USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Andover, Massachusetts, in the world war > Part 3
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The men of the town who had passed the age for uniforms and rifles were busy before breakfast and after supper in their gardens. There is no glamor in hoeing interminable rows of potatoes. There are days when it takes a kind of sub- lime courage to weed beans. Probably there are many "dough-boys" who do
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ANDOVER IN THE WORLD WAR
not appreciate the kind of heroism, moral and physical, which was shown in many a back-yard garden under a burning sun in the August of 1918.
The number of those still "at home" was rapidly diminishing. In April, 1918, a fine young man in the British Expeditionary Forces, - Private David C. S. Croall, - was killed in action. On September 2, Private Charles A. Young, of Company B, 101st Infantry, 26th Division, died of wounds, he being the first Andover boy in the American Army to give his life for the Allied cause. Private Patrick O'Neil, of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, was slain in action on August 27, and later in September Private Michael Joseph Daly, of Battery B, 119th Field Artillery, died as a result of wounds received from a bursting shell. The news of these tragedies naturally cast a gloom over the community, and no one could tell who might be the next to fall.
On Thursday, September 12, came the day of registration for all males be- tween the ages of eighteen and forty-five, who had not been included in the earlier enrollment. It was found that, in Andover; 937 new names were thus placed on the eligible list, which, moreover, did not include a considerable number who had already entered service.
The autumn of 1918 was destined to put our nation to a new and severe test of endurance. It was lamentable enough to have our young men killed in action or suffering from painful wounds. But the great influenza epidemic, which broke out in September and which ravaged not only the training camps but also civilian homes, was the most terrible of calamities. Here was an unseen enemy, who de- scended upon men from unexpected quarters, without giving them even a chance to fight for life. Two of the Andover boys in service succumbed to the dread disease : Signalman Thomas W. Platt, of the United States Navy, and Captain Phillips G. Morrison, Ordnance Corps, both of whom died in mid-October. In Andover the Board of Health took prompt action in closing at once all churches, theatres, and places of public gathering. The Health Committee of the Public Safety Com- mittee, under Dr. Abbott's direction, made every effort to quarantine all influ- enza cases, and to assist those who were in need. Most remarkable of all, how- ever, was the self-sacrificing spirit shown by a group of ladies, working under the auspices of the Red Cross, who not only provided supplies, such as broths and jellies, for the sick, but actually, when the emergency grew more serious, did volunteer nursing. Day and night Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Stackpole, Miss Smith, Mrs. George F. French, Miss Kuhn, and others labored faithfully and indefati- gably, combatting the invisible foe. As a consequence of these precautions and the careful attention bestowed upon those who were afflicted, Andover escaped, far better than most towns, the ravages of the plague, and the number of deaths was comparatively few.
While the women in this country were thus doing their share in the emergency, our fighting men were pressing on where-,
"Athwart that land of bloss'ming vine Stretched the awful battle-line".
WILLIAM RAE Lance Sergeant, Black Watch, British Army Killed in action, August, 1917
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THE SPIRIT OF THE TOWN
As the tidings came of the drive to Soissons in July and of American successes at the heights of the Ourcq, we rejoiced to know that our army was bringing honor to the flag. Then in September came the taking of the St. Mihiel salient, a task which brought glory to the men of the Yankee Division. Later in September there followed the Meuse-Argonne offensive, in which the New England boys also played a conspicuous part. The news was reassuring to everybody. It was demonstrable that Germany, if she did not yield, must be driven beyond the Rhine.
All this was highly stimulating to the nation. In October, during the very midst of the influenza epidemic, the Fourth Liberty Loan of $6,000,000,000 went "over the top". To Andover was assigned a quota of $818,000; but Mr. Flagg and his admirably organized committee worked so enthusiastically that they se- cured $1,051,000 from nearly three thousand individual subscribers. The record made in this campaign surpassed that of any of the previous "drives", and was equalled by few towns in the United States. Following close upon the final an- nouncement of the Liberty Loan came the movement to raise a United War Work Fund of $170,500,000, to be divided among the various humanitarian societies in operation at training camps and overseas. Mr. Frederick H. Jones was once more called upon to act as Chairman. The preliminary publicity work was most effectively done. On Saturday, November 9, the committee unveiled a tablet at Memorial Hall in recognition of the nine Andover boys who had already given their lives for America and its allies. Mr. Jones presided, and the Reverend Father Nugent, the Reverend Frederick A. Wilson, and Principal Stearns delivered brief addresses. Two days later Professor Forbes had charge of a mass meeting in the Town Hall, the two speakers being the Reverend John T. Ullom, an overseas chap- lain, and Mr. William G. O'Brien, of Boston. The campaign thus inaugurated brought in nearly $43,000 from almost four thousand contributors. In thus more than doubling its quota, Andover made a better record than any town or city in its section.
