up picket-lines they began to bite and kick each other.
+A miniature stampede resulted until the several hundred nose-bags were
+adjusted and hay shook out along the picket line. Then all horses and
+mules had to be blanketed for the night. The detail secured the
+blankets from the auto trucks and started the task, which took
+considerable time and which was finally accomplished at the risk of
+life and limb. A limited amount of picket line had been erected and
+the mules especially were tied in very close proximity. To get between
+them and blanket the frisky jacks was to dodge bites and hoofs in all
+directions.
+
+Mud was kicked up in all directions while the animals were receiving
+attention. It was a tired, muddy and dirty lot of soldiers that
+finished their tasks at the picket line at 11:30 p. m., and started to
+march up the dark hill to Champlitte; to the old chateau that was to
+house the troops for the night. It was midnight when the troops got
+something to eat from the rolling kitchen. Then they stretched out on
+the floors of the old chateau to rest for the night.
+
+Next morning was Saturday. It was decided that the convoy would remain
+over at Champlitte and rest for the day. There was but little rest,
+however, as everybody was kept busy caring for the horses and mules;
+watering, feeding and grooming being in order. When it came to
+grooming the mud was caked thick on all hides.
+
+It rained Saturday night. The guard detail at the picket line had a
+merry time chasing mules that broke loose and started to roam over
+adjacent hills.
+
+All hands were up and on the job at the picket line at 5:30 a. m.,
+Sunday morning, December 22nd. It was 8:30 o'clock before all sections
+were watered and fed, the picket lines packed in the trucks and things
+made ready to start. With the sections lined up on the road ready to
+start, count of the mules was taken and it was discovered that five
+were missing. An hour's wait resulted until all mules were present and
+accounted for.
+
+The drive continued through the rain, until 11:30 p. m., when the town
+of Pierrefitte was reached. Detailed work in throwing up a picket
+line in the yard of an old chateau and duties equally as strenuous and
+similar to the first night's stop at Champlitte, were in order until
+all the animals were cared for. Bean soup was served for the battery
+mess and the night spent in the chateau.
+
+During the night the rain turned into a sleet storm, attended by a
+strong wind. The wind and the sleet caused a stampede at the picket
+line. Morning found the picket lines completely demolished, and horses
+and mules roamed all over the lot. They were tied in all shapes and
+forms, the halter shanks being twisted in knots galore.
+
+The battery men were up and doing at 5:15 Monday morning. It was 10 a.
+m. before all the animals were captured and tied up properly. The
+first section got started on the march shortly after 10 o'clock.
+Sleet, rain and snow continued to fall during the day. Through large
+expanses of open road, the convoy journeyed. The sleet drove in the
+faces of the mules, causing them to gallop at top speed. The riders
+had their strength severely tried and tested in keeping the situation
+under control.
+
+Stop was made about 3 kilos from the town of Bourbonne where the
+animals were watered at a stream. The convoy entered Bourbonne at 3:30
+p. m. and found to its great joy that the town housed an American army
+veterinarian section and had stable accommodations. The stable
+facilities lightened the work of the convoy and it was 5 o'clock when
+the men went to the town to seek quarters for the night. The large
+auditorium of the American Y. M. C. A. had been scheduled as the place
+of abode for the night. When the outfit applied for admission a
+conflict of dates was brought to light. It took great persuasive
+force, bordering close unto mob rule, before the officious officer in
+charge of the Y. M. C. A. was induced to allow the tired and muddy
+party to break in upon the quietude of the few sections of troops
+occupying part of the Y. M. C. A. for the night.
+
+Before the convoy resumed the journey on Tuesday morning, December
+24th, army veterinarians examined all animals in the convoy party.
+Many loose shoes had to be fixed by the blacksmiths, while twenty-two
+of the horses showed symptoms of lameness else had developed sores
+that barred them from continuing the journey. The veterinarian section
+also took over a number of the sound horses and mules.
+
+The first sections got started from Bourbonne at 9 a. m. Twenty-six of
+the men, under Capt. Smith, were detailed to take the lame horses to a
+nearby remount and exchange them for sound animals. It was 11:30
+when the detail of twenty-six left Bourbonne with the thought of
+overtaking the remainder of the convoy.
+
+The main convoy rode hard all day. It was the day before Christmas and
+it was raining. Stop was made for the night at Clefmont, where stable
+accommodations were secured for the horses, while the mules had to be
+picketed.
+
+The detail of twenty-six that was following had difficulty in finding
+the road the convoy had taken. It was dark when Clefmont was reached.
+The main detail had sent out a guard with a lantern to locate Capt.
+Smith and his detail, but the guard got on the wrong road; leaving the
+detail with Capt. Smith passing out Clefmont in the blackness of the
+night. By a stroke of luck, however, inquiries from French peasants
+finally steered the lost detail on the road where the advance guard
+with the lantern was located.
+
+After caring for the horses the convoy spent Christmas eve in an old,
+dirty, combination barn and dwelling. Reclining on bunches of live
+straw that was found in the building, the soldiers dreamt of Christmas
+eve back home, wishing they were there, instead of where they were.
+
+Christmas morning, Wednesday, December 25th, dawned clear and cold.
+Clefmont was left behind at 9 a. m., when the soldiers determined to
+drive hard so that the trip could be terminated by noon. The route lay
+through Longchamp. As the morning wore on a snow storm developed.
+Through the snow the riders pressed on, until 1 p. m., when
+Cirey-les-Mareilles was reached. Orders were to leave the majority of
+the animals at Cirey. A detail of Battery E men were on hand to meet
+the convoy and assist in caring for the animals at that point.
+
+Relieved of their charges, the members of Battery D secured auto
+trucks to take them to Blancheville. It was a relief to get washed and
+cleaned up, as there was very little washing and shaving done during
+the five days on the road. It was a pleasure, also, to be back at the
+old stamping ground. And, to think it was Christmas. A few peaceful
+hours during the afternoon and evening were enjoyed by the convoy
+detail. A large amount of mail had accumulated while the men were on
+the road. It was Christmas mail, in which cheering words were received
+from the home folks. Christmas boxes despatched through the Red Cross
+came into their own. It was a rejuvenated bunch that partook of
+Christmas dinner in the battery's old mess hall at Blancheville at 5
+o'clock that night.
+
+[Illustration: BATTERY D ON THE ROAD
+Passing Through a French Village.]
+
+[Illustration: ABOARD THE EDW. LUCKENBACH
+Battery D Homeward Bound.]
+
+[Illustration: AT BUSH TERMINAL, BROOKLYN
+Home. At Last.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+ON THE ROAD TO BENOITE VAUX.
+
+
+During the month of January it was reported in official circles that
+the 154th Artillery Brigade was to accompany the 79th Division into
+Germany as a unit of the Army of Occupation. The artillerymen were
+enthused with the prospects of joining their division and getting in
+the midst of the big scenery. The movement, however, never
+materialized. The outfit was forced to bear a disappointment like unto
+the shattering of expectations of getting in on the finale of the
+fighting.
+
+As has been recorded, as early as October, 1918, the instructors had
+decided that the 311th artillery was in a position to take up active
+front-line duties. Several weeks previous the infantry and machine-gun
+regiments of the 79th Division had entered the fight and made their
+famous attack on Montfaucon, one of the most difficult positions to
+take in the Argonne sector. Twenty-seventh Division artillery had
+furnished the support at Montfaucon. The 79th Division artillerymen
+were eager to replace them and aid in the fighting of the division
+along the Meuse river.
+
+After the holiday season Battery D spent its time in Blancheville with
+mounted hikes forming the mainstay of the schedule. Each day the
+outfit looked for orders to join the division and proceed to German
+territory.
+
+The horses and mules brought to the regiment by the convoy, were
+distributed to the various batteries. Driver squads were immediately
+reorganized and great preparation attended all the hikes.
+
+The latter part of January an official order was issued citing the
+individual members of Battery D as entitled to wear a gold service
+chevron, an indication of six months service on foreign soil. With the
+award of the gold stripe came the selection of the Lorraine Cross as
+the divisional insignia and the granting of leaves of absence to visit
+the beauty spots of France, with Paris included in the schedule as a
+possible three-day leave center. The first men left the battery on a
+fourteen day leave, at Blancheville. A waiting list was established
+and passes were issued in order of application. During the remainder
+of the battery's stay in France names were on the leave list.
+
+The famous Mediterranean Riviera was the favorite leave center,
+although St. Malo and Grenoble were cited in official division
+orders. Many of the members of Battery D got the opportunity to
+spend a vacation in the Southern part of France, where the land is
+sheltered by the mountains from the North winds, and lit and warmed by
+a resplendent sun in a sky, the azure of which is seldom dulled by
+clouds. Nice, Monaco with its Monte Carlo and a trip across the
+Italian border near Menton, were included in the majority of the leave
+itineraries. While en route to the Southern clime it was customary for
+the soldier on leave to mistake trains; get on the wrong train and
+find himself landed in the City of Paris. This, in most cases, was the
+only opportunity the majority had of seeing the French metropolis,
+although a number of three-day leaves to the capital city were granted
+battery men.
+
+Leave privileges in the A. E. F. kept the French railroads busy. The
+demand for furloughs became so popular that troop specials to the
+leave centers came into being and opportunity of individual travel was
+curtailed. Scores, however, took advantage of the troop specials to
+the land of vacation ease.
+
+While Battery D was in Blancheville Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke was
+transferred to the Supply Company of the regiment and Lieutenant Leo
+C. Julian, of Lakeland, Fla., was attached to the battery.
+
+The horses were the main care of the battery. Forage was scarce, which
+caused the animals to become mean-tempered as they gnawed at the
+hay-racks and discovered that about one pound of hay had to do each
+horse a day while the forage scarcity lasted.
+
+Many of the battery members received severe kicks while attending to
+stable duties. The most serious injury through a kick was inflicted
+upon Private Frederick M. Bowen, of E. Rutherford, N. J., who was sent
+to the Base Hospital at Rimaucourt with injuries that separated him
+from the outfit and sent him home as a casualty.
+
+When the hikes became a daily occurrence at Blancheville stable duties
+were set for the entire battery to share in. Watering and feeding was
+done immediately after reveille was dismissed each morning.
+
+On January 3rd the battery was ordered to pack everything to take to
+the road. The rolling kitchen accompanied the battery caravan that
+left Blancheville to return again to the village after a 7 kilometer
+hike. A similar hike was held the day following, when it was announced
+the regiment was to move forward and join the division for the trip
+into occupation territory. The same day a detail of five men were
+were dispatched to the new billeting area to make ready the new
+battery location.
+
+It was decided that the battery would proceed to the new area by
+taking to the road in march-order. The battery was ordered to be ready
+to move by January 9th.
+
+On January 8th another hike with everything packed was accomplished,
+the outfit getting back to Blancheville at 12:30 p. m. All the
+matériel was left out along the road leading from the village that
+night, so all that was needed for an early start the following morning
+was for the horses to be hitched to the guns, caissons and
+supply-wagons.
+
+The battery left Blancheville at 7:30 a. m., Thursday, January 9th,
+proceeding to Andelot where the entire regiment assembled on the road
+for the journey. A detail of men were left at Blancheville to cleanup;
+overtaking the outfit later on single mount.
+
+After leaving Andelot the route was through Vignes and Busson; halt
+for noon-mess was made at the latter place. A distance of 22
+kilometers was set for the day's journey, terminating at the village
+of Epizon, which was reached at 3:30 p. m. The regiment parked its
+matériel and established its picket line in a large grain field, then
+had to wait for two hours until the supply train brought up the
+forage. The battery men found sleeping quarters for the night in the
+barns and sheds of the village.
+
+The outfit was astir at 4:45 o'clock the next morning and was moving
+on the road at 8:30 a. m. Stop was made at noon at Soulaincourt, where
+the 311th passed the 211th motorized French artillery regiment, going
+in the opposite direction along the narrow road. In the afternoon the
+regiment passed through the town of Montiers and went into park for
+the night at 6 p. m., at Morley. The village furnished an abundance of
+haylofts for the artillerymen to crawl into the straw for the night.
+
+Saturday, January 11th, found the regiment ready to resume the journey
+at 7:15 a. m. The trip continued through Le Bouchon, Serenier and
+Stainville, the latter place being the noon-mess stopover junction.
+Here the train of horses were watered by bucket. During the afternoon
+Bazincourt, Haironville, and Bullon were invaded in order. The horses
+were watered in the community watering trough in the village of
+Combles at 3:30 p. m., after which the regiment proceeded to Veel and
+stopped for the night. It rained heavy during the night, but the
+outfit was fortunate in locating a number of army barracks in the village
+that furnished a night's shelter.
+
+Sunday, January 12th, it was raining when the troops answered reveille
+at 5 o'clock. The rain turned into snow an hour later when the
+regiment was ready to resume the journey. Under a canopy of snow the
+troops passed through the city of Bar Le Duc. After leaving Naives in
+the distance, stop was made at noon at Le Petit Rumont.
+
+The cannoneers were forced to walk a great part of the distance. They
+were also compelled to wear their field shoes on the march instead of
+the rubber boots which the drivers wore. They trudged along the slushy
+road with wet feet, while it grew colder and more miserable. It was
+welcome relief when camp was ordered for the night at Violette and the
+troops assigned to old hospital barracks for the night.
+
+A farming community, named Benoite Vaux, in the Department of Meuse,
+about twenty-five kilometers from the celebrated American battle
+sector of Saint Mihiel, was selected as the new billeting district for
+the regiment. Benoite Vaux was reached at noon on Monday, January
+13th, after the regiment had been on the road for the day since 8 a.
+m., passing through Belrain, Pierrefitte and Courouve.
+
+Benoite Vaux was a quiet hamlet of a score of peasant homes and an old
+stone church. The 2nd Battalion was stationed in and about the town;
+Battery D was assigned to barracks that formerly were used as a French
+army hospital. The 1st Battalion was scattered here and there on the
+hills and in the woods outside the village.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+WAR ORPHANS AND HORSE SHOWS.
+
+
+Almost every outfit of the A. E. F., in France, adopted a mascot--a
+real, live mascot, to be sure; not out of mere pet fancy, but the
+natural outcrop of the American spirit of benevolence. Through the
+Bureau of War Orphans of the American Red Cross, units of the A. E. F.
+made contributions to the Adoption Fund for French War Orphans. The
+aid in each case was administered by the Red Cross to the welfare of
+an orphan.
+
+The members of Battery D adopted little four-year-old Denise Ferron
+during the month of February, 1919, as their mascot, and, by
+additional contributions a ward was selected in memory of First
+Sergeant James J. Farrell. The second ward was three-year-old Georges
+Lemoine, who was much in need of assistance.
+
+Denise Ferron, with brown eyes and brown hair, was born April 25,
+1914, the daughter of Madame Vve Ferron, of Fericy, Seine et Marne,
+France.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Ferron had just established a butcher shop when war came
+on. The father was then mobilized at the first call. He went to the
+front where he was wounded. In 1916 at Verdun, he held the Croix de
+Guerre and was mortally wounded in April, 1918.
+
+When he joined his regiment his wife was left with no resources,
+having given all of their earnings for the purchase of the butcher
+shop. The difficulty to find meat and some one to help her, forced her
+to give up her business.
+
+She had another child, Simonne, who was born July 8, 1917. This
+blonde, grey eyed brother of Denise was cared for by another A. E. F.
+unit. As her children were too small, Mme. Ferron was not able to take
+any work and her only means of support was a military allocation
+amounting to 105 francs monthly.
+
+Although his body rests in the American military cemetery at La
+Courtine, France, the memory of James J. Farrell is revered in unison
+by all who knew him and the family of Vve Memoine, Ville Billy, St.
+Lunaire, Ille et Vilaine, France, who have come to know him in spirit
+since the youngest son, Georges, was adopted. Georges Lemoine was born
+February 1, 1915. He had five other brothers and sisters, viz; Pierre,
+Louis, Marie, Marcelle and Anna, the oldest 15 and the youngest 6
+years.
+
+These children were in a truly lamentable plight. Their father was
+a farmer but on such a small scale that what he got from his small
+piece of land was insufficient for the needs of his family. He was
+conscripted but sent back because he was the father of six children.
+He had never been strong, and during the prolonged stay at the front
+tuberculosis developed, from which he died on May 18, 1917.
+
+Unfortunately his wife contracted this terrible illness. But before
+she realized her plight she had taken over a neighboring farm, for she
+was anxious to shoulder her burden as well as possible. This overtaxed
+her strength and hastened her decline.
+
+These are passing incidents of the period the battery spent in Benoite
+Vaux. Other incidents of import to the battery were the erection of
+stables and the conduct of horse shows.
+
+When the outfit arrived at Benoite Vaux there were stable
+accommodations for some of the batteries encamped out in the woods but
+Battery D, stationed in the village, was without accommodation for the
+horses. For the first few weeks of the stay the horses were kept out
+in the open on picket lines. The weather and the mud became very
+severe and temporary stables were secured in a wooded section near
+where Battery C was stationed. These stables were about two kilometers
+from the battery billets. While the horses were stabled there the
+soldiers had to hike the two kilometers three times a day and drive
+the horses to the watering troughs in the center of the village.
+
+Orders were soon issued for the battery to build stables in the
+woodland on the opposite side of the road from the battery quarters.
+The ground selected as the site was very muddy. The first duty,
+therefore, was the opening of a stone quarry and the hauling of many
+loads of cracked stone to form the base of the new stable. Between the
+work of building the stables and preparing for the horse shows, the
+time of the troops at Benoite Vaux was well occupied.
+
+On February 21st, the 2nd Battalion of the 311th conducted a Horse
+Show to pick entries for the regimental Horse Show which was
+announced. In this show Battery D carried off a good share of the
+ribbons. John E. Jones, of Hazleton, Penna., was awarded the blue
+ribbon and a cash donation of francs, as first prize winner for
+individual mounts. Concetti Imbesi, of Scranton, Penna., captured the
+second place in this event and was awarded the red ribbon. Imbesi was
+a prize winner in the hurdling, taking the yellow ribbon.
+
+For the entry of 75 mm. gun and caisson with personnel, Battery D
+took second and third places. The 2nd section of D took the red ribbon
+and the 1st section received the yellow decoration. Each battery had
+six mounted sections in this event. Battery F took first in this
+event.
+
+The battalion, as well as the regimental show, was held on a specially
+constructed course between Benoite Vaux and Issoncourt.
+
+In the regimental show, which took place on Monday, February 24th,
+John E. Jones was adorned with the blue ribbon for guidon mounts.
+Jones also finished third in the regimental hurdles, in which event
+Imbesi also cantered from the track with the blue ribbon on his
+bridle.
+
+The officers of Battery D added their share to the trophies of the
+day. First Lieutenant C. D. Bailey, in the officers' single mounts and
+hurdles, captured second place in both events. The 2nd section of 75
+mm. gun and caisson, the Battery D winner in the battalion show, was
+ruled out of the regimental decision. Battery A took first in this
+event, while the 1st section of Battery D got the yellow ribbon.
+
+The Divisional Show was held at Pierrefitte on Thursday, February
+27th. The best Battery D could do in the divisional competition was a
+good record of two third places with the yellow ribbons. The show was
+conducted in inclement weather, a combination of rain, hail and snow
+worrying many of the high-spirited chevaux as they walked, trotted and
+cantered over the course. Jones was judged third for guidon mount and
+Capt. A. L. Smith got third for officer's saddle horse.
+
+The official standing of the organizations in the regimental show was
+as follows:
+
+  Headquarters Company        27
+  Battery D                   18
+  Battery B                   18
+  Battery F                   13
+  Supply Company              10
+  Battery E                    7
+  Battery A                    5
+  Battery C                    5
+  Medical Detachment           0
+
+The points scored at the Divisional Show were:
+
+  311th Field Artillery                       38
+  310th Field Artillery                       29
+  315th Infantry                              25
+  313th Infantry                              15
+  304th Signal Battalion                      10
+  304th Sanitary Train                         8
+  154th F. A. Brigade Hqrs.                    6
+  Headquarters Troop                           6
+  314th Infantry                               6
+  79th Military Police Company                 5
+  311th Machine-Gun Battalion                  5
+  316th Infantry                               3
+  312th Machine-Gun Battalion                  3
+  158th Infantry Brigade Headquarters          3
+  304th Ammunition Train                S. O. L.
+
+The Ninth Army Corps held a Horse Show at Lerouville, March 21, 1919,
+with the 79th, the 88th and the 9th Army Corps Detachment, competing.
+Honors were awarded as follows:
+
+  79th Division                       137 points
+  88th Division                        87 points
+  9th Corps Det.                       26 points
+
+At this show Jones, of Battery D, won third prize in the quarter mile
+race.
+
+The horse shows entailed a large amount of work. The soldiers were
+kept busy shining harness, grooming horses and painting matériel. The
+road between Benoite Vaux and Issoncourt, where the battalion and
+regimental shows were held, was a stretch of mud. It was a serious
+proposition to get the horses to the show-course without having them
+look as if they had taken a mud bath.
+
+In the regimental show Arthur H. Jones, familiarly known to the
+battery members as "Boundbrook," the name of the New Jersey town he
+claims as home, had entered the battery water cart in the show. The
+water cart was one of the most valuable of battery vehicles. While at
+Benoite Vaux all the water for drinking and cooking purposes had to be
+hauled to the battery kitchen from a well about a kilometer distant.
+
+"Boundbrook" Jones had charge of the cart, driving to the well for
+water several times each day. "Boundbrook" also prided himself as
+having the best horse of any of the water carts in the regiment. When
+it came time for the regimental horse show Jones was certain that
+his charge would carry off first prize in the water cart entry.
+
+To the great chagrin of "Boundbrook" Battery D's cart was disqualified
+by the judges because it did not have the proper spigots attached to
+the water tank. Jones drove back to Benoite Vaux in a dejected mood.
+Meeting Lieut. Bailey he exclaimed: "Say, Lieutenant, I thought this
+was a horse show and not a plumbing show."
+
+During the stay in Benoite Vaux the Battery members took advantage of
+every opportunity afforded to visit battle sectors. St. Mihiel was
+visited by many, while Verdun, with its underground city, and the
+country in that vicinity was also explored to great extent. The
+soldiers were granted mounted passes at times, which entitled them to
+saddle battery horses to go on a day's sight-seeing trip.
+
+During the latter part of February Capt. Smith was ordered to Paris on
+temporary duty in the Inspector General's Department. Lieut. Yeager
+and Lieut. Julian were also detached from the battery at Benoite Vaux.
+Lieut. Yeager gained admission to an English University, while Lieut.
+Julian was admitted to a French institution under the A. E. F.
+educational plans.
+
+Capt. Perry E. Hall, of Springfield, N. J., was assigned to the
+command of D Battery when Capt. Smith was ordered to Paris. First
+Lieut. Frank J. Hamilton, who had been associated with the battery at
+Camp Meade, was reassigned to the organization from Headquarters
+Company of the regiment, during the early part of March, 1919.
+
+Private Stuart E. Prutzman, of Palmerton, Penna., left the outfit at
+Benoite Vaux to attend a French university. Private William E.
+Bachman, of Hazleton, Penna., was a successful applicant to the
+A. E. F. University that was established at Beaune.
+
+The daily sick call of the battery was exceptionally large at Benoite
+Vaux. Colds and cooties played havoc with the boys for several weeks.
+
+Another passing incident connected with the life at Benoite Vaux was
+the Divisional Maneuvres that were planned with great enthusiasm but
+which materialized rather humorously. The battery in general did not
+enjoy this drama. The maneuvres were conducted with guidon-bearers
+representing the batteries for the benefit of the Field Officers, who
+consumed much paper and speech in issuing a multitude of orders to
+guide the movements of the guidon-bearers as the latter represented
+the entire regiment, assuming various strategic formations on a well
+planned field of bloodless battle.
+
+Lieut. Yeager, before being detached from the battery, and Cpl.
+Thomas J. Brennan, of Pottsville, Penna., were candidates for the
+divisional foot ball team that played at Souilly with a number of
+other divisional elevens. Philip J. Cusick, of Parsons, Penna., the
+battery's favorite pianist, was selected to make a tour with the
+regimental minstrel show that was put on to tour the circuit of
+A. E. F. playhouses. Cusick was recalled to the battery the latter
+part of February when he received notice of his early discharge from
+the army on account of the death of his father.
+
+The sickness that laid its hand heavily on the men of the battery at
+Benoite Vaux also affected the horses. The rain that fell almost
+daily, kept the mud knee-deep and the roads slushy. The well members
+of the battery toiled hard to complete the stables and save the horses
+from cruel exposure to the weather. The stables were completed in
+February and were in use long enough for an order to be issued to
+clean them out by way of demonstration, then the battery was ordered
+to proceed to another billeting district. It was announced about this
+time that the 311th regiment was to sail for home in June.
+
+The siege of sickness claimed in death two of Battery D's men, who had
+been admitted to the base hospital at Commercy.
+
+Private Patrick J. Dooling, of Metuchen, N. J., died on March 6, 1919,
+with Broncho-pneumonia. He was buried in the Post Cemetery at
+Commercy.
+
+Corporal Guy W. Mortimer, of Pottsville, Penna., died on March 8th and
+was buried in the same cemetery as Private Dooling.
+
+In March regimental post schools were opened near Souilly. A number of
+Battery D men were admitted to the various courses. The boys had been
+at school for only one week when they were ordered back to the outfit,
+which was then moving towards Commercy.
+
+[Illustration: SERVING MESS TO BATTERY D ALONG THE ROAD
+Serving Mess Along the Road While on a Move from Benoite Vaux to
+Lerouville, France. Reproduced from Official Photo of the Signal
+Corps. U. S. A.]
+
+[Illustration: BATTERY D ON THE ROAD IN FRANCE
+Showing Battery D Near Courouve, France. Reproduced from
+Official Photo of the Signal Corps. U. S. A.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+HOMEWARD BOUND.
+
+
+When the battery left Benoite Vaux the soldiers knew they had started
+on the first lap of their "homeward bound" trip. Weeks of hard work
+were yet before the battery, but the thought of getting home in June,
+or possibly earlier, as rumor had it that the A. E. F. sailing
+schedules were operating several weeks ahead of time, kept up the
+spirit of the artillerymen.
+
+The trip from Blancheville was made by road. A short journey on March
+19th found Battery D in Boncourt, a small town near Commercy. The
+other batteries of the regiment moved to nearby towns. On March 31st,
+Lerouville, Pont sur Meuse and Boncourt held the regiment between
+them.
+
+On April 1st Battery D was ordered to make another trip overland. The
+trip required three days. The first night's stop was made at Ligny en
+Barcis, a large town where the entire regiment found accommodation and
+the boys enjoyed themselves for the night. The second night the
+regiment had to scatter for billeting at Bure, Echenay, Saudron, and
+Guillaume. Battery D was quartered in Bure.
+
+The journey was southward in the direction of Andelot. It was one trip
+the soldiers enjoyed. It didn't rain during the three days enroute.
+The end of the third day found the battery in Cirey les Mareilles, the
+town near Blancheville in which district the outfit was previously
+billeted. Cirey les Mareilles housed E Battery when D was at
+Blancheville. When the regiment returned to the old stamping ground
+Batteries D and E were billeted at Cirey. The Supply Company of the
+regiment was billeted in Blancheville during this stay. Regimental
+Headquarters Company and Battery A established themselves at
+Briancourt, Battery F at Mareilles, Battery B at Rochfort, and Battery
+C at Chantraines.
+
+While at Boncourt the matériel of the regiment was inspected by an
+ordnance officer and passed inspection. Before the matériel was to be
+finally turned in, however, a big review before General John J.
+Pershing, Commander in Chief of the A. E. F., was to take place.
+
+Battery D left Cirey les Mareilles at noon, Friday, April 11th,
+proceeding to and arriving on the reviewing field at Orquenaux at 4:30
+p. m. It was 8:30 o'clock before the horses were cared for and a
+battery of dog tents erected on the field, where the soldiers spent
+the night. It did not rain during the night, but the following
+day, when the review was being staged, it rained in torrents.
+
+The review started at 10:30 a. m., Saturday, April 12, 1919. First the
+outfit stood inspection mounted but not moving. Then the divisional
+march in front of the reviewing stand started. It was a grand military
+sight to see an entire army division together on one field, at one
+time, with all equipment. It was late in the afternoon when the review
+ended by which time all the soldiers were thoroughly soaked by the
+rain.
+
+It was 4 o'clock when Battery D left the reviewing ground, and
+hastened on its way to Andelot. The entire distance was covered at
+what was almost a steady trot. Andelot was reached at 7 p. m. It was a
+wet and tired battery, but the rain and fatigue were soon forgotten
+when orders were issued for all matériel to be turned in at Andelot,
+to be delivered to the railhead at Rimaucourt. Despite the fact that
+everybody was drenched to the skin, also cold and miserable, happy
+smiles lit the faces of all when farewell was bid the guns and
+caissons. The soldiers, in a happy mood, walked from Andelot to Cirey
+les Mareilles, singing and whistling.
+
+During the following week the horses and practically all the equipment
+was turned in and preparations made for the trip to the embarkation
+port. Everything in the line of equipment that was not needed, was
+salvaged.
+
+On Monday, April 7th, another attempt was made by the regimental
+officers to establish a post school near Neuf Chateau. A number of
+Battery D men were sent to attend the school. The school, however, was
+broken up the first day of its existence, an official order returning
+the scholars to their respective commands. Orders to detrain for an
+embarkation center were momentarily expected.
+
+On Saturday, April 19th, the regiment entrained at Rimaucourt, bound
+for the port of St. Nazaire, which was to be the exit to the land of
+home. The trip was made by box car, the route being through Bologne,
+Chaumont, Langres, south of Nevers, through Angers and Nantes. Battery
+D continued its journey until Camp Montoir, eight kilometers from the
+port, was reached at 4:45 p. m., April 21st.
+
+Sergeant Koenig and Corporal Shafer were the busiest men of the
+battery during the stay at Camp Montoir. Yards and yards of paper work
+had to be completed before the outfit was finally cleared and ready to
+walk up the gang plank. The battery office force worked day and
+night and established a new record in getting a battery sailing list
+o. k'd.
+
+The stay at Montoir was pleasant despite the fact that physical
+inspections were endured in great number and all soldiers and clothing
+had to go through a thorough process of cootiizing. The camp was well
+equipped with recreational centers where the soldiers enjoyed their
+idle hours.
+
+Various detail work was assigned the battery while at Montoir. Details
+assisted in the erection of a new theatre on the camp grounds. Drill
+and physical exercise periods were in order when examinations and
+inspections lulled. After passing in a brigade review before Brigadier
+General Andrew Hero, on Friday, May 9th, the outfit was declared ready
+to board the next ship that docked at the port of St. Nazaire. On
+Monday, May 12th, the boys changed what francs they had left, into
+United States currency. Then they were ready to say good-bye to
+France.
+
+Reveille sounded at 4 a. m., on Wednesday, May 14th. Nobody slept in
+that morning. Rolls were made in short order and the battery area
+policed-up. At 6 a. m. the regiment left Camp Montoir on an eight
+kilometer hike to St. Nazaire, which port was reached at 8:30 a. m.
+
+The U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach was lying at anchor in the basin at St.
+Nazaire. The vessel had been coaled and supplied for the return to
+American shores. In the morning of May 14th the Edward Luckenbach
+waited for its troop passengers before setting sail.
+
+After the soldiers waited on the pier for some time the huge
+gang-planks were extended and the regiment started its march to the
+decks of the ship. The gang-planks were lifted at 11 a. m. The ship
+was loosened from its moorings and slowly piloted through the
+congested basin. Slowly the transport passed the draw bridge, through
+the locks and out into the wide expanse of bay. It was 2:10 p. m. when
+open water course was reached.
+
+The U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach carried 29 officers and 2,247 enlisted
+men, including 14 officers and 1,338 men of the 311th Field Artillery:
+8 officers and 547 men of the 314th Machine Gun Battalion, and three
+casual companies.
+
+Capt. Perry Hall was the only Battery D officer able to find
+accommodation on the battery's transport. All the other officers had
+to wait for other transportation. Capt. A. L. Smith rejoined the
+the regiment at St. Nazaire and was assigned as regimental adjutant.
+He accompanied the troops on the Edward Luckenbach.
+
+Late in the afternoon on the day of set-sailing the vessel was stopped
+to allow the pilot to be taken off into a sail boat. Mine sweepers
+were also let down on both sides the vessel. Without convoy and with
+freedom of light at night the transport pushed its way through the
+waves that formerly were in the danger zone. The mine sweepers
+continued to comb the waves for any stray mine missiles that by chance
+might have still floated from war operations.
+
+No difficulty was encountered, however, and the danger zone once
+passed, the trip continued at an average rate of 9 knots an hour. The
+Edward Luckenbach was a 6100 ton cargo vessel converted into a
+transport for the Naval Overseas Transportation Service. It was manned
+by an American naval crew. The vessel was an oil burner and trouble
+was experienced with the engines, whereby the speed of the vessel was
+retarded. It was feared at times that the engines would give out
+before port was reached. Slow, but sure the troops were brought to
+friendly shores.
+
+It might be noted in passing that on the next trip made by the Edward
+Luckenbach as a transport, the vessel became crippled through the
+breaking of her port shaft and her main journal and had to be towed
+for 600 miles into the harbor at South Boston, Mass.
+
+Outside of the monotony, the trip was an uneventful one. The first two
+days were attended with fine weather and calm sea, but the third day a
+rain and wind storm developed. Bunks, down in the hatch, collapsed and
+things in general were topsy turvy all night. Sea sickness was
+rampant. It was a case of six meals a day for the next three or four
+turns of the clock--three down and three up.
+
+The high sea gales blew for several days in succession. Mess line was
+the only formation of the day while K. P.'s and Hatch cleanup were the
+only details furnished.
+
+After thirteen days on the water, land was sighted late in the
+afternoon of Tuesday, May 27th. It was a welcome sight to the soldiers
+to see New York's famous sky-line in the distance. A mist hung over
+the harbor and it was 5 p. m. when the outline of the Statue of
+Liberty became plainly discernible. As the Edward Luckenbach was
+piloted through the roadway of commerce that thronged the harbor, the
+U. S. S. Leviathan steamed majestically seaward, carrying a cargo of
+soldiers to France to relieve members of the Army of Occupation.
+
+Following the triumphal entry into New York harbor, the vessel
+cast another anchor and remained undocked for the night. Thus the boys
+spent one night within the beam of Miss Liberty, whose drawing power
+had been distinct in memory for many a weary month in France.
+
+A big welcome had been planned for the soldiers on the Edward
+Luckenbach. One of the police patrol tugs, bearing the sign: "The
+Mayor's Reception Committee," came out to meet the transport. The
+river tug had as passengers a band, besides many friends and relatives
+of soldiers aboard the transport. A noisy welcome home was sounded as
+the patrol boat encircled the steamer several times.
+
+Cheers, and tears also, greeted the 311th boys when the Herman
+Caswell, a water front yacht, that had been chartered by three hundred
+excursionists from the Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton districts
+of Pennsylvania, encircled the Edward Luckenbach, with St. Ann's Band
+of Freeland, Penna., on board, playing "Home, Sweet Home."
+
+The three hundred excursionists, who had journeyed from the Anthracite
+fields of Pennsylvania to welcome the 311th boys, had a difficult time
+to locate the Edward Luckenbach. At 6 o'clock that night they sailed
+out to find the vessel, reported as advancing past Ambrose Channel.
+They traversed the entire waterfront, both on the North and East River
+sides, before the hospital ship Comfort located the transport by
+radio, up the Hudson. The excursion delegates stayed near the
+transport until dark.
+
+It was with rejuvenated spirits that the soldiers spent their last
+night on board the transport, lying in New York harbor. On Wednesday
+morning, May 28th, the troops debarked at Pier 6, Bush Terminal,
+Brooklyn. Only a few of the friends and relatives got to see the
+soldier boys at the terminal. While the soldiers lingered at the
+terminal, partaking of refreshments furnished by the Red Cross and the
+welfare associations, the crowds beat the ferry boat that carried the
+soldiers to Jersey City and formed two lines through which the boys
+passed to entrain for Camp Dix, N. J.
+
+Plans were under way to hold a Seventy-Ninth Division parade in
+Philadelphia, Penna., but the boys voiced protests against being held
+in camp, with the result that the work of putting the outfit through
+the process of sterilization and cootiization was expedited.
+
+After going through the "delouser" at Camp Dix, Battery D was moved to
+another section of barracks, near the discharge center. Clerical
+details were sent to the discharge center, known as the "madhouse,"
+each day, to assist in getting out the paper work for official
+discharge of the outfits scheduled for muster out before Battery D.
+
+Battery D was officially discharged from the United States Army
+Service on May 30th, 1919, when all its members were assigned to
+various discharge units. On May 30th the soldiers whose homes were in
+Western States, were detached from the battery to be sent to Western
+camps for discharge.
+
+Those who were scheduled to remain at Dix to receive their discharge
+papers, their pay and the $60 bonus, idled about the camp until
+Wednesday, June 4th, when they were called to the discharge center to
+be paid off. It required a long wait before the members of the casual
+detachments that once formed Battery D were admitted to the Central
+Records office.
+
+The soldiers "beat it" from camp as soon as they had the coveted
+discharge certificates. The outfit separated in driblets during the
+day. The first ones called got clear of military service in the
+morning, while others were not called until late that afternoon.
+
+By nightfall of June 4th, 1919, however, Battery D members, for the
+main part, were headed for HOME, to take up the thread of civilian
+life where they had severed it months before when they answered the
+call of selective service.
+
+
+THE LORRAINE CROSS
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE 79th DIVISION INSIGNIA
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE CROSS OF LORRAINE
+
+
+Its Origin and Its Significance.
+
+       (Extracts from a Document)
+       Written from data furnished
+                by
+          E. F. HENRI VIARD
+        B. A. Paris University
+ Late London Correspondent of "Le Journal"
+Sometime Technical Translator to the Ordnance
+          Department A. E. F.
+
+
+The Lorraine Cross, official insignia of the Seventy-Ninth Division,
+United States Army, was adopted shortly after the armistice was
+signed.
+
+Despite the fact that the Seventy-Ninth Division Artillery did not
+share in the fighting with the rest of the division, the artillerymen
+were accorded the privilege of wearing the emblem.
+
+In all its war operations, the Seventy-Ninth Division faced the enemy
+in Lorraine, the province which the United States was pledged to win
+back for France.
+
+Victory, in the face of stubborn opposition, crowned the efforts of
+the Seventy-Ninth Division. It was only appropriate, therefore, that
+the division should select as its emblem the ancient symbol of
+victory, The Lorraine Cross.
+
+The divisional insignia was worn on the left sleeve of the uniform
+blouse at the shoulder.
+
+
+THE CROSS OF LORRAINE.
+
+A national emblem of the independent Duchy of Lorraine for centuries,
+and even now a distinctive cognizance of the Border Province of
+France, the double traverse cross, known as the Cross of Lorraine,
+forms part of the armorial bearings of no less than 163 noble
+families. And several military units engaged in the world war adopted
+the cross as an emblem. These units include, besides the Lorraine
+Detachment of the French Army, the Seventy-Ninth Division.
+
+Before its adoption as an emblem by the reigning house of Lorraine,
+the double traverse cross had a long and interesting history.
+Important in the history of the development of the shape of the Cross
+with its two beams, the design being Byzantine and emblematic of the
+triumph of Christ over Death, are ancient double traverse crosses,
+each containing fragments of the Real Cross of the Crucifixion. They
+are preserved in different sections of France.
+
+The double traverse of the Cross of Lorraine comes from the
+substitution, for the Titulus, or inscription originally used to mark
+the Cross upon which Christ was crucified, of a plain horizontal arm.
+The origin of the double traverse cross is Eastern, and, students of
+the subject point out, it undoubtedly represents the Jerusalem
+Cross--the True Cross--with its main horizontal beam and the Titulus,
+represented by a plain beam in the Cross of Lorraine.
+
+Reliquaries containing parts of the Red Cross upon which the Savior
+was crucified, including the reliquaries in Poitiers and Limoges, are
+double traverse in form. On an enamelled plate in the Treasury of Graz
+Cathedral, Hungary, the figure of Saint Helena, credited with the
+recovery of the True Cross, is represented draped in a dress which is
+emblazoned with a double traverse cross.
+
+The double traverse cross came to have its association with Lorraine
+in 1477 after Rene II, reigning head of the Duchy of Lorraine, had
+defeated Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, at the Battle of Nancy.
+Rene was of the house of Anjou and the emblem had been known as the
+Cross of Anjou to earlier members of the house.
+
+Succession to the Duchy of Lorraine came to Rene II through the female
+line. His mother was Yolande of Anjou, daughter of Rene I. Through his
+father, Ferri of Vaudemont, Rene claimed descent from the Ancient
+dynasty of the Dukes of Lorraine, who traced their history to Gerard
+of Alsace, and who had ruled the Duchy uninterruptedly for almost four
+centuries.
+
+At the time of the accession of Rene II, the neighboring Duchy of
+Burgundy was ruled by Charles the Bold, who made a reputation as a
+general and warrior. In the forwarding of his ambition for greater
+territory and more widespread authority, he had roused the enmity of
+Lorrainers. In 1476, following the accession of Rene II, the Duke of
+Burgundy laid siege to Nancy and took the city.
+
+Rene went abroad to hire troops, and, returning in the early days of
+1477 with considerable forces, especially Italian and Swiss
+mercenaries, gave battle to Charles within sight of Nancy, whose
+soldier citizens sallied forth to his help. Despite their assistance,
+Rene might have lost the fight had it not been for Campo Basso, an
+Italian condettieri in the service of Charles the Bold, who, having
+some grudge against the latter and being bribed by the other side,
+went over to the Lorrainers at the critical moment.
+
+The Burgundians were cut to pieces. Charles the Bold, in trying to
+break away, was slain by a Lorraine officer who did not recognize him
+and who committed suicide when, the body of the famous Duke having
+been identified a couple of days later from an old scar behind the
+ear, he realized that it was he who had killed "so great a Prince."
+
+The Battle of Nancy was not only the greatest event in the History of
+Lorraine, but one of the most momentous in the History of France, and
+even of Europe. If Burgundy alone was defeated, three parties
+benefitted by the victory, namely; Switzerland, for whom it meant
+final acquisition of independence; the King of France, and the Duke of
+Lorraine. The disappearance of Charles the Bold ensured at one stroke
+the unity of France, which it rid of the last ever powerful vassal,
+and the independence of Lorraine. No doubt Louis XI would rather have
+been the only profiteer by the death of his rival. No doubt, also, he
+meant to get hold of Lorraine and, as the event proved, laid hands
+shortly afterward on the Duchy of Bar and tried to prevent Rene II
+from coming into this comparatively small portion of Rene of Anjou's
+inheritance. But his wily plans were foiled by the very fact that,
+whatever his motives, he had made a show of fostering and supporting
+the Lorrainer against the Burgundian. Had Lorraine become a part of
+Charles the Bold's dominions, even the Mighty House of Austria would
+have been unable to keep it independent from France; Henry II's
+efforts would have been exerted against Lorraine, and Lorraine it is
+that France would have occupied at the same time as the three
+bishoprics, Toul, Metz, and Verdun and before Alsace. France's
+influence made itself felt in the Duchy as early as 1552, but
+annexation was put off until 1766.
+
+Not only did Rene II's reign ensure the independence of Lorraine,
+but it secured the adjunction of Barrois, for there can be no doubt
+that the Duchy of Bar would have been annexed to France right away had
+not Charles VIII found it politic to give back the territory
+confiscated by his father, Louis XI, as an inducement to Duke Rene II
+not to press his claims regarding such parts of Rene of Anjou's
+inheritance as Anjou and Provence which France wanted and secured out
+of the deal.
+
+Considering the importance of the Battle of Nancy in the eyes of
+Lorrainers, the historical value of the badge worn by their victorious
+ancestors at that famous fight is easily understood. That badge was a
+double traverse cross. We have Duke Rene II's own word for it. In the
+account of operation and conduct of the Battle of Nancy, dictated by
+the Duke himself to his secretary, Joannes Lud, we read: "And I had on
+my harness a robe of gold cloth, and the armour of my horse was also
+covered with gold cloth trappings and on the said robe and trappings
+were three white double traverse crosses."
+
+The Burgundian badge was the St. Andrew Cross. To differentiate his
+men from their opponents, Rene II naturally thought of the
+conspicuously distinct double-traverse cross his grandfather Rene I
+had brought over from Anjou and made so much of.
+
+In another account of the battle, to be found in the Chronicle of
+Lorraine, written at very nearly the same time, the following passage
+occurs relating to the period of the fight when Campo Basso and his
+mercenaries went over from the Burgundian to the Lorraine side; "They
+all tore off their St. Andrew crosses and put on the Jerusalem one,
+which Duke Rene was wearing."
+
+The Jerusalem Cross obviously is a misnomer, as proven by the context,
+the very next sentence of which reads: "And many of the Nancians,
+sallying from their city to take part in the pillage of the Bold One's
+Camp, were in great danger of being slaughtered by the Swiss and by
+their own countrymen because they had not the double traverse cross on
+them." Again in several other passages the cross is specifically
+described as a double traverse cross.
+
+January 5, 1477, was the birthday of the Cross of Lorraine. From that
+day, ceasing to be merely reminiscent of Anjou, the double traverse
+cross became the Lorraine National Emblem.
+
+Since the war in 1870-71, which resulted in the annexation of part of
+Lorraine to Germany, a significant use has been made of the old
+cross. Shortly after the signature of the Treaty of Frankfurt, a
+meeting of the inhabitants of Metz was held on Sion Hill. As a result
+of the meeting a marble monument was erected, having carved on it a
+broken Lorraine Cross. An inscription in local dialect was added,
+reading "_C'name po tojo_" ("'Twill not be forever"). The world war
+ended in the realization of this prophecy.
+
+So the soldiers of the Seventy-Ninth Division can look at the insignia
+they have been privileged to wear and think of the memories associated
+with it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+BATTERY D HONOR ROLL.
+
+
+CORPORAL FRANK McCABE--Plains, Pa., died January 24, 1918, at the Base
+Hospital, Camp Meade, Md., at 7:40 p. m., with an attack of acute
+rheumatism. Body was sent to Plains with a military escort. Buried in
+Plains.
+
+PRIVATE WILLIAM REYNOLDS--Pottsville, Pa., was killed by the explosion
+of a French field gun on the range at La Courtine, France, at 3 p. m.
+October 11, 1918. Buried in the American Military Cemetery at Camp La
+Courtine, October 12th. Grave No. 37.
+
+FIRST-SERGEANT JAMES J. FARRELL--Plains, Pa., died November 2, 1918,
+at the Base Hospital, Camp La Courtine, France, at 4:30 p. m., with an
+attack of pneumonia. Buried in the American Military Cemetery at Camp
+La Courtine, November 4th, at 11 a. m. Grave No. 80.
+
+PRIVATE HORACE J. FARDON--Paterson, N. J., died November 4, 1918, at
+the Base Hospital, Camp La Courtine, France, at 11:45 p. m. from
+Influenza. Buried in the American Military Cemetery at Camp La
+Courtine, November 5th, at 11 a. m. Grave No. 82.
+
+PRIVATE FIRST-CLASS JOSEPH ALPHONSUS LOUGHRAN--Hazleton, Pa., died
+November 5, 1918, at the Base Hospital, Camp La Courtine, France, at
+6:55 p. m. with an attack of pneumonia. Buried in the American
+Military Cemetery at Camp La Courtine, November 6th, at 2 p. m. Grave
+No. 84.
+
+PRIVATE PATRICK J. DOOLING--Metuchen, N. J., died March 6, 1919, at
+Base Hospital No. 91 at Commercy, France, at 11:40 p. m., with
+broncho-pneumonia. Buried in the Post Cemetery at Commercy. Grave No.
+172.
+
+CORPORAL GUY W. MORTIMER--Pottsville, Pa., died March 8, 1919,
+at Base Hospital No. 91, Commercy, France, at 4:55 a. m. with
+broncho-pneumonia. Buried in the Post Cemetery at Commercy. Grave No.
+167.
+
+[Illustration: PVT. 1 CL. JOSEPH A. LOUGHRAN
+Died In France.]
+
+[Illustration: CEMETERY AT CAMP LA COURTINE
+Pvt 1 Cl. Conrad Baffiel Standing at
+the Grave of Joseph A. Loughran.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+"ONE OF US."
+
+
+The following is a reproduction of extracts from an article written by
+the author of this volume, on the afternoon of November 6, 1918,
+following the burial of Private Joseph A. Loughran, and published in
+the Standard-Sentinel, a daily newspaper of Hazleton, Pa., on December
+11, 1918.
+
+In general the article expresses the bond of feeling each battery
+casualty called forth.
+
+     "I have lost a friend; the United States has lost a good soldier;
+     and Hazleton, Pennsylvania, has lost another flower of its noble
+     manhood--was the total of my thoughts this afternoon as I stood,
+     one of a military escort, and saw the remains of Joseph A.
+     Loughran consigned to a resting place in the sacred soil of
+     France.
+
+     "He was truly 'One of Us.' To the military records he was known
+     as a Private First Class, but to us he was 'Al,' one in common
+     and ever affectionate.
+
+     "Twenty of us, comrades-in-arms, all from the same city in dear
+     old Pennsylvania, who formed the escort, listened in profound
+     sympathy, as we, with the battery in line at our side, paid the
+     last military honors to our deceased comrade.
+
+     "The sun was shining serenely overhead; all was calm and quiet as
+     a moment of silent homage followed the last note of Taps sounded
+     over the grave.
+
+     "The casket, enshrouded in Old Glory, for which he endured and
+     died, was lowered, but his soul, no one could doubt, had already
+     winged itself to the portals of eternity; there to repose in
+     well-earned rest, to ever serve his God as he served God and
+     country his mortal while.
+
+     "He died in the height of his development as a trained soldier.
+     Although removed from the scene of actual warfare and listed as
+     'Died of Disease' in the casualty records, not one of the
+     thousands of the A. E. F. fallen on the field of battle suffered
+     a more heroic or noble death.
+
+     "He was prepared, ready and willing. Months of strenuous effort
+     spent in mastering the soldier game were cut short on the eve of
+     material advantage to the cause, but the spirit of his endeavors
+     lives in the heart of the outfit he served. It is the spirit,
+     sometimes called morale, that is the decisive factor.
+
+     "At the tomb of the dead the regimental chaplain vouched the
+     fact that the departed soldier communed every Sunday of his army
+     life.
+
+     "In civil life, before entering the call of selectiveness, his
+     worth and devoutness was well known to a large circle of friends.
+     His military associations were none the less extensive and
+     tender.
+
+     "It was while doing his duty, along lines of communication as a
+     member of the Battery Commander's Detail, on the range at La
+     Courtine, that he fell a victim to pneumonia, resulting in early
+     demise.
+
+     "There are many incidents connected with the life of our fallen
+     soldier and friend that could be extolled. But those who knew him
+     need no words. His life shines out as a true beacon.
+
+     "The boys of the battery in which he served bow in heartfelt
+     sympathy to his wife, parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and
+     friends. He died, but his death has not been in vain. His spirit
+     lives to cheer his comrades on to greater deeds of patriotism.
+     His loved ones at home can be proud of 'Al.' He died every inch a
+     man and patriotic to the core.
+
+     "His grave was not neglected. The boys tenderly sodded its mound
+     and placed a wreath of holly, plucked from the hills of Creuse,
+     where he last trained. The grave is marked with a wooden cross,
+     on which is inscribed his name, rank, and command, and to which
+     is attached the soldier's identification disc.
+
+     "It is Grave No. 84 in the American cemetery, situated on a
+     gentle slope of one of the picturesque hills of Creuse province,
+     overlooking Camp La Courtine."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+IN MEMORIAM.
+
+
+In the moment of laying aside the uniform there surged through the
+heart of every member of Battery D emotions too deep for words.
+
+The rainy days and mud of France were at last a thing of the past.
+Yes, truly a thing of the past to those staunch comrades who survived
+not the ordeal to return home.
+
+Those who survived and returned home, have had an invaluable
+experience. With memories of those experiences there will always
+linger the thoughts and associations of departed comrades.
+
+As battery members they all toiled together in France for a common
+cause. All shared the common thought of seeing the war period through
+bravely, then to return home, bigger, better and stronger as a
+soldier-citizen.
+
+The comrades of Battery D whose lives were cut short by the Grim
+Reaper when they were at the height of their development as trained
+soldiers, all cherished thoughts of getting back home. They gave
+expression to such thoughts in their letters home.
+
+Joseph A. Loughran, in a letter written to his parents just before he
+was stricken with the illness to which he succumbed, wrote these
+words: "Save a couple of chairs for my wife and myself at the Xmas
+dinner table, for God willing we will surely be there."
+
+In another portion of the same letter Private Loughran wrote: "Oh,
+boy, won't it be great to get back home again after going through all
+the trials that I had. If any one told me a few years ago that I could
+go through what I have and still be as healthy as I am, I would not
+believe them. I am as healthy as an ox and weigh 180 pounds."
+
+Thus it is that thoughts of departed comrades stir emotions too deep
+for words; emotions that flood the heart with memorials that will live
+on as silent tributes to the worth of those who gave up their lives
+while in the service of their country.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+FIRST BATTERY D STAFF.
+
+
+*Officers.*
+
+  Captain Albert L. Smith
+  1st Lieut. Arthur H. McGill
+  2nd Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke
+  2nd Lieut. Robert S. Campbell
+  2nd Lieut. Frank F. Yeager
+  2nd Lieut. Berkley Courtney
+  2nd Lieut. Frank J. Hamilton
+
+
+*Non-Commissioned Officers.*
+
+  1st Sgt. William C. Thompson
+  Supply Sgt. Merrill C. Liebensberger
+  [A]Mess Sgt. Joseph A. Loughran
+  [A]Instrument Sgt. Lloyd E. Brown
+  Signal Sgt. John M. Harman
+
+
+*Sergeants.*
+
+  Hugh A. Coll
+  William E. Ritter
+  James M. Duffy
+  James J. Farrell
+  Abraham Kahn
+  Earl B. Schleppy
+
+
+*Corporals.*
+
+  Joseph Conlon
+  John C. Demcik
+  Gerald F. Farrell
+  Edward J. Kane
+  Harry T. Kenvin
+  David B. Koenig
+  John Koslap
+  Frank McCabe
+  Arthur D. Roderick
+  Joseph Yeselski
+
+
+*Cooks.*
+
+  Edward Campbell
+  George A. Musial
+  Charles A. Trostel
+  August H. Genetti
+
+[Footnote A: Deceased.]
+
+[Illustration: PVT. HORACE J. FARDON
+Died in France with Influenza. Buried in the American Military
+Cemetery at Camp La Courtine.]
+
+[Illustration: GRAVE OF PVT. WM. REYNOLDS
+Section of the American Military Cemetery at Camp La Courtine. Pvt.
+Reynolds Was Killed by Gun Explosion.]
+
+[Illustration: BARRACK AT CAMP LA COURTINE FRANCE
+Battery D was Quartered in This Building While Under Intensive
+Training at Range Practice Among the Hills of Creuse Department.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+BATTERY D OFFICERS.
+
+
+The following officers were associated with Battery D during its
+career, either as a unit of the New National Army, or as part of the
+United States Army, the classification of the combined regular and
+selected divisions:
+
+  Captain Albert L. Smith, Philadelphia. Pa.
+  Captain Perry E. Hall, Springfield. N. J.
+  First Lieutenant Hugh M. Clarke, Pittsburgh. Pa.
+  [A]First Lieutenant Arthur H. McGill. New Castle, Pa.
+  First Lieutenant Robert Lowndes, Elkridge, Md.
+  First Lieutenant C. D. Bailey, Summit. N. J.
+  First Lieutenant J. S. Waterfield, Portsmouth, Va.
+  Second Lieutenant Frank F. Yeager. Philadelphia, Pa.
+  Second Lieutenant Sidney F. Bennett, Ottawa, Canada.
+  Second Lieutenant Berkley Courtney, Fullerton, Md.
+  Second Lieutenant Leo C. Julian, Lakeland. Fla.
+  Second Lieutenant Robert S. Campbell, Pittsburgh. Pa.
+
+[Footnote A: Deceased.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+ROSTER OF BATTERY D.
+
+
+This list contains the names and home-addresses of the enlisted
+personnel of Battery D, who served overseas and whose names were
+on the sailing list of the U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach.
+
+Marinus Abrahmse, Pvt.,
+196 Washington St., Lodi, N. J.
+
+Eben C. Allen, Pvt.,
+Main St., Closer. N. J.
+
+Abel R. Anderson, Pvt.,
+36 West 6th St.,
+Ridgefield Park, N. J.
+
+John J. Anderson, Cpl.,
+R. F. D., No. 1. Perth Amboy, N. J.
+
+Curran B. Armstrong, Pvt. 1 Cl.,
+Dreyton, N. D.
+
+Harold J. Arnold, Cpl.,
+456 E. Broad St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+William E. Bachman, Pvt. 1 Cl.,
+120 West Fourth St., Hazleton. Pa.
+
+Conrad A. Balliet, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+597 Lincoln St., Hazleton. Pa.
+
+Joseph T. Becker, Pvt., 1 Cl.-Cpl.,
+913 West 38th St., Chicago, Ill.
+
+Louis F. Bracco, Pvt.,
+156 Orient Way, Rutherford, N. J.
+
+Harold C. Bratt, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+58 Cleveland St., Hackensack, N. J.
+
+Joseph Brazina, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+127 Muir Ave., Hazleton, Hts., Pa.
+
+Cornelius Breen, Pvt.,
+25 Hobart Place, Garfield, N. J.
+
+Thomas J. Brennan, Pvt., 1 Cl.-Cpl.,
+R. F. D., Box 394, Pottsville, Pa.
+
+William F. Brennan, Cpl.,
+713 W. Tioga St., Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+Leslie S. Brooks, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Box 60, Fort Edward, N. Y.
+
+Hugh P. Burke, Sgt.,
+312 Wells Ave., Parsons, Pa.
+
+Alexander Calderwood, Cpl.,
+Gwyneed Valley, Pa.
+
+Milton O. Campbell, Pvt.,
+Box 65, Waldwick, N. J.
+
+Jason Canfield, Cpl.,
+Kenton, Ohio.
+
+James Cataldo, Cpl.,
+191 S. Pine St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+John Chardell, Cpl.-Sgt.,
+561 Garfield St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Hugh A. Coll, Cpl.-Sgt.,
+627 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+John L. Conley, Pvt.-1 Cl.,
+501 E. Clenton St., Frankfort, Ind.
+
+Joseph E. Conlon, Cpl.,
+22 Ulmer St., Hudson, Pa.
+
+Leo C. Connor, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+137 Center St., Ashland, Pa.
+
+James E. Corcoran, Pvt.,
+470 Gregory Ave., Weehawken, N. J.
+
+Charles Cuttito, Cook,
+16 Avenue A, Lodi, N. J.
+
+William H. Decker, Jr., Pvt.,
+277 Forest St., Jersey City, N. J.
+
+Frank De Graff, Pvt.,
+192 Spring St., Lodi, N. J.
+
+Meyer Deitch, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+858 Union Ave., Bronx, N. Y.
+
+Leo C. Delaney, Sgt.,
+1327 Main St., Pittston, Pa.
+
+Philip Den Bleyker, Pvt.,
+R. F. D., No. 1, Rohway, N. J.
+
+George Dorsey, Cpl.,
+328 S. Keyser Ave., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Fred Downsbrough, Cpl.,
+Box 153, Firthcliffe, N. Y.
+
+Albert Dransfield, Pvt.,
+29 Wayne Ave., Paterson, N. J.
+
+James M. Duffy, Sgt.-1st Sgt.,
+224 Hollenback Ave., Parsons, Pa.
+
+James A. Durkin, Hs.,
+77 Henry St., Plains, Pa.
+
+Adam O. Dyker, Pvt.,
+196 Monroe St., Garfield, N. J.
+
+William Ellert, Pvt.,
+Willow St., Moonachie, N. J.
+
+Arden C. Evans, Pvt., 1 Cl., Cpl.,
+R. F. D., No. 3, Benton, Pa.
+
+Thomas Evans, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+1922 Cedar St., Anderson, Ind.
+
+Gerald F. Farrell, Pvt.-Cpl.,
+78 E. Carey Ave., Plains, Pa.
+
+Walter R. Farrell, Pvt.-Sgt.,
+Box 405, Kellogg, Idaho.
+
+Ermino (Buck) Favo, Pvt.,
+16 Erving Place, Garfield, N. J.
+
+Victor J. Feinour, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Jacksonville, Pa.
+
+Leroy H. Fish, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+30 Wren St., Pittston, Pa.
+
+Fred N. Fisher, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+28 S. Front St., Minersville, Pa.
+
+Fay H. Freadhoff, Pvt.-Cpl.,
+503 Third Ave., Sterling, Ill.
+
+Howard C. Freitag, Pvt.,
+Box 44, Fair View, N. J.
+
+Anthony J. Fritzen, S. Sgt.,
+1724 Jackson St., Scranton, Pa.
+
+John M. Frye, Jr., Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+2519 S. 62nd St., W. Phila., Pa.
+
+Gomer P. Gealy, Pvt.,
+634 N. Hyde Park Ave., Scranton, Pa.
+
+William R. Geiger, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+South 2nd St., St. Clair, Pa.
+
+Charles W. Geiswalt, Pvt.,
+335 N. George St., Pottsville, Pa.
+
+Hugh A. Gildea, Cpl.-Sgt.,
+84 Merritt Ave., Plains, Pa.
+
+John Gripp, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+938 Mt. Vernon Ave., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Michael Guresh, Pvt.,
+R. F. D., No. 2, Box 18, Tamaqua, Pa.
+
+Christian Hagedorn, Pvt.,
+28 Sicomac Lane,
+Midland, Park, N. J.
+
+Stephen A. Hurtz, Pvt.,
+134 Ryerson Ave., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Curtis F. Horne, Pvt.,
+612 21st St., Windber, Pa.
+
+Patrick J. Hughes, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+73 Second St., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Charles W. Hunt, Pvt.,
+775 Dalton, Ave., Pittsfield, Mass.
+
+Concetti Imbesi, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+925 Scranton St., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Nels C. Jacobsen, Pvt.,
+Farmont, Minn.
+
+Ollie S. Jay, Pvt.,
+Waelder, Texas.
+
+John J. Jlosky, Pvt.,
+49 William St., Englewood, N. J.
+
+Albert R. Johnson, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Kipp, Kansas.
+
+John E. Jones, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+300 E. Beech St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Reggie L. Jones, Pvt.,
+Pembroke, Ky.
+
+Charles L. Jourdren, Pvt.,
+123 Elm Ave., Bogota, N. J.
+
+Charles Karsch, Pvt.,
+Washington Ave.,
+Little Ferry, N. J.
+
+James F. Kelly, Cpl.,
+123 Burke St., Plains, Pa.
+
+John A. King, Cpl.,
+515 Main St., Pittston, Pa.
+
+David B. Koenig, Cpl.-Sgt.,
+533 Peace St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Erik W. Kolmodin, Pvt.,
+39 Central Ave.,
+Ridgefield Park, N. J.
+
+John Kontir, Pvt., 1 Cl.-Cpl.,
+538 Cleveland St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Anthony P. Lally, Pvt.,
+Girardville, Pa.
+
+Charles C. Lang, Pvt.,
+199 Wetmore Park, Rochester, N. Y.
+
+Walter F. Licalzi, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+131 Fulton Ave.,
+Astoria, L. I., N. Y.
+
+Joseph T. Loskill, C. M.,
+546 E. Broad St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Wasyl Lugowy, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+221 Berner Ave.,
+Hazleton Heights, Pa.
+
+Saverio Lupas, Hs.,
+80 W. Carey Ave., Plains, Pa.
+
+Louis F. Maslakosky, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+662 Lincoln St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Frank Miller, Pvt.,
+Orchard St., Wortendyke, N. J.
+
+William C. Minnich, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+202 E. Holly St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+John J. Mooney, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+1543 N. Morvine St., Phila., Pa.
+
+Thomas E. Morgan, Pvt.,
+Ellendon, Fla.
+
+Joseph A. Morowitz, Pvt.,
+22--44th St., Corona, L. I.
+
+Daniel R. Mullery, Bg.,
+1113 Main St., Pittston, Pa.
+
+George A. Musial, Cook,
+47 E. Sheridan St., Miners Mills, Pa.
+
+Joseph J. McAtee, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+404 Schuylkill Ave., Pottsville, Pa.
+
+Bernard A. McCaffrey, Pvt., 1 Cl.,-Cpl.,
+R. F. D., Fisher's Hill,
+Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Joseph McCann, Pvt.,
+10 Morton St., Paterson, N. J.
+
+John J. X. McGeehan, Pvt.,
+116 S. Church St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Joseph T. McGovern, Pvt.,
+507 N. 21st St., Phila., Pa.
+
+Herbert G. Nankivell, Mec.,
+1520 Price St., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Walter A. Nebiker, Pvt.,
+32 Wood St., Garfield, N. J.
+
+Lewis Nedwood, Pvt.,
+965--2nd Ave.,
+Astoria, L. I., N. Y.
+
+Joseph E. O'Donnell, Pvt.-Cpl.,
+319 E. Walnut St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Joseph J. O'Donnell, Pvt.,
+Kelayres, Pa.
+
+Stanley J. Ogrydiak, Sgt.,
+655 Seybert St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Gennaro Paladino, Pvt.,
+280 Harrison Ave., Lodi, N. J.
+
+Joseph C. Parella, Pvt.,
+21 5th Ave., Lyndhurst, N. J.
+
+Joseph H. Petrask, Pvt.,
+6 S. Main St., Lodi, N. J.
+
+Herman Petrett, Pvt.,
+Box 113, Waldwick, N. J.
+
+John Petrilla, Pvt.,
+222 S. Bennett St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+August C. Pfancook, Sgt.,
+20 E. Tamarack St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Robert C. Phillips, Cpl.,
+Box 825, New Richmond, Wis.
+
+Harold V. Pierce. Pvt.,
+Sunset Hill, Kansas City, Mo.
+
+Homer D. Pifer, Pvt.,
+Rochester Mills, Pa.
+
+Arle J. Ploeger, Pvt.,
+c/o Westbury Rose Co.,
+Westbury, L. I.
+
+Joseph Popso, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+228 Carleton Ave.,
+Hazleton Heights, Pa.
+
+Luke F. Proulx, Pvt.,
+929 Atwell Ave., Providence, R. I.
+
+John S. Quade. Pvt., 1 Cl., Cpl.,
+Lansdale, Pa.
+
+A. Eli Quinett,
+607 N. Park St., Shawnee, Okla.
+
+Walter L. Reece, Pvt. 1 Cl.,
+425 S. Walker St., Webb City, Mo.
+
+Clinton Reese, Sgt.,
+323 N. Everett Ave., Scranton, Pa.
+
+John F. Reilly, Pvt.,
+2843 Jasper St., Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+Charles M. Reisch, Pvt.,
+238 Centre St., Ashland, Pa.
+
+Petro Repole, Pvt.,
+351 West 47th St., New York City.
+
+Philip Rheiner, Pvt.,
+89 N. 6th St., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Harry J. Ritzel, Pvt.,
+428 W. Sunbury St.,
+Minersville, Pa.
+
+Nathan Rosen, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+48 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Grover C. Rothacker, Mec.,
+37 E. Broad St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+John E. Rowland, Pvt.,
+130 Linden St., Yonkers, N. Y.
+
+Nathan Ruderman, Pvt.,
+193 Scholes St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
+
+William H. Rudolph, Sd.,
+171 S. Laurel St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Harry Scheiblin, Pvt.,
+415 9th St., Carlstad, N. J.
+
+Earl B. Schleppy, Sgt.,
+N. Church St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Alfred G. Schoonmaker, Jr., Cpl.,
+33 Clinton Place.
+Hackensack, N. J.
+
+Alexander Seaton, Pvt.,
+Hudson Heights, N. J.
+
+A. Ernest Shafer, Cpl.,
+208 Markle Bank Bldg.,
+Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Walter T. Shaw, Pvt.,
+3520 Longshore St.,
+Faconu, Phia., Pa.
+
+Raymond Sheldrake, Pvt.,
+141 N. 4th St., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Albert J. Sheridan, Pvt.,
+413 E. Norweigian St.,
+Pottsville, Pa.
+
+William Seivers, Pvt.,
+c/o Norwegian-American A. C.,
+208 E. 128th St., New York City.
+
+August H. Simmler, Jr., Pvt.,
+149 Clinton St., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Ray S. Skidmore, Bg.,
+153 Abbott St., Miners Mills, Pa.
+
+Otto J. Skirkie, Jr., Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Ridgefield Park, N. J.
+
+Edward J. Skrenda, Pvt.,
+Smithville South, L. I., N. Y.
+
+Charles W. Smith, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+226 Georgia Ave., Parsons, Pa.
+
+Albert W. Soule, Pvt.,
+Musselshell, Mont.
+
+Charles L. Stark, Pvt.,
+33 E. Thorton St., Akron, Ohio.
+
+William C. Steidle, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+711 E. Norweigian St.,
+Pottsville, Pa.
+
+John R. Sweeney, Pvt., Cp.,
+16 E. Birch St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+John Sysling, Pvt.,
+18 Grand St., Garfield, N. J.
+
+George M. Thompson, Pvt., 1 Cl., Cpl.,
+571 Grant St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Michael A. Tito, Cpl.,
+523 Seybert St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Edward G. Tracey, Pvt.,
+1129 Sophie St., Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+Charles A. Trostel, Mess Sgt.,
+1119 Jackson St., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Mattiejus Tuinali, Hs.,
+1931 Albright Ave., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Charles S. Umbenhauer, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Box 56, First St., Port Carbon, Pa.
+
+Barney Van De Brink, Pvt.,
+74 Hill St., Midland Park, N. J.
+
+[B]Leonard J. Van Houton, Pvt.,
+29 Hamburg Ave., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Wilbert Weber, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+146 Woodbine Ave.,
+Toronto, Ont., Canada.
+
+Harry L. Whitfield, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+597 N. Locust St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+William S. Willier, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Box 15, Hegins, Schuylkill Co., Pa.
+
+John A. Yanoshik, Pvt.,
+Lofty, Pa.
+
+Frank Yeosock, Cpl., Sgt.,
+285 River St., Coalridge, Pa.
+
+Frederick D. Young, Mec.,
+1516 Market St., Ashland, Pa.
+
+[Footnote B: Leonard Joseph Van Houten died at his home in Paterson,
+N. J., on October 7, 1919, four months after discharge from Battery
+D.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+RECORD OF BATTERY TRANSFERS.
+
+
+As previously recorded in this volume, a large number of men were
+transferred from the ranks of Battery D during the period of
+organization. Scores of others also left the battery during the latter
+days of its existence. No official record in concise form exists of
+the scores of transfers effected during the first few months of the
+battery's history.
+
+The following list gives information of transfers that a thorough
+search of the records now reveals. It is the most accurate list that
+can be compiled under the circumstances.
+
+
+GAINED COMMISSIONS.
+
+The following members of Battery D were transferred from the outfit as
+successful applicants to officers' training schools. All were, in the
+course of time commissioned as lieutenants. Messrs. Sword and McAloon
+were commissioned in France, while the others attended training
+schools in the United States.
+
+  William C. Thompson, Jackson, Miss.
+  Merrill C. Liebensberger, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Harry T. Kenvin, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Thomas S. Pengelly, Hazleton, Pa.
+  John M. Harman, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Edward J. Kane, Plains, Pa.
+  Willard F. Jones, Scranton, Pa.
+  Joseph B. McCall, Philadelphia, Pa.
+  William O. Sword, Parsons, Pa.
+  Timothy McAloon, Scranton, Pa.
+
+John G. Young, of La Grange, Ga., serving with Battery D in rank of
+corporal, was promoted to sergeant during September, 1918, at La
+Courtine, then left the battery for the A. E. F. Artillery School at
+Saumur. He was made a "third lieutenant" of coast artillery January,
+1919, and returned to Battery D the latter part of January of the same
+year at Benoite Vaux. Early in February he was sent to the field
+hospital at Chaumont Perfitte and sailed for the U. S. from Brest
+April 10th as hospital patient. On May 1st Young was transferred to
+Camp Gordon, Ga., and made first-sergeant of a convalescent battalion.
+On January 1st, 1920, First Sergeant Young was made Army Field Clerk
+and transferred to Newport News and Norfolk, Army Supply Base. He was
+discharged from the service, March 12th, 1920.
+
+
+SENT TO TEXAS CAMP.
+
+On February 5, 1918, Battery D was called upon and furnished the
+following men for service with the Fifth Artillery Brigade at Camp
+Leon Springs, Texas:
+
+  John E. Bayarsky, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Frederick J. Boddin, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Anthony Correale, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Karl L. Lubrecht, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Alfonso Lupattelli, Scranton, Pa.
+  James J. McDermott, Freeland, Pa.
+  Edward V. McGee, Hazleton, Pa.
+  John McGrady, Plains, Pa.
+  Bernard A. McKenna, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Frank J. Monahan, Plains, Pa.
+  Joseph Smith, Freeland, Pa.
+  Earl G. Spitzner, Harleigh, Pa.
+  Stephen J. Thompson, Hazleton, Pa.
+  George H. Throne, Hazleton, Pa.
+  John M. Tusko, Hazleton, Pa.
+
+
+JOINED KEYSTONE DIVISION.
+
+Battery D sent a number of men to the 28th Division at Camp Hancock,
+Ga., who joined with the Keystoners on the eve of departure for
+overseas. This transfer included:
+
+  Patrick J. Campbell, Freeland, Pa.
+  Edward T. Edgerton, Plains, Pa.
+  William H. Ringlaben, Jr., West Hazleton, Pa.
+  William E. Ritter, Plains, Pa.
+  Henry L. Schleppy, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Joseph Welky, Hazleton, Pa.
+
+
+ASSIGNED AS ENGINEERS.
+
+On January 28, 1918, the following men were transferred from Battery D
+to the 304th Engineers at Camp Meade:
+
+  Bernard A. Malloy, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Day M. Roth, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Harry R. Schmeer, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Paul W. Schmeer, Hazleton, Pa.
+  John Shigo, Freeland, Pa.
