Delaware County, NY Genealogy and History Site
Diary of Howard Fletcher Davidson
(May 20, 1917 - August 13, 1919
Transcribed by Ed Davidson, son of Howard Fletcher Davidson, former historian of Delaware County, N.Y. Brothers Allan Davidson and Richard Davidson join Ed in his desire to have this information made available to any and all who have an interest in these matters. - submitted by Ed Davisson to this website July 26, 2000
Note: Pdf file - this same document as a pdf file.
Corporal Howard Fletcher Davidson
(April 16, 1895 - August 29, 1987)
#108034
81st Company
6 th Machine Gun Battalion
Fourth Brigade
Second Division
US Marines
[Material enclosed in brackets is added or from an alternate source]
PROLOGUE
H. Fletcher Davidson
[ I was born April 16, 1895 on a farm in the town of Bovina, NY. My parents were
Douglass Davidson and Margaret Hoy Davidson. I was the youngest of the family of four. Mary,
the eldest, died in infancy, Vera Lillian ( Mrs Wm J. Storie) died in 1967, John George died of
whooping cough before I was two years old.
I attended grade school at District #4 in Bovina Center in the building now converted to
the Bovina Public Library. I attended Delaware Academy at Delhi, NY (the old white building
recently demolished) for three years graduating with the class of 1913.
After one year in Forestry Course at Cornell University I switched to the study of
electricity at The Bliss Electrical School, Takoma Park (now College Park), Maryland,
graduating in Class of 1916. Before graduation I was employed by Western Electric Co. to do
telephone switchboard installation at Bryant Exchange, 38th St. N.Y.C., John Exchange on Gold
St. and a new exchange at Bayonne, NJ where the newly devised message register system was
installed.
Coming home to vote in the November election, I was interviewed by Homer Mason,
Delhi's electrical contractor, who induced me to go to work for him, wiring the Canon House in
Delhi, the Meridith Inn at Meridith Square, installing motors at Andes creamery. Also started
the electrical work on the new dairy barn being constructed on the campus of Delhi Ag & Tech,
But his work slackened so that it was not a full time job so I secured employment on the testing
and inspection floor of the Diehl Electric Motor Co. (now Singer) at Elizabeth, NJ.
While attending Cornell University I received the usual military training, then required at
all land grant colleges. Also while I was at Bliss Electrical School I became a member of the
American Legion, an organization which sponsored preparedness and where members pledged
themselves to volunteer for service if war should erupt. So when war was declared against
Germany on April 6th, 1917 I went to the Marine Corps recruiting office in N.Y.C. and was
accepted into service. (When the present American Legion was formed in Paris in 1919, the old
Legion surrendered its charter to them).
I was sent to boot camp at Paris Island, but due to quarantine, etc was not sworn in until
May 20th. After the usual boot training I was sent July 31st to the new training camp being built at
Quantico, Virginia. Here I was assigned to the first Machine gun Company ever to be formed,
but we drilled as infantry one day then worked on construction the next day, for three weeks
before the Lewis machine gun equipment arrived.
After two months of intensive training a proficiency test was held in disassembly and
assembly of the guns while totally blindfolded. A man named Williams and I were the two highest
scorers so we were removed from field training, both promoted to Corporal and sent to a
machine shop for intensive training in overhaul and repair. The upkeep of all equipment of the
Company became our responsibility for the duration.]
1917
Sat-May 4th - Worked in Diehl's in AM. Went to N.Y. in PM and enlisted at 23rd St. Station for
Marine recruiting. Was examined and told to report again the 10th. Went back to Elizabeth [N.J.]
and took in a movie, "Womanhood, the Glory of a Nation".
Sun-May 5th - Packed my trunk and left Elizabeth at noon for home.
Mon-May 6th - Arrived in Delhi on the forenoon train. Rode home on truck with James Hilson.
Jane and Kate Reynolds was with him too.
May 7th, 8th, 9th - Spent at home. A surprise party held for me at Vera's [his sister] on evening of
9th. Had a fine time and felt especially good at finding so many friends bidding me a `bon
voyage'.