Before this "drive" was completed, the World War was over, and
"Peace, battle-worn and starved, and gaunt and pale Rose up like mist upon a storm-swept shore".
Rumor had been alert through the early days of November. It was the time when two Andover boys were killed while performing the most courageous duties: Private John J. Geagan, of Ballardvale, was mortally wounded on November 1, in the Argonne Forest; and Lieutenant Thomas E. Carter, of Company L, 9th Infantry, fell on November 4, pierced by German bullets as he was leading his men "over the top". But it was evident that Germany was tottering, and would not long continue the struggle. On November 8 came a false report of a truce, but very few in Andover were deceived by the premature announcement. At
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last, in the early morning of Monday, November 11, the telegraph wires brought the news in such a form that its truth could not be doubted, - an armistice had been signed, and hostilities had ceased. No one would have been happy if this had meant simply "stale-mate". Coming as it did, however, accompanied by the willingness of Germany to submit to exacting terms, the cessation of the war brought joy to most American hearts. Bells began to ring out on the night air. Out into the cold and cheerless dawn rushed old and young, often half-clothed but eager to have a voice in the celebration of victory. Early though it was, an im- promptu parade was formed; fish-horns and whistles blew continuously; the Phil- lips boys started a huge bonfire. At five o'clock the Phillips Battalion formed on the Hill and marched down Main Street, each member carrying a torch. At the Town Hall they gathered around the entrance, where Mr. Cole, in the name of the Committee of Public Safety, made announcement of a general holiday. After breakfast the Comfort Committee engaged a band, and a new procession was arranged, which, after making a circuit of the streets, ended at the playstead, where Mr. Cole presided over an outdoor mass meeting. Here Mr. Eames, Chair- man of the Board of Selectmen, the Reverend Father Nugent, and Professor Forbes made appropriate remarks. In the evening thanksgiving services were conducted in the various churches.
The more formal celebration took place on the following day. The Public Safety Committee, meeting on Monday evening, had planned a huge "Victory Parade ", to include all organizations in the town. At two o'clock in the afternoon, accordingly, the line was formed and marched through the town, finishing at the Common, where it was reviewed by Major Edgar G. Holt, as Chief Marshal, and by the Public Safety Committee. Here Mr. Frederick G. Moore led in the singing of patriotic songs, and the day closed with The Star Spangled Banner, rendered with an intensity of feeling which few had ever put into it before.
So the great World War, which for more than eighteen months had occupied the thoughts and governed the acts of all loyal Americans, came to a close. But the end of hardship and toil had not yet arrived. Formal treaties had yet to be negotiated. Millions of soldiers were on the firing-line, or in camps all over the United States. Demobilization was bound to be a slow and tedious process. When a sick man's pulse and temperature drop, we say that the illness is over; but the convalescence is often uncomfortable, and the patient is frequently easily irritated. So America, recovering from her war madness, was inevitably to face some very trying months.
The work of providing for the service men naturally could not cease for many years. In December the Andover Branch of the American Red Cross, in its annual roll-call campaign, managed, under Mr. Shipman's direction, to enroll nearly four thousand members. The Publicity Committee of the Red Cross, headed by Professor Forbes, attended to sending Christmas gifts to the boys abroad. The Public Safety Committee, with courteous thoughtfulness, sent to
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THE SPIRIT OF THE TOWN
every Andover man in uniform a little booklet, extending to him the greetings of the holiday season and telling him something of the activities of the town during the year just closing.
Meanwhile the return to civilian life was being accomplished with far less red tape than any one had imagined possible. First came those who had been in training camps in this country. One began, early in 1919, to see once more some of the familiar faces which for months had been missing. Many families were made happy by the unannounced arrival of sons or husbands. Then later came young men wearing the overseas cap and the gold chevrons which denoted for- eign service. Gradually the town, like other towns from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon, assumed its normal appearance after a period of stress and strain.