+
+The 19th Engineers at Camp Meade received in its personnel on February
+15, 1918, from Battery D:
+
+  James A. Kenney, Plains, Pa.
+  Clark Burt, Plains, Pa.
+
+The February Replacement Draft at Meade took several Battery D men
+from the engineers, as follows:
+
+  Condidio Gentelezza, Scranton, Pa.
+  Harry A. Nelson, Plains, Pa.
+  Orelio Rosi, Plains, Pa.
+
+
+TO DEPOT BRIGADE.
+
+While preparations for departure overseas were under way transfers
+were made to the various training battalions of the 154th Depot
+Brigade, as follows:
+
+  John C. Demcik, Hazleton, Pa.
+  August H. Genetti, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Michael V. Hughes, Plains, Pa.
+  Abraham Kahn, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Francis A. Kenney, Scranton, Pa.
+  Thomas Murray, Plains, Pa.
+  Peter Sasarack, Jr., Hazleton, Pa.
+  Frederick L. Smith, 2nd, Hazleton, Pa.
+
+A number of these men were reassigned to other units. Michael V.
+Hughes was assigned to the 79th Divisional Staff and accompanied the
+division overseas. Frederick L. Smith, 2nd, was assigned to special
+duty as a chemist. Thomas Murray was seriously ill at the Camp Meade
+base hospital when the outfit departed.
+
+John Dempsey and George D. Vogt, both of Hazleton, Pa., were, on March
+17, 1918, assigned to the Q. M. C. school for cooks and bakers at Camp
+Meade.
+
+
+TO REGIMENTAL SUPPLY CO.
+
+Transfers were made to the 311th F. A. Supply Co., as follows:
+
+  George Kolessar, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Christy McAvaney, Scranton, Pa.
+  George Novotney, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Stanley Reese, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Harry B. Stair, Mt. Top, Pa.
+  Joseph Yeselski, Hazleton, Pa.
+
+
+CHANGES AT BENOITE VAUX.
+
+A number of changes in the battery roster were necessitated at Benoite
+Vaux, France, due to men being sent to hospitals for sickness. Some
+left to attend schools, while Philip J. Cusick, of Parsons, Pa.,
+received word through the Red Cross of his early discharge due to the
+death of his father.
+
+The transfers at Benoite Vaux included the following:
+
+  Howard A. Bain, Kansas City, Mo.
+  Thomas A. Davis, Scranton, Pa.
+  Philip J. Cusick, Parsons, Pa.
+  Stuart E. Prutzman, Palmerton, Pa.
+  Joseph Silock, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Harry Dauberman, Lawrence, Kansas.
+  Michael V. McHugh, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Anthony Esposito, Hackensack, N. J.
+  Reed F. Hulling, Charlestown, W. Va.
+  Clarence V. Smith, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Arthur A. Jones, Boundbrook, N. J.
+  Charles E. King, Pottsville, Pa.
+  John Verchmock, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Charles Nace, Philadelphia, Pa.
+  Arthur Van Valen, Englewood, N. J.
+  James F. Burns, Pottsville, Pa.
+
+
+OTHER TRANSFERS
+
+Joseph Delosaro and John Sharawarki, both of Hazleton, Pa., were
+discharged from Battery D February 5th and 14th respectively, for
+physical disabilities.
+
+Carl G. Brattlof, of Newark. N. J., was assigned to the 154th Brigade
+Headquarters, Dec. 1918.
+
+James J. Gillespie, of Hazleton, Pa., Feb. 11th, 1918, was
+transferred to the Railway Transportation Corps.
+
+George F. Haniseck, James F. McKelvey and Mathew Talkouski, all of
+Hazleton, Pa., May 31st, 1918, were sent to join the U. S. Guards,
+Fort Niagara, N. Y.
+
+John F. Kehoe of Hazleton, Pa., Feb. 3, 1918, was transferred to
+Headquarters Bn. G. H. Q. A. E. F., France. He left Camp Meade
+February 27th, being the first man from the organization to get
+overseas.
+
+Otto Kopp, of Hazleton, Pa., transferred June 1, 1918, to Headquarters
+Co., 311th F. A.
+
+Donald H. Durham, of Newark, N. J., and R. L. Krah, of Lavelle, Pa.,
+were transferred to the regimental Headquarters Co., while in France.
+
+William M. Powell. Jr., of Hazleton, Pa., February 5th, 1918, assigned
+to the Ordnance Depot Co., No. 101, Camp Meade.
+
+On October 12, 1918, Raymond Stegmaier, of Jamaica, N. Y., was
+detached from the battery on special duty as orderly to Lieut.-Col.
+Palmer.
+
+William Van Campen, of Ridgewood, N. J., was injured by an explosion
+of a hand-grenade on Nov. 5, 1918. The following day he was sent to
+Base Hospital No. 24 at Limoge. Nicholas J. Young, of Pottsville, Pa.,
+was transferred to the same hospital, October 16th, following the gun
+explosion at La Courtine.
+
+David L. Grisby, of Terre Haute, Ind., was transferred to Base
+Hospital No. 15 to undergo an operation. He left the battery at Ville
+sous La Ferte on November 22nd.
+
+Charles A. Weand, of Pottsville, Pa., Nov. 30, 1918, was sent to Base
+Hospital No. 11, A. P. O. 767, France.
+
+Henry J. Buhle, of New Brunswick, N. J., was sick in the hospital at
+La Courtine when the regiment left the artillery range, in France,
+November 14, 1918.
+
+Carl J. O'Malia, of Scranton, Pa., and Frederick M. Bowen, of
+East Rutherford, N. J., were patients at the hospital in Rimaucourt
+when the outfit left Blancheville, France.
+
+Arthur D. Roderick, of Hazleton, Pa., and William R. Jones, of
+Bergenfield, N. J., became detached from the battery while on leave.
+They were taken ill in Paris and sent to a hospital in the French
+metropolis.
+
+Edward Campbell, of Hazleton, Pa., one of the battery cooks, remained
+at the embarkation camp at St. Nazaire, France, to take charge of camp
+bakery. Cook Campbell returned to the States the latter part of July.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+PERSONALITIES.
+
+
+September 20, 1918. Adam O. Dyker was re-christened "Honey-Bee" Dyker.
+The event took place in a rather stinging manner at Camp La Courtine,
+France.
+
+On the night in question Private Dyker was on guard duty at the
+battery kitchen, which was situated under a canvas roof in a locality
+that was infested at that particular time with bees and yellow
+jackets.
+
+While walking his post at the midnight hour Dyker thought of a can of
+strawberry jam that he knew the cooks had deposited in a certain
+place. Groping his way through the dark Dyker found the can of
+preserves, also a spoon, and immediately started to fill a sweet
+tooth.
+
+In a short time the entire battery guard was aroused by a distressing
+cry from one of the outposts. At first it was difficult to determine
+whether the call was from a 311 Regiment post or a 312th Regiment
+post.
+
+The question was soon settled, however, when Dyker appended to the
+customary outpost call the designation of both the battery and the
+regiment, and added these words. "For God's sake hurry up, I'm all
+bee'd up."
+
+The jam which he devoured was full of bees and yellow jackets. While
+the humor of the incident appealed to the boys of the battery, all
+sympathized with the unfortunate guard, who had an agonizing time of
+it in the camp hospital for several weeks as a result of eating
+honey-bees.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Shortly after the armistice was signed John J. Jlosky drank too much
+cognac and fell out of line at retreat one night. He was ordered to
+report at the battery office. When asked why he did not stand at
+attention he replied to Lieut. Bailey: "How do you expect a man to
+stand at attention with sand-paper underwear on?"
+
+The battery had just been issued woolen underwear that day.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In recalling stable-police duty at Camp Meade, Md., there is one
+incident that always amused Bill Powell. Here's the story in his own
+words:
+
+"After the usual morning duties as stable police, 'Mad Anthony'
+assigned me to load a wagon of manure. After struggling with it for
+perhaps an hour I felt extremely proud of the transference of the
+large amount of material from the ground to the wagon. I was then
+ordered to go with the driver. I thought this pretty soft. It was a
+zero day and I soon found that I was mistaken. We were on our way to
+unload the manure in flat cars.
+
+"When we got to Disney, half frozen, the driver disappeared to a
+position near a roaring log fire and I commenced to unload. Here's
+where I realized the advantage of being a driver.
+
+"While resting I noticed another wagon being unloaded nearby with a
+detail of three negroes doing the heaving. This got my ire, and when I
+got back I looked up 'Mad Anthony' and related what I had seen.
+
+"'Mad Anthony' looked at me and replied, 'Hell, isn't one white man as
+good as three niggers?'
+
+"Not wishing to admit differently I left--satisfied."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A FEW GENERAL ORDERS.
+
+
+     "I desire to express to all the men with whom I was fortunate
+     enough to serve, sincere thanks for their universal loyalty and
+     courtesy to me and the other officers who were with me. It was
+     difficult during the active life of the battery to express to its
+     members the affection I felt for them collectively and
+     individually, and the high personal regard I had for them all,
+     both as soldiers and friends.
+
+     "We were never fortunate enough to be called into action, but at
+     all times, I am sure, that all those who came in contact with
+     Battery D felt that its personnel could be depended upon to do
+     the right thing at the right time. We all had our blue moments,
+     but, wherever we may go, or whatever we do, the spirit of Battery
+     D and the friendships we made will help us.
+
+     "Let me conclude by wishing a life of health, happiness and
+     success to all my old friends in Battery D, and may I further add
+     that, in looking back, I could have no greater wish than to feel
+     that their friendship and respect for me could be as great as the
+     friendship and respect I hold for them all."
+                                               CAPT. A. L. SMITH.
+"Stepping Stones," Gwynedd Valley, Pa., 1920.
+
+
+     "I had the good fortune to serve with the best Battalion of Field
+     Artillery in the United States Army--the Second Battalion, 311th
+     F. A."
+                                                MAJOR D. A. REED.
+909 Amberson Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa., 1920.
+
+
+     "My memories of Battery D are the most pleasant of my army
+     experiences. I know that your book will fulfill the very definite
+     need for a complete and accurate account of the experiences and
+     travels of the members of the battery."
+                                             CAPT. PERRY E. HALL.
+Springfield, N. J., 1920.
+
+
+     "It would indeed be most regrettable should there be nothing
+     permanent to remind us of those ties of friendship, far greater
+     than those of organization, which bound us together for the
+     greater part of two years. The recollection of the
+     wonderful spirit and morale of those with whom we were so
+     intimately associated must ever bring back that old feeling of
+     just pride which we all felt in our battery."
+                                        LIEUT. FRANK J. HAMILTON.
+4822 N. Camac St., Philadelphia, Pa., 1920.
+
+
+     "The happiest days of my life were spent in the 311th F. A. and
+     one of my best friends is Captain Smith of Battery D."
+                                   LIEUT.-COL. HERBERT H. HAYDEN.
+Army & Navy Club, Washington, D. C., 1920.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+MEMORABLE DATES.
+
+
+  1918.
+
+  July 13--Left Camp Meade, Md., U. S. A.
+  July 14--Set sail from Port Richmond, Philadelphia, Pa.
+  July 17--At anchor in Halifax harbor, Nova Scotia.
+  July 20--Left Halifax bound overseas.
+  July 30--Battle with German U-Boats.
+  July 31--Landed in Barry, South Wales.
+  August 3--Hiked to Southampton, England.
+  August 4--Landed in Cherbourg, France.
+  August 5--Left Cherbourg via rail.
+  August 7--Arrived in Montmorillon.
+  September 4--Left Montmorillon via box car.
+  September 4--Arrived at La Courtine.
+  November 14--Left La Courtine via box car.
+  November 16--Detrained at La Tracey.
+  November 16--Landed in Ville sous La Ferte.
+  November 26--Left Ville sous La Ferte via motor train.
+  November 26--Arrived at Blancheville.
+  December 19--One hundred left on horse convoy.
+  December 25--Mule convoy arrived at Cirey les Mareilles.
+
+  1919.
+
+  January 9--Left Blancheville mounted.
+  January 13--Arrived at Benoite Vaux.
+  March 19--Trip by road to Boncourt.
+  April 1--Left Boncourt mounted.
+  April 3--Arrived in Cirey Les Mareilles.
+  April 12--Matériel turned in at Andelot.
+  April 19--Entrained at Rimaucourt.
+  April 21--Arrived at St. Nazaire.
+  May 14--Set sail for United States.
+  May 27--Arrived in New York harbor.
+  May 28--Debarked at Bush Terminal, Brooklyn.
+  May 28--Arrived in Camp Dix, N. J.
+  May 30--Battery officially discharged.
+  June 4--Discharge papers distributed.
+
+FINIS
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Delta of the Triple Elevens, by 
+William Elmer Bachman
+
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+<html>
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+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Delta of the Triple Elevens -
+W. E. Bachman</title>
+
+
+<style type="text/css">
+<!--
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+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Delta of the Triple Elevens, by William Elmer Bachman
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Delta of the Triple Elevens
+       The History of Battery D, 311th Field Artillery US Army,
+              American Expeditionary Forces
+
+Author: William Elmer Bachman
+
+Release Date: January 28, 2007 [EBook #20468]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DELTA OF THE TRIPLE ELEVENS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Christine P. Travers and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+(This book was produced from scanned images of public
+domain material from the Google Print project.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<p>[Transcriber's notes: Obvious printer's errors have been corrected
+(e.g. gunnner for gunner), recurrent mispelling of the author haven't
+(e.g. Montlucon for Montluçon, canvass for canvases, incidently for
+incidentally, paraphanelia for paraphernalia, calesthenics for
+calisthenic, etc...).<br><br>
+
+Page 20: The word "by" has been changed to "from" (partially sheltered
+         from the Southern sun).<br>
+Page 84: The spelling of Sommbernont has been changed to Sombernon.<br>
+Page 101: The word casual has been changed to casualty
+         (sent him home as a casualty).<br>
+Page 126: It is not clear if the printed word is trained or roamed
+         (where he last trained/roamed).<br><br>
+
+Definitions:
+Cootie: Noun US: a head-louse (Macquarie Online Dictionnary - Book
+        of slang).]</p>
+
+
+
+<h1>THE DELTA OF THE<br>
+TRIPLE ELEVENS</h1>
+
+<h2>THE HISTORY OF</h2>
+
+<h1>BATTERY D, 311th FIELD ARTILLERY<br>
+UNITED STATES ARMY,<br>
+AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES</h1><br><br>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img001.jpg" width="200" height="128" alt="Arms" title="Arms">
+</div>
+
+
+<h2>By</h2>
+
+<h1>WILLIAM ELMER BACHMAN</h1>
+
+<p> </p>
+<h3>Standard-Sentinel Print<br>
+Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+1920</h3>
+
+
+
+<h3>COPYRIGHT 1920<br>
+
+BY<br>
+
+WILLIAM ELMER BACHMAN</h3>
+
+<a id="photo003" name="photo003"></a>
+<div>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img003.jpg" width="598" height="380" alt="Group photo Battery D" title="Group photo Battery D">
+</p>
+
+<h3>GROUP PHOTO OF BATTERY D. 311th F. A</h3>
+
+<p class="figcenter">Taken at Benoite Vaux, France, March 14, 1919. Reproduced from the
+Official Photo taken by the Photographic Section of the Signal Corps,
+U. S. A.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h2>
+<i>To<br>
+The memory of our pals<br>
+whom we buried in France<br>
+This Book<br>
+Is Dedicated<br></i>
+</h2>
+
+<a id="photo005" name="photo005"></a>
+<div>
+<p class="pagenum">(p.005)</p>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img005.jpg" width="256" height="392"
+     alt="W. E. Bachman" title="W. E. Bachman">
+</p></div>
+
+<h3>WILLIAM E. BACHMAN</h3>
+
+<div>
+<p class="figcenter">ARMY RECORD.</p>
+<p class="quotega10">Inducted into service at Hazleton, Penna.,
+November 1st, 1917. Sent
+to Camp Meade, Md., November 2nd, 1917, and assigned as Private to
+Battery D, 311th Field Artillery. Received rank of Private First
+Class, February 4th, 1918. Placed on detached service, May 18th, 1918,
+and assigned as Battery Clerk, First Provisional Battery, Fourth
+Officers' Training School, Camp Meade. Rejoined Battery D June 27th,
+1918, and accompanied outfit to France. Assigned to attend Camouflage
+School at Camp La Courtine, September 30th, 1918, and qualified as
+artillery camouflager. On October 3rd, 1918, was registered, through
+Major A. L. James. Jr., Chief G-2-D, G. H. Q., A. E. F., with the
+American Press Section, 10 Rue St. Anne, Paris, which registration
+carried grant to write for publication in the United States. Remained
+with battery until March 7th, 1919, when selected to attend the
+A. E. F. University, at Beaune, Cote D'Or. Rejoined battery at St.
+Nazaire May 1st, 1919. Discharged at Camp Dix, N. J., June 4th, 1919.
+</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<h2>FOREWORD. <span class="pagenum">(p.006)</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>"You're in the Army now."</p>
+
+<p>"So this is France!"</p>
+
+<p>Oft I heard these phrases repeated as more and more the realization
+dawned, first at Camp Meade, Md., and later overseas, that war seemed
+mostly drudgery with only the personal satisfaction of doing one's
+duty and that Sunny France was rainy most of the time.</p>
+
+<p>The memory of Battery D, 311th U. S. F. A., will never fade in utter
+oblivion in the minds of its members. 'Tis a strange fancy of nature,
+however, gradually to forget many of the associations and
+circumstances of sombre hue as the silver linings appear in our
+respective clouds of life in greater radiance as each day finds us
+drifting farther from ties of camp life.</p>
+
+<p>Soldiers, who once enjoyed the comradeship of camp life, where they
+made many acquaintances and mayhap friends, are now scattered in all
+walks of civilian life. While their minds are yet alive with facts and
+figures, time always effaces concrete absorptions. The time will come
+when a printed record of Battery D will be a joyous reminder.</p>
+
+<p>With these facts in mind I have endeavored to set forth a history of
+the events of the battery and the names and addresses of those who
+belonged.</p>
+
+<p>The records are true to fact and figure, being compilations of my
+diaries, note-books and address album, all verified with utmost care
+before publication.</p>
+
+<p>In future years when the ex-service men and their friends glance over
+this volume, if a moment of pleasant reminiscence is added, this book
+will have fully served its purpose.</p>
+
+<div>
+<p class="quotedr">
+<span class="sc">William Elmer Bachman</span>,</p><br>
+<p>1920.
+<span class="quotedr">Hazleton, Penna.</span>
+</p></div>
+
+
+
+<h2>PREFATORY NOTE. <span class="pagenum">(p. 007)</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>An effort has been made in this volume to state as concisely and
+clearly as possible the main events connected with the History of
+Battery D.</p>
+
+<p>To recount in print every specific incident connected with the life of
+the organization, or to attempt a military biographical sketch of
+every battery member, would require many volumes.</p>
+
+<p>My soldier-comrade readers will, no doubt, recall many instances which
+could have been included in this volume with marked appropriateness.</p>
+
+<p>The selection of the material, however, has been with utmost
+consideration and for the expressed purpose of having the complete
+narrative give the non-military reader a general view of the
+conditions and experiences that fell to the lot of the average unit in
+the United States Army in service in this country and overseas.</p>
+
+<p>Grateful acknowledgment is due to those who aided in the verification
+of all material used. Many of the battery members made suggestions
+that have been embodied in the text.</p>
+
+<p>To A. Ernest Shafer, D. C., and Conrad A. Balliet, of Hazleton,
+Penna., belongs credit for information supplied covering periods when
+the author was on detached service from the battery. To Dr. Shafer
+acknowledgment is also due for the use of photographs from which a
+number of the illustrations have been reproduced.</p>
+
+<p>From Prof. Fred H. Bachman, C. A. C., of Hazleton, Penna., who read
+over the manuscript, many valuable suggestions were received.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="quotedr">W. E. B.</span><br>
+Hazleton, Penna., 1920.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<h2>TABLE OF CONTENTS <span class="pagenum">(p. 008)</span></h2>
+
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER I.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page013">SOURCES
+OF THE DELTA.</a>     <span class="hidden">Page 13</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">World Events -- The Nucleus -- Declaration of
+War. U. S. Joins -- Selective Service Plans.</p></div>
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER II.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page015">A CAMP BELCHED FORTH.</a>     <span class="hidden">Page 15</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Selection of Camp Meade Site -- Cantonment
+Construction Building Progresses -- Home Leaving Preparations.</p></div>
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER III.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page019">"YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW".</a> <span class="hidden">Page 19</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Officers at Fort Niagara -- Assignment of
+Officers Barrack org. -- New Soldiers Arrive.</p></div>
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER IV.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page023">FIRST IMPRESSIONS.</a>  <span class="hidden">Page 23</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Description of Barracks -- A Day's Routine --
+Getting Catalogued -- Inoculations and Drills -- Soldiers
+Arrive and Leave.</p></div>
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER V.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page027">LEARNING TO BE A SOLDIER.</a> <span class="hidden">Page 27</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">First Non-Commissioned Personnel -- Effects of
+Transfers -- Schools -- Hikes -- Athletics -- Idle
+Hours.</p></div>
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER VI.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page030">FLEETING HOURS OF LEAVE.</a> <span class="hidden">Page 30</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Holiday Season Approaches -- Thanksgiving Feast
+Practice Marches -- Barrack 0103 -- Christmas
+1917.</p></div>
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER VII.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page033">WELL GROOMED BY DETAIL.</a><span class="hidden">Page 33</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Stable Police -- Inspections -- Staff
+Changes.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER VIII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 009)</span></p>
+
+<div><a href="#page036">BATTERY PROGRESS.</a> <span class="hidden">Page 36</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Formal Retreat -- Quarantine -- Celebration
+-- Rumors. Baltimore Parade -- West Elkridge Hike.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER IX.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page040">FAREWELL TO CAMP MEADE.</a><span class="hidden">Page 40</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Getting Ready -- Advance Detail --
+Departure.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER X.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page044">ABOARD THE S. S. MORVADA.</a><span class="hidden">Page 44</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Set-Sailing -- Coastland Appears -- Halifax
+Harbor -- Convoy Assembles.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XI.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page048">DODGING SUBMARINES.</a> <span class="hidden">Page 48</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Ocean Journey Starts -- Transport Life -- Sub
+Scares. Destroyers Delayed -- Battle With Subs.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XII.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page054">A ROYAL WELSH RECEPTION.</a><span class="hidden">Page 54</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Barry, South Wales -- Parade -- His Majesty's
+Letter. English Rail Journey.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XIII.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page058">A BRITISH REST CAMP.</a><span class="hidden">Page 58</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Crowded Tenting -- English Mess -- A Rainy Hike.
+Off for Southampton -- Flight Across the Channel.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XIV.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page063">"SO THIS IS FRANCE!".</a>  <span class="hidden">Page 63</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Cherbourg -- A Battery Bath -- Side-Door Pullmans.
+Montmorillon.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XV.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page068">WHITE TROOPS INVADE MONTMORILLON.</a><span class="hidden">Page 68</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Racial Difficulties -- French Billets -- Impressions.
+The Gartempe.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XVI.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page075">ACTIVE TRAINING AT LA COURTINE.</a><span class="hidden">Page 75</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">To La Courtine -- French Artillery Camp -- Russian
+Revolt -- Life on the Range -- Sickness -- Casualties.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XVII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 010)</span></p>
+
+<div><a href="#page082">NOVEMBER 11th AT LA COURTINE.</a><span class="hidden">Page 82</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">November 7th -- November 11th -- Celebration --
+Farewell Banquet -- Ville Sous La Ferte -- Fuel
+Details -- Delayed Departure.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XVIII.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page089">MUD AND BLANCHEVILLE. </a><span class="hidden"> Page 89</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Mud and Rats -- Historic Monteclair -- Thanksgiving
+1918 -- Candle Mystery -- Sick Horses Arrive.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XIX.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page093">AN ADVENTUROUS CONVOY.</a><span class="hidden">Page 93</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Belgian Trip Proposed -- 100 Volunteers -- Remount
+13 -- Convoying Mules -- Christmas 1918.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XX.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page100">ON THE ROAD TO BENOITE VAUX.</a><span class="hidden">Page 100</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Anxious to Join Division -- First Service Stripe
+-- A. E. F. Leave Centers -- Mounted Hikes -- Overland
+to Benoite Vaux.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXI.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page104">WAR ORPHANS AND HORSE SHOWS.</a><span class="hidden">Page 104</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Two Battery Mascots -- Battalion and Regimental
+Shows -- Division and Corps Shows -- More Personnel
+Changes -- Maneuvres -- More Sickness and
+Casualties.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXII.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page111">HOMEWARD BOUND.</a><span class="hidden"> Page 111</span>
+
+<p class="quotega10-0">Boncourt -- Cirey les Mareilles -- Divisional Review.
+Camp Montoir -- St. Nazaire -- Edward Luckenbach -- New
+York -- Camp Dix -- Home.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXIII.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page118">THE LORRAINE CROSS.</a> <span class="hidden">Page 118</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Story of the Seventy-Ninth Divisional Insignia.
+</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXIV.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page123">BATTERY D HONOR ROLL.</a> <span class="hidden">Page 123</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Names of Those Who Died and Graves Where
+Buried.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXV. <span class="pagenum">(p. 011)</span></p>
+
+<div><a href="#page125">"ONE OF US".</a><span class="hidden">Page 125</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Tribute to Private First Class Joseph A.
+Loughran.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXVI.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page127">IN MEMORIAM.</a>  <span class="hidden">Page 127</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">In Memory of Departed Comrades.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXVII.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page128">FIRST BATTERY D STAFF.</a><span class="hidden">Page 128</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">First Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Personnel.
+</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXVIII.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page130">BATTERY D OFFICERS.</a><span class="hidden">Page 130</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Complete List of Officers Associated With the
+Battery.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XIX.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page131">ROSTER OF BATTERY D.</a> <span class="hidden">Page 131</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">List of Names That Comprised the Sailing List of
+the U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXX.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page135">RECORD OF BATTERY TRANSFERS.</a> <span class="hidden">Page 135</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Those Who Gained Commissions--List of Men
+Transferred to Other Organizations.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXXI.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page140">PERSONALITIES.</a><span class="hidden">Page 140</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">A Few Battery Reflections.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXXII.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page142">A FEW GENERAL ORDERS.</a><span class="hidden">Page 142</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Messages From Several of the Officers.</p></div>
+
+
+<p class="figcenter">CHAPTER XXXIII.</p>
+
+<div><a href="#page144">MEMORABLE DATES.</a><span class="hidden">Page 144</span>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Calendar of Battery's Eventful Dates.</p></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTIONS.
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 012)</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>
+                                <span class="hidden">Page</span><br>
+<a href="#photo003">
+Group Photo of Battery D.</a>       <span class="hidden">3</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo005">
+William Elmer Bachman.</a>        <span class="hidden">5</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo018">
+Albert L. Smith.</a>              <span class="hidden">18</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo022">
+David A. Reed.</a>             <span class="hidden">22</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo039">
+Perry E. Hall.</a>            <span class="hidden">39</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo039">
+Sidney F. Bennett.</a>        <span class="hidden">39</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo039b">
+C. D. Bailey.</a>             <span class="hidden">39</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo039b">
+Frank J. Hamilton.</a>        <span class="hidden">39</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo057">
+Third Class French Coach.</a>     <span class="hidden">57</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo057">
+Side-Door Pullman Special.</a>   <span class="hidden">57</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo057">
+Interior of French Box Car.</a>   <span class="hidden">57</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo057">
+A Real American Special.</a>   <span class="hidden">57</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo067">
+Montmorillon Station.</a>      <span class="hidden">67</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo067">
+Montmorillon Street Scene.</a>   <span class="hidden">67</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo081">
+Entrance to Camp La Courtine.</a>   <span class="hidden">81</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo081">
+American Y. M. C. A. at Camp La Courtine.</a> <span class="hidden">81</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo088">
+A Battery D Kitchen Crew.</a>    <span class="hidden">88</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo088">
+Group of Battery D Sergeants.</a>  <span class="hidden">88</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo099">
+Battery D on the Road.</a>       <span class="hidden">99</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo099">
+Aboard The Edward Luckenbach.</a>  <span class="hidden">99</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo099">
+At Bush Terminal.</a>          <span class="hidden">99</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo110">
+Serving Battery Mess Along the Road.</a> <span class="hidden">110</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo110">
+Battery D on the Road. </a>       <span class="hidden">110</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo117">
+Lorraine Cross.  </a>          <span class="hidden">117</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo124">
+Joseph A. Loughran.</a>       <span class="hidden">124</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo124">
+Cemetery at La Courtine.</a>      <span class="hidden">124</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo129">
+Horace J. Fardon. </a>         <span class="hidden">129</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo129">
+Grave of William Reynolds.</a>    <span class="hidden">129</span><br>
+
+<a href="#photo129">
+Barrack at Camp La Courtine.</a>   <span class="hidden">129</span>
+</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page013" name="page013"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER I. <span class="pagenum">(p. 013)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>SOURCES OF THE DELTA.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Official records in the archives of the War Department at Washington
+will preserve for future posterity the record of Battery D, of the
+311th United States Field Artillery.</p>
+
+<p>In those records there is written deep and indelibly the date of May
+30th, 1919, as the date of Battery D's official demobilization. The
+history of Battery D, therefore, can be definitely terminated, but a
+more difficult task is presented in establishing a point of inception.</p>
+
+<p>The development of Battery D was gradual--like a tiny stream, flowing
+on in its course, converging with the 311th Regimental, 154th Brigade,
+and 79th Division tides until it reached the sea of war-tossed Europe;
+there to flow and ebb; finally to lose its identity in the ocean of
+official discharge.</p>
+
+<p>The Egyptians of old traversed the course of their river Nile, from
+its indefinite sources along the water-sheds of its plateaux and
+mountains, and, upon arriving at its mouth they found a tract of land
+enclosed by the diverging branches of the river's mouth and the
+Mediterranean seacoast, and traversed by other branches of the river.
+This triangular tract represented the Greek letter &#916;
+"Delta," a word which civilization later adopted as a coinage of
+adequate description.</p>
+
+<p>Fine silt, brought down in suspension by a muddy river and deposited
+to form the Delta when the river reaches the sea, accumulates from
+many sources.</p>
+
+<p>In similar light the silt of circumstances that resulted in the
+formation of the Delta of the Triple Elevens, accumulated from many
+sources, the very nucleus transpiring on June 28, 1914, when the heir
+to the Austrian throne, the archduke of Austria, and his wife, were
+assassinated at Sarajevo, in the Austrian province of Bosnia, by a
+Serbian student.</p>
+
+<p>Austria immediately demanded reparation from Serbia. Serbia declared
+herself willing to accede to all of Austria's demands, but refused to
+sacrifice her national honor. Austria thereby took the pretext to
+renew a quarrel that had been going on for centuries.</p>
+
+<p>Long diplomatic discussions resulted--culminating on July 28, 1914,
+with a declaration of war by Austria against Serbia. This, so to
+speak, opened the flood-gates, letting loose the mighty river of blood
+and slaughter that flowed over all Europe.</p>
+
+<p>The <span class="pagenum">(p. 014)</span>
+days that followed added new sensations and thrills to
+every life. The river of war flowed nearer our own peaceful shores as
+the days passed and the news dispatches brought us the intelligence of
+Germany's declaration of relentless submarine warfare and the
+subsequent announcement of the United States' diplomatic break with
+Germany.</p>
+
+<p>Momentum was gained as reports of disaster and wilful acts followed
+with increasing rapidity. The sinking of American vessels disclosed a
+ruthlessness of method that was gravely condemned in President
+Wilson's message of armed-neutrality, only to be followed by acts of
+more wilful import--finally evoking the proclamation, April 6, 1917,
+declaring a state of war in existence between the United States and
+the Imperial German government.</p>
+
+<p>Clear and loud war's alarm rang throughout the United States. All
+activity centered in the selection of a vast army to aid in the great
+fight for democracy. Plans were promulgated with decision and
+preciseness. On June 5th, 1917, ten millions of Americans between the
+ages of 21 and 31 years, among the number being several hundred who
+were later to become associated with Battery D, of the 311th F. A.,
+registered for military service.</p>
+
+<p>The war department issued an order, July 13, 1917, calling into
+military service 678,000 men, to be selected from the number who
+registered on June 5th. Days of conjecture followed. Who would be
+called first?</p>
+
+<p>July 20th brought forth the greatest lottery of all time. The drawing
+of number 258 by Secretary of War Newton D. Baker started the list of
+selective drawings to determine the order of eligibility of the young
+men in the 4,557 selective districts in the United States.</p>
+
+<p>War's preparations moved rapidly. Selective service boards, with due
+deliberation, made ready for the organization of the selective
+contingents. While the boards toiled and the eligible young men went
+through the process of examination, resulting in acceptance or
+rejection, officials of the war department were planning the camps.</p>
+
+<p>Battery D and the 311th Field Artillery were in the stages of
+organization but plans of military housing had to mature before the
+young men who were to form the organization, could be inducted into
+service, thereby bringing to official light The Delta of the Triple
+Elevens.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page015" name="page015"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER II. <span class="pagenum">(p. 015)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>A CAMP BELCHED FORTH.</h3>
+
+
+<p>On that eventful day in 1914, when the war clouds broke over Europe,
+the farmers of Anne Arundel county, Maryland, in the then peaceful
+land of the United States, toiled with their ploughshares under the
+glisten of the bright sun; content with their lot of producing more
+than half of the tomato crop of the country; content to harvest their
+abundant crops of strawberries and cucumbers and corn, to say nothing
+of the wonderful orchards of apples and pears, and not forgetting the
+wild vegetation of sweet potatoes.</p>
+
+<p>The peaceful, pastoral life in the heart of Maryland, however, was
+destined to be disturbed. A vast American army was needed and the vast
+army, then in the process of organization, needed an abode for
+training. Battery D and the 311th Field Artillery was organized on
+paper soon after the call for 678,000 selected service men was decided
+upon. The personnel of the new organization was being determined by
+the selective service boards. Officers to command the organization
+were under intensive instruction at Fort Niagara, New York. All that
+was needed to bring the organization into official military being was
+a point of concentration.</p>
+
+<p>The task of locating sites for the sixteen army cantonments, decreed
+to birth throughout the United States, presented many difficulties.
+What could be more natural, however, than the fertile farm lands of
+Anne Arundel county, almost within shadow of the National Capital, to
+be selected as the site of a cantonment to be named after General
+George Gordon Meade?</p>
+
+<p>Territory in the immediate vicinity of Admiral and Disney was the
+ideal selection: ideal because the territory is only eighteen miles
+from Baltimore, the metropolis of the South; one hundred miles from
+Philadelphia, the principal city of the State which was to furnish
+most of the recruits; and twenty-two miles from Washington, the
+Capital of the Nation.</p>
+
+<p>Situated between the heart of the South and the heart of the Nation,
+Camp Meade is easily accessible by rail. Ease of access through
+mail-line facilities, was a necessity for transportation of building
+materials and supplies before and during construction. The same
+facilities furnished the transportation for the large bodies of troops
+that were sent to and from the camp; also assured the cantonment its
+daily supply of rations.</p>
+
+<p>Admiral <span class="pagenum">(p. 016)</span>
+Junction furnished adequate railroad yard for the
+camp. The Baltimore and Ohio railroad station is at Disney, about
+one-half mile west of Admiral; while the Pennsylvania Railroad
+junction on the main line between Baltimore and Washington is at
+Odenton, about one and one-half miles east of Admiral. Naval Academy
+Junction is near Odenton and is the changing point on the electric
+line between the two chief cities. The magic-like upbuild of the
+cantonment, moreover, was the signal for the extension of the electric
+line to encircle the very center of the big military city, thus adding
+an additional link of convenience.</p>
+
+<p>Camp Meade having been officially decided upon as the home of the 79th
+Division, a sanitary engineer, a town planner, and an army officer,
+representing the commanding general, were named to meet on the ground,
+where they inspected the location, estimated its difficulties, and
+then proceeded to make a survey in the quickest way possible, calling
+upon local engineers for assistance and asking for several railroad
+engineering corps.</p>
+
+<p>The town-planner, or landscape architect, then drew the plans for the
+cantonment, laying it out to conform with the topography of the
+location and taking into consideration railroad trackage, roads,
+drainage, and the like. Given the site it was the job of the
+town-planner to distribute the necessary buildings and grounds of a
+typical cantonment as shown in type plans.</p>
+
+<p>The general design for the camp was prepared by Harlan P. Kelsey, of
+"city beautiful" fame, who was one of the experts called on by the war
+department to aid the government in the emergency of preparing for
+war.</p>
+
+<p>After the town-planner came Major Ralph F. Proctor, of Baltimore, Md.,
+who on July 2nd, 1917, as constructing quartermaster, look charge of
+the task of building the cantonment. Standing on the porch of a little
+frame-house situated on a knoll, set in the midst of a pine forest,
+Major Proctor gave the order that set saw and axe in motion; saws and
+axes manned by fifteen thousand workmen, consecrated to the task of
+throwing up a war-time city in record time.</p>
+
+<p>Chips flew high and trees were felled and soon the knoll belched forth
+a group of buildings, fringed by the pine of the forest--to be
+dedicated as divisional headquarters--around which, with speed
+none-the-less magic-like, land encircling was cleared and buildings
+and parade grounds sprang up in quick succession.</p>
+
+<p>The <span class="pagenum">(p. 017)</span>
+dawn of September month saw over one thousand wooden
+barracks erected on the ground, most of which were spacious enough to
+provide sleeping quarters for about two hundred and fifty men; also
+hundreds of other buildings ready to be occupied for administrative
+purposes.</p>
+
+<p>While workmen of all trades diligently plied their hands to the work
+of constructing the cantonment, hundreds of young men were getting
+ready to leave their homes on September 5th, as the van-guard of the
+40,000 who were in the course of time to report to Camp Meade for
+military duty. The cantonment, however, was not fully prepared to
+receive them and while the first contingent of Battery D men were
+inducted into service on September 5th, the cantonment was not deemed
+sufficiently ready to receive them until almost two weeks later.</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo018" name="photo018"></a>
+<div>
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 018)</span>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img018.jpg" width="250" height="364"
+     alt="Capt. Albert L. Smith" title="Capt. Albert L. Smith">
+</p></div>
+
+<h3>CAPT. ALBERT L. SMITH</h3>
+
+<div>
+<p class="figcenter">ARMY RECORD.</p>
+<p class="quotega10">Discharged from the National Guard of Pennsylvania, First Troop,
+Philadelphia City Cavalry, after seven years of service, to enter
+First Officers' Training Camp at Camp Niagara, N. Y., May 8th, 1917.
+Commissioned Captain, Field Artillery Reserve, August 15th, 1917, and
+ordered to report to Camp Meade, Md., August 29th, 1917. Placed in
+command of Battery D, 311th Field Artillery. Accompanied battery to
+France and remained with outfit until ordered to Paris on temporary
+duty in the Inspector General's Department, February, 1919. Rejoined
+regiment to become Regimental Adjutant May 6th, 1919. Discharged at
+Camp Dix, N. J., May 30th, 1919.
+</p></div>
+
+
+
+<a id="page019" name="page019"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER III. <span class="pagenum">(p. 019)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW.</h3>
+
+
+<p>At Fort Niagara, situated on the bleak shores of the River Niagara,
+New York State, the nucleus of the first commissioned personnel of
+Battery D assembled, after enlistment, during the month of May, 1917,
+and began a course of intensive training at the First Officers'
+Training School, finally to be commissioned on August 15th in the
+Field Artillery Reserve.</p>
+
+<p>On August 13th, pursuant to authority contained in a telegram from the
+Adjutant General of the Army, a detachment of the Reserve Officers
+from the Second Battery at Fort Niagara were ordered to active duty
+with the New National Army, proceeding to and reporting in person not
+later than August 29th to the Commanding General, Camp Meade, for
+duty.</p>
+
+<p>A day's brief span after their arrival at Camp Meade--while the
+officers, who were the first of the new army units on the scene of
+training, were busily engaged in dragging their brand new camp
+paraphernalia over the hot sands of July-time Meade,--the dirt and
+sand mingling freely with the perspiration occasioned by the broiling
+sun,--to their first assigned barracks in B block, an order arrived on
+August 30th, assigning the officers to the various batteries,
+headquarters, supply company, or regimental staff of the 311th Field
+Artillery, that was to be housed in O block of the cantonment.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Albert L. Smith, of Philadelphia, Pa., was placed in command
+of Battery D. Other assignments to Battery D included: First
+Lieutenant Arthur H. McGill, of New Castle, Pa.; Second Lieutenant
+Hugh M. Clarke, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Robert S.
+Campbell, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Frank F. Yeager, of
+Philadelphia, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Frank J. Hamilton, of
+Philadelphia, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Berkley Courtney, of Fullerton,
+Md.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant-Colonel Charles G. Mortimer was placed in command of the
+regiment on August 28, 1917. He remained in command until January 17,
+1918, when Colonel Raymond W. Briggs was assigned as regimental
+commander. Both are old army men and were well trained for the post of
+command. On March 31st, Col. Briggs, who had been in France and
+returned to take command of the 311th, was again relieved of command,
+being transferred to another outfit to prepare for overseas duty a
+second time. Lieut. Col. Mortimer had charge until
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 020)</span> June
+10th, 1918, when he was promoted to Colonel, remaining in command
+until the regiment was mustered out of service.</p>
+
+<p>Major David A. Reed, of Pittsburgh, Pa., was placed in command of the
+2nd Battalion of the 311th at organization and remained with the
+outfit until put on detached service in France after the signing of
+the armistice. Major Herbert B. Hayden, a West Point cadet, was
+assigned to the command of the 1st Battalion of the regiment. When
+time to depart for overseas came he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel
+of the regiment. Capt. Wood, of Battery A, was made Major of the 1st
+Battalion and First-Lieut. Arthur McGill, of Battery D, was placed in
+command of Battery A. Later he was given the rank of captain.</p>
+
+<p>Major-General Joseph E. Kuhn was commanding officer of the 79th
+Division and Brigadier General Andrew Hero, Jr., commanded the 154th
+Field Artillery Brigade.</p>
+
+<p>"O" block, in the plan of Camp Meade, was designated as the training
+center of the 311th Field Artillery and barrack No. 19 was the shelter
+selected for Battery D.</p>
+
+<p>Barrack 019 was situated in a small glade of trees which fringed the
+edge of the horse-shoe curve that the general plan of cantonment
+construction assumed. The spurs of the great horse-shoe were at Disney
+and Admiral. The blocks of regimental areas starting at Disney,
+designated by A block, followed the horse-shoe, encircling at the base
+hospital in alphabetical designation. "N" and "O" blocks nestled in a
+glade of trees, partially sheltered from the Southern sun, just around
+the bend in the curve of the road from the base-hospital. "Y" block
+formed the other end of the spur at Admiral--while divisional
+headquarters rested on the knoll in the center of the horse-shoe.</p>
+
+<p>It was at "O" block the newly assigned officers established themselves
+and made ready to receive the first influx of the selected personnel.
+Blankets and cots and barrels and cans and kitchen utensils began to
+arrive by the truck load and the officers in feverish haste divided
+the blankets, put up as many cots as they could, and established some
+semblance of order in the mess hall. They were pegging diligently at
+their tasks when the first troop trains pulled in at Disney on
+September 19th and unloaded the first detachment of future soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>Scenes of home-leaving and farewells to the home-folks and loved ones,
+which first transpired on September 19th, to be repeated with
+similarity <span class="pagenum">(p. 021)</span>
+as subsequent quotas of recruits entrained for
+military service, were of too sacred a nature to attempt an adequate
+description.</p>
+
+<p>What might have been the thoughts of the individual at the breaking of
+home-ties and during the long, tiresome railroad journey to Camp
+Meade, were buried deep in the heart, to be cherished as a future
+memory only. Personal griefs were hidden as those seven hundred young
+men in civilian clothes stepped from the train at Disney, grasped
+their suit case, box, or bundle, firmly and set out on the mile and a
+quarter hike through the camp--past divisional headquarters;
+perspiring freely under the heat of the setting sun. It was with an
+appearance of carelessness and humor they jaunted along, singing at
+times, "You're in the Army Now"--finally to breast the rise of the
+hill previous to "O" block, the descent thereof which was to mark the
+first stage of their transformation from civilian to soldier.</p>
+
+<p>Descent of the hill lead down to a sandy square in front of a long
+building that housed regimental headquarters. After, what seemed like
+hours to the recruits lined-up, roll of the seven hundred was called,
+divisions made, and the first quota of Battery D was marched to 019.</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo022" name="photo022"></a>
+<div>
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 022)</span>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img022.jpg" width="226" height="474"
+     alt="Major David A. Reed" title="Major David A. Reed">
+</p></div>
+
+<h3>MAJOR DAVID A. REED</h3>
+
+<div>
+<p class="figcenter">ARMY RECORD.</p>
+<p class="quotega10">Enlisted in the service of the United States Army, May 11th, 1917,
+and received commission as Major at the First Officers' Training Camp,
+Fort Niagara. N. Y. Was ordered to Camp Meade. Md., August 29th, 1917,
+and placed in command of the Second Battalion, 311th Field Artillery.
+Accompanied the outfit to France. On detached service with the
+Interallied Armistice Commission, Spa, Belgium, from November 20th,
+1918, to February 1st, 1919. Was awarded the French Legion of Honor
+medal April 4th, 1919. Discharged February 26th, 1919. Got commission
+as Lieutenant-Colonel in the Field Artillery Reserve, August 6th,
+1919.
+</p></div>
+
+
+
+<a id="page023" name="page023"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV. <span class="pagenum">(p. 023)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>FIRST IMPRESSIONS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Iron-bound was the rule. You couldn't escape it. Every selected man
+who entered Camp Meade had to submit. Of course, the new recruits were
+given a dinner shortly after their arrival--but not without first
+taking a bath.</p>
+
+<p>019, like all the other barracks of the cantonment, was a wooden
+structure, 150 x 50 feet, two stories in height. Half of the first
+floor housed the kitchen and dining hall while the remainder of the
+building was given over to sleeping quarters, with the exception of a
+corner set apart as the battery office and supply room--a most
+business-like place, from which the soldier usually steered shy,
+unless he wanted something, or had a kick to register about serving as
+K. P., or on some other official detail when he remembered having done
+a turn at the said detail just a few days previous.</p>
+
+<p>The rows of army cots and army blankets presented a different picture
+to the new soldier at first appearance, in comparison to the snug bed
+room, with its sheets and comfortables, that remained idle back home.
+The first night's sleep, however, was none-the-less just, the same
+Camp Meade cot furnishing the superlative to latter comparisons when a
+plank in a barn of France felt good to weary bones.</p>
+
+<p>Before rolling-in the first night every one was made acquainted with
+reveille, but no one expected to be awakened in the middle of the
+night by the bugle calling, "I Can't Get 'Em Up, etc., etc." Could it
+be a mistake? No, indeed, it was 5:15 a. m., and the soldier was
+summoned to roll-out and prepare for his first real day as a soldier.</p>
+
+<p>"Get dressed in ten minutes and line up outside in battery-front for
+roll call," was the first order of the day. Then followed a few
+precious moments for washing up in the Latrine, which was a large bath
+house connected with the barrack.</p>
+
+<p>Before the call, "Come and Get It" was sounded the more ambitious of
+the recruits folded their blankets and tidied up their cots. When mess
+call was sounded but few had to be called the second time.</p>
+
+<p>The hour of 7:30 was set for the day's work to begin, the first
+command of which was "Outside, and Police-Up." In the immediate
+vicinity of the battery area there was always found a multitude of
+cigarette butts, match stems, chewing gum wrappers, and what not, and
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 024)</span>
+the place had to be cleaned up every morning. If Battery D
+had saved all the "snips" and match stems they policed-up and placed
+them end by each the Atlantic could have been spanned and the expense
+of the Steamship Morvada probably saved.</p>
+
+<p>The first few weeks of camp life were not strenuous in the line of
+military routine. Detail was always the long-suit at Camp Meade.
+During the first few days at camp if the new recruit was lucky enough
+to be off detail work, the time was usually employed in filling out
+qualification cards, identification cards; telling your family
+history; making application for government insurance; subscribing to
+Liberty bonds; telling what you would like to be in the army; where
+you wanted your remains shipped; getting your finger-prints taken, and
+also getting your first jab in the arm which gave the first insight
+into a typhoid inoculation.</p>
+
+<p>When a moment of ease presented itself during the life
+examination--the supply sergeant got busy and started to hand out what
+excess supplies he had and, in the matter of uniforms, of which there
+was always an undercess, measurements were taken with all the
+exactness and precision befitting a Fifth Avenue tailoring
+establishment. Why measurements were ever taken has ever remained a
+mystery, because almost every soldier can remember wearing his
+civilian clothes thread-bare by the time the supply sergeant was able
+to snatch up a few blouses and trousers at the quartermasters. And
+these in turn were passed out to the nearest fits. It was a case of
+line-up and await your turn to try and get a fit, but a mental fit
+almost always ensued in the game of line-up for this and line-up for
+that in the army.</p>
+
+<p>After being enmeshed in such a coil of red tape all of one whole day,
+5 o'clock sounded Retreat, when instruction was given on how to stand
+at ease; how to assume the position of "parade-rest"; then, to snap
+into attention.</p>
+
+<p>Evening mess was always a joyful time, as was the evening, when the
+soldier was free to visit the Y. M. C. A. and later the Liberty
+Theatre, or partake of the many other welfare activities that
+developed in the course of time. From the first day, however, 9:45 p.
+m. was the appointed hour that called to quarters, and taps at 10
+o'clock each night sounded the signal for lights out and everybody in
+bunk.</p>
+
+<p>The inoculations were three in number, coming at ten day intervals.
+When it came time for the second "jab", the paper work was well under
+way and the call was issued for instruction on the field of drill (p.
+025) to begin. Many a swollen arm caused gentle memories as part of
+each day was gradually being given over to, first calesthenics, then
+to a knowledge of the school of the soldier. The recruit was taught
+the correct manner of salute, right and left face, about face, and
+double time.</p>
+
+<p>Newly designated sergeants and corporals were conscripted to the task
+of squad supervision and many exasperating occasions arose when a
+recruit got the wrong "foots" in place and was commanded to "change
+the foots."</p>
+
+<p>Meals for the first contingent of pioneer recruits ranged from rank to
+worse, until the boys parted company with their French civilian cooks
+and set up their own culinary department with Sergeant Joseph A.
+Loughran, of Hazleton. Pa., in charge. August H. Genetti and Edward
+Campbell, both of Hazleton. Pa.; George Musial, of Miners Mills, Pa.,
+and Charles A. Trostel, of Scranton, Pa., were installed as the
+pioneer cooks. By this mess change the soldiers who arrived in later
+contingents were served more on the American plan of cooking.</p>
+
+<p>On September 21st, 1917, came the second section of the selected
+quotas, bringing more men to Battery D. Their reception varied little
+from the first contingent's, with the exception that the first arrived
+soldiers were on the ground to offer all kinds of advice--some of the
+advice almost scaring the new men stiff.</p>
+
+<p>The future contingents were greeted with a more completed camp,
+because the construction work was continued many weeks after the
+soldiers began to arrive. And, in passing, it might be recorded, that
+the construction work continued long after the contractors finished
+their contracts. Military-like it was done by "detail."</p>
+
+<p>On October 4th and 5th more recruits arrived and then on November 2nd
+another large contingent arrived and was assigned to Battery D. This
+was the last selected quota to be received directly into the regiment,
+for, thereafter, the Depot Brigade received all the newly selected
+men.</p>
+
+<p>Almost all of the recruits of the first few contingents, including the
+delegation that arrived on November 2nd, came from Eastern
+Pennsylvania, from the Hazleton, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre districts
+of the Middle Anthracite Coal Fields. The delegation that arrived on
+November 2nd was accompanied by St. Ann's Band, of Freeland, Pa. The
+band remained in camp over the week-end, during
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 026)</span> which time a
+number of concerts were rendered. The band was highly praised for its
+interest and patriotism.</p>
+
+<p>All the men originally assigned to Battery D were not to remain with
+the organization throughout their military life. On October 15th,
+1917, Battery D lost about half of its members in a quota of 500 of
+the regiment who were transferred to Camp Gordon, Georgia. On November
+5th, two hundred more were transferred from the regiment and on
+February 5th, seventy-two left to join the Fifth Artillery Brigade at
+Camp Leon Springs, Texas.</p>
+
+<p>The latter part of May Battery D received a share of 931 recruits sent
+to the regiment from the 14th Training Battalion of the 154th Depot
+Brigade at Camp Meade. On July 2nd and 3rd, one hundred and fifty more
+came to the regiment from the Depot Brigade; 540 from Camp Dix, N. J.,
+and Camp Upton, N. Y.; fifty from the aviation fields of the South;
+and a quota from the Quartermaster Corps in Florida.</p>
+
+<p>Many of these did not remain long with the battery. In the latter part
+of June and the beginning of July the battery was reduced to nearly
+one-half and the March replacement draft to Camp Merritt took
+thirty-two picked men from the regiment. This ended the transfers.
+While in progress, the transfers rendered the regiment like unto a
+Depot Brigade. Over four thousand men passed through the regiment,
+five hundred of the number passing through Battery D.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page027" name="page027"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER V. <span class="pagenum">(p. 027)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>LEARNING TO BE A SOLDIER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Dress it up!"</p>
+
+<p>And--</p>
+
+<p>"Make it snappy!"</p>
+
+<p>"One, two, three, four."</p>
+
+<p>"Now you've got it!"</p>
+
+<p>"That's good. Hold it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hep."</p>
+
+<p>Battery D had lots of "pep" during the days of Camp Meade regime.</p>
+
+<p>First Sergeant William C. Thompson, of Forest, Mississippi, kept
+things lively for the first few months with his little whistle,
+followed by the command, "Outside!"</p>
+
+<p>Merrill C. Liebensberger, of Hazleton, Penna., served as the first
+supply sergeant of the battery. David B. Koenig, also of Hazleton,
+Penna., ranking first as corporal and later as sergeant, was kept busy
+with office work, acting in the capacity of battery clerk. Lloyd E.
+Brown, of East Richmond, Indiana, served as the first instrument
+sergeant of the battery. John M. Harman, of Hazleton, Penna., was the
+first signal-sergeant to be appointed.</p>
+
+<p>It might be remarked in passing that Messrs. Thompson, Liebensberger,
+and Harman were destined for leadership rank. Before the outfit sailed
+for overseas all three had gained application to officers' training
+schools, and were, in the course of time, commissioned as lieutenants.
+Battery Clerk Koenig continued to serve the outfit in an efficient
+manner throughout its sojourn in France. Instrument-Sergeant Brown
+early in 1918 answered a call for volunteers to go to France with a
+tank corps. While serving abroad he succumbed to an attack of
+pneumonia and his body occupies a hero's resting place in foreign
+soil.</p>
+
+<p>A wonderful spirit was manifested in the affairs of Battery D despite
+the fact that the constant transfer of men greatly hampered the work
+of assembling and training a complete battery for active service in
+France. Men who spent weeks in mastering the fundamentals of the
+soldier regulations were taken from the organization, to be replaced
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 028)</span>
+by civilians, whereby the training had to start from the
+beginning. This caused many changes in plans, systems, and policies.
+Rejections were also made for physical disabilities.</p>
+
+<p>For the greater part of the Camp Meade history of the battery, the
+organization lacked sufficient men to perform all the detail work.
+Thus days and days passed without any military instruction being
+imparted.</p>
+
+<p>Instruction in army signalling by wigwag and semaphore was started
+whenever a squad or two could be spared from the routine of detail.
+Then followed instruction on folding horse blankets, of care of horses
+and harness, and lessons in equitation, carried out on barrels and
+logs.</p>
+
+<p>Stables and corrals were in the course of construction. By the time
+snow made its appearance in November horses were received, also more
+detail.</p>
+
+<p>First lessons in the duties of gun-crews and driving squads were also
+attempted. Matériel was a minus quantity for a long time, wooden
+imitations sufficing for guns until several 3.2's were procured for
+the regiment. Later on the regiment was furnished with five 3-inch
+U. S. field pieces. Training then assumed more definite form. For
+weeks and weeks the gun crews trained without any prospects of ever
+getting ammunition and firing actual salvos.</p>
+
+<p>Learning to be a soldier also developed into a process of going to
+school. Men were assigned to attend specialty classes. Schools were
+established for gunners, schools for snipers, schools for
+non-commissioned officers. Here it might be stated that the first
+non-coms envied the buck-privates when it came to attending
+non-commissioned officers' school one night a week when all the bucks
+were down enjoying the show at the Y hut or the Liberty Theatre.</p>
+
+<p>Schools were started for all kinds of special and mechanical duty men;
+schools to teach gas-defense; buzzer schools; telephone schools;
+smoke-bomb and hand-grenade courses; and map-reading and sketching
+schools. Sergeant Earl H. Schleppy, of Hazleton, Penna., who assisted
+in the battery office work before he was appointed supply-sergeant,
+developed extra lung capacity while the various schools were in
+progress. It became his duty to assemble the diverse classes prior to
+the start of instruction. He was kept busy yelling for the soldiers to
+assemble for class work.</p>
+
+<p>It soon developed in the minds of the men that war-time military life
+was mostly drudgery with only the personal satisfaction of doing
+one's <span class="pagenum">(p. 029)</span>
+duty. Hardships and drudgery, however, did not mar the
+ambition of the soldier for recreation. Baltimore and Washington were
+nearby and passes were in order every Saturday to visit these cities.</p>
+
+<p>Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, during the first few months of camp
+life, were off-periods for the soldiers, but later Wednesday afternoon
+developed as an afternoon of sport and the men took keen interest in
+the numerous athletic interests which were promoted.</p>
+
+<p>On Tuesday, November 6th, a half-holiday was proclaimed and Election
+Day observed throughout the camp. The soldiers who availed themselves
+of the opportunity of marking the complicated soldier ballot that was
+provided, cast the last vote, in many instances, until after their
+official discharge.</p>
+
+<p>Daily hikes were on the program in the beginning to develop a hardness
+of muscle in the new soldiers. Lieut. Robert Campbell was in charge of
+the majority of the daily hikes at the off-set. His hobby was to hike
+a mile then jaunt a mile. When it came to long distant running Lieut.
+Campbell was on the job. He made many a soldier sweat in the attempt
+to drag along the hob-nailed field shoes on a run. Hikes later were
+confined to Wednesday afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>Battery D always put up a good showing in the numerous athletic
+contests. On Saturday, November 10th, the Battery won the second
+banner in the Inter-Battalion Meet; in celebration of which a parade
+and demonstration was held on the afternoon of the victory day.</p>
+
+<p>Music was not lost sight of. The boys of Battery D collected the sum
+of $175 for the purchase of a piano for barrack 019. Phil Cusick, of
+Parsons, Penna., was the one generally sought out to keep the ivories
+busy. November 19th witnessed the first gathering together of the
+regiment on the parade grounds for a big song fest under the
+leadership of the divisional music director. Battery and battalion
+song jubilees were conducted at intervals in the O block Y hut.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page030" name="page030"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI. <span class="pagenum">(p. 030)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>FLEETING HOURS OF LEAVE</h3>
+
+
+<p>Towering like a giant over the uniform type of barrack and buildings
+at Camp Meade, stood a large observation tower, situated on what was
+known as the "plaza," the site of divisional headquarters. A general
+panorama from this tower was an inspiring sight. Radiating from the
+plaza, extending for several miles in any direction the gaze was
+focused, there appeared the vista of the barracks of the troops
+together with the sectional Y. M. C. A.'s canteens, stables, corrals
+and other supply and administration buildings; also the interposing,
+spacious drill fields.</p>
+
+<p>The beauty of this scene was enhanced by the mantle of snow that often
+garbed it during the winter mouths. To see a city of 40,000 in such
+uniformity as marked the cantonment construction; with its buildings
+covered with snow; the large drill fields spread with a blanket of
+snow; and, a snow storm raging--is a tonic for any lover of nature.</p>
+
+<p>On the night of Wednesday, November 28th, the first snow greeted the
+new soldiers at Camp Meade. The ground, robed in white, breathed the
+spirit of the approaching holiday season. The coming of Thanksgiving
+found discussion in 019 centered on the subject of passes to visit
+"home."</p>
+
+<p>On November 24th fifteen of D battery men were granted forty-eight
+hour leaves and departed for their respective homes. All the officers
+remained in camp and planned with the men to enjoy the holiday.</p>
+
+<p>The Thanksgiving dinner enjoyed by Battery D was one never to be
+forgotten in army life. Mess-Sergeant Al Loughran and the battery
+cooks, ably championed by the K. P.'s, worked hard for the success of
+the Thanksgiving battery dinner. Battalion and battery officers dined
+with the men, the noon-mess being attendant by the following menu:</p>
+
+
+<pre class="quotega10">
+                          Oyster Cocktail
+Snowed Potatoes            Roast Turkey                Turkey Filling
+      Cranberry Sauce            Celery                  Peas
+        Oranges     Apples     Candy       Cake       Nuts
+                Bread        Butter       Coffee
+                            Mince Pie
+                  Cigarettes          Cigars
+</pre>
+
+<p>Sweet <span class="pagenum">(p. 031)</span>
+dreams of this dinner often haunted the boys when
+"bully-beef" was the mainstay day after day many times during the
+sojourn in France.</p>
+
+<p>After the dinner officers and battery members adjourned to the second
+floor of the barrack where battery talent furnished an entertainment,
+consisting of instrumental and vocal numbers and winding up with
+several good boxing bouts. Barney McCaffery, of Hazleton, Penna., a
+professional pugilist, was the pride of the battery in the ring.</p>
+
+<p>Corporal Frank McCabe, of Parsons, Penna., was one of the real
+comedians of the battery. His character impersonations enlivened many
+an evening in 019. Every member of the outfit was deeply grieved when
+Corporal McCabe was admitted to the base-hospital the latter part of
+January, suffering with heart trouble. On January 24th at 8:20 p. m.,
+Corporal McCabe died. This first casualty of the battery struck a note
+of sympathetic appeal among the battery members. A guard of honor from
+the battery accompanied the body to Parsons where interment was made
+with military honors.</p>
+
+<p>After Thanksgiving Battery D settled down to an intensive schedule of
+instruction. Days of rain, snow, and zero weather followed, making the
+routine very disagreeable at times, but never acting as a demoralizer.
+Days that could not be devoted to out-door work were used to advantage
+for the schedule of lecture periods during which the officers
+conducted black board drills to visualize many of the problems
+connected with artillery work.</p>
+
+<p>On December 6th, 1917, a series of regimental practice marches were
+instituted, first on foot, then on mount. The first mounted marches,
+however, were rather sore-ending affairs, as were the first lessons in
+equitation. Saddles and bridles were lacking as equipment for many
+weeks after the receipt of the horses. Mounted drill, riding
+bare-back, with nothing but a halter chain as a bridle, was the
+initiatory degree of Battery D's equitation.</p>
+
+<p>Barrack 0103, about half the size and situated in the rear of 019, was
+completed on December 19th, when a portion of Battery D men were
+quartered in the new structure, thereby relieving the congestion in
+019.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas and New Year's of 1917 furnished another controversy on the
+question of holiday furloughs. On Saturday, December 15th, inspection
+was called off and forty men were detailed to bring more
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 032)</span>
+horses from the Remount station for use in the battery. The detail
+completed its task faithfully, the men being happy in the thought
+that, according to instructions, they had, the night previous, made
+application for Christmas passes. Gloom greeted the end of the day's
+horse convoy. Announcement was made that all Christmas pass orders had
+been rescinded in the camp.</p>
+
+<p>The gloom was not shattered until December 20th, when announcement was
+made at retreat formation that half of the battery would be allowed
+Christmas passes and the other half would be given furloughs over New
+Year's Day. The loudest yell that ever greeted the "dismissed" command
+at the close of retreat, rent the atmosphere at that time.</p>
+
+<p>More disappointments were in store for the boys before their dreams of
+a furlough home were realized. Saturday, December 22nd, was decreed a
+day of martial review at Camp Meade. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker
+visited the cantonment that day and the review was staged in his
+honor. Battery D formed with the regiment on the battery street in
+front of 019 at 1:20 o'clock on the afternoon of the review. The
+ground was muddy and slushy. The regiment stood in formation until
+3:15 o'clock when the march to pass the reviewing stand started. At
+4:30 o'clock the review formation was dismissed and the boys dashed
+back to 019 to get ready to leave on their Christmas furloughs.</p>
+
+<p>It was a happy bunch that left 019 at 5:15 p. m. that day, under the
+direction of Lieut. Berkley Courtney, bound for the railroad station
+and home. An hour later the same bunch were seen trudging back to 019.
+Their happiness had suddenly taken wing. A mix-up in train schedules
+left them stranded in camp for the night, while the hours of their
+passes slowly ticked on, to be lost to their enjoyment.</p>
+
+<p>The "get-away" was successfully effected the next morning, Sunday,
+December 23rd, when the same contingent marched to Disney, reaching
+the railroad yard at 7:30 o'clock, where they were doomed to wait
+until 9:15 a. m. until the train left for Baltimore.</p>
+
+<p>More favorable train connections fell to the lot of the New Year's
+sojourners to the land of "home."</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page033" name="page033"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 033)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>WELL GROOMED BY DETAIL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"This is some job."</p>
+
+<p>And the opinion was unanimous when stable detail at Camp Meade was in
+question, especially during the winter of 1917-18, which the Baltimore
+weather bureau recorded as the coldest in 101 years. Stable detail at
+first consisted of five "buck" privates, whose duty it was to take
+care of "Kaiser," "Hay-Belly," and all the other battery horses for a
+period of three days.</p>
+
+<p>When on stable detail you arose at 5:45 a. m.; quietly dressed,
+without lights, went to the stables and breakfasted the animals. If
+you were a speed artist you might get back in time for your own
+breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast you immediately reported to the stable-sergeant, who
+was Anthony Fritzen, of Scranton, Penna. The horses were then led to
+the corral and the real stable duties of the day commenced. In leading
+the horses through the stable to the corral, the length of your life
+was dependant upon your ability to duck the hoofs of the ones
+remaining in the stables.</p>
+
+<p>When it came to cleaning the stables, many a "buck" private made a
+resolve that in the next war he was going to enlist as a
+"mule-skinner." Driving the battery wagon bore the earmarks of being a
+job of more dignity than loading the wagon.</p>
+
+<p>Besides cleaning the stables and "graining-up" for the horses, the day
+of the stable police was spent in miscellaneous jobs, which Sergeant
+Fritzen never ran out of.</p>
+
+<p>The stable detail underwent changes as time wore on. A permanent
+stable man was assigned for every stable and the detail was reduced to
+three privates.</p>
+
+<p>Stable police was of double import on Saturday mornings, preparatory
+to the weekly inspection. Every branch and department of military life
+has a variety of inspections to undergo at periodical times. The
+inspections keep the boys in khaki on the alert; cleanliness becoming
+second nature. Nowhere can a vast body of men live bachelor-like as
+soldiers do and maintain the degree of tidiness and general sanitary
+healthfulness, as the thorough arm of camp inspection and discipline
+maintains in the army.</p>
+
+<p>A <span class="pagenum">(p. 034)</span>
+daily inspection of barracks was in order at Camp Meade.
+Before the boys answered the first drill formation each morning they
+did the housework. Everything had to be left spick and span. There was
+a specific place for everything and everything had to be kept in its
+place.</p>
+
+<p>With mops and brooms and plenty of water the barracks were given a
+good scrubbing on Friday afternoons and things put in shape for the
+Saturday morning inspection. Besides the cleanup features a display of
+toilet articles and wearing apparel had to be made. When the
+inspectors made their tour each bunk had to show a clean towel, tooth
+brush, soap, comb, pair of socks, and suit of underwear. The articles
+had to be displayed on the bunk in a specific manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Show-Down" inspections were a big feature of the routine. This
+inspection required the soldier to produce all his wares and equipment
+for inventory. The supply officer and supply sergeant of the battery
+made many rounds taking account of equipment that was short, but
+several more "show-downs" usually transpired before the lacking
+equipment was supplied.</p>
+
+<p>There was also a field inspection every Saturday morning, where the
+general appearance of the soldier could be thoroughly scrutinized.
+Clean-shaven, neatly polished shoes, clean uniform with buttons all
+present and utilized, formed the determining percentage features. When
+the inspection was mounted, horses and harness had to shine, the same
+as the men.</p>
+
+<p>January 1920 ushered in a period of changes in the staff of officers
+for Battery D, some of the changes being temporary, others permanent.
+Trials of sickness and quarantine were also in store for the battery.</p>
+
+<p>Early in January Capt. A. L. Smith was called away from his military
+duties on account of the death of his father, Edward B. Smith, of
+Philadelphia, Penna.; a bereavement which brought forth many
+expressions of sympathy from the men of his command.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Smith returned to camp the latter part of the month. Some time
+later he was ordered to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to attend the artillery
+school of fire. Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke also left the battery to attend
+the school of fire. First-Lieut. Arthur H. McGill was detached from
+the battery about this time and assigned as an instructor at the
+Officers' Training School that was opened at Camp Meade. Lieut. Robert
+S. Campbell was transferred from Battery D at this time.</p>
+
+<p>First-Lieut. <span class="pagenum">(p. 035)</span>
+Robert Lowndes, of Elkridge. Md., was assigned
+to temporary command of the battery. First-Lieut. J. S. Waterfield, of
+Portsmouth, Va., served as an attached officer with D Battery for some
+time.</p>
+
+<p>First Sergeant William C. Thompson and Supply Sergeant Merle
+Liebensberger were successful applicants to the officers' training
+school at Meade. James J. Farrell, of Parsons, Penna., was appointed
+acting first-sergeant and Thomas S. Pengelly, of Hazleton, Penna., was
+appointed acting supply sergeant, both appointments later being made
+permanent.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page036" name="page036"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 036)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>BATTERY PROGRESS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Retreat," the checking-in or accounting for all soldiers at the close
+of a day's routine, was made a formal affair for the 311th Field
+Artillery on January 13th, 1918. The erection of a new flag pole in
+front of regimental headquarters furnished occasion for the formal
+formation when the Stars and Stripes are lowered to the strain of "The
+Star Spangled Banner" or the "Call to the Colors."</p>
+
+<p>When the formal retreat was established Battery D was in the throes of
+a health quarantine. A case of measles developed in the battery and an
+eighteen-day quarantine went into effect on January 19th. About a
+score of battery members, who were attending speciality schools and on
+special detail work, were quartered with Battery E of the regiment
+while the quarantine lasted.</p>
+
+<p>On March 24th scarlet fever broke out and a second quarantine was put
+into effect. This quarantine kept Battery D from sharing in the Easter
+furloughs to visit home.</p>
+
+<p>The regular routine of fatigue duty and drill formations took place
+during the quarantine periods, the restrictions being placed on the
+men leaving the battery area between drill hours.</p>
+
+<p>On March 6th Battery D took occasion to celebrate. The battery kitchen
+had been thoroughly renovated by Mechanic Grover C. Rothacker and
+Mechanic Conrad A. Balliet, both of Hazleton, Penna., the renovation
+placing it in the class of "The best kitchen and mess hall in camp,"
+to quote the words of Major General Joseph E. Kuhn, divisional
+commander, when he inspected Battery D on Saturday, March 23rd.</p>
+
+<p>A fine menu was prepared for the banquet that was held on the night of
+March 6th. Col. Raymond Briggs and the battalion officers were guests
+at the banquet and entertainment that was furnished in the barracks
+until taps sounded an hour later than usual that night.</p>
+
+<p>Details continued to play a big part in the life of Battery D. On
+March 11th the first detail of fifty men was sent to repair the
+highway near Portland. These details had a strenuous time of it; the
+hardest work most of the detail accomplished was dodging lieutenants.</p>
+
+<p>Transfers had made big inroads in the battery's strength. Guard duty
+fell to the lot of the battery once a week. When the guard detail was
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 037)</span>
+furnished there were scarcely enough men left to do the
+kitchen police work and other detail work. It was a time when rank
+imposed obligation. Sergeants and corporals had to get busy and chop
+wood and carry coal and wash dishes and police up and in many other
+ways imitate the buck private.</p>
+
+<p>On March 5th Lieut. Frank Yeager inaugurated a system of daily
+inspections at retreat, when the two neatest appearing men in line
+were cited each day and rewarded with a week-end pass to visit
+Baltimore or Washington, while those who got black marks for the week
+were put on detail work over the week-end. A list of honorable
+mentions was also established for general tidiness at "bunk"
+inspections.</p>
+
+<p>Rumor was ever present at Camp Meade. Almost every event that
+transpired was a token of early departure overseas, or else the
+"latrine-dope" had it that the outfit was to be sent to Tobyhanna for
+range practice.</p>
+
+<p>The first real evidence of overseas service presented itself during
+March when physical examinations were in order to test the physical
+fitness for overseas duty. Several, who it was deemed could not
+physically stand foreign service, were in due time transferred to
+various posts of the home-guards. Several transfers were also made to
+the ordnance department; a number of chemists were detached from the
+battery, and transfers listed for the cooks' and bakers' school, for
+the quartermasters, for the engineers, for the signal corps, in fact
+men were sent to practically all branches in the division.</p>
+
+<p>On Saturday, March 30th, wrist watches were turned to 11 o'clock when
+taps sounded, ushering in the daylight savings scheme that routed the
+boys out for reveille during the wee dark hours of the morning.</p>
+
+<p>Training during April centered on actual experience in taking to the
+march with full mounted artillery sections. April 4th, 1918, found a
+detail from Battery D leaving camp at 8 a. m., with a section of
+provisional battery, enroute to Baltimore to take part in the big
+parade in honor of the opening of the Liberty Loan drive on the first
+anniversary of America's entrance into the war. While in Baltimore the
+outfit pitched camp in Clifton Park. The parade, which was reviewed by
+President Woodrow Wilson, took place on Saturday, April 6th. The
+detachment returned to camp by road on Sunday, April 7th.</p>
+
+<p>During <span class="pagenum">(p. 038)</span>
+April a decree went forth to the Battery that set
+details at work every day clipping horses. Every one of the one
+hundred and sixty-four battery horses was clipped.</p>
+
+<p>The morning of Friday, April 26th, was declared a holiday at Camp
+Meade; all units being called forth to participate in a divisional
+parade and Liberty Loan rally.</p>
+
+<p>A battery hike in march order was set for May 6th. The battery took to
+the road at 8 a. m., and drove through Jessup, thence to West
+Elkridge, Md., a distance of sixteen miles, where camp was pitched and
+the battery remained for the night, returning to camp the following
+afternoon after several firing problems in the field were worked out
+by proxy fire.</p>
+
+<p>Chances for a quick departure overseas began to warm up about the
+middle of May, which perhaps was responsible for the big divisional
+bon-fire that was burned on the night of May 13th.</p>
+
+<a id="photo039" name="photo039"></a>
+<h1> </h1>
+<div>
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 039)</span>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img039a.jpg" width="500" height="374"
+     alt="Capt. Perry E. Hall, Lieut. Sidney F. Bennett" title="Capt. Perry E. Hall, Lieut. Sidney F. Bennett">
+</p>
+<br>
+<p class="figcenter"><i>Officers Associated with Battery D</i></p>
+<br>
+<a id="photo039b" name="photo039b"></a>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img039b.jpg" width="500" height="393"
+     alt="Lieut. C. D. Bailey, Lieut. Frank J. Hamilton" title="Lieut. C. D. Bailey, Lieut. Frank J. Hamilton">
+</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<a id="page040" name="page040"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX. <span class="pagenum">(p. 040)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>FAREWELL TO CAMP MEADE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>First authentic signs of departure from Camp Meade came during the
+month of June when the boys witnessed the departure of the infantry
+regiments of the division.</p>
+
+<p>Void of demonstrative sendoff, regiment after regiment, fully and
+newly equipped, was departing on schedule; thousands and thousands of
+sturdy Americans, ready to risk all for the ideals of liberty and
+freedom.</p>
+
+<p>It was with no unsteady step they marched through the streets of the
+military city that had sheltered, trained, tanned, and improved them
+aright for the momentous task which was before them.</p>
+
+<p>The scene, as they marched, is one that will live in memory of the
+boys of Battery D. It was no dress parade such as the march of like
+thousands in a civilian city would occasion. Battery D men and others
+were spectators, it is true, and the departing ones were sent off, as
+was later the case with Battery D, with cheers of encouragement and
+words of God-speed--the spirit breathed being of hearty, thoughtful
+patriotism such as can come only from a soldier who is bidding adieu
+to a comrade in arms, whom he will meet again in a common cause.</p>
+
+<p>Wonderful days of activity within Battery D foretold the news of
+departure. The regiment was in first class shape to look forward to
+service overseas, despite the fact that range-practice was a
+negligible factor. During the latter part of May, firing, to a limited
+extent, was practiced from the three-inch field pieces directed over
+the Remount station, but the experience thus gained was too light to
+be important. About this time a French type of 75 mm. field piece was
+shipped to the regiment. Major David A. Reed became the instructor on
+this gun, when it became known that the outfit would likely be given
+French equipment upon arrival overseas. One gun for the regiment,
+however, and especially when received only several weeks in advance of
+the departure for overseas, afforded but little opportunity for
+general instruction on the mechanism of the new field piece.</p>
+
+<p>France, moreover, was the goal and the real range practice was left as
+a matter of course for over there.</p>
+
+<p>All activity centered on getting ready to depart. The battery
+carpenters and painters were kept busy making boxes and labelling
+them properly <span class="pagenum">(p. 041)</span>
+for the "American E. F." Harness was being
+cleaned and packed. The time came for the horses to be returned to the
+Remount station. Supply sergeants were busy as bees supplying
+everybody with foreign service equipment. It proved a common
+occurrence to be routed out of bed at midnight to try on a pair of
+field shoes. All articles of clothing and equipment had to be stamped,
+the clothing being stamped with rubber stamps, while the metal
+equipment was stamped with a punch initial. Each soldier got a battery
+number which was stamped on his individual equipment.</p>
+
+<p>On June 28th, Joseph Loskill, of Hazleton, Penna., and William F.