May 10th - Father took me to `Flyer' in morning and I arrived in N.Y. too late to take the boat
that left in that PM. So was given room and meal tickets at Joe's resturant and ordered to report
again the morning of 12th. Took in a movie that night.
May 11th - Went over to Jersey City and called on the Morgans. Charles Salzman and I went to
city that night and took in "The Flame" then playing at the Lyric Theater. Stayed with Salzman
that night.
May 12th - Board ship "City of St. Louis" and left dock at 3 PM bound for Paris Island.
May 14th - Docked at Savannah about 7 PM and went out with bunch to see the town.
May 15th - Boarded `Pilot Boy' and left for Paris Island. Landed about 3 PM and went to
quarantine camp.
May 20th - Was sworn into service as a `U.S. Marine' and issued a uniform.
May 21st-26th - Squad drill at the quarantine camp.
May 27th - Packed heavy marching order and marched to maneuvering grounds.
May 30th - Ran a quarter in a mile relay race on the team winning first place.
Jun 3rd - Had trouble with eyes and was on light duty three days.
Jun 4th-11th - Company open and closed order drill every day.
Jun 12th - Marched into old barracks where I encountered my first bedbugs.
Jun 13th - 16th - Was back on sick list.
1917
Jun 16th - 26th - Drill one day and work on new barracks the next.
Jun 27th-Jul 11th - Work on the range where I qualified as marksman.
Jul 12th-29th - Drill every other day and work on the new barracks or hauling materials on the
other days.
Jul 30th - Went from Paris Island to Port Royal in barge and there boarded train for Quantico.
Stopped for a fine supper at Florence, N.C. and took sleepers from there to Quantico.
[ Letter home ]
23rd Co H, Marine Barracks
Port Royal, S.C.
(Undated)
Dear Sister and Brother,
Your letter came the day before yesterday and this is the first chance I have had to
answer it. I hope you will be able to read it for I am writing on my knee. I guess the best way to
answer your questions is to start in and describe a day.
The "get up call" comes at five o'clock, we have to get dressed, washed, our tents
`policed up' and fall in line for drill until 6:30. Then we get a breakfast of coffee without sugar
but you have a suspicion someone dropped a drop of milk in the washboiler full, a slice of
bread and either beans, oatmeal without sugar or milk or rice the same way. In about half an
hour we are back in line and drill until 11:15 and rest until 11:30 when we get our dinner of
water, beans, beefstew and a slice of bread. The stew usually is about half potatoes and if not
we get a potato boiled with the jacket on too. Next we get fixed up for inspection at 1:00. Every
other afternoon we have to take a bath and scrub a set of clothes. The other afternoon we are
liable to either drill or do some sort of work, one afternoon I was a carpenter and yesterday
afternoon I cut brush and weeds. At 4:30 we have supper of sweet tea at about 65* temp, more
beans and stew, and another slice of bread. Then drill again until about 7:30 or in other words
until dark.
We each have a tin cup, knive, fork, spoon, platter with cover for dishes. We have to line
up and march past the kitchen and get served to a mess of everything. They have a kitchen for
about each 225, after we are served we set around on the ground and eat. Then all wash our
dishes in a pan of water they set out behind by a garbage pail. All wash in about the same pail
of water so you can imagine how greasy it is for the last ones.
Our tents are about 7' x 10' and have three cots in so there is no room to turn around
and we have no place to keep anything and when we move we pack everything on our backs.
When we drill we carry a light pack of about 15 or 20 lbs. And on moving or in heavy march
order with about 80 lbs. We each have a bucket and stand in line for a bucket of fresh water
every day after dinner. We use that to wash ourselves and our clothes and once in awhile on
wash days if we are smart enough we can get a second bucket before the time is up and they
shut it off. We each have a canteen too which we fill up for drinking. It is all sulphur water so
you know it tastes good (NO!)
1917
Sunday Afternoon-
I had to stop yesterday to start on a twelve mile march. I don't think I ever saw such a
hot day and it was so dusty one could hardly breathe. Before we had gone very far I had a good
coat of mud all over me, then it would run off in streaks.
