USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > South Hadley > South Hadley, Massachusetts, in the world war, 1932 > Part 2
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
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NEW YORK' 1655000
1057000
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
ocean lanes there marked; some were torpedoed, and, fortunately, rescued; and all landed eventually at various ports of Great Britain and France.
It will be noted that the United States used the western and sourthern parts of the French coast for troops and supply bases, although it meant an additional haul of about 500 miles to reach the front. This assignment had to be made because
BATTLE
CHERBOURG
ROUEN
LINE
JULY
18
PARIS
BREST
CHAU MONT
TOURS
ST. NAZAIRE
MANTES
LES SABLES D'OLONNE
LA PALLICE
ROCHEFORT
BORDEAUX
BAYONNE
A PORTS
MARSEILLE WA
GENERAL STORAGE DEPOTS
PRINCIPAL RAILWAYS USED BY ALI
Seaports, storage points, and supply lines of the American Army in France
Great Britain was in occupation of the northern ports, and the French retained the central districts for their own depots.
St. Nazaire became a chief destination of American transportation, together with Bordeaux further south. Use was made also of Nantes, LaPallice, Rocheford, Paulliac, and, on the Mediterranean, Marseilles. Later, Brest was considerably developed as a landing place for troops. Le Havre was the port for our men and supplies arriving by way of England.
LE HAVRE
TOUL
24
SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
In this way, through nearly all these ports, South Hadley men in small groups, two's or three's, often singly, passed into service in the A. E. F.
IN THE SERVICE OF SUPPLIES
Intermediate between the base ports and the front, immense construction projects were undertaken by U. S. Army Engineers. At Gievres, in central France, was built the most extensive series of warehouses ever erected, including a railroad system. Romorantin, nearby, was a center for the Air Service. Other supply depots and service headquarters were at Tours, Blois, and Orleans, all in the Touraine district. Great bakeries were built in Dijon and Gievres, and the latter place had an ice-making plant.
These are some of the places behind the lines in the A. E. F., where South Hadley service extended. Many of our townsmen must have passed through, also, the distribution centers of Is-sur-Tille, Liffol-le-Grand, and St. Dizier.
Hospitals were established near every important town, with Paris as a head- quarters. Most men who were hospitalized and returned to duty, will remember - not too happily - St. Aignan, a general replacement camp.
As we approach nearer the front, to the northeast, we find the advance head- quarters of the S. O. S. at Neufchateau, and in the same region, at Chaumont, the General Headquarters of the A. E. F.
SOUTH HADLEY AT THE FRONT
For the most part, American troops held the eastern and southeastern sections of the allied battle line, looking toward Luxemburg, German Alsace-Lorraine and Switzerland. The French Army kept the center of the long front, and the British were charged with the north, extending into Belgium. Nevertheless, various Ameri- can units, at different times, engaged in fighting throughout the entire front. So also, South Hadley soldiers were found not only in the areas of distinctly American activity, but in British and French undertakings as well.
From Flanders fields to the Vosges mountains, we have to scan the whole line to trace the whereabouts of the men from our town who joined in the vast struggle. They were in the resistance that checked the tremendous offensives of the Germans in 1918, by which the imperial armies sought to break the allied line and end the war. Five successive drives took place in five successive months, beginning in March, and timed for each new moon. They were in the counter-offensives of the Allies - destined to roll back the German armies beyond the French frontier: in the St. Mihiel drive, in the Meuse-Argonne, the Aisne-Marne, the Oise, the
25
SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
Somme, and the Ypres-Lys offensives - halted only by the Armistice. They con- tinued thereafter into Germany with the Army of Occupation. They left behind, these men of South Hadley, some of their number, dead.