+Brennan, of Hazleton and Philadelphia, Penna., were assigned to
+accompany the advance detail of the regiment. Lieut. Arthur H. McGill
+was the Battery D officer to accompany the advance detail, which left
+Camp Meade about 7 p. m., proceeding to Camp Merritt, N. J., for
+embarkation. The advance guard arrived at Jersey City the following
+morning at 6 o'clock, where they detrained and marched to the Ferry to
+get to Hoboken. There the detachment was divided, the officers
+boarding the S. S. Mongolia, the enlisted men the S. S. Duc d'Abruzzi.
+The ships left Hoboken at 10:30 a. m., May 30th, bound for Brest.</p>
+
+<p>Battery D was filled to full war-strength during the first week of
+July, just before departure, when the outfit received a quota of 150
+men who came to the regiment from the Depot Brigade. Five hundred and
+forty came to the regiment from Camp Upton, N. Y., and Camp Dix,
+N. J., and fifty from the signal corps in Florida.</p>
+
+<p>In the front door and out of the back of 019 the battery passed in
+alphabetical line in rehearsal of the manner in which the gang plank
+of the ship was to be trod. Departure instruction likewise included
+hikes to the electric rail siding to practice boarding the cars with
+equipment.</p>
+
+<p>The last few days in camp were marked by daily medical inspections,
+also daily inspections of equipment. Everybody had to drag all their
+equipment outside for inspection. The men were fully and newly
+equipped with clothing and supplies upon leaving. Two new wool
+uniforms, two pairs of field shoes, new underwear, socks, shirts,
+towels, toilet articles, and a score of other soldier necessities,
+were issued before leaving. All old clothing and equipment was turned
+in.</p>
+
+<p>Each man was allotted a barrack-bag as cargo. The barrack-bag was made
+of heavy blue denim with about a seventy-five pound capacity,
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 042)</span>
+which weight was cited as the limit a soldier could obtain
+storage for in the ship's baggage compartments.</p>
+
+<p>Although seventy-five pounds was the order, all the boys resorted to
+some fine packing. There were not many under the limit. Most of the
+boys had their knitted garments in the bag, also a plentiful supply of
+soap, because rumor had struck the outfit that soap was a scarce
+article in France. Milk chocolate and smokes were also well stocked
+in.</p>
+
+<p>Besides the barrack-bag each soldier was provided with a haversack and
+pack-carrier, in which were carried--on the back--two O. D. blankets,
+toilet articles, extra socks, clothing, and the various articles that
+would be needed on the voyage across.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday, July 13th, 1918, was the memorable day of departure from
+Camp Meade. Battery D furnished the last guard detail of the regiment
+at Meade. The 13th, as luck would have it, dawned in a heavy shower of
+rain. Reveille sounded at 5:15 a. m., after which, those who had not
+done so the night previous, hiked out in the rain and emptied the
+straw from their bed-ticks; completed the packing of their bags and
+packs and loaded the bags on trucks while the rain came down in
+torrents.</p>
+
+<p>As was usually the case in army routine, early reveille did not vouch
+for an early departure from camp. Detail aplenty was in store for the
+boys all day. The last meal was enjoyed in 019 mess-hall at 5 p.
+m.,--then started a thorough policing up of barracks. Sweeping squads
+were sent over the ground a dozen times and finally the boys assembled
+outside on the battery assembling grounds, at 7:30 p. m., with packs
+ready and everything set to begin the march to entrain.</p>
+
+<p>During the hours of waiting that followed the boys indulged in a few
+sign painting decorations. Among the numerous signs tacked to 019
+were:</p>
+
+<p>"For Sail. Apply Abroad."</p>
+
+<p>"For Rent, for a large family; only scrappers need apply. Btry D,
+311th F. A."</p>
+
+<p>"Von Hindenberg dropped dead. We're coming."</p>
+
+<p>It was a grand sight to see the regiment depart at 8:45 p. m. The band
+was playing; colors were flying at the head of the column--everybody
+was in high spirits. But there were no civilians to enjoy the
+spectacle. It was night and but few knew of the departure. The rain
+had ceased and twilight was deepening into darkness as the regiment,
+excepting Battery A, which was left in camp for police detail, to
+follow <span class="pagenum">(p. 043)</span>
+a few days later, started on the hike; back over
+practically the same route the soldiers were marched from Disney to
+019 when they first arrived in camp. This time they were leaving 019;
+marching for the last time with Battery D through the reservation of
+Camp Meade; marching to the railroad yards at Disney where trains were
+being made up to convey the regiment to a point of embarkation. But
+few knew whether it was to be Philadelphia, New York, or Hoboken. The
+men were leaving home and home-land and departing for a land of which
+they knew nought. What the ocean and Germany's program of relentless
+submarine warfare had in store for them, no one knew. All hearts were
+strong in the faith and all stout hearts were ready to do and to dare;
+content in the knowledge that they were doing their duty to their home
+and their country.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page044" name="page044"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER X. <span class="pagenum">(p. 044)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>ABOARD THE S. S. MORVADA.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Land appeared in rugged outline along the horizon as the Steamship
+Morvada swept the waves when dusk was falling on the Tuesday evening
+of July 16th, 1918. It was a beautiful mid-summer's night and the boys
+of Battery D, in common with the members of the 311th regiment, stood
+at the deck railings of the S. S. Morvada and watched the outline of
+shore disappear under cover of darkness. The ship had been sailing
+since 11:30 a. m., Sunday, July 14th, at which time the Morvada had
+lifted anchor and slowly pushed its nose into the Delaware River;
+leaving behind the Philadelphia &amp; Reading Railroad docks at Port
+Richmond, Philadelphia, Penna., the last link that held them to their
+native shores.</p>
+
+<p>Surmises and guesses were rife as the ship rolled on in the darkness,
+leaving the boys either arguing as to the destination or else seeking
+their "bunk" down in the "hatch" and rolling in for the night.</p>
+
+<p>It was generally agreed that the course thus far was along the coast.
+It was apparent that the ship was skirting coastline, because convoy
+protection had been given by sea-planes flying out from the naval
+coast stations, accompanying the transport for a distance, then
+disappearing landward. The boys on the transport spent many an idle
+hour watching the aviators circle the ship time and time again, often
+coming within voice range of the transport's passengers.</p>
+
+<p>It was also settled that the course had been Northeast, but no one was
+quite certain as to location.</p>
+
+<p>The morning of July 17th found the Morvada approaching land. A
+lighthouse appeared in the dim distance, then, as the hours passed and
+the ship sped on, the coast became visible and more visible,
+disclosing rugged country, rising high from out of the water's edge.
+The country, moreover, appeared waste and devastated; the land being
+covered with wrecked buildings that showed signs of explosive force.</p>
+
+<p>Location finally became apparent as harbor scenes presented an unique
+picturesqueness of territory. The S. S. Morvada was in Halifax harbor,
+Nova Scotia, and the surrounding territory was the scene of the famous
+T. N. T. explosion. It was 11 o'clock on the morning of July 17th that
+the ship cast anchor in Halifax harbor and word was passed that all on
+board could remove life preservers and breathe a sigh of relief.</p>
+
+<p>To <span class="pagenum">(p. 045)</span>
+be suddenly found in Canadian environment furnished a new
+thrill for the soldiers. The Saturday night previous the same soldiers
+were making the trip from Camp Meade to port of embarkation.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody was expecting a lay over in an embarkation camp before
+embarking, therefore the surprise was the greater when the train that
+left Camp Meade at midnight on the evening of July 13th, deposited its
+cargo of soldiers on the pier at Port Richmond within a short distance
+of the ship that was waiting for its cargo of human freight before
+pulling anchor for the first lap of the France-bound journey.</p>
+
+<p>Orders to detrain were given at 8:29 a. m. Tired and hungry the
+soldiers were greeted on the pier by a large delegation of Red Cross
+workers who had steaming hot coffee, delicious buns, cigarettes and
+candy to distribute to the regiment as a farewell tribute and morning
+appetizer. Postal cards were also distributed for the soldiers to
+address to their home-folks. The messages were farewell messages and
+were held over at Washington. D. C., until word was received that the
+Morvada had landed safely overseas.</p>
+
+<p>At 8 a. m. the repeat-your-last-name-first-and-your-first-name-last
+march up the gang-plank started. Each man got a blue card with a
+section and berth number on; also a meal ticket appended, after which
+it was a scramble to find your right place in the hatch.</p>
+
+<p>At 11:30 o'clock anchor was lifted; the little river tug boat nosed
+the steamship about; then, with colors flying, the band playing, the
+Morvada steamed down the Delaware; passing Hog Island in a midway of
+ships from which words of farewell and waves of good-bye wafted across
+to the Morvada. The sky-line of Brotherly Love, guarded over by
+William Penn on City Hall, gradually faded from view and the Sunday
+afternoon wore on, as the boys spent most of their first day aboard a
+transport on deck, watching the waves and admiring the beauties of
+nature, revealed in all splendor as the ever-fading shore line, viewed
+from the promenade deck, lost itself into the mist-like horizon of sky
+and water, richly enhanced by the brilliancy of a superb sunset.</p>
+
+<p>The S. S. Morvada skirted the shore for some time and for the first
+few hours all was calm on deck. By night, however, sea-sickness began
+to manifest itself and there was considerable coughing up over the
+rail.</p>
+
+<p>Besides watching the waves and the various-sized and colored fishes of
+the deep make occasional bounds over the crest of the foam, the
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 046)</span>
+soldiers spent their time trying to get something to eat, which
+was a big job in itself.</p>
+
+<p>The Morvada was an English boat, of small type, that was built in 1914
+to ply between England and India, carrying war materials. The voyage
+of the 311th was the second time the Morvada was used as a transport.
+Except for officer personnel the ship was manned by a crew of East
+Indians, whose main article of wearing apparel was a towel and whose
+main occupation was scrubbing and flushing the decks with a hose, just
+about the time mess call found the soldiers looking for a nice spot to
+settle down with mess-kit and eating-irons. Up forward were batteries
+B, D, E, and F, and the Supply Company, and aft were Headquarters
+Company, Battery C, and the Medical Detachment. Each end of the ship
+had its galley along which the mess lines formed three times a day.
+The khaki-clad soldiers could not get used to the English system of
+food rationing with the result that food riots almost occurred until
+the officers of the regiment intervened and secured an improvement in
+the mess system.</p>
+
+<p>The first night in Halifax harbor was a pleasant relief from the
+strain of suspense that attended the journey to Canadian waters. Deck
+lights were lighted for the first time and vied for brilliancy in the
+night with the other ocean-going craft assembled in the harbor. The
+Morvada did not dock, but remained anchored in the harbor, from where
+the soldiers on board could view the city and port of entry that was
+the capital of the Province of Nova Scotia.</p>
+
+<p>To the Southeast the city of Halifax, situated on a fortified hill,
+towering 225 feet from the waters of the harbor, showed its original
+buildings built of wood, plastered or stuccoed; and dotted with fine
+buildings of stone and brick of later day creation.</p>
+
+<p>When the soldiers on board the Morvada arose on the morning of July
+18th the Halifax harbor was dotted with several more transports that
+had arrived during the night. The day was spent in semaphoring to the
+various transports and learning what troops each quartered. Official
+orders, however, put a stop to this form of pastime and discussion was
+shifted to the whys and wherefores of the various camouflage designs
+the troop ships sported.</p>
+
+<p>During the stay at Halifax the first taste of mail censorship was
+doled out. Letters were written in abundance, which were treated
+rather roughly by two-edged scissors before the mail was conveyed to
+Halifax to be sent to Washington, D. C., to await release upon
+notification <span class="pagenum">(p. 047)</span>
+that the Morvada had arrived safely overseas.
+Many of these first letters are still held as priceless mementos by
+the home-folks.</p>
+
+<p>Each morning of the succeeding days that the Morvada was anchored in
+Halifax harbor brought several new ships to cluster about in the wide
+expanse of water. A sufficient number for convoy across the Atlantic
+was gradually assembling, each ship appearing in a different regalia
+of protective coloration that made the harbor sight vastly
+spectacular.</p>
+
+<p>Newspapers from the Canadian shore were brought on board each day. On
+July 19th the papers conveyed the information that the United States
+Cruiser, San Diego, was sunk that day ten miles off Fire Island by
+running on an anchored mine placed there by German U-boats. The
+Morvada had traversed the same course several days previous.</p>
+
+<p>To read of such occurrence, in such environment was to produce silent
+thought. To be in the harbor of Halifax, within shadow of McNalis
+Island that rested on the waves at the mouth of the harbor, was to be
+in the same environment as the confederate cruiser, "Tallahassee,"
+which slipped by night through the Eastern passage formed by McNalis
+Island, and escaped the Northern vessels that were watching off the
+western entrance formed by the island.</p>
+
+<p>The time was drawing near when the Morvada was destined to creep
+stealthily through the night, to cross the 3,000 miles of submarine
+infested Atlantic.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page048" name="page048"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI. <span class="pagenum">(p. 048)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>DODGING SUBMARINES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Under serene skies on the morning of July 20th, seventeen ships,
+assembled in Halifax harbor, made final preparations to steam forth to
+the highways of the broad Atlantic.</p>
+
+<p>At 9:30 o'clock that morning the convoy maneuvered into battle
+formation with a U. S. cruiser leading the convoy while four small sub
+chasers circled about in high speed and an army dirigible flew
+overhead. Each ship was directed in a zig zag course, a new angle of
+the zig zag being pointed every few minutes, a course of propellation
+that continued the entire route of the water way.</p>
+
+<p>Good-byes were waved from ships stationed along the several miles of
+water course that marked the harbor's length, until the open Atlantic
+was reached, then the sub chasers and the dirigible turned about,
+leaving the seventeen transports and supply ships under the wing of
+the battle cruiser that proceeded to pick out the course across the
+ocean, to where bound no one on board, save the captain of the ship,
+knew.</p>
+
+<p>Clad in their life preservers the soldiers idled about the decks as
+the convoy sped on. It was a source of delight to stand at the deck
+rail and watch the waves dash against the steel clad sides of the
+ship. On several occasions when the waves rolled high, many on board
+experienced the sensation of a sea bath, the stiff sea breeze carrying
+the seething foam high over the rail on to the deck.</p>
+
+<p>To see the waves roll high created the impression of mightiness of
+creation; the impression of mountains rising magic like at the side of
+the vessel. Suddenly the ship rises to the crest of the wave and the
+recedence leaves one looking down into what appears like a deep
+cavern.</p>
+
+<p>When the sun was rising in the direction one was thrilled by the
+beauties of the rainbow observed in the clearness of the waves, when,
+at the height of dashing resplendence the surging sprays descend in
+fountain semblance, drinking in, as it were, the very beauty of God's
+handiwork.</p>
+
+<p>The same position on deck the boys found none the less attractive when
+the shades of night had fallen. On one of the first nights out the
+ship passed through an atmosphere of dense fog, suddenly to emerge
+into elements of star lit splendor, the moon, in full radiance,
+casting <span class="pagenum">(p. 049)</span>
+a silvery luminous path on the sparkling waves. It
+was a phenomena worthy of the tallest submarine risks to witness. The
+full moon and the very repleteness of things aesthetic gave
+opportunity for those who were able to portray an attitude of
+indifference, to tell gravely how the radiance of the night fully
+exposed the convoy to the U-boats that were lurking in every wave.</p>
+
+<p>Established routine of transport duties and formations was continued
+during the ocean voyage. Ship-abandon and fire drills were a daily
+feature of life aboard. Each outfit had a specific place to congregate
+when the signal for ship-abandon drill was sounded. All that was
+necessary was to stand at the appointed place while the coolies,
+comprising the crew, scampered to the life-boats and made miniature
+attempts at hacking the ropes and dropping to the waves.</p>
+
+<p>The promenade deck, both port and starboard sides, was in use each day
+accommodating group after group for half-hour periods of physical
+exercise. The tossing of the vessel lent itself in rhythm to the
+enjoyment of the calisthenics, or else it was physical exercise enough
+in trying to maintain an equilibrium while the arms and legs were
+raised alternately in eight counts.</p>
+
+<p>Guard duty was firmly established on board. A guard roster numbered
+more men than a guard detail at Camp Meade ever required. The
+significance of the precise guard forms another of the mysteries of
+Battery D. No one went A. W. O. L. while enroute and when it came to
+challenging after taps, a sentry in most cases could not be greeted by
+the customary answer, "a friend," although the challenged party was a
+friend indeed, also a friend in need. How could he answer when he had
+his hand over his mouth and his primary object was to get to the rail
+quick. After several days out, however, a majority of the boys "got
+their sea legs," as evinced by the mess line three times daily.</p>
+
+<p>A schedule of formations, similar to Camp Meade routine, was
+promulgated on board. Reveille was set for 7 o'clock each morning.
+When the time came to assemble on deck the space was so small and the
+crowd was so large that many a recruit slept-in until the last mess
+line was treading the beat. Reform measures were instituted and extra
+duty lists published, offenders being added to the regular details
+that were selected to daily wash up the deck and clean up the hatch.</p>
+
+<p>A permanent submarine guard was detailed, the members of this detail
+landing state rooms for the journey; living next door to the officers.
+During the trip this guard sighted several score of "subs" but
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 050)</span>
+generally their "object port-bow" proved to be a keg that had
+become prohibition and therefore found itself abandoned in mid-ocean.</p>
+
+<p>Outside of bunk inspection, medical inspection, feet inspection,
+several kinds of arm inspection, with details, drill formations and
+exercise periods, the life of the American soldier aboard a transport
+was an idle one. The ship's canteen did a big business during office
+hours. A world's series bleacher crowd had nothing on the canteen line
+of the Morvada. A place in the line commanded a high premium, which
+led to speculation in canteen supplies.</p>
+
+<p>The afternoon of July 21st was attendant by a high wind, making it
+very cool on deck, while the wind lashed the waves with great fury.
+The cold wind blew all day July 22nd, the day when the first wireless
+reports were posted on board, telling of the Germans being driven over
+the Marne and thousands of prisoners captured.</p>
+
+<p>The sea became calm on Tuesday, July 23rd, the gale having died down.
+The ship was traveling East and each morning watches had to be
+readjusted to correspond to the change in longitude.</p>
+
+<p>At 3 a. m. on the third morning out a great commotion was occasioned
+on board. Everybody was awakened by a loud rumbling. A majority
+thought a submarine had been encountered. Several dashed up the steps
+of the hatchway to be ready for action. Someone shouted, "Don't get
+excited, but make room for me to get out first." Later it was
+ascertained that the noise was caused by the ships' anchor slipping
+several rods of anchor chain.</p>
+
+<p>The first taste of real excitement was occasioned at 1 o'clock on the
+afternoon of July 25th when a strange craft was sighted on the distant
+horizon. The cruiser of the convoy was all action immediately. Warning
+flashed to all the convoy party and a wild series of zigzagging ensued
+while the cruiser chased pell-mell in the direction of the sighted
+craft. A shot was fired from the cruiser in the dash, but only a
+mountain of water was blasted by the discharge.</p>
+
+<p>The convoy continued Eastward while the cruiser investigated. Finally
+the cruiser returned to the convoy and reported everything O. K. The
+troops never learned the official identity of the strange vessel that
+sent the first sub-chasers up the vertebrae of many.</p>
+
+<p>Word was passed about on Saturday, July 27th, that the convoy was
+approaching the imaginary line in the ocean that Germany had
+established as the dead-line, past which her U-boats were operating in
+unrestricted warfare. The approach of the danger zone was the signal
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 051)</span>
+for all on board to remove no article of clothing while
+asleep at night and to carry a canteen of fresh water strapped to the
+belt at all times. In this manner everybody was prepared to take to
+the waves at a minute's sub-warning.</p>
+
+<p>As the journey continued the officers of Battery D instituted a series
+of battery lectures, also took up plans for the organization of a
+permanent battery commander's detail.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday, July 28th, found the sea calm in the morning, but a strong
+gale set in at noon, followed by a heavy rain during the afternoon. A
+dense fog enveloped the convoy. Fog horns came into play and it was a
+miserable night aboard for everybody. Standing at the deck rail one
+could not pierce the fog, although it was known that within a short
+radius all the other ships of the convoy were groping their way
+through the darkness; each creeping as a black monster through the
+gloomy night, depending upon the fog-horn to keep aloof from their
+sister convoy ships; a sense of loneliness enshrouded the scene. It
+was a wild night for the timid with sub-scares, especially when the
+information leaked out that the sub-chasers which were scheduled to
+meet the convoy and escort it through the danger zone, were overdue
+and still missing.</p>
+
+<p>Fog still lay close to the water on the morning of Monday, July 29th,
+as eager watch was kept for the new convoy. The transports had reached
+the danger line and the destroyers were not in sight.</p>
+
+<p>Finally at 10 a. m. on the morning of the 29th, the first of the
+sub-chasers was sighted. It was not long before others appeared,
+bobbing up and down. The waves dashed high about the light craft and
+at times seemed to submerge the shells as they bore down upon the
+groups of transports. Eight sub-chasers appeared on the scene. A great
+shout went up from the transports as the convoy was sighted. They
+circled the transports and the last and most dangerous lap of the
+journey was started.</p>
+
+<p>Thoughts strange and varied filled the minds of the majority aboard as
+they tossed in their bunks on the night of July 29th. Realization of
+location in the danger zone was keen. Those who were at ease
+sufficiently to sleep were annoyed and disturbed by the noises of
+whistles and signal horns as the ships and the convoy kept ever alert
+for submarines.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of July 30th the eight sub-chasers encircled the convoy
+party in closer proximity. The dash through the danger zone continued
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 052)</span>
+unmolested until 3 o'clock in the afternoon when the first
+real periscope was discovered by the look-outs.</p>
+
+<p>The cruiser at the head of the convoy lurched forth; fired a shot and
+tossed up the waves in answer. The resonance against the steel sides
+of the transport rang out clear, bringing hundreds scampering out of
+the hatches and state rooms of the ship, on to the decks, to peer out
+over the rail and watch in awe the great drama that was being enacted
+in serious reality upon the waves of the ocean.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was shining brightly. Every transport in the party struck out
+at full speed, while the zigzagging was increased in comparison. Eight
+sub-chasers cut the waves with frantic speed. The circle-convoy
+formation was abandoned. The destroyers cut short to make for the
+scene of action, which held forth and was witnessed to good advantage
+from the starboard side of the Morvada.</p>
+
+<p>As the transports fled under full steam the cruiser and sub-chasers
+snorted and crashed and roared in the vicinity the periscopes had been
+discovered. Depth-bombs came into play. Those missiles of destruction
+were hurled from the destroyers as they combed the waves for miles and
+miles around the spot where danger threatened. Each discharge of
+depth-bomb raised an avalanche of water; the deadly bombs blasting the
+depths for great distances, while the reverberation shook the
+transports, creating the impression that the transport was in direct
+contact with each explosion.</p>
+
+<p>For fully an hour the detonations continued as the depth-bombs were
+discharged. Finally the destroyers swept back and the convoy formation
+was resumed. The news was spread that the final result of the battle
+was success, as vouched for by films of oil the destroyers saw appear
+on the water's surface. General report had it that five submarines
+composed the attacking party and that wreckage and oil coming to the
+surface gave evidence of two having been destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>The convoy continued on its journey. Sailing orders were executed in
+detail. It was 4 o'clock, one hour after the sub-battle, that the
+convoy parted, the various ships bound for different ports of
+debarkation, which were soon to loom in sight.</p>
+
+<p>At 6 p. m. that same day the soldiers on board the Morvada sighted
+land. Throughout the night the ships sped on but land was dimly
+discernible, the rugged outline appearing through the shadows of the
+night, while the appearance of fishing smacks, which the transport
+passed without fear or sign, created the impression that friendly
+shores were near.</p>
+
+<p>Unable <span class="pagenum">(p. 053)</span>
+to ply their nets at their life's occupation as
+fishermen the sturdy shoresmen of Brittany's coast gave of their time
+and their smacks to the perilous task of combing adjacent water for
+mines and explosive obstacles.</p>
+
+<p>It was these the Morvada passed out in the darkness of night, on the
+eve before landing and setting foot on foreign soil. The Morvada crept
+on, the contrasting stillness of the waves showing that channel waters
+had been reached. But few on board knew, or could rightly guess what
+shore was to greet their eyes on the dawn of the morrow.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page054" name="page054"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 054)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>A ROYAL WELSH RECEPTION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A surprise reception was in store for the soldiers aboard the S. S.
+Morvada when it came to debarking on foreign soil. As the ship plied
+the channel waters on the night of July 30th, 1918, but few on board
+knew what port was its destination; but not so with the people of the
+British Isles. They knew the plans for the arrival of the American
+army transports. On July 31st, the people of Barry and Cardiff, in
+common with Newport, in the province of South Wales, did honor to the
+American troops.</p>
+
+<p>Barry, the urban district and seaport of Glamorganshire, Wales, on the
+Bristol channel, was the foreign shore that greeted the troops on the
+Morvada early in the morning of July 31st.</p>
+
+<p>It was perfect weather for such a visit, the first ever paid to Barry
+by a large body of American troops, and Barry's reception was
+whole-hearted. The citizens turned out in great force. Enthusiasm was
+manifest on every side, and this, despite the fact that, owing to the
+unavoidable delay in the ship's arrival, the people had to wait
+several hours while the Morvada rested at anchor in the harbor until
+docking could be accomplished at 9 a. m.</p>
+
+<p>While preparations to dock were in progress crowds lingered on the
+piers. The soldiers amused themselves by tossing one-cent pieces to
+the Welsh children. Immediately a demand for American cigarettes and
+chewing gum arose among the older Welshmen.</p>
+
+<p>The crowds and the town itself were in holiday attire. The vessels in
+dock were gay with bunting. Flags were displayed from shop-windows,
+the municipal offices and the fire-brigade station, while from the
+summit of the Barry Railway Company's offices "Old Glory" was flying
+to the breeze.</p>
+
+<p>As the Morvada docked and the command was given for the troops to
+debark, loud welcome was sounded by sonorous "hooters," screaming
+sirens and shrill ship and loco whistles.</p>
+
+<p>At 10 o'clock the soldiers were assembled on terra firma once more.
+Parade formation was ordered in answer to the glad welcome plans of
+the inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>Headed by the regimental band the 311th Artillery skirted the banks of
+a small brook named Barri, whose waters encircled an island--the
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 055)</span>
+island which in the 7th century is supposed to have contained the
+cell of the Welsh saint, named Barri, from which the name of the
+island and the river is derived.</p>
+
+<p>British troops, with rifles at present arms and bayonets glistening in
+the sun, formed a guard of honor that lined both sides of the streets
+of Barry, through which the American troops passed in royal welcome.
+The march proceeded until King's square was reached, where official
+ceremony of welcome to the town was enacted.</p>
+
+<p>Here the officers and men formed in the large public square in front
+of the municipal offices, where Councillor George Wareham, J. P., as
+chairman of the district council, extended to the Americans a hearty
+welcome.</p>
+
+<p>Lieut.-Col. Bradbridge, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, addressing Col.
+C. G. Mortimer, in command of the 311th, said he had been commanded by
+His Majesty, the King, to welcome all to the shores of Great Britain.</p>
+
+<p>Each soldier was then presented with a copy of an autographed letter
+from King George V., bidding God-speed and every success. The letter
+was as follows:</p>
+
+<div>
+     <p class="quotedr"><i>Windsor Castle</i>.</p>
+<p class="quotega10-0">
+     <i>Soldiers of the United States--The people of the British Isles
+     welcome you on your way to take your stand beside the armies of
+     many nations now fighting in the Old World the great battle for
+     human freedom. The Allies will gain new heart and spirit in your
+     company. I wish that I could shake the hand of each one of you,
+     and bid you God-speed on your mission.</i></p>
+
+     <p class="quotedr-0"><span class="sc">George</span> R. I.</p>
+</div><br>
+
+<p>Col. Mortimer expressed his appreciation of the very hearty welcome
+his men had received. "We are here," he said, "for one purpose, and
+you all know what that is. We are young at the business, but if spirit
+counts for anything, it will surely win out. We have been looking
+forward to this for some little time, and I can assure you we will do
+our part."</p>
+
+<p>Then the band struck up the National anthem of America and this was
+followed by "God Save the King," and the soldiers moved on amid the
+cheers of the people.</p>
+
+<p>The last mess on the Morvada was partaken of at the conclusion of the
+parade. At 2 o'clock that afternoon all packs were removed from
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 056)</span>
+the boat, the troops assembled in a large warehouse on the pier;
+British Red Cross workers distributed refreshments while trains were
+being made up to convey the soldiers to their first foreign training
+center.</p>
+
+<p>A combination of first, second, and third-class coaches of the
+compartment type characteristic of the English rail system made up the
+section of train that was assigned to Battery D. The coaches and
+British locomotives were the source of considerable interest to the
+soldiers. Each compartment accommodated eight men, which allowed a
+division of squads being made for the journey.</p>
+
+<p>At 4:30 o'clock the wheels began to grind the rails and the first ride
+on foreign soil was started.</p>
+
+<p>Fast-fleeting stretches of fertile farm land and extensive pasture
+field, rich in verdure, with cattle grazing drowsily at the close of
+day, presented the picture of a peaceful pastoral life of British
+subjects as the train continued to add up mileage. Station after
+station was passed without stop by the American troop special. Battery
+D displayed an American flag from its section and the inhabitants in
+the vicinity of the railroad station as the special passed through
+their town or hamlet, could not mistake the identity of the Americans.</p>
+
+<p>From Barry the route stretched to Penarth and Cardiff; passed through
+Newport, Christ Church, and Major, thence across the funnel waters of
+the Bristol channel to the thriving city of Bristol; into the rural
+districts of Wiltshire; passing Bath, Trowbridge, and Warminster.</p>
+
+<p>Rations of hard bread, corned-beef, corned-beef hash, canned tomatoes,
+and jam, had been distributed to the squads before leaving the
+Morvada. When the troop special was nearing Salisbury, evening was
+well advanced and the appetites of the soldiers were being gradually
+appeased enroute, stop was made at Wilton, where everybody on board
+took advantage of permission to get off at the station and enjoy a cup
+of hot coffee that a contingent of British Red Cross workers handed
+out.</p>
+
+<p>The journey was resumed after a twenty-minute lay-over. The South of
+England was penetrated farther as the boys tried to figure out whether
+they would remain on British territory long, or whether France was to
+be the first active training center.</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo057" name="photo057"></a>
+<p class="pagenum">(p. 057)</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" width="80%" summary="" style="position: relative; left: 10%;">
+<colgroup span="2">
+<col width="50%">
+<col width="50%">
+</colgroup>
+
+<tr>
+  <td><p class="middle"><b>3rd Class French Compartment Coach</b></p>
+  </td>
+  <td>
+   <img src="images/img057a.jpg"   width="245" height="159"
+     alt="3rd Class French Compartment Coach" title="3rd Class French Compartment Coach">
+  </td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+  <td>
+    <img src="images/img057b.jpg"  width="245" height="157"
+     alt="Side-door Pullman Special" title="Side-door Pullman Special">
+  </td>
+  <td>
+    <p class="middle"><b>Side-door Pullman Special
+    Travel A La Mode In France</b></p>
+  </td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+  <td>
+    <p class="middle"><b>Interior French Box Car Battery D Enroute</b></p>
+  </td>
+  <td>
+    <img src="images/img057c.jpg"  width="250" height="160"
+     alt="Interior French Box Car" title="Interior French Box Car">
+  </td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+  <td>
+    <img src="images/img057d.jpg" width="250" height="158"
+     alt="A Real American Special" title="A Real American Special">
+  </td>
+  <td><p class="middle"><b>A Real American Special
+    New York To Camp Dix</b></p>
+  </td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<a id="page058" name="page058"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 058)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>A BRITISH REST CAMP.</h3>
+
+
+<p>At 9 p. m., it was yet daylight. The boys were weary and tired as the
+troop train on the London and Southwestern railway pulled into a
+station, the sign-boards of which gave the name as Romsey. Orders to
+detrain were passed along.</p>
+
+<p>All soldiers and packs were soon off the train; then, line-up as per
+usual, and march, first under a stone railroad bridge, through the
+town, soon to strike a highway leading out of the town.</p>
+
+<p>The pack on the back got heavier every minute, but the march
+continued; one mile, two miles, then along the stretch of the third
+there appeared scenes of buildings and tents. Post-signs glared the
+information that Camp Woodley had been reached. There appeared to be
+many parts to the camp. Battery D did not stop at the first, nor the
+second, but halt was made at what was designated as C Camp.</p>
+
+<p>It was a welcome order that allowed the troops to fall-out along the
+roadside as official parlance was started with the powers that ruled
+the destinies of C Camp. The vicinity was closely guarded by American
+M. P.'s., who proceeded to communicate stories, savoring the good,
+bad, and indifferent prospects of the abode that was to shelter the
+311th for one night at least. "It's a rest camp", they said. The words
+sounded peaceful to the tired troops assembled. It required only one
+day, however, to find out that the only part of a soldier that got
+rest at a "rest-camp" was the stomach.</p>
+
+<p>The hour was almost 10:30 when it was finally decided what area
+Battery D was to occupy for the night. C Camp was a tented camp, the
+tents being spacious enough to comfortably house about four army cots
+for a healthy soldier to rest his weary bones on. The cots, however,
+were missing. Battery D was marched down the main road of the selected
+area. Halt was made at the first tent. Twenty-six men were ordered
+inside. The remainder continued to the next tent in order where
+twenty-six more were registered for the night; and so on down the
+roster, until Battery D was under canvass.</p>
+
+<p>The battery cooks and details were put to work immediately to prepare
+something to eat, but a majority of the soldiers either got tired
+waiting or else had such a hard job finding what was prepared that
+they wended their way through the tented city and after considerable
+wandering found the tent wherein they were to be one of the twenty-six
+registered for the night.</p>
+
+<p>Twenty-six <span class="pagenum">(p. 059)</span>
+men and twenty-six packs in one tent. Crowding was
+more than a necessity; it was a torture, as was soon evinced when
+twenty-six men stretched themselves out on the board floor of the tent
+for the seeming purpose of sleeping. Extra blankets had been drawn
+from the quartermaster, which, combined with the blankets the soldier
+carried in his pack, furnished mattress and coverings for the sweet
+but hard repose. No blue-print diagram was furnished as to how the
+sleeping space was to be allotted in twenty-six portions; with the
+result that one fellow was awakened out of a sweet dream of eating pie
+and cake, to find his buddy's feet pushing him in the face.</p>
+
+<p>Reveille sounded at C Camp Woodley at 7:20 o'clock on the morning of
+August 1st, when Battery D received its first taste of British mess.
+Details of varied description were furnished from the battery roster,
+while the battery spent most of the first day in camp trying to figure
+out the English system of mess. The outfit was assigned places at
+tables, by squads, in mess-tents. Two from each squad were delegated a
+committee to go to the kitchen and bring on the chow.</p>
+
+<p>For breakfast the committee brought back an iron-bound kettle of
+oatmeal; another kettle of prunes and a quantity of bread. The system
+then was one of "help yourself and pass it on," which was all right
+for the fellow at the head of the table, but the fellows on the
+opposite end had to do the figuring.</p>
+
+<p>The same procedure was followed at noon when slum was served. Night
+mess in England invariably was cheese and tea and jam, which was
+always good as far as it went. The entire 311th regiment was served
+from one kitchen. It was good fortune that the Americans had
+individual mess kits with them and that there occurred no sanitary
+inspections of said eating utensils while in C Camp where fifteen
+hundred mess kits were washed in a two by four bucket.</p>
+
+<p>During the first day in an English camp many of the soldiers slipped
+past the M. P.'s and made their way to the town; a quaint market town
+and municipal borough, numbering almost 4,000 inhabitants, in the New
+Forest Parliamentary division of Hampshire. As far as sight seeing,
+the only thing of interest in the town was an old abbey. Cafes were
+numerous, while English ale signs were more numerous.</p>
+
+<p>An American Y. M. C. A. was housed under canvas at Camp Woodley. The
+workers in charge prepared a royal entertainment, while the regimental
+band gave a concert the second night of the soldiers' stay
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 060)</span>
+in camp. Members of a Romsey dramatic club furnished the
+entertainment. Towards the close the band struck up, "The Star
+Spangled Banner," then, "God Save the King." The Romsey entertainers
+started to sing their National Anthem, while the Americans joined in
+with, "My Country 'Tis of Thee." All that was needed to complete the
+effect of the Babel scene was John J. Jlosky and Otto Skirkie to sing,
+"Down Where the Green River Flows."</p>
+
+<p>Reveille for Friday, August 2nd, had been set for 7:30 a. m. All heads
+were awakened by the bugle at 6:45 o'clock that morning. No one in
+Battery D stirred. The impression was that the call was for another
+outfit. Six fifty-five found First Sergeant James J. Farrell going
+from tent to tent to find out the cause of the silence. Then there was
+great hustling to get out in line and many a woolen puttee was missing
+that morning.</p>
+
+<p>The day was destined to be a rough one. It was raining at reveille
+call and still raining when call was sounded at 9:30 o'clock for a
+hike. The hike was started and continued for three miles, so did the
+rain. The longer the soldiers walked the faster it rained. The scenery
+was beautiful through the stretch of pleasantly situated country in
+the rich valley of the Test. Picturesque English homesteads, set amid
+hedges and roses, with moss-overgrown thatched roofs, dotted the
+wayside. At a cross-roads the battery halted for rest. Along the road
+came a baker's wagon. There was a raid on its gingerbread cookies. The
+bakerman reaped a harvest of good American quarters for every three
+cookies he handed out.</p>
+
+<p>Drenched through slicker, et al. the soldiers retraced their step to
+Camp Woodley, the beauties of the flowery countryside being lost to a
+majority by the far-soaking rain. When Lieut. Hugh Clarke dismissed
+the watery battery admonition was added for everybody to change to dry
+clothing. But, alas, the advice was far better than expedient. The
+only clothes the soldiers possessed at the time were wet on their
+backs. Their extra uniform and clothing was in their barrack-bags,
+which had not been seen since leaving Camp Meade. No fire was
+available. The only open course was to let the clothes dry on the
+back. The boys of Battery D spent a very lonely afternoon, sitting in
+the tents, with wet clothes. And, it continued raining on the outside.</p>
+
+<p>When the battery drew individual rations, consisting of one can of
+corned-beef; a hunk of cheese; a box of hard bread and a can of jam,
+at 9:30 o'clock, Saturday morning, August 3rd, the sun was shining
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 061)</span>
+and the day was waxing warm. Under full pack the command
+started for the seaport of Southampton.</p>
+
+<p>Romsey is seven miles Northwest of Southampton by the London and
+Southwest railway, but the 311th did not take the L. &amp; S. W. The
+hob-nail limited was the official troop train and the route covered
+nine miles by winding road.</p>
+
+<p>It was on this hike that "Corona" became lost. David B. Koenig, the
+battery clerk, was the chaperon of "Corona." But he could not carry
+her all the way, so the boys took turns at carrying the precious
+thing. During one of the rest-halts, however, some one left poor
+little "Corona" lay by the roadside. When her disappearance was
+discovered it was necessary for Lieut. Clarke to hike back several
+miles and find the lost. "Corona" was the battery typewriter.</p>
+
+<p>Southampton was reached at 12:30 o'clock. Stop was made at the British
+rest camp at the Commons where refreshments, in addition to the cheese
+and jam rations, were secured at the British Y. M. C. A. canteen. At 2
+p. m. that day it started to rain and at 2:15 the regiment resumed its
+march and reached the docks at 3:15 o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>It was a regiment of tired soldiers who sat on their packs in the big
+warehouse pier at Southampton waiting for word to go up the gang-plank
+of the vessel that was to take them across the English Channel.</p>
+
+<p>"The King Edward" was the name of the channel-going vessel that drew
+alongside the pier late in the afternoon. It was a cute-looking boat,
+just big enough to transport Battery D across the channel in comfort.
+At 6:30 p. m., Battery D and 1200 other members of the 311th were
+loaded on the King Edward. Everybody had a pleasant time. No space
+went to waste, whatever. Some tried to sleep during the long night
+that ensued while standing against a post and others tried to strap
+themselves to the ceiling with their cartridge belts. In general the
+scene was like unto a large meat-cooler in a butcher shop, with the
+exception that the ship furnished life-preservers instead of
+meat-hooks and the temperature was the extreme of zero.</p>
+
+<p>Convoyed by several destroyers with piercing search lights, which
+scanned the same waters that held the dead of the Hospitalship
+Walrilda, which was torpedoed in the English Channel while conveying
+wounded back to England, the King Edward started on its dash across
+the channel at 8:30 p. m., on the night of the day that the Walrilda
+met its fate.</p>
+
+<p>The <span class="pagenum">(p. 062)</span>
+troops huddled together in the small hatches of the King
+Edward did not have much thought where they were or whither bound.
+They did not recall at the time that they were passing the Isle of
+Wight and the spot in the English Channel that witnessed the defeat of
+the Armada in the same month, back in the year 1588.</p>
+
+<p>Sufficient unto the night was the misery thereof. Sea sickness came
+over quite a few, which was duly abetted by the stifling air. Those
+near the hatch-ways were fortunate in getting to the deck rails when
+their inner recesses were most severely tempest-tossed. Those who were
+hemmed in on all sides by human forms, who lay stretched on the
+stairs, in hallways, benches and wherever there was an inch of space,
+had a difficult time when they attempted to find a passage way through
+the closely matted carpet of humanity.</p>
+
+<p>Col. C. G. Mortimer, the regimental commander, came down from his
+station on the deck and found it well-nigh impossible to get through
+the corridor of the forward saloon.</p>
+
+<p>Through the hours of the long night the King Edward was convoyed
+across the channel at a speed nearing 25 knots an hour. Early morning
+of Sunday, August 4th, drew the King Edward near the shores of
+Northern France. At 2 p. m. the ship approached a harbor, but it was
+not until daylight that those on board could see a sign on a warehouse
+of a pier, bearing the name Cherbourg.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page063" name="page063"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV. <span class="pagenum">(p. 063)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>SO THIS IS FRANCE!</h3>
+
+
+<p>"So this is France!"</p>
+
+<p>For the first time the boys of Battery D repeated this phrase in all
+its reality as they stood upon elevated ground in the vicinity of the
+British Rest Camp at Cherbourg and viewed the vista of harbor, four
+miles distant, where, from the gang-plank of the King Edward they set
+foot on French soil on Sunday morning, August 4th, at 8 o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>The panorama presented the naval and commercial harbors, from which
+Cherbourg, the seaport of Northwestern France, derives its chief
+importance. The eye can see the three main basins, cut out of the
+rock, with an area of fifty-five acres, which forms the naval harbor
+and to which are connected dry-docks; the yards where the largest
+ships in the French navy are constructed; magazines and the various
+workshops required for an arsenal of the French navy.</p>
+
+<p>A glance about reveals surrounding hills, in which batteries are
+located in fortification of the works and the town.</p>
+
+<p>A second glance toward the harbor shows a large naval hospital close
+to the water's-edge, at the mouth of the Divette, on a small bay at
+the apex of the indentation formed by the Northern shore of the
+Peninsula of Cotentin. There is also at the mouth of Divette, the
+commercial harbor, connecting with the sea by a channel. This harbor
+consists of two parts, an outer harbor and an inner basin. Outside
+these harbors is the triangular bay, which forms the road-stead of
+Cherbourg.</p>
+
+<p>The bay is admirably sheltered by the land on three sides, while on
+the North it is sheltered by a large breakwater, which is protected
+and leaves passage for vessels. The passages are guarded by forts
+placed on islands intervening between the breakwater and the mainland,
+and themselves united to the mainland by breakwaters.</p>
+
+<p>Glimpses of the town of Cherbourg which the boys received as they
+hiked the four miles from the docks to the rest camp, through narrow
+and crooked streets, revealed no buildings of special interest, apart
+from the church of La Trinite dating from the 15th century; a statue
+of the painter J. F. Millet, born near Cherbourg, stands in the public
+gardens and there is an equestrian statue of Napoleon I in the square
+named after him. After reaching the rest camp the soldiers were
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 064)</span>
+unable to get down to the town again, although they had been told
+that the Hotel de Ville housed a rich collection of paintings.</p>
+
+<p>It was at 10 a. m. when the regiment arrived at the British Rest Camp
+at Cherbourg. Halt was made on a large parade ground in front of a
+Y. M. C. A. hut. The boys stretched themselves on the ground while
+search was instituted for the area the outfit was to occupy at its
+second rest camp.</p>
+
+<p>Rest had just been commanded a few minutes when the command to
+"fall-in" was sounded. Everybody hustled to their feet, shouldered the
+heavy pack and awaited the next order.</p>
+
+<p>"About-Face" was ordered. And the regiment obeyed. "Rest" was next.
+This was the first time in the history of the battery that it was
+necessary to shoulder packs to execute an about-face.</p>
+
+<p>The camp consisted of dome-shaped, sheet-iron barracks and tented
+areas. After an hour's wait Battery D was assigned to the 13th row of
+Section C of the tented area. Tents were pyramid in shape. Fourteen
+men were crowded into each tent that was originally intended for
+eight.</p>
+
+<p>By laying in wheel formation, with fourteen pairs of feet meeting at
+the center pole, the boys rested themselves on the board floors of the
+tents that night. There was no room for packcarriers and other
+paraphanelia in the tents. Most of the soldiers deposited their excess
+luggage on the outside. About midnight it started to rain. There was a
+scurry to get the equipment in out of the rain, which also disturbed
+the sweet slumbers as water trickled in under the canvass or else came
+through leaks in the roof.</p>
+
+<p>Reveille sounded at 5:30 the next morning. Orders were given for packs
+to be rolled preparatory to moving. A move was made from Section C to
+row 19 of D Section of the same tented area. The remainder of the
+morning was set apart for Battery D to take a bath. The soldiers' bath
+had been a negligible quantity since leaving Camp Meade, with the
+exception of some few who attempted to work up a lather with salt
+water on the Morvada. To the boys, therefore, the prospect of a good
+bath was hailed with delight.</p>
+
+<p>No dressing room was attached to the bathhouse that was situated at
+one end of the Cherbourg rest camp. Therefore the boys had to make
+ready for the bath in their tents. With slickers and shoes on the
+battery lined up and marched to the bathhouse, while the rain came
+down and the wind was wont to play with the flaps of the raincoats, as
+a battery of bare-legs was exposed to the elements.</p>
+
+<p>Arrived <span class="pagenum">(p. 065)</span>
+at the bathhouse, it was discovered that the showers
+would accommodate eight at one time. The first squad in line went into
+the water sanctum, while everybody else waited their turn on the
+outside.</p>
+
+<p>The showers consisted of three half-inch pipes suspended from the
+ceiling. There were three lengths of pipe, each length being
+perforated at two places to emit the shower of water. The perforations
+comprised about four holes, each hole about one-sixteenth of an inch
+in diameter.</p>
+
+<p>The first eight who entered the bathhouse were eager to get under the
+showers and consequently did not glance about to inspect the equipment
+of the room. The eight soldiers braced themselves under the showers
+and yelled for the man in charge to turn on the water. Instead of
+being washed away by the force of the current, as the firmly braced
+attitude of each gave evidence that such was to be the case, the
+opening wide of the flood-gates let four needle-like streams of water
+descend upon each figure.</p>
+
+<p>The eight took the bath good-naturedly and as they passed out of the
+bathhouse, making room for the next eight to enter, they passed word
+along the end of the waiting line to the effect that it would be just
+as expedient to take off the slicker and stand out in the rain, that
+was still falling.</p>
+
+<p>The same evening orders to leave the rest camp came forth. At 6 p. m.
+the regiment was assembled on the parade ground and soon started its
+march back over the four miles, through Cherbourg, to the railroad
+yards of the Ouest-Etat railway, which skirted the docks.</p>
+
+<p>Arrived there at 7:45 p. m., sections of French trains were assembled
+ready to receive the soldiers. This assemblage of coaches was of
+infinitely greater variety than those of English ownership. Third
+class coaches were in evidence, but of greater import were the box
+cars containing the inscription, "40 Hommes or 8 Chevaux."</p>
+
+<p>Forty men or eight horses may have been the official capacity but when
+forty soldiers with equipment C were assigned to such a car to spend
+the night and several succeeding nights, all that was needed to make
+sardines was a little oil.</p>
+
+<p>Several sections of the battery were fortunate in securing third-class
+accommodations, but the remainder prepared to settle themselves in the
+box cars, the majority of which cars turned out to have flat wheels as
+the journey started.</p>
+
+<p>Daylight <span class="pagenum">(p. 066)</span>
+remained abroad for the first two hours of the
+journey; while the cars jolted over the rails the boys sang and kept
+alive the spirit. Then came darkness. No lights in the car. Forty men
+stretched out in a small box-car. Incidently it might be added that a
+French box-car is about one-half the size of similar type of car used
+on the railroads in the United States. It wasn't fair to kick your
+buddy in the face or get on his ear. The night, however, gradually
+wore on and the towns of Valognes, Isigny and Manche St. Lo, were
+passed. Thence out of the Manche department, through the railroad
+center at Vire, in Calvados, the special, with its side-door Pullmans,
+rolled on, enroute through Flers, Coutenne and Pre during the early
+hours of the morning of August 6th. Daylight dawned as Alencon was
+reached and at 11:30 a. m., Le Mans loomed in sight. A half-hour's
+ride from Le Mans and an half-hour lay-over was ordered. The troops
+were allowed to alight for the time. A supply of iron rations was also
+furnished each car from the supply car of the special.</p>
+
+<p>The next stop was made at Tours from 6 to 8 p. m. A short lay-over was
+also made at Poitiers at 11 p. m. The troop special was then nearing
+its destination. But few on board were aware that at the end of the
+next thirty-four kilometers was Montmorillon, in the department of
+Vienne, which was to be the stopping off place of Battery D for a stay
+of several weeks.</p>
+
+<p>The troop special of thirty-five coaches and box cars, pulled into the
+station at Montmorillon at 1 a. m.; all was quiet about the station. A
+majority of the soldiers were too tired to care about location. They
+slumbered on as best they could in their box-car berths, while the
+special was pulled in on a siding, to remain until daylight when the
+order to detrain was to be issued.</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo067" name="photo067"></a>
+<div>
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 067)</span>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img067a.jpg" width="450" height="298"
+     alt="Montmorillon Station" title="Montmorillon Station"></p>
+<p class="figcenter">Montmorillon Station<br><br>
+Where Battery D Detrained in France After Leaving British Rest Camp
+at Cherbourg.</p></div>
+
+<h2> </h2>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img067b.jpg" width="450" height="276"
+     alt="Montmorillon Street Scene" title="Montmorillon Street Scene"></p>
+<p class="figcenter">Montmorillon Street Scene<br><br>
+Building Marked X was Billet for Half of the Battery During the First
+Month Spent on French Soil.</p>
+<h1> </h1>
+
+
+<a id="page068" name="page068"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV. <span class="pagenum">(p. 068)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>WHITE TROOPS INVADE MONTMORILLON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Dotted with quaint architecture of 12th and 13th century Romanesque
+and Gothic design, the hills of Vienne department, France, cradle the
+crystal-clear and drowsy-moving waters of the Gartempe, a river, which
+in its course winds through the town of Montmorillon, where four
+thousand French peasantry, on August 7th, received their first lesson
+in American cosmopolitism.</p>
+
+<p>Montmorillon, where the boys of Battery D were billeted for the first
+time in the midst of the French people; where they received their
+first impressions on French life and mannerisms, lives in memory of
+the boys as the prettiest, cleanest and most-comfortable place of any
+the outfit visited during its sojourn in France.</p>
+
+<p>Despite the fact that a feeling of strained hospitality attended the
+reception of the 311th Artillery, the first body of white American
+troops to visit Montmorillon, the cloud of suspicion was soon lifted
+and four weeks of smiling August sunshine days, undarkened by
+rainclouds, were spent along the banks of the Gartempe.</p>
+
+<p>When the 311th troops alighted from the troop special early on the
+morning of their arrival, the station and avenues of approach to the
+town were guarded by American negro M. P.'s, members of the 164th
+Artillery Brigade, who had arrived in the town several weeks previous
+and had made themselves at home with the natives.</p>
+
+<p>The 311th was not in Montmorillon many days before the explanation of
+the half-hearted reception came to light. An element of negro troops
+had started the story on its rounds among the guileless French
+peasants that the white troops, who had just arrived, comprised the
+"Scum of America," and that they (the negroes) were the real
+Americans; the whites being the so-called "American Indians." As the
+flames of gossip spread from tongue to tongue, admonition was added
+that the white arrivals were dangerous and corrupt and the French
+should refrain from associating with the new arrivals.</p>
+
+<p>Thus there was created an intense and bitter racial feeling that
+loomed gigantic and threatened open racial hostilities as the white
+and colored American troops traveled the same streets of a foreign
+village; were admitted to the same cafes and vied with each other for
+the friendship of the French populace.</p>
+
+<p>Street <span class="pagenum">(p. 069)</span>
+fights were not infrequent, while scenes in cafes were
+enacted wherein white refused to sit in the same room with colored
+troops or vice-versa.</p>
+
+<p>Persisting in their set standard of chivalry, the element of the white
+soldiers often took it as ordained to induce the French demoiselles to
+leave the company of their opposite in blood. Many of the colored
+troops were equally persistent, with the result that the breach of
+ill-feeling gaped bigger, until official cognizance came to bear.</p>
+
+<p>Within a short time the 164th Brigade was withdrawn from Montmorillon,
+leaving the 311th to commence its active and intensive course of
+training on foreign soil.</p>
+
+<p>On August 7th, the day of the 311th's arrival, the troops waited at
+the station for several hours while the billeting officers were
+locating billets throughout the town. Iron rations were partaken of at
+the station and everybody was glad that battery mess outfits would
+soon set up shop and the American Q. M. system of rationing would be
+resumed.</p>
+
+<p>The march through the town to the various assigned billeting districts
+was started from the station at 9:30 o'clock. The batteries of the
+regiment were scattered in various billets throughout the town. Every
+vacant house, barn or shed that possibly could be pressed into
+service, was designated as a billet for the troops.</p>
+
+<p>Battery D continued its march through the town; across the cement
+bridge over the Gartempe; into an octagon-shaped intersection of
+public streets, lined with several three-story buildings, the
+principal one of which gave evidence of being a cafe and bore the
+sign, "Cafe du Commerce."</p>
+
+<p>Opposite the bridge, the route was along Rue de Strasburg, where, in
+the rear of the Cafe du Commerce, Battery D halted before a
+three-story stone structure that bore signs of having been vacated for
+many years.</p>
+
+<p>The area billeting officer produced a large key, threw open the door
+and half the battery was ushered inside. It immediately fell their
+task to brush the cow-webs from the ceilings; gather up the fallen
+plaster from the floor; sweep out several years' accumulation of dirt
+and dust; while the old-fashioned shutters were pried open for the
+first time in many years and the sunshine streamed into the rooms, to
+drive away, to some degree, the mustiness of environment.</p>
+
+<p>The <span class="pagenum">(p. 070)</span>
+other half of the battery was directed to a barn
+structure about a block distant from the first battery abode. Clean-up
+activities of similar nature were instituted in the barn.</p>
+
+<p>About 3 o'clock that afternoon the barrack bags of the regiment were
+received and distributed to the soldiers. The bags had been in transit
+ever since leaving Camp Meade.</p>
+
+<p>Arrangements were made with several French farmers to bring a quantity
+of straw to the public square, where the soldiers, later in the
+afternoon, filled their bed ticks. It was on a tick of straw, thrown
+on the floor of the old dilapidated, vacated house, that one hundred
+of the battery spent their nights of sleep in Montmorillon while the
+other half occupied similar beds on the upper-lofts of the barn.</p>
+
+<p>There were no formations the morning after arrival. The battery men
+spent most of the time about town. It was strange to observe the
+peasantry hobbling along in their wooden shoes, the flopping of the
+loose footwear at the heels beating a rhythmic clap, clap on the
+cobblestone pave.</p>
+
+<p>Each day brought new scenes of peasant life. Quaintly and slowly oxen
+under yoke were used on the streets to haul the farmers' grain to the
+large public square, where, under the scorching sun the farmer and his
+helpers toiled with hand flailers, thrashing the grain. Strange
+looking carts, drawn by donkeys with large ears, vied with the
+ox-carts for supremacy of traffic.</p>
+
+<p>Along the river's edge were located public places for clothes-washing.
+The peasant whose house adjoined the river had a private place at the
+water's-edge where the family washing was done. The river served as a
+huge tub for the entire community, the women carrying their wash to
+the river, where, kneeling at special devised wash-boards, garments
+were rubbed and paddled until they shown immaculate.</p>
+
+<p>Washing was greatly increased at the river when the 311th came to
+town. The hundreds of soldiers sought out washer-women. The peasant
+women welcomed the opportunity of earning a few francs doing American
+washing. The more active of the washer-women spent entire days washing
+at the river for the soldiers. At first one franc was a standard price
+for having a week's laundry done, but as days passed and business
+became brisker, rates went up to two, five and in some instances
+higher.</p>
+
+<p>To the Americans the town of Montmorillon, as was the case of most of
+the ancient towns visited in France, presented an impression of
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 071)</span>
+isolation. Houses built during the 12th century with their high
+walls surrounding and barricaded entrances, were greatly in evidence;
+houses of such nature, history records, as furnishing protection in
+the days when feudalism fought at spear-points. The stages and wages
+of war advanced with the centuries, but not so with the ancient French
+town; where the peasants live content with no sewerage or drainage
+system; content to pursue the antiquated customs. To be thrown in the
+midst of this 12th century environment was productive of lasting
+impressions on the part of the American troops who were suddenly
+transplanted from a land of 20th century civilization and advancement,
+to an old and foreign soil.</p>
+
+<p>The first night the 311th was in Montmorillon fire broke out in "The
+Baines," an ornate and modern French homestead near the Cafe du
+Commerce. Several officers of the 311th regiment had secured quarters
+in the Baines. They were forced to vacate by the fire. Bucket brigades
+was the only fire protection the prefecture afforded its citizenry.
+The fire drew a large crowd of the new soldiers, a score of whom took
+active charge of fighting the blaze; giving the Frenchmen a real
+exhibition in the art of bucket-brigade fire extinction.</p>
+
+<p>Time, however, was not to view French scenery. Training activity was
+the official topic of interest. It was decreed that instruction in the
+school of the soldier should begin immediately. Fifty per cent of the
+regiment comprised new recruits, who had been assigned to the outfit
+previous to departure from Camp Meade. It was necessary to begin the
+training at the beginning.</p>
+
+<p>Out from the town, among the open farm lands, a large grain field was
+secured as a drill field for the battery. It required a thirty-five
+minute hike from the battery billeting area to reach the drill field.
+This hike was in order every morning and afternoon. The time on the
+drill field was spent in learning the rudiments in much the same
+manner as the training was started and progressed with the first
+recruits at Camp Meade.</p>
+
+<p>When 4 o'clock of each afternoon came, the order was established for a
+swim in the river as the parting day's rejuvenator. Montmorillon was
+the only place in France where the battery got frequent baths.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday morning for the troops at Montmorillon was generally
+inspection time. Inspections were held on the public plaza. Showdown
+inspections were as exacting as Camp Meade days. Saturday afternoon
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 072)</span>
+and Sunday were days of rest for those who were lucky enough
+to escape detail.</p>
+
+<p>Regimental services were held in the public square on Sunday mornings,
+while many of the soldiers visited the curious, two-storied chapel of
+octagonal form and Romanesque style, that was built in the 12th
+century, in which services were still conducted. The chapel is
+connected with the ecclesiastical seminary that occupies a building
+that was formerly an Augustinian convent.</p>
+
+<p>The Church of the Notre Dame is another ancient landmark of
+Montmorillon that held interest for the Americans. It, also, is a 12th
+century building, built on a high slope, with its chapel undermined
+with a series of catacombs. Trips of inspection to these subalterean
+chambers, where the worship of the early ages was conducted, were
+numerous and interesting to the soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>Various schools for instruction of the officers of the regiment were
+established at Montmorillon. A detachment of new officers from the
+Saumur school arrived in town to take charge of the training work
+while the regular officers attended the schools. Second Lieut. Sidney
+F. Bennett of Derby, Vermont, was assigned to Battery D at this time
+and was given plenty of work in supervising the morning drill and
+battery instructions. Lieut. Bennett immediately won great favor among
+the men. He varied his periods of drill and training with athletics.
+"O'Grady," "Crow and Crane," "Belt 'Round the ring," and numerous
+other sport contests were indulged in with great vim.</p>
+
+<p>A battery kitchen, utilizing the field range, was set up in close
+proximity to the two battery billets. Here the boys lined up with
+their mess-kits three times a day. They sat out in the narrow French
+street as they appeased their appetites. Gone were the mess hall
+tables of Camp Meade days. Gone were the cots of Camp Meade memory.
+Cheer was added, however, when mail from the United States and home
+began to reach the outfit. The first despatch of mail to reach Battery
+D overseas was at Montmorillon on August 13th.</p>
+
+<p>Then on August 14th came the first overseas payday. The battery
+members were paid with an addition of ten per cent for foreign
+service. The first pay was in French currency, the rate of exchange at
+the time being 5:45 francs to the American dollar.</p>
+
+<p>When French peasants toiled a whole day for several francs and when
+the pay of the French soldier was not equalling one franc a
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 073)</span>
+day, the French, when the American private was paid $33 a month in
+179.85 francs, gained the idea that all Americans were millionaires.
+The result was the establishment of two standards of price in French
+shops; one price for the French and a higher price for the Americans.</p>
+
+<p>Souvenir postcards sold anywhere from 10 centimes to five francs
+apiece. In the matter of fruits, peaches commanded one franc for three
+during the peach season; apples sold two for one franc; while tomatoes
+that should have sold for one franc a basket, brought one franc for
+five.</p>
+
+<p>The soldiers were allowed to be on the streets until 9 o'clock each
+night. Many spent their money freely. The wine shops did a thriving
+business and as is usual in large crowds, the element was present that
+was not satisfied with sampling the large assortment of wine-vintages
+but indulged in Cognac. Strict disciplinary measures were immediately
+adopted. Several of the first offenders, none of whom, however, were
+from Battery D ranks, were reduced in rank at a public battalion
+formation on the public square.</p>
+
+<p>The cognac proclivities of the few endangered the privileges of the
+many in having freedom to visit in the town at night. Battery
+punishment was inflicted at times, which constituted carrying a full
+pack on the back at drill formation or for a certain period after
+drill hours.</p>
+
+<p>Toward the latter part of August steps were taken to organize a
+battery commander's detail. Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke took charge of the
+instruction work. Special instruction was started in map and road
+sketching, orientation and signal work. The battery in general was
+also put through a strenuous course in the use of the semaphore and
+the wigwag.</p>
+
+<p>On August 21st the regiment passed in review on the large regimental
+drill ground, under a burning sun. The swim in the river at the close
+of that day was especially inviting.</p>
+
+<p>While in Montmorillon Lieut. Sidney F. Bennett instituted a series of
+battalion and regimental setting-up exercises. Calesthenics, to the
+music of the regimental band, was the feature of the exercises.</p>
+
+<p>The long hike to the grain field drill ground was abandoned after two
+weeks and the village plaza was used for drill purposes. About this
+time several French army sergeants were attached to the regiment and
+instruction in gun pit construction was started. Details were kept
+busy for several days digging gun pits near the regimental drill
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 074)</span>
+grounds, but before the job was fully completed orders came for
+the regiment to leave Montmorillon.</p>
+
+<p>Present day reminiscences vouch for the fact that the stay in
+Montmorillon was most pleasant. The weather had been ideal throughout
+the month of August. Except for a detachment from the regiment who
+replaced the negro M. P.'s no guard duty was necessary in the town.
+During the first week of September, 1918, however, all that the boys
+had to compare their lots and life in Montmorillon with was Camp Meade
+regime. In the light of this comparison many expressed words of
+approval that the outfit was finally getting away from such a horrid
+place. Those who failed to see the good points of Montmorillon,
+moreover, were without knowledge of what the future held in store for
+the outfit in its journey through France.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page075" name="page075"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI. <span class="pagenum">(p. 075)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>ACTIVE TRAINING AT LA COURTINE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>La Courtine, a village in the Department of Creuse, France, is
+surrounded by hilly country, the very nature of the hills affording
+ideal artillery range. La Courtine, therefore, was the site of a
+French artillery camp for many years.</p>
+
+<p>The village is divided into two parts; that which is gathered around a
+progressive looking station, and part is on a hill, which part is
+called Hightown. Both parts are confined to one street, replete with
+bars and cafes.</p>
+
+<p>It was to La Courtine that the 311th was bound after leaving
+Montmorillon. The French had turned the artillery camp over to the
+Americans and thither the 311th regiment was sent to get active and
+intense training in range fire with the use of the French 75's.</p>
+
+<p>The troop special assigned to the regiment upon leaving Montmorillon
+was made up of box cars, many of which had recently been used to
+transport crude oil, evinced by the oil on the floor of the cars. Onto
+every box car was loaded anywhere from 36 to 50 soldiers and a supply
+of iron-rations for the trip.</p>
+
+<p>Montmorillon was last seen at 10 a. m., September 4th, when the trip
+of box cars began to jolt and bang and back and switch over the rails,
+with the troops aboard making the best of the situation, reclining on
+straw that had been secured to partly cover the crude oil.</p>
+
+<p>The route was through Dorat, Gueter, Busseau and Feletin. La Courtine
+was reached at 9 o'clock. As per usual the first few sections of the
+battery were left at the station as a baggage detail, while the
+remainder of the battery marched through the village to the camp on
+the outskirts.</p>
+
+<p>The camp consisted of concrete barracks, with no lights at night and a
+majority of the windows broken. The floor and ceiling, however, was
+solid, which, at least, meant dry shelter during the nights of
+France's rainy season, soon to be experienced.</p>
+
+<p>Besides having a majority of the window panes broken, the barracks
+bore marks of having been the target for machine-gun bullets. The
+exterior walls were pitted with holes. Battery D was not in camp long
+before the members knew the story of the Russian revolt that had been
+staged at La Courtine during the days of Russia's exit from the war.
+When Russia withdrew from the fighting Camp La Courtine
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 076)</span>
+sheltered Russian troops. When the crash came part of the Russian army
+encamped there revolted against a portion that sought to remain loyal
+to France. The result was battle. The revolutionists fortified the
+surrounding hills with machine-guns and opened fire on the barracks of
+the camp below. Many Russians were slain in the revolt and lie buried
+in a cemetery in the camp. The revolt was finally suppressed by a
+detachment of French cavalry dispatched to the scene.</p>
+
+<p>Sleeping quarters at Camp La Courtine contained bunks made of two-inch
+plank, on which the Americans used their bed-ticks filled with straw.</p>
+
+<p>Battery kitchens were set up the morning after arrival. The kitchens
+were located under a tented roof. Mess was enjoyed by the soldiers out
+in the open, as there was no mess hall for Battery D.</p>
+
+<p>Except a slight rain the first day at Montmorillon, the four weeks
+spent by the outfit in Vienne Department were weeks of sunshine
+without a single day of rain, save the slight shower on the day of
+arrival. It was the declining days of the French dry-season. Advent of
+the outfit at La Courtine was with the rainy season. It rained the
+first night in camp and it kept raining almost continuously during the
+two months the battery spent at range practice.</p>
+
+<p>The weather, however, affected no training schedules. The first days
+at La Courtine were given over to hours of intensive exercise, drill
+and instruction in all lines of artillery work. Specialty schools were
+started in orientation, telephone, radio, machine-gunners, etc.</p>
+
+<p>It was at La Courtine that Bill Brennan and Joe Loskill, who
+accompanied the advance detail of the regiment to France, rejoined the
+battery. They had arrived at La Courtine several weeks previous to
+attend the machine-gun school. The machine-gunners, who left the
+battery at Montmorillon to attend the school, were also at La Courtine
+when the battery arrived.</p>
+
+<p>Instruction was continued from early morning until nightfall. A large
+Russian cannon was discharged in the camp each morning at 5 o'clock,
+also at retreat time each night. Reveille was a daily formation but,
+as was the case at Montmorillon, retreat was suspended during the
+months the war continued. All energy was devoted to essential
+war-training formations.</p>
+
+<p>Camp La Courtine housed a large and well-equipped American
+Y. M. C. A., presided over by a large and capable staff of
+secretaries. To a majority of the troops the Y. M. C. A. furnished
+greater inducement for
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 077)</span>
+an evening's entertainment than did
+the numerous wineshops down town, that always stood open and ready to
+receive the cash of the American soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>On September 10th matériel began to arrive for the regiment. Within a
+few days the regiment was equipped with French artillery equipment,
+the field pieces being the famous French 75 millimetre guns.</p>
+
+<p>It was the first time that a majority of the boys of the regiment ever
+came in contact with a 75. During the period of training at Camp
+Meade, Md., U. S. A., the old members of Battery D spent eight months
+in learning the 3-inch American field gun. It was an entirely new
+proposition when equipped with 75's and ordered to range practice.</p>
+
+<p>Instruction was also started in equitation and harnessing. French
+artillery harness presented many new problems to the Americans. Many a
+soldier became highly exasperated in a vain attempt to untangle a set
+of French harness.</p>
+
+<p>About twenty horses were furnished the regiment at La Courtine.
