Written as a semiofficial record of the various events in the Section's history, this diary was never intended for publication. To settle questions as "When did I go on leave?" or "What was the date of that big attack?" the diary may prove of value. Happenings are recorded in the most prosaic manner, and unfortunately many of the amusing personal incidents could not he included, "Line upon line" and "Here a little and there a little" tell the story of its composition. A sense of duty and the realization that memory when overtaxed is not infallible, were alone the inspiration for many of its entries. I hope to be pardoned for my brevity in writing of those last hectic weeks between Germany and freedom. The short glossary at the end lists some of the words which became a part of our everyday speech, but which may not be familiar to all readers. To Lieutenant Abbot and Sergeant Lundgren, who filled in the record while I was on leave or on extended trips to the postes, I extend credit and thanks.
GEORGE BUTLER.
June 22. Yale Unit, thirty-six strong, leaves New Haven for Allentown at 8 a.m. in charge of Henry W. Johnstone. On train we receive first army pay---a 50 cent check to buy lunch in New York, where we have three hours off. By train to Allentown, then take trolley to the Ambulance Camp at the Fair Grounds. March into camp at 4.45. Much cheering. Assigned quarters in old horse stalls. Supper of corned beef, prunes and tea. Try to sleep on straw and canvas.
June 23. Unit detailed in AM. to Q. M. Dept., where men unload and stow away tent poles, bundles of cots, tents, etc. Work with California bunch and earn dinner. First meeting of Section in P.M. when Johnstone is unanimously chosen as First Sgt. J. W. Peters elected Sgt. and N. S. Hubbard, Corp. Good spirit.
June 24. Day off. Most of men look over town and Central Park.
June 25. Calisthenics this A.M. in charge of Corp. Hubbard. Start foot drill under non-coms---decide not to wait for instructions. First typhoid inoculation. No one from Section "passes out." Song Leader Clarke arrives in camp.
June 26. Germs are working this A.M. Section drill on race track---only few men have uniforms. First lecture on bandaging. Men hand in statements of qualifications for jobs as mechanics, clerks and orderlies. Monk of Washington University assigned Section as drill instructor.
June 27. "Deak" Lyman entertains Section with "Capt. Sims" and French Canadian stories.
June 28. Temporary appointment of Core and Houlihan as orderlies, Marcellus, Beecher and Bradley as mechanics, and Clifford and Butler, clerks. Butler is elected section treasurer; 25 cents assessment is made on each man for section expenses.
June 29. Sgt. Peters elected captain of section baseball team and Lynch is manager. Holbrook sets up barber shop.
June 30. General clean-up for inspection. First battalion inspection---First Lieut. Whitney in charge. We are with California, Oberlin and three New York University sections.
July 1. Holbrook buys bulldog (old and sick) as section mascot.
July 3. Bulldog is raffled off---Holbrook is lucky and Section glad.
July 4. Acting Capt. Whitney assigned to Section---also Battalion Commander. A holiday. Big track meet in afternoon---won by Michigan. Borden gets second place in mile and "Deak" fourth in the half. Yale relay team is third (and last).
July 5. Our day to keep grounds clean. Second typhoid inoculation---thus we miss lecture and drill. New Haven Unit reaches camp. Jelly for supper tonight from Allentown ladies.
July 6. Lady across street gives Section fine big cake.
July 7. No. 85 is leading Section at battalion drill. Commendation for good marching.
July 8. Post Exchange opens branch in messhall. Each Section gets three cakes from Allentown ladies. Mrs. Lockwood sends Section box of fudge.
July 9. Bill Flint returns from New Haven, bringing Irish terrier "Pat" with him.
July 10. Wait around in rain about three hours for uniforms. Look more like soldiers now. Box of fudge from Adele. "Steve" hands out bunch of tickets for ice cream festival at church.
July 11. Tremaine joins Section. Big men get much-needed slickers. Get our first pay---nine dollars apiece---after a long wait.
July 12. First Lieut. Ferguson assigned No. 85 as Commander. In afternoon have our first drill for five days---also our first drill on Allentown streets. Section ordered to report for rehearsal for "The Marseillaise."
July 13. Balmer transferred from Section 72.
July 14. Weber joins from Casuals. Bowerman and Cunningham transferred from Section 113. Inspection and battalion drill. Lieut. Ferguson on hand but gives no orders. In afternoon Bastile Day is celebrated at grandstand. Speeches and review of Penn. sections. Our Section part of chorus of 500 which sings "The Marseillaise" in French.
July 16. Hike into country in A.M. In afternoon various men tried out as drill leaders. Van Doren proves to be a wonder. Some mix-up!
July 17. "Steve" returns from home with much fudge and dozens of lollypops.
July 19. Fine mess today as Surg.-Gen. Gorgas is visiting camp. During morning drill, Section is treated to ice cream cones by unknown friend.
July 20. First litter drill under Capt. Whitney. Glad to hear we have chance of being in first detachment to sail for France. Week-end passes cut down. Section entertained by "Big Brothers" at home of Rev. Steinle. Lots of smokes, ice cream and cakes. "Deak" entertains party with readings and stories. Good speeches by "Brothers," who are given Yale cheers.
July 22. Scarborough joins from Casuals. Camp closed in A.M.---diphtheria scare.
July 23. Lundgren has detail lugging provisions all morning. Hot battalion drill in afternoon, followed by bearer drill. Eighteen men and Sgt. Peters on M. P. duty tonight.
July 25. More clothing---denims for all. Eat watermelons given by Mr. Bowerman. Another box of candy from Adele. Clifford buys record book for Section. After drill Section marches to Mr. Woods' and neighbors', where we are treated to lemonade, cake and sandwiches.
July 26. Litter drill-without litters. First dose paratyphoid. Not bad.
July 27. Big day for Section 85. Learn that we are among the twenty sections to leave at once for France. First Lieut. Wharton assigned to us, replacing Lieut. Ferguson. Inexperienced men take auto test---most of them pass as first-class drivers. Hernia test by Major Coe. Clerks busy on paper work.
July 28. New Lieutenant right on job for setting-up exercises. Inspection of packs at field, T. B. exam---after a long wait. Week-end passes canceled. Identification tags stamped. In P.M. we receive our ordnance. Busy! Corp. Hubbard is appointed Sergeant and Pvt. Lundgren Corporal.
July 29. Rainy morning mark ordnance. Wait around for flat-foot exam, which doesn't come till P.M. Many fellows have folks in camp and see them for only few minutes. Harper joins from Section 91, Wasem from 88 and Lewis from Casuals. Dean Brown in camp today and visits Section. At 3 p.m. get second paratyphoid and smallpox vaccination. Para stiffens our arms. Get more equipment---barrack bags, tents.
July 30. A sick, sore bunch in AM. Drill. Later ordered to mark all clothes, get "housewife" and send all extra clothing home today. We may get out tonight. At 9 p.m. attend illustrated lecture. Eleven when we return to barracks. Section order No. 1 makes Marcellus and Beecher, mechanics; Harper, cook; and Butler, Clifford, Campbell, Core and Larsen, Privates, 1st class.
July 31. Back to old schedule. Hottest day so far; no drill in afternoon.
August 1. A scorcher, but about 7.30 a.m. terrific wind and rain storm. "Perk" goes shopping and buys nice pink mirror for Cunningham. Crane assigned from Casuals. Unit now complete.
August 2. First instruction in making blanket roll. Some stunt.
August 3. Men sleeping out last night chased in by rain. Final inspection of rolls---later of entire equipment laid on cots---by Col. Jones and Capt. Whitney. Mr. Bowerman takes pictures of most of the men. Section has its picture taken at 2.30 p.m. Free for rest of day. Men must be in cots by 11 p.m.
