USA > Wisconsin > Racine County > Racine county in the world war > Part 39
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tion the war wouldn't be won yet, so I guess I've done my part.
Adjt. Violet Williams, Salvation Army Worker, France -- They used to take us up at night near the front, and drop us down any- where. There were four girls in our unit in the Toul sector, one of them being a Racine girl, too, Gertrude Symmonds. We'd put up our tent, or seize whatever kind of shelter was most available and get in a little sleep so we could start working early the next morning. Of course, our greatest difficulty was in getting supplies up, so often we had to make out as best we could. Sometimes we'd have no grease for frying, so we'd have to turn to and make cookies, pies, biscuits, or pancakes, using whatever material we had at hand, and serve coffee or chocolate. We of course were never in the front line trench- es, for no woman is ever allowed there, but at one time we were under shell fire for a week, and finally were obliged to retreat, and had to wear gas masks at a four-hour stretch. At Ansauville we had a rude hut with no floor and the roof had been shot away. Overhead we stretched canvas, and when it rained hard the dirt floor became a sea of mudholes, and we had to bring in more dirt from outside to fill them up. Once in the Toul sector we were asked to bake a batch of doughnuts for a battalion of the Third Division, who were go- ing into the lines. Two girls baked 3,500 doughnuts that day, our record turn-out, and we fed those boys doughnuts as they filed out on their way to the lines.
Corp. Arthur Dick, 6th Co., 3rd M. M. S. C., France, Aug. 26, 1918-We are located in one of the most beautiful parts of France, which is going to be one of the largest avia- tion fields over here. When our company land- ed at this place, it was nothing but mud and wheat, and with real American spirit we rap- idly converted it into an up-to-date flying field. After work comes play, and we have all the sports you can have. We have had three field meets and our company won two beautiful banners in two of the meets. They have one of the largest Y. M. C. A.'s at this field, which can compete with any in France, and there is not a dull moment at any time. I am manager of the Post Baseball Team which has won the championship of Section B. Was walking down the boulevard some time ago and was surprised to meet First Lieuten- ant James Costello and Tom Flanagan. Tom was employed by the Case people. He spent the evening with me.
THE WORLD WAR
Sgt. Russell Fisher, Battery C, 121st F. A., Sept. 5, 1918-We get plenty of eats and have a good place to sleep, so what more can we expect. We are billeted in a small French town and believe me, the people sure do treat us right. Driver "Jenny" Jones will be able to straddle any Case tractor in true wild west style when he gets home. He is now practic- ing on an old mare whom we have named Grandma. However, Grandma has not the usual loving disposition that grandmothers usually have. No man wished that the outfit would be equipped with tractors more than Red Jersted, since the oider went into effect that there was to be no talking while groom- ing. John Jorgensen is now making rapid advances in his studies, he is now ninth assist- ant stable sergeant. He spends most of his time counting out oats in the feed bags for the horses. Bramow is getting fatter every day, he is driver of the ration cart. Most of his trips start and end in the kitchen. Geo. Barnes is getting more cussing now than he ever did, especially about 5:45 in the morn- ing when he blows first call. Jack Hubert expects to go on his furlough in the near future. We expect that the society columns of the popular resort where our boys are sent, will experience growth upon the arrival of this promising young man. Corp. Art Hader has adopted several more French infants. His family now numbers about eight, ages ranging from eight to twenty-eight.
Peter Lahr, Battery C, 121st F. A., A. E. F .- I will tell you about our train ride to our present camp. Our coaches were of the de luxe type of side door Pullmans with all the modern conveniences including plenty of nice cold air which blew in on me through all the cracks and crevices as I lay asleep at night on my downy couch of hardwood floor, causing me to dream of being stranded on an iceberg without clothes or any protection from the elements. During the day we tried to remedy the situation by bringing in an armful of sacks when the train stopped and building a fire, but between the smoke and the cold, I think I prefer the latter, which at least does not cause a man temporary blindness. How- ever, though the smoke did get into our eyes, there is nothing like having a variety, even in discomforts. At that we have had lots of fun out of the ride, and in the army one sees humor in most anything, besides one might also feel honored, these days of high living, to be able to ride in the same cars used for the transportation of such valuable things as cattle. We were a dirty and worn-out bunch
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when we reached camp, and I for one was willing to quit being a tourist for awhile, and take a rest. Rather coincidental is the fact that this camp was once used as headquarters for Napoleon, and even many of the barracks built for his troops are still being used to house our soldiers. The site is a highly ele- vated one, commanding a view for miles in all directions. It is impossible for me to give you an adequate description of the simple grandeur of the surrounding landscape which is very rugged and covered with patchwork of tiny farms, each one separated by a hedge of trees or other growth. Easter being the season for a universal change in styles throughout the world, we were likewise on that day issued each a new steel bonnet, but not for the purpose of going to church to ex- hibit to the many other exhibitors who go there on that day solely for the purpose of parading down the aisle in their new array of the season's latest creations.