OSTEND
NIEUPORT
6HENT
[ YPRES
O BRUSSELS
PARMENTIERES
ULLE . YPRES-LYS
AUG. 194. NOV. 11 DIVISIONS ENGAGED 27.30
M
BET HUNE
37-91
. MONS
LENS O
ARRAS
· CAMBRAI
AMIENSO
SOMME
AUG 8 - NOV. 11
. MONTDIDIER
LAON
MOYON
OISE-AISNE
AUG. 18 - NOV. 1]
C
MILES
-
JULY 18
VERDUN
GNIETZ
AISNE-MARNE
JULY W-AUG 6
MEUSE-ARGONNE
DIVISIONS ENGAGED
1-2-3-4-16-28-22
SEPT. 20 - NOV. 1}
42
DIVISIONS ENGAGEO: 1-2-3-4-5-20 28-29-32-33-35-37-42-77-78-79-80 82-89-90-9] (6 IN RESERVE)
PARIS
SEPT 12-16 DIVISIONS ENGAGED 1-2-4-5-26-42-82-89-90 (IN RESERVE 3-33-35-78-80-91)
· TOUL
LINE OF NOK
SEDAC ...
LINE
OF JULY 18
DIVISIONS ENGAGED : 28-32-77
RHEIMS
JALE
OF
3un
CHATEAU THIERRY
DIVISIONS ENGAGED: 27.30-PART OF 33
CANTIGNY
UNE OF NOV. U
ST MIHIEL
American participation in the allied offensives of 1918.
Much of the information in the section above, and all of the diagrams and maps, have been taken from a War Department publication, "The War with Germany," by Col. Leonard P. Ayres. Grateful acknowledgement is here made for the use of this material.
Local Activities
THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY
When the United States entered the war, the first committee to be chosen was The Committee of Public Safety, who served during the war period. The members were: Chairman, Fred M. Smith; Secretary and Treasurer, Martin J. Judge; William Corriden, George Hofmann, Harry A. Bates, Alfred F. Larose, John J. Moriarty, and Charles E. Snow. This committee had general oversight of all community activities and public welfare measures, conservation, the public health, relief, etc., connected with the war; and the organizing, equipping and drilling the Home Guard for service. They arranged for all public meetings and campaigns for Liberty Loans, and similar drives. They were responsible to the State and Federal governments for the proper performance of these public duties.
DIVISON NO 7, SELECTIVE DRAFT BOARD
This board was organized at Ludlow, Mass., on July 4, 1917, with the following officers: Hartley W. Morrill of Ludlow, Chairman; Frederick Warren, of North Wilbraham, Secretary; Doctor Henry E. Doonan, of South Hadley Falls, Chief Medical Examiner. Headquarters were opened at the Steven's Memorial Building at Ludlow, where all the men from Division 7, consisting of the towns of South Hadley, Granby, Agawam, North Wilbraham, Hampden, Hatfield, Wilbraham, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, were examined. The personnel of this board remained intact until October, 1917, when owing to the illness of Dr. Doonan, his place was filled by Doctor Pealy Hoyt, until October, 1918, at which time Dr. Doonan resumed his former position. Chairman Morrill resigned April, 1918, and was replaced by Mr. F. M. Smith as Chairman, and the headquarters of the Division Board was moved to South Hadley Falls, in June, 1918, and continued there for the duration of the war.
THE BOARD OF INSTRUCTION
In the fall of 1918, the chairman of the Local Board for Division No. 7, ap- pointed M. M. Wilder of Ludlow, Chairman, J. M. Perry of North Wilbraham and
27
SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
Rev. J. G. Nichols, members of the Board of Instruction. Their duties covered a wide range. As men appeared for examination before the Draft Board and were inducted into service, they were interviewed personally and given friendly counsel in regard to some of their personal problems, which came up for consideration; matters pertaining to their dependents, family allowances, war-time insurance, the meaning of Democracy, the obligations of citizenship, reasons for the United States entering the war, the necessary character and qualifications of an American soldier. Some of the most rewarding service was rendered to foreign born citizens who had been in this country a brief period, who entered the service. In the short time before departure for camp, every effort was made to show human sympathy and appreciation of the soldier's state of mind. The government furnished printed information of many sorts which was freely distributed. Emphasis was placed not upon the multitude of soldiers, but upon the spirit and the morale.