August 4. Long wait in heavy marching order before having pictures taken for "movies." Clean quarters thoroughly. Section marches to flag raising at five. Speeches by Col. Persons and senator. No one can leave camp tonight.
August 5. Proofs of section picture here---Mr. Bowerman will see that one is sent to each man's home. Orders come to have barrack bags ready for shipment at 9.30 tomorrow. Looks as though we are going sure.
August 6. Packs and bags ready by 9.15. Last dose of paratyphoid later-hits us awfully hard. Hang around till about 5 p.m. when we are paid. Each man gets comfort bag from Red Cross. Rains hard---everybody "low." Sure we go tonight though no instructions. Most of men lie on floor in clothes. At 11.30 awakened and with our packs, march to Q. M. where we leave cots---then to mess-hall where we get sandwiches, coffee and orange. Thorpe is sick. Entrain at siding near camp and are off with eleven other sections---Nos. 1, 9, 10, 12, 17, 25, 39, 86, 92, 93, 94.
August 7. At 1.10 a.m. train leaves Allentown---pulls into Jersey City about 5.30. After transferring baggage to ferry, move up North River to Hoboken where we disembark and board the San Jacinto---old Mallory Line boat. Get quarters in hold. Infantrymen, engineers and field clerks on board. San Jacinto leaves dock at noon but drops anchor off Fort Hamilton till 8.30 p.m., when, with four other transports and convoy of two destroyers and one battle cruiser, we sail for France.
August 8. Roll call at 6 a.m. Ocean calm. Ships swing from file into line. "Abandon ship" drill---twenty-seven of our men assigned to boat No. 5. Get can of Tuxedo and bag of "Bull" apiece from New York girls. Some of men are seasick. Sgt. Hubbard is appointed keeper of the bath record----must take a bath every two days.
August 9. Marcellus put in charge of boat No. 5 and crew is appointed. Setting-up exercises at 3 p.m. Some stunt! Double quick around deck for mile or so---a part of daily schedule.
August 10. Bunch of men on kitchen police today. Last U. S. news by wireless.
August 11. Underwear inspection---a new ceremony. Tramp steamer appears in afternoon and is stopped by one of the destroyers. Rain.
August 12. Sunday celebrated as wash day. From 8.30 to 9.30 we are scrubbing. Can hang clothes on deck for an hour only---then put them away wet. Search for post exchange box but it can't be found. Everyone is keen for sweets. California Section offers to share its box with us. No exercises today. Kill a big rat in quarters about 9 p.m.
August 15. Heavy fog this morning and one of ships is missing, finally reappears---also tanker. Destroyers "tank up." Change course several times. "General quarters" drill. Getting rough. Receive tobacco and chocolate from California Section.
August 17. Wake up to find regular sewer under our bunks. Very rough. About 11 a.m. six American destroyers appear---our old convoy returns to the U. S. The San Jacinto is now flagship.
August 18. Sgt. Johnstone sick and moves to ship hospital for remainder of trip. Ordered to get barrack bags ready. Traveling by French time now. "Deak's" bed gives way under him.
August 19. About 11 a.m. six transports and convoy are seen. Zigzag considerably, change course and guns are loaded. About 1.30 p.m. "sub" call is sounded. Destroyer drops mine and "sub" disappears.
August 20. Quiet night, big fleet of fishing smacks visible this morning. At 8.30 submarines are sighted and for one and one half hours have a great fight with them. Land is sighted at same time and aeroplanes sail over us. About fifty shells are fired by our guns. Everyone puts on life belt. Ships zigzag into zone of safety---then we pass Belle-Isle, a welcome and beautiful sight. Breton pilot guides us along coast and up the Loire. Setting-up exercises while we steam up river and enter the basin at St. Nazaire at 4.30 p.m. No one leaves boat tonight.
August 21. First call at 3.40. Clean up and leave San Jacinto at seven. March to camp No. 1 about one and one half miles from dock. Assigned to wooden barracks. Men raid Y. M. C. A. canteen. In P.M. bunch have swim in river.
August 22. Foot drill for one and one half hours. Later first-aid lecture. In afternoon two hours' litter drill. Must take shower baths in squads. Several men help put out fire in warehouse in town.
August 24. Our first mail in France.
August 25. Complete inspection of packs and barracks. Lynch lacks control.
August 26. Several men go to celebration in honor of Americans, held at La Boule. Twelve from Section walk there and get great reception from crowds. Pours, and bunch has big feed at hotel.
August 27. "Howie" returns at 2 a.m. Was arrested by marine M. P.'s last night. A misunderstanding.
August 30. Van discusses his indigestion with the Lieutenant at lecture this A.M. and "Deak" gives explanation, much to amusement of Section. Very strenuous hike in afternoon but we can't eat blackberries. Return to camp at terrible rate---much fun over "Cadence march!"
September 1. Yale baseball team loses seven-inning game to Harvard 4-2. Legore in box for Yale, Frye for Harvard. Lyman, Perkins, Shepard, Shively, Wasem, Wasilik and Bradley recommended for Privates, 1st class. Crane appointed cook. "Deak" and "Bowy" in respective rôles of monkey and organ grinder cause much merriment.
September 2. Section goes to Nantes today. Travel second-class. Look over cathedral, château and city. Return in afternoon. Pumpkin pie before ''Taps.''
September 3. First drill in pitching dog tents. The same in afternoon. We are only Section wearing blouses. Fellows sore. "Deak" pays sixteen francs for last half-pie at auction. Jimmy Weber operated on at Base Hospital for appendicitis. Baseball team beats Bucknell 10-5. "Pete," "Howie" and "Was" make home runs. Shively pitches for Yale.
September 4. Borden appointed French teacher. "Forward---Halt!" and "Left side step---March !" on hike with seven sections this afternoon. A three-hour hike. "Deak" wrestles No. 92 man to a draw at "Y" tonight.
September 6. Semaphore drill for first time. Section must wear blouses on hike. Some cursing!
September 7. Paid today, and section accounts are settled.
September 8. No more drill---replaced by detail. Most of men are sent to docks to unload freighters. Few are put to work assembling cars. Hereafter everyone is busy.
September 11. Larrabee takes a day off. Box of candy from Adele.
September 12. Get gloves today. First Sgts. Abbot and McGinley get commissions as 1st Lieuts. U. S.A.A.S. Sgt. Peters sick with malaria, to hospital.
September 13. "Houly," "Bob" and "Dave" put on prison detail for not getting up for morning roll call.
September 15. Lieut. Wharton announces his transfer. Lieut. Abbot is assigned to Section. Borden takes job as Mess Sergeant.
September 16. Four sections (Nos. 1, 17, 12 and 93) leave camp with ambulances. Entire contingent attached to French Army.
September 17. Most of Section working on Fords today. "Shep" goes into milk business.
September 20. Move to another barracks to make room for infantry. "Clif" strains back trying to lift bed. This P.M. eight other ambulance sections arrive at camp. Came via England and Le Havre. Bunch of transports arrive.
September 21. Fourteen men from Section 52 (Fordham) move into one end of our barracks. First Sgt. buys lot of candy, smokes, syrup, etc., today. About noon big bunch of infantry march into camp.
September 23. Get much-needed overcoats today. Sgt. Peters back from hospital. (Clifford came yesterday.) Lieut. Abbot takes bunch of men on hike to St. Marc.
September 25. Ambulances are assigned Section today, but we continue work on bodies. "Perk" is working in kitchen today; mighty happy.
September 26. Start work on our cars. Core and Perkins promoted to tire-pumping squad.
September 27. List of drivers and orderlies announced and everyone works to get his own car into shape. Hoods are painted. Lieut. Abbot announces that we shall leave Saturday A.M.
September 28. Inspection of equipment. New driving list announced. Cars are taken out for short run. Packard truck is assigned to Section-also another touring car. All Section ready for start.