I got the letter last night that Mother sent Wednesday, but I haven't gotten those back
ones yet, but hope to get them before I leave here as they are just beginning to get them
straightened out. It is rumored that our company leaves here tomorrow or the next day for - no
one knows where. Some of the fellows that came down from New York on the same boat, but
were put in a different Co. left yesterday. They are building a heap of wooden barracks here
and some say they are going to turn the island over to the training of the conscript army and all
the Marines will have to get off. They are as good as prisoners when they get them here for
there is no way possible for them to escape save swim.
I must get ready for mess again so will say `goodbye'.
Lots of love to all
/s/ Fletcher
DIARY CONTINUES---
Jul 31st - Arrived in Quantico this morning and spent the day in getting settled.
Aug 1st - Organized 81st Company this morning. Glad to be in a machine gun company. Took a
swim and scrubbed clothes in the Potomac.
Aug 2nd - Received pay today and drew some new clothes.
Aug 4th - Have been granted a furlough 4th to 13th inclusive and left Quantico on noon `special'.
Arrived in N.Y. about 5:30 and had to wait till 3 AM train.
Aug 5th - Arrived home at noon before people were home from church. Walked in from
Bloomville.
Aug 7th - Went to Delhi on `bike'. Was up to Harkness' to spend the evening where I met
Bill Mable and stayed with him all night in his rooms over the garage.
Aug 8th - Was raining this morning but came home. Homer Burgin took me up from his place in
his car.
Aug 10th - Went down to see Florence in evening. Bill, Madge, Floss, and I went to Andes in
Ford for a ride. I drove over and Bill drove back.
Aug 11th - Spent evening with Edith Liddle.
1917
Aug 12th - Went to church in AM. Billy Thomson took me to Bloomville for afternoon train.
Vera, Father, and Mother went along.
Aug 13th - Arrived back in Quantico in time for supper.
Aug 14th-16th - Infantry drill under Army regulations.
Aug 17th - Liberty - went for a walk in the woods.
Aug 18th-23rd - Drill as infantry. Bomb throwing and bayonet practise.
Aug 26th-Sunday - Went for a walk to Dumphries. Services in Y.M.C.A. at night.
Aug 27th - Received Lewis machine. Spent day in unpacking the guns and carts and setting up
carts.
Aug 28th - Started nomenclature on gun under direction of Capt Curtiss.
Aug 29th-30th - Maneuvered with carts in AM. Nomenclature in PM.
Sept 1st-26th - General routine of drill, hikes and nomenclature.
Sept 27th - Was made Corporal with technical warrant and started to work in machine shop.
[ 10/7/1917 - Drawing clothing and equipment.]
[ 10/8/1917 - Disassembled carts and crated them.]
[ 10/11 - Gen. LeJeune presented colors to 6th Reg.]
[ 10/15 - Went to new rifle range with mach guns, but returned at noon with orders to pack sea
bags and load train. While eating chow orders resinded so we had to unpack and reassemble
carts.]
[ 10/29 - Assembled in heavy marching order to pass in review before Sec. Daniels.]
[ 11/8 - No police or drill all day. Drill call 5:30 PM. Went to trenches with gun carts loaded
with concrete boxes and spent night building emplacements. Recall at 4 AM.]
[ 11/11 - Pete Wood and I took a hike to Dumphries and found an old pyrite mine. Near mine
was an old beech tree with J.R. Hoy and J. Murray carved in bark. Pete and I put our names on
opposite side of tree. [[ John Robertson Hoy was a grandfather of HF Davidson. JR Hoy
enlisted for service in the Civil War on 26th day of August 1864 and was discharged on 25th day
of June 1865. J. Murray was a Bovina boy who enlisted in 1862 and was killed in 1863. ]] ]
1917
[ Letter home]
Sunday night Nov 11,1917
Dearest All,
I have two letters to answer tonight as I got your Friday's letter this morning. Pete and I
have been off for a walk all day, we started right after breakfast and did not get back until
suppertime. We went over to the town of Dumphries, six miles from here. It was built the same
year as Jamestown, (don't think they have built much since) so is one of the oldest places in the
country. From there we went on about three miles farther to a pyrites mine. The mine shaft they
told us there goes down 1700 ft. We went through a ploughed field and noticed pieces of
different colored flint laying around. I just remarked this would have been a good place for the
Indians to get flint when Pete leaned over and picked up an arrowhead. So we started to look
around an[d] inside a half hour we each had a pocketful of them apiece. They were nearly all
white flint, we each brought about half a dozen in with us. I have one that is pink.