In conjunction with the Boards of Instruction of Hampden and Hampshire Counties, a series of meetings was planned in the leading motion picture houses. Such films as "Fit to Fight" were shown and instruction was given by members of the medical staff and officials from the Provost Marshal General's Department. Unfortunately the epidemic prevailing in all parts of the country, which closed all public halls greatly hindered the plans. The duties of the committee continued until the Armistice.
MASSACHUSETTS STATE GUARD
Soon after the entry of the United States in the World War, the citizens of South Hadley formed a Company of men, known as the Massachusetts Home Guard. The service of this organization was dedicated to the protection of home and property. The splendid spirit with which our citizens responded to this Com- pany was most gratifying and the Home Guard boasted of over one hundred members. As the weeks of the war went by and our community was visited by that terrible epidemic of influenza, this unit was taken over by the State authorities, in order that they might render valuable service throughout the State. It was at this time that the name was changed to read "Massachusetts State Guard." A special word of credit is gladly given this unit for the splendid service rendered during the epidemic at Camp Devens, Barre, and Springfield. This Company was officered during its entire existence by the following men :
Captain.
Ralph C. Mattoon
First Lieutenant.
Joseph J. Kelley
Second Lieutenant
Arthur Goetz
28
SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
COMMUNITY SERVICE
"The Church is the permanent organ of Society's life."-Charles W. Eliot.
The various kinds of helpful service rendered by the churches of South Hadley, and by the fraternal organizations, lodges, and social groups during the period of the war cannot be adequately reported. Their contribution, however, was im- portant. The government was quick to see that, in each community, organizations like the local church and allied bodies were the natural channels through which to make its appeals. The church groups were united in accepting the responsibility of maintaining high standards of citizenshp as they affected, not only the men in the service, but also those who remained in the home. They counted it a privilege to keep the lines of communication open between the home church and the men in camps in the United States and overseas, and to cooperate in every way in keep- ing active the religious forces under whose influence they had lived at home, to strengthen home ties, to "keep the home fires burning." There were many oppor- tunities for the ministry of comfort and relief, to the physical and spiritual needs of the people. The church did everything within its power to maintain the morale of the community during a period of great anxiety and uncertainty. The members of patriotic, fraternal and social organizations, societies of men and women within the churches, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, in a fine spirit of co- operation responded generously to every appeal for service. A united Community Spirit was awakened which has remained.
THE SCHOOLS IN THE WAR
The pupils of the Public Schools of South Hadley under the leadership of Mr. Frederick E. Whittemore, Superintendent, and with full co-operation of the School Board, the teachers of the High School and of the grades, rendered im- portant service in the various war activities. Fortunately the printed reports of the Superintendent indicate the nature of those activities.
During the year 1917, some of the meetings of the Parent-Teacher Association and the courses in the High School and upper grammar grades were devoted to the study of the fundamental principles of government in community and national life. The necessity for conservation and production was urged upon the local com- mittee, and special effort was made in the spring and summer to interest the pupils in planning of home garden work and other activities, including canning and marketing, the raising of pork products and cooking. In the following year in- creased emphasis was placed upon this kind of work, with good results.
In the early part of 1918 of the one hundred and fifty-five men who had entered the service from the town of South Hadley, forty-eight had been enrolled as mem- bers of the High School, including seventeen who had been graduated.
The following paragraphs are from the printed reports of 1917-1918-1919:
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
War Contributions
The pupils of the several schools have responded generously to the appeals that have been made to them for contributions to war funds, including $30.00 for the Joffre Testimonial for the children of France, $36.33 for the Halifax sufferers, $6.96 for the Camp Recreation Fund, $182.00 for the Red Triangle Fund, $200.00 for the Liberty Bonds.
A further appeal to the children is about to be made to save their pennies, nickels and dimes for the purchase of United States Government Thrift Stamps to be exchanged later for the War Saving Stamps, in accordance with the methods explained on the Thrift Cards.