+Several motor trucks were also supplied, whereby sufficient traction
+was secured to drag the guns out among the surrounding hills for
+actual firing practice.</p>
+
+<p>Battery D was not long in getting acquainted with the French 75's. On
+September 16th, just a brief span after the first instruction on the
+mechanism of the gun, the boys fired the first salvos on the range at
+La Courtine.</p>
+
+<p>September 19th was the beginning of what was almost incessant work on
+the range. Rolling out at 5 a. m., the boys toiled on the range
+through the rain and mud, returning to barracks at 6:30 p. m.</p>
+
+<p>Training continued in intensity. September 30th was one of the days
+reveille sounded at 4:30 a. m. The weather was miserable--rainy,
+windy, dreary. The battery left the barracks at day-break and hiked to
+the range with field-packs, to sleep in pup tents on range grounds, to
+be on hand early the following morning.</p>
+
+<p>Gas masks and steel helmets were additional implements of war issued
+to the soldiers at La Courtine. Then followed hour after hour of gas
+instruction. Gas masks were carried by the battery on all hikes and
+drill formations. Besides adjusting the mask a countless number of
+times a day, a regimental order made it mandatory that the masks be
+worn for at least one-half hour continuously each day.</p>
+
+<p>Influenza <span class="pagenum">(p. 078)</span>
+struck the regiment while encamped at La Courtine
+early in October. On October 5th, the camp Y. M. C. A. was closed
+under quarantine. The quarantine in the regiment was accompanied by
+strict daily inspections. The barrack squad rooms were thoroughly
+cleaned and disinfected each day and all blankets were taken out for a
+daily airing.</p>
+
+<p>There was a plentiful supply of ammunition at La Courtine. The battery
+spent the days at range practice when thousands of dollars worth of
+shells were fired at a great variety of targets from several different
+battery positions that were established.</p>
+
+<p>While the battery was fitting itself at range practice, specialists
+were qualifying in all the attendant duties of artillery work. Toward
+the last of October it looked as though the outfit would soon see
+active service, as perfection in firing was rapidly being reached.</p>
+
+<p>On October 15th the battery camouflage detail, headed by Sergeant Leo
+Delaney, of Pittston, Penna., began the construction of camouflaged
+gun positions on the range, after which Battery D participated in the
+firing of a brigade problem.</p>
+
+<p>Several days previous, October 11th, William Reynolds, of Pottsville,
+Penna., was killed when acting as No. 1 man of the first gun crew, in
+charge of Sergeant James Duffy, of Parsons, Penna. Standing in the
+rear of the piece, Sergeant Duffy had given the command to fire. The
+execution of the command was immediately followed by an explosion in
+the gun's tube, a portion of steel flying and striking Private
+Reynolds, almost decapitating him. Nicholas Young, of Pottsville,
+Penna., acting as Number 2 man on the gun-crew, sustained a compound
+fracture of the leg. Gunner-Corporal John Chardell, of Hazleton,
+Penna., sustained injuries about the body which confined him to the
+camp hospital for several weeks.</p>
+
+<p>Private Reynolds was buried in the American cemetery at Camp La
+Courtine on Saturday, October 12th, at 2 p. m., with military honors.
+This first casualty overseas awakened a new cord of sympathy among the
+battery members and it was with thoughtful determination they turned
+from the grave of their departed comrade and went back to their tasks
+of preparing for active war.</p>
+
+<p>Training was continued amid rumors of early departure for active
+battle sectors. As early as October 10th orders were received for the
+outfit to prepare to move. Supply wagons, etc., were immediately
+packed. Days passed, but no transportation was in sight. Each
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 079)</span>
+day the boys looked for an order to entrain, but the R. T. O.'s
+were not heard from.</p>
+
+<p>Thrilling news of the final stages of the drives reached the boys
+through the Paris editions of the New York Herald and Chicago Tribune,
+that were sold in the camp each day. The news enthused the soldiers
+and thrilled them with the desire to move forward and get in on the
+grand finale. They had toiled early and late, in all kinds of weather,
+to learn how, and it is natural to presume that a red-blooded soldier
+yearned the opportunity to make use of that knowledge acquired with
+such sacrifice and toil.</p>
+
+<p>While waiting orders to move the battery took up a new position on the
+range. A brigade firing problem including a night barrage was fired on
+October 21st, with the signal details at work with signal rockets.</p>
+
+<p>The brigade problem, which was the last firing the battery did in
+France, ended on October 30th with the laying down of a defensive
+barrage. The problem required twenty-four consecutive hours.</p>
+
+<p>On October 28th, First Lieutenant C. D. Bailey joined the battery at
+La Courtine. Lieut. Bailey was formerly of the ambulance service of
+the French army and the S. S. U., No. 5. and at that time, he was the
+only man in the regiment entitled to wear a French decoration.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the outfit was packed up in the main, and was ready to move
+at short notice. With the approach of November the boys thought their
+movement was assured and plans were laid for a "feed," consisting of a
+pig-roast, to be held on November 2nd.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the afternoon of November 2nd death claimed First-Sergeant
+James J. Farrell, of Parsons, Penna., who died a victim of pneumonia.
+Sergeant Farrell, who was a regular army service man, was buried at La
+Courtine on Monday, November 4th.</p>
+
+<p>The same day, November 4th, another battery member was claimed in
+death by Influenza. He was Private Horace Fardon, of Paterson, N. J.,
+who was buried on November 5th. That evening at 6:55 o'clock Private
+First-Class Joseph A. Loughran, of Hazleton, Penna., fell a victim to
+pneumonia. Private Loughran was buried alongside Private Fardon, on
+the morning of November 6th.</p>
+
+<p>Besides paying last military honors to their departed comrades the
+boys spent the days previous to the cessation of the fighting on the
+pistol range, developing their proficiency with side-arms.</p>
+
+<p>On <span class="pagenum">(p. 080)</span>
+the evening of Wednesday, November 6th, a battery
+entertainment was staged in the auditorium of the camp Y. M. C. A. A
+mock trial was the feature of the entertainment.</p>
+
+<p>On one of the trips to the pistol range, on November 5th, Private
+William Van Campen, of Ridgewood, N. J., walked into a loaded hand
+grenade, which he kicked. The resultant explosion caught him in the
+knee and incapacitated him on the hospital list. Corporal James F.
+Kelly, of Plains, Penna., almost collided with a grenade on the same
+trip.</p>
+
+<p>An order was issued, November 9th, for front-line packs to be rolled;
+transportation was in sight. The inevitable delay resulted, however.
+All transportation facilities were busy hauling ammunition to the
+front where the Allies were giving the Germans the rain of fire that
+caused them to think seriously and quick about an armistice.</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo081" name="photo081"></a>
+<div>
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 081)</span>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img081a.jpg" width="450" height="294"
+     alt="Entrance To Camp La Courtine, France" title="Entrance To Camp La Courtine, France"></p>
+<p class="figcenter">Entrance To Camp La Courtine, France<br><br>
+Road Leading from the Village Street to the Artillery Camp. The Scene of
+the Armistice Celebration.</p>
+</div>
+
+<h2> </h2>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img081b.jpg" width="450" height="285"
+     alt="American Y. M. C. A. At Camp La Courtine" title="American Y. M. C. A. At Camp La Courtine"></p>
+<p class="figcenter">American Y. M. C. A. At Camp La Courtine<br><br>
+Officers' Mess Hall of French Camp Used as a Recreational Center by the
+American Army.</p>
+<h1> </h1>
+
+
+<a id="page082" name="page082"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 082)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>NOVEMBER ELEVENTH AT LA COURTINE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>November 11th, 1918, was a memorable day to the populace of La
+Courtine, France, as was the case in every hamlet, village, town or
+city in the world, when the news was flashed that Germany had accepted
+the terms of an Allied armistice and that fighting was to cease at 11
+a. m. that day. The armistice that ended the World War was signed at 5
+a. m., Paris time, and hostilities ceased six hours later, which was 6
+o'clock Washington time.</p>
+
+<p>The American troops encamped at La Courtine this eventful time
+received the tidings with great joy. The roads leading from the camp
+to the village were crowded with soldiers who paraded up and down in
+hysterical good humor. The crowds thronged into the village where the
+one main street was ablaze with celebration. The French populace were
+out to celebrate with the Americans. The cafes did a land office
+business. Wine flowed freely. The French kissed the Americans in some
+instances as the celebrators swayed through the street. The band was
+out. The crowds shouted, yelled, sang and cut-up all kinds of antics.</p>
+
+<p>The scene, however, was similar to that enacted everywhere throughout
+the Allied world. The end of the fighting was officially announced and
+everybody was glad. The same hysterical good humor swayed the crowds
+at La Courtine that prompted like celebrations throughout the United
+States.</p>
+
+<p>Great as was the enthusiasm and celebration of November 11th, the big
+gusto of celebration had been spent at La Courtine, as was the case
+everywhere else, on Thursday evening, November 7th, when a premature
+and unofficial announcement of the armistice was made.</p>
+
+<p>Battery D spent the afternoon of November 7th on the pistol range.
+About 5 o'clock the news quickly spread that a bulletin announcing the
+end of the fighting had been posted at the Y. M. C. A. The bulletin
+was up only a short time when it was removed, with the explanation
+that it was unofficial, also contradicted.</p>
+
+<p>But the anxious hearers, as was the case everywhere, wanted no
+denials. The enthusiasm of the hour made people speak of the thing
+which they had been hoping for as though it had come true.
+Consequently the enthusiasm led to celebration.</p>
+
+<p>It was a gala night in La Courtine. The days following brought sober
+realization that the end had not yet come. Stern realities of war
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 083)</span>
+loomed big in Battery D circles on Saturday, November 9th, when a
+front-line pack inspection was in order.</p>
+
+<p>A quiet Sunday followed, then, at noon on Monday, November 11th, came
+the authentic news of the armistice signing. Joyous celebration
+started immediately and assumed its peak during the afternoon when
+special passes were issued to the soldiers to visit in the village.
+The celebration continued until late at night.</p>
+
+<p>Official recognition of the news was thundered from the cannon at Camp
+La Courtine at retreat, when a royal salute of twenty-one guns was
+fired.</p>
+
+<p>The following day was also an off day for Battery D. Passes to visit
+the town were issued to half the outfit from reveille to 3 p. m.,
+while the other fifty per cent were given the privilege from 3 p. m.
+until 11 p. m.</p>
+
+<p>Word was received that the regiment was to entrain at La Courtine on
+November 14th. Preparations were immediately made for a farewell
+banquet. After great preparation by the cooks and the K. P.'s, the
+banquet was staged at 6 o'clock on November 13th, with stewed chicken
+as the mainstay of the menu. A number of the Y. M. C. A. girls were
+guests at the banquet.</p>
+
+<p>Thursday, November 14th, the regiment had the task of getting its
+matériel to the station at La Courtine for transportation by rail to a
+new billeting area of France. No one could guess where it was to be or
+what the future held in store for the troops in the way of service and
+training during the months that were sure to intervene before it was a
+question of homeward bound.</p>
+
+<p>The regiment was well supplied with matériel, but had no horses. A
+number of motor trucks were sought out to haul the heavier of the
+supply wagons. It was necessary for the soldiers to furnish the power
+to drag the guns and caissons from the camp to the station, a distance
+of over a mile.</p>
+
+<p>The matériel was loaded on flat cars at the station. Then the soldiers
+were ushered to side-door Pullmans once again. Bed ticks were not
+emptied of their straw before leaving camp. Thus the soldiers entered
+the box cars with their bed ticks as a mattress to recline on the
+floor of the car.</p>
+
+<p>The first section of flat cars and box cars with Battery D left La
+Courtine at 2:30 o'clock. Another seeing France by box-car trip was
+on.</p>
+
+<p>An <span class="pagenum">(p. 084)</span>
+improvement in mess enroute was experienced during this
+trip. A flat car was used for the rolling kitchen. Hot meals were
+prepared in transit. Back over the same route, through Feletin and
+Abusson, to the junction point at Busseau, the troop special
+proceeded, reaching the junction at 6:30 o'clock when mess call was
+sounded. Here the first section of the train waited until 8:27 for the
+arrival of the second section at the junction point.</p>
+
+<p>It was dark when the trip was resumed. Deprived by the darkness from
+sight-seeing privileges, all that remained for the troops to do was to
+stretch out on the floor and try to sleep. The nights were long and
+dark while traveling in a French box car.</p>
+
+<p>During the night the towns of Jarnages and Montlucon were passed. The
+train entered the Department of Allier, traveling Northeast, through
+Commentry, Villefranche, le Montel and Moulins.</p>
+
+<p>Daylight was breaking by the time Moulins was sighted. Stop was made
+at Paray le Monial from 7:30 to 8 a. m., when breakfast was served
+from the flat truck dining car.</p>
+
+<p>The next day, November 15th, was spent traveling through a beautiful
+stretch of country. The railroad ran almost parallel with the Boninoe
+river, a branch of the Loire. Through pasture lands and farming
+country, the road stretched along Palinges, Montceau, Changy, Beaune.
+A lay-over for lunch was made at Nuits St. Georges at 1 p. m.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon stop was made at Dijon, where the troops got a chance
+to detrain and partake of refreshments that a corps of French Red
+Cross workers served at the station.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after leaving Dijon darkness fell upon the troop special. The sun
+had not yet gone to rest. The famous tunnel between Sombernon and
+Blaizy-Bas had been penetrated. This tunnel, on the road to Paris, may
+be a note-worthy piece of engineering skill, but its designers
+evidently never dreamed of a troop special of thirty or forty old box
+cars, many with rust-corroded doors that could not be closed, whizzing
+through; leaving the passengers to eat up the exhaust from the smoke
+stacks of the locomotive.</p>
+
+<p>At this time the troop train was headed Northwest, toward Paris, but
+hopes of getting near Gay Paree were soon shattered. When Nuits sous
+Ravieres was reached, switch over to another branch was made and the
+direction then was Northeast, toward Chaumont, the A. E. F.
+headquarters town.</p>
+
+<p>Stop <span class="pagenum">(p. 085)</span>
+for night mess was made at Les Laumes, where orders were
+also issued for the troops to get their packs ready as the outfit
+would detrain in about three hours time.</p>
+
+<p>A heavy frost developed that night and the troops almost froze in the
+boxcars. After delay in getting started from Les Laumes the journey
+continued over a considerable longer period than three hours. Laigne
+and St. Colombre were passed and La Tracey, the detraining point, was
+reached at 3 a. m., Saturday, November 16th, 1918.</p>
+
+<p>Reveille was not sounded until 6 a. m. During the interim most of the
+troops left the boxcars and built fires in the railroad yards, around
+which they sought warmth during the early morning hours.</p>
+
+<p>The hustle to get all the matériel from the flat trucks started at 6
+o'clock. A section of a motor transportation corps was dispatched to
+La Tracey to convey the regiment to its new billeting district. The
+motor outfit was late in arriving, but finally start was made. Three
+and four guns and caissons were attached to each truck, the truck
+loaded with soldiers and packs, then for a thirty kilometer race
+through the Marne Department in motorized artillery form. The last
+detail did not leave La Tracey until 4 p. m.</p>
+
+<p>The first details arrived at Ville sous La Ferte, a small village in
+the Department of Aube. This village was the billeting center for the
+2nd Battalion of the regiment. Regimental headquarters was established
+at Clairvaux, four kilometers from Ville sous La Ferte. The 1st
+Battalion went to Juvancourt, about a kilometer distant.</p>
+
+<p>Farm lands and vineyards surrounded these villages. The inhabitants
+were of the quiet peasant type. With nothing of interest and no form
+of amusement, Ville sous La Ferte was a quiet place for Battery D. The
+battery was divided among a score of barns, lofts, sheds and houses,
+covering considerable length of a village street. A grist mill with
+its water-wheel and mill-pond was situated near the building in which
+the battery office was established. All formations were assembled in
+the street in front of the battery office. Difficulty was experienced
+during the stay at this place in getting the battery out at all
+formations, especially those members who were billeted in the loft of
+a barn at the extreme end of the battery street. As a remedy the
+battery buglers were given the job of traversing the street each
+morning and routing out the fellows.</p>
+
+<p>It was mid-November. The days and evenings were getting damp and
+chilly. Fires were comfortable things those days, but heating stoves
+were unknown to the peasant homes of Ville sous La Ferte. The
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 086)</span>
+houses were equipped with fire-places. The big question, however,
+was to procure fuel. It was all the battery could do to get a supply
+of wood from nearby woodlands to supply the needs of the battery
+kitchen. At first the fellows started to make raids on the wood pile
+that came in for the kitchen, but this soon had to be stopped under
+necessity of suspension of the commissary department.</p>
+
+<p>For many of the squads billeted in the barns and sheds there was no
+chance for warmth as there were no fire-places. During the damp, cold
+nights the only choice the inhabitants of those billets had was to
+roll in and keep warm under the blankets.</p>
+
+<p>To chop a tree down in the numbered forests of France was to commit a
+crime, so the fellows who were in billets that did have fire places
+faced a series of crimes to get wood. The inhabitants of such billets
+took it upon themselves to devise ways and means to obtain fuel. The
+occupants of one billet sent details out to root up old fence posts
+from adjacent farm-lands; while in another instance eighteen men
+housed in a billet borrowed several French wheel-barrows and at night
+made a raid on a large pile of newly cut tree trunks which was located
+a kilometer from the village.</p>
+
+<p>The result of this night's work provided fuel and light for several
+days in the billet of the raiding party. Light was another essential
+feature. With candles selling as high as a franc apiece, letter
+writing home was sadly neglected in many cases. So the receipt of an
+extra letter written by the light of a log-blaze, kindled with wood
+secured through great difficulty, has had to act as savoring
+repentance for any misconduct employed in acquiring possession of the
+means of light and heat.</p>
+
+<p>The battery had among its equipment dozens of new horse-blankets. With
+the exception of a few stray animals, no horses had been received by
+the battery in France thus far. Several were in care of the outfit at
+Ville sous La Ferte, where six horses caused as much stable detail
+work as a complete battery of mounts occasioned at Camp Meade. The
+main feature, moreover, was the distribution of the horse-blankets
+among the troops in an effort to keep warm at night.</p>
+
+<p>There was no room in Ville sous La Ferte to do any maneuvering, so the
+guns and caissons were parked in a field and were not used during the
+stay. The time of the soldier was employed in hikes and various forms
+of athletics. Soccer developed as the leading sport and great rivalry
+resulted in games that were played on furrowed ground of a large wheat
+field.</p>
+
+<p>War <span class="pagenum">(p. 087)</span>
+was over, so official orders again gave birth to Retreat
+formation, which was held with much disciplinary ado in front of the
+Hotel de Ville at 4:15 o'clock each afternoon. Guard mount was also
+decreed and last, but not least, regimental reviews came into their
+own with great official solemnity.</p>
+
+<p>On Thursday, November 21st, a wild boar hunt that had been planned by
+the battery, had to be called off. A regimental review was to be held
+at Clairvaux that afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>The 2nd Battalion formed at 1 p. m. and hiked to Clairvaux with colors
+flying for the big review. A mix-up in giving commands "flunked" the
+first attempt at passing in review. The entire ceremony of dignity had
+to be executed a second time. Close order drill then came into its
+own. The following day, November 22nd, the battalion again hiked to
+Clairvaux, where another review was staged and the regiment kept at
+battalion close-order drill until 4 o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday, November 24th, reveille sounded at 6 o'clock. Orders were
+given to make rolls preparatory to moving. When the soldiers were
+ready to move the order was changed. It was discovered that the motor
+trucks would not arrive until the following day.</p>
+
+<p>The motor transportation squad was expected to arrive early on Monday
+morning. It was 9 o'clock at night when they arrived. Departure was
+delayed until next morning, but this did not keep back an order that
+called the battery out in detail during a heavy rain at 9:30 Monday
+night to pull the guns and caissons through the mud, from the field
+where they had been parked to the road, so that they could be attached
+to the motor trucks. There was a great tendency to "duck detail" that
+night.</p>
+
+<p>Ville sous La Ferte was finally left in the distance, Tuesday,
+November 26th, at 10 o'clock. The soldiers and their packs had to pile
+in the few motor trucks that were furnished. A few of the boys rode
+the matériel attached to the trucks and had a wild ride. The rolling
+kitchen of the battery, with ovens blazing away, covered the roads at
+a fine clip behind a motor truck, with George Musial having his hands
+full trying to manipulate the brake.</p>
+
+<p>The trip continued through Maranville and Bricon. Chaumont was circled
+about 4 o'clock and stop was made about twenty-one kilometers from
+A. E. F. Headquarters, at a sleepy little hamlet of about fifty houses
+and barns, called Blancheville.</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo088" name="photo088"></a>
+<div>
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 088)</span>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img088a.jpg" width="450" height="302"
+     alt="A Battery D Kitchen Crew" title="A Battery D Kitchen Crew"></p>
+<p class="figcenter">A Battery D Kitchen Crew<br><br>
+Photo Taken at Mess Tent at Camp La Courtine, France.</p></div>
+
+<h2> </h2>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img088b.jpg" width="450" height="267"
+     alt="Group Of Battery D Sergeants" title="Group Of Battery D Sergeants"></p>
+<p class="figcenter">Group Of Battery D Sergeants<br><br>
+Capts. Clarke, Smith, and Hall in foreground.</p>
+<h1> </h1>
+
+
+<a id="page089" name="page089"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 089)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>MUD AND BLANCHEVILLE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Blancheville, mud and mules are associated in memory of the holiday
+season of 1918-19 that Battery D spent in France.</p>
+
+<p>It was Thanksgiving week when Battery D arrived in Blancheville. The
+auto convoy deposited the battery paraphernalia in the vicinity of the
+old stone church and graveyard that stood along the main highway as
+the landmark and chief building of the village. Nearby stood the only
+other building of import--a stone structure that housed a pool of
+water in the manner of the ancients. This was the public pool where
+the women of the village came to do the family washing, as the village
+was deprived of the natural advantages of a river. Watering troughs
+surrounded this wash-house on two sides. Twice daily the cattle and
+live-stock from all the village barns were led to this watering place.
+Water for drinking purposes was also supplied the village from a
+special fountain on the exterior side opposite the water troughs.</p>
+
+<p>Mud was the chief characteristic of Blancheville. It was a farming
+community of unusual quietude. Plenty of barns and roosts were found
+in which to billet the battery. The natives were very hospitable. They
+readily chased out the cows and the chickens to make room for the
+Americans. The boys lived next door to animal nature. In one billet an
+adjacent room housed the live stock and it was not uncommon to have
+slumbers awakened by the cow walking into the sleeping quarters of the
+troops.</p>
+
+<p>While in Blancheville the boys got used to the largest of the French
+rat species. During the hours of the night they traveled flat-footed
+over the faces and forms of sleeping soldiers, also played havoc with
+all soldier equipment stored in the billet. It may sound like myth,
+but it is a fact that a rat in one billet dragged an army mess kit
+across the floor--they were some rats.</p>
+
+<p>On the road opposite the church stood an old, one-story stone building
+that was built in its present form, eight hundred years ago. The roof
+was overgrown with moss and one corner had started to crumble in from
+old age. In this building Corporals James Cataldo and Michael A. Tito,
+the battery barbers, set up a barber shop. They did good business
+after they were able to convince the battery in general that the roof
+would not cave in for another hundred years.</p>
+
+<p>The <span class="pagenum">(p. 090)</span>
+first day in Blancheville was spent in parking the guns
+and caissons, digging Latrines and the usual duties attendant upon
+establishing a new battery home. It was also a job in itself to make
+some semblance at getting some of the billets cleaned up and half fit
+to sleep in.</p>
+
+<p>Reveille for the first few mornings was at 8 o'clock. Thursday,
+November 28th, was an off day for the outfit, except those on K. P.,
+who got an extra job in preparing a battery Thanksgiving spread. The
+day was spent by the idle mostly in hiking over the roads and visiting
+some of the nearby villages where the other units of the regiment were
+quartered. Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Supply
+Company, Battery C, and the Medical detachment were at Andelot, about
+four kilos from Blancheville. The 2nd Battalion Hqrs. and E Battery
+were at Cirey-les-Mareilles; A Battery was at Vignes; Battery B at
+Montot, and F Battery at Mareilles.</p>
+
+<p>The town of Andelot, built in the shape of an amphitheatre on the
+slope which forms the base of the hill of Monteclair, is situated on
+the banks of the little river Rognon, 21 kilometers from Chaumont,
+seat of the Department of Haute Marne.</p>
+
+<p>On this hill of Monteclair, on which there was a strong-castle during
+the years 101 to 44 B. C., Caesar established a camp. Under
+Constantine (306 A. D.) Andelot became the seat of a province. A Court
+of Champagne fortified the position of Monteclair (440 A. D.). On the
+28th of November, 587, the treaty of Andelot was made between Gontran,
+King of Burgundy, and Cnideberft, King of Austrasia, who was
+accompanied by his mother, Brunehaut.</p>
+
+<p>In 871 A. D., Andelot became the seat of a county, which was broken up
+in the course of the tenth century, and which was a dependency of the
+Duke of Lorraine. From 1201 to 1253 the fortifications of Monteclair
+were strengthened and enlarged, the town was beautified and surrounded
+by walls, which were demolished in 1279. Andelot became the seat of a
+prefecture of which Domremy, the birthplace of Joan of Arc, was a
+part.</p>
+
+<p>In 1356 and again in 1431 Monteclair was taken by the English. It was
+returned to France in 1434. In 1523 a German army occupied Andelot and
+the castle of Monteclair for a short time. There followed famine and
+pestilence. Francis I, King of France (1494 to 1547) repaired the
+fortifications and ordered a great amount of work to be done on the
+fortress. During the religious wars (1337 to 1453) Andelot was taken
+and re-taken by the Catholics and Protestants, its church was
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 091)</span>
+burned and its bells melted down. Monteclair came again under the
+authority of the King in 1594.</p>
+
+<p>The fortress of Monteclair was dismantled in 1635, and in the
+following year the Germans devastated the town of Andelot. The
+fortress was finally destroyed in 1697. From that time until the
+present Monteclair and the towns in its vicinity have been rich in
+souvenirs.</p>
+
+<p>It was among these scenes Battery D idled the Thanksgiving day. At 5
+p. m. a special feed was put on in the battery mess hall in general
+celebration. The feasting was getting along nicely; everybody was
+enjoying the menu of roast pig and prune pie and nuts and candy, when
+it was suddenly discovered that a number of the candles used to light
+the mess hall had suddenly disappeared. The aftermath was felt for
+several days. A thorough search for the lost candles was instituted.
+They could not be found. An official battery order was then
+promulgated, stating that if the candles were not returned within a
+certain time a very heavy battery guard would be put on for the
+remainder of the stay in Blancheville.</p>
+
+<p>About a half dozen candles had disappeared. When the ultimatum was
+issued about two dozen candles of all sizes and descriptions were
+returned to the battery kitchen. The guard never went on. Candles
+continued to sell in Blancheville for fancy prices and the battery in
+general suffered in its letter writing for the want of light at night.</p>
+
+<p>Leather jerkins were first issued the battery at Blancheville on
+November 29th, which was the signal for horses to be received. The
+receipt of horses started a long and hard battle with the mud. To
+multiply miseries mules played an important part in the life of the
+battery. All told it is a long, muddy tale.</p>
+
+<p>On Friday, December 6th, fourteen sick horses arrived in Blancheville
+to be cared for by Battery D. The following day another consignment of
+horses arrived. The majority of the animals were afflicted with the
+mange. All had seen active service and were badly used up. Many
+suffered from neglect, the troops having but little time for the
+proper care of the animals while up in the front lines. Some were
+minus pieces of their ears, which had been shot off in battle.</p>
+
+<p>Two large, open artillery stables had been erected at Blancheville by
+a previous contingent of troops, so Battery D had stable facilities.
+The constant rain, however, soon played havoc with the ground in the
+vicinity of the stables and it was not long after the horses were
+received <span class="pagenum">(p. 092)</span>
+that the heavy traffic in the vicinity of the
+stables created a regular sea of mud. Hip rubber boots were issued and
+it was a grand battle with the mud each day. The animals had to be led
+through the mud three times a day to the public water troughs in the
+village.</p>
+
+<p>Besides caring for the horses the time at Blancheville was spent in
+hiking, at physical exercise and in the enjoyment of various forms of
+athletics. The manual of the pistol again came into its own and the
+guns were not neglected, as gun drill was finally returned to the
+schedule.</p>
+
+<p>At least once a week the battery hiked to Cirey les Mareilles, three
+kilos distant, where the only bath house was located.</p>
+
+<p>Thoughts of the Christmas season came to the battery at Blancheville
+when the first Christmas boxes from the folks back home were received
+during the second week in December. The boxes continued to arrive
+until the festal holiday.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday, December 15th, was payday for the soldiers in Blancheville.
+This particular payday was of ill omen for the battery. A number of
+the boys indulged too freely at the cafes in Chantraines, with a
+to-be-regretted fracas resulting. A guard of military police was put
+on at Chantraines following this escapade.</p>
+
+<p>Monday, December 16th, thirty-five additional horses were received by
+the battery. Considerable time was spent in getting the harness in
+shape, especially the saddles, after which lessons in equitation were
+again started, also a number of battery mounted hikes inaugurated.</p>
+
+<p>Early in December announcement was made of a proposed horse convoy to
+the Belgian border. The topic was discussed for many weeks, the
+proposed trip having been scheduled and cancelled several times before
+a convoy finally materialized. What the one hundred volunteers for
+this convoy had to contend with during the trip is a tale of its own,
+which must be related in terms of hardship, rain, mud, and mules.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page093" name="page093"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX. <span class="pagenum">(p. 093)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>AN ADVENTUROUS CONVOY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>What could be more pleasant or soothing to an adventurous spirit than
+a trip in the saddle through the scarred and devastated battle sector
+along the Lorraine border? This is what appealed to the boys of
+Battery D when announcement was made at Blancheville early in December
+that one hundred men were wanted to accompany a horse convoy to Longwy
+on the Belgian border. One hundred volunteers were asked for, and it
+was not long before the required number was enlisted from the military
+ranks.</p>
+
+<p>The first convoy was to have left Blancheville on December 13th, but
+at the eleventh hour the trip was cancelled. Various other dates were
+set. Finally, on Wednesday night, December 18th, Capt. Smith assembled
+the battery in the Y. M. C. A. tent that stood near the old church,
+when announcement was made that the horse trip was to start on the
+morrow and the names of the one hundred men who were to make the trip,
+were called off.</p>
+
+<p>In high spirits the volunteers made ready for the trip. Each man
+packed a set of saddle bags; made ready a driver's roll with shelter
+half and blankets. All the other individual equipment was gathered
+together and left in the Y. M. C. A. tent, as rumor had it that the
+regiment was soon to move to another billeting area and the order to
+move might come when the horse convoy was on the road. Thus the extra
+equipment was left with the remainder of the battery, on whose hands
+evolved the task of remaining in Blancheville and caring for the
+battery horses and doing the other detail work. The schedule worked
+hardship both ways. There was more than enough work for those who
+remained at the battery area, and those who volunteered for the convoy
+were not long in realizing that they had a tough job on their hands.</p>
+
+<p>The detail of one hundred men left Blancheville at 7:25 a. m.,
+Thursday, December 19th, in five auto trucks. The trucks also conveyed
+a saddle and equipment, also driver's roll, for each member of the
+party.</p>
+
+<p>The auto convoy proceeded through Chaumont; then came a pleasant ride
+along the Marne river, passing through the towns of Luzy, Vesaignes,
+Rolampont and Langres. Stop was made at the latter fortified town,
+where the soldiers visited the town and procured refreshments.
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 094)</span>
+The trip was continued and at 12:30 p. m. the party reached
+Remount No. 13. at Lux, situated about three kilometers beyond
+Is-sur-Tille.</p>
+
+<p>In fighting the mud at Blancheville the battery members thought they
+had struck the muddiest spot in France. Nothing could be muddier, they
+thought. But this thought was soon shattered when the volunteer convoy
+reached Lux. Perhaps it was due to the Remount being numbered 13, but
+the mud that surrounded it is beyond adequate description.</p>
+
+<p>It was raining heavily when the battery arrived at Lux. Slimy mud,
+three feet thick in places, covered the territory of the remount.</p>
+
+<p>The original order was for the detail from Battery D to remain at the
+remount over Friday and start with the horses for the Belgian border
+on Saturday morning. Arriving at the remount the battery detail was
+housed in a sheet-iron barrack with corrugated sheet-iron bunks. And
+everything was covered with mud.</p>
+
+<p>Thursday night, while the detail lingered at the remount, official
+orders came changing the plan for the convoy party. Instead of taking
+horses to Longwy the detail was ordered to start the following morning
+to return to the 311th Regiment with several hundred mules.</p>
+
+<p>Friday morning, December 20th, reveille was held in the rain at 5:45
+o'clock. Immediately after mess the auto trucks were loaded and made
+ready for the trip. The detail, in charge of Capt. Smith, and
+accompanied by Lieutenants Yeager and Bennett, ploughed through the
+mud to the section of the remount that housed the horses the convoy
+was to escort.</p>
+
+<p>Each member of the convoy selected a horse to saddle. The animals were
+of various spirits. Many of the battery detail were recruits who did
+not have the lessons in equitation at Camp Meade that the older
+members of the battery experienced. After considerable difficulty the
+horses were saddled and the convoy assembled in a large field to
+receive the consignment of mules.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the horses had never been ridden in the saddle before, with
+the result that a regular wild-west exhibition transpired on the
+field. Riders were thrown from the saddle into the mud, but all the
+boys had their nerve with them and stuck to the horses, bringing them
+under control.</p>
+
+<p>Lieut. Yeager was induced by the remount officers to saddle a large
+and fiery stallion, but after a brave attempt on the part of Lieut.
+Yeager <span class="pagenum">(p. 095)</span>
+to break and ride the stallion, during which the rider
+was precipitated into a large, muddy pool and covered with mud from
+head to foot, change had to be made for another animal, the stallion
+being left behind when the convoy started.</p>
+
+<p>When all was set with the detail mounted, the remount attaches trotted
+out 237 mules, tied in series of three.</p>
+
+<p>The mules were divided among the mounted men, each man getting three
+mules to lead, besides having to manage the horse he was riding. All
+the mules were frisky, having remained unworked for a considerable
+period. There was great prancing around as the convoy assembled. The
+mules, in many cases, started to pull one way and the horse pulled the
+opposite. Many of the mules were tied up in various speed
+combinations. Ones that were always on the run were coupled with ones
+that did not know how to step lively, or else the horse of the mounted
+party was either too fast or too slow for the trio of mules the driver
+had to lead along.</p>
+
+<p>At 9:30 a. m. the convoy got started on the road. The convoy consisted
+of 96 mounted men leading 237 mules, the rolling kitchen drawn by four
+mules, in charge of George Musial, who had the assistance of Cook
+Burns and two K. P.'s in preparing meals enroute. Five auto trucks,
+carrying the forage and picket-line equipment, formed the remainder of
+the train.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly the convoy proceeded over the mud-covered road leading from
+Lux. At noon stop was made at Fontaine-Francais, where the animals
+were watered in a stream and given nose-bags. Then the rolling kitchen
+came along the road and hot slum and coffee was served to the horsemen
+stretched out along the side of the road. It was against orders to tie
+the animals anywhere while on the march. Each driver had to hold his
+charges at rein's length with one hand, and attempt to eat the slum
+with the other hand.</p>
+
+<p>After a two and one-half hour lay-over the march was resumed, a
+distance of thirty kilometers having been set for the day. The route
+was through Montigny in the afternoon and at 5:15 p. m., under a cover
+of darkness the convoy reached Champlitte. Through the town the road
+stretched, past a large chateau, then came a long hill, down which the
+horses and mules galloped, wild with hunger and fatigue. It was a dark
+night and difficulty was experienced in keeping to the unknown road.
+In making the descent of the hill leading from Champlitte several
+riders and mules almost struck the edge of the elevated road and had a
+narrow escape from going mounted over a precipice.</p>
+
+<p>It <span class="pagenum">(p. 096)</span>
+was about 6 p. m. when stop was made at the base of the
+hilly road, where orders to remain for the night were issued. There
+were no stable accommodations, or nothing ready to receive the
+animals. A picket line had to be erected in a muddy ravine. The
+animals had to be led to a nearby stream and watered by bucket as
+there was no shallow approach to the stream. As the animals were
+watered and lead to the hastily thrown up picket-lines they began to
+bite and kick each other. A miniature stampede resulted until the
+several hundred nose-bags were adjusted and hay shook out along the
+picket line. Then all horses and mules had to be blanketed for the
+night. The detail secured the blankets from the auto trucks and
+started the task, which took considerable time and which was finally
+accomplished at the risk of life and limb. A limited amount of picket
+line had been erected and the mules especially were tied in very close
+proximity. To get between them and blanket the frisky jacks was to
+dodge bites and hoofs in all directions.</p>
+
+<p>Mud was kicked up in all directions while the animals were receiving
+attention. It was a tired, muddy and dirty lot of soldiers that
+finished their tasks at the picket line at 11:30 p. m., and started to
+march up the dark hill to Champlitte; to the old chateau that was to
+house the troops for the night. It was midnight when the troops got
+something to eat from the rolling kitchen. Then they stretched out on
+the floors of the old chateau to rest for the night.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning was Saturday. It was decided that the convoy would remain
+over at Champlitte and rest for the day. There was but little rest,
+however, as everybody was kept busy caring for the horses and mules;
+watering, feeding and grooming being in order. When it came to
+grooming the mud was caked thick on all hides.</p>
+
+<p>It rained Saturday night. The guard detail at the picket line had a
+merry time chasing mules that broke loose and started to roam over
+adjacent hills.</p>
+
+<p>All hands were up and on the job at the picket line at 5:30 a. m.,
+Sunday morning, December 22nd. It was 8:30 o'clock before all sections
+were watered and fed, the picket lines packed in the trucks and things
+made ready to start. With the sections lined up on the road ready to
+start, count of the mules was taken and it was discovered that five
+were missing. An hour's wait resulted until all mules were present and
+accounted for.</p>
+
+<p>The drive continued through the rain, until 11:30 p. m., when the town
+of Pierrefitte was reached. Detailed work in throwing up a picket
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 097)</span>
+line in the yard of an old chateau and duties equally as
+strenuous and similar to the first night's stop at Champlitte, were in
+order until all the animals were cared for. Bean soup was served for
+the battery mess and the night spent in the chateau.</p>
+
+<p>During the night the rain turned into a sleet storm, attended by a
+strong wind. The wind and the sleet caused a stampede at the picket
+line. Morning found the picket lines completely demolished, and horses
+and mules roamed all over the lot. They were tied in all shapes and
+forms, the halter shanks being twisted in knots galore.</p>
+
+<p>The battery men were up and doing at 5:15 Monday morning. It was 10 a.
+m. before all the animals were captured and tied up properly. The
+first section got started on the march shortly after 10 o'clock.
+Sleet, rain and snow continued to fall during the day. Through large
+expanses of open road, the convoy journeyed. The sleet drove in the
+faces of the mules, causing them to gallop at top speed. The riders
+had their strength severely tried and tested in keeping the situation
+under control.</p>
+
+<p>Stop was made about 3 kilos from the town of Bourbonne where the
+animals were watered at a stream. The convoy entered Bourbonne at 3:30
+p. m. and found to its great joy that the town housed an American army
+veterinarian section and had stable accommodations. The stable
+facilities lightened the work of the convoy and it was 5 o'clock when
+the men went to the town to seek quarters for the night. The large
+auditorium of the American Y. M. C. A. had been scheduled as the place
+of abode for the night. When the outfit applied for admission a
+conflict of dates was brought to light. It took great persuasive
+force, bordering close unto mob rule, before the officious officer in
+charge of the Y. M. C. A. was induced to allow the tired and muddy
+party to break in upon the quietude of the few sections of troops
+occupying part of the Y. M. C. A. for the night.</p>
+
+<p>Before the convoy resumed the journey on Tuesday morning, December
+24th, army veterinarians examined all animals in the convoy party.
+Many loose shoes had to be fixed by the blacksmiths, while twenty-two
+of the horses showed symptoms of lameness else had developed sores
+that barred them from continuing the journey. The veterinarian section
+also took over a number of the sound horses and mules.</p>
+
+<p>The first sections got started from Bourbonne at 9 a. m. Twenty-six of
+the men, under Capt. Smith, were detailed to take the lame horses to a
+nearby remount and exchange them for sound animals. It
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 098)</span> was
+11:30 when the detail of twenty-six left Bourbonne with the thought of
+overtaking the remainder of the convoy.</p>
+
+<p>The main convoy rode hard all day. It was the day before Christmas and
+it was raining. Stop was made for the night at Clefmont, where stable
+accommodations were secured for the horses, while the mules had to be
+picketed.</p>
+
+<p>The detail of twenty-six that was following had difficulty in finding
+the road the convoy had taken. It was dark when Clefmont was reached.
+The main detail had sent out a guard with a lantern to locate Capt.
+Smith and his detail, but the guard got on the wrong road; leaving the
+detail with Capt. Smith passing out Clefmont in the blackness of the
+night. By a stroke of luck, however, inquiries from French peasants
+finally steered the lost detail on the road where the advance guard
+with the lantern was located.</p>
+
+<p>After caring for the horses the convoy spent Christmas eve in an old,
+dirty, combination barn and dwelling. Reclining on bunches of live
+straw that was found in the building, the soldiers dreamt of Christmas
+eve back home, wishing they were there, instead of where they were.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas morning, Wednesday, December 25th, dawned clear and cold.
+Clefmont was left behind at 9 a. m., when the soldiers determined to
+drive hard so that the trip could be terminated by noon. The route lay
+through Longchamp. As the morning wore on a snow storm developed.
+Through the snow the riders pressed on, until 1 p. m., when
+Cirey-les-Mareilles was reached. Orders were to leave the majority of
+the animals at Cirey. A detail of Battery E men were on hand to meet
+the convoy and assist in caring for the animals at that point.</p>
+
+<p>Relieved of their charges, the members of Battery D secured auto
+trucks to take them to Blancheville. It was a relief to get washed and
+cleaned up, as there was very little washing and shaving done during
+the five days on the road. It was a pleasure, also, to be back at the
+old stamping ground. And, to think it was Christmas. A few peaceful
+hours during the afternoon and evening were enjoyed by the convoy
+detail. A large amount of mail had accumulated while the men were on
+the road. It was Christmas mail, in which cheering words were received
+from the home folks. Christmas boxes despatched through the Red Cross
+came into their own. It was a rejuvenated bunch that partook of
+Christmas dinner in the battery's old mess hall at Blancheville at 5
+o'clock that night.</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo099" name="photo099"></a>
+<p class="pagenum">(p. 099)</p>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" width="80%" summary="" style="position: relative; left: 10%;">
+<colgroup span="2">
+<col width="50%">
+<col width="50%">
+</colgroup>
+
+<tr>
+  <td>
+    <img src="images/img099a.jpg" align="left" width="250" height="160"
+     alt="Battery D On The Road" title="Battery D On The Road">
+  </td>
+  <td>
+    <p class="middle"><b>Battery D On The Road</b><br>
+    Passing Through a French Village.</p>
+  </td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+  <td><p class="middle"><b>Aboard The Edw. Luckenbach</b><br>
+    Battery D Homeward Bound.</p>
+  </td>
+  <td>
+    <img src="images/img099b.jpg" align="left" width="250" height="161"
+     alt="Aboard The Edw. Luckenbach" title="Aboard The Edw. Luckenbach">
+  </td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+  <td>
+    <img src="images/img099c.jpg" align="left" width="250" height="158"
+     alt="At Bush Terminal, Brooklyn" title="At Bush Terminal, Brooklyn">
+  </td>
+  <td>
+    <p class="middle"><b>At Bush Terminal, Brooklyn</b><br>
+    Home. At Last.</p>
+  </td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<a id="page100" name="page100"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX. <span class="pagenum">(p. 100)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>ON THE ROAD TO BENOITE VAUX.</h3>
+
+
+<p>During the month of January it was reported in official circles that
+the 154th Artillery Brigade was to accompany the 79th Division into
+Germany as a unit of the Army of Occupation. The artillerymen were
+enthused with the prospects of joining their division and getting in
+the midst of the big scenery. The movement, however, never
+materialized. The outfit was forced to bear a disappointment like unto
+the shattering of expectations of getting in on the finale of the
+fighting.</p>
+
+<p>As has been recorded, as early as October, 1918, the instructors had
+decided that the 311th artillery was in a position to take up active
+front-line duties. Several weeks previous the infantry and machine-gun
+regiments of the 79th Division had entered the fight and made their
+famous attack on Montfaucon, one of the most difficult positions to
+take in the Argonne sector. Twenty-seventh Division artillery had
+furnished the support at Montfaucon. The 79th Division artillerymen
+were eager to replace them and aid in the fighting of the division
+along the Meuse river.</p>
+
+<p>After the holiday season Battery D spent its time in Blancheville with
+mounted hikes forming the mainstay of the schedule. Each day the
+outfit looked for orders to join the division and proceed to German
+territory.</p>
+
+<p>The horses and mules brought to the regiment by the convoy, were
+distributed to the various batteries. Driver squads were immediately
+reorganized and great preparation attended all the hikes.</p>
+
+<p>The latter part of January an official order was issued citing the
+individual members of Battery D as entitled to wear a gold service
+chevron, an indication of six months service on foreign soil. With the
+award of the gold stripe came the selection of the Lorraine Cross as
+the divisional insignia and the granting of leaves of absence to visit
+the beauty spots of France, with Paris included in the schedule as a
+possible three-day leave center. The first men left the battery on a
+fourteen day leave, at Blancheville. A waiting list was established
+and passes were issued in order of application. During the remainder
+of the battery's stay in France names were on the leave list.</p>
+
+<p>The famous Mediterranean Riviera was the favorite leave center,
+although St. Malo and Grenoble were cited in official division
+orders. <span class="pagenum">(p. 101)</span>
+Many of the members of Battery D got the opportunity
+to spend a vacation in the Southern part of France, where the land is
+sheltered by the mountains from the North winds, and lit and warmed by
+a resplendent sun in a sky, the azure of which is seldom dulled by
+clouds. Nice, Monaco with its Monte Carlo and a trip across the
+Italian border near Menton, were included in the majority of the leave
+itineraries. While en route to the Southern clime it was customary for
+the soldier on leave to mistake trains; get on the wrong train and
+find himself landed in the City of Paris. This, in most cases, was the
+only opportunity the majority had of seeing the French metropolis,
+although a number of three-day leaves to the capital city were granted
+battery men.</p>
+
+<p>Leave privileges in the A. E. F. kept the French railroads busy. The
+demand for furloughs became so popular that troop specials to the
+leave centers came into being and opportunity of individual travel was
+curtailed. Scores, however, took advantage of the troop specials to
+the land of vacation ease.</p>
+
+<p>While Battery D was in Blancheville Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke was
+transferred to the Supply Company of the regiment and Lieutenant Leo
+C. Julian, of Lakeland, Fla., was attached to the battery.</p>
+
+<p>The horses were the main care of the battery. Forage was scarce, which
+caused the animals to become mean-tempered as they gnawed at the
+hay-racks and discovered that about one pound of hay had to do each
+horse a day while the forage scarcity lasted.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the battery members received severe kicks while attending to
+stable duties. The most serious injury through a kick was inflicted
+upon Private Frederick M. Bowen, of E. Rutherford, N. J., who was sent
+to the Base Hospital at Rimaucourt with injuries that separated him
+from the outfit and sent him home as a casualty.</p>
+
+<p>When the hikes became a daily occurrence at Blancheville stable duties
+were set for the entire battery to share in. Watering and feeding was
+done immediately after reveille was dismissed each morning.</p>
+
+<p>On January 3rd the battery was ordered to pack everything to take to
+the road. The rolling kitchen accompanied the battery caravan that
+left Blancheville to return again to the village after a 7 kilometer
+hike. A similar hike was held the day following, when it was announced
+the regiment was to move forward and join the division for the trip
+into occupation territory. The same day a detail of five
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 102)</span> men
+were dispatched to the new billeting area to make ready the new
+battery location.</p>
+
+<p>It was decided that the battery would proceed to the new area by
+taking to the road in march-order. The battery was ordered to be ready
+to move by January 9th.</p>
+
+<p>On January 8th another hike with everything packed was accomplished,
+the outfit getting back to Blancheville at 12:30 p. m. All the
+matériel was left out along the road leading from the village that
+night, so all that was needed for an early start the following morning
+was for the horses to be hitched to the guns, caissons and
+supply-wagons.</p>
+
+<p>The battery left Blancheville at 7:30 a. m., Thursday, January 9th,
+proceeding to Andelot where the entire regiment assembled on the road
+for the journey. A detail of men were left at Blancheville to cleanup;
+overtaking the outfit later on single mount.</p>
+
+<p>After leaving Andelot the route was through Vignes and Busson; halt
+for noon-mess was made at the latter place. A distance of 22
+kilometers was set for the day's journey, terminating at the village
+of Epizon, which was reached at 3:30 p. m. The regiment parked its
+matériel and established its picket line in a large grain field, then
+had to wait for two hours until the supply train brought up the
+forage. The battery men found sleeping quarters for the night in the
+barns and sheds of the village.</p>
+
+<p>The outfit was astir at 4:45 o'clock the next morning and was moving
+on the road at 8:30 a. m. Stop was made at noon at Soulaincourt, where
+the 311th passed the 211th motorized French artillery regiment, going
+in the opposite direction along the narrow road. In the afternoon the
+regiment passed through the town of Montiers and went into park for
+the night at 6 p. m., at Morley. The village furnished an abundance of
+haylofts for the artillerymen to crawl into the straw for the night.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday, January 11th, found the regiment ready to resume the journey
+at 7:15 a. m. The trip continued through Le Bouchon, Serenier and
+Stainville, the latter place being the noon-mess stopover junction.
+Here the train of horses were watered by bucket. During the afternoon
+Bazincourt, Haironville, and Bullon were invaded in order. The horses
+were watered in the community watering trough in the village of
+Combles at 3:30 p. m., after which the regiment proceeded to Veel and
+stopped for the night. It rained heavy during
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 103)</span> the night, but
+the outfit was fortunate in locating a number of army barracks in the
+village that furnished a night's shelter.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday, January 12th, it was raining when the troops answered reveille
+at 5 o'clock. The rain turned into snow an hour later when the
+regiment was ready to resume the journey. Under a canopy of snow the
+troops passed through the city of Bar Le Duc. After leaving Naives in
+the distance, stop was made at noon at Le Petit Rumont.</p>
+
+<p>The cannoneers were forced to walk a great part of the distance. They
+were also compelled to wear their field shoes on the march instead of
+the rubber boots which the drivers wore. They trudged along the slushy
+road with wet feet, while it grew colder and more miserable. It was
+welcome relief when camp was ordered for the night at Violette and the
+troops assigned to old hospital barracks for the night.</p>
+
+<p>A farming community, named Benoite Vaux, in the Department of Meuse,
+about twenty-five kilometers from the celebrated American battle
+sector of Saint Mihiel, was selected as the new billeting district for
+the regiment. Benoite Vaux was reached at noon on Monday, January
+13th, after the regiment had been on the road for the day since 8 a.
+m., passing through Belrain, Pierrefitte and Courouve.</p>
+
+<p>Benoite Vaux was a quiet hamlet of a score of peasant homes and an old
+stone church. The 2nd Battalion was stationed in and about the town;
+Battery D was assigned to barracks that formerly were used as a French
+army hospital. The 1st Battalion was scattered here and there on the
+hills and in the woods outside the village.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page104" name="page104"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI. <span class="pagenum">(p. 104)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>WAR ORPHANS AND HORSE SHOWS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Almost every outfit of the A. E. F., in France, adopted a mascot--a
+real, live mascot, to be sure; not out of mere pet fancy, but the
+natural outcrop of the American spirit of benevolence. Through the
+Bureau of War Orphans of the American Red Cross, units of the A. E. F.
+made contributions to the Adoption Fund for French War Orphans. The
+aid in each case was administered by the Red Cross to the welfare of
+an orphan.</p>
+
+<p>The members of Battery D adopted little four-year-old Denise Ferron
+during the month of February, 1919, as their mascot, and, by
+additional contributions a ward was selected in memory of First
+Sergeant James J. Farrell. The second ward was three-year-old Georges
+Lemoine, who was much in need of assistance.</p>
+
+<p>Denise Ferron, with brown eyes and brown hair, was born April 25,
+1914, the daughter of Madame Vve Ferron, of Fericy, Seine et Marne,
+France.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. and Mrs. Ferron had just established a butcher shop when war came
+on. The father was then mobilized at the first call. He went to the
+front where he was wounded. In 1916 at Verdun, he held the Croix de
+Guerre and was mortally wounded in April, 1918.</p>
+
+<p>When he joined his regiment his wife was left with no resources,
+having given all of their earnings for the purchase of the butcher
+shop. The difficulty to find meat and some one to help her, forced her
+to give up her business.</p>
+
+<p>She had another child, Simonne, who was born July 8, 1917. This
+blonde, grey eyed brother of Denise was cared for by another A. E. F.
+unit. As her children were too small, Mme. Ferron was not able to take
+any work and her only means of support was a military allocation
+amounting to 105 francs monthly.</p>
+
+<p>Although his body rests in the American military cemetery at La
+Courtine, France, the memory of James J. Farrell is revered in unison
+by all who knew him and the family of Vve Memoine, Ville Billy, St.
+Lunaire, Ille et Vilaine, France, who have come to know him in spirit
+since the youngest son, Georges, was adopted. Georges Lemoine was born
+February 1, 1915. He had five other brothers and sisters, viz; Pierre,
+Louis, Marie, Marcelle and Anna, the oldest 15 and the youngest 6
+years.</p>
+
+<p>These <span class="pagenum">(p. 105)</span>
+children were in a truly lamentable plight. Their
+father was a farmer but on such a small scale that what he got from
+his small piece of land was insufficient for the needs of his family.
+He was conscripted but sent back because he was the father of six
+children. He had never been strong, and during the prolonged stay at
+the front tuberculosis developed, from which he died on May 18, 1917.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately his wife contracted this terrible illness. But before
+she realized her plight she had taken over a neighboring farm, for she
+was anxious to shoulder her burden as well as possible. This overtaxed
+her strength and hastened her decline.</p>
+
+<p>These are passing incidents of the period the battery spent in Benoite
+Vaux. Other incidents of import to the battery were the erection of
+stables and the conduct of horse shows.</p>
+
+<p>When the outfit arrived at Benoite Vaux there were stable
+accommodations for some of the batteries encamped out in the woods but
+Battery D, stationed in the village, was without accommodation for the
+horses. For the first few weeks of the stay the horses were kept out
+in the open on picket lines. The weather and the mud became very
+severe and temporary stables were secured in a wooded section near
+where Battery C was stationed. These stables were about two kilometers
+from the battery billets. While the horses were stabled there the
+soldiers had to hike the two kilometers three times a day and drive
+the horses to the watering troughs in the center of the village.</p>
+
+<p>Orders were soon issued for the battery to build stables in the
+woodland on the opposite side of the road from the battery quarters.
+The ground selected as the site was very muddy. The first duty,
+therefore, was the opening of a stone quarry and the hauling of many
+loads of cracked stone to form the base of the new stable. Between the
+work of building the stables and preparing for the horse shows, the
+time of the troops at Benoite Vaux was well occupied.</p>
+
+<p>On February 21st, the 2nd Battalion of the 311th conducted a Horse
+Show to pick entries for the regimental Horse Show which was
+announced. In this show Battery D carried off a good share of the
+ribbons. John E. Jones, of Hazleton, Penna., was awarded the blue
+ribbon and a cash donation of francs, as first prize winner for
+individual mounts. Concetti Imbesi, of Scranton, Penna., captured the
+second place in this event and was awarded the red ribbon. Imbesi was
+a prize winner in the hurdling, taking the yellow ribbon.</p>
+
+<p>For <span class="pagenum">(p. 106)</span>
+the entry of 75 mm. gun and caisson with personnel,
+Battery D took second and third places. The 2nd section of D took the
+red ribbon and the 1st section received the yellow decoration. Each
+battery had six mounted sections in this event. Battery F took first
+in this event.</p>
+
+<p>The battalion, as well as the regimental show, was held on a specially
+constructed course between Benoite Vaux and Issoncourt.</p>
+
+<p>In the regimental show, which took place on Monday, February 24th,
+John E. Jones was adorned with the blue ribbon for guidon mounts.
+Jones also finished third in the regimental hurdles, in which event
+Imbesi also cantered from the track with the blue ribbon on his
+bridle.</p>
+
+<p>The officers of Battery D added their share to the trophies of the
+day. First Lieutenant C. D. Bailey, in the officers' single mounts and
+hurdles, captured second place in both events. The 2nd section of 75
+mm. gun and caisson, the Battery D winner in the battalion show, was
+ruled out of the regimental decision. Battery A took first in this
+event, while the 1st section of Battery D got the yellow ribbon.</p>
+
+<p>The Divisional Show was held at Pierrefitte on Thursday, February
+27th. The best Battery D could do in the divisional competition was a
+good record of two third places with the yellow ribbons. The show was
+conducted in inclement weather, a combination of rain, hail and snow
+worrying many of the high-spirited chevaux as they walked, trotted and
+cantered over the course. Jones was judged third for guidon mount and
+Capt. A. L. Smith got third for officer's saddle horse.</p>
+
+<p>The official standing of the organizations in the regimental show was
+as follows:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+Headquarters Company   <span class="quotedr30">27</span><br>
+Battery D            <span class="quotedr30">18</span><br>
+Battery B          <span class="quotedr30">18</span><br>
+Battery F        <span class="quotedr30">13</span><br>
+Supply Company   <span class="quotedr30">10</span><br>
+Battery E        <span class="quotedr30">7</span><br>
+Battery A        <span class="quotedr30">5</span><br>
+Battery C       <span class="quotedr30">5</span><br>
+Medical Detachment   <span class="quotedr30">0</span>
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">(p. 107)</span>
+The points scored at the Divisional Show were:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+311th Field Artillery      <span class="quotedr30">38</span><br>
+310th Field Artillery      <span class="quotedr30">29</span><br>
+315th Infantry             <span class="quotedr30">25</span><br>
+313th Infantry             <span class="quotedr30">15</span><br>
+304th Signal Battalion     <span class="quotedr30">10</span><br>
+304th Sanitary Train       <span class="quotedr30">8</span><br>
+154th F. A. Brigade Hqrs.  <span class="quotedr30">6</span><br>
+Headquarters Troop         <span class="quotedr30">6</span><br>
+314th Infantry             <span class="quotedr30">6</span><br>
+79th Military Police Company <span class="quotedr30">5</span><br>
+311th Machine-Gun Battalion   <span class="quotedr30">5</span><br>
+316th Infantry              <span class="quotedr30">3</span><br>
+312th Machine-Gun Battalion  <span class="quotedr30">3</span><br>
+158th Infantry Brigade Headquarters   <span class="quotedr30">3</span><br>
+304th Ammunition Train      <span class="quotedr30">S. O. L.</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Ninth Army Corps held a Horse Show at Lerouville, March 21, 1919,
+with the 79th, the 88th and the 9th Army Corps Detachment, competing.
+Honors were awarded as follows:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+79th Division   <span class="quotedr30">137 points</span><br>
+88th Division  <span class="quotedr30">87 points</span><br>
+9th Corps Det.  <span class="quotedr30">26 points</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>At this show Jones, of Battery D, won third prize in the quarter mile
+race.</p>
+
+<p>The horse shows entailed a large amount of work. The soldiers were
+kept busy shining harness, grooming horses and painting matériel. The
+road between Benoite Vaux and Issoncourt, where the battalion and
+regimental shows were held, was a stretch of mud. It was a serious
+proposition to get the horses to the show-course without having them
+look as if they had taken a mud bath.</p>
+
+<p>In the regimental show Arthur H. Jones, familiarly known to the
+battery members as "Boundbrook," the name of the New Jersey town he
+claims as home, had entered the battery water cart in the show. The
+water cart was one of the most valuable of battery vehicles. While at
+Benoite Vaux all the water for drinking and cooking purposes had to be
+hauled to the battery kitchen from a well about a kilometer distant.</p>
+
+<p>"Boundbrook" Jones had charge of the cart, driving to the well for
+water several times each day. "Boundbrook" also prided himself as
+having the best horse of any of the water carts in the regiment. When
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 108)</span>
+it came time for the regimental horse show Jones was certain
+that his charge would carry off first prize in the water cart entry.</p>
+
+<p>To the great chagrin of "Boundbrook" Battery D's cart was disqualified
+by the judges because it did not have the proper spigots attached to
+the water tank. Jones drove back to Benoite Vaux in a dejected mood.
+Meeting Lieut. Bailey he exclaimed: "Say, Lieutenant, I thought this
+was a horse show and not a plumbing show."</p>
+
+<p>During the stay in Benoite Vaux the Battery members took advantage of
+every opportunity afforded to visit battle sectors. St. Mihiel was
+visited by many, while Verdun, with its underground city, and the
+country in that vicinity was also explored to great extent. The
+soldiers were granted mounted passes at times, which entitled them to
+saddle battery horses to go on a day's sight-seeing trip.</p>
+
+<p>During the latter part of February Capt. Smith was ordered to Paris on
+temporary duty in the Inspector General's Department. Lieut. Yeager
+and Lieut. Julian were also detached from the battery at Benoite Vaux.
+Lieut. Yeager gained admission to an English University, while Lieut.
+Julian was admitted to a French institution under the A. E. F.
+educational plans.</p>
+
+<p>Capt. Perry E. Hall, of Springfield, N. J., was assigned to the
+command of D Battery when Capt. Smith was ordered to Paris. First
+Lieut. Frank J. Hamilton, who had been associated with the battery at
+Camp Meade, was reassigned to the organization from Headquarters
+Company of the regiment, during the early part of March, 1919.</p>
+
+<p>Private Stuart E. Prutzman, of Palmerton, Penna., left the outfit at
+Benoite Vaux to attend a French university. Private William E.
+Bachman, of Hazleton, Penna., was a successful applicant to the
+A. E. F. University that was established at Beaune.</p>
+
+<p>The daily sick call of the battery was exceptionally large at Benoite
+Vaux. Colds and cooties played havoc with the boys for several weeks.</p>
+
+<p>Another passing incident connected with the life at Benoite Vaux was
+the Divisional Maneuvres that were planned with great enthusiasm but
+which materialized rather humorously. The battery in general did not
+enjoy this drama. The maneuvres were conducted with guidon-bearers
+representing the batteries for the benefit of the Field Officers, who
+consumed much paper and speech in issuing a multitude of orders to
+guide the movements of the guidon-bearers as the latter represented
+the entire regiment, assuming various strategic formations on a well
+planned field of bloodless battle.</p>
+
+<p>Lieut. Yeager, <span class="pagenum">(p. 109)</span>
+before being detached from the battery, and
+Cpl. Thomas J. Brennan, of Pottsville, Penna., were candidates for the
+divisional foot ball team that played at Souilly with a number of
+other divisional elevens. Philip J. Cusick, of Parsons, Penna., the
+battery's favorite pianist, was selected to make a tour with the
+regimental minstrel show that was put on to tour the circuit of
+A. E. F. playhouses. Cusick was recalled to the battery the latter
+part of February when he received notice of his early discharge from
+the army on account of the death of his father.</p>
+
+<p>The sickness that laid its hand heavily on the men of the battery at
+Benoite Vaux also affected the horses. The rain that fell almost
+daily, kept the mud knee-deep and the roads slushy. The well members
+of the battery toiled hard to complete the stables and save the horses
+from cruel exposure to the weather. The stables were completed in
+February and were in use long enough for an order to be issued to
+clean them out by way of demonstration, then the battery was ordered
+to proceed to another billeting district. It was announced about this
+time that the 311th regiment was to sail for home in June.</p>
+
+<p>The siege of sickness claimed in death two of Battery D's men, who had
+been admitted to the base hospital at Commercy.</p>
+
+<p>Private Patrick J. Dooling, of Metuchen, N. J., died on March 6, 1919,
+with Broncho-pneumonia. He was buried in the Post Cemetery at
+Commercy.</p>
+
+<p>Corporal Guy W. Mortimer, of Pottsville, Penna., died on March 8th and
+was buried in the same cemetery as Private Dooling.</p>
+
+<p>In March regimental post schools were opened near Souilly. A number of
+Battery D men were admitted to the various courses. The boys had been
+at school for only one week when they were ordered back to the outfit,
+which was then moving towards Commercy.</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo110" name="photo110"></a>
+<div>
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 110)</span>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img110a.jpg" width="450" height="293"
+     alt="Serving Mess To Battery D Along The Road" title="Serving Mess To Battery D Along The Road"></p>
+<p class="figcenter">Serving Mess To Battery D Along The Road<br><br>
+
+Serving Mess Along the Road While on a Move from Benoite Vaux to
+Lerouville, France. Reproduced from Official Photo
+of the Signal Corps. U. S. A.</p></div>
+
+<h2> </h2>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img110b.jpg" width="450" height="296"
+     alt="Battery D On The Road In France" title="Battery D On The Road In France"></p>
+<p class="figcenter">Battery D On The Road In France<br><br>
+
+Showing Battery D Near Courouve, France. Reproduced from
+Official Photo of the Signal Corps. U. S. A.</p>
+<h1> </h1>
+
+
+<a id="page111" name="page111"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 111)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>HOMEWARD BOUND.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the battery left Benoite Vaux the soldiers knew they had started
+on the first lap of their "homeward bound" trip. Weeks of hard work
+were yet before the battery, but the thought of getting home in June,
+or possibly earlier, as rumor had it that the A. E. F. sailing
+schedules were operating several weeks ahead of time, kept up the
+spirit of the artillerymen.</p>
+
+<p>The trip from Blancheville was made by road. A short journey on March
+19th found Battery D in Boncourt, a small town near Commercy. The
+other batteries of the regiment moved to nearby towns. On March 31st,
+Lerouville, Pont sur Meuse and Boncourt held the regiment between
+them.</p>
+
+<p>On April 1st Battery D was ordered to make another trip overland. The
+trip required three days. The first night's stop was made at Ligny en
+Barcis, a large town where the entire regiment found accommodation and
+the boys enjoyed themselves for the night. The second night the
+regiment had to scatter for billeting at Bure, Echenay, Saudron, and
+Guillaume. Battery D was quartered in Bure.</p>
+
+<p>The journey was southward in the direction of Andelot. It was one trip
+the soldiers enjoyed. It didn't rain during the three days enroute.
+The end of the third day found the battery in Cirey les Mareilles, the
+town near Blancheville in which district the outfit was previously
+billeted. Cirey les Mareilles housed E Battery when D was at
+Blancheville. When the regiment returned to the old stamping ground
+Batteries D and E were billeted at Cirey. The Supply Company of the
+regiment was billeted in Blancheville during this stay. Regimental
+Headquarters Company and Battery A established themselves at
+Briancourt, Battery F at Mareilles, Battery B at Rochfort, and Battery
+C at Chantraines.</p>
+
+<p>While at Boncourt the matériel of the regiment was inspected by an
+ordnance officer and passed inspection. Before the matériel was to be
+finally turned in, however, a big review before General John J.
+Pershing, Commander in Chief of the A. E. F., was to take place.</p>
+
+<p>Battery D left Cirey les Mareilles at noon, Friday, April 11th,
+proceeding to and arriving on the reviewing field at Orquenaux at 4:30
+p. m. It was 8:30 o'clock before the horses were cared for and a
+battery of dog tents erected on the field, where the soldiers spent
+the <span class="pagenum">(p. 112)</span>
+night. It did not rain during the night, but the
+following day, when the review was being staged, it rained in
+torrents.</p>
+
+<p>The review started at 10:30 a. m., Saturday, April 12, 1919. First the
+outfit stood inspection mounted but not moving. Then the divisional
+march in front of the reviewing stand started. It was a grand military
+sight to see an entire army division together on one field, at one
+time, with all equipment. It was late in the afternoon when the review
+ended by which time all the soldiers were thoroughly soaked by the
+rain.</p>
+
+<p>It was 4 o'clock when Battery D left the reviewing ground, and
+hastened on its way to Andelot. The entire distance was covered at
+what was almost a steady trot. Andelot was reached at 7 p. m. It was a
+wet and tired battery, but the rain and fatigue were soon forgotten
+when orders were issued for all matériel to be turned in at Andelot,
+to be delivered to the railhead at Rimaucourt. Despite the fact that
+everybody was drenched to the skin, also cold and miserable, happy
+smiles lit the faces of all when farewell was bid the guns and
+caissons. The soldiers, in a happy mood, walked from Andelot to Cirey
+les Mareilles, singing and whistling.</p>
+
+<p>During the following week the horses and practically all the equipment
+was turned in and preparations made for the trip to the embarkation
+port. Everything in the line of equipment that was not needed, was
+salvaged.</p>
+
+<p>On Monday, April 7th, another attempt was made by the regimental
+officers to establish a post school near Neuf Chateau. A number of
+Battery D men were sent to attend the school. The school, however, was
+broken up the first day of its existence, an official order returning
+the scholars to their respective commands. Orders to detrain for an
+embarkation center were momentarily expected.</p>
+
+<p>On Saturday, April 19th, the regiment entrained at Rimaucourt, bound
+for the port of St. Nazaire, which was to be the exit to the land of
+home. The trip was made by box car, the route being through Bologne,
+Chaumont, Langres, south of Nevers, through Angers and Nantes. Battery
+D continued its journey until Camp Montoir, eight kilometers from the
+port, was reached at 4:45 p. m., April 21st.</p>
+
+<p>Sergeant Koenig and Corporal Shafer were the busiest men of the
+battery during the stay at Camp Montoir. Yards and yards of paper work
+had to be completed before the outfit was finally cleared and ready to
+walk up the gang plank. The battery office force worked day
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 113)</span>
+and night and established a new record in getting a battery sailing
+list o. k'd.</p>
+
+<p>The stay at Montoir was pleasant despite the fact that physical
+inspections were endured in great number and all soldiers and clothing
+had to go through a thorough process of cootiizing. The camp was well
+equipped with recreational centers where the soldiers enjoyed their
+idle hours.</p>
+
+<p>Various detail work was assigned the battery while at Montoir. Details
+assisted in the erection of a new theatre on the camp grounds. Drill
+and physical exercise periods were in order when examinations and
+inspections lulled. After passing in a brigade review before Brigadier
+General Andrew Hero, on Friday, May 9th, the outfit was declared ready
+to board the next ship that docked at the port of St. Nazaire. On
+Monday, May 12th, the boys changed what francs they had left, into
+United States currency. Then they were ready to say good-bye to
+France.</p>
+
+<p>Reveille sounded at 4 a. m., on Wednesday, May 14th. Nobody slept in
+that morning. Rolls were made in short order and the battery area
+policed-up. At 6 a. m. the regiment left Camp Montoir on an eight
+kilometer hike to St. Nazaire, which port was reached at 8:30 a. m.</p>
+
+<p>The U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach was lying at anchor in the basin at St.
+Nazaire. The vessel had been coaled and supplied for the return to
+American shores. In the morning of May 14th the Edward Luckenbach
+waited for its troop passengers before setting sail.</p>
+
+<p>After the soldiers waited on the pier for some time the huge
+gang-planks were extended and the regiment started its march to the
+decks of the ship. The gang-planks were lifted at 11 a. m. The ship
+was loosened from its moorings and slowly piloted through the
+congested basin. Slowly the transport passed the draw bridge, through
+the locks and out into the wide expanse of bay. It was 2:10 p. m. when
+open water course was reached.</p>
+
+<p>The U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach carried 29 officers and 2,247 enlisted
+men, including 14 officers and 1,338 men of the 311th Field Artillery:
+8 officers and 547 men of the 314th Machine Gun Battalion, and three
+casual companies.</p>
+
+<p>Capt. Perry Hall was the only Battery D officer able to find
+accommodation on the battery's transport. All the other officers had
+to <span class="pagenum">(p. 114)</span>
+wait for other transportation. Capt. A. L. Smith rejoined
+the regiment at St. Nazaire and was assigned as regimental adjutant.
+He accompanied the troops on the Edward Luckenbach.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the afternoon on the day of set-sailing the vessel was stopped
+to allow the pilot to be taken off into a sail boat. Mine sweepers
+were also let down on both sides the vessel. Without convoy and with
+freedom of light at night the transport pushed its way through the
+waves that formerly were in the danger zone. The mine sweepers
+continued to comb the waves for any stray mine missiles that by chance
+might have still floated from war operations.</p>
+
+<p>No difficulty was encountered, however, and the danger zone once
+passed, the trip continued at an average rate of 9 knots an hour. The
+Edward Luckenbach was a 6100 ton cargo vessel converted into a
+transport for the Naval Overseas Transportation Service. It was manned
+by an American naval crew. The vessel was an oil burner and trouble
+was experienced with the engines, whereby the speed of the vessel was
+retarded. It was feared at times that the engines would give out
+before port was reached. Slow, but sure the troops were brought to
+friendly shores.</p>
+
+<p>It might be noted in passing that on the next trip made by the Edward
+Luckenbach as a transport, the vessel became crippled through the
+breaking of her port shaft and her main journal and had to be towed
+for 600 miles into the harbor at South Boston, Mass.</p>
+
+<p>Outside of the monotony, the trip was an uneventful one. The first two
+days were attended with fine weather and calm sea, but the third day a
+rain and wind storm developed. Bunks, down in the hatch, collapsed and
+things in general were topsy turvy all night. Sea sickness was
+rampant. It was a case of six meals a day for the next three or four
+turns of the clock--three down and three up.</p>
+
+<p>The high sea gales blew for several days in succession. Mess line was
+the only formation of the day while K. P.'s and Hatch cleanup were the
+only details furnished.</p>
+
+<p>After thirteen days on the water, land was sighted late in the
+afternoon of Tuesday, May 27th. It was a welcome sight to the soldiers
+to see New York's famous sky-line in the distance. A mist hung over
+the harbor and it was 5 p. m. when the outline of the Statue of
+Liberty became plainly discernible. As the Edward Luckenbach was
+piloted through the roadway of commerce that thronged the harbor, the
+U. S. S. Leviathan steamed majestically seaward, carrying a cargo of
+soldiers to France to relieve members of the Army of Occupation.</p>
+
+<p>Following <span class="pagenum">(p. 115)</span>
+the triumphal entry into New York harbor, the
+vessel cast another anchor and remained undocked for the night. Thus
+the boys spent one night within the beam of Miss Liberty, whose
+drawing power had been distinct in memory for many a weary month in
+France.</p>
+
+<p>A big welcome had been planned for the soldiers on the Edward
+Luckenbach. One of the police patrol tugs, bearing the sign: "The
+Mayor's Reception Committee," came out to meet the transport. The
+river tug had as passengers a band, besides many friends and relatives
+of soldiers aboard the transport. A noisy welcome home was sounded as
+the patrol boat encircled the steamer several times.</p>
+
+<p>Cheers, and tears also, greeted the 311th boys when the Herman
+Caswell, a water front yacht, that had been chartered by three hundred
+excursionists from the Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton districts
+of Pennsylvania, encircled the Edward Luckenbach, with St. Ann's Band
+of Freeland, Penna., on board, playing "Home, Sweet Home."</p>
+
+<p>The three hundred excursionists, who had journeyed from the Anthracite
+fields of Pennsylvania to welcome the 311th boys, had a difficult time
+to locate the Edward Luckenbach. At 6 o'clock that night they sailed
+out to find the vessel, reported as advancing past Ambrose Channel.