The fellows immediately proceeded to test the durability and shock resisting qualities of their new headgcar by swatting each other with clubs and other implements. The helmet proved durable enough, but I prefer, after this, to conduct such experiments with the tin hat on some other place than on my head. Two gas masks have been added to our equip- ment, and I now seem to have enough para- phernalia to start a young army. Discipline is getting more rigid daily, and now one is liable to courtmartial and fine if found out of barracks without a blouse or other part of his uniform on. Call to quarters is sounded at 8:30 P. M. and taps at 9:30, so everyone is at least assured of plenty of sleep which I think is about one of the most pleasant pastimes in the army.
Sgt. W. H. Lyman, 147th F. A., France, Oct. 21, 1918-There is no use trying to describe war on paper. When things happen they come so fast words can't do justice. To-day, for instance, right by us, two aeroplanes were dropped, one by our own machine gun-fire in the batteries, two Boche balloons were set afire, four aerial battles took place over us, fifty shells landed near us, a six-horse team ran away, a powder dump blew up, and the cook spilled the tomato soup, all within five minutes, and in plain sight. My neck was like a corkscrew trying to watch it all.
The other day I stood on a hill and watched four miles of our infantry advance. I could see the whole panorama, American and Ger- man artillery, machine guns, tanks, large and small, our engineers building roads which six
hours before our artillery had blown up be- hind the German lines, truck-trains coming up, aeroplanes fighting, balloons watching, the Germans burning dumps as they saw they had to retreat further, phone men running lines across the shellholes which were still smoking, prisoners marching back, signal flags waving and heliographs flashing, shells bursting, all at one and the same time,
But it can't be reproduced. And it is sel- dom a height can be found in all France from which it can all be observed even if it happens in daylight, which is seldom the case.
I don't think that many soldiers are fatal- ists as is so frequently said. But we do get to feeling safe on the same principle that a man running a "the-cane-you-ring-is-the-cane- you-get" game at a county fair, expects to win, There are so few shells hitting in such large space that the chances of hitting any one particular object are small. And that object is ME in each individual case. We have the added advantage, in the artillery, that the Boche is not even aiming at any one of us personally. In other words, so sum up-
1. We are licking him.
2. We will finish it shortly.
3. He can't hurt me.
Therefore I will close, leaving you in a very cheerful frame of mind.
Lieut. Frank H. Fancher, 121st F. A., France, Aug. 6, 1918-The hike was made through a recently evacuated no-man's land and of course it is indescribable. Wrecked villages, roads full of shell holes, ammunition and equipment of all nations literally strew- ing the ground; graves, and unburied bodies everywhere. It will take months before the bodies are all located and buried. Of course the stench was and is fierce everywhere.
One night 'we had to travel on a road for miles that was as heavy with traffic as Michi- gan Avenue in Chicago. Of course everything was as black as night and the machines going by us at a 60 mile an hour clip. Luckily they were traveling only one way, probably making a loop in their course not to be passing one another.
The airplanes harass us all the time, con- stantly overhead. Yesterday morning one fol- lowcd us for hours and we were shelled for a while, but am afraid the Boche isn't much of an artilleryman. The ambulances passed us thick and fast loaded with Yanks all bandaged up, most of them singing and smoking. They were evidently doughboys for they cheered to beat the band when they saw their artillery coming up the road. The darned kids travel
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faster than we can keep up with them. Just heard last night they advanced 16 kilometers and had to fall back 5 so the artillery wouldn't shell them.
The Yankee looks at it as a game or sport of some kind, and loves to match his wits against the Hun. Its too bad the Hun can only fight us in large bodies for I know some of those kids would love to take on 3 or 4 alone.