Contributions for the United War Work Campaign
Our pupils have been deeply interested in the campaign for United War Work. A report of their activities in this direction is given in the following tabulation: South Hadley Victory Boys and Girls Quota for South Hadley : 104 Victory boys and girls. Quota of money to be raised : $520.00.
Summary
Pledges secured in High School: Boys, 51; girls, 91.
Amount of money pledged : Boys, $229.00; girls, $362.00.
Per cent of membership pledged in High School, 100%.
Grades
Pledges secured : Boys, 60; girls, 62. Amount of money pledged : Boys, $95.50; girls, $109.00.
Grade 8a, South Hadley Falls, 100% pledged.
Grades 6, 7, 8, one school, South Hadley Center, 100% pledged. Total number of Victory boys, 111.
Total number of Victory girls, 155.
Total amount pledged: Boys, $324.50. Total amount pledged : Girls, $471.00.
Grand total pledged, $795.50. Number of pledges in excess of quota, 162.
Per cent of pledges in excess of quota, 156. Amount pledged in excess of quota, $275.50. Per cent pledged in excess of quota, 53.
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
Thrift and War Savings Stamps for 1918
The sale of thrift stamps and war savings stamps has been prosecuted with vigor during the year. Each week a representative from the South Hadley post office has called at each school and distributed the stamps for which orders had been filed with the teachers. The results of the work are shown in the following tabulation :
War Savings Stamp Record
High School St. Carew St. Center
Plains
School
School
School
School School
Total
Total number of pup-
ils and teachers en- rolled in W. S. S. Clubs.
81 245
98
117
14 555
Total Amount
$877.74 $1,828.41
$809.94
$914.76
$103.88 $4,534.73
On the basis of the September enrolment about 54 per cent of the pupils have participated in the war savings campaign. The average amount invested in stamps per each person purchasing is $8.17. As a means of teaching thrift the War Stamps Savings plan is worthy of our hearty endorsement. It will be continued by the government for the year 1919. The National School Service announces the Thrift Program for the balance of the year as follows:
The Thrift Program
The thrift program for the remainder of the school year as originally announced subject to change is as follows:
January: The distribution of a clearing house bulletin showing successful methods and devices used in the sale of stamps, and of "Written English," con- taining a list of subjects on thrift with unique methods of interesting children.
February: Use of the "Thrift Reader" to be sent free to all schools.
March: A campaign to teach children, by the aid of the Thrift Stamps and War Savings Stamps, the simple facts and principles related to labor and capital.
April: The emphasis of thrift in relation to democracy.
May: Plans for carrying on the summer activities in thrift and savings.
The High School Service Flag
Ninety three stars are displayed upon the service flag of our High School, commemorating the enlistment in the service of the Great War the young men formerly enrolled in its membeship. The official list, including the young men in the S. A. T. C., is as follows:
In the Army: * Boerner, William Paul, 1911; Britton, Ralph Royal, Lieut .; Campbell, Alexander; Chapla, Joseph W., Jr .; * Cordes, Walter Charles, 1912; *Corriden, Thomas Francis, 1909; Cunningham, Leonard John; * Dietel, Charles John, Jr., Sergt., 1912; Downey, Earl Francis, Sergt .; Downs, Frederick, Lieut .;
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
Downs, Stanley Pattison; * Dudley, George Francis, 1910; Dudley, James Patrick; Dudley, Lawrence Anthony, Sergt .; * Fitzgerald, William Lawrence, 1913; Frodyma, William Boleslaw; Glackner, George Henry, Corp .; * Griffin, William Gerald, Dr. (Lieut.), 1908; * Hofmann, Charles William, 1911; * Hunter, Harold Clayton, Lieut., 1914; Irwin, Harold Michael, Corp .; Johnson, Frank, Corp .; * Judge, Frank Henry, Sergt., 1911; Kennedy, Roger William; Keough, Charles Patrick, Sergt .; Kranichuck, Michael John; * Kirley, Grover C., 1904; Lamb, Norman Frederick, Corp .; Legrand, Eugene; Lynch, Charles Thomas; McCabe, John Joseph; * Messom, Arthur Thomas, 1913; Mitchell, John Francis; Noel, Ernest Shorey; Noel, Leon Harold; * O'Connell, James William, 1912; * Oertel, John Thomas, 1910; Ranney, Calyton Newell; Searle, Edward Bartlett, Jr .; Searle, Stuart Reed; * Shea, James Francis, Sergt., 1911; * Sheehan, Thomas Joseph, 1908; Sheehan, John Edward; Smith, Walter Valentine, Corp .; Smith, Winthrop Hiram, Lieut .; * Strong, Chester Liscom, 1907; * Sullivan, Michael William, Lieut., 1914; * Tacey, Oscar Lewis, Sergt .- Major, 1913; Taugher, James Patrick; Todt, Charles, Jr .; Vandenburg, Warren Martin; * Whittemore, Arthur Easterbrook, Lieut., 1913; * Williams, Herbert Clifton, 1912.