September 29. Up at 5.15. Band plays as we pull out at 7.15. We follow Sections 25 and 39; 92 is behind. We have twenty-five Ford ambulances, two touring cars, one Ford and one Packard truck. Fine ride through country. Hard bread for mess at Ancenis. Bunch of flat tires during day due to hobnails. Holbrook breaks light and hood---banged into car ahead. At 5.15 arrive at Angers, where we park cars for night in square. Sleep in ambulances. Cover one hundred and sixty-one kilometres today.
September 30. Up by moonlight and set out at seven. Wonderful roads and beautiful country. Short stop at La Flèche ---spend one and a half hours in Le Mans, have a chance to see the city. Strike long hills in afternoon. Thorpe's car towed in. Reach Nogent-le-Routrou about 5.30. Most of us will be billeted tonight. Men go off in pairs to find sleeping place. Some are disappointed. Men are invited to attend "movies," but must pay admission. All except guard are free for evening. One hundred fifty kilometres today.
October 1. ---Men tell of last night's experiences---fine beds, nobody home, etc. Leave at 7 a.m. A more moderate rate today---roads in poor shape. Reach Chartres at 10.30 and park in square until noon. Men have chance to see wonderful cathedral. Ride through wooded country to Versailles, where we park for one and a half hours. Bunch of soldiers. Men look through Palace---Gallery of Mirrors, of Battles, bed of Louis XIV, etc. Also short trip through gardens. At six leave for camp---many brake bands burned out on long hill. Sgt. Peters smashes front of car. All lights are put out, but moon is very bright. Hit fast clip. Soon after nine reach farmhouse at Sandricourt where the Base Camp is located. Everybody arrives but mechanics who are with Sgt. Peters. First French mess.
October 2. Up at 7.15---first calisthenics for long time. Regular French breakfast of hot coffee, milk and bread. Section gets quarters on second floor of the farmhouse. Houlihan is at woodpile. Detail puts up barbed wire fence to make park for cars. Muster roll by Lieut. Abbot. Only light is a lantern, so men hit hay early.
October 3. No more sleeping in cars. Detail cuts down big tree near gate. New French cots arrive and are set up. Ten men sleep in carriage-room. This A.M. order comes for three men from our Section to go on detached service with No. 64, now at Front. Houlihan, Larrabee and Van Doren chosen. First men to leave the Section, though still on our roll. Big mail tonight.
October 4. Detail laying pipe and putting up another fence. Couple of dogs accompany buglers at retreat. Sgt. announces that we leave for Bar-le-Duc Sunday, taking ten ambulances with us. Tremaine gets Aiolian-Vocalion.
October 5. Many of the men take a hot shower today---the first for a long time. Have to heat our own water. Col. Jones in camp---we may not go Sunday, and may leave by train. Disappointed. Trucks are hauling ashes to fill swamp.
October 6. Trucks hauling lumber from Méru and some of our men prepare to erect barracks. Paymaster arrives from Paris and we get money. Bunch tries to keep warm around fireplace in Y. M. C. A. room. Some smoke!
October 7. Order comes that thirty-five men from each section will leave for Front Monday A.M. Everyone sorry the Section must be split. Speculation as to who the unfortunates shall be. Men to be left are Sgt. Hubbard, Core, Durant, Flint, Holbrook, Stevens and Thorpe. A disappointed bunch. Others prepare for departure.
Rainy A.M. Before mess order comes for entire Section to leave. Everyone happy---"Steve" nearly jumps out of skin. March to train at Bornel---leave for Paris at 8.30; transfer all baggage there. Red Cross ambulances take us to Base Hospital No. 1 at Neuilly; ride through Paris. Pile packs in New Haven ward and then enjoy fine feed-tables, French waitresses, etc. Sections 93 and 17 are stationed there having easy time. Wait around hospital all the rainy afternoon. Some of men attend afternoon tea in basement---served by fine American ladies---American nurses are quite centre of attraction. After good supper leave for Gare de l'Est. Take train for Bar-le-Duc at eight, arriving at 2 a.m. (the ninth). Most of men sleep as much as possible, on seats, in the aisles, on blanket rolls or in baggage racks. Neil Lynch entertains some French ladies during most of trip. Raining.
October 9. At Bar-le-Duc pile into couple of camions and leave for the Front at 3.30 am. Long jerky ride up hills to Génicourt, past ruined towns where French troops are quartered, arriving about 7 a.m. Our new quarters---an old house; everything very dirty. Feed of ham and eggs, bread and coffee, served by S. S. U. 63 (Red Cross Unit), which we relieve today. Seven of our men go out with the cars (Fiats) for first trip. Barracks are cleaned. Guns are heard distinctly and at night can see flashes and star shells. Section receives library from No. 63. To bed very early.
October 10. Hot chocolate for breakfast. Work is continued on cars. Stretchers, blankets, etc., cleaned and checked up. Lieut. Abbot gives good talk on our work in the field. We are attached to the 165th French Division, which goes in repos tomorrow, and we go with them. In the afternoon the Section which is to replace us here arrives. It proves to be the Yale Section of the American Field Service. Most of the men are from Yale---among them are our three---"Hap", "Larry" and "Van." Several more of our men go out on ambulances. Heavy firing on Verdun front tonight. Rats also are busy in quarters.
October 11. List of drivers and orderlies for the trip is read off. Rainy day. Cars and baggage are made ready for trip. Fine big feeds today. Hard floors are "getting to" the men's kidneys.
October 12. Raining hard. After hour's delay get started soon after eight. On road to Bar-le-Duc pass ammunition and supply trains moving to Front and tired horses and men of our Division going on repos. Wind, rain and cold are mighty active today. At Bar-le-Duc see effects of German air raids. Two blocks in the centre of town are entirely destroyed by fire---started by bombs. "Cave Voutée" signs everywhere. Stop for mess at Ligny-en-Barrois at bicycle shop. Get warm inside house. "Shop" is our first blessé---cuts eye cranking car. Continue ride over hills---few inhabitants---passing through St. Aubin and Void. Few signs of war here. By Vaucouleurs to Maxey, where we drop "Brad" and "Shive." Reach Amanty, our destination, at dark. No quarters ready for us, but Lieuts. find a barn where we all pile in---drenched, for it's still pouring. Roll up in blankets on hay and after a ham sandwich for supper, and numerous comments on our fine quarters, forget our troubles in sleep.
October 13. Still raining, but have few exercises before breakfast. Ballantyne, Bates, Borden, Googins, Peters and Tremaine are appointed Privates, 1st class. After feed of hot chocolate and jam, bunch of men cleans out barnyard to make parking place for cars. Others clean up barn (our quarters) and unload the cars. Fellows do not relish taking orders from French personnel of Section. Lieut. and Sgt. ride over to American camp at Gondrecourt, where they buy supplies. The town buvette and the boulangerie prove very popular.
October 14. Raining again. Have to move kitchen across the alley---also give up office, as man who owns place is returning. Few men who are not on detail attend mass at church near by. In afternoon, "Shop" conducts a pilgrimage to Domremy to visit Jeanne d'Arc's home. Men report country there as beautiful. Bunch also hikes to camp at Gondrecourt.
October 15. Receive orders to move tomorrow to Burey-en-Vaux. Most of day is spent checking equipment and packing cars. We're getting adept at this. About 9.30 p.m. Shively drives up and says ten ambulances are to be sent to Vaucouleurs by 12.30. Assembly is blown and everyone is set to work unloading cars. Twenty men and the Lieut. leave about 11 p.m.