The Public Safety Committee did not neglect the important matter of a formal welcome to the returning service men. Mr. Burton S. Flagg, as the Chair- man of a Special Committee, collected money to pay for a fitting greeting. An Executive Committee to make definite arrangements for the ceremonies was named, consisting of Mr. Cole (Chairman), Dr. Stearns, Mr. Eames, Mr. Henry A. Bodwell, and Mr. Fred L. Collins. After some discussion, it was determined to hold two celebrations: a preliminary one, on March 21, while the excitement was still hot; and a larger one later, when all the boys had come back.
On Friday evening, March 21, then, Andover united in a reception to the more than two hundred men who had already been discharged. At seven-thirty the returned veterans assembled and marched to the Town House, where the Honorable John N. Cole presided, and, after reading the names of the dead, wel- comed the soldiers and sailors, in the name of the town. He then introduced Major Claude M. Fuess, who spoke briefly, with special reference to the signifi- cance of the occasion. Bronze medals, the gift of the citizens of Andover, were then pinned on the blouses of the service men by the town officials. The remain- der of the evening was spent in dancing and merry-making in the Town Hall, and in the club rooms of various fraternal organizations, all of which kept open house.
The newspapers were now filled with joyful items regarding the landing of the overseas troops. The Andover boys in the 26th Division, with one or two ex- ceptions, disembarked at Boston on April 10. Twoweeks later on Friday, April 25, this Division, with Major General Edwards riding at the head, paraded through the Boston streets. It was a notable day in New England history, for the division had covered itself with distinction, and every one on the reviewing stands felt a thrill of pride in its record. These men had left in secrecy and silence a year and a half before; now they were back in the full blaze of glory, after having done more than their share in assuring victory to the Allies.
There were others also still to come, and hardly a week passed without bring- ing a detachment of boys in uniform. It was this general spirit of delight at the safe return of the expeditionary forces that was a large factor in making the Vic-
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ANDOVER IN THE WORLD WAR
tory Loan of May, 1919, so successful. This Loan was confessedly the most diffi- cult of the five. Taxes had increased to an alarming extent; banks were carrying an enormous amount of securities; and there was a perceptible reaction from the vigorous enthusiasm of war times. In spite of these facts, Mr. Flagg organized his solicitors, and, through systematic salesmanship, secured 1095 subscribers, for a total sum of $955,000. As Andover's quota was but $613,500, her showing in this, the last of the great loan campaigns, indicated no falling off from what had already been done.
The final welcome to Andover's sons was wisely postponed until nearly all were on hand to participate. At last, on September 5 and 6, the town was ready for the celebration. On Friday evening the Common was brilliantly illumi- nated, and the entire community assembled to act as a reception committee for the veterans. Gathering in the American Legion rooms, the service men, marshal- led by Major Bartlett H. Hayes, marched to the stand, where the Honorable John N. Cole addressed them in a few fitting words. Colonel Edward L. Logan, of the 101st Infantry, then delivered a speech, praising the work of the town dur- ing the war. Medals were later presented to those who had not yet received them, including Andover's four Red Cross nurses, Miss Abbott, Miss Spinney, Miss Hulme, and Mrs. Bryant. During the remainder of the evening there was danc- ing wherever sufficient floor space could be found.
On Saturday, September 6, came the chief feature, - a parade which un- doubtedly surpassed anything of the kind ever seen in the town. The reviewing stand where the service men were seated was located at the top of Andover Hill, on the old Training Field. Here they watched float after float go by, each rep- resenting some war activity; it was estimated that more than three thousand per- sons actually marched in line. The spectacle was indeed impressive. When the last organization had passed, the veterans fell into squad formation at the rear until Brothers' Field was reached, when the preceding marchers divided, allowing the service men to pass between the rows, amid the incessant cheering of the crowd. At this point Comrade E. Kendall Jenkins, representing General William F. Bartlet Post, Number 99, Grand Army of the Republic, presented a beautiful standard to Commander Philip W. Thomson, of Andover Post, Number 8, Amer- ican Legion. Captain Thomson, in reply, spoke feelingly of the courtesy shown by the members of the Grand Army of the Republic, and thanked them for the generous gift.