Then we came across an old family graveyard that was kept up in fine shape. The oldest
grave was 1686 and the latest 1810.
Next we ran across an old mill with a great big, old fashioned overshot wheel and the
gear wheels inside had wooden cogs. It also had the hooper and great big granite millstones.
On the way back we ran across several old beech trees all carved up with names, put on
a long while ago. I found one that had J.R. Hoy, W. Murray, and about fifty more names on but
those were the only two that was legible. I put HFDavidson right over the Hoy and Pete put
P.P.Wood, U.S.M.C. on the other side of the tree. This is just about halfway between
Washington and Fredricksburg on ground that was fought over during the Civil War. Was it
possible that grandfather was in this section and that might have been his inscription? Was
there a W. Murray in his company or regiment? It seems a strange coincidence that I should
run across it so many years later if it is his, so far from home, and in uniform too.
The weather has been fine here, warm and clear in the day time but cold at nights. You
certainly must have had some rain there to make such a flood at this time of year when the
water is usually so low and no snow to melt. We have had no rain now for weeks.
No, I didn't [get] a chance to vote at all, but you know I certainly would have voted for
both suffrage and prohibition if I had had the chance.
There is such a hub-dub going on around that I can't think of anything so I may as well
stop. I wish father a happy birthday and many returns. I hunted yesterday for a remembrance
but couldn't find even a suitable postcard.
Lots of love
/s/ Fletcher
[ Letter home]
Quantico, Virginia
Nov 18, 1917
Dearest All,
Just a few line to say that all is well here. The weather is certainly something wonderful,
just a long stretch of Indian summer.
1917
Yesterday I went out for another hike. Another fellow and I started out about one o'clock and
went to Dumphries and then about eight miles farther along the road to Mannassas, then cut
across to a little town by the name of Minnieville and then back to Dumphries at seven and took
in a church supper. It only cost us fifty cents and they sure did give us all we could eat. There
were also two other Marines there, they happened to be fellows from our company so of course
we knew them and it made things more pleasant. They entertained us fine and ended up by them
asking me to auction off the cakes and coffee that were left over, of course I had to accept. Can
you imagine me as an auctioneer. They ought to have no kick coming as I got $4.45 for four
cakes and thirty-five cents for a pound of coffee.
I am enclosing a copy of the marines paper they have just started to print. They call the
marines `Leathernecks' because they used to have leather in the collars of their uniforms. The
`gobs' are the navy or sailors. There is a piece in it that tells a little about Quantico's history. I
have heard lots more from the old natives out in the country about the war days. They all like to
tell us about it and some are real interesting. Yesterday we met one who as a boy saw Stewart
charge Mannassas and lots others of those battles in the Wilderness. He would have talked to us
all day if we had had the time. He pointed out the places on the actual ground where this and
that happened.
After supper the other fellow and I walked back to camp and got in at just midnight. The
other two stayed over there all night. I had to work down at the shop this forenoon.
Don't think of any more news so will close for this time.
Lots of love
/s/ Fletcher
DIARY CONTINUES---
[ 11/24 - 81st Co gave an exhibition drill at Washington before a football game between Marines
and a Fort Lee team. ]
Nov 28th - Left Quantico for home on evening train.
Nov 29th - Arrived in Bloomville about 11 AM and walked over the hill to Gladstone's where
the community dinner was being held. Went home from there with Father and Mother.
Nov 30th - Father, John Robertson and I went to Delhi in the Ford. Had dinner up at Harkness'.