October 16. Ambulances reach Vaucouleurs at midnight but train of blessés doesn't arrive till after 2.30 a.m. Keep warm in hospital at station. Blessés are carried to two hospitals near by---seven cars then take loads to Ourches, the others returning to camp. It's nearly 8.30 when the seven cars reach Amanty and everyone is starving and cold. Before 10 a.m. Section is en route for Burey-en-Vaux; about an hour's ride. Small, dirty town. Men are disgusted with place and people here. Fellows are "soaked" so at buvette and store that they decide to boycott the town. Another barn to clean out before it's fit to sleep in! Couple of rooms in old café for guardroom and library-office and kitchen on another street and garage is in another barn. Men fill ticks with straw. Fine feed and by 7 p.m. most of the men are hitting hay for much-needed sleep.
October 17. Men work getting kitchen in shape---also get cars ready for service. American machinegun company passes through town on way to Front.
Boche aeroplane passes over town about 7 p.m.---street lights go out.
October 18. "Bal" and "Was" have bad colds and are treated by French doctors with hot cups. Guard rules are made more strict. Hereafter guards must wear O. D. coats, belts, and no smoking, but old guard privileges.
October 19. "Was" taken to Toul hospital today. First mail for long time arrives.
October 20. Oatmeal with milk and sugar for breakfast---the first for a long time. In P.M. Section moves from the barn to rooms above the café, where our parlors are located.
October 21. Last night Borden wakes up the bunch with his "Oh, gosh! gosh!" Larkin thinks he is yelling, "Boches!" Bunch of men to Vaucouleurs today to see town. Lieut. Abbot goes to Paris.
October 22. We get our gas masks this morning and test them in a room filled with chlorine gas.
October 23. Two packages of candy and gum are received by Section from unknown friend in New York.
October 24. Balmer sick; taken to hospital at Toul. Lieut. Abbot returns from Paris.
October 25. Weber relieves Campbell as bugler today. Two allotments for second Liberty Loan.
October 26. Sgt. buys bunch of supplies, etc., at Gondrecourt and has a sale.
October 27. Information blanks for French Army are filled out. Holbrook is taken to Bazouilles for an operation.
October 28. First snow of the season this evening.
October 30. Sgt. Hubbard leaves for Paris to take exam for aviation corps. Postes: St. Germain, one car; Maxey, two cars; Nossencourt, one car.
October 31. Muster at 8.30; then sign the pay roll. Big mail in evening.
November 1. All Saints' Day and a half holiday for Section. Big party for men on poste at Maxey.
November 2. Bradley leaves for Custines. Preparations for leaving Burey. It's "Jour des Morts" and in afternoon Section and French troops march to cemetery on hill where address is made by Médecin-Chef. Later several Frenchmen are decorated with the Croix de Guerre.
November 3. Section leaves Burey at 7.30.
Passes by Toul and through Nancy, arriving at Custines about noon. Relieves French Section 57. Good parking place for cars and good kitchen. Two rooms upstairs are not large enough for Section.
November 4. In A.M. men fix up mess-hall and clean cars and grounds. No details in afternoon.
November 5. Two rooms secured in near-by house for men who have no places. Receive cots this A.M. Put up screen for garage and clean out cellar for living-room. At noon guns on bill start firing at Boche plane which passes directly over us. Plane escapes. Frenchman appears later. Lynch and Shively arrive with cars from Maxey.
November 6. Section office established in "cave." Six big sacks of packages and papers arrive. Bunch of men allowed off today for a hot shower. Rules of cantonment are posted.
November 8. Sgt. Hubbard returns from Paris bringing Ford touring ear. Heavy wool socks and other Q. M. supplies arrive. Many men are sick in quarters with grippe.
November 11. Only necessary details today. Room is rented for malades in house down street. At present there are no postes, but two cars are always on call.
November 12. Two ambulances take French officers to Gas Convention at Jeandelaincourt.
November 13. A sunny day! Several French planes seen this afternoon and guns on hill are tried out. About 7 p.m. Boche planes drop bombs at Pompey. Searchlights are trained on them and "75's" and machine guns open fire. Section much interested---its first night attack.
November 14. Five of men move to room down the street. Soccer ball is blown up and used for first time. Larkin hurts ankle in football game. Section takes "hike" to Morey. Fourteen French planes go by. Balmer and Wasilik rejoin Section---back from hospital in Toul.
November 15. Two American officers and four privates (the last named in a Ford ambulance) bring 953 frs. for section fund---a dividend from Allentown mess fund. Another air raid about 8.45 p.m., too late in evening to interest men.
November 16. General clean-up of grounds and quarters for Quartermaster is expected today---also French General on tour of inspection. Neither man appears. Football is blown up today. Good game.
November 17. Larkin taken to evacuation hospital at Champigneulles---small bone in his ankle broken. Inspection of cars, quarters and grounds by Lieut. Abbot. Will be held biweekly hereafter Wednesday and Saturday. Sgt. Johnstone and office moves to small room on fourth floor. Big mail today. Holbrook returns from hospital at Bazouilles, bringing an ambulance from Nancy.
November 18. Several men attend special church service for French soldiers killed in war. In P.M. bunch goes to "movies" in French barracks in Millery, or to Pompey.
November 19. Lieut. and Sgt. Johnstone go to Nancy to see about having electric lights installed in quarters.
November 21. Sgt. Johnstone sick today. Bunch of men under Larsen enclose mess-hall. Half holiday for Section.
November 22. Learn that we are to move to Sandricourt. Some surprise! Preparations for departure. Section fund becomes banker for men who have room rent and laundry to settle for.
November 23. Cars packed---masks and "Canadians" turned in to bureau. Much section property is stored. French Ambulance Section arrives in morning. About 2 p.m. Section leaves Custines for Nancy. Differential on Holbrook's car is broken when he is headed for canal; car taken to Parc Y. See "movies" in caserne tonight. Sleep in cars or in French barracks.
November 24. Tools and gas masks checked up--- former turned in. Blankets, stretchers and much section material stored in Parc. Noon meal in big mess-hall. Section rides to R. R. station in big truck. Train leaves about 4.40 and no lights till we reach Chalons early in A.M. Pass through Toul, Gondrecourt, Bar-le-Duc and Vitry-le-François en route.
November 25. After fourteen hours on train, out at Vaires, where we transfer for Paris train---pull into Gare-de-l'Est. Wait around station all morning while arrangements are being made for transportation to Base Camp. Forty minutes' freedom in which to buy dinner. Lieut. Abbot secures passes for us for the afternoon, so from three to six we have chance to see Paris. Section attracts much attention while waiting for evening train at Gare-du-Nord. Packard trucks awaiting us at Bornel and we are soon at Sandricourt, where good meal is served.
November 26. Section receives twenty Ford ambulances, one Ford delivery truck and one Packard truck, one field kitchen and one motorcycle and sidecar. Drivers work getting cars in shape, for they are in wretched condition. Section cut to thirty-four men, and we must lose in addition to the three now on D. S., Balmer, Core, Durant, Holbrook, Lynch, Shepard, Sjöstrom and Thorpe. "Neil" volunteers to stay behind, expects to transfer to aviation. Everyone mighty sorry to have the Section broken---our last assembly together before retreat. Most of men gather after supper in Y. M. C. A. tent---a most welcome addition to Sandricourt equipment.
November 27. Rainy morning. Marcellus returns from Paris, where he went yesterday after spare parts. Turn in old clothes, and buy supplies at Q. M. Leave camp at 2 p.m. for Nancy. Stop at "Place" at Ecouen (eighteen kilometres from Paris) for night. Section sleeps in barn.
November 28. Late start on day's trip due to a bad motor. Cross the Marne, pass Meaux Cathedral and most of day's ride is through Marne battlefields. Cars parked for night on square at Sezanne. Another night in a loft.
November 29. Fill cars with "essence," then set out over thinly populated country. Pass American artillery camp. Arrive at Vitry-le-François at noon, and have an hour in which to get a Thanksgiving dinner. Over long winding hills through St. Dizier, Ligny and to Void, where we park along main street. Taps at nine this evening.