This ceremony concluded, five thousand people had luncheon in little groups on the spacious playing fields of Phillips Academy. Arrangements had been made to supply everybody with edibles, and the day was ideal for picnicking beneath the trees. In the afternoon came sports of various kinds, including contests in base- ball and track athletics. At six-thirty the service men once more fell into line and marched to the Phillips Academy Gymnasium, where dinner was provided for about five hundred. Principal Alfred E. Stearns, as Presiding Officer, introduced
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the speakers, who included Governor Calvin Coolidge, Major General Clarence R. Edwards, Lieutenant Colonel Frank S. Evans, of the British Army, the Hon- orable John N. Cole, the Reverend Father John A. Nugent, and two representa- tives of the service men, - Lieutenant William J. Cronin, of the army, and Lieu- tenant Dwight Moody, of the navy. Later in the evening General Edwards spoke to a great audience on the Common, and the day closed with outdoor "movies" for all who cared to linger. It was unquestionably a glorious celebration. The head- ing of an editorial in the Townsman, - "ANDOVER MEETS ANDOVER", - describes it accurately. Joined by a desire to honor the returned soldiers and sail- ors, Andover men and women were for the moment, absolutely forgetful of class or social distinctions, of differences in wealth or position, of variations in creeds. It was a time for friendliness, good will, and unselfish recognition of others. All stood together, linked by a spirit of happiness and satisfaction.
With this notable welcome, the story of Andover's part in the World War comes naturally to a close. The diplomatic proceedings which followed the laying down of arms are likely to have a far-reaching influence on the future of the world. But the war for which Americans were willing to risk their lives is now over, and the men who have been in uniform are with us again, back at their daily tasks. We have returned, we trust, to a time of peaceful living, and the World War is already a memory, a subject for reminiscence and formal history.
In a short account such as this much has necessarily been omitted. There has been no opportunity, for instance, of mentioning the activities of the various church societies, all of which were energetic in pushing forward the different kinds of war work. Most of them sooner or later unfurled their own service flags: the Free Christian Church on November 25, 1917, St. Augustine's Church on January 1, 1918, Christ Church on January 5, 1918, the South Church on April 7, 1918, and the West Church on April 28, 1918. There was such a group as the Tuesday Club, which sewed regularly for the Red Cross, presented $50 to that organiza- tion, and contributed over $1000 for the adoption of French orphans. A commit- tee, headed by Mrs. Horace M. Poynter, collected money for a Suffrage Coffee House, at Ayer, for the boys of Camp Devens. A Red Cross Committee, with Mrs. F. L. Purdon as Chairman, gathered a quantity of clothes for needy Belgians in early September, 1918. The Red Cross Civilian Relief Committee, directed first by Dr. Fuess, and later by Mr. John C. Angus and Mr. Hayes, undertook with much success to care for needy cases arising from war conditions.
But all these, and other agencies which might be named, were merely indi- cations of a spirit which was everywhere prevalent, along every "Main Street" from Boston to San Francisco. During the war period men and women were eager to do whatever was within their power. Some found it possible to enlist and fight; others could labor at home; many could simply give from their hard earn- ings; but the man in Andover who did nothing must have been rare indeed.
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One sad feature, part of the aftermath of war, wasyettocome. In the spring and summer of 1921 the bodies of four Andover soldiers were sent home from overseas, and buried, with formal ceremonies, in cemeteries within the town. The first body to arrive was that of Michael Joseph Daly, whose heroic death has already been mentioned, and whose funeral service was held in St. Augus- tine's Church. Ten days later the last rites were performed in the South Church over the body of Private John H. Baker, who had died in France on January 4, 1919. Then came the body of Private Charles A. Young, in whose memory a service was conducted in the Free Church. Last of all were the ceremonies in honor of John J. Geagan, of Ballardvale, whose remains were brought from overseas and for whom a solemn high mass was sung on September 19, in St. Joseph's Church, many of his army comrades participating. At all these funeral services the stores in the town were closed as an evidence of respect, and the American Legion appeared in uniform to guard the bodies to their last resting- places and to fire a salute over the graves of the heroic dead.
It is the men of the American Legion who help most to remind us of the tre- mendous struggle through which we have passed. Thanks to them.