In the Navy: Brown, Frank Arthur; Dickinson, Ashley Witherell; * Fitzgerald, Francis M., 1911; Giroux, Louis Dexter; * Griffin, Timothy James, Dr. (Lieut), 1908; Kennedy, Maurice Thomas; Kennedy, Patrick Francis, Dr. (Lieut.); Kennedy, Thomas James, Dr. (Lieut.); * Lynch, Raymond Francis, 1912; Mackensie, John Speirs, Leiut .; Stanley, Leslie Hutchins.
In the Marine Corps: Rae, Charles Calvin.
Former Residents of South Hadley: Bartlett, Leslie C., Corp .; * Bean, Thomas W., 1905; Butler, Farnklin C., Corp; Crean, Cornelius, Sergt .; * Cunningham, Raymond J., 1907; Duncan, Harold; * Irwin, Gratton, G., Dr. (Lieut.), 1908; *Lankes, George H., Sergt., 1908; * Lucey, Francis J., 1899; * O'Donnell, James R., Dr. (Lieut.), 1909; * Perry, Martha Genevieve, 1890; Sefton, Fred; Spafford, Royal; *Wallace, Cyril John, Lieut., 1912; Webster, Joseph Clark; * Winslow, Sumner P., 1908; Sinclair, Peter S.
In Student Army Training Corp: * Whittemore, Alfred Lincoln, 1918; Dietel, Frederick William; * Hunter, Reginald Willis, 1915; Dunbar, Edson Stanley; Eaton, Dwight Higley; * Judge, Gerald Anthony, 1916; * Roberts, William McKin- ley, 1917; Smith, Frederick Merwin, Jr .; * Bagg, Quincy Austin, 1915; * Long, John James, 1918; * Wilkinson, Albert Fay, 1918.
The Class of 1919, with the assistance of the undergraduate classes presented the school with an oak cabinet to contain the High School Service Flag.
Camp Devens: * Dickinson, E. Marion, 1915, R.N., Sept .- Oct. 1918; * Forbes, Alice Daphne, 1910, Telephone Exchange Supervisor, September 1, 1917 to May 1, 1919; Cunningham, Ruby, 1902, Telephone Operator, 1918.
*Denotes graduates of the High School.
In Memoriam
Lieut. Cyril John Wallace died In the British Service,
September 9, 1918.
Lieut. Cyril John Wallace was a mem- ber of the graduating class of 1912, of the South Hadley High School.
He enlisted in the World War under the British Flag and served with distinc- tion as an officer of the Northumberland Fusiliers.
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
THE RED CROSS
" Ye that have gentle hearts and fain To succor men in need, There is no voice could ask in vain With such a cause to plead - The cause of those that in your care, Who know the debt to honor due, Confide the wounds they proudly wear, The wounds they took for you." Owen Seaman.