November 30. Off on last lap. Lieut. Abbot and Borden go to Gondrecourt for supplies. Section passes by Tool, arriving at Parc Y in Nancy about 11.45. Have two rooms on third floor of French caserne. Cars parked in court. All windows must be darkened.
December 1. Field kitchen put in shape. Section has a good mess-hall on first floor. Quarters are cleaned out. Lieut. Abbot gives talk on the trip, care of cars, passes and permissions. Packard truck taken to Custines to get stuff left there. Receive tobacco and cigarettes from New York Sun fund---also box of candy from Adele.
December 2. Everyone gets a three-hour pass to the city. Fine big dinner today. Everyone pleased. Men apply for permissions.
December 3. Sgt. Johnstone moves section supplies to quarters, so French can have more quiet bureau. Larkin visits us this noon; ankle improving.
December 4. Tools and equipment checked by Sgt. Peters. Four cars washed at Parc. Stoves set up in quarters. Sgt. Johnstone receives orders to report at the Automobile School at Meaux. Sgt. Peters placed in charge of the Section.
December 5. Inspection of cars and quarters today. Houlihan, Larrabee and Van Doren return from detached service with S. S. U. 64 and S. S. U. 4. Three U. S. engineers drop in for noon mess. Beecher and Bradley leave on 4.30 train for Paris---en route for St. Sebastian---our first permissionnaires. Sgt. Johnstone leaves with them for a two days' permission in Paris before reporting at Meaux. Given a long Yale yell and best wishes of every man in Section. Detail to Forêt-de-Haye with Packard for a load of wood. More avions tonight.
December 7. Lieut. Abbot gives Section short talk on conduct, care of cars, and permissions.
December 8. Van Doren is sick---taken to hospital in city.
December 9. Every man has three and one half hours' pass to city. Good dinner. Bunch kicks football in afternoon.
December 10. Gas masks given out. Two English soldiers on way to near-by camp spend night with the Section.
December 11. Red Cross tents are shipped to Paris. Showers in building open for us this afternoon.
December 12. Camionette goes to forest for a stare of wood.
December 13. Two English soldiers visit Section.
December 16. Big mail. No details today---men may go to town but must return for meals. Oilskin coats, breeches and hats arrive. Paymaster comes with November pay. Col. Jones and Maj. Hall visit Section in afternoon---on tour of inspection. Several men go to city in afternoon to attend band concert in park. Others roller skate.
December 17. Books bought for the section library.
December 18. Lieut. Jamon returns from permission. L'Antoine leaves for permission. Lyman to hospital to have fleas cured. Larkin returns to Section from hospital. Packard goes to forest for wood.
December 19. Ballantyne and Green to hospital for examinations for appendicitis. "Bal" is kept there under observation. Maréchal-des-Logis Diedrichs leaves for permission.
December 20. Prophylaxis outfit arrives. Beecher and Bradley arrive this morning from permission at Biarritz; report great time. Van Doren and Lyman return to Section from sick in Hospital Donop, Nancy. Lewis, Lyman and Perkins leave for permission.
December 21. Motorcycle put in use today for first time. In afternoon Section receives orders to prepare for move at once. Things are packed and preparations for departure are immediately set under way. Ten parcels containing old clothes, shoes, field range, etc., are sent back to Quartermaster late this afternoon. Bunch of avions over city tonight.
December 22. Section ready to move when word comes about 8.15 a.m. that we do not leave today. Ballantyne returns from Hospital Donop. Speculation as to when and where we will go. About 6 p.m. R. V. F. man brings message for the Lieut. Says we leave for Verdun in the morning. Returns at 10 p.m. saying we are not to leave Nancy.
December 23. Up on regular Sunday schedule. About 9.30 orders come for Section to leave at once---frozen radiator holds up Section, and at eleven sets out for Baccarat. Stops at Lunéville in front of château for lunch. Reach outskirts of Baccarat soon after 3 p.m. and wait around for two hours while Lieut. Jamon looks up quarters. Freeze! Section 92 is located here and we spend the night in their quarters. Park cars in the square near the "Cristallerie."
December 24. After breakfast cars are moved to the French caserne, where Section is assigned three large rooms---two for Americans and one for French---and one small room for bureau. Mighty cold, but stove is set up in one of the rooms, also used for a mess-hall. Cunningham and Corp. Lundgren make first trip to Ménil for three assis. Our Division has not yet come up to lines. Several avions around today. Section by unanimous vote declines invitation to join with Section 92 in their Christmas dinner.
December 25. Snowed last night. Extra detail in kitchen today. Section has fine Christmas dinner---desserts are partly due to gifts from Lieut. Abbot and Bradley. Rubber boots and duplicate shipment of oilskins arrive today, but no Christmas packages. Lieut. Abbot makes a round of new section postes. Men are free to spend afternoon and evening in town. Each man gets two francs from section fund for supper.
December 26. Box of turkeys and other Christmas articles arrive. Boots distributed. Check for five hundred and twelve francs arrives---to cover rations saved by Section at Base Camp. Crane and Bowerman taken to Hospital 12/16, Baccarat. Both have the grippe. Butler appointed Statistical Sub-Section for 63/585. Weber goes to Lunéville for lost letter of credit---buys mandolin.
December 27. Our Division starts moving up to trenches today. Section votes to have its turkey dinner at the hotel. More snow.
December 28. French helmets arrive and are distributed. Corp. Lundgren put in charge of oil and gasoline. Good music this evening, furnished by Green with mandolin, "Van" with the drum, "Howie" the bugle and Yens the harmonica.
December 29. First big batch of Christmas packages arrives. Bowerman and Crane return from hospital. In evening Section has dinner at Hôtel-du-Pont. Fine feed. Frenchmen in Section are there, also Lieut. Mauser and the French Lieut. of No. 92. Short speeches by Lieut. Abbot, Larkin and Trieffault.
December 30. Section takes over postes today. Five cars out at all times---for present, two men to a car. Four postes---Badonviller, Montigny, Herbéviller, Ogéviller. One car on call at H. O. E., Baccarat. Section is attached to the 128th Division. More packages.
December 31. Section moves this afternoon to the quarters formerly occupied by Section 92---at the "Cristallerie." Section 92 moves up to the caserne. Quiet New Year's Eve. Lewis and Lyman return at 9 p.m. from permission in Paris. L'Antoine from permission. Proal to permission.
January 1. Sleeping space is enlarged and a second stove set up. Room is hired next door-to be used as lounging-room and library. At a special assembly Lieut. Jamon extends New Year's greetings to the Section and makes short speech, followed by a toast to France, America and Victory. Big mail today. Several bottles of champagne are given Section by the French Gov't.
January 2. Calisthenics returned to daily schedule---Stevens leaves this eve for permission.
January 3. Kirby Green taken to Ambulance 226 today---has the grippe.
January 4. Lieut. Abbot tells Section that its gasoline consumption for December was incredibly large. New list of drivers announced and regulations for drivers are posted. Every precaution must be taken against loss of "essence."
January 5. Bates and D. C. Peters went on their permission at 7.30 p.m. Shively assumes the duties of Mess Sergeant.
January 6. Cunningham and Van Doren to Ambulance 226---have the grippe.
January 7. Bureau moved to house next to quarters. Hot baths are provided in the Cristallerie.
January 8. Kitchen enlarged.
January 9. Inspection. Packard truck goes for wood. Straw received for ticks. No mail.
January 10. Lieut. Abbot and Lieut. Jamon inspect postes and infirmaries of the Badonviller sector with the Médecin Divisionnaire. Room for section infirmary hired adjoining "library."
January 11. Cunningham and Green return from sick in Ambulance 226. Section receives tickets for a French musical show this evening.
