USA > New York > The Minute men of '17 - a history of the service rendered during the recent world war by the Ninth Coast Artillery Corps, New York Guard and the Veteran Corps of Artillery, state of New York > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
Digitized by Google
183
COLONEL BURLEIGH TAKES COMMAND
facing south. When the three Battalions were formed each was in line facing south, one behind the other. The regiment then formed in "line of masses."
At evening parade the Battalions formed again in the same manner and the Regiment was presented to the Lieutenant-Colonel in line, each Battalion occupying a side of the armory. After passing in review the Regiment formed in "line of masses" for "trooping the colors" and was dismissed.
First Sergeant Kelly of the Sanitary Detachment received the New York State medal during the ceremonies, and, as the honor was un- expected, the Sergeant was said to have wondered what Kelly was meant when his name was called and he was ordered "front and center." Sergeant Kelly has served in the Guard for ten years, all but one being with the Ninth.
The Machine Gun Company gave an exhibition drill following the inspection and review, and executed a variety of complicated manoeuvres, most of them in double time. Then it moved in "col- umn of sections" at the double to forty paces from the big guns, when the command "in battery" was given and it went into action in skirmish line. After two bursts of fire the company advanced by rushes, a section at a time, covering with continued fire, and then fired a simultaneous continued burst. It may not have occurred to the spectators, and indeed to many of the men of the Regiment, that there was anything unusual about the firing of blank cartridges in machine guns, but this is something that has seldom been achieved successfully, as moving-picture directors will testify. Usually the dummy bullets are of wax, but in a machine-gun the wax melts and a jam is the immediate result. After a little experimenting Captain Murray and Lieutenants Callingham and Scott of the Machine-Gunners discov- ered that papier maché bullets, with a small charge of powder in them, would fire without jamming, and the bullets would not fly far, as the powder exploded them a few feet from the muzzle. The company fired over five hundred rounds on this occasion without a stoppage. Lieutenant-Colonel Delafield tells of a friend of his, an officer in the Twenty-third, who was in the gallery during the review,
Digitized by Google
184
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
and when the "emma gees" started to go into action calmed the fears of a companion by asserting that the Lewis guns would never be fired. "They won't work with blanks," he said, and would have said more, but that the rattle of the guns interrupted him. The ma- chine-gunners are fond of stating that they hate to talk about them- selves, but in this case they need have no such modesty. They have the words of Captain-Adjutant Gallaher, Lieutenant-Colonel Dela- field, and many other officers, that their performance proved beyond dispute that the Ninth has the best Machine Gun Company in the Guard.
On Wednesday, January 22, a review was tendered to Major-Gen- eral Daniel Appleton, former commander of the famous Seventh New York Infantry. Colonel Howard E. Crall, its present com- mander and his field and staff officers were present as guests of the Ninth.
The review was followed by an exhibition drill by the Machine Gun Company and a street riot drill by the First Battalion, Major Hoes commanding, in which a platoon of the machine Gun Company took part. The machine gunners varied their exhibition by dis- mounting and assembling their guns, and then firing them as evidence that there were no parts left over.
Colonel Burleigh, in addressing General Appleton, said:
"On behalf of the officers and men of the Ninth Coast Artillery Corps, I bid you a hearty welcome to this command. There is not a man in this Regiment who does not know you, and those of us who enjoy your friendship love you. We all look up to and admire you as the Nestor of the Military Profession in this State and among militia officers of this country. We are particularly proud, too, to welcome Colonel Crall and the officers of your former command, the Seventh New York Infantry. Its very name had always signified patriotism and valor. In fact, I believe your motto is Pro Patria et Gloria. The mention of the name Seventh Regiment has always been sufficient to convey the very acme of military preparedness and efficiency.
We are proud to number among the officers and men of this Regiment many who have been members of the Seventh, and we have become convinced that a little leaven must have leavened the whole lump, as even those of us who have not had the oppor- tunity of your military instruction, but have had the pleasure of your friendship, have absorbed some of your martial spirit and a desire to emulate your military disposition.