German helmets, guns, ammunition and bayonets are no longer picked up for souve- nirs, as they are literally covering everything. Don't know what to believe about the clothes proposition, though, one hears back in the States about the Boche not having clothes. Those strewn about here are of the most beautiful broadcloth I have ever seen.
Last night about 9 Boche sailed around overhead about 200 feet in the air. The horses gave us away I guess, snorting and whinnying. Anyway Lieut. Mueller woke me up hollering "gas." It didn't take us long to get that mask on. Couple of Boche planes had flown over and dropped a few gas bombs in our woods. Nothing very serious. We move again today though.
The Racine Ambulance Company is evident- ly hard at it. Recognized two machine driv- ers as they whizzed by on the road. Have seen nothing of Ed. as yet. Don't know where he is. Of course when we move we never know where we are bound for. Our guns are booming away about a block away from us and right behind us are two batteries of 75s. They kept a barrage going all night long and they sure have some bark. The Americans fire them so rapidly the story here is one of the Boche Colonels that was captured this last week requested to see the American 3 inch machine gun.
I may be a non-combatant, but last night I fired 3 shells just to balance up for some of the hospitals and ambulances Mr. Hun has fired on.
Sgt. William H. Hayman, Battery F., 121st F. A., France, Sept. 3, 1918-Have received our gold service chevron today, which, of course, is given us for six months' service in France. We are glad to place these chevrons on our left sleeve, but hope that by the end of the next six months we will not be given a gold chevron, but will be on our way back to the good old U. S. A. Of course, we are over here in this beautiful country serving Uncle Sam, and mean to stick until it is all over, but let it be hoped that it is soon all over.
WORLD WAR
This makes the third sector that Battery F has been in. The Alsace-Lorraine front, being a nice one and a little exciting, the next one, the Chateau-Thierry, made the first one look like a novice. It would take too much time to tell you of the different things, the condition of the country and of the things that we experienced on that front. It is very likely that you read of it in the newspapers at home, and from what we grabbed off the newspapers that we have seen there was no exaggeration at all. On the 24th of this month, at midnight, with all our material hooked up, we started for another sector, not knowing when we started where we were going or when we would reach it. We hiked four days through the most dilapidated sections one would ever wish to experience, and finally landed in one of the most active sectors of the war. The work we did on the Chateau-Thier- ry front, which at times was something fierce, we will never forget, and right now Battery F is going through the same thing over again. You can rest assured, all of you back in Ra- cine, that any time Battery F is sent any place in this country as soldiers for the U. S., we are there right to the minute. Our divi- sion, the 32nd, has certainly torn the boche lines in shreds, as was proven by what we did on the Marne, and undoubtedly right now you are reading all about what this division is do- ing today. Our guns went into position im- mediately upon arrival here and are hammering away all the time. Of course, conditions have been such that at times it was pretty tough to go ahead, but we stuck to it and are still pushing forward. The doughboys ahead of us surely appreciate our artillery, which was shown in the sector that we just left. Any time anyone tells you they can't understand what the war is about, send them over for a visit in the fighting lines and let them take a peek at some of the dirty stunts that the Hun is pulling off.
We are the only American troops on this sector, and surely Gen. Foch is not taking any chances on who he places in one of the most active fronts in France. The lines on this front have not moved for two years or more. The attempts before have been unsuccessful and the 32nd was sent in as a chance, and we are surely doing it, as we have certainly got them on the run. The parade of prisoners going by every day would make any ordinary man think that it was a Labor day parade in Milwaukee.
You have heard of different ones' experien- ces coming over here, but when the boche starts handing them back to us, the experi-
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Photo Loaned by Col. Wm. M. Lewis
SCENES THAT WERE FAMILIAR AT THE FRONT DURING 1918
In the upper panel are real trenches-occupied by French tranps and made as comfortable as possible, the shelter at the left being covered with sandbags and could afford a little safety to inen seeking sleep. In the lower panel is a 155 mm. howitzer in action. The artillerymen are wearing their gas masks as they work.
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ence we have had has taught us that there isn't one of us, no matter where we are, that can't make a dive for a dugout or shell hole that would put Annette Kellerman to shame. You can talk about me being an old boy, but I can stick with any of them. It certainly would look good for a little fellow like you and Tommy to be seen making a dive for one of these shell holes, and after everything was over come sneaking out all full of mud, with your gas mask and helmet on.