+They traversed the entire waterfront, both on the North and East River
+sides, before the hospital ship Comfort located the transport by
+radio, up the Hudson. The excursion delegates stayed near the
+transport until dark.</p>
+
+<p>It was with rejuvenated spirits that the soldiers spent their last
+night on board the transport, lying in New York harbor. On Wednesday
+morning, May 28th, the troops debarked at Pier 6, Bush Terminal,
+Brooklyn. Only a few of the friends and relatives got to see the
+soldier boys at the terminal. While the soldiers lingered at the
+terminal, partaking of refreshments furnished by the Red Cross and the
+welfare associations, the crowds beat the ferry boat that carried the
+soldiers to Jersey City and formed two lines through which the boys
+passed to entrain for Camp Dix, N. J.</p>
+
+<p>Plans were under way to hold a Seventy-Ninth Division parade in
+Philadelphia, Penna., but the boys voiced protests against being held
+in camp, with the result that the work of putting the outfit through
+the process of sterilization and cootiization was expedited.</p>
+
+<p>After going through the "delouser" at Camp Dix, Battery D was moved to
+another section of barracks, near the discharge center. Clerical
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 116)</span>
+details were sent to the discharge center, known as the
+"madhouse," each day, to assist in getting out the paper work for
+official discharge of the outfits scheduled for muster out before
+Battery D.</p>
+
+<p>Battery D was officially discharged from the United States Army
+Service on May 30th, 1919, when all its members were assigned to
+various discharge units. On May 30th the soldiers whose homes were in
+Western States, were detached from the battery to be sent to Western
+camps for discharge.</p>
+
+<p>Those who were scheduled to remain at Dix to receive their discharge
+papers, their pay and the $60 bonus, idled about the camp until
+Wednesday, June 4th, when they were called to the discharge center to
+be paid off. It required a long wait before the members of the casual
+detachments that once formed Battery D were admitted to the Central
+Records office.</p>
+
+<p>The soldiers "beat it" from camp as soon as they had the coveted
+discharge certificates. The outfit separated in driblets during the
+day. The first ones called got clear of military service in the
+morning, while others were not called until late that afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>By nightfall of June 4th, 1919, however, Battery D members, for the
+main part, were headed for HOME, to take up the thread of civilian
+life where they had severed it months before when they answered the
+call of selective service.</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo117" name="photo117"></a>
+<h3>
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 117)</span>
+THE LORRAINE CROSS</h3>
+
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img117.jpg" width="240" height="265"
+     alt="The Lorraine Cross" title="The Lorraine Cross">
+
+<p class="figcenter">The 79th Division Insignia</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page118" name="page118"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 118)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>THE CROSS OF LORRAINE</h3>
+
+<p class="figcenter">Its Origin and Its Significance.</p>
+<h3> </h3>
+
+<p class="figcenter">
+       (Extracts from a Document)<br>
+       Written from data furnished<br>
+                by<br>
+          E. F. HENRI VIARD<br>
+        B. A. Paris University<br>
+ Late London Correspondent of "Le Journal"<br>
+Sometime Technical Translator to the Ordnance<br>
+          Department A. E. F.</p>
+
+
+<p>The Lorraine Cross, official insignia of the Seventy-Ninth Division,
+United States Army, was adopted shortly after the armistice was
+signed.</p>
+
+<p>Despite the fact that the Seventy-Ninth Division Artillery did not
+share in the fighting with the rest of the division, the artillerymen
+were accorded the privilege of wearing the emblem.</p>
+
+<p>In all its war operations, the Seventy-Ninth Division faced the enemy
+in Lorraine, the province which the United States was pledged to win
+back for France.</p>
+
+<p>Victory, in the face of stubborn opposition, crowned the efforts of
+the Seventy-Ninth Division. It was only appropriate, therefore, that
+the division should select as its emblem the ancient symbol of
+victory, The Lorraine Cross.</p>
+
+<p>The divisional insignia was worn on the left sleeve of the uniform
+blouse at the shoulder.</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE CROSS OF LORRAINE. <span class="pagenum">(p. 119)</span></h3>
+
+<p>A national emblem of the independent Duchy of Lorraine for centuries,
+and even now a distinctive cognizance of the Border Province of
+France, the double traverse cross, known as the Cross of Lorraine,
+forms part of the armorial bearings of no less than 163 noble
+families. And several military units engaged in the world war adopted
+the cross as an emblem. These units include, besides the Lorraine
+Detachment of the French Army, the Seventy-Ninth Division.</p>
+
+<p>Before its adoption as an emblem by the reigning house of Lorraine,
+the double traverse cross had a long and interesting history.
+Important in the history of the development of the shape of the Cross
+with its two beams, the design being Byzantine and emblematic of the
+triumph of Christ over Death, are ancient double traverse crosses,
+each containing fragments of the Real Cross of the Crucifixion. They
+are preserved in different sections of France.</p>
+
+<p>The double traverse of the Cross of Lorraine comes from the
+substitution, for the Titulus, or inscription originally used to mark
+the Cross upon which Christ was crucified, of a plain horizontal arm.
+The origin of the double traverse cross is Eastern, and, students of
+the subject point out, it undoubtedly represents the Jerusalem
+Cross--the True Cross--with its main horizontal beam and the Titulus,
+represented by a plain beam in the Cross of Lorraine.</p>
+
+<p>Reliquaries containing parts of the Red Cross upon which the Savior
+was crucified, including the reliquaries in Poitiers and Limoges, are
+double traverse in form. On an enamelled plate in the Treasury of Graz
+Cathedral, Hungary, the figure of Saint Helena, credited with the
+recovery of the True Cross, is represented draped in a dress which is
+emblazoned with a double traverse cross.</p>
+
+<p>The double traverse cross came to have its association with Lorraine
+in 1477 after Rene II, reigning head of the Duchy of Lorraine, had
+defeated Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, at the Battle of Nancy.
+Rene was of the house of Anjou and the emblem had been known as the
+Cross of Anjou to earlier members of the house.</p>
+
+<p>Succession to the Duchy of Lorraine came to Rene II through the female
+line. His mother was Yolande of Anjou, daughter of Rene I. Through his
+father, Ferri of Vaudemont, Rene claimed descent from the Ancient
+dynasty of the Dukes of Lorraine, who traced their history to Gerard
+of Alsace, and who had ruled the Duchy uninterruptedly for almost four
+centuries.</p>
+
+<p>At <span class="pagenum">(p. 120)</span>
+the time of the accession of Rene II, the neighboring
+Duchy of Burgundy was ruled by Charles the Bold, who made a reputation
+as a general and warrior. In the forwarding of his ambition for
+greater territory and more widespread authority, he had roused the
+enmity of Lorrainers. In 1476, following the accession of Rene II, the
+Duke of Burgundy laid siege to Nancy and took the city.</p>
+
+<p>Rene went abroad to hire troops, and, returning in the early days of
+1477 with considerable forces, especially Italian and Swiss
+mercenaries, gave battle to Charles within sight of Nancy, whose
+soldier citizens sallied forth to his help. Despite their assistance,
+Rene might have lost the fight had it not been for Campo Basso, an
+Italian condettieri in the service of Charles the Bold, who, having
+some grudge against the latter and being bribed by the other side,
+went over to the Lorrainers at the critical moment.</p>
+
+<p>The Burgundians were cut to pieces. Charles the Bold, in trying to
+break away, was slain by a Lorraine officer who did not recognize him
+and who committed suicide when, the body of the famous Duke having
+been identified a couple of days later from an old scar behind the
+ear, he realized that it was he who had killed "so great a Prince."</p>
+
+<p>The Battle of Nancy was not only the greatest event in the History of
+Lorraine, but one of the most momentous in the History of France, and
+even of Europe. If Burgundy alone was defeated, three parties
+benefitted by the victory, namely; Switzerland, for whom it meant
+final acquisition of independence; the King of France, and the Duke of
+Lorraine. The disappearance of Charles the Bold ensured at one stroke
+the unity of France, which it rid of the last ever powerful vassal,
+and the independence of Lorraine. No doubt Louis XI would rather have
+been the only profiteer by the death of his rival. No doubt, also, he
+meant to get hold of Lorraine and, as the event proved, laid hands
+shortly afterward on the Duchy of Bar and tried to prevent Rene II
+from coming into this comparatively small portion of Rene of Anjou's
+inheritance. But his wily plans were foiled by the very fact that,
+whatever his motives, he had made a show of fostering and supporting
+the Lorrainer against the Burgundian. Had Lorraine become a part of
+Charles the Bold's dominions, even the Mighty House of Austria would
+have been unable to keep it independent from France; Henry II's
+efforts would have been exerted against Lorraine, and Lorraine it is
+that France would have occupied at the same time as the three
+bishoprics, Toul, Metz, and Verdun and before Alsace. France's
+influence made itself felt in the Duchy as early as 1552, but
+annexation was put off until 1766.</p>
+
+<p>Not <span class="pagenum">(p. 121)</span>
+only did Rene II's reign ensure the independence of
+Lorraine, but it secured the adjunction of Barrois, for there can be
+no doubt that the Duchy of Bar would have been annexed to France right
+away had not Charles VIII found it politic to give back the territory
+confiscated by his father, Louis XI, as an inducement to Duke Rene II
+not to press his claims regarding such parts of Rene of Anjou's
+inheritance as Anjou and Provence which France wanted and secured out
+of the deal.</p>
+
+<p>Considering the importance of the Battle of Nancy in the eyes of
+Lorrainers, the historical value of the badge worn by their victorious
+ancestors at that famous fight is easily understood. That badge was a
+double traverse cross. We have Duke Rene II's own word for it. In the
+account of operation and conduct of the Battle of Nancy, dictated by
+the Duke himself to his secretary, Joannes Lud, we read: "And I had on
+my harness a robe of gold cloth, and the armour of my horse was also
+covered with gold cloth trappings and on the said robe and trappings
+were three white double traverse crosses."</p>
+
+<p>The Burgundian badge was the St. Andrew Cross. To differentiate his
+men from their opponents, Rene II naturally thought of the
+conspicuously distinct double-traverse cross his grandfather Rene I
+had brought over from Anjou and made so much of.</p>
+
+<p>In another account of the battle, to be found in the Chronicle of
+Lorraine, written at very nearly the same time, the following passage
+occurs relating to the period of the fight when Campo Basso and his
+mercenaries went over from the Burgundian to the Lorraine side; "They
+all tore off their St. Andrew crosses and put on the Jerusalem one,
+which Duke Rene was wearing."</p>
+
+<p>The Jerusalem Cross obviously is a misnomer, as proven by the context,
+the very next sentence of which reads: "And many of the Nancians,
+sallying from their city to take part in the pillage of the Bold One's
+Camp, were in great danger of being slaughtered by the Swiss and by
+their own countrymen because they had not the double traverse cross on
+them." Again in several other passages the cross is specifically
+described as a double traverse cross.</p>
+
+<p>January 5, 1477, was the birthday of the Cross of Lorraine. From that
+day, ceasing to be merely reminiscent of Anjou, the double traverse
+cross became the Lorraine National Emblem.</p>
+
+<p>Since the war in 1870-71, which resulted in the annexation of part of
+Lorraine to Germany, a significant use has been made of the old
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 122)</span>
+cross. Shortly after the signature of the Treaty of Frankfurt, a
+meeting of the inhabitants of Metz was held on Sion Hill. As a result
+of the meeting a marble monument was erected, having carved on it a
+broken Lorraine Cross. An inscription in local dialect was added,
+reading "<i>C'name po tojo</i>" ("'Twill not be forever"). The world war
+ended in the realization of this prophecy.</p>
+
+<p>So the soldiers of the Seventy-Ninth Division can look at the insignia
+they have been privileged to wear and think of the memories associated
+with it.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page123" name="page123"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIV. <span class="pagenum">(p. 123)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>BATTERY D HONOR ROLL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>CORPORAL FRANK McCABE--Plains, Pa., died January 24, 1918, at the Base
+Hospital, Camp Meade, Md., at 7:40 p. m., with an attack of acute
+rheumatism. Body was sent to Plains with a military escort. Buried in
+Plains.</p>
+
+<p>PRIVATE WILLIAM REYNOLDS--Pottsville, Pa., was killed by the explosion
+of a French field gun on the range at La Courtine, France, at 3 p. m.
+October 11, 1918. Buried in the American Military Cemetery at Camp La
+Courtine, October 12th. Grave No. 37.</p>
+
+<p>FIRST-SERGEANT JAMES J. FARRELL--Plains, Pa., died November 2, 1918,
+at the Base Hospital, Camp La Courtine, France, at 4:30 p. m., with an
+attack of pneumonia. Buried in the American Military Cemetery at Camp
+La Courtine, November 4th, at 11 a. m. Grave No. 80.</p>
+
+<p>PRIVATE HORACE J. FARDON--Paterson, N. J., died November 4, 1918, at
+the Base Hospital, Camp La Courtine, France, at 11:45 p. m. from
+Influenza. Buried in the American Military Cemetery at Camp La
+Courtine, November 5th, at 11 a. m. Grave No. 82.</p>
+
+<p>PRIVATE FIRST-CLASS JOSEPH ALPHONSUS LOUGHRAN--Hazleton, Pa., died
+November 5, 1918, at the Base Hospital, Camp La Courtine, France, at
+6:55 p. m. with an attack of pneumonia. Buried in the American
+Military Cemetery at Camp La Courtine, November 6th, at 2 p. m. Grave
+No. 84.</p>
+
+<p>PRIVATE PATRICK J. DOOLING--Metuchen, N. J., died March 6, 1919, at
+Base Hospital No. 91 at Commercy, France, at 11:40 p. m., with
+broncho-pneumonia. Buried in the Post Cemetery at Commercy. Grave No.
+172.</p>
+
+<p>CORPORAL GUY W. MORTIMER--Pottsville, Pa., died March 8, 1919, at Base
+Hospital No. 91, Commercy, France, at 4:55 a. m. with
+broncho-pneumonia. Buried in the Post Cemetery at Commercy. Grave No.
+167.</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo124" name="photo124"></a>
+<div>
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 124)</span>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img124a.jpg" width="265" height="404"
+     alt="Pvt. 1 Cl. Joseph A. Loughran" title="Pvt. 1 Cl. Joseph A. Loughran"></p></div>
+
+<h2> </h2>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img124b.jpg" width="250" height="167"
+     alt="Cemetery At Camp La Courtine" title="Cemetery At Camp La Courtine"></p>
+<p class="figcenter">Cemetery At Camp La Courtine<br><br>
+Pvt 1 Cl. Conrad Baffiel Standing at the Grave of Joseph A. Loughran.</p>
+<h1> </h1>
+
+
+<a id="page125" name="page125"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXV. <span class="pagenum">(p. 125)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>"ONE OF US."</h3>
+
+<div class="quotega">
+<p>The following is a reproduction of extracts from an
+article written by the author of this volume, on the afternoon
+of November 6, 1918, following the burial of Private Joseph
+A. Loughran, and published in the Standard-Sentinel, a daily
+newspaper of Hazleton, Pa., on December 11, 1918.</p>
+
+<p>In general the article expresses the bond of feeling each
+battery casualty called forth.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<p>
+     "I have lost a friend; the United States has lost a good soldier;
+     and Hazleton, Pennsylvania, has lost another flower of its noble
+     manhood--was the total of my thoughts this afternoon as I stood,
+     one of a military escort, and saw the remains of Joseph A.
+     Loughran consigned to a resting place in the sacred soil of
+     France.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "He was truly 'One of Us.' To the military records he was known
+     as a Private First Class, but to us he was 'Al,' one in common
+     and ever affectionate.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "Twenty of us, comrades-in-arms, all from the same city in dear
+     old Pennsylvania, who formed the escort, listened in profound
+     sympathy, as we, with the battery in line at our side, paid the
+     last military honors to our deceased comrade.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "The sun was shining serenely overhead; all was calm and quiet as
+     a moment of silent homage followed the last note of Taps sounded
+     over the grave.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "The casket, enshrouded in Old Glory, for which he endured and
+     died, was lowered, but his soul, no one could doubt, had already
+     winged itself to the portals of eternity; there to repose in
+     well-earned rest, to ever serve his God as he served God and
+     country his mortal while.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "He died in the height of his development as a trained soldier.
+     Although removed from the scene of actual warfare and listed as
+     'Died of Disease' in the casualty records, not one of the
+     thousands of the A. E. F. fallen on the field of battle suffered
+     a more heroic or noble death.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "He was prepared, ready and willing. Months of strenuous effort
+     spent in mastering the soldier game were cut short on the eve of
+     material advantage to the cause, but the spirit of his endeavors
+     lives in the heart of the outfit he served. It is the spirit,
+     sometimes called morale, that is the decisive factor.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "At <span class="pagenum">(p. 126)</span>
+     the tomb of the dead the regimental chaplain vouched
+     the fact that the departed soldier communed every Sunday of his
+     army life.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "In civil life, before entering the call of selectiveness, his
+     worth and devoutness was well known to a large circle of friends.
+     His military associations were none the less extensive and
+     tender.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "It was while doing his duty, along lines of communication as a
+     member of the Battery Commander's Detail, on the range at La
+     Courtine, that he fell a victim to pneumonia, resulting in early
+     demise.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "There are many incidents connected with the life of our fallen
+     soldier and friend that could be extolled. But those who knew him
+     need no words. His life shines out as a true beacon.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "The boys of the battery in which he served bow in heartfelt
+     sympathy to his wife, parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and
+     friends. He died, but his death has not been in vain. His spirit
+     lives to cheer his comrades on to greater deeds of patriotism.
+     His loved ones at home can be proud of 'Al.' He died every inch a
+     man and patriotic to the core.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "His grave was not neglected. The boys tenderly sodded its mound
+     and placed a wreath of holly, plucked from the hills of Creuse,
+     where he last trained. The grave is marked with a wooden cross,
+     on which is inscribed his name, rank, and command, and to which
+     is attached the soldier's identification disc.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "It is Grave No. 84 in the American cemetery, situated on a
+     gentle slope of one of the picturesque hills of Creuse province,
+     overlooking Camp La Courtine."</p>
+
+
+
+
+<a id="page127" name="page127"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVI. <span class="pagenum">(p. 127)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>IN MEMORIAM.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In the moment of laying aside the uniform there surged through the
+heart of every member of Battery D emotions too deep for words.</p>
+
+<p>The rainy days and mud of France were at last a thing of the past.
+Yes, truly a thing of the past to those staunch comrades who survived
+not the ordeal to return home.</p>
+
+<p>Those who survived and returned home, have had an invaluable
+experience. With memories of those experiences there will always
+linger the thoughts and associations of departed comrades.</p>
+
+<p>As battery members they all toiled together in France for a common
+cause. All shared the common thought of seeing the war period through
+bravely, then to return home, bigger, better and stronger as a
+soldier-citizen.</p>
+
+<p>The comrades of Battery D whose lives were cut short by the Grim
+Reaper when they were at the height of their development as trained
+soldiers, all cherished thoughts of getting back home. They gave
+expression to such thoughts in their letters home.</p>
+
+<p>Joseph A. Loughran, in a letter written to his parents just before he
+was stricken with the illness to which he succumbed, wrote these
+words: "Save a couple of chairs for my wife and myself at the Xmas
+dinner table, for God willing we will surely be there."</p>
+
+<p>In another portion of the same letter Private Loughran wrote: "Oh,
+boy, won't it be great to get back home again after going through all
+the trials that I had. If any one told me a few years ago that I could
+go through what I have and still be as healthy as I am, I would not
+believe them. I am as healthy as an ox and weigh 180 pounds."</p>
+
+<p>Thus it is that thoughts of departed comrades stir emotions too deep
+for words; emotions that flood the heart with memorials that will live
+on as silent tributes to the worth of those who gave up their lives
+while in the service of their country.</p>
+
+
+<a id="page128" name="page128"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 128)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>FIRST BATTERY D STAFF.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<p><b>Officers.</b></p>
+
+<p>
+Captain Albert L. Smith<br>
+1st Lieut. Arthur H. McGill<br>
+2nd Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke<br>
+2nd Lieut. Robert S. Campbell<br>
+2nd Lieut. Frank F. Yeager<br>
+2nd Lieut. Berkley Courtney<br>
+2nd Lieut. Frank J. Hamilton</p>
+
+
+<p><b>Non-Commissioned Officers.</b></p>
+
+<p>
+1st Sgt. William C. Thompson<br>
+Supply Sgt. Merrill C. Liebensberger<br>
+[A]Mess Sgt. Joseph A. Loughran<br>
+[A]Instrument Sgt. Lloyd E. Brown<br>
+Signal Sgt. John M. Harman</p>
+
+<p><b>Sergeants.</b></p></div>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" width="80%" summary="" style="position: relative; left: 10%;">
+<colgroup span="3">
+<col width="30%">
+<col width="30%">
+<col width="30%">
+</colgroup>
+
+<tr>
+  <td>Hugh A. Coll<br>
+      William E. Ritter</td>
+  <td>James M. Duffy<br>
+      James J. Farrell</td>
+  <td>Abraham Kahn<br>
+      Earl B. Schleppy</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><b>Corporals.</b></p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" width="80%" summary="" style="position: relative; left: 10%;">
+<colgroup span="3">
+<col width="30%">
+<col width="30%">
+<col width="30%">
+</colgroup>
+
+<tr>
+  <td>Joseph Conlon<br>
+      John C. Demcik<br>
+      Gerald F. Farrell
+  </td>
+  <td>Edward J. Kane<br>
+      Harry T. Kenvin<br>
+      David B. Koenig<br>
+      John Koslap
+  </td>
+  <td>Frank McCabe<br>
+    Arthur D. Roderick<br>
+    Joseph Yeselski
+  </td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><b>Cooks.</b></p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" width="80%" summary="" style="position: relative; left: 10%;">
+<colgroup span="3">
+<col width="30%">
+<col width="30%">
+<col width="30%">
+</colgroup>
+
+<tr>
+  <td>Edward Campbell
+  </td>
+  <td>George A. Musial<br>
+      Charles A. Trostel
+  </td>
+  <td>August H. Genetti
+  </td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+[Footnote A: Deceased.]
+
+<p class="pagenum">(p. 129)</p>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<a id="photo129" name="photo129"></a>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" width="80%" summary="" style="position: relative; left: 10%;">
+<colgroup span="3">
+<col width="50%">
+<col width="50%">
+</colgroup>
+
+<tr>
+  <td><img src="images/img129a.jpg" width="209" height="389"
+     alt="Pvt. Horace J. Fardon" title="Pvt. Horace J. Fardon">
+  </td>
+  <td><img src="images/img129b.jpg" width="225" height="363"
+     alt="Grave Of Pvt. Wm. Reynolds" title="Grave Of Pvt. Wm. Reynolds">
+  </td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td>
+   <b>Pvt. Horace J. Fardon</b><br><br>
+      Died in France with Influenza.<br>
+      Buried in the American Military<br>
+      Cemetery at Camp La Courtine.
+  </td>
+  <td><b>Grave Of Pvt. Wm. Reynolds</b><br>
+      Section of the American Military<br>
+      Cemetery at Camp La Courtine.<br>
+      Pvt. Reynolds Was Killed by Gun Explosion.
+  </td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<h1> </h1>
+<p class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img129c.jpg" width="246" height="159"
+     alt="Barrack At Camp La Courtine France" title="Barrack At Camp La Courtine France"></p>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><b>Barrack At Camp La Courtine<br> France</b></p>
+
+<p class="figcenter">Battery D was Quartered in This<br>
+Building While Under Intensive Training<br>
+at Range Practice Among the<br>
+Hills of Creuse Department.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page130" name="page130"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 130)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>BATTERY D OFFICERS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The following officers were associated with Battery D during its
+career, either as a unit of the New National Army, or as part of the
+United States Army, the classification of the combined regular and
+selected divisions:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+Captain Albert L. Smith, Philadelphia. Pa.<br>
+Captain Perry E. Hall, Springfield. N. J.<br>
+First Lieutenant Hugh M. Clarke, Pittsburgh. Pa.<br>
+[A]First Lieutenant Arthur H. McGill. New Castle, Pa.<br>
+First Lieutenant Robert Lowndes, Elkridge, Md.<br>
+First Lieutenant C. D. Bailey, Summit. N. J.<br>
+First Lieutenant J. S. Waterfield, Portsmouth, Va.<br>
+Second Lieutenant Frank F. Yeager. Philadelphia, Pa.<br>
+Second Lieutenant Sidney F. Bennett, Ottawa, Canada.<br>
+Second Lieutenant Berkley Courtney, Fullerton, Md.<br>
+Second Lieutenant Leo C. Julian, Lakeland. Fla.<br>
+Second Lieutenant Robert S. Campbell, Pittsburgh. Pa.
+</p>
+
+[Footnote A: Deceased.]
+
+
+
+<a id="page131" name="page131"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIX. <span class="pagenum">(p. 131)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>ROSTER OF BATTERY D.</h3>
+
+
+<p>This list contains the names and home-addresses of the enlisted
+personnel of Battery D, who served overseas and whose names were
+on the sailing list of the U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach.</p>
+
+<p>Marinus Abrahmse, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">196 Washington St., Lodi, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Eben C. Allen, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Main St., Closer. N. J.</span></p>
+
+<div>Abel R. Anderson, Pvt.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">36 West 6th St.,<br>
+Ridgefield Park, N. J.</p></div>
+
+<p>John J. Anderson, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">R. F. D., No. 1. Perth Amboy, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Curran B. Armstrong, Pvt. 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Dreyton, N. D.</span></p>
+
+<p>Harold J. Arnold, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">456 E. Broad St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>William E. Bachman, Pvt. 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">120 West Fourth St., Hazleton. Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Conrad A. Balliet, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">597 Lincoln St., Hazleton. Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Joseph T. Becker, Pvt., 1 Cl.-Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">913 West 38th St., Chicago, Ill.</span></p>
+
+<p>Louis F. Bracco, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">156 Orient Way, Rutherford, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Harold C. Bratt, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">58 Cleveland St., Hackensack, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Joseph Brazina, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">127 Muir Ave., Hazleton, Hts., Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Cornelius Breen, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">25 Hobart Place, Garfield, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thomas J. Brennan, Pvt., 1 Cl.-Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">R. F. D., Box 394, Pottsville, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>William F. Brennan, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">713 W. Tioga St., Philadelphia, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Leslie S. Brooks, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Box 60, Fort Edward, N. Y.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hugh P. Burke, Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">312 Wells Ave., Parsons, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Alexander Calderwood, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Gwyneed Valley, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Milton O. Campbell, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Box 65, Waldwick, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Jason Canfield, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Kenton, Ohio.</span></p>
+
+<p>James Cataldo, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">191 S. Pine St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>John Chardell, Cpl.-Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">561 Garfield St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hugh A. Coll, Cpl.-Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">627 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>John L. Conley, Pvt.-1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">501 E. Clenton St., Frankfort, Ind.</span></p>
+
+<p>Joseph E. Conlon, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">22 Ulmer St., Hudson, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Leo C. Connor, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">137 Center St., Ashland, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>James E. Corcoran, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">470 Gregory Ave., Weehawken, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charles Cuttito, Cook,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">16 Avenue A, Lodi, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>William H. Decker, Jr., Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">277 Forest St., Jersey City, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Frank De Graff, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">192 Spring St., Lodi, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Meyer Deitch, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">858 Union Ave., Bronx, N. Y.</span></p>
+
+<p>Leo C. Delaney, Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">1327 Main St., Pittston, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Philip Den Bleyker, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">R. F. D., No. 1, Rohway, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>George Dorsey, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">328 S. Keyser Ave., Scranton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Fred Downsbrough, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Box 153, Firthcliffe, N. Y.</span></p>
+
+<p>Albert Dransfield, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">29 Wayne Ave., Paterson, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">(p. 132)</span>
+James M. Duffy, Sgt.-1st Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">224 Hollenback Ave., Parsons, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>James A. Durkin, Hs.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">77 Henry St., Plains, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Adam O. Dyker, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">196 Monroe St., Garfield, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>William Ellert, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Willow St., Moonachie, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Arden C. Evans, Pvt., 1 Cl., Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">R. F. D., No. 3, Benton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thomas Evans, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">1922 Cedar St., Anderson, Ind.</span></p>
+
+<p>Gerald F. Farrell, Pvt.-Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">78 E. Carey Ave., Plains, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Walter R. Farrell, Pvt.-Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Box 405, Kellogg, Idaho.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ermino (Buck) Favo, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">16 Erving Place, Garfield, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Victor J. Feinour, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Jacksonville, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Leroy H. Fish, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">30 Wren St., Pittston, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Fred N. Fisher, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">28 S. Front St., Minersville, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Fay H. Freadhoff, Pvt.-Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">503 Third Ave., Sterling, Ill.</span></p>
+
+<p>Howard C. Freitag, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Box 44, Fair View, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Anthony J. Fritzen, S. Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">1724 Jackson St., Scranton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>John M. Frye, Jr., Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">2519 S. 62nd St., W. Phila., Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Gomer P. Gealy, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">634 N. Hyde Park Ave., Scranton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>William R. Geiger, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">South 2nd St., St. Clair, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charles W. Geiswalt, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">335 N. George St., Pottsville, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hugh A. Gildea, Cpl.-Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">84 Merritt Ave., Plains, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>John Gripp, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">938 Mt. Vernon Ave., Scranton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Michael Guresh, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">R. F. D., No. 2, Box 18, Tamaqua, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<div>Christian Hagedorn, Pvt.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">28 Sicomac Lane,<br>
+Midland, Park, N. J.</p></div>
+
+<p>Stephen A. Hurtz, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">134 Ryerson Ave., Paterson, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Curtis F. Horne, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">612 21st St., Windber, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Patrick J. Hughes, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">73 Second St., Paterson, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charles W. Hunt, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">775 Dalton, Ave., Pittsfield, Mass.</span></p>
+
+<p>Concetti Imbesi, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">925 Scranton St., Scranton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nels C. Jacobsen, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Farmont, Minn.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ollie S. Jay, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Waelder, Texas.</span></p>
+
+<p>John J. Jlosky, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">49 William St., Englewood, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Albert R. Johnson, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Kipp, Kansas.</span></p>
+
+<p>John E. Jones, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">300 E. Beech St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Reggie L. Jones, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Pembroke, Ky.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charles L. Jourdren, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">123 Elm Ave., Bogota, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<div>Charles Karsch, Pvt.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">Washington Ave.,<br>
+Little Ferry, N. J.</p></div>
+
+<p>James F. Kelly, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">123 Burke St., Plains, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>John A. King, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">515 Main St., Pittston, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>David B. Koenig, Cpl.-Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">533 Peace St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<div>Erik W. Kolmodin, Pvt.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">39 Central Ave.,<br>
+Ridgefield Park, N. J.</p></div>
+
+<p>John Kontir, Pvt., 1 Cl.-Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">538 Cleveland St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Anthony P. Lally, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Girardville, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charles C. Lang, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">199 Wetmore Park, Rochester, N. Y.</span></p>
+
+<div><span class="pagenum">(p. 133)</span>
+Walter F. Licalzi, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">131 Fulton Ave.,<br>
+Astoria, L. I., N. Y.</p></div>
+
+<p>Joseph T. Loskill, C. M.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">546 E. Broad St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<div>Wasyl Lugowy, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">221 Berner Ave.,<br>
+Hazleton Heights, Pa.</p></div>
+
+<p>Saverio Lupas, Hs.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">80 W. Carey Ave., Plains, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Louis F. Maslakosky, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">662 Lincoln St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Frank Miller, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Orchard St., Wortendyke, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>William C. Minnich, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">202 E. Holly St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>John J. Mooney, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">1543 N. Morvine St., Phila., Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thomas E. Morgan, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Ellendon, Fla.</span></p>
+
+<p>Joseph A. Morowitz, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">22--44th St., Corona, L. I.</span></p>
+
+<p>Daniel R. Mullery, Bg.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">1113 Main St., Pittston, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>George A. Musial, Cook,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">47 E. Sheridan St., Miners Mills, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Joseph J. McAtee, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">404 Schuylkill Ave., Pottsville, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<div>Bernard A. McCaffrey, Pvt., 1 Cl.,-Cpl.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">R. F. D., Fisher's Hill,<br>
+Hazleton, Pa.</p></div>
+
+<p>Joseph McCann, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">10 Morton St., Paterson, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>John J. X. McGeehan, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">116 S. Church St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Joseph T. McGovern, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">507 N. 21st St., Phila., Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Herbert G. Nankivell, Mec.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">1520 Price St., Scranton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Walter A. Nebiker, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">32 Wood St., Garfield, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<div>Lewis Nedwood, Pvt.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">965--2nd Ave.,<br>
+Astoria, L. I., N. Y.</p></div>
+
+<p>Joseph E. O'Donnell, Pvt.-Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">319 E. Walnut St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Joseph J. O'Donnell, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Kelayres, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Stanley J. Ogrydiak, Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">655 Seybert St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Gennaro Paladino, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">280 Harrison Ave., Lodi, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Joseph C. Parella, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">21 5th Ave., Lyndhurst, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Joseph H. Petrask, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">6 S. Main St., Lodi, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Herman Petrett, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Box 113, Waldwick, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>John Petrilla, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">222 S. Bennett St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>August C. Pfancook, Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">20 E. Tamarack St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Robert C. Phillips, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Box 825, New Richmond, Wis.</span></p>
+
+<p>Harold V. Pierce. Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Sunset Hill, Kansas City, Mo.</span></p>
+
+<p>Homer D. Pifer, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Rochester Mills, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<div>Arle J. Ploeger, Pvt.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">c/o Westbury Rose Co.,<br>
+Westbury, L. I.</p></div>
+
+<div>Joseph Popso, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">228 Carleton Ave.,<br>
+Hazleton Heights, Pa.</p></div>
+
+<p>Luke F. Proulx, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">929 Atwell Ave., Providence, R. I.</span></p>
+
+<p>John S. Quade. Pvt., 1 Cl., Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Lansdale, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>A. Eli Quinett,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">607 N. Park St., Shawnee, Okla.</span></p>
+
+<p>Walter L. Reece, Pvt. 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">425 S. Walker St., Webb City, Mo.</span></p>
+
+<p>Clinton Reese, Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">323 N. Everett Ave., Scranton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>John F. Reilly, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">2843 Jasper St., Philadelphia, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charles M. Reisch, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">238 Centre St., Ashland, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Petro Repole, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">351 West 47th St., New York City.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">(p. 134)</span>
+Philip Rheiner, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">89 N. 6th St., Paterson, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<div>Harry J. Ritzel, Pvt.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">428 W. Sunbury St.,<br>
+Minersville, Pa.</p></div>
+
+<p>Nathan Rosen, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">48 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Grover C. Rothacker, Mec.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">37 E. Broad St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>John E. Rowland, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">130 Linden St., Yonkers, N. Y.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nathan Ruderman, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">193 Scholes St., Brooklyn, N. Y.</span></p>
+
+<p>William H. Rudolph, Sd.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">171 S. Laurel St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Harry Scheiblin, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">415 9th St., Carlstad, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Earl B. Schleppy, Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">N. Church St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<div>Alfred G. Schoonmaker, Jr., Cpl.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">33 Clinton Place.<br>
+Hackensack, N. J.</p></div>
+
+<p>Alexander Seaton, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Hudson Heights, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<div>A. Ernest Shafer, Cpl.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">208 Markle Bank Bldg.,<br>
+Hazleton, Pa.</div>
+
+<div>Walter T. Shaw, Pvt.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">3520 Longshore St.,<br>
+Faconu, Phia., Pa.</div>
+
+<p>Raymond Sheldrake, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">141 N. 4th St., Paterson, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<div>Albert J. Sheridan, Pvt.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">413 E. Norweigian St.,<br>
+Pottsville, Pa.</p></div>
+
+<div>William Seivers, Pvt.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">c/o Norwegian-American A. C.,<br>
+208 E. 128th St., New York City.</p></div>
+
+<p>August H. Simmler, Jr., Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">149 Clinton St., Paterson, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ray S. Skidmore, Bg.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">153 Abbott St., Miners Mills, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Otto J. Skirkie, Jr., Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Ridgefield Park, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Edward J. Skrenda, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Smithville South, L. I., N. Y.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charles W. Smith, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">226 Georgia Ave., Parsons, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Albert W. Soule, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Musselshell, Mont.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charles L. Stark, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">33 E. Thorton St., Akron, Ohio.</span></p>
+
+<div>William C. Steidle, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">711 E. Norweigian St.,<br>
+Pottsville, Pa.</p></div>
+
+<p>John R. Sweeney, Pvt., Cp.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">16 E. Birch St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>John Sysling, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">18 Grand St., Garfield, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>George M. Thompson, Pvt., 1 Cl., Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">571 Grant St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Michael A. Tito, Cpl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">523 Seybert St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Edward G. Tracey, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">1129 Sophie St., Philadelphia, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charles A. Trostel, Mess Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">1119 Jackson St., Scranton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mattiejus Tuinali, Hs.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">1931 Albright Ave., Scranton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charles S. Umbenhauer, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Box 56, First St., Port Carbon, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Barney Van De Brink, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">74 Hill St., Midland Park, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>[A]Leonard J. Van Houton, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">29 Hamburg Ave., Paterson, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p>Wilbert Weber, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<p class="quotega10-0">146 Woodbine Ave.,<br>
+Toronto, Ont., Canada.</p>
+
+<p>Harry L. Whitfield, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">597 N. Locust St., Hazleton, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>William S. Willier, Pvt., 1 Cl.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Box 15, Hegins, Schuylkill Co., Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>John A. Yanoshik, Pvt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">Lofty, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Frank Yeosock, Cpl., Sgt.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">285 River St., Coalridge, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>Frederick D. Young, Mec.,<br>
+<span class="quotega10">1516 Market St., Ashland, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p>[Footnote A: Leonard Joseph Van Houten died
+at his home in Paterson, N. J., on
+October 7, 1919, four months after
+discharge from Battery D.]</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page135" name="page135"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXX. <span class="pagenum">(p. 135)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>RECORD OF BATTERY TRANSFERS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>As previously recorded in this volume, a large number of men were
+transferred from the ranks of Battery D during the period of
+organization. Scores of others also left the battery during the latter
+days of its existence. No official record in concise form exists of
+the scores of transfers effected during the first few months of the
+battery's history.</p>
+
+<p>The following list gives information of transfers that a thorough
+search of the records now reveals. It is the most accurate list that
+can be compiled under the circumstances.</p>
+
+
+<h3>GAINED COMMISSIONS.</h3>
+
+<p>The following members of Battery D were transferred from the outfit as
+successful applicants to officers' training schools. All were, in the
+course of time commissioned as lieutenants. Messrs. Sword and McAloon
+were commissioned in France, while the others attended training
+schools in the United States.</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+William C. Thompson, Jackson, Miss.<br>
+Merrill C. Liebensberger, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Harry T. Kenvin, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Thomas S. Pengelly, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+John M. Harman, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Edward J. Kane, Plains, Pa.<br>
+Willard F. Jones, Scranton, Pa.<br>
+Joseph B. McCall, Philadelphia, Pa.<br>
+William O. Sword, Parsons, Pa.<br>
+Timothy McAloon, Scranton, Pa.
+</p>
+
+<p>John G. Young, of La Grange, Ga., serving with Battery D in rank of
+corporal, was promoted to sergeant during September, 1918, at La
+Courtine, then left the battery for the A. E. F. Artillery School at
+Saumur. He was made a "third lieutenant" of coast artillery January,
+1919, and returned to Battery D the latter part of January of the same
+year at Benoite Vaux. Early in February he was sent to the field
+hospital at Chaumont Perfitte and sailed for the U. S. from Brest
+April 10th as hospital patient. On May 1st Young was transferred to
+Camp Gordon, Ga., and made first-sergeant of a convalescent battalion.
+On January 1st, 1920, First Sergeant Young was made Army Field Clerk
+and transferred to Newport News and Norfolk, Army Supply Base. He was
+discharged from the service, March 12th, 1920.</p>
+
+
+<h3>SENT TO TEXAS CAMP.</h3>
+
+<p>On February 5, 1918, Battery D was called upon and furnished the
+following men for service with the Fifth Artillery Brigade at Camp
+Leon Springs, Texas:
+<span class="pagenum">(p. 136)</span></p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+John E. Bayarsky, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Frederick J. Boddin, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Anthony Correale, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Karl L. Lubrecht, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Alfonso Lupattelli, Scranton, Pa.<br>
+James J. McDermott, Freeland, Pa.<br>
+Edward V. McGee, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+John McGrady, Plains, Pa.<br>
+Bernard A. McKenna, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Frank J. Monahan, Plains, Pa.<br>
+Joseph Smith, Freeland, Pa.<br>
+Earl G. Spitzner, Harleigh, Pa.<br>
+Stephen J. Thompson, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+George H. Throne, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+John M. Tusko, Hazleton, Pa.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3>JOINED KEYSTONE DIVISION.</h3>
+
+<p>Battery D sent a number of men to the 28th Division at Camp Hancock,
+Ga., who joined with the Keystoners on the eve of departure for
+overseas. This transfer included:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+Patrick J. Campbell, Freeland, Pa.<br>
+Edward T. Edgerton, Plains, Pa.<br>
+William H. Ringlaben, Jr., West Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+William E. Ritter, Plains, Pa.<br>
+Henry L. Schleppy, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Joseph Welky, Hazleton, Pa.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3>ASSIGNED AS ENGINEERS.</h3>
+
+<p>On January 28, 1918, the following men were transferred from Battery D
+to the 304th Engineers at Camp Meade:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+Bernard A. Malloy, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Day M. Roth, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Harry R. Schmeer, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Paul W. Schmeer, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+John Shigo, Freeland, Pa.
+</p>
+
+<p>The 19th Engineers at Camp Meade received in its personnel on February
+15, 1918, from Battery D:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+James A. Kenney, Plains, Pa.<br>
+Clark Burt, Plains, Pa.
+</p>
+
+<p>The February Replacement Draft at Meade took several Battery D men
+from the engineers, as follows:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+Condidio Gentelezza, Scranton, Pa.<br>
+Harry A. Nelson, Plains, Pa.<br>
+Orelio Rosi, Plains, Pa.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3>TO DEPOT BRIGADE.</h3>
+
+<p>While preparations for departure overseas were under way transfers
+were made to the various training battalions of the 154th Depot
+Brigade, as follows:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+John C. Demcik, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+August H. Genetti, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Michael V. Hughes, Plains, Pa.<br>
+Abraham Kahn, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Francis A. Kenney, Scranton, Pa.<br>
+Thomas Murray, Plains, Pa.<br>
+Peter Sasarack, Jr., Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Frederick L. Smith, 2nd, Hazleton, Pa.
+</p>
+
+<p>A <span class="pagenum">(p. 137)</span>
+number of these men were reassigned to other units. Michael
+V. Hughes was assigned to the 79th Divisional Staff and accompanied
+the division overseas. Frederick L. Smith, 2nd, was assigned to
+special duty as a chemist. Thomas Murray was seriously ill at the Camp
+Meade base hospital when the outfit departed.</p>
+
+<p>John Dempsey and George D. Vogt, both of Hazleton, Pa., were, on March
+17, 1918, assigned to the Q. M. C. school for cooks and bakers at Camp
+Meade.</p>
+
+
+<h3>TO REGIMENTAL SUPPLY CO.</h3>
+
+<p>Transfers were made to the 311th F. A. Supply Co., as follows:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+George Kolessar, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Christy McAvaney, Scranton, Pa.<br>
+George Novotney, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Stanley Reese, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Harry B. Stair, Mt. Top, Pa.<br>
+Joseph Yeselski, Hazleton, Pa.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHANGES AT BENOITE VAUX.</h3>
+
+<p>A number of changes in the battery roster were necessitated at Benoite
+Vaux, France, due to men being sent to hospitals for sickness. Some
+left to attend schools, while Philip J. Cusick, of Parsons, Pa.,
+received word through the Red Cross of his early discharge due to the
+death of his father.</p>
+
+<p>The transfers at Benoite Vaux included the following:</p>
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+Howard A. Bain, Kansas City, Mo.<br>
+Thomas A. Davis, Scranton, Pa.<br>
+Philip J. Cusick, Parsons, Pa.<br>
+Stuart E. Prutzman, Palmerton, Pa.<br>
+Joseph Silock, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Harry Dauberman, Lawrence, Kansas.<br>
+Michael V. McHugh, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Anthony Esposito, Hackensack, N. J.<br>
+Reed F. Hulling, Charlestown, W. Va.<br>
+Clarence V. Smith, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Arthur A. Jones, Boundbrook, N. J.<br>
+Charles E. King, Pottsville, Pa.<br>
+John Verchmock, Hazleton, Pa.<br>
+Charles Nace, Philadelphia, Pa.<br>
+Arthur Van Valen, Englewood, N. J.<br>
+James F. Burns, Pottsville, Pa.<br>
+</p>
+
+
+<h3>OTHER TRANSFERS</h3>
+
+<p>Joseph Delosaro and John Sharawarki, both of Hazleton, Pa., were
+discharged from Battery D February 5th and 14th respectively, for
+physical disabilities.</p>
+
+<p>Carl G. Brattlof, of Newark. N. J., was assigned to the 154th Brigade
+Headquarters, Dec. 1918.</p>
+
+<p>James <span class="pagenum">(p. 138)</span>
+J. Gillespie, of Hazleton, Pa., Feb. 11th, 1918, was
+transferred to the Railway Transportation Corps.</p>
+
+<p>George F. Haniseck, James F. McKelvey and Mathew Talkouski, all of
+Hazleton, Pa., May 31st, 1918, were sent to join the U. S. Guards,
+Fort Niagara, N. Y.</p>
+
+<p>John F. Kehoe of Hazleton, Pa., Feb. 3, 1918, was transferred to
+Headquarters Bn. G. H. Q. A. E. F., France. He left Camp Meade
+February 27th, being the first man from the organization to get
+overseas.</p>
+
+<p>Otto Kopp, of Hazleton, Pa., transferred June 1, 1918, to Headquarters
+Co., 311th F. A.</p>
+
+<p>Donald H. Durham, of Newark, N. J., and R. L. Krah, of Lavelle, Pa.,
+were transferred to the regimental Headquarters Co., while in France.</p>
+
+<p>William M. Powell. Jr., of Hazleton, Pa., February 5th, 1918, assigned
+to the Ordnance Depot Co., No. 101, Camp Meade.</p>
+
+<p>On October 12, 1918, Raymond Stegmaier, of Jamaica, N. Y., was
+detached from the battery on special duty as orderly to Lieut.-Col.
+Palmer.</p>
+
+<p>William Van Campen, of Ridgewood, N. J., was injured by an explosion
+of a hand-grenade on Nov. 5, 1918. The following day he was sent to
+Base Hospital No. 24 at Limoge. Nicholas J. Young, of Pottsville, Pa.,
+was transferred to the same hospital, October 16th, following the gun
+explosion at La Courtine.</p>
+
+<p>David L. Grisby, of Terre Haute, Ind., was transferred to Base
+Hospital No. 15 to undergo an operation. He left the battery at Ville
+sous La Ferte on November 22nd.</p>
+
+<p>Charles A. Weand, of Pottsville, Pa., Nov. 30, 1918, was sent to Base
+Hospital No. 11, A. P. O. 767, France.</p>
+
+<p>Henry J. Buhle, of New Brunswick, N. J., was sick in the hospital at
+La Courtine when the regiment left the artillery range, in France,
+November 14, 1918.</p>
+
+<p>Carl <span class="pagenum">(p. 139)</span>
+J. O'Malia, of Scranton, Pa., and Frederick M. Bowen, of
+East Rutherford, N. J., were patients at the hospital in Rimaucourt
+when the outfit left Blancheville, France.</p>
+
+<p>Arthur D. Roderick, of Hazleton, Pa., and William R. Jones, of
+Bergenfield, N. J., became detached from the battery while on leave.
+They were taken ill in Paris and sent to a hospital in the French
+metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>Edward Campbell, of Hazleton, Pa., one of the battery cooks, remained
+at the embarkation camp at St. Nazaire, France, to take charge of camp
+bakery. Cook Campbell returned to the States the latter part of July.</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page140" name="page140"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXI. <span class="pagenum">(p. 140)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>PERSONALITIES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>September 20, 1918. Adam O. Dyker was re-christened "Honey-Bee" Dyker.
+The event took place in a rather stinging manner at Camp La Courtine,
+France.</p>
+
+<p>On the night in question Private Dyker was on guard duty at the
+battery kitchen, which was situated under a canvas roof in a locality
+that was infested at that particular time with bees and yellow
+jackets.</p>
+
+<p>While walking his post at the midnight hour Dyker thought of a can of
+strawberry jam that he knew the cooks had deposited in a certain
+place. Groping his way through the dark Dyker found the can of
+preserves, also a spoon, and immediately started to fill a sweet
+tooth.</p>
+
+<p>In a short time the entire battery guard was aroused by a distressing
+cry from one of the outposts. At first it was difficult to determine
+whether the call was from a 311 Regiment post or a 312th Regiment
+post.</p>
+
+<p>The question was soon settled, however, when Dyker appended to the
+customary outpost call the designation of both the battery and the
+regiment, and added these words. "For God's sake hurry up, I'm all
+bee'd up."</p>
+
+<p>The jam which he devoured was full of bees and yellow jackets. While
+the humor of the incident appealed to the boys of the battery, all
+sympathized with the unfortunate guard, who had an agonizing time of
+it in the camp hospital for several weeks as a result of eating
+honey-bees.</p>
+
+<pre>*       *       *       *       *</pre>
+
+<p>Shortly after the armistice was signed John J. Jlosky drank too much
+cognac and fell out of line at retreat one night. He was ordered to
+report at the battery office. When asked why he did not stand at
+attention he replied to Lieut. Bailey: "How do you expect a man to
+stand at attention with sand-paper underwear on?"</p>
+
+<p>The battery had just been issued woolen underwear that day.</p>
+
+<pre>*       *       *       *       *</pre>
+
+<p>In recalling stable-police duty at Camp Meade, Md., there is one
+incident that always amused Bill Powell. Here's the story in his own
+words:</p>
+
+<p>"After the usual morning duties as stable police, 'Mad Anthony'
+assigned me to load a wagon of manure. After struggling with it for
+perhaps <span class="pagenum">(p. 141)</span>
+an hour I felt extremely proud of the transference of
+the large amount of material from the ground to the wagon. I was then
+ordered to go with the driver. I thought this pretty soft. It was a
+zero day and I soon found that I was mistaken. We were on our way to
+unload the manure in flat cars.</p>
+
+<p>"When we got to Disney, half frozen, the driver disappeared to a
+position near a roaring log fire and I commenced to unload. Here's
+where I realized the advantage of being a driver.</p>
+
+<p>"While resting I noticed another wagon being unloaded nearby with a
+detail of three negroes doing the heaving. This got my ire, and when I
+got back I looked up 'Mad Anthony' and related what I had seen.</p>
+
+<p>"'Mad Anthony' looked at me and replied, 'Hell, isn't one white man as
+good as three niggers?'</p>
+
+<p>"Not wishing to admit differently I left--satisfied."</p>
+
+
+
+<a id="page142" name="page142"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 142)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>A FEW GENERAL ORDERS.</h3>
+
+<div>
+<p>
+     "I desire to express to all the men with whom I was fortunate
+     enough to serve, sincere thanks for their universal loyalty and
+     courtesy to me and the other officers who were with me. It was
+     difficult during the active life of the battery to express to its
+     members the affection I felt for them collectively and
+     individually, and the high personal regard I had for them all,
+     both as soldiers and friends.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "We were never fortunate enough to be called into action, but at
+     all times, I am sure, that all those who came in contact with
+     Battery D felt that its personnel could be depended upon to do
+     the right thing at the right time. We all had our blue moments,
+     but, wherever we may go, or whatever we do, the spirit of Battery
+     D and the friendships we made will help us.</p>
+
+<p>
+     "Let me conclude by wishing a life of health, happiness and
+     success to all my old friends in Battery D, and may I further add
+     that, in looking back, I could have no greater wish than to feel
+     that their friendship and respect for me could be as great as the
+     friendship and respect I hold for them all."</p>
+
+
+<p class="quotedr-0">
+<span class="sc">Capt. A. L. Smith.</span></p>
+<p>"Stepping Stones," Gwynedd Valley, Pa., 1920.</p>
+</div><br>
+
+<div>
+<p>
+     "I had the good fortune to serve with the best Battalion of Field
+     Artillery in the United States Army--the Second Battalion, 311th
+     F. A."
+</p>
+
+<p class="quotedr-0">
+<span class="sc">Major D. A. Reed.</span></p>
+<p>909 Amberson Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa., 1920.</p>
+</div><br>
+
+<div>
+<p>
+     "My memories of Battery D are the most pleasant of my army
+     experiences. I know that your book will fulfill the very definite
+     need for a complete and accurate account of the experiences and
+     travels of the members of the battery."
+</p>
+
+<p class="quotedr-0">
+<span class="sc">Capt. Perry E. Hall.</span></p>
+<p>Springfield, N. J., 1920.</p>
+</div><br>
+
+<div>
+<p>
+     "It would indeed be most regrettable should there be nothing
+     permanent to remind us of those ties of friendship, far greater
+     than those of organization, which bound us together for the
+     greater part of <span class="pagenum">(p. 143)</span>
+     two years. The recollection of the
+     wonderful spirit and morale of those with whom we were so
+     intimately associated must ever bring back that old feeling of
+     just pride which we all felt in our battery."
+</p>
+
+<p class="quotedr-0">
+<span class="sc">Lieut. Frank J. Hamilton.</span></p>
+<p>4822 N. Camac St., Philadelphia, Pa., 1920.</p>
+</div><br>
+
+<div>
+<p>
+     "The happiest days of my life were spent in the 311th F. A. and
+     one of my best friends is Captain Smith of Battery D."
+</p>
+
+<p class="quotedr-0">
+<span class="sc">Lieut.-Col. Herbert H. Hayden.</span></p>
+<p>Army &amp; Navy Club, Washington, D. C., 1920.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<a id="page144" name="page144"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXIII. <span class="pagenum">(p. 144)</span></h2>
+
+<h3>MEMORABLE DATES.</h3>
+
+
+<p class="quotega10">
+1918.<br><br>
+
+July 13--Left Camp Meade, Md., U. S. A.<br>
+July 14--Set sail from Port Richmond, Philadelphia, Pa.<br>
+July 17--At anchor in Halifax harbor, Nova Scotia.<br>
+July 20--Left Halifax bound overseas.<br>
+July 30--Battle with German U-Boats.<br>
+July 31--Landed in Barry, South Wales.<br>
+August 3--Hiked to Southampton, England.<br>
+August 4--Landed in Cherbourg, France.<br>
+August 5--Left Cherbourg via rail.<br>
+August 7--Arrived in Montmorillon.<br>
+September 4--Left Montmorillon via box car.<br>
+September 4--Arrived at La Courtine.<br>
+November 14--Left La Courtine via box car.<br>
+November 16--Detrained at La Tracey.<br>
+November 16--Landed in Ville sous La Ferte.<br>
+November 26--Left Ville sous La Ferte via motor train.<br>
+November 26--Arrived at Blancheville.<br>
+December 19--One hundred left on horse convoy.<br>
+December 25--Mule convoy arrived at Cirey les Mareilles.<br><br>
+
+1919.<br><br>
+
+January 9--Left Blancheville mounted.<br>
+January 13--Arrived at Benoite Vaux.<br>
+March 19--Trip by road to Boncourt.<br>
+April 1--Left Boncourt mounted.<br>
+April 3--Arrived in Cirey Les Mareilles.<br>
+April 12--Matériel turned in at Andelot.<br>
+April 19--Entrained at Rimaucourt.<br>
+April 21--Arrived at St. Nazaire.<br>
+May 14--Set sail for United States.<br>
+May 27--Arrived in New York harbor.<br>
+May 28--Debarked at Bush Terminal, Brooklyn.<br>
+May 28--Arrived in Camp Dix, N. J.<br>
+May 30--Battery officially discharged.<br>
+June 4--Discharge papers distributed.
+</p>
+
+<h3>FINIS</h3>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Delta of the Triple Elevens, by 
+William Elmer Bachman
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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+Project Gutenberg's The Delta of the Triple Elevens, by William Elmer Bachman
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Delta of the Triple Elevens
+       The History of Battery D, 311th Field Artillery US Army,
+       American Expeditionary Forces
+
+Author: William Elmer Bachman
+
+Release Date: January 28, 2007 [EBook #20468]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DELTA OF THE TRIPLE ELEVENS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Christine P. Travers and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+(This book was produced from scanned images of public
+domain material from the Google Print project.)
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's notes: Obvious printer's errors have been corrected
+(e.g. gunnner for gunner), recurrent misspelling of the author haven't
+(e.g. Montlucon for Montlucon, canvass for canvases, incidently for
+incidentally, paraphanelia for paraphernalia, calesthenics for
+calisthenic, etc...).
+
+Chapter III: The word "by" has been changed to "from" (partially sheltered
+         from the Southern sun).
+Chapter XVII: The spelling of Sommbernont has been changed to Sombernon.
+Chapter XX: The word casual has been changed to casualty
+         (sent him home as a casualty).
+Chapter XXV: It is not clear if the printed word is trained or roamed
+         (where he last trained/roamed).
+
+Definitions:
+Cootie: Noun US: a head-louse (Macquarie Online Dictionnary - Book
+        of slang).]
+
+
+
+
+                              THE DELTA OF THE
+                               TRIPLE ELEVENS
+
+
+
+                               THE HISTORY OF
+
+                      BATTERY D, 311th FIELD ARTILLERY
+                             UNITED STATES ARMY,
+                        AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+                                     By
+
+                            WILLIAM ELMER BACHMAN
+
+
+
+
+                           Standard-Sentinel Print
+                                 Hazleton, Pa.
+                                    1920
+
+
+
+
+
+                               COPYRIGHT 1920
+
+                                     BY
+
+                            WILLIAM ELMER BACHMAN
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: GROUP PHOTO OF BATTERY D. 311th F. A.
+Taken at Benoite Vaux, France, March 14, 1919. Reproduced from the
+Official Photo taken by the Photographic Section of the Signal Corps,
+U. S. A.]
+
+
+
+
+                                     To
+                            The memory of our pals
+                           whom we buried in France
+                                 This Book
+                                Is Dedicated
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: WILLIAM E. BACHMAN
+
+ARMY RECORD.
+
+Inducted into service at Hazleton, Penna., November 1st, 1917. Sent
+to Camp Meade, Md., November 2nd, 1917, and assigned as Private to
+Battery D, 311th Field Artillery. Received rank of Private First
+Class, February 4th, 1918. Placed on detached service, May 18th, 1918,
+and assigned as Battery Clerk, First Provisional Battery, Fourth
+Officers' Training School, Camp Meade. Rejoined Battery D June 27th,
+1918, and accompanied outfit to France. Assigned to attend Camouflage
+School at Camp La Courtine, September 30th, 1918, and qualified as
+artillery camouflager. On October 3rd, 1918, was registered, through
+Major A. L. James. Jr., Chief G-2-D, G. H. Q., A. E. F., with the
+American Press Section, 10 Rue St. Anne, Paris, which registration
+carried grant to write for publication in the United States. Remained
+with battery until March 7th, 1919, when selected to attend the
+A. E. F. University, at Beaune, Cote D'Or. Rejoined battery at St.
+Nazaire May 1st, 1919. Discharged at Camp Dix, N. J., June 4th, 1919.]
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD.
+
+
+"You're in the Army now."
+
+"So this is France!"
+
+Oft I heard these phrases repeated as more and more the realization
+dawned, first at Camp Meade, Md., and later overseas, that war seemed
+mostly drudgery with only the personal satisfaction of doing one's
+duty and that Sunny France was rainy most of the time.
+
+The memory of Battery D, 311th U. S. F. A., will never fade in utter
+oblivion in the minds of its members. 'Tis a strange fancy of nature,
+however, gradually to forget many of the associations and
+circumstances of sombre hue as the silver linings appear in our
+respective clouds of life in greater radiance as each day finds us
+drifting farther from ties of camp life.
+
+Soldiers, who once enjoyed the comradeship of camp life, where they
+made many acquaintances and mayhap friends, are now scattered in all
+walks of civilian life. While their minds are yet alive with facts and
+figures, time always effaces concrete absorptions. The time will come
+when a printed record of Battery D will be a joyous reminder.
+
+With these facts in mind I have endeavored to set forth a history of
+the events of the battery and the names and addresses of those who
+belonged.
+
+The records are true to fact and figure, being compilations of my
+diaries, note-books and address album, all verified with utmost care
+before publication.
+
+In future years when the ex-service men and their friends glance over
+this volume, if a moment of pleasant reminiscence is added, this book
+will have fully served its purpose.
+
+                                           WILLIAM ELMER BACHMAN,
+1920.                                                 Hazleton, Penna.
+
+
+
+
+PREFATORY NOTE.
+
+
+An effort has been made in this volume to state as concisely and
+clearly as possible the main events connected with the History of
+Battery D.
+
+To recount in print every specific incident connected with the life of
+the organization, or to attempt a military biographical sketch of
+every battery member, would require many volumes.
+
+My soldier-comrade readers will, no doubt, recall many instances which
+could have been included in this volume with marked appropriateness.
+
+The selection of the material, however, has been with utmost
+consideration and for the expressed purpose of having the complete
+narrative give the non-military reader a general view of the
+conditions and experiences that fell to the lot of the average unit in
+the United States Army in service in this country and overseas.
+
+Grateful acknowledgment is due to those who aided in the verification
+of all material used. Many of the battery members made suggestions
+that have been embodied in the text.
+
+To A. Ernest Shafer, D. C., and Conrad A. Balliet, of Hazleton,
+Penna., belongs credit for information supplied covering periods when
+the author was on detached service from the battery. To Dr. Shafer
+acknowledgment is also due for the use of photographs from which a
+number of the illustrations have been reproduced.
+
+From Prof. Fred H. Bachman, C. A. C., of Hazleton, Penna., who read
+over the manuscript, many valuable suggestions were received.
+
+                                                         W. E. B.
+Hazleton, Penna., 1920.
+
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+SOURCES OF THE DELTA
+     World Events--The Nucleus--Declaration of War. U. S.
+     Joins--Selective Service Plans.
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A CAMP BELCHED FORTH
+     Selection of Camp Meade Site--Cantonment Construction
+     Building Progresses--Home Leaving Preparations.
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+"YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW"
+     Officers at Fort Niagara--Assignment of Officers
+     Barrack org.--New Soldiers Arrive.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+FIRST IMPRESSIONS
+     Description of Barracks--A Day's Routine--Getting
+     Catalogued--Inoculations and Drills--Soldiers Arrive
+     and Leave.
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+LEARNING TO BE A SOLDIER
+     First Non-Commissioned Personnel--Effects of
+     Transfers--Schools--Hikes--Athletics--Idle Hours.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+FLEETING HOURS OF LEAVE
+     Holiday Season Approaches--Thanksgiving Feast Practice
+     Marches--Barrack 0103--Christmas 1917.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+WELL GROOMED BY DETAIL
+     Stable Police--Inspections--Staff Changes.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+BATTERY PROGRESS
+     Formal Retreat--Quarantine--Celebration--Rumors. Baltimore
+     Parade--West Elkridge Hike.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+FAREWELL TO CAMP MEADE
+     Getting Ready--Advance Detail--Departure.
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ABOARD THE S. S. MORVADA
+     Set-Sailing--Coastland Appears--Halifax Harbor--Convoy
+     Assembles.
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+DODGING SUBMARINES
+     Ocean Journey Starts--Transport Life--Sub Scares. Destroyers
+     Delayed--Battle With Subs.
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A ROYAL WELSH RECEPTION
+     Barry, South Wales--Parade--His Majesty's Letter. English
+     Rail Journey.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A BRITISH REST CAMP
+     Crowded Tenting--English Mess--A Rainy Hike. Off for
+     Southampton--Flight Across the Channel.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+"SO THIS IS FRANCE!"
+     Cherbourg--A Battery Bath--Side-Door Pullmans. Montmorillon.
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+WHITE TROOPS INVADE MONTMORILLON
+     Racial Difficulties--French Billets--Impressions. The
+     Gartempe.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ACTIVE TRAINING AT LA COURTINE
+     To La Courtine--French Artillery Camp--Russian Revolt--Life
+     on the Range--Sickness--Casualties.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+NOVEMBER 11th AT LA COURTINE
+     November 7th--November 11th--Celebration--Farewell
+     Banquet--Ville Sous La Ferte--Fuel Details--Delayed Departure.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+MUD AND BLANCHEVILLE
+     Mud and Rats--Historic Monteclair--Thanksgiving 1918--Candle
+     Mystery--Sick Horses Arrive.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AN ADVENTUROUS CONVOY
+     Belgian Trip Proposed--100 Volunteers--Remount 13--Convoying
+     Mules--Christmas 1918.
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+ON THE ROAD TO BENOITE VAUX
+     Anxious to Join Division--First Service Stripe--A. E. F. Leave
+     Centers--Mounted Hikes--Overland to Benoite Vaux.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+WAR ORPHANS AND HORSE SHOWS
+     Two Battery Mascots--Battalion and Regimental Shows--Division
+     and Corps Shows--More Personnel Changes--Maneuvres--More
+     Sickness and Casualties.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+HOMEWARD BOUND
+     Boncourt--Cirey les Mareilles--Divisional Review. Camp
+     Montoir--St. Nazaire--Edward Luckenbach--New York--Camp
+     Dix--Home.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE LORRAINE CROSS
+     Story of the Seventy-Ninth Divisional Insignia.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+BATTERY D HONOR ROLL
+     Names of Those Who Died and Graves Where Buried.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+"ONE OF US"
+     Tribute to Private First Class Joseph A. Loughran.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+IN MEMORIAM
+     In Memory of Departed Comrades.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+FIRST BATTERY D STAFF
+     First Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Personnel.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+BATTERY D OFFICERS
+     Complete List of Officers Associated With the Battery.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+ROSTER OF BATTERY D
+     List of Names That Comprised the Sailing List of the U. S. S.
+     Edward Luckenbach.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+RECORD OF BATTERY TRANSFERS
+     Those Who Gained Commissions--List of Men Transferred to Other
+     Organizations.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+PERSONALITIES
+     A Few Battery Reflections.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A FEW GENERAL ORDERS
+     Messages From Several of the Officers.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+MEMORABLE DATES
+     Calendar of Battery's Eventful Dates.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTIONS.
+
+
+Group Photo of Battery D
+
+William Elmer Bachman
+
+Albert L. Smith
+
+David A. Reed
+
+Perry E. Hall
+
+Sidney F. Bennett
+
+C. D. Bailey
+
+Frank J. Hamilton
+
+Third Class French Coach
+
+Side-Door Pullman Special
+
+Interior of French Box Car
+
+A Real American Special
+
+Montmorillon Station
+
+Montmorillon Street Scene
+
+Entrance to Camp La Courtine
+
+American Y. M. C. A. at Camp La Courtine
+
+A Battery D Kitchen Crew
+
+Group of Battery D Sergeants
+
+Battery D on the Road
+
+Aboard The Edward Luckenbach
+
+At Bush Terminal
+
+Serving Battery Mess Along the Road
+
+Battery D on the Road
+
+Lorraine Cross
+
+Joseph A. Loughran
+
+Cemetery at La Courtine
+
+Horace J. Fardon
+
+Grave of William Reynolds
+
+Barrack at Camp La Courtine
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+SOURCES OF THE DELTA.
+
+
+Official records in the archives of the War Department at Washington
+will preserve for future posterity the record of Battery D, of the
+311th United States Field Artillery.
+
+In those records there is written deep and indelibly the date of May
+30th, 1919, as the date of Battery D's official demobilization. The
+history of Battery D, therefore, can be definitely terminated, but a
+more difficult task is presented in establishing a point of inception.
+
+The development of Battery D was gradual--like a tiny stream, flowing
+on in its course, converging with the 311th Regimental, 154th Brigade,
+and 79th Division tides until it reached the sea of war-tossed Europe;
+there to flow and ebb; finally to lose its identity in the ocean of
+official discharge.
+
+The Egyptians of old traversed the course of their river Nile, from
+its indefinite sources along the water-sheds of its plateaux and
+mountains, and, upon arriving at its mouth they found a tract of land
+enclosed by the diverging branches of the river's mouth and the
+Mediterranean seacoast, and traversed by other branches of the river.
+This triangular tract represented the Greek letter "Delta," a word
+which civilization later adopted as a coinage of adequate description.
+
+Fine silt, brought down in suspension by a muddy river and deposited
+to form the Delta when the river reaches the sea, accumulates from
+many sources.
+
+In similar light the silt of circumstances that resulted in the
+formation of the Delta of the Triple Elevens, accumulated from many
+sources, the very nucleus transpiring on June 28, 1914, when the heir
+to the Austrian throne, the archduke of Austria, and his wife, were
+assassinated at Sarajevo, in the Austrian province of Bosnia, by a
+Serbian student.
+
+Austria immediately demanded reparation from Serbia. Serbia declared
+herself willing to accede to all of Austria's demands, but refused to
+sacrifice her national honor. Austria thereby took the pretext to
+renew a quarrel that had been going on for centuries.
+
+Long diplomatic discussions resulted--culminating on July 28, 1914,
+with a declaration of war by Austria against Serbia. This, so to
+speak, opened the flood-gates, letting loose the mighty river of blood
+and slaughter that flowed over all Europe.
+
+The days that followed added new sensations and thrills to
+every life. The river of war flowed nearer our own peaceful shores as
+the days passed and the news dispatches brought us the intelligence of
+Germany's declaration of relentless submarine warfare and the
+subsequent announcement of the United States' diplomatic break with
+Germany.
+
+Momentum was gained as reports of disaster and wilful acts followed
+with increasing rapidity. The sinking of American vessels disclosed a
+ruthlessness of method that was gravely condemned in President
+Wilson's message of armed-neutrality, only to be followed by acts of
+more wilful import--finally evoking the proclamation, April 6, 1917,
+declaring a state of war in existence between the United States and
+the Imperial German government.
+
+Clear and loud war's alarm rang throughout the United States. All
+activity centered in the selection of a vast army to aid in the great
+fight for democracy. Plans were promulgated with decision and
+preciseness. On June 5th, 1917, ten millions of Americans between the
+ages of 21 and 31 years, among the number being several hundred who
+were later to become associated with Battery D, of the 311th F. A.,
+registered for military service.
+
+The war department issued an order, July 13, 1917, calling into
+military service 678,000 men, to be selected from the number who
+registered on June 5th. Days of conjecture followed. Who would be
+called first?
+
+July 20th brought forth the greatest lottery of all time. The drawing
+of number 258 by Secretary of War Newton D. Baker started the list of
+selective drawings to determine the order of eligibility of the young
+men in the 4,557 selective districts in the United States.
+
+War's preparations moved rapidly. Selective service boards, with due
+deliberation, made ready for the organization of the selective
+contingents. While the boards toiled and the eligible young men went
+through the process of examination, resulting in acceptance or
+rejection, officials of the war department were planning the camps.
+
+Battery D and the 311th Field Artillery were in the stages of
+organization but plans of military housing had to mature before the
+young men who were to form the organization, could be inducted into
+service, thereby bringing to official light The Delta of the Triple
+Elevens.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A CAMP BELCHED FORTH.
+
+
+On that eventful day in 1914, when the war clouds broke over Europe,
+the farmers of Anne Arundel county, Maryland, in the then peaceful
+land of the United States, toiled with their ploughshares under the
+glisten of the bright sun; content with their lot of producing more
+than half of the tomato crop of the country; content to harvest their
+abundant crops of strawberries and cucumbers and corn, to say nothing
+of the wonderful orchards of apples and pears, and not forgetting the
+wild vegetation of sweet potatoes.
+
+The peaceful, pastoral life in the heart of Maryland, however, was
+destined to be disturbed. A vast American army was needed and the vast
+army, then in the process of organization, needed an abode for
+training. Battery D and the 311th Field Artillery was organized on
+paper soon after the call for 678,000 selected service men was decided
+upon. The personnel of the new organization was being determined by
+the selective service boards. Officers to command the organization
+were under intensive instruction at Fort Niagara, New York. All that
+was needed to bring the organization into official military being was
+a point of concentration.
+
+The task of locating sites for the sixteen army cantonments, decreed
+to birth throughout the United States, presented many difficulties.
+What could be more natural, however, than the fertile farm lands of
+Anne Arundel county, almost within shadow of the National Capital, to
+be selected as the site of a cantonment to be named after General
+George Gordon Meade?
+
+Territory in the immediate vicinity of Admiral and Disney was the
+ideal selection: ideal because the territory is only eighteen miles
+from Baltimore, the metropolis of the South; one hundred miles from
+Philadelphia, the principal city of the State which was to furnish
+most of the recruits; and twenty-two miles from Washington, the
+Capital of the Nation.
+
+Situated between the heart of the South and the heart of the Nation,
+Camp Meade is easily accessible by rail. Ease of access through
+mail-line facilities, was a necessity for transportation of building
+materials and supplies before and during construction. The same
+facilities furnished the transportation for the large bodies of troops
+that were sent to and from the camp; also assured the cantonment its
+daily supply of rations.
+
+Admiral Junction furnished adequate railroad yard for the camp.
+The Baltimore and Ohio railroad station is at Disney, about one-half
+mile west of Admiral; while the Pennsylvania Railroad junction on the
+main line between Baltimore and Washington is at Odenton, about one
+and one-half miles east of Admiral. Naval Academy Junction is near
+Odenton and is the changing point on the electric line between the two
+chief cities. The magic-like upbuild of the cantonment, moreover, was
+the signal for the extension of the electric line to encircle the very
+center of the big military city, thus adding an additional link of
+convenience.
+
+Camp Meade having been officially decided upon as the home of the 79th
+Division, a sanitary engineer, a town planner, and an army officer,
+representing the commanding general, were named to meet on the ground,
+where they inspected the location, estimated its difficulties, and
+then proceeded to make a survey in the quickest way possible, calling
+upon local engineers for assistance and asking for several railroad
+engineering corps.
+
+The town-planner, or landscape architect, then drew the plans for the
+cantonment, laying it out to conform with the topography of the
+location and taking into consideration railroad trackage, roads,
+drainage, and the like. Given the site it was the job of the
+town-planner to distribute the necessary buildings and grounds of a
+typical cantonment as shown in type plans.