Digitized by Google
--
185
COLONEL BURLEIGH TAKES COMMAND
We are honored tonight in having the opportunity to present to you for decoration with the State medal for fifteen years' military service, Color-Sergeant T. J. Oakley Rhinelander."
Here the Adjutant ordered Color-Sergeant Rhinelander to the front and center. Bearing the Regimental Color and accompanied by his Color-Guard, Sergeant Rhinelander presented himself be- fore the Colonel.
Colonel Burleigh continued :
"Mr. Rhinelander enlisted in Company K, Seventh Infantry, June 10, 1875, and served almost continuously in that company, except for periods when by removal from the district he was dropped from the rolls, until October 17, 1895, when he was given a full and honorable discharge after thirteen years, ten months and sixteen days actual active service. In 1897 Sergeant Rhinelander enlisted in the Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York, and served continuously therein for over twenty years and until he was transferred with the twelve Provisional Batteries of that organization to this command on October 8, 1917. Sergeant Rhinelander should be entitled to a thirty-five year-medal, as he has been for more than that number of years a member of the militia of the State of New York.
Sergeant Rhinelander performed his duty as a member of this Regiment on guard duty on the Aqueduct last year with an accuracy and care that I am sure would com- mend him as a real living example of your military training."
I present Color-Sergeant T. J. Oakley Rhinelander."
General Appleton complimented Colonel Burleigh upon the Reg- iment, and in the course of a short talk told the men that one of his best memories of his own service was that of the eight years he spent as an enlisted man.
In his comment on the record of Sergeant Rhinelander, General Appleton cited the fact that the name of Oakley Rhinelander is known not only here but under the poppies in France, referring to the death at the front of Mr. Rhinelander's nephew, Lieutenant T. J. Oakley Rhinelander, 2nd, son of Philip Rhinelander, men- tioned below.
After General Appleton had presented the fifteen years' service medal, and fastened the ribbon about Sergeant Rhinelander's neck, Colonel Burleigh added :
Digitized by Google
186
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
"General Appleton, there is another tie between the Seventh Infantry and the Ninth Coast Artillery Corps. Our Color-Sergeant Oakley Rhinelander has a brother who is the Color-Sergeant of the Seventh, Philip Rhinelander, who has served for almost thirty years in that Regiment. Long live the Rhinelanders!"
Captain F. E. Davidson was Officer-of-the-Day, Lieutenant T. P. Battelle, Tenth Company, was Commander-of-the-Guard, and H. E. Nason, Headquarters, was Sergeant-of-the-Guard. A dance closed the affair after evening parade.
General Appleton's staff was as follows:
Colonel J. Weston Myers, Chief of Staff,
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Elliot Warren, U. S. A.,
Lieutenant-Commander John H. Tappan, U. S. N., Major Gerald Stratton, Seventh Infantry, N. Y. G.,
Captain Sidney Appleton, U. S. A.
Captain Leslie Allen Oliver, Seventh Infantry, N. Y. G., Captain Thomas C. Wiswall.
Among others present at the review, besides Colonel Crall, com- manding the Seventh Regiment and his field and staff officers, in- cluding many of his company commanders, were Colonel John J. Phelan, Sixty-ninth Regiment, Colonel William Jay Schieffelin, Fifteenth Infantry, N. Y. G., Major Edward G. Schermerhorn, Cap- tain Douglas E. Dismukes, U. S. N., Captain Fourmestreux of the French Army, Colonel Prentice Strong, First Field Artillery, N. Y. G., Hon. Thomas R. Proctor, of Utica, N. Y., and M. O. Terry, former Surgeon-General of the State of New York.
On the afternoon of February 2 the Ninth Coast went to service in Trinity Church at the head of Wall Street. The regimental church service was held under the direction of the Chaplain, Captain Howard Duffield, who read the first and second lessons.