Our old pal, Doc Smith, comes around once in a while, and we are always glad to see him. He has developed into one of the most wonder- ful crap shooters in the division. If he want- ed to lose it would be impossible. I know.
Sgt. Victor Falck, 127 Amb. Co., A. E. F., Dec. 23, 1918-You all know how the Germans were pushed across the Vesle, and how Fismes was taken. From there we went to Soissons, where we fought with the French Tenth Army. Right here I wish to state that we had a real war. Battery F will verify this statement. It was here I met Andy Ellefson, shortly after he had been wounded and he told me that Chateau-Thierry was child's play compared to Soissons. He also said they were firing their guns with practically no elevation, so you see we had them at close range. We landed in the Argonne on a Monday, and then took our trick in the lines. We were in the lines for 21 days and nights before we were returned, and were pushing the Huns back every day. When we came out we rested for about two weeks in a woods, about fifteen kilos back of the lines. We were bombed almost every night, and any- one who has heen bombed knows it is no joke. All you hear is the whir of the machine, and then you hear an awful bang, and about that time you wish you could crawl in a snake hole, and pull the hole in after you.
Nick Garski, Battery F, 121st F. A., France, Sept. 14, 1918 (Garski was later killed in ac- tion)-Having a lot of time now I must drop you a few lines letting you know I'm in the best of health.
We are now located in a good-sized French village back from the front for a rest, and we sure enjoy being back here.
We were billeted in French barns with plenty of hay to sleep on, but another fellow and I happened to be in luck and rented a bed the landlady happened to have. She also keeps a dozen eggs for us out of her daily gather- ings, which she fixes for us for our supper, and they sure are good after not having any for half a year.
THE WORLD WAR
How long we are to stay here I don't know. I expect long enough to get a good rest.
I sure had a big supper tonight. Went down town and bought some steak, a fresh loaf of French dark bread, some jam and grapes. With that we had that dozen eggs, and maybe you think that didn't give us a filling, and oh, how that woman can cook! It's just like mother used to make.
Just happened to think that I have a birth- day in four days. Will have a chance to cele- brate at this place.
The Grand Rapids boys are stationed at this place; have seen some of them.
Just to let you know how expensive things are here, I went down town this morning to buy a suit of underwear. After I picked out a suit that satisfied me l asked for the price. He said 25 francs; that amounts to almost $5 in our money. I couldn't see the joke to pay that price, so I walked out, leaving the clerk standing there with his costly treasures in front of him.
There's a young girl in this family nearing the age of ten. She saw me writing this let- ter home, so she asked me if I wouldn't send the enclosed little note to the family from her.
Arthur Spreeburg, 77th F. A., Coblenz, Dec. 27. 1918-It is a long time between letters but there are a lot of reasons. I was at the front for three months, and that's plenty for anyone. The first front was Chateau-Thierry. There was some hard fighting. We were there for two weeks, then we hiked to St. Mihiel. The Germans were sure surprised when they heard our guns bark at 1 A. M. From there we went to Argonne Woods. This was one of the worst places I've seen. I saw a lot of boys get it, and it was an awful sight. I also saw the Dead Man's Hill at Verdun, where so many French were killed. Our captain and three boys were killed during our time at the front. I was over the top three times, and never re- ceived a scratch. Some luck. I don't know when we will be back in the U. S. We are now at Coblenz. We hiked 185 miles in 15 days.
Pvt. Rudolph Amundson, Const. Co. No. 1, U. S. Air Service, England-We sailed on one of the biggest transports used for that pur- pose, and had a grand trip across. Nice weath- er every day we were on the water, especially after having been out five or six days. I also spent one of the most sane fourths I had ever spent in my life. Not a thing did I do but stand at the rail and watch for subs, but
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--
Photos Loaned by Col. Wm. Lewis
HOW THE MEN OF THE 107th FIELD SIGNAL BATTALION LIVED IN THE FIELD
Graves of former soldiers marked every location for camp in the active areas. Above, the kitchen outfit is getting its equipment ready for operation. A mound marks a grave in the immediate foreground. Col. Lewis' headquarters were located just back of the two denuded trees at the extreme left. In the lower picture the cross marking a grave is seen at the left of the supply wagon. The men, however, are more interested in their "chow." The pictures were taken at Montfaucon.