After dinner took Madge downtown. Picked up John and Father and came home. In PM was up
and helped prepare for county fair to be held in hall. Went to fair that night with Edith.
Dec 1st - Will [Storie] took me to Delhi to afternoon train. Arrived in N.Y. that night.
Dec 2nd - Left N.Y. this morning and caught noon train down from Washington to Quantico.
Dec 7th - Packed sea bags and all equipment loaded ready to shove off in the morning.
[ Packed equipment and loaded it on freight cars. ]
1917
Dec 8th - Left Quantico before daylight in snow storm and detrained in Newport News about 4
PM. Spent night in loading ship. [ Reveille at 3:45 AM. Train left Quantico at 6:30 for Newport
News. ]
[ 12/9 - Coaled ship, the U.S. De Kalb, at the mouth of James River. ]
Dec 10th - Left Newport News about 8:30 AM and pulled into lower harbor, N.Y. late that
night.
Dec 11th-13th - Lay aboard De Kalb in N.Y. harbor [ Tompkinsville ] awaiting the formation of
the convoy.
Dec 14th - Left N.Y. [ 8:45 PM ] for France. De Kalb, acting cruiser, and North Carolina
[battleship] escorting six other transports. De Kalb was the old famous German raider, Prinz
Eitel Fredrick.
Dec 15th-20th - Spent on high seas. Have not been seasick at all and have been enjoying trip fine.
[ Night of 20th saw a rainbow made by moon. ]
Dec 21st-22nd - Two days spent in target practise. The gunners on the De Kalb make fine scores,
being some of the best gunners in the world.
Dec 24th - North Carolina has disappeared in the night and a fleet of [ 8 ] destroyers now
accompany us. [ Christmas eve had a fake sub alarm. ]
Dec 26th - Convoy splits, three transports [ the President Lincoln, the Princess Irene and
Pocahontas ] turn to the north headed for Brest. We head for St. Nazaire.
Dec 27th - Were lined up for belated Xmas dinner when siren blew. Submarine sighted hard on
starboard bow. Rushed to my station in time to see periscope bob up under our stern and had a
fine post from which to observe the well aimed shots with which De Kalb sank the submarine.
The destroyers circled and dropped depth bombs. Later reported finding dead Germans floating
on water. Land sighted while eating dinner which proved to be Bell Isle. Mainland sighted soon
after. Pulled into harbor at sunset. [ De Kalb fired 3 shots from forward guns and 5 shots from
the stern guns. Dropped anchor near mouth of Loire River. ]
Dec 28th - Sail up river through beautiful scenery and harbor outside of dock locks.
Dec 29th - Go through locks with afternoon tide and dock. Start unload ship immediately.
Dec 31st - Disembark and entrain on III class cars. Leave St. Nazaire in evening.
1918
Jan 1st, 2nd, 3rd - Spent in train crossing France to Damblain. Very cold ride. Most of fellows
had feet frozen. Allen lost off train.
[ 1/1/ 1918 - Rode all day on train - iron rations, hot coffee at a French village. ]
[ 1/2/ 1918 -- Still riding, rations issued at Is rur Tille ??? ]
[ 1/3/ 1918 - [Kenneth] Allen missed train and left behind. ]
Jan 4th - Detrained at Damblain and marched to Chaumont la Ville. Was sick on hike and
collapsed as we entered Chaumont la Ville. We left Lewis guns and equipment on board train.
[Train arrived at midnight at Damblain. At 7 AM started to unload. Left all Lewis guns
and equipment aboard train. About 6 to 8 inches snow on ground. Road not wide enough for 4
abreast so #4 man had to break a path. Hiked a mile or so before discovery was made we were
on wrong road. So we had to go back and start over.]
[We hiked through Germain la Ville where I saw some French farmers threshing grain
with an old horse power. We went on to Chaumont la Ville where Company was billeted in
several houses. My platoon was put in a vacant stone house of two rooms and an attached stable.
There was a fireplace in one of the rooms, but no fire and water froze in the rooms that night.]
Jan 6th - Company received Hotchkiss guns and carts. Went to Damblain and pulled them in by
hand.