The Rev. Dr. William T. Manning, rector of Trinity Parish, delivered a short address on the quality of robust manhood repre- sented in the Guard and needed to combat the spirit of pacifism.
The Regiment assembled in the Armory at 2:15 and marched through Fifteenth Street, down Fifth Avenue, through Washington
Digitized by Google
187
COLONEL BURLEIGH TAKES COMMAND
Arch, through Fourth Street and down Lafayette Street, Park Row and Broadway to the church. The band led the column. No pieces were carried and no sidearms were worn. The regiment returned to the Armory by way of the Sixth Avenue elevated.
Among Colonel Burleigh's staff were:
Colonel A. S. Schermerhorn, N. Y. G., Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Elliot Warren, U. S. A., Lieutenant-Colonel H. T. Kingsbury, N. Y. G., Major Edward G. Schermerhorn, N. Y. G., Captain H. Pushae Williams, U. S. A., Lieutenant John T. Harrison, U. S. N., Lieutenant Francis I. Woodburn, U. S. A., Captain Walter Lis- penard Suydam, R. L., N. Y. G., Captain George E. Cruse, R. L., N. Y. G., Captain Henry Sillcocks, R. L., N. Y. G., and Captain Robert H. Wilder, R. L., N. Y. G.
The Staff of the Ninth in attendance included Captain Harry P. Gallaher, Adjutant, Major Charles Alexander Clinton, Captain Paul Thebaud, Captain Howard Duffield, Captain Frank Everett David- son, Captain Louis Hays Dos Passos, Captain John W. Brannan, Lieutenant Joseph F. Sulger, Lieutenant Francis G. Lloyd and Lieutenant Robert Sedgwick.
Dr. John Winters Brannan enlisted in the V. C. A. early in 1917. He was a member of the celebrated Fifth Squad of the Second Bat- tery; served in the First Provisional Regiment on the Aqueduct, was made Captain in the Medical Corps attached to this Regiment. This promotion had been offered to him many times before, but he, one of the deans of the medical profession, to serve in the ranks.
On January 23, the Eleventh and Twelfth Companies furnished a guard of honor at a military mass held at St. Josephs R. C. Church in memory of Private William C. Meehan, Co. A., 395th U. S. In- fantry, who died in France.
The Inter-Company Team Match was decided on the Armory Range in February. On the 25th the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Machine-Gun Companies Shot, and on the 27th the Field and Staff, Supply, Ninth, Tenth, Elev- enth and Twelfth. The Machine-Gun Company won, with the Field and Staff second. The following are the scores:
-
Digitized by Google
188
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
MACHINE-GUN COMPANY
200 Yds.
500 Yds.
Total
Sergeant Snyder
33
27
60
Private Lewis, M ..
30
27
57
Private Mitchell
30
27
57
Private Lewis, J.
23
29
52
Sergeant Wildnauer
23
18
41-267
FIELD AND STAFF
Lieutenant-Colonel Delafield
32
35
67
Lieutenant Sulger
33
30
63
Colonel Burleigh
25
31
56
Major Hoes
28
20
48
Lieutenant Lines
25
6
31-265
ELEVENTH COMPANY
Captain Wilcox
28
28
56
Private Hartley
30
22
52
Lieutenant Foley
27
25
52
Private Morrison
25
27
52
Corporal Drew
23
25
48-260
Second Company
258
Seventh Company
251
Sixth Company
249
Tenth Company
243
Fourth Company
241
Eighth Company
233
Third Company
217
Fifth Company
210
First Company
209
Twelfth Company
198
Ninth Company (4 Men)
192
Supply Company
142
On March 15th the Regiment gave a review to Major-General Hugh L. Scott, U. S. A., formerly Chief of Staff United States Army, then in command at Camp Dix, New Jersey. General Scott
Digitized by Google
189
COLONEL BURLEIGH TAKES COMMAND
is a distinguished officer and was continued on active duty after reaching the retiring age. General Scott insisted upon carrying out his military engagement although his son, Lieutenant-Colonel Hunter Scott, U. S. A. was lying mortally ill in a hospital in New York, having been transferred from the Army transport on which he had just returned with Major-General O'Ryan, commanding the 27th Division, upon whose staff he was serving.