January 12. Lieut. Abbot and Lieut. Jamon inspect roads in Badonviller sector---and visit Menviller.
January 13. Van Doren returns from Ambulance 226.
January 14. Postes are changed today. Two cars are stationed at Migneville---no longer at Ogéviller and Herbéviller. Stevens returns from permission.
January 15. In morning, Section learns that French are to make an attack at Badonviller. Four cars and the Packard are stationed there, four others at Pexonne and others held in waiting at Baccarat. Attack is made in afternoon---cars are kept busy carrying in blessés until after 2 a.m. Packard is stuck in a ditch near Vacqueville. Several Boche blessés brought in.
January 16. Section rises late. More than thirty Boche prisoners are in the court before Division Headquarters today. Packard returns. Proal back from permission.
January 17. Conference in first-aid methods at H. O. E. in the afternoon-Section attends. Bates and D. C. Peters return from permission. Lieut. Abbot goes to Nancy to get pay.
January 18. Men paid today. Marcellus, Green and Tremaine leave on permission.
January 19. Muller, L'Antoine, Trieffault and Martinet leave Section. After today men must have "permis de circulation" to circulate in streets of Baccarat before 5 p.m.
January 20. Men have the afternoon "off."
January 21. New alarm clock---guard is up on time this morning.
January 22. Section takes gas test at Caserne l'Admirault this afternoon. Beginning today there is but one guard.
January 23. Inspection of cars, quarters and grounds.
January 24. Conference at H. O. E. on bandaging and hypodermic injection.
January 26. Box of reserve provisions is packed. Boxes containing Quaker Oats and phonograph records which were lost at Bar-le-Duc October 9 are received from Lieut. Mauser. Section is given tickets for entertainment given at the Military Theatre.
January 27. Phonograph is placed in library. Ham and eggs for breakfast. Sachs of Section 92 and a British soldier visit Section.
January 29. Lieut. Abbot receives word that Sgt. Johnstone is on permission at Nice before returning to Section.
January 30. Three American soldiers from Headquarters spend night with the Section.
January 31. Third conference at H. O. E. on antiseptics, bandaging, etc. The three American soldiers are rationed with the Section. Lieut. visits the postes to have men on duty there sign pay roll.
February 1. Card index for men of Section is completed. Several men take gas test.
February 2. Marcellus, Tremaine and Green return from permission. Corp. Lundgren, Ballantyne and Butler leave on permission at 7.30 p.m.
February 3. Large American mail arrives, together with a shipment of clothing.
February 7. Work on Packard truck finished. Several cars washed. Fourth conference at H. O. E. Diedrichs leaves on permission.
February 8. Small French attack expected last night. Lieut. Abbot and Lieut. Jamon go to Badonviller to relieve Bates and Larsen, who are sent to Neuviller. Nothing doing.
February 9. Weber and Larsen sent to Neuviller last night, but nothing happened. Slight French attack at Badonviller but no casualties. Lieut. Jamon, Lieut. Abbot and Sgt. Johnstone visit Badonviller and find a new means of evacuating P. S. of Rendez-vous-des-Chasseurs in case of attack on Badon.
February 10. Another scare at Badonviller last night.
February 11. Painting "S. S. U. 585" on cars is begun.
February 12. Proal sent to 'Parc Y. Lieut. Abbot, Sgt. Johnstone, Marcellus and Campbell go to Nancy to meet paymaster.
February 13. Boche plane drops bombs at Azerailles early this AM. Two cars are sent to get the victims.
February 14. Last conference at H. O. E.
February 15. Road from Vacqueville to Pexonne for one-way traffic only. Cars have to come back through Neuf-Maisons.
February 16. Received shipment of tobacco from New York Sun fund and citizens of Allentown.
February 17. Many American officers and troops of 42d Division arrive in Baccarat.
February 18. Alerte for avions at ten o'clock last night.
February 19. Harper returns from permission.
February 20. Small "coup-de-main" at Neuviller. Only three blessés. Corp. Lundgren, Ballantyne and Butler return from permission. Shipment of sporting goods from Y. M. C. A. arrives today.
February 21. Big American mail. Lecture at H. O. E. on poisonous gases. Sgt. Peters, Campbell, Clifford and Cunningham leave for Nice on permission.
February 22. Section cars busy today with French and Americans. Fifteen calls. U. S. Field Hospital arrives---without equipment.
February 24. Crane sent to Ambulance 226 with cut hand. Telephone message arrives from Chief U. S. A. S. announcing appointment of Sgt. Johnstone as First Lieut. U. S. A. A. S. and ordering him to report at once at Hqs. U. S. A. S. Diedrichs returns.
February 25. At 8 a.m. roll call, Sgt. Hubbard presents Lieut. Johnstone with an officer's belt in behalf of the men of the Section. Many calls today. Men are assigned U. S. numbers. "Johnny" leaves for Paris.
February 26. Perkins fills place of substitute cook to everyone's satisfaction.
February 28. Lieut. Abbot and Jamon visit postes with Captain of the American Ambulance Section and arrange for transportation of sick and wounded.
March 1. Starting today, men on poste at Badonviller will carry rations from section kitchen. Road from Hablainville-Pettonville is reserved for one-way traffic.
March 2. Letter received from Lieut. Johnstone stating that Carl Holbrook died three weeks ago from indigestion, and that Church Durant is very sick with heart trouble. Lyman and "Van" have a scrap.
March 3. Men are paid for poste rations. Crane returns from Ambulance 226.
March 4. Lieut. Abbot sends a letter to parents of Carl Holbrook and of Church Durant.
March 5. During night of the fourth and fifth Germans attack in front of Badonviller. Fifteen Americans, including one captain, killed. Several cars sent out during the day. First American mail for nearly two weeks.
March 6. General Pershing in town this morning. Packard makes three trips to Vacqueville, brings in thirty-three French who had been gassed. At 4 p.m. funeral is held for the Americans.
March 7. Shipment of Y. M. C. A. goods arrives.
March 8. No orderly sent out on Migneville and Badonviller cars today. Hereafter there will be but one orderly at each of these posts. Sgt. Peters, Clifford, Campbell and Cunningham return.
March 9. Clocks moved ahead one hour at 11 p.m. today. Packard and two ambulances are sent to sawmill between St. Pole and St. Maurice, this noon, with brancardiers and supplies. French and Americans make coups at Neuviller and at Badonviller late in afternoon. Very few wounded---Boches had left trenches. Packard brings in load of gassed Frenchmen---one car stays at sawmill all night. Four American ambulances from Company 168 are stationed at Cristallerie "on call."
March 10. Packard to sawmill for supplies. Borden, Shively and Wasem leave on permission.
March 11. Two ambulances and the Packard to sawmill again. Diedrichs leaves Section.
March 12. Early in A.M. Boches shell sawmill---shrapnel ruins radiator, lamps. and motor of Packard. Larrabee and Sgt. Peters have narrow escape when shell fails to explode near their heads. Truck towed in.
March 14. Packard towed to Parc Y for repairs---Corp. Lundgren and Marcellus go with it. Return with another Packard at 8 p.m. New Maréchal-des-Logis and Brigadier Ordinaire arrive. Rouger and Emery.
March 16. Van Doren assigned to quarters and kitchen police for two days.
March 18. Capt.-Inspector Hurley arrives and goes over mess fund statements, clothing accountability, etc.
March 19. Five ambulances leave at 6 am, for evacuation of hospitals. Lieut. Abbot to Nancy for pay. Germans are shelling all roads along the Front---some of the cars have exciting runs. At 8 p.m. two cars are sent to St. Pole with brancardiers and later three cars are sent up near L'Ecureuil. French expected to attack.