[1 / 12 - Co. went to Damblain and were issued French Hotchkiss machine guns and carts. Each
cannon weighed over half a ton and 4 or 5 men pulled and pushed them.]
[ 1 / 24 - Our first mail call.]
[1 / 26 - New YMCA opened today. Selling jams, chocolate, tobacco.]
[ LETTER HOME ]
ON ACTIVE SERVICE
WITH THE
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
Jan 26, 1918
Dear Sis,
I have been intending to write you for a long time but I don't seem to get many letters
written at all. In fact six to Father and Mother are all I have written. The night before last I
received a little Xmas card and some stamps from Auntie Hoy which is all the mail I have
received. It had been sent down to camp and was forwarded.
It is about the same thing every day here and as we can say nothing of our drills there
isn't much of interest to write. I don't think I ever will get so I can understand their jabber here,
though I have gotten so I can get a few things I want. I carry a French book around in my jacket
with me all the time.
1918
I get a paper here nearly every day so I have some idea of what is going on in the States. We
can get the Paris edition of Chicago Tribune or New York Herald a day late for only three sous.
( A sou is a little less than a cent)
It is quite springlike here and the weather is very pleasant. The country is beautiful
around us.
Try to keep Mother from worrying as much as you can. I am in no danger here.
Lots of love
/s/ Fletcher
Cpl. H.F. Davidson
81st Co. U.S. Marines
A.E.F.
DIARY CONTINUES---
Jan 29th - Were issued [French] gas masks and started drill with them.
[2 / 1 - Received some Christmas bags from Red Cross. Fired Hotchkiss gun for first time.]
[2 / 4 - Issued Colt 45 today. Also a bunch of mules.]
[2 / 12 - Tried out our new masks by going through a gas chamber.]
[2 / 21 - Reveille at 4 AM. Brigade maneuvers - rain and cold all day.]
[3 / 2 - Battalion hike to Bassomcourt for billeting drill. Muddy hike.]
Mar 17th - Left Chaumont la Ville [7:30 AM] and hiked to Breuvannes where we entrained for
front. Two Red Cross workers gave us good send off.
[At Breuvannes loaded all equipment on flat cars. All sea bags with personal belongings left
behind, with promise we would have them again in about two weeks. <67 years later - 2 weeks
not up yet!>] [ First diary lost]
[ DEPT OF THE MEUSE --- VERDUN SECTOR ]
Mar 18th - Detrained at Lemmes and had a long hike [50 Km] to Camp Massey on Verdun
Sector. [Clear, hot day for March. Saw much anti-aircraft fire. Stopped by a small brook for cold
chow and most took opportunity to soak feet in the cold water.]
Mar 19th-26th - Lay in reserve at Camp Massey, marching up every other day to dig trenches.
1918
Mar 27th - Left Camp Massey and hiked into trenches at Eperon at night. Stood gas watch (or
rather watched the rat army). No Mans Land on fire. Set by German flares landing in dead grass.
Mar 28th - Built weather vane for gas purposes. At night [Earl] Worthington and I were sent to
P.C. Brest, 2nd Battalion, 6th R, as runners to our Company.
Mar 29th-31st - Stationed nights at P.C. Brest as runners and in days at P.C. Eperon 81st P.C.
[Brest P.C. is 20 ft underground with 3 tier chicken bunks, but the roof drips continually.]
Apr 1st - Cpl. [Floyd] Williams came in from Camp Loggets to relieve me and I walked back to
Loggetts in afternoon.
Apr 6th - Went to Camp Massey to guard rations until arrival of Company from trenches that
night.
Apr 7th-10th - Spent in Camp Massey doing general work on carts and guns. Williams and I
made two anti-aircraft mounts for the Hotchkiss tripod. [A very tedious job due to lack of tools
having nothing much but a rat tail file with which to drill holes in boiler plate. Rain and shell fire
in area, but no damage.]
Apr 11th - Went into trenches at Menil at night. Packed mule train with pack saddles up
mountain that night.
Apr 12th - Went out with chow runners to Sgt. Burdett's position and made run out at night with
evening orders.