The Third Battalion gave a very interesting riot drill and exhibi- tion of wall scaling.
General Scott admired the regiment tremendously and highly complimented its efficiency. He stated that it should be a Rail- road or Heavy Artillery rather than a Coast Artillery Regiment.
On the occasion of the Welcome Home given by New York City to the 27th Division U. S. A. we were given an opportunity to show our appreciation of the services of the overseas men by taking care of some fifteen hundred officers and men of the 104th Field Artillery under Colonel Delaney. They were a fine lot of men, appreciative and considerate guests. Nothing was too good for them.
All the officers of the regiment in uniform made a formal call on Major-General John F. O'Ryan commanding the 27th Division at the Hotel Biltmore.
The ceremonies of welcoming home the veterans of the Ninth are described in another place.
On April 27, by order of the Governor, all organizations of the New York Guard held a Church Parade. The service of the Ninth was held under the direction of Chaplain Duffield in the Brick Pres- byterian Church, Fifth Avenue and Thirty-seventh Street.
During the Victory Loan Drive the regiment again did good work. Colonel Burleigh presided each day over the exercises held in the Court of Honor on Park Avenue.
During the ceremonies May 5 to 7, of welcoming home the 77th Division National Army, nearly fifteen hundred officers and men were quartered in the Armory. They were more than welcome, as would have been the case with any men who had fought overseas.
Digitized by Google
CHAPTER SIXTEEN FIELD DAYS AND RIFLE WORK
N O matter how large an Armory may be-and that of the Ninth certainly was not large-it can never be more than a rather poor substitute for the reality of open country. This is not only true of the drill proper, from Company to Battalion-not to mention Regimental evolutions or ceremonies-but particularly and most emphatically is it true of the various branches of Field Service, the practice of which is almost impossible in any Armory.
The importance of so-called Field Days was fully recognized by Colonel Burleigh, and, though his command was kept pretty busy with a variety of duties incident to the War which made it very hard to find the time necessary for such outings, he arranged, on two sep- arate occasions, to take the Regiment to Van Cortlandt Park, in the Borough of The Bronx. The advantages of this location were many, principal among them being the matter of transportation, the variety of terrain, and the fact that it was comparatively easy to obtain the necessary permission from the Park Commission and Police assistance in keeping the Parade Ground clear.
The first of these Field Days was held on Sunday, December 22, 1918. The choice of Sunday, while it had its advantages, also had drawbacks, as firing was not permitted, and it excluded the Regimen- tal Band. As it happened, it turned out to be a lucky day for the Band, for they were the only members of the Regiment who did not get a thorough wetting.
The day started most inauspiciously, damp and threatening, and before noon it had settled down to a steady rain, which later devel- oped into a drenching downpour. While ponchos had been issued by company sergeants, orders to take them were countermanded shortly before Assembly and overcoats were ordered worn. After Assembly at 8:45 the Regiment marched to the Seventh Avenue Sub- way station at Fourteenth Street and entrained for Van Cortlandt Park on a special train. On arrival at destination, Battalions were
190
Digitized by Google
191
FIELD DAYS AND RIFLE WORK
turned over to their Majors for an hour's drill. The Battalions took advantage of the time allotted to go through the various formations of Battalion and Riot Drill, as well as "extended order" evolutions, while the Machine-Gun Company simulated "combat" conditions for the benefit of a moving-picture concern.
The Regiment was then assembled, formed for parade in line, and reviewed by Park Commissioner Hennessy of the Bronx. Notwith- standing the fact that the ground was soft and wet from previous rains, and that it had by this time begun to rain in earnest, the Reg- iment made an excellent showing.