+
+The general design for the camp was prepared by Harlan P. Kelsey, of
+"city beautiful" fame, who was one of the experts called on by the war
+department to aid the government in the emergency of preparing for
+war.
+
+After the town-planner came Major Ralph F. Proctor, of Baltimore, Md.,
+who on July 2nd, 1917, as constructing quartermaster, look charge of
+the task of building the cantonment. Standing on the porch of a little
+frame-house situated on a knoll, set in the midst of a pine forest,
+Major Proctor gave the order that set saw and axe in motion; saws and
+axes manned by fifteen thousand workmen, consecrated to the task of
+throwing up a war-time city in record time.
+
+Chips flew high and trees were felled and soon the knoll belched forth
+a group of buildings, fringed by the pine of the forest--to be
+dedicated as divisional headquarters--around which, with speed
+none-the-less magic-like, land encircling was cleared and buildings
+and parade grounds sprang up in quick succession.
+
+The dawn of September month saw over one thousand wooden barracks
+erected on the ground, most of which were spacious enough to provide
+sleeping quarters for about two hundred and fifty men; also hundreds
+of other buildings ready to be occupied for administrative purposes.
+
+While workmen of all trades diligently plied their hands to the work
+of constructing the cantonment, hundreds of young men were getting
+ready to leave their homes on September 5th, as the van-guard of the
+40,000 who were in the course of time to report to Camp Meade for
+military duty. The cantonment, however, was not fully prepared to
+receive them and while the first contingent of Battery D men were
+inducted into service on September 5th, the cantonment was not deemed
+sufficiently ready to receive them until almost two weeks later.
+
+[Illustration: *CAPT. ALBERT L. SMITH*]
+
+ARMY RECORD.
+
+Discharged from the National Guard of Pennsylvania, First Troop,
+Philadelphia City Cavalry, after seven years of service, to enter
+First Officers' Training Camp at Camp Niagara, N. Y., May 8th, 1917.
+Commissioned Captain, Field Artillery Reserve, August 15th, 1917, and
+ordered to report to Camp Meade, Md., August 29th, 1917. Placed in
+command of Battery D, 311th Field Artillery. Accompanied battery to
+France and remained with outfit until ordered to Paris on temporary
+duty in the Inspector General's Department, February, 1919. Rejoined
+regiment to become Regimental Adjutant May 6th, 1919. Discharged at
+Camp Dix, N. J., May 30th, 1919.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW.
+
+
+At Fort Niagara, situated on the bleak shores of the River Niagara,
+New York State, the nucleus of the first commissioned personnel of
+Battery D assembled, after enlistment, during the month of May, 1917,
+and began a course of intensive training at the First Officers'
+Training School, finally to be commissioned on August 15th in the
+Field Artillery Reserve.
+
+On August 13th, pursuant to authority contained in a telegram from the
+Adjutant General of the Army, a detachment of the Reserve Officers
+from the Second Battery at Fort Niagara were ordered to active duty
+with the New National Army, proceeding to and reporting in person not
+later than August 29th to the Commanding General, Camp Meade, for
+duty.
+
+A day's brief span after their arrival at Camp Meade--while the
+officers, who were the first of the new army units on the scene of
+training, were busily engaged in dragging their brand new camp
+paraphernalia over the hot sands of July-time Meade,--the dirt and
+sand mingling freely with the perspiration occasioned by the broiling
+sun,--to their first assigned barracks in B block, an order arrived on
+August 30th, assigning the officers to the various batteries,
+headquarters, supply company, or regimental staff of the 311th Field
+Artillery, that was to be housed in O block of the cantonment.
+
+Captain Albert L. Smith, of Philadelphia, Pa., was placed in command
+of Battery D. Other assignments to Battery D included: First
+Lieutenant Arthur H. McGill, of New Castle, Pa.; Second Lieutenant
+Hugh M. Clarke, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Robert S.
+Campbell, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Frank F. Yeager, of
+Philadelphia, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Frank J. Hamilton, of
+Philadelphia, Pa.; Second Lieutenant Berkley Courtney, of Fullerton,
+Md.
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel Charles G. Mortimer was placed in command of the
+regiment on August 28, 1917. He remained in command until January 17,
+1918, when Colonel Raymond W. Briggs was assigned as regimental
+commander. Both are old army men and were well trained for the post of
+command. On March 31st, Col. Briggs, who had been in France and
+returned to take command of the 311th, was again relieved of command,
+being transferred to another outfit to prepare for overseas duty a
+second time. Lieut. Col. Mortimer had charge until June 10th,
+1918, when he was promoted to Colonel, remaining in command
+until the regiment was mustered out of service.
+
+Major David A. Reed, of Pittsburgh, Pa., was placed in command of the
+2nd Battalion of the 311th at organization and remained with the
+outfit until put on detached service in France after the signing of
+the armistice. Major Herbert B. Hayden, a West Point cadet, was
+assigned to the command of the 1st Battalion of the regiment. When
+time to depart for overseas came he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel
+of the regiment. Capt. Wood, of Battery A, was made Major of the 1st
+Battalion and First-Lieut. Arthur McGill, of Battery D, was placed in
+command of Battery A. Later he was given the rank of captain.
+
+Major-General Joseph E. Kuhn was commanding officer of the 79th
+Division and Brigadier General Andrew Hero, Jr., commanded the 154th
+Field Artillery Brigade.
+
+"O" block, in the plan of Camp Meade, was designated as the training
+center of the 311th Field Artillery and barrack No. 19 was the shelter
+selected for Battery D.
+
+Barrack 019 was situated in a small glade of trees which fringed the
+edge of the horse-shoe curve that the general plan of cantonment
+construction assumed. The spurs of the great horse-shoe were at Disney
+and Admiral. The blocks of regimental areas starting at Disney,
+designated by A block, followed the horse-shoe, encircling at the base
+hospital in alphabetical designation. "N" and "O" blocks nestled in a
+glade of trees, partially sheltered from the Southern sun, just around
+the bend in the curve of the road from the base-hospital. "Y" block
+formed the other end of the spur at Admiral--while divisional
+headquarters rested on the knoll in the center of the horse-shoe.
+
+It was at "O" block the newly assigned officers established themselves
+and made ready to receive the first influx of the selected personnel.
+Blankets and cots and barrels and cans and kitchen utensils began to
+arrive by the truck load and the officers in feverish haste divided
+the blankets, put up as many cots as they could, and established some
+semblance of order in the mess hall. They were pegging diligently at
+their tasks when the first troop trains pulled in at Disney on
+September 19th and unloaded the first detachment of future soldiers.
+
+Scenes of home-leaving and farewells to the home-folks and loved ones,
+which first transpired on September 19th, to be repeated with
+similarity as subsequent quotas of recruits entrained for military
+service, were of too sacred a nature to attempt an adequate
+description.
+
+What might have been the thoughts of the individual at the breaking of
+home-ties and during the long, tiresome railroad journey to Camp
+Meade, were buried deep in the heart, to be cherished as a future
+memory only. Personal griefs were hidden as those seven hundred young
+men in civilian clothes stepped from the train at Disney, grasped
+their suit case, box, or bundle, firmly and set out on the mile and a
+quarter hike through the camp--past divisional headquarters;
+perspiring freely under the heat of the setting sun. It was with an
+appearance of carelessness and humor they jaunted along, singing at
+times, "You're in the Army Now"--finally to breast the rise of the
+hill previous to "O" block, the descent thereof which was to mark the
+first stage of their transformation from civilian to soldier.
+
+Descent of the hill lead down to a sandy square in front of a long
+building that housed regimental headquarters. After, what seemed like
+hours to the recruits lined-up, roll of the seven hundred was called,
+divisions made, and the first quota of Battery D was marched to 019.
+
+[Illustration: *MAJOR DAVID A. REED*
+
+ARMY RECORD.
+
+Enlisted in the service of the United States Army, May 11th, 1917,
+and received commission as Major at the First Officers' Training Camp,
+Fort Niagara. N. Y. Was ordered to Camp Meade. Md., August 29th, 1917,
+and placed in command of the Second Battalion, 311th Field Artillery.
+Accompanied the outfit to France. On detached service with the
+Interallied Armistice Commission, Spa, Belgium, from November 20th,
+1918, to February 1st, 1919. Was awarded the French Legion of Honor
+medal April 4th, 1919. Discharged February 26th, 1919. Got commission
+as Lieutenant-Colonel in the Field Artillery Reserve, August 6th,
+1919.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
+
+
+Iron-bound was the rule. You couldn't escape it. Every selected man
+who entered Camp Meade had to submit. Of course, the new recruits were
+given a dinner shortly after their arrival--but not without first
+taking a bath.
+
+019, like all the other barracks of the cantonment, was a wooden
+structure, 150 x 50 feet, two stories in height. Half of the first
+floor housed the kitchen and dining hall while the remainder of the
+building was given over to sleeping quarters, with the exception of a
+corner set apart as the battery office and supply room--a most
+business-like place, from which the soldier usually steered shy,
+unless he wanted something, or had a kick to register about serving as
+K. P., or on some other official detail when he remembered having done
+a turn at the said detail just a few days previous.
+
+The rows of army cots and army blankets presented a different picture
+to the new soldier at first appearance, in comparison to the snug bed
+room, with its sheets and comfortables, that remained idle back home.
+The first night's sleep, however, was none-the-less just, the same
+Camp Meade cot furnishing the superlative to latter comparisons when a
+plank in a barn of France felt good to weary bones.
+
+Before rolling-in the first night every one was made acquainted with
+reveille, but no one expected to be awakened in the middle of the
+night by the bugle calling, "I Can't Get 'Em Up, etc., etc." Could it
+be a mistake? No, indeed, it was 5:15 a. m., and the soldier was
+summoned to roll-out and prepare for his first real day as a soldier.
+
+"Get dressed in ten minutes and line up outside in battery-front for
+roll call," was the first order of the day. Then followed a few
+precious moments for washing up in the Latrine, which was a large bath
+house connected with the barrack.
+
+Before the call, "Come and Get It" was sounded the more ambitious of
+the recruits folded their blankets and tidied up their cots. When mess
+call was sounded but few had to be called the second time.
+
+The hour of 7:30 was set for the day's work to begin, the first
+command of which was "Outside, and Police-Up." In the immediate
+vicinity of the battery area there was always found a multitude of
+cigarette butts, match stems, chewing gum wrappers, and what not, and
+the place had to be cleaned up every morning. If Battery D had
+saved all the "snips" and match stems they policed-up and placed them
+end by each the Atlantic could have been spanned and the expense of
+the Steamship Morvada probably saved.
+
+The first few weeks of camp life were not strenuous in the line of
+military routine. Detail was always the long-suit at Camp Meade.
+During the first few days at camp if the new recruit was lucky enough
+to be off detail work, the time was usually employed in filling out
+qualification cards, identification cards; telling your family
+history; making application for government insurance; subscribing to
+Liberty bonds; telling what you would like to be in the army; where
+you wanted your remains shipped; getting your finger-prints taken, and
+also getting your first jab in the arm which gave the first insight
+into a typhoid inoculation.
+
+When a moment of ease presented itself during the life
+examination--the supply sergeant got busy and started to hand out what
+excess supplies he had and, in the matter of uniforms, of which there
+was always an undercess, measurements were taken with all the
+exactness and precision befitting a Fifth Avenue tailoring
+establishment. Why measurements were ever taken has ever remained a
+mystery, because almost every soldier can remember wearing his
+civilian clothes thread-bare by the time the supply sergeant was able
+to snatch up a few blouses and trousers at the quartermasters. And
+these in turn were passed out to the nearest fits. It was a case of
+line-up and await your turn to try and get a fit, but a mental fit
+almost always ensued in the game of line-up for this and line-up for
+that in the army.
+
+After being enmeshed in such a coil of red tape all of one whole day,
+5 o'clock sounded Retreat, when instruction was given on how to stand
+at ease; how to assume the position of "parade-rest"; then, to snap
+into attention.
+
+Evening mess was always a joyful time, as was the evening, when the
+soldier was free to visit the Y. M. C. A. and later the Liberty
+Theatre, or partake of the many other welfare activities that
+developed in the course of time. From the first day, however, 9:45 p.
+m. was the appointed hour that called to quarters, and taps at 10
+o'clock each night sounded the signal for lights out and everybody in
+bunk.
+
+The inoculations were three in number, coming at ten day intervals.
+When it came time for the second "jab", the paper work was well under
+way and the call was issued for instruction on the field of drill
+to begin. Many a swollen arm caused gentle memories as part of each
+day was gradually being given over to, first calesthenics, then to a
+knowledge of the school of the soldier. The recruit was taught the
+correct manner of salute, right and left face, about face, and double
+time.
+
+Newly designated sergeants and corporals were conscripted to the task
+of squad supervision and many exasperating occasions arose when a
+recruit got the wrong "foots" in place and was commanded to "change
+the foots."
+
+Meals for the first contingent of pioneer recruits ranged from rank to
+worse, until the boys parted company with their French civilian cooks
+and set up their own culinary department with Sergeant Joseph A.
+Loughran, of Hazleton. Pa., in charge. August H. Genetti and Edward
+Campbell, both of Hazleton. Pa.; George Musial, of Miners Mills, Pa.,
+and Charles A. Trostel, of Scranton, Pa., were installed as the
+pioneer cooks. By this mess change the soldiers who arrived in later
+contingents were served more on the American plan of cooking.
+
+On September 21st, 1917, came the second section of the selected
+quotas, bringing more men to Battery D. Their reception varied little
+from the first contingent's, with the exception that the first arrived
+soldiers were on the ground to offer all kinds of advice--some of the
+advice almost scaring the new men stiff.
+
+The future contingents were greeted with a more completed camp,
+because the construction work was continued many weeks after the
+soldiers began to arrive. And, in passing, it might be recorded, that
+the construction work continued long after the contractors finished
+their contracts. Military-like it was done by "detail."
+
+On October 4th and 5th more recruits arrived and then on November 2nd
+another large contingent arrived and was assigned to Battery D. This
+was the last selected quota to be received directly into the regiment,
+for, thereafter, the Depot Brigade received all the newly selected
+men.
+
+Almost all of the recruits of the first few contingents, including the
+delegation that arrived on November 2nd, came from Eastern
+Pennsylvania, from the Hazleton, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre districts
+of the Middle Anthracite Coal Fields. The delegation that arrived on
+November 2nd was accompanied by St. Ann's Band, of Freeland, Pa. The
+band remained in camp over the week-end, during which time a
+number of concerts were rendered. The band was highly praised for its
+interest and patriotism.
+
+All the men originally assigned to Battery D were not to remain with
+the organization throughout their military life. On October 15th,
+1917, Battery D lost about half of its members in a quota of 500 of
+the regiment who were transferred to Camp Gordon, Georgia. On November
+5th, two hundred more were transferred from the regiment and on
+February 5th, seventy-two left to join the Fifth Artillery Brigade at
+Camp Leon Springs, Texas.
+
+The latter part of May Battery D received a share of 931 recruits sent
+to the regiment from the 14th Training Battalion of the 154th Depot
+Brigade at Camp Meade. On July 2nd and 3rd, one hundred and fifty more
+came to the regiment from the Depot Brigade; 540 from Camp Dix, N. J.,
+and Camp Upton, N. Y.; fifty from the aviation fields of the South;
+and a quota from the Quartermaster Corps in Florida.
+
+Many of these did not remain long with the battery. In the latter part
+of June and the beginning of July the battery was reduced to nearly
+one-half and the March replacement draft to Camp Merritt took
+thirty-two picked men from the regiment. This ended the transfers.
+While in progress, the transfers rendered the regiment like unto a
+Depot Brigade. Over four thousand men passed through the regiment,
+five hundred of the number passing through Battery D.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+LEARNING TO BE A SOLDIER.
+
+
+"Dress it up!"
+
+And--
+
+"Make it snappy!"
+
+"One, two, three, four."
+
+"Now you've got it!"
+
+"That's good. Hold it!"
+
+"Hep."
+
+Battery D had lots of "pep" during the days of Camp Meade regime.
+
+First Sergeant William C. Thompson, of Forest, Mississippi, kept
+things lively for the first few months with his little whistle,
+followed by the command, "Outside!"
+
+Merrill C. Liebensberger, of Hazleton, Penna., served as the first
+supply sergeant of the battery. David B. Koenig, also of Hazleton,
+Penna., ranking first as corporal and later as sergeant, was kept busy
+with office work, acting in the capacity of battery clerk. Lloyd E.
+Brown, of East Richmond, Indiana, served as the first instrument
+sergeant of the battery. John M. Harman, of Hazleton, Penna., was the
+first signal-sergeant to be appointed.
+
+It might be remarked in passing that Messrs. Thompson, Liebensberger,
+and Harman were destined for leadership rank. Before the outfit sailed
+for overseas all three had gained application to officers' training
+schools, and were, in the course of time, commissioned as lieutenants.
+Battery Clerk Koenig continued to serve the outfit in an efficient
+manner throughout its sojourn in France. Instrument-Sergeant Brown
+early in 1918 answered a call for volunteers to go to France with a
+tank corps. While serving abroad he succumbed to an attack of
+pneumonia and his body occupies a hero's resting place in foreign
+soil.
+
+A wonderful spirit was manifested in the affairs of Battery D despite
+the fact that the constant transfer of men greatly hampered the work
+of assembling and training a complete battery for active service in
+France. Men who spent weeks in mastering the fundamentals of the
+soldier regulations were taken from the organization, to be replaced
+by civilians, whereby the training had to start from the
+beginning. This caused many changes in plans, systems, and policies.
+Rejections were also made for physical disabilities.
+
+For the greater part of the Camp Meade history of the battery, the
+organization lacked sufficient men to perform all the detail work.
+Thus days and days passed without any military instruction being
+imparted.
+
+Instruction in army signalling by wigwag and semaphore was started
+whenever a squad or two could be spared from the routine of detail.
+Then followed instruction on folding horse blankets, of care of horses
+and harness, and lessons in equitation, carried out on barrels and
+logs.
+
+Stables and corrals were in the course of construction. By the time
+snow made its appearance in November horses were received, also more
+detail.
+
+First lessons in the duties of gun-crews and driving squads were also
+attempted. Materiel was a minus quantity for a long time, wooden
+imitations sufficing for guns until several 3.2's were procured for
+the regiment. Later on the regiment was furnished with five 3-inch
+U. S. field pieces. Training then assumed more definite form. For
+weeks and weeks the gun crews trained without any prospects of ever
+getting ammunition and firing actual salvos.
+
+Learning to be a soldier also developed into a process of going to
+school. Men were assigned to attend specialty classes. Schools were
+established for gunners, schools for snipers, schools for
+non-commissioned officers. Here it might be stated that the first
+non-coms envied the buck-privates when it came to attending
+non-commissioned officers' school one night a week when all the bucks
+were down enjoying the show at the Y hut or the Liberty Theatre.
+
+Schools were started for all kinds of special and mechanical duty men;
+schools to teach gas-defense; buzzer schools; telephone schools;
+smoke-bomb and hand-grenade courses; and map-reading and sketching
+schools. Sergeant Earl H. Schleppy, of Hazleton, Penna., who assisted
+in the battery office work before he was appointed supply-sergeant,
+developed extra lung capacity while the various schools were in
+progress. It became his duty to assemble the diverse classes prior to
+the start of instruction. He was kept busy yelling for the soldiers to
+assemble for class work.
+
+It soon developed in the minds of the men that war-time military life
+was mostly drudgery with only the personal satisfaction of doing
+one's duty. Hardships and drudgery, however, did not mar the
+ambition of the soldier for recreation. Baltimore and Washington were
+nearby and passes were in order every Saturday to visit these cities.
+
+Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, during the first few months of camp
+life, were off-periods for the soldiers, but later Wednesday afternoon
+developed as an afternoon of sport and the men took keen interest in
+the numerous athletic interests which were promoted.
+
+On Tuesday, November 6th, a half-holiday was proclaimed and Election
+Day observed throughout the camp. The soldiers who availed themselves
+of the opportunity of marking the complicated soldier ballot that was
+provided, cast the last vote, in many instances, until after their
+official discharge.
+
+Daily hikes were on the program in the beginning to develop a hardness
+of muscle in the new soldiers. Lieut. Robert Campbell was in charge of
+the majority of the daily hikes at the off-set. His hobby was to hike
+a mile then jaunt a mile. When it came to long distant running Lieut.
+Campbell was on the job. He made many a soldier sweat in the attempt
+to drag along the hob-nailed field shoes on a run. Hikes later were
+confined to Wednesday afternoon.
+
+Battery D always put up a good showing in the numerous athletic
+contests. On Saturday, November 10th, the Battery won the second
+banner in the Inter-Battalion Meet; in celebration of which a parade
+and demonstration was held on the afternoon of the victory day.
+
+Music was not lost sight of. The boys of Battery D collected the sum
+of $175 for the purchase of a piano for barrack 019. Phil Cusick, of
+Parsons, Penna., was the one generally sought out to keep the ivories
+busy. November 19th witnessed the first gathering together of the
+regiment on the parade grounds for a big song fest under the
+leadership of the divisional music director. Battery and battalion
+song jubilees were conducted at intervals in the O block Y hut.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+FLEETING HOURS OF LEAVE
+
+
+Towering like a giant over the uniform type of barrack and buildings
+at Camp Meade, stood a large observation tower, situated on what was
+known as the "plaza," the site of divisional headquarters. A general
+panorama from this tower was an inspiring sight. Radiating from the
+plaza, extending for several miles in any direction the gaze was
+focused, there appeared the vista of the barracks of the troops
+together with the sectional Y. M. C. A.'s canteens, stables, corrals
+and other supply and administration buildings; also the interposing,
+spacious drill fields.
+
+The beauty of this scene was enhanced by the mantle of snow that often
+garbed it during the winter mouths. To see a city of 40,000 in such
+uniformity as marked the cantonment construction; with its buildings
+covered with snow; the large drill fields spread with a blanket of
+snow; and, a snow storm raging--is a tonic for any lover of nature.
+
+On the night of Wednesday, November 28th, the first snow greeted the
+new soldiers at Camp Meade. The ground, robed in white, breathed the
+spirit of the approaching holiday season. The coming of Thanksgiving
+found discussion in 019 centered on the subject of passes to visit
+"home."
+
+On November 24th fifteen of D battery men were granted forty-eight
+hour leaves and departed for their respective homes. All the officers
+remained in camp and planned with the men to enjoy the holiday.
+
+The Thanksgiving dinner enjoyed by Battery D was one never to be
+forgotten in army life. Mess-Sergeant Al Loughran and the battery
+cooks, ably championed by the K. P.'s, worked hard for the success of
+the Thanksgiving battery dinner. Battalion and battery officers dined
+with the men, the noon-mess being attendant by the following menu:
+
+
+                          Oyster Cocktail
+Snowed Potatoes            Roast Turkey                Turkey Filling
+      Cranberry Sauce            Celery                  Peas
+        Oranges     Apples     Candy       Cake       Nuts
+                Bread        Butter       Coffee
+                            Mince Pie
+                  Cigarettes          Cigars
+
+
+Sweet dreams of this dinner often haunted the boys when
+"bully-beef" was the mainstay day after day many times during the
+sojourn in France.
+
+After the dinner officers and battery members adjourned to the second
+floor of the barrack where battery talent furnished an entertainment,
+consisting of instrumental and vocal numbers and winding up with
+several good boxing bouts. Barney McCaffery, of Hazleton, Penna., a
+professional pugilist, was the pride of the battery in the ring.
+
+Corporal Frank McCabe, of Parsons, Penna., was one of the real
+comedians of the battery. His character impersonations enlivened many
+an evening in 019. Every member of the outfit was deeply grieved when
+Corporal McCabe was admitted to the base-hospital the latter part of
+January, suffering with heart trouble. On January 24th at 8:20 p. m.,
+Corporal McCabe died. This first casualty of the battery struck a note
+of sympathetic appeal among the battery members. A guard of honor from
+the battery accompanied the body to Parsons where interment was made
+with military honors.
+
+After Thanksgiving Battery D settled down to an intensive schedule of
+instruction. Days of rain, snow, and zero weather followed, making the
+routine very disagreeable at times, but never acting as a demoralizer.
+Days that could not be devoted to out-door work were used to advantage
+for the schedule of lecture periods during which the officers
+conducted black board drills to visualize many of the problems
+connected with artillery work.
+
+On December 6th, 1917, a series of regimental practice marches were
+instituted, first on foot, then on mount. The first mounted marches,
+however, were rather sore-ending affairs, as were the first lessons in
+equitation. Saddles and bridles were lacking as equipment for many
+weeks after the receipt of the horses. Mounted drill, riding
+bare-back, with nothing but a halter chain as a bridle, was the
+initiatory degree of Battery D's equitation.
+
+Barrack 0103, about half the size and situated in the rear of 019, was
+completed on December 19th, when a portion of Battery D men were
+quartered in the new structure, thereby relieving the congestion in
+019.
+
+Christmas and New Year's of 1917 furnished another controversy on the
+question of holiday furloughs. On Saturday, December 15th, inspection
+was called off and forty men were detailed to bring more horses
+from the Remount station for use in the battery. The detail completed
+its task faithfully, the men being happy in the thought that,
+according to instructions, they had, the night previous, made
+application for Christmas passes. Gloom greeted the end of the day's
+horse convoy. Announcement was made that all Christmas pass orders had
+been rescinded in the camp.
+
+The gloom was not shattered until December 20th, when announcement was
+made at retreat formation that half of the battery would be allowed
+Christmas passes and the other half would be given furloughs over New
+Year's Day. The loudest yell that ever greeted the "dismissed" command
+at the close of retreat, rent the atmosphere at that time.
+
+More disappointments were in store for the boys before their dreams of
+a furlough home were realized. Saturday, December 22nd, was decreed a
+day of martial review at Camp Meade. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker
+visited the cantonment that day and the review was staged in his
+honor. Battery D formed with the regiment on the battery street in
+front of 019 at 1:20 o'clock on the afternoon of the review. The
+ground was muddy and slushy. The regiment stood in formation until
+3:15 o'clock when the march to pass the reviewing stand started. At
+4:30 o'clock the review formation was dismissed and the boys dashed
+back to 019 to get ready to leave on their Christmas furloughs.
+
+It was a happy bunch that left 019 at 5:15 p. m. that day, under the
+direction of Lieut. Berkley Courtney, bound for the railroad station
+and home. An hour later the same bunch were seen trudging back to 019.
+Their happiness had suddenly taken wing. A mix-up in train schedules
+left them stranded in camp for the night, while the hours of their
+passes slowly ticked on, to be lost to their enjoyment.
+
+The "get-away" was successfully effected the next morning, Sunday,
+December 23rd, when the same contingent marched to Disney, reaching
+the railroad yard at 7:30 o'clock, where they were doomed to wait
+until 9:15 a. m. until the train left for Baltimore.
+
+More favorable train connections fell to the lot of the New Year's
+sojourners to the land of "home."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+WELL GROOMED BY DETAIL.
+
+
+"This is some job."
+
+And the opinion was unanimous when stable detail at Camp Meade was in
+question, especially during the winter of 1917-18, which the Baltimore
+weather bureau recorded as the coldest in 101 years. Stable detail at
+first consisted of five "buck" privates, whose duty it was to take
+care of "Kaiser," "Hay-Belly," and all the other battery horses for a
+period of three days.
+
+When on stable detail you arose at 5:45 a. m.; quietly dressed,
+without lights, went to the stables and breakfasted the animals. If
+you were a speed artist you might get back in time for your own
+breakfast.
+
+After breakfast you immediately reported to the stable-sergeant, who
+was Anthony Fritzen, of Scranton, Penna. The horses were then led to
+the corral and the real stable duties of the day commenced. In leading
+the horses through the stable to the corral, the length of your life
+was dependant upon your ability to duck the hoofs of the ones
+remaining in the stables.
+
+When it came to cleaning the stables, many a "buck" private made a
+resolve that in the next war he was going to enlist as a
+"mule-skinner." Driving the battery wagon bore the earmarks of being a
+job of more dignity than loading the wagon.
+
+Besides cleaning the stables and "graining-up" for the horses, the day
+of the stable police was spent in miscellaneous jobs, which Sergeant
+Fritzen never ran out of.
+
+The stable detail underwent changes as time wore on. A permanent
+stable man was assigned for every stable and the detail was reduced to
+three privates.
+
+Stable police was of double import on Saturday mornings, preparatory
+to the weekly inspection. Every branch and department of military life
+has a variety of inspections to undergo at periodical times. The
+inspections keep the boys in khaki on the alert; cleanliness becoming
+second nature. Nowhere can a vast body of men live bachelor-like as
+soldiers do and maintain the degree of tidiness and general sanitary
+healthfulness, as the thorough arm of camp inspection and discipline
+maintains in the army.
+
+A daily inspection of barracks was in order at Camp Meade.
+Before the boys answered the first drill formation each morning they
+did the housework. Everything had to be left spick and span. There was
+a specific place for everything and everything had to be kept in its
+place.
+
+With mops and brooms and plenty of water the barracks were given a
+good scrubbing on Friday afternoons and things put in shape for the
+Saturday morning inspection. Besides the cleanup features a display of
+toilet articles and wearing apparel had to be made. When the
+inspectors made their tour each bunk had to show a clean towel, tooth
+brush, soap, comb, pair of socks, and suit of underwear. The articles
+had to be displayed on the bunk in a specific manner.
+
+"Show-Down" inspections were a big feature of the routine. This
+inspection required the soldier to produce all his wares and equipment
+for inventory. The supply officer and supply sergeant of the battery
+made many rounds taking account of equipment that was short, but
+several more "show-downs" usually transpired before the lacking
+equipment was supplied.
+
+There was also a field inspection every Saturday morning, where the
+general appearance of the soldier could be thoroughly scrutinized.
+Clean-shaven, neatly polished shoes, clean uniform with buttons all
+present and utilized, formed the determining percentage features. When
+the inspection was mounted, horses and harness had to shine, the same
+as the men.
+
+January 1920 ushered in a period of changes in the staff of officers
+for Battery D, some of the changes being temporary, others permanent.
+Trials of sickness and quarantine were also in store for the battery.
+
+Early in January Capt. A. L. Smith was called away from his military
+duties on account of the death of his father, Edward B. Smith, of
+Philadelphia, Penna.; a bereavement which brought forth many
+expressions of sympathy from the men of his command.
+
+Captain Smith returned to camp the latter part of the month. Some time
+later he was ordered to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to attend the artillery
+school of fire. Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke also left the battery to attend
+the school of fire. First-Lieut. Arthur H. McGill was detached from
+the battery about this time and assigned as an instructor at the
+Officers' Training School that was opened at Camp Meade. Lieut. Robert
+S. Campbell was transferred from Battery D at this time.
+
+First-Lieut. Robert Lowndes, of Elkridge. Md., was assigned to
+temporary command of the battery. First-Lieut. J. S. Waterfield, of
+Portsmouth, Va., served as an attached officer with D Battery for some
+time.
+
+First Sergeant William C. Thompson and Supply Sergeant Merle
+Liebensberger were successful applicants to the officers' training
+school at Meade. James J. Farrell, of Parsons, Penna., was appointed
+acting first-sergeant and Thomas S. Pengelly, of Hazleton, Penna., was
+appointed acting supply sergeant, both appointments later being made
+permanent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+BATTERY PROGRESS.
+
+
+"Retreat," the checking-in or accounting for all soldiers at the close
+of a day's routine, was made a formal affair for the 311th Field
+Artillery on January 13th, 1918. The erection of a new flag pole in
+front of regimental headquarters furnished occasion for the formal
+formation when the Stars and Stripes are lowered to the strain of "The
+Star Spangled Banner" or the "Call to the Colors."
+
+When the formal retreat was established Battery D was in the throes of
+a health quarantine. A case of measles developed in the battery and an
+eighteen-day quarantine went into effect on January 19th. About a
+score of battery members, who were attending speciality schools and on
+special detail work, were quartered with Battery E of the regiment
+while the quarantine lasted.
+
+On March 24th scarlet fever broke out and a second quarantine was put
+into effect. This quarantine kept Battery D from sharing in the Easter
+furloughs to visit home.
+
+The regular routine of fatigue duty and drill formations took place
+during the quarantine periods, the restrictions being placed on the
+men leaving the battery area between drill hours.
+
+On March 6th Battery D took occasion to celebrate. The battery kitchen
+had been thoroughly renovated by Mechanic Grover C. Rothacker and
+Mechanic Conrad A. Balliet, both of Hazleton, Penna., the renovation
+placing it in the class of "The best kitchen and mess hall in camp,"
+to quote the words of Major General Joseph E. Kuhn, divisional
+commander, when he inspected Battery D on Saturday, March 23rd.
+
+A fine menu was prepared for the banquet that was held on the night of
+March 6th. Col. Raymond Briggs and the battalion officers were guests
+at the banquet and entertainment that was furnished in the barracks
+until taps sounded an hour later than usual that night.
+
+Details continued to play a big part in the life of Battery D. On
+March 11th the first detail of fifty men was sent to repair the
+highway near Portland. These details had a strenuous time of it; the
+hardest work most of the detail accomplished was dodging lieutenants.
+
+Transfers had made big inroads in the battery's strength. Guard duty
+fell to the lot of the battery once a week. When the guard detail was
+furnished there were scarcely enough men left to do the kitchen
+police work and other detail work. It was a time when rank imposed
+obligation. Sergeants and corporals had to get busy and chop wood and
+carry coal and wash dishes and police up and in many other ways
+imitate the buck private.
+
+On March 5th Lieut. Frank Yeager inaugurated a system of daily
+inspections at retreat, when the two neatest appearing men in line
+were cited each day and rewarded with a week-end pass to visit
+Baltimore or Washington, while those who got black marks for the week
+were put on detail work over the week-end. A list of honorable
+mentions was also established for general tidiness at "bunk"
+inspections.
+
+Rumor was ever present at Camp Meade. Almost every event that
+transpired was a token of early departure overseas, or else the
+"latrine-dope" had it that the outfit was to be sent to Tobyhanna for
+range practice.
+
+The first real evidence of overseas service presented itself during
+March when physical examinations were in order to test the physical
+fitness for overseas duty. Several, who it was deemed could not
+physically stand foreign service, were in due time transferred to
+various posts of the home-guards. Several transfers were also made to
+the ordnance department; a number of chemists were detached from the
+battery, and transfers listed for the cooks' and bakers' school, for
+the quartermasters, for the engineers, for the signal corps, in fact
+men were sent to practically all branches in the division.
+
+On Saturday, March 30th, wrist watches were turned to 11 o'clock when
+taps sounded, ushering in the daylight savings scheme that routed the
+boys out for reveille during the wee dark hours of the morning.
+
+Training during April centered on actual experience in taking to the
+march with full mounted artillery sections. April 4th, 1918, found a
+detail from Battery D leaving camp at 8 a. m., with a section of
+provisional battery, enroute to Baltimore to take part in the big
+parade in honor of the opening of the Liberty Loan drive on the first
+anniversary of America's entrance into the war. While in Baltimore the
+outfit pitched camp in Clifton Park. The parade, which was reviewed by
+President Woodrow Wilson, took place on Saturday, April 6th. The
+detachment returned to camp by road on Sunday, April 7th.
+
+During April a decree went forth to the Battery that set details
+at work every day clipping horses. Every one of the one hundred and
+sixty-four battery horses was clipped.
+
+The morning of Friday, April 26th, was declared a holiday at Camp
+Meade; all units being called forth to participate in a divisional
+parade and Liberty Loan rally.
+
+A battery hike in march order was set for May 6th. The battery took to
+the road at 8 a. m., and drove through Jessup, thence to West
+Elkridge, Md., a distance of sixteen miles, where camp was pitched and
+the battery remained for the night, returning to camp the following
+afternoon after several firing problems in the field were worked out
+by proxy fire.
+
+Chances for a quick departure overseas began to warm up about the
+middle of May, which perhaps was responsible for the big divisional
+bon-fire that was burned on the night of May 13th.
+
+[Illustration: CAPT. PERRY E. HALL LIEUT. SIDNEY F. BENNETT LIEUT.
+C. D. BAILEY LIEUT. FRANK J. HAMILTON _Officers Associated with
+Battery D._]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+FAREWELL TO CAMP MEADE.
+
+
+First authentic signs of departure from Camp Meade came during the
+month of June when the boys witnessed the departure of the infantry
+regiments of the division.
+
+Void of demonstrative sendoff, regiment after regiment, fully and
+newly equipped, was departing on schedule; thousands and thousands of
+sturdy Americans, ready to risk all for the ideals of liberty and
+freedom.
+
+It was with no unsteady step they marched through the streets of the
+military city that had sheltered, trained, tanned, and improved them
+aright for the momentous task which was before them.
+
+The scene, as they marched, is one that will live in memory of the
+boys of Battery D. It was no dress parade such as the march of like
+thousands in a civilian city would occasion. Battery D men and others
+were spectators, it is true, and the departing ones were sent off, as
+was later the case with Battery D, with cheers of encouragement and
+words of God-speed--the spirit breathed being of hearty, thoughtful
+patriotism such as can come only from a soldier who is bidding adieu
+to a comrade in arms, whom he will meet again in a common cause.
+
+Wonderful days of activity within Battery D foretold the news of
+departure. The regiment was in first class shape to look forward to
+service overseas, despite the fact that range-practice was a
+negligible factor. During the latter part of May, firing, to a limited
+extent, was practiced from the three-inch field pieces directed over
+the Remount station, but the experience thus gained was too light to
+be important. About this time a French type of 75 mm. field piece was
+shipped to the regiment. Major David A. Reed became the instructor on
+this gun, when it became known that the outfit would likely be given
+French equipment upon arrival overseas. One gun for the regiment,
+however, and especially when received only several weeks in advance of
+the departure for overseas, afforded but little opportunity for
+general instruction on the mechanism of the new field piece.
+
+France, moreover, was the goal and the real range practice was left as
+a matter of course for over there.
+
+All activity centered on getting ready to depart. The battery
+carpenters and painters were kept busy making boxes and labelling
+them properly for the "American E. F." Harness was being cleaned
+and packed. The time came for the horses to be returned to the Remount
+station. Supply sergeants were busy as bees supplying everybody with
+foreign service equipment. It proved a common occurrence to be routed
+out of bed at midnight to try on a pair of field shoes. All articles
+of clothing and equipment had to be stamped, the clothing being
+stamped with rubber stamps, while the metal equipment was stamped with
+a punch initial. Each soldier got a battery number which was stamped
+on his individual equipment.
+
+On June 28th, Joseph Loskill, of Hazleton, Penna., and William F.
+Brennan, of Hazleton and Philadelphia, Penna., were assigned to
+accompany the advance detail of the regiment. Lieut. Arthur H. McGill
+was the Battery D officer to accompany the advance detail, which left
+Camp Meade about 7 p. m., proceeding to Camp Merritt, N. J., for
+embarkation. The advance guard arrived at Jersey City the following
+morning at 6 o'clock, where they detrained and marched to the Ferry to
+get to Hoboken. There the detachment was divided, the officers
+boarding the S. S. Mongolia, the enlisted men the S. S. Duc d'Abruzzi.
+The ships left Hoboken at 10:30 a. m., May 30th, bound for Brest.
+
+Battery D was filled to full war-strength during the first week of
+July, just before departure, when the outfit received a quota of 150
+men who came to the regiment from the Depot Brigade. Five hundred and
+forty came to the regiment from Camp Upton, N. Y., and Camp Dix,
+N. J., and fifty from the signal corps in Florida.
+
+In the front door and out of the back of 019 the battery passed in
+alphabetical line in rehearsal of the manner in which the gang plank
+of the ship was to be trod. Departure instruction likewise included
+hikes to the electric rail siding to practice boarding the cars with
+equipment.
+
+The last few days in camp were marked by daily medical inspections,
+also daily inspections of equipment. Everybody had to drag all their
+equipment outside for inspection. The men were fully and newly
+equipped with clothing and supplies upon leaving. Two new wool
+uniforms, two pairs of field shoes, new underwear, socks, shirts,
+towels, toilet articles, and a score of other soldier necessities,
+were issued before leaving. All old clothing and equipment was turned
+in.
+
+Each man was allotted a barrack-bag as cargo. The barrack-bag was made
+of heavy blue denim with about a seventy-five pound capacity,
+which weight was cited as the limit a soldier could obtain storage for
+in the ship's baggage compartments.
+
+Although seventy-five pounds was the order, all the boys resorted to
+some fine packing. There were not many under the limit. Most of the
+boys had their knitted garments in the bag, also a plentiful supply of
+soap, because rumor had struck the outfit that soap was a scarce
+article in France. Milk chocolate and smokes were also well stocked
+in.
+
+Besides the barrack-bag each soldier was provided with a haversack and
+pack-carrier, in which were carried--on the back--two O. D. blankets,
+toilet articles, extra socks, clothing, and the various articles that
+would be needed on the voyage across.
+
+Saturday, July 13th, 1918, was the memorable day of departure from
+Camp Meade. Battery D furnished the last guard detail of the regiment
+at Meade. The 13th, as luck would have it, dawned in a heavy shower of
+rain. Reveille sounded at 5:15 a. m., after which, those who had not
+done so the night previous, hiked out in the rain and emptied the
+straw from their bed-ticks; completed the packing of their bags and
+packs and loaded the bags on trucks while the rain came down in
+torrents.
+
+As was usually the case in army routine, early reveille did not vouch
+for an early departure from camp. Detail aplenty was in store for the
+boys all day. The last meal was enjoyed in 019 mess-hall at 5 p.m.,--then
+started a thorough policing up of barracks. Sweeping squads were sent
+over the ground a dozen times and finally the boys assembled outside
+on the battery assembling grounds, at 7:30 p. m., with packs ready and
+everything set to begin the march to entrain.
+
+During the hours of waiting that followed the boys indulged in a few
+sign painting decorations. Among the numerous signs tacked to 019
+were:
+
+"For Sail. Apply Abroad."
+
+"For Rent, for a large family; only scrappers need apply. Btry D,
+311th F. A."
+
+"Von Hindenberg dropped dead. We're coming."
+
+It was a grand sight to see the regiment depart at 8:45 p. m. The band
+was playing; colors were flying at the head of the column--everybody
+was in high spirits. But there were no civilians to enjoy the
+spectacle. It was night and but few knew of the departure. The rain
+had ceased and twilight was deepening into darkness as the regiment,
+excepting Battery A, which was left in camp for police detail, to
+follow a few days later, started on the hike; back over
+practically the same route the soldiers were marched from Disney to
+019 when they first arrived in camp. This time they were leaving 019;
+marching for the last time with Battery D through the reservation of
+Camp Meade; marching to the railroad yards at Disney where trains were
+being made up to convey the regiment to a point of embarkation. But
+few knew whether it was to be Philadelphia, New York, or Hoboken. The
+men were leaving home and home-land and departing for a land of which
+they knew nought. What the ocean and Germany's program of relentless
+submarine warfare had in store for them, no one knew. All hearts were
+strong in the faith and all stout hearts were ready to do and to dare;
+content in the knowledge that they were doing their duty to their home
+and their country.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ABOARD THE S. S. MORVADA.
+
+
+Land appeared in rugged outline along the horizon as the Steamship
+Morvada swept the waves when dusk was falling on the Tuesday evening
+of July 16th, 1918. It was a beautiful mid-summer's night and the boys
+of Battery D, in common with the members of the 311th regiment, stood
+at the deck railings of the S. S. Morvada and watched the outline of
+shore disappear under cover of darkness. The ship had been sailing
+since 11:30 a. m., Sunday, July 14th, at which time the Morvada had
+lifted anchor and slowly pushed its nose into the Delaware River;
+leaving behind the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad docks at Port
+Richmond, Philadelphia, Penna., the last link that held them to their
+native shores.
+
+Surmises and guesses were rife as the ship rolled on in the darkness,
+leaving the boys either arguing as to the destination or else seeking
+their "bunk" down in the "hatch" and rolling in for the night.
+
+It was generally agreed that the course thus far was along the coast.
+It was apparent that the ship was skirting coastline, because convoy
+protection had been given by sea-planes flying out from the naval
+coast stations, accompanying the transport for a distance, then
+disappearing landward. The boys on the transport spent many an idle
+hour watching the aviators circle the ship time and time again, often
+coming within voice range of the transport's passengers.
+
+It was also settled that the course had been Northeast, but no one was
+quite certain as to location.
+
+The morning of July 17th found the Morvada approaching land. A
+lighthouse appeared in the dim distance, then, as the hours passed and
+the ship sped on, the coast became visible and more visible,
+disclosing rugged country, rising high from out of the water's edge.
+The country, moreover, appeared waste and devastated; the land being
+covered with wrecked buildings that showed signs of explosive force.
+
+Location finally became apparent as harbor scenes presented an unique
+picturesqueness of territory. The S. S. Morvada was in Halifax harbor,
+Nova Scotia, and the surrounding territory was the scene of the famous
+T. N. T. explosion. It was 11 o'clock on the morning of July 17th that
+the ship cast anchor in Halifax harbor and word was passed that all on
+board could remove life preservers and breathe a sigh of relief.
+
+To be suddenly found in Canadian environment furnished a new
+thrill for the soldiers. The Saturday night previous the same soldiers
+were making the trip from Camp Meade to port of embarkation.
+
+Everybody was expecting a lay over in an embarkation camp before
+embarking, therefore the surprise was the greater when the train that
+left Camp Meade at midnight on the evening of July 13th, deposited its
+cargo of soldiers on the pier at Port Richmond within a short distance
+of the ship that was waiting for its cargo of human freight before
+pulling anchor for the first lap of the France-bound journey.
+
+Orders to detrain were given at 8:29 a. m. Tired and hungry the
+soldiers were greeted on the pier by a large delegation of Red Cross
+workers who had steaming hot coffee, delicious buns, cigarettes and
+candy to distribute to the regiment as a farewell tribute and morning
+appetizer. Postal cards were also distributed for the soldiers to
+address to their home-folks. The messages were farewell messages and
+were held over at Washington. D. C., until word was received that the
+Morvada had landed safely overseas.
+
+At 8 a. m. the repeat-your-last-name-first-and-your-first-name-last
+march up the gang-plank started. Each man got a blue card with a
+section and berth number on; also a meal ticket appended, after which
+it was a scramble to find your right place in the hatch.
+
+At 11:30 o'clock anchor was lifted; the little river tug boat nosed
+the steamship about; then, with colors flying, the band playing, the
+Morvada steamed down the Delaware; passing Hog Island in a midway of
+ships from which words of farewell and waves of good-bye wafted across
+to the Morvada. The sky-line of Brotherly Love, guarded over by
+William Penn on City Hall, gradually faded from view and the Sunday
+afternoon wore on, as the boys spent most of their first day aboard a
+transport on deck, watching the waves and admiring the beauties of
+nature, revealed in all splendor as the ever-fading shore line, viewed
+from the promenade deck, lost itself into the mist-like horizon of sky
+and water, richly enhanced by the brilliancy of a superb sunset.
+
+The S. S. Morvada skirted the shore for some time and for the first
+few hours all was calm on deck. By night, however, sea-sickness began
+to manifest itself and there was considerable coughing up over the
+rail.
+
+Besides watching the waves and the various-sized and colored fishes of
+the deep make occasional bounds over the crest of the foam, the
+soldiers spent their time trying to get something to eat, which was a
+big job in itself.
+
+The Morvada was an English boat, of small type, that was built in 1914
+to ply between England and India, carrying war materials. The voyage
+of the 311th was the second time the Morvada was used as a transport.
+Except for officer personnel the ship was manned by a crew of East
+Indians, whose main article of wearing apparel was a towel and whose
+main occupation was scrubbing and flushing the decks with a hose, just
+about the time mess call found the soldiers looking for a nice spot to
+settle down with mess-kit and eating-irons. Up forward were batteries
+B, D, E, and F, and the Supply Company, and aft were Headquarters
+Company, Battery C, and the Medical Detachment. Each end of the ship
+had its galley along which the mess lines formed three times a day.
+The khaki-clad soldiers could not get used to the English system of
+food rationing with the result that food riots almost occurred until
+the officers of the regiment intervened and secured an improvement in
+the mess system.
+
+The first night in Halifax harbor was a pleasant relief from the
+strain of suspense that attended the journey to Canadian waters. Deck
+lights were lighted for the first time and vied for brilliancy in the
+night with the other ocean-going craft assembled in the harbor. The
+Morvada did not dock, but remained anchored in the harbor, from where
+the soldiers on board could view the city and port of entry that was
+the capital of the Province of Nova Scotia.
+
+To the Southeast the city of Halifax, situated on a fortified hill,
+towering 225 feet from the waters of the harbor, showed its original
+buildings built of wood, plastered or stuccoed; and dotted with fine
+buildings of stone and brick of later day creation.
+
+When the soldiers on board the Morvada arose on the morning of July
+18th the Halifax harbor was dotted with several more transports that
+had arrived during the night. The day was spent in semaphoring to the
+various transports and learning what troops each quartered. Official
+orders, however, put a stop to this form of pastime and discussion was
+shifted to the whys and wherefores of the various camouflage designs
+the troop ships sported.
+
+During the stay at Halifax the first taste of mail censorship was
+doled out. Letters were written in abundance, which were treated
+rather roughly by two-edged scissors before the mail was conveyed to
+Halifax to be sent to Washington, D. C., to await release upon
+notification that the Morvada had arrived safely overseas. Many of
+these first letters are still held as priceless mementos by the
+home-folks.
+
+Each morning of the succeeding days that the Morvada was anchored in
+Halifax harbor brought several new ships to cluster about in the wide
+expanse of water. A sufficient number for convoy across the Atlantic
+was gradually assembling, each ship appearing in a different regalia
+of protective coloration that made the harbor sight vastly
+spectacular.
+
+Newspapers from the Canadian shore were brought on board each day. On
+July 19th the papers conveyed the information that the United States
+Cruiser, San Diego, was sunk that day ten miles off Fire Island by
+running on an anchored mine placed there by German U-boats. The
+Morvada had traversed the same course several days previous.
+
+To read of such occurrence, in such environment was to produce silent
+thought. To be in the harbor of Halifax, within shadow of McNalis
+Island that rested on the waves at the mouth of the harbor, was to be
+in the same environment as the confederate cruiser, "Tallahassee,"
+which slipped by night through the Eastern passage formed by McNalis
+Island, and escaped the Northern vessels that were watching off the
+western entrance formed by the island.
+
+The time was drawing near when the Morvada was destined to creep
+stealthily through the night, to cross the 3,000 miles of submarine
+infested Atlantic.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+DODGING SUBMARINES.
+
+
+Under serene skies on the morning of July 20th, seventeen ships,
+assembled in Halifax harbor, made final preparations to steam forth to
+the highways of the broad Atlantic.
+
+At 9:30 o'clock that morning the convoy maneuvered into battle
+formation with a U. S. cruiser leading the convoy while four small sub
+chasers circled about in high speed and an army dirigible flew
+overhead. Each ship was directed in a zig zag course, a new angle of
+the zig zag being pointed every few minutes, a course of propellation
+that continued the entire route of the water way.
+
+Good-byes were waved from ships stationed along the several miles of
+water course that marked the harbor's length, until the open Atlantic
+was reached, then the sub chasers and the dirigible turned about,
+leaving the seventeen transports and supply ships under the wing of
+the battle cruiser that proceeded to pick out the course across the
+ocean, to where bound no one on board, save the captain of the ship,
+knew.
+
+Clad in their life preservers the soldiers idled about the decks as
+the convoy sped on. It was a source of delight to stand at the deck
+rail and watch the waves dash against the steel clad sides of the
+ship. On several occasions when the waves rolled high, many on board
+experienced the sensation of a sea bath, the stiff sea breeze carrying
+the seething foam high over the rail on to the deck.
+
+To see the waves roll high created the impression of mightiness of
+creation; the impression of mountains rising magic like at the side of
+the vessel. Suddenly the ship rises to the crest of the wave and the
+recedence leaves one looking down into what appears like a deep
+cavern.
+
+When the sun was rising in the direction one was thrilled by the
+beauties of the rainbow observed in the clearness of the waves, when,
+at the height of dashing resplendence the surging sprays descend in
+fountain semblance, drinking in, as it were, the very beauty of God's
+handiwork.
+
+The same position on deck the boys found none the less attractive when
+the shades of night had fallen. On one of the first nights out the
+ship passed through an atmosphere of dense fog, suddenly to emerge
+into elements of star lit splendor, the moon, in full radiance,
+casting a silvery luminous path on the sparkling waves. It was a
+phenomena worthy of the tallest submarine risks to witness. The full
+moon and the very repleteness of things aesthetic gave opportunity for
+those who were able to portray an attitude of indifference, to tell
+gravely how the radiance of the night fully exposed the convoy to the
+U-boats that were lurking in every wave.
+
+Established routine of transport duties and formations was continued
+during the ocean voyage. Ship-abandon and fire drills were a daily
+feature of life aboard. Each outfit had a specific place to congregate
+when the signal for ship-abandon drill was sounded. All that was
+necessary was to stand at the appointed place while the coolies,
+comprising the crew, scampered to the life-boats and made miniature
+attempts at hacking the ropes and dropping to the waves.
+
+The promenade deck, both port and starboard sides, was in use each day
+accommodating group after group for half-hour periods of physical
+exercise. The tossing of the vessel lent itself in rhythm to the
+enjoyment of the calisthenics, or else it was physical exercise enough
+in trying to maintain an equilibrium while the arms and legs were
+raised alternately in eight counts.
+
+Guard duty was firmly established on board. A guard roster numbered
+more men than a guard detail at Camp Meade ever required. The
+significance of the precise guard forms another of the mysteries of
+Battery D. No one went A. W. O. L. while enroute and when it came to
+challenging after taps, a sentry in most cases could not be greeted by
+the customary answer, "a friend," although the challenged party was a
+friend indeed, also a friend in need. How could he answer when he had
+his hand over his mouth and his primary object was to get to the rail
+quick. After several days out, however, a majority of the boys "got
+their sea legs," as evinced by the mess line three times daily.
+
+A schedule of formations, similar to Camp Meade routine, was
+promulgated on board. Reveille was set for 7 o'clock each morning.
+When the time came to assemble on deck the space was so small and the
+crowd was so large that many a recruit slept-in until the last mess
+line was treading the beat. Reform measures were instituted and extra
+duty lists published, offenders being added to the regular details
+that were selected to daily wash up the deck and clean up the hatch.
+
+A permanent submarine guard was detailed, the members of this detail
+landing state rooms for the journey; living next door to the officers.
+During the trip this guard sighted several score of "subs" but
+generally their "object port-bow" proved to be a keg that had
+become prohibition and therefore found itself abandoned in mid-ocean.
+
+Outside of bunk inspection, medical inspection, feet inspection,
+several kinds of arm inspection, with details, drill formations and
+exercise periods, the life of the American soldier aboard a transport
+was an idle one. The ship's canteen did a big business during office
+hours. A world's series bleacher crowd had nothing on the canteen line
+of the Morvada. A place in the line commanded a high premium, which
+led to speculation in canteen supplies.
+
+The afternoon of July 21st was attendant by a high wind, making it
+very cool on deck, while the wind lashed the waves with great fury.
+The cold wind blew all day July 22nd, the day when the first wireless
+reports were posted on board, telling of the Germans being driven over
+the Marne and thousands of prisoners captured.
+
+The sea became calm on Tuesday, July 23rd, the gale having died down.
+The ship was traveling East and each morning watches had to be
+readjusted to correspond to the change in longitude.
+
+At 3 a. m. on the third morning out a great commotion was occasioned
+on board. Everybody was awakened by a loud rumbling. A majority
+thought a submarine had been encountered. Several dashed up the steps
+of the hatchway to be ready for action. Someone shouted, "Don't get
+excited, but make room for me to get out first." Later it was
+ascertained that the noise was caused by the ships' anchor slipping
+several rods of anchor chain.
+
+The first taste of real excitement was occasioned at 1 o'clock on the
+afternoon of July 25th when a strange craft was sighted on the distant
+horizon. The cruiser of the convoy was all action immediately. Warning
+flashed to all the convoy party and a wild series of zigzagging ensued
+while the cruiser chased pell-mell in the direction of the sighted
+craft. A shot was fired from the cruiser in the dash, but only a
+mountain of water was blasted by the discharge.
+
+The convoy continued Eastward while the cruiser investigated. Finally
+the cruiser returned to the convoy and reported everything O. K. The
+troops never learned the official identity of the strange vessel that
+sent the first sub-chasers up the vertebrae of many.
+
+Word was passed about on Saturday, July 27th, that the convoy was
+approaching the imaginary line in the ocean that Germany had
+established as the dead-line, past which her U-boats were operating in
+unrestricted warfare. The approach of the danger zone was the signal
+for all on board to remove no article of clothing while asleep at
+night and to carry a canteen of fresh water strapped to the belt at
+all times. In this manner everybody was prepared to take to the waves
+at a minute's sub-warning.
+
+As the journey continued the officers of Battery D instituted a series
+of battery lectures, also took up plans for the organization of a
+permanent battery commander's detail.
+
+Sunday, July 28th, found the sea calm in the morning, but a strong
+gale set in at noon, followed by a heavy rain during the afternoon. A
+dense fog enveloped the convoy. Fog horns came into play and it was a
+miserable night aboard for everybody. Standing at the deck rail one
+could not pierce the fog, although it was known that within a short
+radius all the other ships of the convoy were groping their way
+through the darkness; each creeping as a black monster through the
+gloomy night, depending upon the fog-horn to keep aloof from their
+sister convoy ships; a sense of loneliness enshrouded the scene. It
+was a wild night for the timid with sub-scares, especially when the
+information leaked out that the sub-chasers which were scheduled to
+meet the convoy and escort it through the danger zone, were overdue
+and still missing.
+
+Fog still lay close to the water on the morning of Monday, July 29th,
+as eager watch was kept for the new convoy. The transports had reached
+the danger line and the destroyers were not in sight.
+
+Finally at 10 a. m. on the morning of the 29th, the first of the
+sub-chasers was sighted. It was not long before others appeared,
+bobbing up and down. The waves dashed high about the light craft and
+at times seemed to submerge the shells as they bore down upon the
+groups of transports. Eight sub-chasers appeared on the scene. A great
+shout went up from the transports as the convoy was sighted. They
+circled the transports and the last and most dangerous lap of the
+journey was started.
+
+Thoughts strange and varied filled the minds of the majority aboard as
+they tossed in their bunks on the night of July 29th. Realization of
+location in the danger zone was keen. Those who were at ease
+sufficiently to sleep were annoyed and disturbed by the noises of
+whistles and signal horns as the ships and the convoy kept ever alert
+for submarines.
+
+On the morning of July 30th the eight sub-chasers encircled the convoy
+party in closer proximity. The dash through the danger zone continued
+unmolested until 3 o'clock in the afternoon when the first real
+periscope was discovered by the look-outs.
+
+The cruiser at the head of the convoy lurched forth; fired a shot and
+tossed up the waves in answer. The resonance against the steel sides
+of the transport rang out clear, bringing hundreds scampering out of
+the hatches and state rooms of the ship, on to the decks, to peer out
+over the rail and watch in awe the great drama that was being enacted
+in serious reality upon the waves of the ocean.
+
+The sun was shining brightly. Every transport in the party struck out
+at full speed, while the zigzagging was increased in comparison. Eight
+sub-chasers cut the waves with frantic speed. The circle-convoy
+formation was abandoned. The destroyers cut short to make for the
+scene of action, which held forth and was witnessed to good advantage
+from the starboard side of the Morvada.
+
+As the transports fled under full steam the cruiser and sub-chasers
+snorted and crashed and roared in the vicinity the periscopes had been
+discovered. Depth-bombs came into play. Those missiles of destruction
+were hurled from the destroyers as they combed the waves for miles and
+miles around the spot where danger threatened. Each discharge of
+depth-bomb raised an avalanche of water; the deadly bombs blasting the
+depths for great distances, while the reverberation shook the
+transports, creating the impression that the transport was in direct
+contact with each explosion.
+
+For fully an hour the detonations continued as the depth-bombs were
+discharged. Finally the destroyers swept back and the convoy formation
+was resumed. The news was spread that the final result of the battle
+was success, as vouched for by films of oil the destroyers saw appear
+on the water's surface. General report had it that five submarines
+composed the attacking party and that wreckage and oil coming to the
+surface gave evidence of two having been destroyed.
+
+The convoy continued on its journey. Sailing orders were executed in
+detail. It was 4 o'clock, one hour after the sub-battle, that the
+convoy parted, the various ships bound for different ports of
+debarkation, which were soon to loom in sight.
+
+At 6 p. m. that same day the soldiers on board the Morvada sighted
+land. Throughout the night the ships sped on but land was dimly
+discernible, the rugged outline appearing through the shadows of the
+night, while the appearance of fishing smacks, which the transport
+passed without fear or sign, created the impression that friendly
+shores were near.
+
+Unable to ply their nets at their life's occupation as fishermen
+the sturdy shoresmen of Brittany's coast gave of their time and their
+smacks to the perilous task of combing adjacent water for mines and
+explosive obstacles.
+
+It was these the Morvada passed out in the darkness of night, on the
+eve before landing and setting foot on foreign soil. The Morvada crept
+on, the contrasting stillness of the waves showing that channel waters
+had been reached. But few on board knew, or could rightly guess what
+shore was to greet their eyes on the dawn of the morrow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A ROYAL WELSH RECEPTION.
+
+
+A surprise reception was in store for the soldiers aboard the S. S.
+Morvada when it came to debarking on foreign soil. As the ship plied
+the channel waters on the night of July 30th, 1918, but few on board
+knew what port was its destination; but not so with the people of the
+British Isles. They knew the plans for the arrival of the American
+army transports. On July 31st, the people of Barry and Cardiff, in
+common with Newport, in the province of South Wales, did honor to the
+American troops.
+
+Barry, the urban district and seaport of Glamorganshire, Wales, on the
+Bristol channel, was the foreign shore that greeted the troops on the
+Morvada early in the morning of July 31st.
+
+It was perfect weather for such a visit, the first ever paid to Barry
+by a large body of American troops, and Barry's reception was
+whole-hearted. The citizens turned out in great force. Enthusiasm was
+manifest on every side, and this, despite the fact that, owing to the
+unavoidable delay in the ship's arrival, the people had to wait
+several hours while the Morvada rested at anchor in the harbor until
+docking could be accomplished at 9 a. m.
+
+While preparations to dock were in progress crowds lingered on the
+piers. The soldiers amused themselves by tossing one-cent pieces to
+the Welsh children. Immediately a demand for American cigarettes and
+chewing gum arose among the older Welshmen.
+
+The crowds and the town itself were in holiday attire. The vessels in
+dock were gay with bunting. Flags were displayed from shop-windows,
+the municipal offices and the fire-brigade station, while from the
+summit of the Barry Railway Company's offices "Old Glory" was flying
+to the breeze.
+
+As the Morvada docked and the command was given for the troops to
+debark, loud welcome was sounded by sonorous "hooters," screaming
+sirens and shrill ship and loco whistles.
+
+At 10 o'clock the soldiers were assembled on terra firma once more.
+Parade formation was ordered in answer to the glad welcome plans of
+the inhabitants.
+
+Headed by the regimental band the 311th Artillery skirted the banks of
+a small brook named Barri, whose waters encircled an island--the
+island which in the 7th century is supposed to have contained the cell
+of the Welsh saint, named Barri, from which the name of the island and
+the river is derived.
+
+British troops, with rifles at present arms and bayonets glistening in
+the sun, formed a guard of honor that lined both sides of the streets
+of Barry, through which the American troops passed in royal welcome.
+The march proceeded until King's square was reached, where official
+ceremony of welcome to the town was enacted.
+
+Here the officers and men formed in the large public square in front
+of the municipal offices, where Councillor George Wareham, J. P., as
+chairman of the district council, extended to the Americans a hearty
+welcome.
+
+Lieut.-Col. Bradbridge, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, addressing Col.
+C. G. Mortimer, in command of the 311th, said he had been commanded by
+His Majesty, the King, to welcome all to the shores of Great Britain.
+
+Each soldier was then presented with a copy of an autographed letter
+from King George V., bidding God-speed and every success. The letter
+was as follows:
+
+                                                 _Windsor Castle.
+     Soldiers of the United States--The people of the British Isles
+     welcome you on your way to take your stand beside the armies of
+     many nations now fighting in the Old World the great battle for
+     human freedom. The Allies will gain new heart and spirit in your
+     company. I wish that I could shake the hand of each one of you,
+     and bid you God-speed on your mission._
+                                                     GEORGE R. I.
+
+Col. Mortimer expressed his appreciation of the very hearty welcome
+his men had received. "We are here," he said, "for one purpose, and
+you all know what that is. We are young at the business, but if spirit
+counts for anything, it will surely win out. We have been looking
+forward to this for some little time, and I can assure you we will do
+our part."
+
+Then the band struck up the National anthem of America and this was
+followed by "God Save the King," and the soldiers moved on amid the
+cheers of the people.
+
+The last mess on the Morvada was partaken of at the conclusion of the
+parade. At 2 o'clock that afternoon all packs were removed from
+the boat, the troops assembled in a large warehouse on the pier;
+British Red Cross workers distributed refreshments while trains were
+being made up to convey the soldiers to their first foreign training
+center.
+
+A combination of first, second, and third-class coaches of the
+compartment type characteristic of the English rail system made up the
+section of train that was assigned to Battery D. The coaches and
+British locomotives were the source of considerable interest to the
+soldiers. Each compartment accommodated eight men, which allowed a
+division of squads being made for the journey.
+
+At 4:30 o'clock the wheels began to grind the rails and the first ride
+on foreign soil was started.
+
+Fast-fleeting stretches of fertile farm land and extensive pasture
+field, rich in verdure, with cattle grazing drowsily at the close of
+day, presented the picture of a peaceful pastoral life of British
+subjects as the train continued to add up mileage. Station after
+station was passed without stop by the American troop special. Battery
+D displayed an American flag from its section and the inhabitants in
+the vicinity of the railroad station as the special passed through
+their town or hamlet, could not mistake the identity of the Americans.
+
+From Barry the route stretched to Penarth and Cardiff; passed through
+Newport, Christ Church, and Major, thence across the funnel waters of
+the Bristol channel to the thriving city of Bristol; into the rural
+districts of Wiltshire; passing Bath, Trowbridge, and Warminster.
+
+Rations of hard bread, corned-beef, corned-beef hash, canned tomatoes,
+and jam, had been distributed to the squads before leaving the
+Morvada. When the troop special was nearing Salisbury, evening was
+well advanced and the appetites of the soldiers were being gradually
+appeased enroute, stop was made at Wilton, where everybody on board
+took advantage of permission to get off at the station and enjoy a cup
+of hot coffee that a contingent of British Red Cross workers handed
+out.
+
+The journey was resumed after a twenty-minute lay-over. The South of
+England was penetrated farther as the boys tried to figure out whether
+they would remain on British territory long, or whether France was to
+be the first active training center.
+
+[Illustration: 3rd CLASS FRENCH COMPARTMENT COACH]
+
+[Illustration: SIDE-DOOR PULLMAN SPECIAL
+TRAVEL A LA MODE IN FRANCE]
+
+[Illustration: INTERIOR FRENCH BOX CAR
+BATTERY D ENROUTE]
+
+[Illustration: A REAL AMERICAN SPECIAL
+NEW YORK TO CAMP DIX]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A BRITISH REST CAMP.
+
+
+At 9 p. m., it was yet daylight. The boys were weary and tired as the
+troop train on the London and Southwestern railway pulled into a
+station, the sign-boards of which gave the name as Romsey. Orders to
+detrain were passed along.
+
+All soldiers and packs were soon off the train; then, line-up as per
+usual, and march, first under a stone railroad bridge, through the
+town, soon to strike a highway leading out of the town.
+
+The pack on the back got heavier every minute, but the march
+continued; one mile, two miles, then along the stretch of the third
+there appeared scenes of buildings and tents. Post-signs glared the
+information that Camp Woodley had been reached. There appeared to be
+many parts to the camp. Battery D did not stop at the first, nor the
+second, but halt was made at what was designated as C Camp.
+
+It was a welcome order that allowed the troops to fall-out along the
+roadside as official parlance was started with the powers that ruled
+the destinies of C Camp. The vicinity was closely guarded by American
+M. P.'s., who proceeded to communicate stories, savoring the good,
+bad, and indifferent prospects of the abode that was to shelter the
+311th for one night at least. "It's a rest camp", they said. The words
+sounded peaceful to the tired troops assembled. It required only one
+day, however, to find out that the only part of a soldier that got
+rest at a "rest-camp" was the stomach.
+
+The hour was almost 10:30 when it was finally decided what area
+Battery D was to occupy for the night. C Camp was a tented camp, the
+tents being spacious enough to comfortably house about four army cots
+for a healthy soldier to rest his weary bones on. The cots, however,
+were missing. Battery D was marched down the main road of the selected
+area. Halt was made at the first tent. Twenty-six men were ordered
+inside. The remainder continued to the next tent in order where
+twenty-six more were registered for the night; and so on down the
+roster, until Battery D was under canvass.
+
+The battery cooks and details were put to work immediately to prepare
+something to eat, but a majority of the soldiers either got tired
+waiting or else had such a hard job finding what was prepared that
+they wended their way through the tented city and after considerable
+wandering found the tent wherein they were to be one of the twenty-six
+registered for the night.
+
+Twenty-six men and twenty-six packs in one tent. Crowding was more
+than a necessity; it was a torture, as was soon evinced when twenty-six
+men stretched themselves out on the board floor of the tent for the
+seeming purpose of sleeping. Extra blankets had been drawn from the
+quartermaster, which, combined with the blankets the soldier carried
+in his pack, furnished mattress and coverings for the sweet but hard
+repose. No blue-print diagram was furnished as to how the sleeping
+space was to be allotted in twenty-six portions; with the result that
+one fellow was awakened out of a sweet dream of eating pie and cake,
+to find his buddy's feet pushing him in the face.
+
+Reveille sounded at C Camp Woodley at 7:20 o'clock on the morning of
+August 1st, when Battery D received its first taste of British mess.
+Details of varied description were furnished from the battery roster,
+while the battery spent most of the first day in camp trying to figure
+out the English system of mess. The outfit was assigned places at
+tables, by squads, in mess-tents. Two from each squad were delegated a
+committee to go to the kitchen and bring on the chow.
+
+For breakfast the committee brought back an iron-bound kettle of
+oatmeal; another kettle of prunes and a quantity of bread. The system
+then was one of "help yourself and pass it on," which was all right
+for the fellow at the head of the table, but the fellows on the
+opposite end had to do the figuring.
+
+The same procedure was followed at noon when slum was served. Night
+mess in England invariably was cheese and tea and jam, which was
+always good as far as it went. The entire 311th regiment was served
+from one kitchen. It was good fortune that the Americans had
+individual mess kits with them and that there occurred no sanitary
+inspections of said eating utensils while in C Camp where fifteen
+hundred mess kits were washed in a two by four bucket.
+
+During the first day in an English camp many of the soldiers slipped
+past the M. P.'s and made their way to the town; a quaint market town
+and municipal borough, numbering almost 4,000 inhabitants, in the New
+Forest Parliamentary division of Hampshire. As far as sight seeing,
+the only thing of interest in the town was an old abbey. Cafes were
+numerous, while English ale signs were more numerous.
+
+An American Y. M. C. A. was housed under canvas at Camp Woodley. The
+workers in charge prepared a royal entertainment, while the regimental
+band gave a concert the second night of the soldiers' stay in
+camp. Members of a Romsey dramatic club furnished the entertainment.
+Towards the close the band struck up, "The Star Spangled Banner,"
+then, "God Save the King." The Romsey entertainers started to sing
+their National Anthem, while the Americans joined in with, "My Country
+'Tis of Thee." All that was needed to complete the effect of the Babel
+scene was John J. Jlosky and Otto Skirkie to sing, "Down Where the
+Green River Flows."
+
+Reveille for Friday, August 2nd, had been set for 7:30 a. m. All heads
+were awakened by the bugle at 6:45 o'clock that morning. No one in
+Battery D stirred. The impression was that the call was for another
+outfit. Six fifty-five found First Sergeant James J. Farrell going
+from tent to tent to find out the cause of the silence. Then there was
+great hustling to get out in line and many a woolen puttee was missing
+that morning.
+
+The day was destined to be a rough one. It was raining at reveille
+call and still raining when call was sounded at 9:30 o'clock for a
+hike. The hike was started and continued for three miles, so did the
+rain. The longer the soldiers walked the faster it rained. The scenery
+was beautiful through the stretch of pleasantly situated country in
+the rich valley of the Test. Picturesque English homesteads, set amid
+hedges and roses, with moss-overgrown thatched roofs, dotted the
+wayside. At a cross-roads the battery halted for rest. Along the road
+came a baker's wagon. There was a raid on its gingerbread cookies. The
+bakerman reaped a harvest of good American quarters for every three
+cookies he handed out.
+
+Drenched through slicker, et al. the soldiers retraced their step to
+Camp Woodley, the beauties of the flowery countryside being lost to a
+majority by the far-soaking rain. When Lieut. Hugh Clarke dismissed
+the watery battery admonition was added for everybody to change to dry
+clothing. But, alas, the advice was far better than expedient. The
+only clothes the soldiers possessed at the time were wet on their
+backs. Their extra uniform and clothing was in their barrack-bags,
+which had not been seen since leaving Camp Meade. No fire was
+available. The only open course was to let the clothes dry on the
+back. The boys of Battery D spent a very lonely afternoon, sitting in
+the tents, with wet clothes. And, it continued raining on the outside.
+
+When the battery drew individual rations, consisting of one can of
+corned-beef; a hunk of cheese; a box of hard bread and a can of jam,
+at 9:30 o'clock, Saturday morning, August 3rd, the sun was shining
+and the day was waxing warm. Under full pack the command started for
+the seaport of Southampton.
+
+Romsey is seven miles Northwest of Southampton by the London and
+Southwest railway, but the 311th did not take the L. & S. W. The
+hob-nail limited was the official troop train and the route covered
+nine miles by winding road.
+
+It was on this hike that "Corona" became lost. David B. Koenig, the
+battery clerk, was the chaperon of "Corona." But he could not carry
+her all the way, so the boys took turns at carrying the precious
+thing. During one of the rest-halts, however, some one left poor
+little "Corona" lay by the roadside. When her disappearance was
+discovered it was necessary for Lieut. Clarke to hike back several
+miles and find the lost. "Corona" was the battery typewriter.