March 20. Men from L'Ecureuil return at 5 a.m.---those from St. Pole at nine. No blessés. Lieut. Abbot leaves for Paris this noon on permission. Heavy firing all evening.
March 21. Poste cars busy today. Van Doren is arrested by American M. P. at Badonviller for taking pictures. Held at Pexonne as a spy. Spends night in the guardhouse.
March 22. Van Doren turned over to Sgt. Peters this A.M. by M. P. Very busy day---nineteen calls. Borden, Shively and Wasem return from permission at Aix-les-Bains.
March 23. American troops continue to pass through Baccarat on way back from trenches. American Ambulance 168 leaves today. Orders arrive for Bates to report for Infantry O. T. C. which opens March 31, 1918.
March 24. Eight ambulances are called out at 3.45 to evacuate to French hospital train. Russell and Stevens are relieved at Montigny this A.M.---they have made eleven trips in less than two days. Section is ordered on the alerte today-no one can leave the cantonment. Mme. Thomas' house in Badonviller is ruined by a shell. Alerte for avions at 10 p.m. Brichard goes on permission. Learn of big German offensive and shelling of Paris. Can scarcely believe reports.
March 25. So many shoes and tubes are punctured on the Badonviller road that Lieut. Jamon goes to Nancy to get supply. Lieut. Abbot returns from Paris.
March 26. Lieuts. Abbot and Jamon visit Badonviller this P.M. Flint and Voorhees and Lieut. Jamon are ready to leave on permission when order arrives suppressing all leaves. Avions over tonight drop bombs near railroad station. Men take to cave four times.
March 28. Men ordered to cut down baggage as much as possible---hear that Section is to move soon. Pvt. Howard P. Potter soins Section from Base Camp U. S. A. A. S. tonight.
March 30. Cars on poste at Montigny and Badonviller are relieved by American ambulances. Lieuts. Abbot and Jamon inspect postes in St. Clement sector.
March 31. Cars are stationed at new postes---two cars at Herbéviller, three at Benaménil and two at Domjévin.
April 1. Up at 5.30. Raining hard. Leave Baccarat at eight for St. Clement. Section 92 does not get out until afternoon. Various rooms and lofts are assigned as quarters. Men very dissatisfied.
April 3. Lieut. Jamon's car towed to Nancy and Ford touring car secured in its place.
April 6. Brichard returns from permission. Car returning from Domjévin is not replaced.
April 7. Two cars are sent to Moyen---stationed there at H. O. E. for evacuation work. Poste is changed from Herbéviller to Ogéviller.
April 8. French start eating from the American kitchen today. "Mathe" helping our cooks.
April 9. Section box of personal effects sent to Parc Y. Sgt. Hubbard is put in charge of motor supplies, tires, etc.
April 11. Red Cross tent given to G. B. D., 128 D. I.
April 12. Lieut. Jamon, Lieut. Abbot and twenty men take gas test, each driver trying out his Tissot in addition to the ordinary mask. Band concert in P.M. and ball game after supper.
April 13. Slight change in sanitary service of the sector. Triage moved from Benaménil to Ambulance 6/7, Chenevières. Two Boche avions added a little excitement to the day's doings.
April 14. Excellent dinner today for the Section, celebrating the entrance of U. S. into the war. Field day of 169 R. I. in P.M.
April 15. Lieut. Jamon, Lieut. Abbot, Shively and Lyman go to Baccarat in A.M. and get some commissary supplies. American mail arrives.
April 16. Victrola set up and greatly enjoyed.
April 18. No. 208 is towed to Nancy today.
April 19. American and French Lieuts. of S. S. U. 534 look over cantonment and postes today. Larsen and Corp. Lundgren go to Nancy with permis rouge for car No. 208. Word comes that Section is to move to Baccarat.
April 20. Corp. Lundgren and Marcellus return with No. 208.
April 21. Cars at Benaménil and Ogéviller are relieved by cars from S. S. U. 534 Atelier and most of section baggage packed in cars. Two Americans from S. S. U. 534 eat with us today.
April 22. Section leaves St. Clement (in rain as usual)---moves to Baccarat, where cars. are parked near Hospital Mixte. Wasilik and Larkin come directly from Moyen. Voorhees stays in St. Clement, waiting for Médecin Divisionnaire. In afternoon cars are moved to Rue de Glonville, where kitchen is set up. Most of men are quartered in a barn, others through Rouger's efforts secure rooms near by.
April 23. Order comes to move, so Section leaves for Bazien---small village between Baccarat and Ramberviller. Men not enthusiastic over the move---strike---but esprit de corps returns after talks by Lieut. Abbot and Sgt. Peters. Men quartered in big new barn. Good bureau. Victrola is set up.
April 24. D. C. Peters and Emery go to Baccarat for supplies. Men permitted to secure rooms in town. Order comes through French renewing permissions.
April 25. Voorhees, Russell and Rouger leave on permission.
April 26. Big requisition is sent in to complete standard equipment of tools, spare parts and supplies. Twelve men given passes to Baccarat or Ramberviller this P.M. Must be back at eight
April 27. Clifford works on mess fund statements.
April 28. Ten men are sick with grippe. In afternoon "Bill" Flint is taken to French H. O. E. at Baccarat.
April 29. More men are sick this A.M.
April 30. Flint returns from hospital.
May 2. Several men lose their rooms for returning late after passes or missing roll call, and Van Doren loses car and it is assigned to Perkins. "Van" is arrested by gendarme and M. P. for having camp in woods. Later taken to Baccarat, where he spends night in guardhouse.
May 3. Orders to leave. Section packs up in A.M. "Van" returns to Section just before it leaves Bazien at 1.45 p.m. Googins' car goes bad at Nossoncourt---new car has to be sent from Nancy. First real American mail for long time. Section spends night at Charmes.
May 4. This afternoon bunch goes swimming in the Moselle. Sgt. Hubbard, Green, Googins, Wasilik and Wasem with their cars leave by train with the Division.
May 5. Up at 3 a.m. and off at four. Lieut. Abbot joins Section at Neufchâteau. Stop at noon at Chaumont and reach Troyes for supper. While entering town Tremaine's car hits little boy, seriously injuring him.
May 6. Off at 8.45---delay due to accident. Lunch at Nogent-sur-Seine. Stop for night at Chauconin, near Meaux. Raining hard.
May 7. Off before eight---reach Beauvais for lunch. Get supplies at Parc A Echelon Américain. Arrive at Aumale in afternoon. Sgt. Hubbard and four men with cars are there. Quarters in a school building.
May 8. Men work on cars. Crane is reduced to Private. Section packs up again this evening ready for start.
May 9. Up at 2.15---off at four. Reach Picquigny on the Somme, where cars are parked on square. Lots of British troops here. Section assigned quarters in small barn---several men set up pup tents. Fine English canteen.
May 10. The 169th band has demonstration this evening.
May 11-12. Very little work---a call or two a day. The twelfth is Mother's Day and everyone writes letter to mother. French Artillery Colonel visits Section in its "garden."
May 13. "Dave" is "busted."
May 14. Lieut. "Bill" Bingham inspects Section.
May 15. Lieut. Abbot to Beauvais for pay. "Art" Lewis goes too, and Weber, who takes "Pinard" and "Grenade" to turn them over to girls in the Smith Unit. Everyone sorry to lose pups. Big mail today---the first for long time. Avions over this evening and drop several bombs. Our ambulances carry blessés to hospital---one little boy and a girl die on the way.
May 16. Shively appointed section correspondent for the official weekly publication of the U. S. A. A. S. with the French Army, The Radiator. The bunch go swimming in the Somme.
May 17. Corp. Lundgren and four men with their cars are sent to Hornoy on D. S. Section moves to outskirts of town. Quarters in open factory shed. Must carry water from town. Brichard leaves Section.