Apr 13th - Made two runs to Sgt Burdett's position on right flank.
Apr 14th - Went down to Lt. Stiles position with music and fixed up water pump to pump water
out of dugout. Made two runs to get Sgt. Burdett's position. Was sniped at on return and was
spattered with mud but not hurt.
Apr 15th - Made three runs to Sgt. Burdett's position. Were relieved by French at night and
marched to Camp Clifford.
Apr 16th - My birthday! General rest and cleanup day.
Apr 17th - Company went into trenches at Watronville. I remained at Camp Cliffird with the
mule skinners.
Apr 18th-May 10th - Spent in Camp Clifford doing general repair work and `Jack of all trades'.
Made three or four trips out to the trenches for Meister or [Sgt Howard] Strain.
1918
May 11th - Drove one of mule carts into Rondean and Company came out of trenches.
May 14th - Left Camp Clifford about 3 AM and hiked 20 miles that forenoon through many
small towns. Arrived at Hieppes at noon. Worked on a brake of rolling kitchen in PM. Had a
bath and turned in right after supper.
May 15th - Left Hieppes about 8:30 AM and arrived at Hargeville 15 miles distant in afternoon
and stopped there for the night.
May 16th - Left Hargeville at 9:30 AM and made 20 kilometers to Rurgny before dinner. Many
German prisoners were working in wagon shops there. Took a swim in river before I ate dinner.
Resumed the march about 2:30 [PM] and made 22 K more to Venault le Chatel by 10 PM.
May 17th - Took good bath and scrubbed clothes in AM, rested in PM.
May 18th - Worked on repairing kitchen in AM and on shafts for gun carts in PM.
May 19th - Repair work on carts in forenoon. Took swim in PM.
May 20th - Left Venault le Chatel at 7:30, passed through Bessuat 8:30. Stopped for dinner at
Vitry le Francois and loaded into boxcars. Made good time all night, passing through the
outskirts of Paris early in the morning.
May 21st - Pulled into Isle Adam in morning, detrained there and marched about 35 K to
Marines arriving there about 7 PM and put up for night in a barn.
May 22nd - Marched from Marines to Beaugrenier, stopping for dinner under some fine shade
trees at a crossroads. Were quartered in a lousy old barn loft so moved out under an apple tree.
May 23rd-30th - Remained in Beaugrenier doing a little general repairing and cleaning up. On the
morning of the 26th the Company marched to next town and went through a gas chamber.
May 30th - Stood by to move all night. Left Beaugrenier at 5:30 and hiked in heavy marching
order to Paris-Dieppe Road where we embarked in camions. Rode all day and till after midnight
in camions [motor truck or bus]. All afternoon we met a continuous stream of civilians flocking
to the rear in all sorts of conveyances. Many walking and leading dogs, goats, cows, horses.
Some wheeling baby carriages loaded with a few choice articles they saved. Such a scene I never
saw before and hope never will happen again.
1918
[ DEPT OF THE MARNE --- CHATEAU-THIERRY ]
Jun 1st - Slept, or tried to sleep rather, in the crowded camion which took up the move again
about three this morning. A German aeroplane dropped bombs close to us as we were stopped
last night. We continue to meet a few refugees this morning. Stopped in ????? where we did
our first salvaging. Everyone salvaged themselves a `bon' dinner. Disembarked from camion
about 4:30 at corner of Lucy and Paris-Metz Road and immediately formed a line in valley
between Lucy le Bocarge and Bouresches. Was stationed with Mr. Hart's platoon as section
runner. Heines were coming over top then but we stopped their drive. Went out on run at night
but section had moved forward and to left so went wandering until I found them. There were no
signs of trenches of any sort so went strolling out into No Mans Land before I finally located
them. Ran into French patrol on right and came near getting shot up by them.