+
+Southampton was reached at 12:30 o'clock. Stop was made at the British
+rest camp at the Commons where refreshments, in addition to the cheese
+and jam rations, were secured at the British Y. M. C. A. canteen. At 2
+p. m. that day it started to rain and at 2:15 the regiment resumed its
+march and reached the docks at 3:15 o'clock.
+
+It was a regiment of tired soldiers who sat on their packs in the big
+warehouse pier at Southampton waiting for word to go up the gang-plank
+of the vessel that was to take them across the English Channel.
+
+"The King Edward" was the name of the channel-going vessel that drew
+alongside the pier late in the afternoon. It was a cute-looking boat,
+just big enough to transport Battery D across the channel in comfort.
+At 6:30 p. m., Battery D and 1200 other members of the 311th were
+loaded on the King Edward. Everybody had a pleasant time. No space
+went to waste, whatever. Some tried to sleep during the long night
+that ensued while standing against a post and others tried to strap
+themselves to the ceiling with their cartridge belts. In general the
+scene was like unto a large meat-cooler in a butcher shop, with the
+exception that the ship furnished life-preservers instead of
+meat-hooks and the temperature was the extreme of zero.
+
+Convoyed by several destroyers with piercing search lights, which
+scanned the same waters that held the dead of the Hospitalship
+Walrilda, which was torpedoed in the English Channel while conveying
+wounded back to England, the King Edward started on its dash across
+the channel at 8:30 p. m., on the night of the day that the Walrilda
+met its fate.
+
+The troops huddled together in the small hatches of the King
+Edward did not have much thought where they were or whither bound.
+They did not recall at the time that they were passing the Isle of
+Wight and the spot in the English Channel that witnessed the defeat of
+the Armada in the same month, back in the year 1588.
+
+Sufficient unto the night was the misery thereof. Sea sickness came
+over quite a few, which was duly abetted by the stifling air. Those
+near the hatch-ways were fortunate in getting to the deck rails when
+their inner recesses were most severely tempest-tossed. Those who were
+hemmed in on all sides by human forms, who lay stretched on the
+stairs, in hallways, benches and wherever there was an inch of space,
+had a difficult time when they attempted to find a passage way through
+the closely matted carpet of humanity.
+
+Col. C. G. Mortimer, the regimental commander, came down from his
+station on the deck and found it well-nigh impossible to get through
+the corridor of the forward saloon.
+
+Through the hours of the long night the King Edward was convoyed
+across the channel at a speed nearing 25 knots an hour. Early morning
+of Sunday, August 4th, drew the King Edward near the shores of
+Northern France. At 2 p. m. the ship approached a harbor, but it was
+not until daylight that those on board could see a sign on a warehouse
+of a pier, bearing the name Cherbourg.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+SO THIS IS FRANCE!
+
+
+"So this is France!"
+
+For the first time the boys of Battery D repeated this phrase in all
+its reality as they stood upon elevated ground in the vicinity of the
+British Rest Camp at Cherbourg and viewed the vista of harbor, four
+miles distant, where, from the gang-plank of the King Edward they set
+foot on French soil on Sunday morning, August 4th, at 8 o'clock.
+
+The panorama presented the naval and commercial harbors, from which
+Cherbourg, the seaport of Northwestern France, derives its chief
+importance. The eye can see the three main basins, cut out of the
+rock, with an area of fifty-five acres, which forms the naval harbor
+and to which are connected dry-docks; the yards where the largest
+ships in the French navy are constructed; magazines and the various
+workshops required for an arsenal of the French navy.
+
+A glance about reveals surrounding hills, in which batteries are
+located in fortification of the works and the town.
+
+A second glance toward the harbor shows a large naval hospital close
+to the water's-edge, at the mouth of the Divette, on a small bay at
+the apex of the indentation formed by the Northern shore of the
+Peninsula of Cotentin. There is also at the mouth of Divette, the
+commercial harbor, connecting with the sea by a channel. This harbor
+consists of two parts, an outer harbor and an inner basin. Outside
+these harbors is the triangular bay, which forms the road-stead of
+Cherbourg.
+
+The bay is admirably sheltered by the land on three sides, while on
+the North it is sheltered by a large breakwater, which is protected
+and leaves passage for vessels. The passages are guarded by forts
+placed on islands intervening between the breakwater and the mainland,
+and themselves united to the mainland by breakwaters.
+
+Glimpses of the town of Cherbourg which the boys received as they
+hiked the four miles from the docks to the rest camp, through narrow
+and crooked streets, revealed no buildings of special interest, apart
+from the church of La Trinite dating from the 15th century; a statue
+of the painter J. F. Millet, born near Cherbourg, stands in the public
+gardens and there is an equestrian statue of Napoleon I in the square
+named after him. After reaching the rest camp the soldiers were
+unable to get down to the town again, although they had been told that
+the Hotel de Ville housed a rich collection of paintings.
+
+It was at 10 a. m. when the regiment arrived at the British Rest Camp
+at Cherbourg. Halt was made on a large parade ground in front of a
+Y. M. C. A. hut. The boys stretched themselves on the ground while
+search was instituted for the area the outfit was to occupy at its
+second rest camp.
+
+Rest had just been commanded a few minutes when the command to
+"fall-in" was sounded. Everybody hustled to their feet, shouldered the
+heavy pack and awaited the next order.
+
+"About-Face" was ordered. And the regiment obeyed. "Rest" was next.
+This was the first time in the history of the battery that it was
+necessary to shoulder packs to execute an about-face.
+
+The camp consisted of dome-shaped, sheet-iron barracks and tented
+areas. After an hour's wait Battery D was assigned to the 13th row of
+Section C of the tented area. Tents were pyramid in shape. Fourteen
+men were crowded into each tent that was originally intended for
+eight.
+
+By laying in wheel formation, with fourteen pairs of feet meeting at
+the center pole, the boys rested themselves on the board floors of the
+tents that night. There was no room for packcarriers and other
+paraphanelia in the tents. Most of the soldiers deposited their excess
+luggage on the outside. About midnight it started to rain. There was a
+scurry to get the equipment in out of the rain, which also disturbed
+the sweet slumbers as water trickled in under the canvass or else came
+through leaks in the roof.
+
+Reveille sounded at 5:30 the next morning. Orders were given for packs
+to be rolled preparatory to moving. A move was made from Section C to
+row 19 of D Section of the same tented area. The remainder of the
+morning was set apart for Battery D to take a bath. The soldiers' bath
+had been a negligible quantity since leaving Camp Meade, with the
+exception of some few who attempted to work up a lather with salt
+water on the Morvada. To the boys, therefore, the prospect of a good
+bath was hailed with delight.
+
+No dressing room was attached to the bathhouse that was situated at
+one end of the Cherbourg rest camp. Therefore the boys had to make
+ready for the bath in their tents. With slickers and shoes on the
+battery lined up and marched to the bathhouse, while the rain came
+down and the wind was wont to play with the flaps of the raincoats, as
+a battery of bare-legs was exposed to the elements.
+
+Arrived at the bathhouse, it was discovered that the showers would
+accommodate eight at one time. The first squad in line went into the
+water sanctum, while everybody else waited their turn on the outside.
+
+The showers consisted of three half-inch pipes suspended from the
+ceiling. There were three lengths of pipe, each length being
+perforated at two places to emit the shower of water. The perforations
+comprised about four holes, each hole about one-sixteenth of an inch
+in diameter.
+
+The first eight who entered the bathhouse were eager to get under the
+showers and consequently did not glance about to inspect the equipment
+of the room. The eight soldiers braced themselves under the showers
+and yelled for the man in charge to turn on the water. Instead of
+being washed away by the force of the current, as the firmly braced
+attitude of each gave evidence that such was to be the case, the
+opening wide of the flood-gates let four needle-like streams of water
+descend upon each figure.
+
+The eight took the bath good-naturedly and as they passed out of the
+bathhouse, making room for the next eight to enter, they passed word
+along the end of the waiting line to the effect that it would be just
+as expedient to take off the slicker and stand out in the rain, that
+was still falling.
+
+The same evening orders to leave the rest camp came forth. At 6 p. m.
+the regiment was assembled on the parade ground and soon started its
+march back over the four miles, through Cherbourg, to the railroad
+yards of the Ouest-Etat railway, which skirted the docks.
+
+Arrived there at 7:45 p. m., sections of French trains were assembled
+ready to receive the soldiers. This assemblage of coaches was of
+infinitely greater variety than those of English ownership. Third
+class coaches were in evidence, but of greater import were the box
+cars containing the inscription, "40 Hommes or 8 Chevaux."
+
+Forty men or eight horses may have been the official capacity but when
+forty soldiers with equipment C were assigned to such a car to spend
+the night and several succeeding nights, all that was needed to make
+sardines was a little oil.
+
+Several sections of the battery were fortunate in securing third-class
+accommodations, but the remainder prepared to settle themselves in the
+box cars, the majority of which cars turned out to have flat wheels as
+the journey started.
+
+Daylight remained abroad for the first two hours of the journey;
+while the cars jolted over the rails the boys sang and kept alive the
+spirit. Then came darkness. No lights in the car. Forty men stretched
+out in a small box-car. Incidently it might be added that a French
+box-car is about one-half the size of similar type of car used on the
+railroads in the United States. It wasn't fair to kick your buddy in
+the face or get on his ear. The night, however, gradually wore on and
+the towns of Valognes, Isigny and Manche St. Lo, were passed. Thence
+out of the Manche department, through the railroad center at Vire, in
+Calvados, the special, with its side-door Pullmans, rolled on, enroute
+through Flers, Coutenne and Pre during the early hours of the morning
+of August 6th. Daylight dawned as Alencon was reached and at 11:30 a.
+m., Le Mans loomed in sight. A half-hour's ride from Le Mans and an
+half-hour lay-over was ordered. The troops were allowed to alight for
+the time. A supply of iron rations was also furnished each car from
+the supply car of the special.
+
+The next stop was made at Tours from 6 to 8 p. m. A short lay-over was
+also made at Poitiers at 11 p. m. The troop special was then nearing
+its destination. But few on board were aware that at the end of the
+next thirty-four kilometers was Montmorillon, in the department of
+Vienne, which was to be the stopping off place of Battery D for a stay
+of several weeks.
+
+The troop special of thirty-five coaches and box cars, pulled into the
+station at Montmorillon at 1 a. m.; all was quiet about the station. A
+majority of the soldiers were too tired to care about location. They
+slumbered on as best they could in their box-car berths, while the
+special was pulled in on a siding, to remain until daylight when the
+order to detrain was to be issued.
+
+[Illustration: MONTMORILLON STATION
+Where Battery D Detrained in France After Leaving British Rest Camp
+at Cherbourg.]
+
+[Illustration: MONTMORILLON STREET SCENE
+Building Marked X was Billet for Half of the Battery During the First
+Month Spent on French Soil.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+WHITE TROOPS INVADE MONTMORILLON.
+
+
+Dotted with quaint architecture of 12th and 13th century Romanesque
+and Gothic design, the hills of Vienne department, France, cradle the
+crystal-clear and drowsy-moving waters of the Gartempe, a river, which
+in its course winds through the town of Montmorillon, where four
+thousand French peasantry, on August 7th, received their first lesson
+in American cosmopolitism.
+
+Montmorillon, where the boys of Battery D were billeted for the first
+time in the midst of the French people; where they received their
+first impressions on French life and mannerisms, lives in memory of
+the boys as the prettiest, cleanest and most-comfortable place of any
+the outfit visited during its sojourn in France.
+
+Despite the fact that a feeling of strained hospitality attended the
+reception of the 311th Artillery, the first body of white American
+troops to visit Montmorillon, the cloud of suspicion was soon lifted
+and four weeks of smiling August sunshine days, undarkened by
+rainclouds, were spent along the banks of the Gartempe.
+
+When the 311th troops alighted from the troop special early on the
+morning of their arrival, the station and avenues of approach to the
+town were guarded by American negro M. P.'s, members of the 164th
+Artillery Brigade, who had arrived in the town several weeks previous
+and had made themselves at home with the natives.
+
+The 311th was not in Montmorillon many days before the explanation of
+the half-hearted reception came to light. An element of negro troops
+had started the story on its rounds among the guileless French
+peasants that the white troops, who had just arrived, comprised the
+"Scum of America," and that they (the negroes) were the real
+Americans; the whites being the so-called "American Indians." As the
+flames of gossip spread from tongue to tongue, admonition was added
+that the white arrivals were dangerous and corrupt and the French
+should refrain from associating with the new arrivals.
+
+Thus there was created an intense and bitter racial feeling that
+loomed gigantic and threatened open racial hostilities as the white
+and colored American troops traveled the same streets of a foreign
+village; were admitted to the same cafes and vied with each other for
+the friendship of the French populace.
+
+Street fights were not infrequent, while scenes in cafes were
+enacted wherein white refused to sit in the same room with colored
+troops or vice-versa.
+
+Persisting in their set standard of chivalry, the element of the white
+soldiers often took it as ordained to induce the French demoiselles to
+leave the company of their opposite in blood. Many of the colored
+troops were equally persistent, with the result that the breach of
+ill-feeling gaped bigger, until official cognizance came to bear.
+
+Within a short time the 164th Brigade was withdrawn from Montmorillon,
+leaving the 311th to commence its active and intensive course of
+training on foreign soil.
+
+On August 7th, the day of the 311th's arrival, the troops waited at
+the station for several hours while the billeting officers were
+locating billets throughout the town. Iron rations were partaken of at
+the station and everybody was glad that battery mess outfits would
+soon set up shop and the American Q. M. system of rationing would be
+resumed.
+
+The march through the town to the various assigned billeting districts
+was started from the station at 9:30 o'clock. The batteries of the
+regiment were scattered in various billets throughout the town. Every
+vacant house, barn or shed that possibly could be pressed into
+service, was designated as a billet for the troops.
+
+Battery D continued its march through the town; across the cement
+bridge over the Gartempe; into an octagon-shaped intersection of
+public streets, lined with several three-story buildings, the
+principal one of which gave evidence of being a cafe and bore the
+sign, "Cafe du Commerce."
+
+Opposite the bridge, the route was along Rue de Strasburg, where, in
+the rear of the Cafe du Commerce, Battery D halted before a
+three-story stone structure that bore signs of having been vacated for
+many years.
+
+The area billeting officer produced a large key, threw open the door
+and half the battery was ushered inside. It immediately fell their
+task to brush the cow-webs from the ceilings; gather up the fallen
+plaster from the floor; sweep out several years' accumulation of dirt
+and dust; while the old-fashioned shutters were pried open for the
+first time in many years and the sunshine streamed into the rooms, to
+drive away, to some degree, the mustiness of environment.
+
+The other half of the battery was directed to a barn structure
+about a block distant from the first battery abode. Clean-up
+activities of similar nature were instituted in the barn.
+
+About 3 o'clock that afternoon the barrack bags of the regiment were
+received and distributed to the soldiers. The bags had been in transit
+ever since leaving Camp Meade.
+
+Arrangements were made with several French farmers to bring a quantity
+of straw to the public square, where the soldiers, later in the
+afternoon, filled their bed ticks. It was on a tick of straw, thrown
+on the floor of the old dilapidated, vacated house, that one hundred
+of the battery spent their nights of sleep in Montmorillon while the
+other half occupied similar beds on the upper-lofts of the barn.
+
+There were no formations the morning after arrival. The battery men
+spent most of the time about town. It was strange to observe the
+peasantry hobbling along in their wooden shoes, the flopping of the
+loose footwear at the heels beating a rhythmic clap, clap on the
+cobblestone pave.
+
+Each day brought new scenes of peasant life. Quaintly and slowly oxen
+under yoke were used on the streets to haul the farmers' grain to the
+large public square, where, under the scorching sun the farmer and his
+helpers toiled with hand flailers, thrashing the grain. Strange
+looking carts, drawn by donkeys with large ears, vied with the
+ox-carts for supremacy of traffic.
+
+Along the river's edge were located public places for clothes-washing.
+The peasant whose house adjoined the river had a private place at the
+water's-edge where the family washing was done. The river served as a
+huge tub for the entire community, the women carrying their wash to
+the river, where, kneeling at special devised wash-boards, garments
+were rubbed and paddled until they shown immaculate.
+
+Washing was greatly increased at the river when the 311th came to
+town. The hundreds of soldiers sought out washer-women. The peasant
+women welcomed the opportunity of earning a few francs doing American
+washing. The more active of the washer-women spent entire days washing
+at the river for the soldiers. At first one franc was a standard price
+for having a week's laundry done, but as days passed and business
+became brisker, rates went up to two, five and in some instances
+higher.
+
+To the Americans the town of Montmorillon, as was the case of most of
+the ancient towns visited in France, presented an impression of
+isolation. Houses built during the 12th century with their high walls
+surrounding and barricaded entrances, were greatly in evidence; houses
+of such nature, history records, as furnishing protection in the days
+when feudalism fought at spear-points. The stages and wages of war
+advanced with the centuries, but not so with the ancient French town;
+where the peasants live content with no sewerage or drainage system;
+content to pursue the antiquated customs. To be thrown in the midst of
+this 12th century environment was productive of lasting impressions on
+the part of the American troops who were suddenly transplanted from a
+land of 20th century civilization and advancement, to an old and
+foreign soil.
+
+The first night the 311th was in Montmorillon fire broke out in "The
+Baines," an ornate and modern French homestead near the Cafe du
+Commerce. Several officers of the 311th regiment had secured quarters
+in the Baines. They were forced to vacate by the fire. Bucket brigades
+was the only fire protection the prefecture afforded its citizenry.
+The fire drew a large crowd of the new soldiers, a score of whom took
+active charge of fighting the blaze; giving the Frenchmen a real
+exhibition in the art of bucket-brigade fire extinction.
+
+Time, however, was not to view French scenery. Training activity was
+the official topic of interest. It was decreed that instruction in the
+school of the soldier should begin immediately. Fifty per cent of the
+regiment comprised new recruits, who had been assigned to the outfit
+previous to departure from Camp Meade. It was necessary to begin the
+training at the beginning.
+
+Out from the town, among the open farm lands, a large grain field was
+secured as a drill field for the battery. It required a thirty-five
+minute hike from the battery billeting area to reach the drill field.
+This hike was in order every morning and afternoon. The time on the
+drill field was spent in learning the rudiments in much the same
+manner as the training was started and progressed with the first
+recruits at Camp Meade.
+
+When 4 o'clock of each afternoon came, the order was established for a
+swim in the river as the parting day's rejuvenator. Montmorillon was
+the only place in France where the battery got frequent baths.
+
+Saturday morning for the troops at Montmorillon was generally inspection
+time. Inspections were held on the public plaza. Showdown inspections
+were as exacting as Camp Meade days. Saturday afternoon and Sunday
+were days of rest for those who were lucky enough to escape detail.
+
+Regimental services were held in the public square on Sunday mornings,
+while many of the soldiers visited the curious, two-storied chapel of
+octagonal form and Romanesque style, that was built in the 12th
+century, in which services were still conducted. The chapel is
+connected with the ecclesiastical seminary that occupies a building
+that was formerly an Augustinian convent.
+
+The Church of the Notre Dame is another ancient landmark of
+Montmorillon that held interest for the Americans. It, also, is a 12th
+century building, built on a high slope, with its chapel undermined
+with a series of catacombs. Trips of inspection to these subalterean
+chambers, where the worship of the early ages was conducted, were
+numerous and interesting to the soldiers.
+
+Various schools for instruction of the officers of the regiment were
+established at Montmorillon. A detachment of new officers from the
+Saumur school arrived in town to take charge of the training work
+while the regular officers attended the schools. Second Lieut. Sidney
+F. Bennett of Derby, Vermont, was assigned to Battery D at this time
+and was given plenty of work in supervising the morning drill and
+battery instructions. Lieut. Bennett immediately won great favor among
+the men. He varied his periods of drill and training with athletics.
+"O'Grady," "Crow and Crane," "Belt 'Round the ring," and numerous
+other sport contests were indulged in with great vim.
+
+A battery kitchen, utilizing the field range, was set up in close
+proximity to the two battery billets. Here the boys lined up with
+their mess-kits three times a day. They sat out in the narrow French
+street as they appeased their appetites. Gone were the mess hall
+tables of Camp Meade days. Gone were the cots of Camp Meade memory.
+Cheer was added, however, when mail from the United States and home
+began to reach the outfit. The first despatch of mail to reach Battery
+D overseas was at Montmorillon on August 13th.
+
+Then on August 14th came the first overseas payday. The battery
+members were paid with an addition of ten per cent for foreign
+service. The first pay was in French currency, the rate of exchange at
+the time being 5:45 francs to the American dollar.
+
+When French peasants toiled a whole day for several francs and when
+the pay of the French soldier was not equalling one franc a day,
+the French, when the American private was paid $33 a month in
+179.85 francs, gained the idea that all Americans were millionaires.
+The result was the establishment of two standards of price in French
+shops; one price for the French and a higher price for the Americans.
+
+Souvenir postcards sold anywhere from 10 centimes to five francs
+apiece. In the matter of fruits, peaches commanded one franc for three
+during the peach season; apples sold two for one franc; while tomatoes
+that should have sold for one franc a basket, brought one franc for
+five.
+
+The soldiers were allowed to be on the streets until 9 o'clock each
+night. Many spent their money freely. The wine shops did a thriving
+business and as is usual in large crowds, the element was present that
+was not satisfied with sampling the large assortment of wine-vintages
+but indulged in Cognac. Strict disciplinary measures were immediately
+adopted. Several of the first offenders, none of whom, however, were
+from Battery D ranks, were reduced in rank at a public battalion
+formation on the public square.
+
+The cognac proclivities of the few endangered the privileges of the
+many in having freedom to visit in the town at night. Battery
+punishment was inflicted at times, which constituted carrying a full
+pack on the back at drill formation or for a certain period after
+drill hours.
+
+Toward the latter part of August steps were taken to organize a
+battery commander's detail. Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke took charge of the
+instruction work. Special instruction was started in map and road
+sketching, orientation and signal work. The battery in general was
+also put through a strenuous course in the use of the semaphore and
+the wigwag.
+
+On August 21st the regiment passed in review on the large regimental
+drill ground, under a burning sun. The swim in the river at the close
+of that day was especially inviting.
+
+While in Montmorillon Lieut. Sidney F. Bennett instituted a series of
+battalion and regimental setting-up exercises. Calesthenics, to the
+music of the regimental band, was the feature of the exercises.
+
+The long hike to the grain field drill ground was abandoned after two
+weeks and the village plaza was used for drill purposes. About this
+time several French army sergeants were attached to the regiment and
+instruction in gun pit construction was started. Details were kept
+busy for several days digging gun pits near the regimental drill
+grounds, but before the job was fully completed orders came for
+the regiment to leave Montmorillon.
+
+Present day reminiscences vouch for the fact that the stay in
+Montmorillon was most pleasant. The weather had been ideal throughout
+the month of August. Except for a detachment from the regiment who
+replaced the negro M. P.'s no guard duty was necessary in the town.
+During the first week of September, 1918, however, all that the boys
+had to compare their lots and life in Montmorillon with was Camp Meade
+regime. In the light of this comparison many expressed words of
+approval that the outfit was finally getting away from such a horrid
+place. Those who failed to see the good points of Montmorillon,
+moreover, were without knowledge of what the future held in store for
+the outfit in its journey through France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ACTIVE TRAINING AT LA COURTINE.
+
+
+La Courtine, a village in the Department of Creuse, France, is
+surrounded by hilly country, the very nature of the hills affording
+ideal artillery range. La Courtine, therefore, was the site of a
+French artillery camp for many years.
+
+The village is divided into two parts; that which is gathered around a
+progressive looking station, and part is on a hill, which part is
+called Hightown. Both parts are confined to one street, replete with
+bars and cafes.
+
+It was to La Courtine that the 311th was bound after leaving
+Montmorillon. The French had turned the artillery camp over to the
+Americans and thither the 311th regiment was sent to get active and
+intense training in range fire with the use of the French 75's.
+
+The troop special assigned to the regiment upon leaving Montmorillon
+was made up of box cars, many of which had recently been used to
+transport crude oil, evinced by the oil on the floor of the cars. Onto
+every box car was loaded anywhere from 36 to 50 soldiers and a supply
+of iron-rations for the trip.
+
+Montmorillon was last seen at 10 a. m., September 4th, when the trip
+of box cars began to jolt and bang and back and switch over the rails,
+with the troops aboard making the best of the situation, reclining on
+straw that had been secured to partly cover the crude oil.
+
+The route was through Dorat, Gueter, Busseau and Feletin. La Courtine
+was reached at 9 o'clock. As per usual the first few sections of the
+battery were left at the station as a baggage detail, while the
+remainder of the battery marched through the village to the camp on
+the outskirts.
+
+The camp consisted of concrete barracks, with no lights at night and a
+majority of the windows broken. The floor and ceiling, however, was
+solid, which, at least, meant dry shelter during the nights of
+France's rainy season, soon to be experienced.
+
+Besides having a majority of the window panes broken, the barracks
+bore marks of having been the target for machine-gun bullets. The
+exterior walls were pitted with holes. Battery D was not in camp long
+before the members knew the story of the Russian revolt that had been
+staged at La Courtine during the days of Russia's exit from the war.
+When Russia withdrew from the fighting Camp La Courtine sheltered
+Russian troops. When the crash came part of the Russian army encamped
+there revolted against a portion that sought to remain loyal to
+France. The result was battle. The revolutionists fortified the
+surrounding hills with machine-guns and opened fire on the barracks of
+the camp below. Many Russians were slain in the revolt and lie buried
+in a cemetery in the camp. The revolt was finally suppressed by a
+detachment of French cavalry dispatched to the scene.
+
+Sleeping quarters at Camp La Courtine contained bunks made of two-inch
+plank, on which the Americans used their bed-ticks filled with straw.
+
+Battery kitchens were set up the morning after arrival. The kitchens
+were located under a tented roof. Mess was enjoyed by the soldiers out
+in the open, as there was no mess hall for Battery D.
+
+Except a slight rain the first day at Montmorillon, the four weeks
+spent by the outfit in Vienne Department were weeks of sunshine
+without a single day of rain, save the slight shower on the day of
+arrival. It was the declining days of the French dry-season. Advent of
+the outfit at La Courtine was with the rainy season. It rained the
+first night in camp and it kept raining almost continuously during the
+two months the battery spent at range practice.
+
+The weather, however, affected no training schedules. The first days
+at La Courtine were given over to hours of intensive exercise, drill
+and instruction in all lines of artillery work. Specialty schools were
+started in orientation, telephone, radio, machine-gunners, etc.
+
+It was at La Courtine that Bill Brennan and Joe Loskill, who
+accompanied the advance detail of the regiment to France, rejoined the
+battery. They had arrived at La Courtine several weeks previous to
+attend the machine-gun school. The machine-gunners, who left the
+battery at Montmorillon to attend the school, were also at La Courtine
+when the battery arrived.
+
+Instruction was continued from early morning until nightfall. A large
+Russian cannon was discharged in the camp each morning at 5 o'clock,
+also at retreat time each night. Reveille was a daily formation but,
+as was the case at Montmorillon, retreat was suspended during the
+months the war continued. All energy was devoted to essential
+war-training formations.
+
+Camp La Courtine housed a large and well-equipped American Y. M. C. A.,
+presided over by a large and capable staff of secretaries. To a
+majority of the troops the Y. M. C. A. furnished greater inducement
+for an evening's entertainment than did the numerous wineshops
+down town, that always stood open and ready to receive the cash of the
+American soldiers.
+
+On September 10th materiel began to arrive for the regiment. Within a
+few days the regiment was equipped with French artillery equipment,
+the field pieces being the famous French 75 millimetre guns.
+
+It was the first time that a majority of the boys of the regiment ever
+came in contact with a 75. During the period of training at Camp
+Meade, Md., U. S. A., the old members of Battery D spent eight months
+in learning the 3-inch American field gun. It was an entirely new
+proposition when equipped with 75's and ordered to range practice.
+
+Instruction was also started in equitation and harnessing. French
+artillery harness presented many new problems to the Americans. Many a
+soldier became highly exasperated in a vain attempt to untangle a set
+of French harness.
+
+About twenty horses were furnished the regiment at La Courtine.
+Several motor trucks were also supplied, whereby sufficient traction
+was secured to drag the guns out among the surrounding hills for
+actual firing practice.
+
+Battery D was not long in getting acquainted with the French 75's. On
+September 16th, just a brief span after the first instruction on the
+mechanism of the gun, the boys fired the first salvos on the range at
+La Courtine.
+
+September 19th was the beginning of what was almost incessant work on
+the range. Rolling out at 5 a. m., the boys toiled on the range
+through the rain and mud, returning to barracks at 6:30 p. m.
+
+Training continued in intensity. September 30th was one of the days
+reveille sounded at 4:30 a. m. The weather was miserable--rainy,
+windy, dreary. The battery left the barracks at day-break and hiked to
+the range with field-packs, to sleep in pup tents on range grounds, to
+be on hand early the following morning.
+
+Gas masks and steel helmets were additional implements of war issued
+to the soldiers at La Courtine. Then followed hour after hour of gas
+instruction. Gas masks were carried by the battery on all hikes and
+drill formations. Besides adjusting the mask a countless number of
+times a day, a regimental order made it mandatory that the masks be
+worn for at least one-half hour continuously each day.
+
+Influenza struck the regiment while encamped at La Courtine early
+in October. On October 5th, the camp Y. M. C. A. was closed under
+quarantine. The quarantine in the regiment was accompanied by strict
+daily inspections. The barrack squad rooms were thoroughly cleaned and
+disinfected each day and all blankets were taken out for a daily
+airing.
+
+There was a plentiful supply of ammunition at La Courtine. The battery
+spent the days at range practice when thousands of dollars worth of
+shells were fired at a great variety of targets from several different
+battery positions that were established.
+
+While the battery was fitting itself at range practice, specialists
+were qualifying in all the attendant duties of artillery work. Toward
+the last of October it looked as though the outfit would soon see
+active service, as perfection in firing was rapidly being reached.
+
+On October 15th the battery camouflage detail, headed by Sergeant Leo
+Delaney, of Pittston, Penna., began the construction of camouflaged
+gun positions on the range, after which Battery D participated in the
+firing of a brigade problem.
+
+Several days previous, October 11th, William Reynolds, of Pottsville,
+Penna., was killed when acting as No. 1 man of the first gun crew, in
+charge of Sergeant James Duffy, of Parsons, Penna. Standing in the
+rear of the piece, Sergeant Duffy had given the command to fire. The
+execution of the command was immediately followed by an explosion in
+the gun's tube, a portion of steel flying and striking Private
+Reynolds, almost decapitating him. Nicholas Young, of Pottsville,
+Penna., acting as Number 2 man on the gun-crew, sustained a compound
+fracture of the leg. Gunner-Corporal John Chardell, of Hazleton,
+Penna., sustained injuries about the body which confined him to the
+camp hospital for several weeks.
+
+Private Reynolds was buried in the American cemetery at Camp La
+Courtine on Saturday, October 12th, at 2 p. m., with military honors.
+This first casualty overseas awakened a new cord of sympathy among the
+battery members and it was with thoughtful determination they turned
+from the grave of their departed comrade and went back to their tasks
+of preparing for active war.
+
+Training was continued amid rumors of early departure for active
+battle sectors. As early as October 10th orders were received for the
+outfit to prepare to move. Supply wagons, etc., were immediately
+packed. Days passed, but no transportation was in sight. Each day
+the boys looked for an order to entrain, but the R. T. O.'s were not
+heard from.
+
+Thrilling news of the final stages of the drives reached the boys
+through the Paris editions of the New York Herald and Chicago Tribune,
+that were sold in the camp each day. The news enthused the soldiers
+and thrilled them with the desire to move forward and get in on the
+grand finale. They had toiled early and late, in all kinds of weather,
+to learn how, and it is natural to presume that a red-blooded soldier
+yearned the opportunity to make use of that knowledge acquired with
+such sacrifice and toil.
+
+While waiting orders to move the battery took up a new position on the
+range. A brigade firing problem including a night barrage was fired on
+October 21st, with the signal details at work with signal rockets.
+
+The brigade problem, which was the last firing the battery did in
+France, ended on October 30th with the laying down of a defensive
+barrage. The problem required twenty-four consecutive hours.
+
+On October 28th, First Lieutenant C. D. Bailey joined the battery at
+La Courtine. Lieut. Bailey was formerly of the ambulance service of
+the French army and the S. S. U., No. 5. and at that time, he was the
+only man in the regiment entitled to wear a French decoration.
+
+Meanwhile the outfit was packed up in the main, and was ready to move
+at short notice. With the approach of November the boys thought their
+movement was assured and plans were laid for a "feed," consisting of a
+pig-roast, to be held on November 2nd.
+
+Late in the afternoon of November 2nd death claimed First-Sergeant
+James J. Farrell, of Parsons, Penna., who died a victim of pneumonia.
+Sergeant Farrell, who was a regular army service man, was buried at La
+Courtine on Monday, November 4th.
+
+The same day, November 4th, another battery member was claimed in
+death by Influenza. He was Private Horace Fardon, of Paterson, N. J.,
+who was buried on November 5th. That evening at 6:55 o'clock Private
+First-Class Joseph A. Loughran, of Hazleton, Penna., fell a victim to
+pneumonia. Private Loughran was buried alongside Private Fardon, on
+the morning of November 6th.
+
+Besides paying last military honors to their departed comrades the
+boys spent the days previous to the cessation of the fighting on the
+pistol range, developing their proficiency with side-arms.
+
+On the evening of Wednesday, November 6th, a battery entertainment
+was staged in the auditorium of the camp Y. M. C. A. A mock trial was
+the feature of the entertainment.
+
+On one of the trips to the pistol range, on November 5th, Private
+William Van Campen, of Ridgewood, N. J., walked into a loaded hand
+grenade, which he kicked. The resultant explosion caught him in the
+knee and incapacitated him on the hospital list. Corporal James F.
+Kelly, of Plains, Penna., almost collided with a grenade on the same
+trip.
+
+An order was issued, November 9th, for front-line packs to be rolled;
+transportation was in sight. The inevitable delay resulted, however.
+All transportation facilities were busy hauling ammunition to the
+front where the Allies were giving the Germans the rain of fire that
+caused them to think seriously and quick about an armistice.
+
+[Illustration: ENTRANCE TO CAMP LA COURTINE, FRANCE
+Road Leading from the Village Street to the Artillery Camp. The Scene of
+the Armistice Celebration.]
+
+[Illustration: AMERICAN Y. M. C. A. AT CAMP LA COURTINE
+Officers' Mess Hall of French Camp Used as a Recreational Center by the
+American Army.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+NOVEMBER ELEVENTH AT LA COURTINE.
+
+
+November 11th, 1918, was a memorable day to the populace of La
+Courtine, France, as was the case in every hamlet, village, town or
+city in the world, when the news was flashed that Germany had accepted
+the terms of an Allied armistice and that fighting was to cease at 11
+a. m. that day. The armistice that ended the World War was signed at 5
+a. m., Paris time, and hostilities ceased six hours later, which was 6
+o'clock Washington time.
+
+The American troops encamped at La Courtine this eventful time
+received the tidings with great joy. The roads leading from the camp
+to the village were crowded with soldiers who paraded up and down in
+hysterical good humor. The crowds thronged into the village where the
+one main street was ablaze with celebration. The French populace were
+out to celebrate with the Americans. The cafes did a land office
+business. Wine flowed freely. The French kissed the Americans in some
+instances as the celebrators swayed through the street. The band was
+out. The crowds shouted, yelled, sang and cut-up all kinds of antics.
+
+The scene, however, was similar to that enacted everywhere throughout
+the Allied world. The end of the fighting was officially announced and
+everybody was glad. The same hysterical good humor swayed the crowds
+at La Courtine that prompted like celebrations throughout the United
+States.
+
+Great as was the enthusiasm and celebration of November 11th, the big
+gusto of celebration had been spent at La Courtine, as was the case
+everywhere else, on Thursday evening, November 7th, when a premature
+and unofficial announcement of the armistice was made.
+
+Battery D spent the afternoon of November 7th on the pistol range.
+About 5 o'clock the news quickly spread that a bulletin announcing the
+end of the fighting had been posted at the Y. M. C. A. The bulletin
+was up only a short time when it was removed, with the explanation
+that it was unofficial, also contradicted.
+
+But the anxious hearers, as was the case everywhere, wanted no
+denials. The enthusiasm of the hour made people speak of the thing
+which they had been hoping for as though it had come true.
+Consequently the enthusiasm led to celebration.
+
+It was a gala night in La Courtine. The days following brought sober
+realization that the end had not yet come. Stern realities of war
+loomed big in Battery D circles on Saturday, November 9th, when a
+front-line pack inspection was in order.
+
+A quiet Sunday followed, then, at noon on Monday, November 11th, came
+the authentic news of the armistice signing. Joyous celebration
+started immediately and assumed its peak during the afternoon when
+special passes were issued to the soldiers to visit in the village.
+The celebration continued until late at night.
+
+Official recognition of the news was thundered from the cannon at Camp
+La Courtine at retreat, when a royal salute of twenty-one guns was
+fired.
+
+The following day was also an off day for Battery D. Passes to visit
+the town were issued to half the outfit from reveille to 3 p. m.,
+while the other fifty per cent were given the privilege from 3 p. m.
+until 11 p. m.
+
+Word was received that the regiment was to entrain at La Courtine on
+November 14th. Preparations were immediately made for a farewell
+banquet. After great preparation by the cooks and the K. P.'s, the
+banquet was staged at 6 o'clock on November 13th, with stewed chicken
+as the mainstay of the menu. A number of the Y. M. C. A. girls were
+guests at the banquet.
+
+Thursday, November 14th, the regiment had the task of getting its
+materiel to the station at La Courtine for transportation by rail to a
+new billeting area of France. No one could guess where it was to be or
+what the future held in store for the troops in the way of service and
+training during the months that were sure to intervene before it was a
+question of homeward bound.
+
+The regiment was well supplied with materiel, but had no horses. A
+number of motor trucks were sought out to haul the heavier of the
+supply wagons. It was necessary for the soldiers to furnish the power
+to drag the guns and caissons from the camp to the station, a distance
+of over a mile.
+
+The materiel was loaded on flat cars at the station. Then the soldiers
+were ushered to side-door Pullmans once again. Bed ticks were not
+emptied of their straw before leaving camp. Thus the soldiers entered
+the box cars with their bed ticks as a mattress to recline on the
+floor of the car.
+
+The first section of flat cars and box cars with Battery D left La
+Courtine at 2:30 o'clock. Another seeing France by box-car trip was
+on.
+
+An improvement in mess enroute was experienced during this trip.
+A flat car was used for the rolling kitchen. Hot meals were prepared
+in transit. Back over the same route, through Feletin and Abusson, to
+the junction point at Busseau, the troop special proceeded, reaching
+the junction at 6:30 o'clock when mess call was sounded. Here the
+first section of the train waited until 8:27 for the arrival of the
+second section at the junction point.
+
+It was dark when the trip was resumed. Deprived by the darkness from
+sight-seeing privileges, all that remained for the troops to do was to
+stretch out on the floor and try to sleep. The nights were long and
+dark while traveling in a French box car.
+
+During the night the towns of Jarnages and Montlucon were passed. The
+train entered the Department of Allier, traveling Northeast, through
+Commentry, Villefranche, le Montel and Moulins.
+
+Daylight was breaking by the time Moulins was sighted. Stop was made
+at Paray le Monial from 7:30 to 8 a. m., when breakfast was served
+from the flat truck dining car.
+
+The next day, November 15th, was spent traveling through a beautiful
+stretch of country. The railroad ran almost parallel with the Boninoe
+river, a branch of the Loire. Through pasture lands and farming
+country, the road stretched along Palinges, Montceau, Changy, Beaune.
+A lay-over for lunch was made at Nuits St. Georges at 1 p. m.
+
+In the afternoon stop was made at Dijon, where the troops got a chance
+to detrain and partake of refreshments that a corps of French Red
+Cross workers served at the station.
+
+Soon after leaving Dijon darkness fell upon the troop special. The sun
+had not yet gone to rest. The famous tunnel between Sombernon and
+Blaizy-Bas had been penetrated. This tunnel, on the road to Paris, may
+be a note-worthy piece of engineering skill, but its designers
+evidently never dreamed of a troop special of thirty or forty old box
+cars, many with rust-corroded doors that could not be closed, whizzing
+through; leaving the passengers to eat up the exhaust from the smoke
+stacks of the locomotive.
+
+At this time the troop train was headed Northwest, toward Paris, but
+hopes of getting near Gay Paree were soon shattered. When Nuits sous
+Ravieres was reached, switch over to another branch was made and the
+direction then was Northeast, toward Chaumont, the A. E. F.
+headquarters town.
+
+Stop for night mess was made at Les Laumes, where orders were also
+issued for the troops to get their packs ready as the outfit would
+detrain in about three hours time.
+
+A heavy frost developed that night and the troops almost froze in the
+boxcars. After delay in getting started from Les Laumes the journey
+continued over a considerable longer period than three hours. Laigne
+and St. Colombre were passed and La Tracey, the detraining point, was
+reached at 3 a. m., Saturday, November 16th, 1918.
+
+Reveille was not sounded until 6 a. m. During the interim most of the
+troops left the boxcars and built fires in the railroad yards, around
+which they sought warmth during the early morning hours.
+
+The hustle to get all the materiel from the flat trucks started at 6
+o'clock. A section of a motor transportation corps was dispatched to
+La Tracey to convey the regiment to its new billeting district. The
+motor outfit was late in arriving, but finally start was made. Three
+and four guns and caissons were attached to each truck, the truck
+loaded with soldiers and packs, then for a thirty kilometer race
+through the Marne Department in motorized artillery form. The last
+detail did not leave La Tracey until 4 p. m.
+
+The first details arrived at Ville sous La Ferte, a small village in
+the Department of Aube. This village was the billeting center for the
+2nd Battalion of the regiment. Regimental headquarters was established
+at Clairvaux, four kilometers from Ville sous La Ferte. The 1st
+Battalion went to Juvancourt, about a kilometer distant.
+
+Farm lands and vineyards surrounded these villages. The inhabitants
+were of the quiet peasant type. With nothing of interest and no form
+of amusement, Ville sous La Ferte was a quiet place for Battery D. The
+battery was divided among a score of barns, lofts, sheds and houses,
+covering considerable length of a village street. A grist mill with
+its water-wheel and mill-pond was situated near the building in which
+the battery office was established. All formations were assembled in
+the street in front of the battery office. Difficulty was experienced
+during the stay at this place in getting the battery out at all
+formations, especially those members who were billeted in the loft of
+a barn at the extreme end of the battery street. As a remedy the
+battery buglers were given the job of traversing the street each
+morning and routing out the fellows.
+
+It was mid-November. The days and evenings were getting damp and
+chilly. Fires were comfortable things those days, but heating stoves
+were unknown to the peasant homes of Ville sous La Ferte. The
+houses were equipped with fire-places. The big question, however,
+was to procure fuel. It was all the battery could do to get a supply
+of wood from nearby woodlands to supply the needs of the battery
+kitchen. At first the fellows started to make raids on the wood pile
+that came in for the kitchen, but this soon had to be stopped under
+necessity of suspension of the commissary department.
+
+For many of the squads billeted in the barns and sheds there was no
+chance for warmth as there were no fire-places. During the damp, cold
+nights the only choice the inhabitants of those billets had was to
+roll in and keep warm under the blankets.
+
+To chop a tree down in the numbered forests of France was to commit a
+crime, so the fellows who were in billets that did have fire places
+faced a series of crimes to get wood. The inhabitants of such billets
+took it upon themselves to devise ways and means to obtain fuel. The
+occupants of one billet sent details out to root up old fence posts
+from adjacent farm-lands; while in another instance eighteen men
+housed in a billet borrowed several French wheel-barrows and at night
+made a raid on a large pile of newly cut tree trunks which was located
+a kilometer from the village.
+
+The result of this night's work provided fuel and light for several
+days in the billet of the raiding party. Light was another essential
+feature. With candles selling as high as a franc apiece, letter
+writing home was sadly neglected in many cases. So the receipt of an
+extra letter written by the light of a log-blaze, kindled with wood
+secured through great difficulty, has had to act as savoring
+repentance for any misconduct employed in acquiring possession of the
+means of light and heat.
+
+The battery had among its equipment dozens of new horse-blankets. With
+the exception of a few stray animals, no horses had been received by
+the battery in France thus far. Several were in care of the outfit at
+Ville sous La Ferte, where six horses caused as much stable detail
+work as a complete battery of mounts occasioned at Camp Meade. The
+main feature, moreover, was the distribution of the horse-blankets
+among the troops in an effort to keep warm at night.
+
+There was no room in Ville sous La Ferte to do any maneuvering, so the
+guns and caissons were parked in a field and were not used during the
+stay. The time of the soldier was employed in hikes and various forms
+of athletics. Soccer developed as the leading sport and great rivalry
+resulted in games that were played on furrowed ground of a large wheat
+field.
+
+War was over, so official orders again gave birth to Retreat
+formation, which was held with much disciplinary ado in front of the
+Hotel de Ville at 4:15 o'clock each afternoon. Guard mount was also
+decreed and last, but not least, regimental reviews came into their
+own with great official solemnity.
+
+On Thursday, November 21st, a wild boar hunt that had been planned by
+the battery, had to be called off. A regimental review was to be held
+at Clairvaux that afternoon.
+
+The 2nd Battalion formed at 1 p. m. and hiked to Clairvaux with colors
+flying for the big review. A mix-up in giving commands "flunked" the
+first attempt at passing in review. The entire ceremony of dignity had
+to be executed a second time. Close order drill then came into its
+own. The following day, November 22nd, the battalion again hiked to
+Clairvaux, where another review was staged and the regiment kept at
+battalion close-order drill until 4 o'clock.
+
+Sunday, November 24th, reveille sounded at 6 o'clock. Orders were
+given to make rolls preparatory to moving. When the soldiers were
+ready to move the order was changed. It was discovered that the motor
+trucks would not arrive until the following day.
+
+The motor transportation squad was expected to arrive early on Monday
+morning. It was 9 o'clock at night when they arrived. Departure was
+delayed until next morning, but this did not keep back an order that
+called the battery out in detail during a heavy rain at 9:30 Monday
+night to pull the guns and caissons through the mud, from the field
+where they had been parked to the road, so that they could be attached
+to the motor trucks. There was a great tendency to "duck detail" that
+night.
+
+Ville sous La Ferte was finally left in the distance, Tuesday,
+November 26th, at 10 o'clock. The soldiers and their packs had to pile
+in the few motor trucks that were furnished. A few of the boys rode
+the materiel attached to the trucks and had a wild ride. The rolling
+kitchen of the battery, with ovens blazing away, covered the roads at
+a fine clip behind a motor truck, with George Musial having his hands
+full trying to manipulate the brake.
+
+The trip continued through Maranville and Bricon. Chaumont was circled
+about 4 o'clock and stop was made about twenty-one kilometers from
+A. E. F. Headquarters, at a sleepy little hamlet of about fifty houses
+and barns, called Blancheville.
+
+[Illustration: A BATTERY D KITCHEN CREW
+Photo Taken at Mess Tent at Camp La Courtine, France.]
+
+[Illustration: GROUP OF BATTERY D SERGEANTS
+Capts. Clarke, Smith, and Hall in foreground.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+MUD AND BLANCHEVILLE.
+
+
+Blancheville, mud and mules are associated in memory of the holiday
+season of 1918-19 that Battery D spent in France.
+
+It was Thanksgiving week when Battery D arrived in Blancheville. The
+auto convoy deposited the battery paraphernalia in the vicinity of the
+old stone church and graveyard that stood along the main highway as
+the landmark and chief building of the village. Nearby stood the only
+other building of import--a stone structure that housed a pool of
+water in the manner of the ancients. This was the public pool where
+the women of the village came to do the family washing, as the village
+was deprived of the natural advantages of a river. Watering troughs
+surrounded this wash-house on two sides. Twice daily the cattle and
+live-stock from all the village barns were led to this watering place.
+Water for drinking purposes was also supplied the village from a
+special fountain on the exterior side opposite the water troughs.
+
+Mud was the chief characteristic of Blancheville. It was a farming
+community of unusual quietude. Plenty of barns and roosts were found
+in which to billet the battery. The natives were very hospitable. They
+readily chased out the cows and the chickens to make room for the
+Americans. The boys lived next door to animal nature. In one billet an
+adjacent room housed the live stock and it was not uncommon to have
+slumbers awakened by the cow walking into the sleeping quarters of the
+troops.
+
+While in Blancheville the boys got used to the largest of the French
+rat species. During the hours of the night they traveled flat-footed
+over the faces and forms of sleeping soldiers, also played havoc with
+all soldier equipment stored in the billet. It may sound like myth,
+but it is a fact that a rat in one billet dragged an army mess kit
+across the floor--they were some rats.
+
+On the road opposite the church stood an old, one-story stone building
+that was built in its present form, eight hundred years ago. The roof
+was overgrown with moss and one corner had started to crumble in from
+old age. In this building Corporals James Cataldo and Michael A. Tito,
+the battery barbers, set up a barber shop. They did good business
+after they were able to convince the battery in general that the roof
+would not cave in for another hundred years.
+
+The first day in Blancheville was spent in parking the guns and
+caissons, digging Latrines and the usual duties attendant upon
+establishing a new battery home. It was also a job in itself to make
+some semblance at getting some of the billets cleaned up and half fit
+to sleep in.
+
+Reveille for the first few mornings was at 8 o'clock. Thursday,
+November 28th, was an off day for the outfit, except those on K. P.,
+who got an extra job in preparing a battery Thanksgiving spread. The
+day was spent by the idle mostly in hiking over the roads and visiting
+some of the nearby villages where the other units of the regiment were
+quartered. Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Supply
+Company, Battery C, and the Medical detachment were at Andelot, about
+four kilos from Blancheville. The 2nd Battalion Hqrs. and E Battery
+were at Cirey-les-Mareilles; A Battery was at Vignes; Battery B at
+Montot, and F Battery at Mareilles.
+
+The town of Andelot, built in the shape of an amphitheatre on the
+slope which forms the base of the hill of Monteclair, is situated on
+the banks of the little river Rognon, 21 kilometers from Chaumont,
+seat of the Department of Haute Marne.
+
+On this hill of Monteclair, on which there was a strong-castle during
+the years 101 to 44 B. C., Caesar established a camp. Under
+Constantine (306 A. D.) Andelot became the seat of a province. A Court
+of Champagne fortified the position of Monteclair (440 A. D.). On the
+28th of November, 587, the treaty of Andelot was made between Gontran,
+King of Burgundy, and Cnideberft, King of Austrasia, who was
+accompanied by his mother, Brunehaut.
+
+In 871 A. D., Andelot became the seat of a county, which was broken up
+in the course of the tenth century, and which was a dependency of the
+Duke of Lorraine. From 1201 to 1253 the fortifications of Monteclair
+were strengthened and enlarged, the town was beautified and surrounded
+by walls, which were demolished in 1279. Andelot became the seat of a
+prefecture of which Domremy, the birthplace of Joan of Arc, was a
+part.
+
+In 1356 and again in 1431 Monteclair was taken by the English. It was
+returned to France in 1434. In 1523 a German army occupied Andelot and
+the castle of Monteclair for a short time. There followed famine and
+pestilence. Francis I, King of France (1494 to 1547) repaired the
+fortifications and ordered a great amount of work to be done on the
+fortress. During the religious wars (1337 to 1453) Andelot was taken
+and re-taken by the Catholics and Protestants, its church was
+burned and its bells melted down. Monteclair came again under the
+authority of the King in 1594.
+
+The fortress of Monteclair was dismantled in 1635, and in the
+following year the Germans devastated the town of Andelot. The
+fortress was finally destroyed in 1697. From that time until the
+present Monteclair and the towns in its vicinity have been rich in
+souvenirs.
+
+It was among these scenes Battery D idled the Thanksgiving day. At 5
+p. m. a special feed was put on in the battery mess hall in general
+celebration. The feasting was getting along nicely; everybody was
+enjoying the menu of roast pig and prune pie and nuts and candy, when
+it was suddenly discovered that a number of the candles used to light
+the mess hall had suddenly disappeared. The aftermath was felt for
+several days. A thorough search for the lost candles was instituted.
+They could not be found. An official battery order was then
+promulgated, stating that if the candles were not returned within a
+certain time a very heavy battery guard would be put on for the
+remainder of the stay in Blancheville.
+
+About a half dozen candles had disappeared. When the ultimatum was
+issued about two dozen candles of all sizes and descriptions were
+returned to the battery kitchen. The guard never went on. Candles
+continued to sell in Blancheville for fancy prices and the battery in
+general suffered in its letter writing for the want of light at night.
+
+Leather jerkins were first issued the battery at Blancheville on
+November 29th, which was the signal for horses to be received. The
+receipt of horses started a long and hard battle with the mud. To
+multiply miseries mules played an important part in the life of the
+battery. All told it is a long, muddy tale.
+
+On Friday, December 6th, fourteen sick horses arrived in Blancheville
+to be cared for by Battery D. The following day another consignment of
+horses arrived. The majority of the animals were afflicted with the
+mange. All had seen active service and were badly used up. Many
+suffered from neglect, the troops having but little time for the
+proper care of the animals while up in the front lines. Some were
+minus pieces of their ears, which had been shot off in battle.
+
+Two large, open artillery stables had been erected at Blancheville by
+a previous contingent of troops, so Battery D had stable facilities.
+The constant rain, however, soon played havoc with the ground in the
+vicinity of the stables and it was not long after the horses were
+received that the heavy traffic in the vicinity of the stables
+created a regular sea of mud. Hip rubber boots were issued and it was
+a grand battle with the mud each day. The animals had to be led
+through the mud three times a day to the public water troughs in the
+village.
+
+Besides caring for the horses the time at Blancheville was spent in
+hiking, at physical exercise and in the enjoyment of various forms of
+athletics. The manual of the pistol again came into its own and the
+guns were not neglected, as gun drill was finally returned to the
+schedule.
+
+At least once a week the battery hiked to Cirey les Mareilles, three
+kilos distant, where the only bath house was located.
+
+Thoughts of the Christmas season came to the battery at Blancheville
+when the first Christmas boxes from the folks back home were received
+during the second week in December. The boxes continued to arrive
+until the festal holiday.
+
+Sunday, December 15th, was payday for the soldiers in Blancheville.
+This particular payday was of ill omen for the battery. A number of
+the boys indulged too freely at the cafes in Chantraines, with a
+to-be-regretted fracas resulting. A guard of military police was put
+on at Chantraines following this escapade.
+
+Monday, December 16th, thirty-five additional horses were received by
+the battery. Considerable time was spent in getting the harness in
+shape, especially the saddles, after which lessons in equitation were
+again started, also a number of battery mounted hikes inaugurated.
+
+Early in December announcement was made of a proposed horse convoy to
+the Belgian border. The topic was discussed for many weeks, the
+proposed trip having been scheduled and cancelled several times before
+a convoy finally materialized. What the one hundred volunteers for
+this convoy had to contend with during the trip is a tale of its own,
+which must be related in terms of hardship, rain, mud, and mules.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AN ADVENTUROUS CONVOY.
+
+
+What could be more pleasant or soothing to an adventurous spirit than
+a trip in the saddle through the scarred and devastated battle sector
+along the Lorraine border? This is what appealed to the boys of
+Battery D when announcement was made at Blancheville early in December
+that one hundred men were wanted to accompany a horse convoy to Longwy
+on the Belgian border. One hundred volunteers were asked for, and it
+was not long before the required number was enlisted from the military
+ranks.
+
+The first convoy was to have left Blancheville on December 13th, but
+at the eleventh hour the trip was cancelled. Various other dates were
+set. Finally, on Wednesday night, December 18th, Capt. Smith assembled
+the battery in the Y. M. C. A. tent that stood near the old church,
+when announcement was made that the horse trip was to start on the
+morrow and the names of the one hundred men who were to make the trip,
+were called off.
+
+In high spirits the volunteers made ready for the trip. Each man
+packed a set of saddle bags; made ready a driver's roll with shelter
+half and blankets. All the other individual equipment was gathered
+together and left in the Y. M. C. A. tent, as rumor had it that the
+regiment was soon to move to another billeting area and the order to
+move might come when the horse convoy was on the road. Thus the extra
+equipment was left with the remainder of the battery, on whose hands
+evolved the task of remaining in Blancheville and caring for the
+battery horses and doing the other detail work. The schedule worked
+hardship both ways. There was more than enough work for those who
+remained at the battery area, and those who volunteered for the convoy
+were not long in realizing that they had a tough job on their hands.
+
+The detail of one hundred men left Blancheville at 7:25 a. m.,
+Thursday, December 19th, in five auto trucks. The trucks also conveyed
+a saddle and equipment, also driver's roll, for each member of the
+party.
+
+The auto convoy proceeded through Chaumont; then came a pleasant ride
+along the Marne river, passing through the towns of Luzy, Vesaignes,
+Rolampont and Langres. Stop was made at the latter fortified town,
+where the soldiers visited the town and procured refreshments. The
+trip was continued and at 12:30 p. m. the party reached Remount No.
+13. at Lux, situated about three kilometers beyond Is-sur-Tille.
+
+In fighting the mud at Blancheville the battery members thought they
+had struck the muddiest spot in France. Nothing could be muddier, they
+thought. But this thought was soon shattered when the volunteer convoy
+reached Lux. Perhaps it was due to the Remount being numbered 13, but
+the mud that surrounded it is beyond adequate description.
+
+It was raining heavily when the battery arrived at Lux. Slimy mud,
+three feet thick in places, covered the territory of the remount.
+
+The original order was for the detail from Battery D to remain at the
+remount over Friday and start with the horses for the Belgian border
+on Saturday morning. Arriving at the remount the battery detail was
+housed in a sheet-iron barrack with corrugated sheet-iron bunks. And
+everything was covered with mud.
+
+Thursday night, while the detail lingered at the remount, official
+orders came changing the plan for the convoy party. Instead of taking
+horses to Longwy the detail was ordered to start the following morning
+to return to the 311th Regiment with several hundred mules.
+
+Friday morning, December 20th, reveille was held in the rain at 5:45
+o'clock. Immediately after mess the auto trucks were loaded and made
+ready for the trip. The detail, in charge of Capt. Smith, and
+accompanied by Lieutenants Yeager and Bennett, ploughed through the
+mud to the section of the remount that housed the horses the convoy
+was to escort.
+
+Each member of the convoy selected a horse to saddle. The animals were
+of various spirits. Many of the battery detail were recruits who did
+not have the lessons in equitation at Camp Meade that the older
+members of the battery experienced. After considerable difficulty the
+horses were saddled and the convoy assembled in a large field to
+receive the consignment of mules.
+
+Many of the horses had never been ridden in the saddle before, with
+the result that a regular wild-west exhibition transpired on the
+field. Riders were thrown from the saddle into the mud, but all the
+boys had their nerve with them and stuck to the horses, bringing them
+under control.
+
+Lieut. Yeager was induced by the remount officers to saddle a large
+and fiery stallion, but after a brave attempt on the part of Lieut.
+Yeager to break and ride the stallion, during which the rider was
+precipitated into a large, muddy pool and covered with mud from head
+to foot, change had to be made for another animal, the stallion being
+left behind when the convoy started.
+
+When all was set with the detail mounted, the remount attaches trotted
+out 237 mules, tied in series of three.
+
+The mules were divided among the mounted men, each man getting three
+mules to lead, besides having to manage the horse he was riding. All
+the mules were frisky, having remained unworked for a considerable
+period. There was great prancing around as the convoy assembled. The
+mules, in many cases, started to pull one way and the horse pulled the
+opposite. Many of the mules were tied up in various speed
+combinations. Ones that were always on the run were coupled with ones
+that did not know how to step lively, or else the horse of the mounted
+party was either too fast or too slow for the trio of mules the driver
+had to lead along.
+
+At 9:30 a. m. the convoy got started on the road. The convoy consisted
+of 96 mounted men leading 237 mules, the rolling kitchen drawn by four
+mules, in charge of George Musial, who had the assistance of Cook
+Burns and two K. P.'s in preparing meals enroute. Five auto trucks,
+carrying the forage and picket-line equipment, formed the remainder of
+the train.
+
+Slowly the convoy proceeded over the mud-covered road leading from
+Lux. At noon stop was made at Fontaine-Francais, where the animals
+were watered in a stream and given nose-bags. Then the rolling kitchen
+came along the road and hot slum and coffee was served to the horsemen
+stretched out along the side of the road. It was against orders to tie
+the animals anywhere while on the march. Each driver had to hold his
+charges at rein's length with one hand, and attempt to eat the slum
+with the other hand.
+
+After a two and one-half hour lay-over the march was resumed, a
+distance of thirty kilometers having been set for the day. The route
+was through Montigny in the afternoon and at 5:15 p. m., under a cover
+of darkness the convoy reached Champlitte. Through the town the road
+stretched, past a large chateau, then came a long hill, down which the
+horses and mules galloped, wild with hunger and fatigue. It was a dark
+night and difficulty was experienced in keeping to the unknown road.
+In making the descent of the hill leading from Champlitte several
+riders and mules almost struck the edge of the elevated road and had a
+narrow escape from going mounted over a precipice.
+
+It was about 6 p. m. when stop was made at the base of the hilly
+road, where orders to remain for the night were issued. There were no
+stable accommodations, or nothing ready to receive the animals. A
+picket line had to be erected in a muddy ravine. The animals had to be
+led to a nearby stream and watered by bucket as there was no shallow
+approach to the stream. As the animals were watered and lead to the
+hastily thrown up picket-lines they began to bite and kick each other.
+A miniature stampede resulted until the several hundred nose-bags were
+adjusted and hay shook out along the picket line. Then all horses and
+mules had to be blanketed for the night. The detail secured the
+blankets from the auto trucks and started the task, which took
+considerable time and which was finally accomplished at the risk of
+life and limb. A limited amount of picket line had been erected and
+the mules especially were tied in very close proximity. To get between
+them and blanket the frisky jacks was to dodge bites and hoofs in all
+directions.
+
+Mud was kicked up in all directions while the animals were receiving
+attention. It was a tired, muddy and dirty lot of soldiers that
+finished their tasks at the picket line at 11:30 p. m., and started to
+march up the dark hill to Champlitte; to the old chateau that was to
+house the troops for the night. It was midnight when the troops got
+something to eat from the rolling kitchen. Then they stretched out on
+the floors of the old chateau to rest for the night.
+
+Next morning was Saturday. It was decided that the convoy would remain
+over at Champlitte and rest for the day. There was but little rest,
+however, as everybody was kept busy caring for the horses and mules;
+watering, feeding and grooming being in order. When it came to
+grooming the mud was caked thick on all hides.
+
+It rained Saturday night. The guard detail at the picket line had a
+merry time chasing mules that broke loose and started to roam over
+adjacent hills.
+
+All hands were up and on the job at the picket line at 5:30 a. m.,
+Sunday morning, December 22nd. It was 8:30 o'clock before all sections
+were watered and fed, the picket lines packed in the trucks and things
+made ready to start. With the sections lined up on the road ready to
+start, count of the mules was taken and it was discovered that five
+were missing. An hour's wait resulted until all mules were present and
+accounted for.
+
+The drive continued through the rain, until 11:30 p. m., when the town
+of Pierrefitte was reached. Detailed work in throwing up a picket
+line in the yard of an old chateau and duties equally as strenuous and
+similar to the first night's stop at Champlitte, were in order until
+all the animals were cared for. Bean soup was served for the battery
+mess and the night spent in the chateau.
+
+During the night the rain turned into a sleet storm, attended by a
+strong wind. The wind and the sleet caused a stampede at the picket
+line. Morning found the picket lines completely demolished, and horses
+and mules roamed all over the lot. They were tied in all shapes and
+forms, the halter shanks being twisted in knots galore.
+
+The battery men were up and doing at 5:15 Monday morning. It was 10 a.
+m. before all the animals were captured and tied up properly. The
+first section got started on the march shortly after 10 o'clock.
+Sleet, rain and snow continued to fall during the day. Through large
+expanses of open road, the convoy journeyed. The sleet drove in the
+faces of the mules, causing them to gallop at top speed. The riders
+had their strength severely tried and tested in keeping the situation
+under control.
+
+Stop was made about 3 kilos from the town of Bourbonne where the
+animals were watered at a stream. The convoy entered Bourbonne at 3:30
+p. m. and found to its great joy that the town housed an American army
+veterinarian section and had stable accommodations. The stable
+facilities lightened the work of the convoy and it was 5 o'clock when
+the men went to the town to seek quarters for the night. The large
+auditorium of the American Y. M. C. A. had been scheduled as the place
+of abode for the night. When the outfit applied for admission a
+conflict of dates was brought to light. It took great persuasive
+force, bordering close unto mob rule, before the officious officer in
+charge of the Y. M. C. A. was induced to allow the tired and muddy
+party to break in upon the quietude of the few sections of troops
+occupying part of the Y. M. C. A. for the night.
+
+Before the convoy resumed the journey on Tuesday morning, December
+24th, army veterinarians examined all animals in the convoy party.
+Many loose shoes had to be fixed by the blacksmiths, while twenty-two
+of the horses showed symptoms of lameness else had developed sores
+that barred them from continuing the journey. The veterinarian section
+also took over a number of the sound horses and mules.
+
+The first sections got started from Bourbonne at 9 a. m. Twenty-six of
+the men, under Capt. Smith, were detailed to take the lame horses to a
+nearby remount and exchange them for sound animals. It was 11:30
+when the detail of twenty-six left Bourbonne with the thought of
+overtaking the remainder of the convoy.
+
+The main convoy rode hard all day. It was the day before Christmas and
+it was raining. Stop was made for the night at Clefmont, where stable
+accommodations were secured for the horses, while the mules had to be
+picketed.
+
+The detail of twenty-six that was following had difficulty in finding
+the road the convoy had taken. It was dark when Clefmont was reached.
+The main detail had sent out a guard with a lantern to locate Capt.
+Smith and his detail, but the guard got on the wrong road; leaving the
+detail with Capt. Smith passing out Clefmont in the blackness of the
+night. By a stroke of luck, however, inquiries from French peasants
+finally steered the lost detail on the road where the advance guard
+with the lantern was located.
+
+After caring for the horses the convoy spent Christmas eve in an old,
+dirty, combination barn and dwelling. Reclining on bunches of live
+straw that was found in the building, the soldiers dreamt of Christmas
+eve back home, wishing they were there, instead of where they were.
+
+Christmas morning, Wednesday, December 25th, dawned clear and cold.
+Clefmont was left behind at 9 a. m., when the soldiers determined to
+drive hard so that the trip could be terminated by noon. The route lay
+through Longchamp. As the morning wore on a snow storm developed.
+Through the snow the riders pressed on, until 1 p. m., when
+Cirey-les-Mareilles was reached. Orders were to leave the majority of
+the animals at Cirey. A detail of Battery E men were on hand to meet
+the convoy and assist in caring for the animals at that point.
+
+Relieved of their charges, the members of Battery D secured auto
+trucks to take them to Blancheville. It was a relief to get washed and
+cleaned up, as there was very little washing and shaving done during
+the five days on the road. It was a pleasure, also, to be back at the
+old stamping ground. And, to think it was Christmas. A few peaceful
+hours during the afternoon and evening were enjoyed by the convoy
+detail. A large amount of mail had accumulated while the men were on
+the road. It was Christmas mail, in which cheering words were received
+from the home folks. Christmas boxes despatched through the Red Cross
+came into their own. It was a rejuvenated bunch that partook of
+Christmas dinner in the battery's old mess hall at Blancheville at 5
+o'clock that night.
+
+[Illustration: BATTERY D ON THE ROAD
+Passing Through a French Village.]
+
+[Illustration: ABOARD THE EDW. LUCKENBACH
+Battery D Homeward Bound.]
+
+[Illustration: AT BUSH TERMINAL, BROOKLYN
+Home. At Last.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+ON THE ROAD TO BENOITE VAUX.
+
+
+During the month of January it was reported in official circles that
+the 154th Artillery Brigade was to accompany the 79th Division into
+Germany as a unit of the Army of Occupation. The artillerymen were
+enthused with the prospects of joining their division and getting in
+the midst of the big scenery. The movement, however, never
+materialized. The outfit was forced to bear a disappointment like unto
+the shattering of expectations of getting in on the finale of the
+fighting.
+
+As has been recorded, as early as October, 1918, the instructors had
+decided that the 311th artillery was in a position to take up active
+front-line duties. Several weeks previous the infantry and machine-gun
+regiments of the 79th Division had entered the fight and made their
+famous attack on Montfaucon, one of the most difficult positions to
+take in the Argonne sector. Twenty-seventh Division artillery had
+furnished the support at Montfaucon. The 79th Division artillerymen
+were eager to replace them and aid in the fighting of the division
+along the Meuse river.
+
+After the holiday season Battery D spent its time in Blancheville with
+mounted hikes forming the mainstay of the schedule. Each day the
+outfit looked for orders to join the division and proceed to German
+territory.
+
+The horses and mules brought to the regiment by the convoy, were
+distributed to the various batteries. Driver squads were immediately
+reorganized and great preparation attended all the hikes.
+
+The latter part of January an official order was issued citing the
+individual members of Battery D as entitled to wear a gold service
+chevron, an indication of six months service on foreign soil. With the
+award of the gold stripe came the selection of the Lorraine Cross as
+the divisional insignia and the granting of leaves of absence to visit
+the beauty spots of France, with Paris included in the schedule as a
+possible three-day leave center. The first men left the battery on a
+fourteen day leave, at Blancheville. A waiting list was established
+and passes were issued in order of application. During the remainder
+of the battery's stay in France names were on the leave list.
+
+The famous Mediterranean Riviera was the favorite leave center,
+although St. Malo and Grenoble were cited in official division
+orders. Many of the members of Battery D got the opportunity to
+spend a vacation in the Southern part of France, where the land is
+sheltered by the mountains from the North winds, and lit and warmed by
+a resplendent sun in a sky, the azure of which is seldom dulled by
+clouds. Nice, Monaco with its Monte Carlo and a trip across the
+Italian border near Menton, were included in the majority of the leave
+itineraries. While en route to the Southern clime it was customary for
+the soldier on leave to mistake trains; get on the wrong train and
+find himself landed in the City of Paris. This, in most cases, was the
+only opportunity the majority had of seeing the French metropolis,
+although a number of three-day leaves to the capital city were granted
+battery men.
+
+Leave privileges in the A. E. F. kept the French railroads busy. The
+demand for furloughs became so popular that troop specials to the
+leave centers came into being and opportunity of individual travel was
+curtailed. Scores, however, took advantage of the troop specials to
+the land of vacation ease.
+
+While Battery D was in Blancheville Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke was
+transferred to the Supply Company of the regiment and Lieutenant Leo
+C. Julian, of Lakeland, Fla., was attached to the battery.
+
+The horses were the main care of the battery. Forage was scarce, which
+caused the animals to become mean-tempered as they gnawed at the
+hay-racks and discovered that about one pound of hay had to do each
+horse a day while the forage scarcity lasted.
+
+Many of the battery members received severe kicks while attending to
+stable duties. The most serious injury through a kick was inflicted
+upon Private Frederick M. Bowen, of E. Rutherford, N. J., who was sent
+to the Base Hospital at Rimaucourt with injuries that separated him
+from the outfit and sent him home as a casualty.
+
+When the hikes became a daily occurrence at Blancheville stable duties
+were set for the entire battery to share in. Watering and feeding was
+done immediately after reveille was dismissed each morning.
+
+On January 3rd the battery was ordered to pack everything to take to
+the road. The rolling kitchen accompanied the battery caravan that
+left Blancheville to return again to the village after a 7 kilometer
+hike. A similar hike was held the day following, when it was announced
+the regiment was to move forward and join the division for the trip
+into occupation territory. The same day a detail of five men were
+were dispatched to the new billeting area to make ready the new
+battery location.
+
+It was decided that the battery would proceed to the new area by
+taking to the road in march-order. The battery was ordered to be ready
+to move by January 9th.
+
+On January 8th another hike with everything packed was accomplished,
+the outfit getting back to Blancheville at 12:30 p. m. All the
+materiel was left out along the road leading from the village that
+night, so all that was needed for an early start the following morning
+was for the horses to be hitched to the guns, caissons and
+supply-wagons.
+
+The battery left Blancheville at 7:30 a. m., Thursday, January 9th,
+proceeding to Andelot where the entire regiment assembled on the road
+for the journey. A detail of men were left at Blancheville to cleanup;
+overtaking the outfit later on single mount.
+
+After leaving Andelot the route was through Vignes and Busson; halt
+for noon-mess was made at the latter place. A distance of 22
+kilometers was set for the day's journey, terminating at the village
+of Epizon, which was reached at 3:30 p. m. The regiment parked its
+materiel and established its picket line in a large grain field, then
+had to wait for two hours until the supply train brought up the
+forage. The battery men found sleeping quarters for the night in the
+barns and sheds of the village.
+
+The outfit was astir at 4:45 o'clock the next morning and was moving
+on the road at 8:30 a. m. Stop was made at noon at Soulaincourt, where
+the 311th passed the 211th motorized French artillery regiment, going
+in the opposite direction along the narrow road. In the afternoon the
+regiment passed through the town of Montiers and went into park for
+the night at 6 p. m., at Morley. The village furnished an abundance of
+haylofts for the artillerymen to crawl into the straw for the night.
+
+Saturday, January 11th, found the regiment ready to resume the journey
+at 7:15 a. m. The trip continued through Le Bouchon, Serenier and
+Stainville, the latter place being the noon-mess stopover junction.
+Here the train of horses were watered by bucket. During the afternoon
+Bazincourt, Haironville, and Bullon were invaded in order. The horses
+were watered in the community watering trough in the village of
+Combles at 3:30 p. m., after which the regiment proceeded to Veel and
+stopped for the night. It rained heavy during the night, but the
+outfit was fortunate in locating a number of army barracks in the village
+that furnished a night's shelter.
+
+Sunday, January 12th, it was raining when the troops answered reveille
+at 5 o'clock. The rain turned into snow an hour later when the
+regiment was ready to resume the journey. Under a canopy of snow the
+troops passed through the city of Bar Le Duc. After leaving Naives in
+the distance, stop was made at noon at Le Petit Rumont.