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there wasn't a thing doing in that line. I was glad we did not see any, as that water sure looked cold and deep. The people here seem to think the Yanks are just the thing. There are quite a few nice towns around here, where we can go to whenever we have the money or time to spend. I cannot tell you the nature of our work, but I am in a Construction Com- pany which is the first job I could not quit whenever I wanted. But there are about two million more just like me, so I have no license to kick. I am in with a very good bunch of boys, and have had a good deal cf fun.
William Dupuis, Co. L, 1st Army Hq., A. E. F .- I had enlisted with Battery C, and was with the same until last January. From there I was transferred to the First New Hampshire Infantry, (now the First Army Headquarters Regiment). This regiment is composed of men who speak the French language, and owing to my being able to speak the language, hence the transfer. French certainly is a good thing to know in this country, and I might say that I am using my "Parlez-vous" to a great ad- vantage. We have been having rain and chilly weather for the last three or four days, but before that it certainly was warm. Sunny France certainly is a good name for this country.
Sgt. C. G. Peterson, 47 Aero Sq., A. E. F., Nov. 24, 1918-1 am now at Colombay, La Belle, a small town not far from Metz. One of the largest air force camps in France is stationed here and we expect when we have it cleared of planes we will be shipped home. I surely have been chased around this part of Europe and am willing to call it quits now that the war is over, and get back to the States again. I crossed the channel three times; was shipped to La Havre in July and then back to England again. This last time we landed at Cherbourg and then on to the air force front. We were real close to the big show when it ended, as close as the squadrons get and that was close enough. Of course the doughboys got into the real fight more than we did. When we landed in La Havre in July we were bound for Italy but for some reason were sent back and a few of us were sent to New Castle-on-Tync.
Sgt. John Michel, 127 Amb., A. P. O. 734. Mar. 6, 1919-It is a surprise to the Dutch to see the wonderful body of men Uncle Sam has in his army of occupation, that now watch on the picturesque River Rhine. I should know for I have sailed down the beautiful river while on a three day leave to Neuveid.
The castles of old upon the hill tops are most picturesque sights. Some are diminished through past wars of many years ago, others that are not muined are occupied by soldiers. Vineyards are seen in abundance.
Geo. Lester Hughes, F. A. Training Camp- As to myself, I'm O. K. and working harder than the devil. Even at that I feel better than I ever have felt and furthermore have put on 13 pounds (mostly in front). I am in the Field Artillery "non-com" school and start work every day at 6:30 A. M. and continue until 7 o'clock. When not drilling, I'm kept busy washing clothes, so you can readily see my time is practically all taken up. By the time they get through with this bird, he will sure be able to hold his own with the Hun. Even though I am working hard, I'm not kick- ing, and it makes me laugh when I recall some of the boys back home grumbling when asked to turn their savings into Liberty Bonds.
J. L. Ahart, Div. I, A. P. O. 718 Saumur, A. E. F .- France is a beautiful country. It is one beautiful spot after another. It's hell to have war in a country like this, but one has only to imagine what a people must be like who would ravish a country like this, to see reasons enough. The French people treat us like the princes who lived in these old castles must have been treated along about 1000 years ago. A beautiful young French lady makes mv bed, sweeps the floor, and puts fresh flow- ers on my shelf, and when I hand her an empty dish to send out for seconds, she thanks me for it. Could you beat that for courtesy? 1 am still a Candidate Officer, with the rest of the 3rd Camp men and am studying heavy motorized artillery at this place. This is a wonderful school. It is the greatest Cavalry school in the world and has given instruction to such immortals as Napoleon. Now it is better known as a school of field artillery, and that is why I am here. The equipment lacks nothing, but it's no summer resort. This is Sunday, but until I began this letter I've been wrestling with and was obliged to conquer some real mathematical problems. You can't be an artillery officer and have any loose ends to your mathematics. We are well fed and Uncle Sam and the large newspapers at home take care of our tobacco wants in a very liberal way. The people will do anything for us. The "Y" is unique here. It was formerly the home of some wealthy Frenchman. He turned it over for our use, furniture, hang- ings, paintings, traditions, and all. I am writing this letter on a wonderfully carved wood table in the library. I can look through a large French window out over a fine little
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