Colonel Burleigh then put his command through a brisk drill be- fore Recall and Mess Call were sounded. Arms were stacked on the hill, and mess was spread. It was a wet but enjoyable meal, and every one felt cheered, for they knew not that the worst was still to come !
Officers' call was sounded while the men rested, and Colonel Bur- leigh outlined his plans for the afternoon to the assembled officers. It was ordered that the Regiment should march from the Parade Ground by way of the East Mosholu Parkway through the Bronx Park to the Subway station at 180th Street and Southern Boulevard. War conditions were to be simulated by observing the principles of security as applicable to troops on the march.
Assembly was sounded at 1 :15 P. M. and the Regiment formed. On the march each Battalion in turn formed the "Advance Guard" and then the "Rear Guard." "Point," "Advance Party," "Support" and "Reserve," with the necessary connecting files, as well as "Flank Patrols," were provided, while the "Rear Guard" was formed in ac- cordance with established principles. Thus each Company had its opportunity in practice and instruction, while the Machine-Gun Company was divided between the "Main Body" and the "Rear Guard." The time passed quickly enough on this four-mile hike, notwithstanding the pouring rain, and the overcoats, which grew heavy as they absorbed the water.
At the entrance to the Zoological Garden at 180th Street the Regi- ment entrained and was soon back in the Armory.
Digitized by Google
192
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
The second "Battle of Van Cortlandt," as it was affectionately called, was "fought" on March 8, 1919. Season and weather were more favorable for this Field Day, and every one felt a great deal better-possibly because it was Saturday and the Band had no excuse for absenting itself.
Attendance at the early morning Assembly was voluntary, but it was obligatory to take part in the afternoon events. Thus the organi- zation, which proceeded by way of the Seventh Avenue Subway to Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground early that morning, numbered little over one-third of the entire strength, and companies had to be consolidated for the purposes of drill.
These temporary companies passed the forenoon in company drill, both "close" and "extended order," while some of the officers and sergeants practiced estimating distances under Major Hoes. The Supply Company was working hard at preparation for mess, while the Sanitary Detachment, after pitching its tent, practiced what it had been taught by Major Clinton, by inducing two boys to lie down on the field, as if wounded, and permitting members of the Detach- ment to "tag" them. A hurry call was sent for Ambulance and Sur- geons, and these arrived on the scene with such promptitude that the Ambulance was nearly overturned. Emergency dressings were ap- plied with the help of splints improvised from tree branches. The boys were carried on litters to the Ambulance and hurried to the hos- pital tent, situated close to the mess tent on the hill, and then treated -to eats! As recorded in the April issue of the "Ninth Coast News," "contrary to expectations, the boys, at last accounts, were still alive!"
Mess was held on the hill on the same spot as on that last memor- ably damp occasion. Bright sunshine cheered the scene this time, and it was a sight long to be remembered when the remaining De- tachment, which had left the Armory shortly after noon, was seen approaching the hill in "Column of squads," with the Band leading, the sun sparkling on the instruments and rifles, as the Battalions under command of Major Keyes approached in perfect cadence and formation to the tune of one of the best marches in Lieutenant Houts' repertoire.
Digitized by Google
FIELD DAYS AND RIFLE WORK
193
COLONEL BURLEIGH AND STAFF.
After providing for those of the late arrivals who had left the city without taking the time for lunch, the Battalions were assembled in column of squads and reported to Colonel Burleigh, who marched his command to the westerly side of the Parade Ground and formed the Regiment in line for Parade. The names of all officers and en- listed men who had qualified at Rifle practice in Peekskill during the summer of 1918 were read, and Expert Riflemen, Sharpshooters and Marksmen advanced in three separate ranks. Qualification bars and medals were distributed, and the Regiment then passed in review before a number of former officers, who had left the organi- zation during the War to enter Federal Service.
The Regiment then manoeuvered in command of Colonel Burleigh, and at about 4 P. M. entrained for Fourteenth Street in a special train of the Westside Subway.