"No more shall lawless force be throned as God, The troubled nations of the earth no more Shall humbly wait upon a despot's nod."
As they march by on Memorial Day, we are led inevitably to think of the young lives which were prematurely ended, of the sufferings which so many had to under- go, of the many evils and dangers which have followed in the train of war. And yet there must be few who regret that we, as a nation, took the course we did. It may be that self-seeking and greed and envy will gain control of our national affairs; but we shall still have the memory of a time when men and women were united in the spirit of lofty idealism. If, through the reaction which has come as a consequence of war, we can but retain a portion of the vision and loyalty of 1918, the great conflict will not have been fought in vain.
P39
DAVID C. S. CROALL Private, Black Watch, British Army Killed in action, April 27, 1918
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II
THE GLORIOUS DEAD
"Grim death has vanished, leaving in its stead The shining glory of the living dead."
William Pert
"His heart was high to the end, and dreamed Of the sound and splendour of England's war."
Private William Pert, of the world-renowned Black Watch, was the first man from Andover to give his life in the Great War. Born in Dundee, Scotland, he enlisted in the British Army at the age of eighteen. The section of the high- lands in which he was brought up was a favorite recruiting ground for the Black Watch, and it was natural that he should don the tartan of the 42d Highlanders, - a regiment whose record goes back to 1740.
After serving for seven years in India, Private Pert secured his discharge and came to the United States to join many of his friends. When war broke out in 1914, he was on a visit to his native land, and he lost no time in rejoining the colors. He was sent to France, and took part in a number of the early engage- ments.
On September 25, 1916, while acting as a sniper at the battle of Loos, he was instantly killed. Besides his father and mother, he left three sisters and four brothers in Scotland, and another sister, Mrs. Robert Dobbie, of Maple Avenue, Andover.
Private Pert was a fighter of the Berserker type, a man of dauntless courage and inflexible determination. He was a fitting descendant of the Scotchmen who fought so gallantly at Bannockburn and Culloden Moor, and in many a vigorous Highland foray. Although he was not a native son of Andover, he and his heroic death will be long remembered in the annals of the town.
James Caban
"By his grave the grasses stir But he is silent sleeping there."
Sergeant James Cavan was born in Dundee, Scotland, and, like Private Pert, enrolled in the British regulars when he was only eighteen. He chose the Royal
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Scots Fusileers, with which regiment he served for eight years in India, - living the life so well described by Kipling in his stories of Ortheris, Ackroyd, and Mul- vaney.
Honorably discharged but still subject to emergency call, he came to the United States, and located at Andover. Just before the war started, he had made a visit to his old home, and he was actually on the ocean when the news reached him. Wasting no time, he said "Good-bye" to his Andover friends and took the next ship back to Scotland, where he rejoined his former regiment and was soon in France with the Salvage Corps.
For two and a half years he saw almost constant fighting, but escaped with- out a scratch. Then, on April 19, 1917, as he was returning from the funeral of a comrade, a German sniper's bullet struck him, and he died within a few minutes.
While in Andover James Cavan took a keen interest in Soccer, and sup- ported every contest. He was a member of Clan Johnston, 185, O. S. C., and the first of the clansmen to answer the last roll-call. He is survived by three sisters and four brothers, all in Dundee.
William Rae
"'Twas the right death to die, lad, A gift without regret."
Lance-Sergeant William Rae was a true sportsman and a gallant soldier. Stalwart in build and aggressive in manner, he was a commanding figure on the athletic ground as he led his team at soccer or played at cricket on the old field. And in the fight of the Allies, when the German hordes were pressing hard on the British line, "Bill" Rae was struggling for victory with the same dogged tenacity that he had shown so often in many a hard-contested game.
Born in Arbroath, Scotland, the native town of so many fine Andoverians, Rae came to the United States, where he found employment in the Tyer Rubber Company. In the spring of 1915 he was unable to resist the appeal of King and Country, and, recrossing the sea, joined the Black Watch. After preliminary training he was ordered to France, where he took part in some of the fiercest combats of the war. He rose in the ranks and became a Lance-Sergeant. Then came the great battle of Loos, after which word was received here that genial "Bill" Rae was among the missing. Finally, after weeks of doubtful hope, the news arrived from the British War Office that Sergeant Rae had "gone west." He died in August, 1917.
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