Early in 1917, Hampshire County Red Cross was organized with John Skinner of Northampton as chairman. A drive was made for membership throughout the county and to secure the names of both men and women, who were willing to vol- unteer for service to the country in special capacities. There was a successful cam- paign for $10,000. The Town of South Hadley did its full share in this initial effort, the record showing that the various organizations at South Hadley Falls and South Hadley Center responded generously; Dolly Woodbridge Chapter, D. A. R., con- tributed $50.00; Faithful Workers Circle, Kings Daughters, $20.00, and hospital supplies which they had prepared. Several hundred dollars were raised. Edgar R. Noel, Prof. Ellen C. Hinsdale and Rev. J. G. Nichols, represented South Hadley.
THE SOUTH HADLEY RED CROSS BRANCH
A meeting in the interests of the Red Cross in South Hadley Falls was first held at the home of Mrs. Henry E. Gaylord on February 8, 1917. Mrs. Frank Metcalf of Holyoke was present and explained the needs and organization of the Red Cross. It was voted to call a meeting of the townswomen in the Town Hall on February 15. At that meeting Mrs. M. L. Burton of the Hampshire County Red Cross Chapter was present and helped to organize, and Mrs. W. C. Woodward was named temporary chairman.
At a subsequent meeting the following officers were elected:
Rose L. Doonan Chairman
Mrs. W. C. Woodward Vice-Chairman
Miss Clara Bushee Secretary
Fred G. Allen Treasurer
Work was obtained from the Hampshire County Chapter at Northampton and up to June, 1917, completed approximately 200 garments.
On June 14, 1917, released from the jurisdiction of the Hampshire County Chapter Executive Board, the South Hadley Branch of the Holyoke Chapter, was organized, the accessibility to this Chapter making the change advisable.
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
The Surgical Dressings Department was organized in August, 1917, under the supervision of Miss Alice Hanks, and throughout the duration of the war did splen- did work in this department.
During the first year, meeting once a week for garment work and once a week for surgical dressings (besides which the rooms were open every day for volunteer workers), 13 cases were shipped to Headquarters at Boston, containing in toto:
3931 bandages of various types;
1273 garments, including hospital garments and refugee garments;
409 knitted garments;
3 cases of surgical dressings.
Besides these, 189 outfits consisting of a sweater and two pairs of socks were given to the boys entering the service from South Hadley.
During the year a Finance Committee with Louis D. Lamb as Chairman, was appointed, and helped the work tremendously by raising money to finance our branch independently of the Holyoke Chapter. And in June, 1918, came the Red Cross War Fund Campaign, in which Rose L. Doonan was Chairman of the Womens' Committee and W. C. Cowan of the Mens' Committee.
In 1918 several changes occurred in the list of officers, and at the annual meeting in October, 1918, the officers stood as follows:
Rose L. Doonan.
Chairman
Mrs. A. A. Miller. Vice-Chairman
Alice E. Hanks . Secretary
M. J. Moriarty Treasurer
Louis D. Lamb Chairman Finance Committee
Mrs. Everett Reade. Chairman Knitting Committee
It would be impossible to list the names of the fine workers who gave so willingly of their time and strength in those trying days; or of the girls who came at night to sew or make surgical dressings after working elsewhere all day; or of the towns- people and business men who gave so generously of their time and money; but throughout the duration of the war the willing co-operation and diligence of these workers were the factors which counted and made for the success of the Branch.
RED CROSS - SOUTH HADLEY CENTER BRANCH
In September, 1917, the South Hadley Center Branch of the American Red Cross was organized, associated first with the Northampton Chapter and a little later, transferred to the Holyoke Chapter for convenience in securing work.
From the three hundred and more members of the Red Cross, there gathered every Thursday in the church vestry, a goodly number who sewed all day. Three
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
sewing machines were kept busy as was also a knitting machine, contributed by one of the generous members.
All quotas of work were completed with promptness and painstaking care. Nearly 1,000 pairs of socks were sent out and about 400 other knitted articles. Comfort kits, layettes, hospital and refugee garments were all made with speed and enthusiasm that never failed. Any interested in surgical dressings worked in the rooms of the Holyoke Chapter.
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