The day had been one of great benefit to the Organization as well as to the individual, in practice and instruction, and in physical bene- fits, while it brought the members of the different Companies closer together and thus helped to uphold the high morale of the "Ninth."
Digitized by Google
194
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
When the men of the Ninth were detached from the V. C. A. and were transferred to the New York Guard they had had very little rifle practice. In the Service Detachment they had experience in qualifying every year with the revolver on the State ranges and had developed a Revolver Team which was second only to that of Squad- ron A. of the National Guard.
The Regiment was armed with Krag rifles, and, in addition, had the use of a number of Springfields. Immediately on entering into possession of the Armory in Fourteenth Street the rifle range was brought into constant use. Captain Thebaud, the efficient I. S. A. P., was faithful in the performance of his duty and always a warm ad- vocate of the training in shooting. Later he was assisted by Lieu- tenant Henry D. Brandyce, who had seen service in the First Pro- visional and left the Ninth to go to the Eighth C. A. C. as Captain and Inspector Small Arms Practice.
Digitized by
--
FIELD DAYS AND RIFLE WORK
195
EQUITATION SCHOOL, CAMP WHITMAN, AUG .- SEPT., 1918.
BAND OF THE 9TH C. A. C., N. Y. G., AT PRINCETON UNIVERSITY.
Digitized by Google
196
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
But the real serious work came in the summer of 1918. On June 20-22, 1918, the Regiment began its experiences on the State Range at Peekskill and made its first record. Under all the circumstances it was a very creditable one and reflected credit on both officers and men. The Ninth Regiment went to Peekskill by battalions on June 20 to 22, inclusive, to qualify as Class A and Class B men. Those who made a minimum of 150 out of a possible 225 made class A, while Class B included the scores between 130 and 149, inclusive.
In the week of July 22 Class B men had an opportunity to qualify as Class A men.
On July 16, 18 and 20 the Class A men returned to Peekskill to try for records as Expert riflemen, 210 or better, Sharpshooters 190 or better, and Marksmen 160 out of a possible 250.
The qualifications made at record practice follow:
FIELD AND STAFF
Expert
Major Delafield. 229
Lieut. Col. Burleigh. 222
Lieutenant Brandyce.
215
Captain Thebaud
211
Colonel Delafield
210
Sharpshooter
Major Hodges 209
Major Gage. 208
Lieut .- Adj. Messenger.
193
Marksman
Lieut .- Adj. Lines
171
HEADQUARTERS COMPANY
Sharpshooter
Sergeant-Maj. Moon.
195
Sergeant-Maj. Hinkle.
191
Marksman
Sergeant-Maj. Leach
188
Sergeant-Maj. Smith
177
Captain-Adj. Davidson.
161
FIRST COMPANY
Expert
Greenfield 215
Sergeant Lane 211
Tallman
211
Adams
210
Sharpshooter
McClure 207
Corporal Dornin. 206
Connell 202
Sergeant H. Schwab 200
Huxtable
200
Coryell 197
Captain Low 197
Sergeant Parsons 195
Thayer
192
Corporal Pierrepont
191
Marksman
Safford 188
Lieutenant Watjen. 186
Slocovich
181
Perry
178
.
Digitized by
----
RECORD PRACTICE-PEEKSKILL, 1918 197
FIRST COMPANY (Cont.) Marksman
Sergeant Hopson
177
Stewart
177
Tatham
173
McElroy
172
DeBuys
171
Corporal Winslow
167
Dewey
167
Sergeant G. Schwab
162
Oswald
160
SECOND COMPANY
Expert
Sergeant W. W. Mack
210
Sharpshooter
Sergeant Noyes.
200
Marksman
Pastor
183
Corporal Neumuller
181
Corporal Evans
177
Wilson
172
Morford
168
Sergeant Riley
164
Cowan
164
Dunsmore
164
Captain Harrison
163
THIRD COMPANY Sharpshooter
Baldwin
192
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.