May 18. Emery went on permission last evening. Order comes for Van Doren to report to Headquarters. Leaves this evening with Sgt. Hubbard and Weber, who are granted leaves. Bates appointed Mess Sergeant.
May 19. Rouger, Russell and Voorhees returned from permission during the night. Had been away twenty-three days. From Ramberviller in box cars.
May 20. Corp. Lundgren and the four men return from Hornoy. Section leaves Picquigny about 7 a.m and passing very close to Amiens, goes to Esquennoy (Oise). Stationed in an old park and most of men sleep in shelter tents in the woods. Lots of avions tonight.
May 21. Tobacco from American Red Cross arrives. Cunningham, Stevens and Weber appointed Privates, 1st Class.
May 23. Pvt. Robert S. Wylie joins Section from Base Camp.
May 25. Green's car is run into by a truck near Beauvais, but not badly damaged. Frenchman is assigned to Section---replacing Brichard.
May 26. Eight ambulances called out this AM. to evacuate bunch of malades to Crèvecœur.
May 27. Mess Sgt. Bates goes to Beauvais with Shively for provisions. Heavy firing all evening and Boche avions come over many times.
May 28. Lieut. Jamon goes on permission. Learn of big German offensive.
May 29. Sgt. Peters leaves for Paris on way to Auto School at Meaux. Preparations for a move in the A.M. Twelve cars are sent out this evening to get malades. Borden's car is smashed up on way back from Crèvecœur. Beecher out to repair it. Division to move tomorrow.
May 30. Leave Esquennoy about 8 a.m. Lewis smashes radiator. Lunch at Clermont. Stop for couple of hours at Compiègne. Get supplies from Red Cross. Spend night at Le Meux. Division ordered to hold Germans on right bank of the Oise.
May 31. Up before three and off at four for town of Rethondes, between Compiègne and Soissons. Roads filled with fugitives. Lieut. goes to Beauvais for ambulance to replace Borden's. Cars in park at Old Ladies' Home. Shortly after noon, orders come for Section to leave at once. Division arrived too late to check Boches. Moves about 6 p.m. Butler waits for Lieut. and Beecher, who arrive from Beauvais at 10 p.m. Section goes to Vez via Croix- St.- Ouen. Parks beside road for night. Avions, flares and disconcerting rumors. Voorhees missing.
June 1. Lieut. to Villers-Cotterets, where Division is located. Section ordered to V. C. Park cars in square in front of château. Most of cars sent out at once. Many of them to Dampleux, where poste is established. Boches very near V. C. Most of blessés are evacuated to Betz. Cars busy all day and far into night. Ready for "get away." Great excitement in town---soldiers looting stores. No civilians left. Situation critical.
June 2. Less work today. Many shells sent into town---near railroad. Couple of French ambulances to work with Section. Move quarters to bathhouse. Get lots of food---peas, beans, prunes, etc., in deserted hospital storehouse. Lots of shells and avions tonight. Lieut.'s car backed into tree---not badly hurt.
June 3. Boches shell Dampleux very hard this AM. Kirby has close escape as shell lands while ambulance is being loaded. Several cars go out under heavy fire. Cars busy all morning evacuating Dampleux, Oigny, Maison Forestière and Oigny quarry. Poste established at Fleury. Boche attacked this A.M. but were driven back by the 128th---doing great work. Five Fords from Section 577 stationed here for evacuation work. Little girl found wounded brought in by Houlihan and Butler.
June 4. More quiet today, though bunch of shells fall near château. D. C. Peters, "Bal" and Marcellus go to Beauvais with Borden's and Ballantyne's cars. Bring back new car. Also bring back Sgt. Hubbard and Weber from permission.
June 5. Lieut. Jamon returned from permission last night. This evening shell explodes under 210 (Wylie's car) stationed at Dampleux and car is shattered. Luckily Wylie was absent. Frenchman badly wounded.
June 6. Road from Dampleux to quarry is badly shelled---so all cars are sent direct from V. C. to Oigny and the quarry. Several wounded when shells fall near château this P.M. one shell landed in court and killed French ambulance driver. Mechanics tow remains of Wylie's car to V. C. Men sleep in cellar-bakery tonight. "Cockroaches big as rats."
June 7. Lieut. Abbot, with Beecher and Butler, goes to Paris this P.M. to get new car. At Headquarters get supplies and copies of Radiator but no car. Thence to Colommiers to Echelon Américain but no car there, so return to V. C. by way of Meaux, where they see Sgt. Peters. Perkins taken sick to H. O. E., Betz, this A. M.
June 8. Town badly shelled this afternoon. Shell strikes château. Proal visits Section.
June 9. Good sing tonight. Emery returns from permission. Quiet day. Petit Parisien for today shows picture and account of little girl brought in wounded from Oigny quarry.
June 10. At 6.45 this evening shell lands in court near kitchen. Bates, who is preparing to go to poste, is very seriously wounded by shell fragments. Several Frenchmen killed by same shell. Bates operated on at Ambulance 226 this evening. Pretty bad shape. Borden gets very small piece of éclat in wrist. Bates' car ruined and Lewis' and Borden's damaged. Everybody sleeps in cave tonight.
June 11. Section "alerted" about 2.30 a.m, as Boche attack is supposed to be starting, but nothing results. Bates moved with Ambulance 226 to Boursonne during afternoon. Receives Croix de Guerre, cited by order of the 128th Division. Section moves to Boursonne.
June 12. Several cars at postes are relieved during night after making trips. Have great job finding Boursonne. Boche and French attack this A.M. Cars busy today. Maison Forestière poste is regulatrice for both Fleury postes and Dampleux.
June 13. Bates is taken to Senlis this morning and put on hospital train for Paris.
June 14. Beech and "Gil" go to Villers and tow in Bates' car. Butler goes with Lieut. to French parc at Le Val. Find eight mail sacks for S. S. U. 585. Fellows mighty glad to get letters. Lots of gas at Dampleux these days (or nights).
June 15. American and French Lieuts. of S. S. U. 577 at Boursonne this P.M.
June 16. Lieut. has letter from Perkins, who is at Hospital 49, Orléans. Late in P.M. Lieut. Johnstone (Johnny) visits Section. Looks fine.
June 17. Learn that Jamon has been promoted to First Lieut. Larrabee is taken sick to Ambulance 5/53 at Château Boursonne.
June 18. Section takes gas test. Marcellus is sent to H. O. E., Bets. Has the "gale." Great discussion in quarters this evening over our cuisine.
June 20. Lieut. Jamon wearing two galons today.
June 22. Larkin leaves on permission this A.M. Under date of June 18, General Segonne cites "à l'ordre de la Division" the S. S. U. 585---also Lieut. Abbot, Maréchal des Logis Rouger, Corp. Lundgren, Bates, Larrabee, Green and Stevens, and cites "à l'ordre du Regiment" Ballantyne, Bowerman, Larkin, Russell, Potter and Wasilik.
June 23. Googins leaves on permission this A.M. and Larrabee returns from Ambulance 5/53. Dampleux poste is moved to Maison F this A.M. because of bombing and shelling of town. Stationery received from Knights of Columbus.
June 24. Houlihan leaves on permission.
June 26. New poste established today at Croix de Vouty. One car there---two cars are to be at lower Fleury poste hereafter to relieve La Grande Ramée and Croix de Vouty.
June 27. This P.M. men in S. S. U. and G. B. D. are decorated with Croix de Guerre by the Médecin Divisionnaire. This occasion followed by big party. Bunch pretty happy. "Deak" Lyman fractured ankle. Neil Lynch rejoins Section from S. S. U. 646.
June 28. Marcellus returns from hospital at Creil. "Lazarus" returns from permission. Lyman is taken to Ambulance 5/11, Bets.
June 29. "Johnny" visits Section.