+
+The cannoneers were forced to walk a great part of the distance. They
+were also compelled to wear their field shoes on the march instead of
+the rubber boots which the drivers wore. They trudged along the slushy
+road with wet feet, while it grew colder and more miserable. It was
+welcome relief when camp was ordered for the night at Violette and the
+troops assigned to old hospital barracks for the night.
+
+A farming community, named Benoite Vaux, in the Department of Meuse,
+about twenty-five kilometers from the celebrated American battle
+sector of Saint Mihiel, was selected as the new billeting district for
+the regiment. Benoite Vaux was reached at noon on Monday, January
+13th, after the regiment had been on the road for the day since 8 a.
+m., passing through Belrain, Pierrefitte and Courouve.
+
+Benoite Vaux was a quiet hamlet of a score of peasant homes and an old
+stone church. The 2nd Battalion was stationed in and about the town;
+Battery D was assigned to barracks that formerly were used as a French
+army hospital. The 1st Battalion was scattered here and there on the
+hills and in the woods outside the village.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+WAR ORPHANS AND HORSE SHOWS.
+
+
+Almost every outfit of the A. E. F., in France, adopted a mascot--a
+real, live mascot, to be sure; not out of mere pet fancy, but the
+natural outcrop of the American spirit of benevolence. Through the
+Bureau of War Orphans of the American Red Cross, units of the A. E. F.
+made contributions to the Adoption Fund for French War Orphans. The
+aid in each case was administered by the Red Cross to the welfare of
+an orphan.
+
+The members of Battery D adopted little four-year-old Denise Ferron
+during the month of February, 1919, as their mascot, and, by
+additional contributions a ward was selected in memory of First
+Sergeant James J. Farrell. The second ward was three-year-old Georges
+Lemoine, who was much in need of assistance.
+
+Denise Ferron, with brown eyes and brown hair, was born April 25,
+1914, the daughter of Madame Vve Ferron, of Fericy, Seine et Marne,
+France.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Ferron had just established a butcher shop when war came
+on. The father was then mobilized at the first call. He went to the
+front where he was wounded. In 1916 at Verdun, he held the Croix de
+Guerre and was mortally wounded in April, 1918.
+
+When he joined his regiment his wife was left with no resources,
+having given all of their earnings for the purchase of the butcher
+shop. The difficulty to find meat and some one to help her, forced her
+to give up her business.
+
+She had another child, Simonne, who was born July 8, 1917. This
+blonde, grey eyed brother of Denise was cared for by another A. E. F.
+unit. As her children were too small, Mme. Ferron was not able to take
+any work and her only means of support was a military allocation
+amounting to 105 francs monthly.
+
+Although his body rests in the American military cemetery at La
+Courtine, France, the memory of James J. Farrell is revered in unison
+by all who knew him and the family of Vve Memoine, Ville Billy, St.
+Lunaire, Ille et Vilaine, France, who have come to know him in spirit
+since the youngest son, Georges, was adopted. Georges Lemoine was born
+February 1, 1915. He had five other brothers and sisters, viz; Pierre,
+Louis, Marie, Marcelle and Anna, the oldest 15 and the youngest 6
+years.
+
+These children were in a truly lamentable plight. Their father was
+a farmer but on such a small scale that what he got from his small
+piece of land was insufficient for the needs of his family. He was
+conscripted but sent back because he was the father of six children.
+He had never been strong, and during the prolonged stay at the front
+tuberculosis developed, from which he died on May 18, 1917.
+
+Unfortunately his wife contracted this terrible illness. But before
+she realized her plight she had taken over a neighboring farm, for she
+was anxious to shoulder her burden as well as possible. This overtaxed
+her strength and hastened her decline.
+
+These are passing incidents of the period the battery spent in Benoite
+Vaux. Other incidents of import to the battery were the erection of
+stables and the conduct of horse shows.
+
+When the outfit arrived at Benoite Vaux there were stable
+accommodations for some of the batteries encamped out in the woods but
+Battery D, stationed in the village, was without accommodation for the
+horses. For the first few weeks of the stay the horses were kept out
+in the open on picket lines. The weather and the mud became very
+severe and temporary stables were secured in a wooded section near
+where Battery C was stationed. These stables were about two kilometers
+from the battery billets. While the horses were stabled there the
+soldiers had to hike the two kilometers three times a day and drive
+the horses to the watering troughs in the center of the village.
+
+Orders were soon issued for the battery to build stables in the
+woodland on the opposite side of the road from the battery quarters.
+The ground selected as the site was very muddy. The first duty,
+therefore, was the opening of a stone quarry and the hauling of many
+loads of cracked stone to form the base of the new stable. Between the
+work of building the stables and preparing for the horse shows, the
+time of the troops at Benoite Vaux was well occupied.
+
+On February 21st, the 2nd Battalion of the 311th conducted a Horse
+Show to pick entries for the regimental Horse Show which was
+announced. In this show Battery D carried off a good share of the
+ribbons. John E. Jones, of Hazleton, Penna., was awarded the blue
+ribbon and a cash donation of francs, as first prize winner for
+individual mounts. Concetti Imbesi, of Scranton, Penna., captured the
+second place in this event and was awarded the red ribbon. Imbesi was
+a prize winner in the hurdling, taking the yellow ribbon.
+
+For the entry of 75 mm. gun and caisson with personnel, Battery D
+took second and third places. The 2nd section of D took the red ribbon
+and the 1st section received the yellow decoration. Each battery had
+six mounted sections in this event. Battery F took first in this
+event.
+
+The battalion, as well as the regimental show, was held on a specially
+constructed course between Benoite Vaux and Issoncourt.
+
+In the regimental show, which took place on Monday, February 24th,
+John E. Jones was adorned with the blue ribbon for guidon mounts.
+Jones also finished third in the regimental hurdles, in which event
+Imbesi also cantered from the track with the blue ribbon on his
+bridle.
+
+The officers of Battery D added their share to the trophies of the
+day. First Lieutenant C. D. Bailey, in the officers' single mounts and
+hurdles, captured second place in both events. The 2nd section of 75
+mm. gun and caisson, the Battery D winner in the battalion show, was
+ruled out of the regimental decision. Battery A took first in this
+event, while the 1st section of Battery D got the yellow ribbon.
+
+The Divisional Show was held at Pierrefitte on Thursday, February
+27th. The best Battery D could do in the divisional competition was a
+good record of two third places with the yellow ribbons. The show was
+conducted in inclement weather, a combination of rain, hail and snow
+worrying many of the high-spirited chevaux as they walked, trotted and
+cantered over the course. Jones was judged third for guidon mount and
+Capt. A. L. Smith got third for officer's saddle horse.
+
+The official standing of the organizations in the regimental show was
+as follows:
+
+  Headquarters Company        27
+  Battery D                   18
+  Battery B                   18
+  Battery F                   13
+  Supply Company              10
+  Battery E                    7
+  Battery A                    5
+  Battery C                    5
+  Medical Detachment           0
+
+The points scored at the Divisional Show were:
+
+  311th Field Artillery                       38
+  310th Field Artillery                       29
+  315th Infantry                              25
+  313th Infantry                              15
+  304th Signal Battalion                      10
+  304th Sanitary Train                         8
+  154th F. A. Brigade Hqrs.                    6
+  Headquarters Troop                           6
+  314th Infantry                               6
+  79th Military Police Company                 5
+  311th Machine-Gun Battalion                  5
+  316th Infantry                               3
+  312th Machine-Gun Battalion                  3
+  158th Infantry Brigade Headquarters          3
+  304th Ammunition Train                S. O. L.
+
+The Ninth Army Corps held a Horse Show at Lerouville, March 21, 1919,
+with the 79th, the 88th and the 9th Army Corps Detachment, competing.
+Honors were awarded as follows:
+
+  79th Division                       137 points
+  88th Division                        87 points
+  9th Corps Det.                       26 points
+
+At this show Jones, of Battery D, won third prize in the quarter mile
+race.
+
+The horse shows entailed a large amount of work. The soldiers were
+kept busy shining harness, grooming horses and painting materiel. The
+road between Benoite Vaux and Issoncourt, where the battalion and
+regimental shows were held, was a stretch of mud. It was a serious
+proposition to get the horses to the show-course without having them
+look as if they had taken a mud bath.
+
+In the regimental show Arthur H. Jones, familiarly known to the
+battery members as "Boundbrook," the name of the New Jersey town he
+claims as home, had entered the battery water cart in the show. The
+water cart was one of the most valuable of battery vehicles. While at
+Benoite Vaux all the water for drinking and cooking purposes had to be
+hauled to the battery kitchen from a well about a kilometer distant.
+
+"Boundbrook" Jones had charge of the cart, driving to the well for
+water several times each day. "Boundbrook" also prided himself as
+having the best horse of any of the water carts in the regiment. When
+it came time for the regimental horse show Jones was certain that
+his charge would carry off first prize in the water cart entry.
+
+To the great chagrin of "Boundbrook" Battery D's cart was disqualified
+by the judges because it did not have the proper spigots attached to
+the water tank. Jones drove back to Benoite Vaux in a dejected mood.
+Meeting Lieut. Bailey he exclaimed: "Say, Lieutenant, I thought this
+was a horse show and not a plumbing show."
+
+During the stay in Benoite Vaux the Battery members took advantage of
+every opportunity afforded to visit battle sectors. St. Mihiel was
+visited by many, while Verdun, with its underground city, and the
+country in that vicinity was also explored to great extent. The
+soldiers were granted mounted passes at times, which entitled them to
+saddle battery horses to go on a day's sight-seeing trip.
+
+During the latter part of February Capt. Smith was ordered to Paris on
+temporary duty in the Inspector General's Department. Lieut. Yeager
+and Lieut. Julian were also detached from the battery at Benoite Vaux.
+Lieut. Yeager gained admission to an English University, while Lieut.
+Julian was admitted to a French institution under the A. E. F.
+educational plans.
+
+Capt. Perry E. Hall, of Springfield, N. J., was assigned to the
+command of D Battery when Capt. Smith was ordered to Paris. First
+Lieut. Frank J. Hamilton, who had been associated with the battery at
+Camp Meade, was reassigned to the organization from Headquarters
+Company of the regiment, during the early part of March, 1919.
+
+Private Stuart E. Prutzman, of Palmerton, Penna., left the outfit at
+Benoite Vaux to attend a French university. Private William E.
+Bachman, of Hazleton, Penna., was a successful applicant to the
+A. E. F. University that was established at Beaune.
+
+The daily sick call of the battery was exceptionally large at Benoite
+Vaux. Colds and cooties played havoc with the boys for several weeks.
+
+Another passing incident connected with the life at Benoite Vaux was
+the Divisional Maneuvres that were planned with great enthusiasm but
+which materialized rather humorously. The battery in general did not
+enjoy this drama. The maneuvres were conducted with guidon-bearers
+representing the batteries for the benefit of the Field Officers, who
+consumed much paper and speech in issuing a multitude of orders to
+guide the movements of the guidon-bearers as the latter represented
+the entire regiment, assuming various strategic formations on a well
+planned field of bloodless battle.
+
+Lieut. Yeager, before being detached from the battery, and Cpl.
+Thomas J. Brennan, of Pottsville, Penna., were candidates for the
+divisional foot ball team that played at Souilly with a number of
+other divisional elevens. Philip J. Cusick, of Parsons, Penna., the
+battery's favorite pianist, was selected to make a tour with the
+regimental minstrel show that was put on to tour the circuit of
+A. E. F. playhouses. Cusick was recalled to the battery the latter
+part of February when he received notice of his early discharge from
+the army on account of the death of his father.
+
+The sickness that laid its hand heavily on the men of the battery at
+Benoite Vaux also affected the horses. The rain that fell almost
+daily, kept the mud knee-deep and the roads slushy. The well members
+of the battery toiled hard to complete the stables and save the horses
+from cruel exposure to the weather. The stables were completed in
+February and were in use long enough for an order to be issued to
+clean them out by way of demonstration, then the battery was ordered
+to proceed to another billeting district. It was announced about this
+time that the 311th regiment was to sail for home in June.
+
+The siege of sickness claimed in death two of Battery D's men, who had
+been admitted to the base hospital at Commercy.
+
+Private Patrick J. Dooling, of Metuchen, N. J., died on March 6, 1919,
+with Broncho-pneumonia. He was buried in the Post Cemetery at
+Commercy.
+
+Corporal Guy W. Mortimer, of Pottsville, Penna., died on March 8th and
+was buried in the same cemetery as Private Dooling.
+
+In March regimental post schools were opened near Souilly. A number of
+Battery D men were admitted to the various courses. The boys had been
+at school for only one week when they were ordered back to the outfit,
+which was then moving towards Commercy.
+
+[Illustration: SERVING MESS TO BATTERY D ALONG THE ROAD
+Serving Mess Along the Road While on a Move from Benoite Vaux to
+Lerouville, France. Reproduced from Official Photo of the Signal
+Corps. U. S. A.]
+
+[Illustration: BATTERY D ON THE ROAD IN FRANCE
+Showing Battery D Near Courouve, France. Reproduced from
+Official Photo of the Signal Corps. U. S. A.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+HOMEWARD BOUND.
+
+
+When the battery left Benoite Vaux the soldiers knew they had started
+on the first lap of their "homeward bound" trip. Weeks of hard work
+were yet before the battery, but the thought of getting home in June,
+or possibly earlier, as rumor had it that the A. E. F. sailing
+schedules were operating several weeks ahead of time, kept up the
+spirit of the artillerymen.
+
+The trip from Blancheville was made by road. A short journey on March
+19th found Battery D in Boncourt, a small town near Commercy. The
+other batteries of the regiment moved to nearby towns. On March 31st,
+Lerouville, Pont sur Meuse and Boncourt held the regiment between
+them.
+
+On April 1st Battery D was ordered to make another trip overland. The
+trip required three days. The first night's stop was made at Ligny en
+Barcis, a large town where the entire regiment found accommodation and
+the boys enjoyed themselves for the night. The second night the
+regiment had to scatter for billeting at Bure, Echenay, Saudron, and
+Guillaume. Battery D was quartered in Bure.
+
+The journey was southward in the direction of Andelot. It was one trip
+the soldiers enjoyed. It didn't rain during the three days enroute.
+The end of the third day found the battery in Cirey les Mareilles, the
+town near Blancheville in which district the outfit was previously
+billeted. Cirey les Mareilles housed E Battery when D was at
+Blancheville. When the regiment returned to the old stamping ground
+Batteries D and E were billeted at Cirey. The Supply Company of the
+regiment was billeted in Blancheville during this stay. Regimental
+Headquarters Company and Battery A established themselves at
+Briancourt, Battery F at Mareilles, Battery B at Rochfort, and Battery
+C at Chantraines.
+
+While at Boncourt the materiel of the regiment was inspected by an
+ordnance officer and passed inspection. Before the materiel was to be
+finally turned in, however, a big review before General John J.
+Pershing, Commander in Chief of the A. E. F., was to take place.
+
+Battery D left Cirey les Mareilles at noon, Friday, April 11th,
+proceeding to and arriving on the reviewing field at Orquenaux at 4:30
+p. m. It was 8:30 o'clock before the horses were cared for and a
+battery of dog tents erected on the field, where the soldiers spent
+the night. It did not rain during the night, but the following
+day, when the review was being staged, it rained in torrents.
+
+The review started at 10:30 a. m., Saturday, April 12, 1919. First the
+outfit stood inspection mounted but not moving. Then the divisional
+march in front of the reviewing stand started. It was a grand military
+sight to see an entire army division together on one field, at one
+time, with all equipment. It was late in the afternoon when the review
+ended by which time all the soldiers were thoroughly soaked by the
+rain.
+
+It was 4 o'clock when Battery D left the reviewing ground, and
+hastened on its way to Andelot. The entire distance was covered at
+what was almost a steady trot. Andelot was reached at 7 p. m. It was a
+wet and tired battery, but the rain and fatigue were soon forgotten
+when orders were issued for all materiel to be turned in at Andelot,
+to be delivered to the railhead at Rimaucourt. Despite the fact that
+everybody was drenched to the skin, also cold and miserable, happy
+smiles lit the faces of all when farewell was bid the guns and
+caissons. The soldiers, in a happy mood, walked from Andelot to Cirey
+les Mareilles, singing and whistling.
+
+During the following week the horses and practically all the equipment
+was turned in and preparations made for the trip to the embarkation
+port. Everything in the line of equipment that was not needed, was
+salvaged.
+
+On Monday, April 7th, another attempt was made by the regimental
+officers to establish a post school near Neuf Chateau. A number of
+Battery D men were sent to attend the school. The school, however, was
+broken up the first day of its existence, an official order returning
+the scholars to their respective commands. Orders to detrain for an
+embarkation center were momentarily expected.
+
+On Saturday, April 19th, the regiment entrained at Rimaucourt, bound
+for the port of St. Nazaire, which was to be the exit to the land of
+home. The trip was made by box car, the route being through Bologne,
+Chaumont, Langres, south of Nevers, through Angers and Nantes. Battery
+D continued its journey until Camp Montoir, eight kilometers from the
+port, was reached at 4:45 p. m., April 21st.
+
+Sergeant Koenig and Corporal Shafer were the busiest men of the
+battery during the stay at Camp Montoir. Yards and yards of paper work
+had to be completed before the outfit was finally cleared and ready to
+walk up the gang plank. The battery office force worked day and
+night and established a new record in getting a battery sailing list
+o. k'd.
+
+The stay at Montoir was pleasant despite the fact that physical
+inspections were endured in great number and all soldiers and clothing
+had to go through a thorough process of cootiizing. The camp was well
+equipped with recreational centers where the soldiers enjoyed their
+idle hours.
+
+Various detail work was assigned the battery while at Montoir. Details
+assisted in the erection of a new theatre on the camp grounds. Drill
+and physical exercise periods were in order when examinations and
+inspections lulled. After passing in a brigade review before Brigadier
+General Andrew Hero, on Friday, May 9th, the outfit was declared ready
+to board the next ship that docked at the port of St. Nazaire. On
+Monday, May 12th, the boys changed what francs they had left, into
+United States currency. Then they were ready to say good-bye to
+France.
+
+Reveille sounded at 4 a. m., on Wednesday, May 14th. Nobody slept in
+that morning. Rolls were made in short order and the battery area
+policed-up. At 6 a. m. the regiment left Camp Montoir on an eight
+kilometer hike to St. Nazaire, which port was reached at 8:30 a. m.
+
+The U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach was lying at anchor in the basin at St.
+Nazaire. The vessel had been coaled and supplied for the return to
+American shores. In the morning of May 14th the Edward Luckenbach
+waited for its troop passengers before setting sail.
+
+After the soldiers waited on the pier for some time the huge
+gang-planks were extended and the regiment started its march to the
+decks of the ship. The gang-planks were lifted at 11 a. m. The ship
+was loosened from its moorings and slowly piloted through the
+congested basin. Slowly the transport passed the draw bridge, through
+the locks and out into the wide expanse of bay. It was 2:10 p. m. when
+open water course was reached.
+
+The U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach carried 29 officers and 2,247 enlisted
+men, including 14 officers and 1,338 men of the 311th Field Artillery:
+8 officers and 547 men of the 314th Machine Gun Battalion, and three
+casual companies.
+
+Capt. Perry Hall was the only Battery D officer able to find
+accommodation on the battery's transport. All the other officers had
+to wait for other transportation. Capt. A. L. Smith rejoined the
+the regiment at St. Nazaire and was assigned as regimental adjutant.
+He accompanied the troops on the Edward Luckenbach.
+
+Late in the afternoon on the day of set-sailing the vessel was stopped
+to allow the pilot to be taken off into a sail boat. Mine sweepers
+were also let down on both sides the vessel. Without convoy and with
+freedom of light at night the transport pushed its way through the
+waves that formerly were in the danger zone. The mine sweepers
+continued to comb the waves for any stray mine missiles that by chance
+might have still floated from war operations.
+
+No difficulty was encountered, however, and the danger zone once
+passed, the trip continued at an average rate of 9 knots an hour. The
+Edward Luckenbach was a 6100 ton cargo vessel converted into a
+transport for the Naval Overseas Transportation Service. It was manned
+by an American naval crew. The vessel was an oil burner and trouble
+was experienced with the engines, whereby the speed of the vessel was
+retarded. It was feared at times that the engines would give out
+before port was reached. Slow, but sure the troops were brought to
+friendly shores.
+
+It might be noted in passing that on the next trip made by the Edward
+Luckenbach as a transport, the vessel became crippled through the
+breaking of her port shaft and her main journal and had to be towed
+for 600 miles into the harbor at South Boston, Mass.
+
+Outside of the monotony, the trip was an uneventful one. The first two
+days were attended with fine weather and calm sea, but the third day a
+rain and wind storm developed. Bunks, down in the hatch, collapsed and
+things in general were topsy turvy all night. Sea sickness was
+rampant. It was a case of six meals a day for the next three or four
+turns of the clock--three down and three up.
+
+The high sea gales blew for several days in succession. Mess line was
+the only formation of the day while K. P.'s and Hatch cleanup were the
+only details furnished.
+
+After thirteen days on the water, land was sighted late in the
+afternoon of Tuesday, May 27th. It was a welcome sight to the soldiers
+to see New York's famous sky-line in the distance. A mist hung over
+the harbor and it was 5 p. m. when the outline of the Statue of
+Liberty became plainly discernible. As the Edward Luckenbach was
+piloted through the roadway of commerce that thronged the harbor, the
+U. S. S. Leviathan steamed majestically seaward, carrying a cargo of
+soldiers to France to relieve members of the Army of Occupation.
+
+Following the triumphal entry into New York harbor, the vessel
+cast another anchor and remained undocked for the night. Thus the boys
+spent one night within the beam of Miss Liberty, whose drawing power
+had been distinct in memory for many a weary month in France.
+
+A big welcome had been planned for the soldiers on the Edward
+Luckenbach. One of the police patrol tugs, bearing the sign: "The
+Mayor's Reception Committee," came out to meet the transport. The
+river tug had as passengers a band, besides many friends and relatives
+of soldiers aboard the transport. A noisy welcome home was sounded as
+the patrol boat encircled the steamer several times.
+
+Cheers, and tears also, greeted the 311th boys when the Herman
+Caswell, a water front yacht, that had been chartered by three hundred
+excursionists from the Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton districts
+of Pennsylvania, encircled the Edward Luckenbach, with St. Ann's Band
+of Freeland, Penna., on board, playing "Home, Sweet Home."
+
+The three hundred excursionists, who had journeyed from the Anthracite
+fields of Pennsylvania to welcome the 311th boys, had a difficult time
+to locate the Edward Luckenbach. At 6 o'clock that night they sailed
+out to find the vessel, reported as advancing past Ambrose Channel.
+They traversed the entire waterfront, both on the North and East River
+sides, before the hospital ship Comfort located the transport by
+radio, up the Hudson. The excursion delegates stayed near the
+transport until dark.
+
+It was with rejuvenated spirits that the soldiers spent their last
+night on board the transport, lying in New York harbor. On Wednesday
+morning, May 28th, the troops debarked at Pier 6, Bush Terminal,
+Brooklyn. Only a few of the friends and relatives got to see the
+soldier boys at the terminal. While the soldiers lingered at the
+terminal, partaking of refreshments furnished by the Red Cross and the
+welfare associations, the crowds beat the ferry boat that carried the
+soldiers to Jersey City and formed two lines through which the boys
+passed to entrain for Camp Dix, N. J.
+
+Plans were under way to hold a Seventy-Ninth Division parade in
+Philadelphia, Penna., but the boys voiced protests against being held
+in camp, with the result that the work of putting the outfit through
+the process of sterilization and cootiization was expedited.
+
+After going through the "delouser" at Camp Dix, Battery D was moved to
+another section of barracks, near the discharge center. Clerical
+details were sent to the discharge center, known as the "madhouse,"
+each day, to assist in getting out the paper work for official
+discharge of the outfits scheduled for muster out before Battery D.
+
+Battery D was officially discharged from the United States Army
+Service on May 30th, 1919, when all its members were assigned to
+various discharge units. On May 30th the soldiers whose homes were in
+Western States, were detached from the battery to be sent to Western
+camps for discharge.
+
+Those who were scheduled to remain at Dix to receive their discharge
+papers, their pay and the $60 bonus, idled about the camp until
+Wednesday, June 4th, when they were called to the discharge center to
+be paid off. It required a long wait before the members of the casual
+detachments that once formed Battery D were admitted to the Central
+Records office.
+
+The soldiers "beat it" from camp as soon as they had the coveted
+discharge certificates. The outfit separated in driblets during the
+day. The first ones called got clear of military service in the
+morning, while others were not called until late that afternoon.
+
+By nightfall of June 4th, 1919, however, Battery D members, for the
+main part, were headed for HOME, to take up the thread of civilian
+life where they had severed it months before when they answered the
+call of selective service.
+
+
+THE LORRAINE CROSS
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE 79th DIVISION INSIGNIA
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE CROSS OF LORRAINE
+
+
+Its Origin and Its Significance.
+
+       (Extracts from a Document)
+       Written from data furnished
+                by
+          E. F. HENRI VIARD
+        B. A. Paris University
+ Late London Correspondent of "Le Journal"
+Sometime Technical Translator to the Ordnance
+          Department A. E. F.
+
+
+The Lorraine Cross, official insignia of the Seventy-Ninth Division,
+United States Army, was adopted shortly after the armistice was
+signed.
+
+Despite the fact that the Seventy-Ninth Division Artillery did not
+share in the fighting with the rest of the division, the artillerymen
+were accorded the privilege of wearing the emblem.
+
+In all its war operations, the Seventy-Ninth Division faced the enemy
+in Lorraine, the province which the United States was pledged to win
+back for France.
+
+Victory, in the face of stubborn opposition, crowned the efforts of
+the Seventy-Ninth Division. It was only appropriate, therefore, that
+the division should select as its emblem the ancient symbol of
+victory, The Lorraine Cross.
+
+The divisional insignia was worn on the left sleeve of the uniform
+blouse at the shoulder.
+
+
+THE CROSS OF LORRAINE.
+
+A national emblem of the independent Duchy of Lorraine for centuries,
+and even now a distinctive cognizance of the Border Province of
+France, the double traverse cross, known as the Cross of Lorraine,
+forms part of the armorial bearings of no less than 163 noble
+families. And several military units engaged in the world war adopted
+the cross as an emblem. These units include, besides the Lorraine
+Detachment of the French Army, the Seventy-Ninth Division.
+
+Before its adoption as an emblem by the reigning house of Lorraine,
+the double traverse cross had a long and interesting history.
+Important in the history of the development of the shape of the Cross
+with its two beams, the design being Byzantine and emblematic of the
+triumph of Christ over Death, are ancient double traverse crosses,
+each containing fragments of the Real Cross of the Crucifixion. They
+are preserved in different sections of France.
+
+The double traverse of the Cross of Lorraine comes from the
+substitution, for the Titulus, or inscription originally used to mark
+the Cross upon which Christ was crucified, of a plain horizontal arm.
+The origin of the double traverse cross is Eastern, and, students of
+the subject point out, it undoubtedly represents the Jerusalem
+Cross--the True Cross--with its main horizontal beam and the Titulus,
+represented by a plain beam in the Cross of Lorraine.
+
+Reliquaries containing parts of the Red Cross upon which the Savior
+was crucified, including the reliquaries in Poitiers and Limoges, are
+double traverse in form. On an enamelled plate in the Treasury of Graz
+Cathedral, Hungary, the figure of Saint Helena, credited with the
+recovery of the True Cross, is represented draped in a dress which is
+emblazoned with a double traverse cross.
+
+The double traverse cross came to have its association with Lorraine
+in 1477 after Rene II, reigning head of the Duchy of Lorraine, had
+defeated Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, at the Battle of Nancy.
+Rene was of the house of Anjou and the emblem had been known as the
+Cross of Anjou to earlier members of the house.
+
+Succession to the Duchy of Lorraine came to Rene II through the female
+line. His mother was Yolande of Anjou, daughter of Rene I. Through his
+father, Ferri of Vaudemont, Rene claimed descent from the Ancient
+dynasty of the Dukes of Lorraine, who traced their history to Gerard
+of Alsace, and who had ruled the Duchy uninterruptedly for almost four
+centuries.
+
+At the time of the accession of Rene II, the neighboring Duchy of
+Burgundy was ruled by Charles the Bold, who made a reputation as a
+general and warrior. In the forwarding of his ambition for greater
+territory and more widespread authority, he had roused the enmity of
+Lorrainers. In 1476, following the accession of Rene II, the Duke of
+Burgundy laid siege to Nancy and took the city.
+
+Rene went abroad to hire troops, and, returning in the early days of
+1477 with considerable forces, especially Italian and Swiss
+mercenaries, gave battle to Charles within sight of Nancy, whose
+soldier citizens sallied forth to his help. Despite their assistance,
+Rene might have lost the fight had it not been for Campo Basso, an
+Italian condettieri in the service of Charles the Bold, who, having
+some grudge against the latter and being bribed by the other side,
+went over to the Lorrainers at the critical moment.
+
+The Burgundians were cut to pieces. Charles the Bold, in trying to
+break away, was slain by a Lorraine officer who did not recognize him
+and who committed suicide when, the body of the famous Duke having
+been identified a couple of days later from an old scar behind the
+ear, he realized that it was he who had killed "so great a Prince."
+
+The Battle of Nancy was not only the greatest event in the History of
+Lorraine, but one of the most momentous in the History of France, and
+even of Europe. If Burgundy alone was defeated, three parties
+benefitted by the victory, namely; Switzerland, for whom it meant
+final acquisition of independence; the King of France, and the Duke of
+Lorraine. The disappearance of Charles the Bold ensured at one stroke
+the unity of France, which it rid of the last ever powerful vassal,
+and the independence of Lorraine. No doubt Louis XI would rather have
+been the only profiteer by the death of his rival. No doubt, also, he
+meant to get hold of Lorraine and, as the event proved, laid hands
+shortly afterward on the Duchy of Bar and tried to prevent Rene II
+from coming into this comparatively small portion of Rene of Anjou's
+inheritance. But his wily plans were foiled by the very fact that,
+whatever his motives, he had made a show of fostering and supporting
+the Lorrainer against the Burgundian. Had Lorraine become a part of
+Charles the Bold's dominions, even the Mighty House of Austria would
+have been unable to keep it independent from France; Henry II's
+efforts would have been exerted against Lorraine, and Lorraine it is
+that France would have occupied at the same time as the three
+bishoprics, Toul, Metz, and Verdun and before Alsace. France's
+influence made itself felt in the Duchy as early as 1552, but
+annexation was put off until 1766.
+
+Not only did Rene II's reign ensure the independence of Lorraine,
+but it secured the adjunction of Barrois, for there can be no doubt
+that the Duchy of Bar would have been annexed to France right away had
+not Charles VIII found it politic to give back the territory
+confiscated by his father, Louis XI, as an inducement to Duke Rene II
+not to press his claims regarding such parts of Rene of Anjou's
+inheritance as Anjou and Provence which France wanted and secured out
+of the deal.
+
+Considering the importance of the Battle of Nancy in the eyes of
+Lorrainers, the historical value of the badge worn by their victorious
+ancestors at that famous fight is easily understood. That badge was a
+double traverse cross. We have Duke Rene II's own word for it. In the
+account of operation and conduct of the Battle of Nancy, dictated by
+the Duke himself to his secretary, Joannes Lud, we read: "And I had on
+my harness a robe of gold cloth, and the armour of my horse was also
+covered with gold cloth trappings and on the said robe and trappings
+were three white double traverse crosses."
+
+The Burgundian badge was the St. Andrew Cross. To differentiate his
+men from their opponents, Rene II naturally thought of the
+conspicuously distinct double-traverse cross his grandfather Rene I
+had brought over from Anjou and made so much of.
+
+In another account of the battle, to be found in the Chronicle of
+Lorraine, written at very nearly the same time, the following passage
+occurs relating to the period of the fight when Campo Basso and his
+mercenaries went over from the Burgundian to the Lorraine side; "They
+all tore off their St. Andrew crosses and put on the Jerusalem one,
+which Duke Rene was wearing."
+
+The Jerusalem Cross obviously is a misnomer, as proven by the context,
+the very next sentence of which reads: "And many of the Nancians,
+sallying from their city to take part in the pillage of the Bold One's
+Camp, were in great danger of being slaughtered by the Swiss and by
+their own countrymen because they had not the double traverse cross on
+them." Again in several other passages the cross is specifically
+described as a double traverse cross.
+
+January 5, 1477, was the birthday of the Cross of Lorraine. From that
+day, ceasing to be merely reminiscent of Anjou, the double traverse
+cross became the Lorraine National Emblem.
+
+Since the war in 1870-71, which resulted in the annexation of part of
+Lorraine to Germany, a significant use has been made of the old
+cross. Shortly after the signature of the Treaty of Frankfurt, a
+meeting of the inhabitants of Metz was held on Sion Hill. As a result
+of the meeting a marble monument was erected, having carved on it a
+broken Lorraine Cross. An inscription in local dialect was added,
+reading "_C'name po tojo_" ("'Twill not be forever"). The world war
+ended in the realization of this prophecy.
+
+So the soldiers of the Seventy-Ninth Division can look at the insignia
+they have been privileged to wear and think of the memories associated
+with it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+BATTERY D HONOR ROLL.
+
+
+CORPORAL FRANK McCABE--Plains, Pa., died January 24, 1918, at the Base
+Hospital, Camp Meade, Md., at 7:40 p. m., with an attack of acute
+rheumatism. Body was sent to Plains with a military escort. Buried in
+Plains.
+
+PRIVATE WILLIAM REYNOLDS--Pottsville, Pa., was killed by the explosion
+of a French field gun on the range at La Courtine, France, at 3 p. m.
+October 11, 1918. Buried in the American Military Cemetery at Camp La
+Courtine, October 12th. Grave No. 37.
+
+FIRST-SERGEANT JAMES J. FARRELL--Plains, Pa., died November 2, 1918,
+at the Base Hospital, Camp La Courtine, France, at 4:30 p. m., with an
+attack of pneumonia. Buried in the American Military Cemetery at Camp
+La Courtine, November 4th, at 11 a. m. Grave No. 80.
+
+PRIVATE HORACE J. FARDON--Paterson, N. J., died November 4, 1918, at
+the Base Hospital, Camp La Courtine, France, at 11:45 p. m. from
+Influenza. Buried in the American Military Cemetery at Camp La
+Courtine, November 5th, at 11 a. m. Grave No. 82.
+
+PRIVATE FIRST-CLASS JOSEPH ALPHONSUS LOUGHRAN--Hazleton, Pa., died
+November 5, 1918, at the Base Hospital, Camp La Courtine, France, at
+6:55 p. m. with an attack of pneumonia. Buried in the American
+Military Cemetery at Camp La Courtine, November 6th, at 2 p. m. Grave
+No. 84.
+
+PRIVATE PATRICK J. DOOLING--Metuchen, N. J., died March 6, 1919, at
+Base Hospital No. 91 at Commercy, France, at 11:40 p. m., with
+broncho-pneumonia. Buried in the Post Cemetery at Commercy. Grave No.
+172.
+
+CORPORAL GUY W. MORTIMER--Pottsville, Pa., died March 8, 1919,
+at Base Hospital No. 91, Commercy, France, at 4:55 a. m. with
+broncho-pneumonia. Buried in the Post Cemetery at Commercy. Grave No.
+167.
+
+[Illustration: PVT. 1 CL. JOSEPH A. LOUGHRAN
+Died In France.]
+
+[Illustration: CEMETERY AT CAMP LA COURTINE
+Pvt 1 Cl. Conrad Baffiel Standing at
+the Grave of Joseph A. Loughran.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+"ONE OF US."
+
+
+The following is a reproduction of extracts from an article written by
+the author of this volume, on the afternoon of November 6, 1918,
+following the burial of Private Joseph A. Loughran, and published in
+the Standard-Sentinel, a daily newspaper of Hazleton, Pa., on December
+11, 1918.
+
+In general the article expresses the bond of feeling each battery
+casualty called forth.
+
+     "I have lost a friend; the United States has lost a good soldier;
+     and Hazleton, Pennsylvania, has lost another flower of its noble
+     manhood--was the total of my thoughts this afternoon as I stood,
+     one of a military escort, and saw the remains of Joseph A.
+     Loughran consigned to a resting place in the sacred soil of
+     France.
+
+     "He was truly 'One of Us.' To the military records he was known
+     as a Private First Class, but to us he was 'Al,' one in common
+     and ever affectionate.
+
+     "Twenty of us, comrades-in-arms, all from the same city in dear
+     old Pennsylvania, who formed the escort, listened in profound
+     sympathy, as we, with the battery in line at our side, paid the
+     last military honors to our deceased comrade.
+
+     "The sun was shining serenely overhead; all was calm and quiet as
+     a moment of silent homage followed the last note of Taps sounded
+     over the grave.
+
+     "The casket, enshrouded in Old Glory, for which he endured and
+     died, was lowered, but his soul, no one could doubt, had already
+     winged itself to the portals of eternity; there to repose in
+     well-earned rest, to ever serve his God as he served God and
+     country his mortal while.
+
+     "He died in the height of his development as a trained soldier.
+     Although removed from the scene of actual warfare and listed as
+     'Died of Disease' in the casualty records, not one of the
+     thousands of the A. E. F. fallen on the field of battle suffered
+     a more heroic or noble death.
+
+     "He was prepared, ready and willing. Months of strenuous effort
+     spent in mastering the soldier game were cut short on the eve of
+     material advantage to the cause, but the spirit of his endeavors
+     lives in the heart of the outfit he served. It is the spirit,
+     sometimes called morale, that is the decisive factor.
+
+     "At the tomb of the dead the regimental chaplain vouched the
+     fact that the departed soldier communed every Sunday of his army
+     life.
+
+     "In civil life, before entering the call of selectiveness, his
+     worth and devoutness was well known to a large circle of friends.
+     His military associations were none the less extensive and
+     tender.
+
+     "It was while doing his duty, along lines of communication as a
+     member of the Battery Commander's Detail, on the range at La
+     Courtine, that he fell a victim to pneumonia, resulting in early
+     demise.
+
+     "There are many incidents connected with the life of our fallen
+     soldier and friend that could be extolled. But those who knew him
+     need no words. His life shines out as a true beacon.
+
+     "The boys of the battery in which he served bow in heartfelt
+     sympathy to his wife, parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and
+     friends. He died, but his death has not been in vain. His spirit
+     lives to cheer his comrades on to greater deeds of patriotism.
+     His loved ones at home can be proud of 'Al.' He died every inch a
+     man and patriotic to the core.
+
+     "His grave was not neglected. The boys tenderly sodded its mound
+     and placed a wreath of holly, plucked from the hills of Creuse,
+     where he last trained. The grave is marked with a wooden cross,
+     on which is inscribed his name, rank, and command, and to which
+     is attached the soldier's identification disc.
+
+     "It is Grave No. 84 in the American cemetery, situated on a
+     gentle slope of one of the picturesque hills of Creuse province,
+     overlooking Camp La Courtine."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+IN MEMORIAM.
+
+
+In the moment of laying aside the uniform there surged through the
+heart of every member of Battery D emotions too deep for words.
+
+The rainy days and mud of France were at last a thing of the past.
+Yes, truly a thing of the past to those staunch comrades who survived
+not the ordeal to return home.
+
+Those who survived and returned home, have had an invaluable
+experience. With memories of those experiences there will always
+linger the thoughts and associations of departed comrades.
+
+As battery members they all toiled together in France for a common
+cause. All shared the common thought of seeing the war period through
+bravely, then to return home, bigger, better and stronger as a
+soldier-citizen.
+
+The comrades of Battery D whose lives were cut short by the Grim
+Reaper when they were at the height of their development as trained
+soldiers, all cherished thoughts of getting back home. They gave
+expression to such thoughts in their letters home.
+
+Joseph A. Loughran, in a letter written to his parents just before he
+was stricken with the illness to which he succumbed, wrote these
+words: "Save a couple of chairs for my wife and myself at the Xmas
+dinner table, for God willing we will surely be there."
+
+In another portion of the same letter Private Loughran wrote: "Oh,
+boy, won't it be great to get back home again after going through all
+the trials that I had. If any one told me a few years ago that I could
+go through what I have and still be as healthy as I am, I would not
+believe them. I am as healthy as an ox and weigh 180 pounds."
+
+Thus it is that thoughts of departed comrades stir emotions too deep
+for words; emotions that flood the heart with memorials that will live
+on as silent tributes to the worth of those who gave up their lives
+while in the service of their country.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+FIRST BATTERY D STAFF.
+
+
+*Officers.*
+
+  Captain Albert L. Smith
+  1st Lieut. Arthur H. McGill
+  2nd Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke
+  2nd Lieut. Robert S. Campbell
+  2nd Lieut. Frank F. Yeager
+  2nd Lieut. Berkley Courtney
+  2nd Lieut. Frank J. Hamilton
+
+
+*Non-Commissioned Officers.*
+
+  1st Sgt. William C. Thompson
+  Supply Sgt. Merrill C. Liebensberger
+  [A]Mess Sgt. Joseph A. Loughran
+  [A]Instrument Sgt. Lloyd E. Brown
+  Signal Sgt. John M. Harman
+
+
+*Sergeants.*
+
+  Hugh A. Coll
+  William E. Ritter
+  James M. Duffy
+  James J. Farrell
+  Abraham Kahn
+  Earl B. Schleppy
+
+
+*Corporals.*
+
+  Joseph Conlon
+  John C. Demcik
+  Gerald F. Farrell
+  Edward J. Kane
+  Harry T. Kenvin
+  David B. Koenig
+  John Koslap
+  Frank McCabe
+  Arthur D. Roderick
+  Joseph Yeselski
+
+
+*Cooks.*
+
+  Edward Campbell
+  George A. Musial
+  Charles A. Trostel
+  August H. Genetti
+
+[Footnote A: Deceased.]
+
+[Illustration: PVT. HORACE J. FARDON
+Died in France with Influenza. Buried in the American Military
+Cemetery at Camp La Courtine.]
+
+[Illustration: GRAVE OF PVT. WM. REYNOLDS
+Section of the American Military Cemetery at Camp La Courtine. Pvt.
+Reynolds Was Killed by Gun Explosion.]
+
+[Illustration: BARRACK AT CAMP LA COURTINE FRANCE
+Battery D was Quartered in This Building While Under Intensive
+Training at Range Practice Among the Hills of Creuse Department.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+BATTERY D OFFICERS.
+
+
+The following officers were associated with Battery D during its
+career, either as a unit of the New National Army, or as part of the
+United States Army, the classification of the combined regular and
+selected divisions:
+
+  Captain Albert L. Smith, Philadelphia. Pa.
+  Captain Perry E. Hall, Springfield. N. J.
+  First Lieutenant Hugh M. Clarke, Pittsburgh. Pa.
+  [A]First Lieutenant Arthur H. McGill. New Castle, Pa.
+  First Lieutenant Robert Lowndes, Elkridge, Md.
+  First Lieutenant C. D. Bailey, Summit. N. J.
+  First Lieutenant J. S. Waterfield, Portsmouth, Va.
+  Second Lieutenant Frank F. Yeager. Philadelphia, Pa.
+  Second Lieutenant Sidney F. Bennett, Ottawa, Canada.
+  Second Lieutenant Berkley Courtney, Fullerton, Md.
+  Second Lieutenant Leo C. Julian, Lakeland. Fla.
+  Second Lieutenant Robert S. Campbell, Pittsburgh. Pa.
+
+[Footnote A: Deceased.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+ROSTER OF BATTERY D.
+
+
+This list contains the names and home-addresses of the enlisted
+personnel of Battery D, who served overseas and whose names were
+on the sailing list of the U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach.
+
+Marinus Abrahmse, Pvt.,
+196 Washington St., Lodi, N. J.
+
+Eben C. Allen, Pvt.,
+Main St., Closer. N. J.
+
+Abel R. Anderson, Pvt.,
+36 West 6th St.,
+Ridgefield Park, N. J.
+
+John J. Anderson, Cpl.,
+R. F. D., No. 1. Perth Amboy, N. J.
+
+Curran B. Armstrong, Pvt. 1 Cl.,
+Dreyton, N. D.
+
+Harold J. Arnold, Cpl.,
+456 E. Broad St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+William E. Bachman, Pvt. 1 Cl.,
+120 West Fourth St., Hazleton. Pa.
+
+Conrad A. Balliet, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+597 Lincoln St., Hazleton. Pa.
+
+Joseph T. Becker, Pvt., 1 Cl.-Cpl.,
+913 West 38th St., Chicago, Ill.
+
+Louis F. Bracco, Pvt.,
+156 Orient Way, Rutherford, N. J.
+
+Harold C. Bratt, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+58 Cleveland St., Hackensack, N. J.
+
+Joseph Brazina, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+127 Muir Ave., Hazleton, Hts., Pa.
+
+Cornelius Breen, Pvt.,
+25 Hobart Place, Garfield, N. J.
+
+Thomas J. Brennan, Pvt., 1 Cl.-Cpl.,
+R. F. D., Box 394, Pottsville, Pa.
+
+William F. Brennan, Cpl.,
+713 W. Tioga St., Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+Leslie S. Brooks, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Box 60, Fort Edward, N. Y.
+
+Hugh P. Burke, Sgt.,
+312 Wells Ave., Parsons, Pa.
+
+Alexander Calderwood, Cpl.,
+Gwyneed Valley, Pa.
+
+Milton O. Campbell, Pvt.,
+Box 65, Waldwick, N. J.
+
+Jason Canfield, Cpl.,
+Kenton, Ohio.
+
+James Cataldo, Cpl.,
+191 S. Pine St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+John Chardell, Cpl.-Sgt.,
+561 Garfield St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Hugh A. Coll, Cpl.-Sgt.,
+627 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+John L. Conley, Pvt.-1 Cl.,
+501 E. Clenton St., Frankfort, Ind.
+
+Joseph E. Conlon, Cpl.,
+22 Ulmer St., Hudson, Pa.
+
+Leo C. Connor, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+137 Center St., Ashland, Pa.
+
+James E. Corcoran, Pvt.,
+470 Gregory Ave., Weehawken, N. J.
+
+Charles Cuttito, Cook,
+16 Avenue A, Lodi, N. J.
+
+William H. Decker, Jr., Pvt.,
+277 Forest St., Jersey City, N. J.
+
+Frank De Graff, Pvt.,
+192 Spring St., Lodi, N. J.
+
+Meyer Deitch, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+858 Union Ave., Bronx, N. Y.
+
+Leo C. Delaney, Sgt.,
+1327 Main St., Pittston, Pa.
+
+Philip Den Bleyker, Pvt.,
+R. F. D., No. 1, Rohway, N. J.
+
+George Dorsey, Cpl.,
+328 S. Keyser Ave., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Fred Downsbrough, Cpl.,
+Box 153, Firthcliffe, N. Y.
+
+Albert Dransfield, Pvt.,
+29 Wayne Ave., Paterson, N. J.
+
+James M. Duffy, Sgt.-1st Sgt.,
+224 Hollenback Ave., Parsons, Pa.
+
+James A. Durkin, Hs.,
+77 Henry St., Plains, Pa.
+
+Adam O. Dyker, Pvt.,
+196 Monroe St., Garfield, N. J.
+
+William Ellert, Pvt.,
+Willow St., Moonachie, N. J.
+
+Arden C. Evans, Pvt., 1 Cl., Cpl.,
+R. F. D., No. 3, Benton, Pa.
+
+Thomas Evans, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+1922 Cedar St., Anderson, Ind.
+
+Gerald F. Farrell, Pvt.-Cpl.,
+78 E. Carey Ave., Plains, Pa.
+
+Walter R. Farrell, Pvt.-Sgt.,
+Box 405, Kellogg, Idaho.
+
+Ermino (Buck) Favo, Pvt.,
+16 Erving Place, Garfield, N. J.
+
+Victor J. Feinour, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Jacksonville, Pa.
+
+Leroy H. Fish, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+30 Wren St., Pittston, Pa.
+
+Fred N. Fisher, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+28 S. Front St., Minersville, Pa.
+
+Fay H. Freadhoff, Pvt.-Cpl.,
+503 Third Ave., Sterling, Ill.
+
+Howard C. Freitag, Pvt.,
+Box 44, Fair View, N. J.
+
+Anthony J. Fritzen, S. Sgt.,
+1724 Jackson St., Scranton, Pa.
+
+John M. Frye, Jr., Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+2519 S. 62nd St., W. Phila., Pa.
+
+Gomer P. Gealy, Pvt.,
+634 N. Hyde Park Ave., Scranton, Pa.
+
+William R. Geiger, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+South 2nd St., St. Clair, Pa.
+
+Charles W. Geiswalt, Pvt.,
+335 N. George St., Pottsville, Pa.
+
+Hugh A. Gildea, Cpl.-Sgt.,
+84 Merritt Ave., Plains, Pa.
+
+John Gripp, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+938 Mt. Vernon Ave., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Michael Guresh, Pvt.,
+R. F. D., No. 2, Box 18, Tamaqua, Pa.
+
+Christian Hagedorn, Pvt.,
+28 Sicomac Lane,
+Midland, Park, N. J.
+
+Stephen A. Hurtz, Pvt.,
+134 Ryerson Ave., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Curtis F. Horne, Pvt.,
+612 21st St., Windber, Pa.
+
+Patrick J. Hughes, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+73 Second St., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Charles W. Hunt, Pvt.,
+775 Dalton, Ave., Pittsfield, Mass.
+
+Concetti Imbesi, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+925 Scranton St., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Nels C. Jacobsen, Pvt.,
+Farmont, Minn.
+
+Ollie S. Jay, Pvt.,
+Waelder, Texas.
+
+John J. Jlosky, Pvt.,
+49 William St., Englewood, N. J.
+
+Albert R. Johnson, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Kipp, Kansas.
+
+John E. Jones, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+300 E. Beech St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Reggie L. Jones, Pvt.,
+Pembroke, Ky.
+
+Charles L. Jourdren, Pvt.,
+123 Elm Ave., Bogota, N. J.
+
+Charles Karsch, Pvt.,
+Washington Ave.,
+Little Ferry, N. J.
+
+James F. Kelly, Cpl.,
+123 Burke St., Plains, Pa.
+
+John A. King, Cpl.,
+515 Main St., Pittston, Pa.
+
+David B. Koenig, Cpl.-Sgt.,
+533 Peace St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Erik W. Kolmodin, Pvt.,
+39 Central Ave.,
+Ridgefield Park, N. J.
+
+John Kontir, Pvt., 1 Cl.-Cpl.,
+538 Cleveland St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Anthony P. Lally, Pvt.,
+Girardville, Pa.
+
+Charles C. Lang, Pvt.,
+199 Wetmore Park, Rochester, N. Y.
+
+Walter F. Licalzi, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+131 Fulton Ave.,
+Astoria, L. I., N. Y.
+
+Joseph T. Loskill, C. M.,
+546 E. Broad St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Wasyl Lugowy, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+221 Berner Ave.,
+Hazleton Heights, Pa.
+
+Saverio Lupas, Hs.,
+80 W. Carey Ave., Plains, Pa.
+
+Louis F. Maslakosky, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+662 Lincoln St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Frank Miller, Pvt.,
+Orchard St., Wortendyke, N. J.
+
+William C. Minnich, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+202 E. Holly St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+John J. Mooney, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+1543 N. Morvine St., Phila., Pa.
+
+Thomas E. Morgan, Pvt.,
+Ellendon, Fla.
+
+Joseph A. Morowitz, Pvt.,
+22--44th St., Corona, L. I.
+
+Daniel R. Mullery, Bg.,
+1113 Main St., Pittston, Pa.
+
+George A. Musial, Cook,
+47 E. Sheridan St., Miners Mills, Pa.
+
+Joseph J. McAtee, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+404 Schuylkill Ave., Pottsville, Pa.
+
+Bernard A. McCaffrey, Pvt., 1 Cl.,-Cpl.,
+R. F. D., Fisher's Hill,
+Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Joseph McCann, Pvt.,
+10 Morton St., Paterson, N. J.
+
+John J. X. McGeehan, Pvt.,
+116 S. Church St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Joseph T. McGovern, Pvt.,
+507 N. 21st St., Phila., Pa.
+
+Herbert G. Nankivell, Mec.,
+1520 Price St., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Walter A. Nebiker, Pvt.,
+32 Wood St., Garfield, N. J.
+
+Lewis Nedwood, Pvt.,
+965--2nd Ave.,
+Astoria, L. I., N. Y.
+
+Joseph E. O'Donnell, Pvt.-Cpl.,
+319 E. Walnut St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Joseph J. O'Donnell, Pvt.,
+Kelayres, Pa.
+
+Stanley J. Ogrydiak, Sgt.,
+655 Seybert St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Gennaro Paladino, Pvt.,
+280 Harrison Ave., Lodi, N. J.
+
+Joseph C. Parella, Pvt.,
+21 5th Ave., Lyndhurst, N. J.
+
+Joseph H. Petrask, Pvt.,
+6 S. Main St., Lodi, N. J.
+
+Herman Petrett, Pvt.,
+Box 113, Waldwick, N. J.
+
+John Petrilla, Pvt.,
+222 S. Bennett St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+August C. Pfancook, Sgt.,
+20 E. Tamarack St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Robert C. Phillips, Cpl.,
+Box 825, New Richmond, Wis.
+
+Harold V. Pierce. Pvt.,
+Sunset Hill, Kansas City, Mo.
+
+Homer D. Pifer, Pvt.,
+Rochester Mills, Pa.
+
+Arle J. Ploeger, Pvt.,
+c/o Westbury Rose Co.,
+Westbury, L. I.
+
+Joseph Popso, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+228 Carleton Ave.,
+Hazleton Heights, Pa.
+
+Luke F. Proulx, Pvt.,
+929 Atwell Ave., Providence, R. I.
+
+John S. Quade. Pvt., 1 Cl., Cpl.,
+Lansdale, Pa.
+
+A. Eli Quinett,
+607 N. Park St., Shawnee, Okla.
+
+Walter L. Reece, Pvt. 1 Cl.,
+425 S. Walker St., Webb City, Mo.
+
+Clinton Reese, Sgt.,
+323 N. Everett Ave., Scranton, Pa.
+
+John F. Reilly, Pvt.,
+2843 Jasper St., Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+Charles M. Reisch, Pvt.,
+238 Centre St., Ashland, Pa.
+
+Petro Repole, Pvt.,
+351 West 47th St., New York City.
+
+Philip Rheiner, Pvt.,
+89 N. 6th St., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Harry J. Ritzel, Pvt.,
+428 W. Sunbury St.,
+Minersville, Pa.
+
+Nathan Rosen, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+48 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Grover C. Rothacker, Mec.,
+37 E. Broad St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+John E. Rowland, Pvt.,
+130 Linden St., Yonkers, N. Y.
+
+Nathan Ruderman, Pvt.,
+193 Scholes St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
+
+William H. Rudolph, Sd.,
+171 S. Laurel St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Harry Scheiblin, Pvt.,
+415 9th St., Carlstad, N. J.
+
+Earl B. Schleppy, Sgt.,
+N. Church St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Alfred G. Schoonmaker, Jr., Cpl.,
+33 Clinton Place.
+Hackensack, N. J.
+
+Alexander Seaton, Pvt.,
+Hudson Heights, N. J.
+
+A. Ernest Shafer, Cpl.,
+208 Markle Bank Bldg.,
+Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Walter T. Shaw, Pvt.,
+3520 Longshore St.,
+Faconu, Phia., Pa.
+
+Raymond Sheldrake, Pvt.,
+141 N. 4th St., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Albert J. Sheridan, Pvt.,
+413 E. Norweigian St.,
+Pottsville, Pa.
+
+William Seivers, Pvt.,
+c/o Norwegian-American A. C.,
+208 E. 128th St., New York City.
+
+August H. Simmler, Jr., Pvt.,
+149 Clinton St., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Ray S. Skidmore, Bg.,
+153 Abbott St., Miners Mills, Pa.
+
+Otto J. Skirkie, Jr., Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Ridgefield Park, N. J.
+
+Edward J. Skrenda, Pvt.,
+Smithville South, L. I., N. Y.
+
+Charles W. Smith, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+226 Georgia Ave., Parsons, Pa.
+
+Albert W. Soule, Pvt.,
+Musselshell, Mont.
+
+Charles L. Stark, Pvt.,
+33 E. Thorton St., Akron, Ohio.
+
+William C. Steidle, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+711 E. Norweigian St.,
+Pottsville, Pa.
+
+John R. Sweeney, Pvt., Cp.,
+16 E. Birch St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+John Sysling, Pvt.,
+18 Grand St., Garfield, N. J.
+
+George M. Thompson, Pvt., 1 Cl., Cpl.,
+571 Grant St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Michael A. Tito, Cpl.,
+523 Seybert St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+Edward G. Tracey, Pvt.,
+1129 Sophie St., Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+Charles A. Trostel, Mess Sgt.,
+1119 Jackson St., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Mattiejus Tuinali, Hs.,
+1931 Albright Ave., Scranton, Pa.
+
+Charles S. Umbenhauer, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Box 56, First St., Port Carbon, Pa.
+
+Barney Van De Brink, Pvt.,
+74 Hill St., Midland Park, N. J.
+
+[B]Leonard J. Van Houton, Pvt.,
+29 Hamburg Ave., Paterson, N. J.
+
+Wilbert Weber, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+146 Woodbine Ave.,
+Toronto, Ont., Canada.
+
+Harry L. Whitfield, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+597 N. Locust St., Hazleton, Pa.
+
+William S. Willier, Pvt., 1 Cl.,
+Box 15, Hegins, Schuylkill Co., Pa.
+
+John A. Yanoshik, Pvt.,
+Lofty, Pa.
+
+Frank Yeosock, Cpl., Sgt.,
+285 River St., Coalridge, Pa.
+
+Frederick D. Young, Mec.,
+1516 Market St., Ashland, Pa.
+
+[Footnote B: Leonard Joseph Van Houten died at his home in Paterson,
+N. J., on October 7, 1919, four months after discharge from Battery
+D.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+RECORD OF BATTERY TRANSFERS.
+
+
+As previously recorded in this volume, a large number of men were
+transferred from the ranks of Battery D during the period of
+organization. Scores of others also left the battery during the latter
+days of its existence. No official record in concise form exists of
+the scores of transfers effected during the first few months of the
+battery's history.
+
+The following list gives information of transfers that a thorough
+search of the records now reveals. It is the most accurate list that
+can be compiled under the circumstances.
+
+
+GAINED COMMISSIONS.
+
+The following members of Battery D were transferred from the outfit as
+successful applicants to officers' training schools. All were, in the
+course of time commissioned as lieutenants. Messrs. Sword and McAloon
+were commissioned in France, while the others attended training
+schools in the United States.
+
+  William C. Thompson, Jackson, Miss.
+  Merrill C. Liebensberger, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Harry T. Kenvin, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Thomas S. Pengelly, Hazleton, Pa.
+  John M. Harman, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Edward J. Kane, Plains, Pa.
+  Willard F. Jones, Scranton, Pa.
+  Joseph B. McCall, Philadelphia, Pa.
+  William O. Sword, Parsons, Pa.
+  Timothy McAloon, Scranton, Pa.
+
+John G. Young, of La Grange, Ga., serving with Battery D in rank of
+corporal, was promoted to sergeant during September, 1918, at La
+Courtine, then left the battery for the A. E. F. Artillery School at
+Saumur. He was made a "third lieutenant" of coast artillery January,
+1919, and returned to Battery D the latter part of January of the same
+year at Benoite Vaux. Early in February he was sent to the field
+hospital at Chaumont Perfitte and sailed for the U. S. from Brest
+April 10th as hospital patient. On May 1st Young was transferred to
+Camp Gordon, Ga., and made first-sergeant of a convalescent battalion.
+On January 1st, 1920, First Sergeant Young was made Army Field Clerk
+and transferred to Newport News and Norfolk, Army Supply Base. He was
+discharged from the service, March 12th, 1920.
+
+
+SENT TO TEXAS CAMP.
+
+On February 5, 1918, Battery D was called upon and furnished the
+following men for service with the Fifth Artillery Brigade at Camp
+Leon Springs, Texas:
+
+  John E. Bayarsky, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Frederick J. Boddin, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Anthony Correale, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Karl L. Lubrecht, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Alfonso Lupattelli, Scranton, Pa.
+  James J. McDermott, Freeland, Pa.
+  Edward V. McGee, Hazleton, Pa.
+  John McGrady, Plains, Pa.
+  Bernard A. McKenna, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Frank J. Monahan, Plains, Pa.
+  Joseph Smith, Freeland, Pa.
+  Earl G. Spitzner, Harleigh, Pa.
+  Stephen J. Thompson, Hazleton, Pa.
+  George H. Throne, Hazleton, Pa.
+  John M. Tusko, Hazleton, Pa.
+
+
+JOINED KEYSTONE DIVISION.
+
+Battery D sent a number of men to the 28th Division at Camp Hancock,
+Ga., who joined with the Keystoners on the eve of departure for
+overseas. This transfer included:
+
+  Patrick J. Campbell, Freeland, Pa.
+  Edward T. Edgerton, Plains, Pa.
+  William H. Ringlaben, Jr., West Hazleton, Pa.
+  William E. Ritter, Plains, Pa.
+  Henry L. Schleppy, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Joseph Welky, Hazleton, Pa.
+
+
+ASSIGNED AS ENGINEERS.
+
+On January 28, 1918, the following men were transferred from Battery D
+to the 304th Engineers at Camp Meade:
+
+  Bernard A. Malloy, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Day M. Roth, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Harry R. Schmeer, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Paul W. Schmeer, Hazleton, Pa.
+  John Shigo, Freeland, Pa.
+
+The 19th Engineers at Camp Meade received in its personnel on February
+15, 1918, from Battery D:
+
+  James A. Kenney, Plains, Pa.
+  Clark Burt, Plains, Pa.
+
+The February Replacement Draft at Meade took several Battery D men
+from the engineers, as follows:
+
+  Condidio Gentelezza, Scranton, Pa.
+  Harry A. Nelson, Plains, Pa.
+  Orelio Rosi, Plains, Pa.
+
+
+TO DEPOT BRIGADE.
+
+While preparations for departure overseas were under way transfers
+were made to the various training battalions of the 154th Depot
+Brigade, as follows:
+
+  John C. Demcik, Hazleton, Pa.
+  August H. Genetti, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Michael V. Hughes, Plains, Pa.
+  Abraham Kahn, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Francis A. Kenney, Scranton, Pa.
+  Thomas Murray, Plains, Pa.
+  Peter Sasarack, Jr., Hazleton, Pa.
+  Frederick L. Smith, 2nd, Hazleton, Pa.
+
+A number of these men were reassigned to other units. Michael V.
+Hughes was assigned to the 79th Divisional Staff and accompanied the
+division overseas. Frederick L. Smith, 2nd, was assigned to special
+duty as a chemist. Thomas Murray was seriously ill at the Camp Meade
+base hospital when the outfit departed.
+
+John Dempsey and George D. Vogt, both of Hazleton, Pa., were, on March
+17, 1918, assigned to the Q. M. C. school for cooks and bakers at Camp
+Meade.
+
+
+TO REGIMENTAL SUPPLY CO.
+
+Transfers were made to the 311th F. A. Supply Co., as follows:
+
+  George Kolessar, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Christy McAvaney, Scranton, Pa.
+  George Novotney, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Stanley Reese, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Harry B. Stair, Mt. Top, Pa.
+  Joseph Yeselski, Hazleton, Pa.
+
+
+CHANGES AT BENOITE VAUX.
+
+A number of changes in the battery roster were necessitated at Benoite
+Vaux, France, due to men being sent to hospitals for sickness. Some
+left to attend schools, while Philip J. Cusick, of Parsons, Pa.,
+received word through the Red Cross of his early discharge due to the
+death of his father.
+
+The transfers at Benoite Vaux included the following:
+
+  Howard A. Bain, Kansas City, Mo.
+  Thomas A. Davis, Scranton, Pa.
+  Philip J. Cusick, Parsons, Pa.
+  Stuart E. Prutzman, Palmerton, Pa.
+  Joseph Silock, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Harry Dauberman, Lawrence, Kansas.
+  Michael V. McHugh, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Anthony Esposito, Hackensack, N. J.
+  Reed F. Hulling, Charlestown, W. Va.
+  Clarence V. Smith, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Arthur A. Jones, Boundbrook, N. J.
+  Charles E. King, Pottsville, Pa.
+  John Verchmock, Hazleton, Pa.
+  Charles Nace, Philadelphia, Pa.
+  Arthur Van Valen, Englewood, N. J.
+  James F. Burns, Pottsville, Pa.
+
+
+OTHER TRANSFERS
+
+Joseph Delosaro and John Sharawarki, both of Hazleton, Pa., were
+discharged from Battery D February 5th and 14th respectively, for
+physical disabilities.
+
+Carl G. Brattlof, of Newark. N. J., was assigned to the 154th Brigade
+Headquarters, Dec. 1918.
+
+James J. Gillespie, of Hazleton, Pa., Feb. 11th, 1918, was
+transferred to the Railway Transportation Corps.
+
+George F. Haniseck, James F. McKelvey and Mathew Talkouski, all of
+Hazleton, Pa., May 31st, 1918, were sent to join the U. S. Guards,
+Fort Niagara, N. Y.
+
+John F. Kehoe of Hazleton, Pa., Feb. 3, 1918, was transferred to
+Headquarters Bn. G. H. Q. A. E. F., France. He left Camp Meade
+February 27th, being the first man from the organization to get
+overseas.
+
+Otto Kopp, of Hazleton, Pa., transferred June 1, 1918, to Headquarters
+Co., 311th F. A.
+
+Donald H. Durham, of Newark, N. J., and R. L. Krah, of Lavelle, Pa.,
+were transferred to the regimental Headquarters Co., while in France.
+
+William M. Powell. Jr., of Hazleton, Pa., February 5th, 1918, assigned
+to the Ordnance Depot Co., No. 101, Camp Meade.
+
+On October 12, 1918, Raymond Stegmaier, of Jamaica, N. Y., was
+detached from the battery on special duty as orderly to Lieut.-Col.
+Palmer.
+
+William Van Campen, of Ridgewood, N. J., was injured by an explosion
+of a hand-grenade on Nov. 5, 1918. The following day he was sent to
+Base Hospital No. 24 at Limoge. Nicholas J. Young, of Pottsville, Pa.,
+was transferred to the same hospital, October 16th, following the gun
+explosion at La Courtine.
+
+David L. Grisby, of Terre Haute, Ind., was transferred to Base
+Hospital No. 15 to undergo an operation. He left the battery at Ville
+sous La Ferte on November 22nd.
+
+Charles A. Weand, of Pottsville, Pa., Nov. 30, 1918, was sent to Base
+Hospital No. 11, A. P. O. 767, France.
+
+Henry J. Buhle, of New Brunswick, N. J., was sick in the hospital at
+La Courtine when the regiment left the artillery range, in France,
+November 14, 1918.
+
+Carl J. O'Malia, of Scranton, Pa., and Frederick M. Bowen, of
+East Rutherford, N. J., were patients at the hospital in Rimaucourt
+when the outfit left Blancheville, France.
+
+Arthur D. Roderick, of Hazleton, Pa., and William R. Jones, of
+Bergenfield, N. J., became detached from the battery while on leave.
+They were taken ill in Paris and sent to a hospital in the French
+metropolis.
+
+Edward Campbell, of Hazleton, Pa., one of the battery cooks, remained
+at the embarkation camp at St. Nazaire, France, to take charge of camp
+bakery. Cook Campbell returned to the States the latter part of July.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+PERSONALITIES.
+
+
+September 20, 1918. Adam O. Dyker was re-christened "Honey-Bee" Dyker.
+The event took place in a rather stinging manner at Camp La Courtine,
+France.
+
+On the night in question Private Dyker was on guard duty at the
+battery kitchen, which was situated under a canvas roof in a locality
+that was infested at that particular time with bees and yellow
+jackets.
+
+While walking his post at the midnight hour Dyker thought of a can of
+strawberry jam that he knew the cooks had deposited in a certain
+place. Groping his way through the dark Dyker found the can of
+preserves, also a spoon, and immediately started to fill a sweet
+tooth.
+
+In a short time the entire battery guard was aroused by a distressing
+cry from one of the outposts. At first it was difficult to determine
+whether the call was from a 311 Regiment post or a 312th Regiment
+post.
+
+The question was soon settled, however, when Dyker appended to the
+customary outpost call the designation of both the battery and the
+regiment, and added these words. "For God's sake hurry up, I'm all
+bee'd up."
+
+The jam which he devoured was full of bees and yellow jackets. While
+the humor of the incident appealed to the boys of the battery, all
+sympathized with the unfortunate guard, who had an agonizing time of
+it in the camp hospital for several weeks as a result of eating
+honey-bees.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Shortly after the armistice was signed John J. Jlosky drank too much
+cognac and fell out of line at retreat one night. He was ordered to
+report at the battery office. When asked why he did not stand at
+attention he replied to Lieut. Bailey: "How do you expect a man to
+stand at attention with sand-paper underwear on?"
+
+The battery had just been issued woolen underwear that day.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In recalling stable-police duty at Camp Meade, Md., there is one
+incident that always amused Bill Powell. Here's the story in his own
+words:
+
+"After the usual morning duties as stable police, 'Mad Anthony'
+assigned me to load a wagon of manure. After struggling with it for
+perhaps an hour I felt extremely proud of the transference of the
+large amount of material from the ground to the wagon. I was then
+ordered to go with the driver. I thought this pretty soft. It was a
+zero day and I soon found that I was mistaken. We were on our way to
+unload the manure in flat cars.
+
+"When we got to Disney, half frozen, the driver disappeared to a
+position near a roaring log fire and I commenced to unload. Here's
+where I realized the advantage of being a driver.
+
+"While resting I noticed another wagon being unloaded nearby with a
+detail of three negroes doing the heaving. This got my ire, and when I
+got back I looked up 'Mad Anthony' and related what I had seen.
+
+"'Mad Anthony' looked at me and replied, 'Hell, isn't one white man as
+good as three niggers?'
+
+"Not wishing to admit differently I left--satisfied."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A FEW GENERAL ORDERS.
+
+
+     "I desire to express to all the men with whom I was fortunate
+     enough to serve, sincere thanks for their universal loyalty and
+     courtesy to me and the other officers who were with me. It was
+     difficult during the active life of the battery to express to its
+     members the affection I felt for them collectively and
+     individually, and the high personal regard I had for them all,
+     both as soldiers and friends.
+
+     "We were never fortunate enough to be called into action, but at
+     all times, I am sure, that all those who came in contact with
+     Battery D felt that its personnel could be depended upon to do
+     the right thing at the right time. We all had our blue moments,
+     but, wherever we may go, or whatever we do, the spirit of Battery
+     D and the friendships we made will help us.
+
+     "Let me conclude by wishing a life of health, happiness and
+     success to all my old friends in Battery D, and may I further add
+     that, in looking back, I could have no greater wish than to feel
+     that their friendship and respect for me could be as great as the
+     friendship and respect I hold for them all."
+                                               CAPT. A. L. SMITH.
+"Stepping Stones," Gwynedd Valley, Pa., 1920.
+
+
+     "I had the good fortune to serve with the best Battalion of Field
+     Artillery in the United States Army--the Second Battalion, 311th
+     F. A."
+                                                MAJOR D. A. REED.
+909 Amberson Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa., 1920.
+
+
+     "My memories of Battery D are the most pleasant of my army
+     experiences. I know that your book will fulfill the very definite
+     need for a complete and accurate account of the experiences and
+     travels of the members of the battery."
+                                             CAPT. PERRY E. HALL.
+Springfield, N. J., 1920.
+
+
+     "It would indeed be most regrettable should there be nothing
+     permanent to remind us of those ties of friendship, far greater
+     than those of organization, which bound us together for the
+     greater part of two years. The recollection of the
+     wonderful spirit and morale of those with whom we were so
+     intimately associated must ever bring back that old feeling of
+     just pride which we all felt in our battery."
+                                        LIEUT. FRANK J. HAMILTON.
+4822 N. Camac St., Philadelphia, Pa., 1920.
+
+
+     "The happiest days of my life were spent in the 311th F. A. and
+     one of my best friends is Captain Smith of Battery D."
+                                   LIEUT.-COL. HERBERT H. HAYDEN.
+Army & Navy Club, Washington, D. C., 1920.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+MEMORABLE DATES.
+
+
+  1918.
+
+  July 13--Left Camp Meade, Md., U. S. A.
+  July 14--Set sail from Port Richmond, Philadelphia, Pa.
+  July 17--At anchor in Halifax harbor, Nova Scotia.
+  July 20--Left Halifax bound overseas.
+  July 30--Battle with German U-Boats.
+  July 31--Landed in Barry, South Wales.
+  August 3--Hiked to Southampton, England.
+  August 4--Landed in Cherbourg, France.
+  August 5--Left Cherbourg via rail.
+  August 7--Arrived in Montmorillon.
+  September 4--Left Montmorillon via box car.
+  September 4--Arrived at La Courtine.
+  November 14--Left La Courtine via box car.
+  November 16--Detrained at La Tracey.
+  November 16--Landed in Ville sous La Ferte.
+  November 26--Left Ville sous La Ferte via motor train.
+  November 26--Arrived at Blancheville.
+  December 19--One hundred left on horse convoy.
+  December 25--Mule convoy arrived at Cirey les Mareilles.
+
+  1919.
+
+  January 9--Left Blancheville mounted.
+  January 13--Arrived at Benoite Vaux.
+  March 19--Trip by road to Boncourt.
+  April 1--Left Boncourt mounted.
+  April 3--Arrived in Cirey Les Mareilles.
+  April 12--Materiel turned in at Andelot.
+  April 19--Entrained at Rimaucourt.
+  April 21--Arrived at St. Nazaire.
+  May 14--Set sail for United States.
+  May 27--Arrived in New York harbor.
+  May 28--Debarked at Bush Terminal, Brooklyn.
+  May 28--Arrived in Camp Dix, N. J.
+  May 30--Battery officially discharged.
+  June 4--Discharge papers distributed.
+
+FINIS
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Delta of the Triple Elevens, by
+William Elmer Bachman
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