Jun 2nd - Marines drove Huns back a ways. Made several trips to farm across the ravine on our
right after water. Bob Watson and I went out that evening and brought in a milk cow and a fine
veal. Put in a very strenuous night as all French infantry retreated and left us with only four
machine guns without any support to hold a considerable stretch of front. All gun crews sent out
flankers to the left and HDQ stood by most of the night. Germans made raids up the ravine and
tried to capture Lucy and got within 500 yards of it but could not break our line. This point was
the fartherest point the Hun advance; from then on we drove them steadily back.
Jun 3rd - Went salvaging in the morning with Bob Watson and we got twelve rabbits, five hens,
and a goat. Also a bag of beans and some eggs. About 10: 30 was ordered to lead Sgt. Sharp's
section over to Lucy. I took them down through where the French had been the day before and
the Dutch opened up on us with machine guns but we were in a sort of a draw so we had a place
to duck behind. Sharp and I left the section there and went forward to reconnoiter the way.
Returned and lead section in by taking them down the draw to below the bridge on Lucy to
Paris Metz Road and then up road behind bank. The Germans had gotten artillery up and were
beginning to shell Lucy as we entered. Carson was struck in back by some shrapnel that AM,
being first in our Company to be hurt. Sharp's section was sent out about a mile to left of Lucy
and I remained in Lucy as runner to them. Five holes were put through roof of building I was in
that night. Marines advanced all afternoon with considerable losses. Steady stream of wounded
brought into 1st aid station in Lucy. They shelled the square woods where Lt. Hart's HDQ was
that night and killed the milk cow we had brought in. Sgt. [Chris] Bond shot through leg by piece
of shrapnel.
Jun 4th-13th - Remained in Lucy le Bocarge running to Sgt. Sharp's section and scouting for
food for them and myself as we were without connection with the rest of the company and had
no supplies coming in. It was an exciting ten days though. The Germans shelled the town
continually; the last two days averaging a big shell into it every five minutes. I moved my
quarters the second day to the old caf, behind the church. There was an old wine cellar in this
building which made a good abri ?. We did not use the cellar until a big shell took the roof off
our former bedroom. Luckily no one was hurt. There were five of us runners stayed there
1918
and we had a little club formed. Took turns doing the cooking, etc. One night the Germans made
an attack and we stood by with rifles all night. A shell set a house afire and we had a bucket
brigade to put it out. Next morning Marines made an attack and there was a stream of prisoners
coming in all AM carrying wounded or in bunches under guard. Some of the prisoners we sent
back to line carrying ammunition or bring in more wounded. Many machine guns and two minnie
werfers were brought in.
Jun 14th - Left Lucy le Bocarge. It was a beautiful town with many fine homes when I first
entered it. When I left there was nothing but tumbled waste and a smoking mass of ruins. Went
to Paris form with reg 6th P.C. (???)
Jun 15th -Went on run to 81st Co. and received orders for transfer to Battalion PC in woods by
Triangle Farm. Made a run into Bouresches.
Jun 16th - A very busy day; made one run to 6th RPC, one to Bouresches, three to 81st PC and
four runs to Lucy. The valley between Lucy and Triangle Farm was full of gas all day so had
to wear gas mask every time I went through the valley.
Jun 17th - We moved 6th M.G. PC from Triangle Farm to ravine NW of Lucy, east of
Champillon. [Douglas] Milburn and I spent most of the day digging us our dugout home.
Jun 18th-28th - Lived and worked under almost continuous shell fire. Did nothing but runs, water
and ration details - digging Officer's dugouts. Made a few trips into Vois le Chatel at night after
YMCA supplies. Company went out of trenches Jun 28th.
Jun 29th - Moved back to woods N.E. of Montreuil. [William] Yarnall taken sick on way out.
Drew some new clothes. Found Company had had about 66 casualties including 11 killed in
action; some others will probably die of their wounds and some are disabled for the service.
Jun 30th - Went to Marne for a bath. Swam across twice, took weak tremblings from swimming
and went to St. Aulde to the mule camp to remain overnight.
Jul 1st - [John] Chaney and I walked from St. Aulde back to camp where we remained until the
night of the 4th.
Jul 4th - Everything very quiet today. At night Company hiked back and camped for night near
old chateau just below St. Aulde.
Jul 5th - Took bath and washed clothes in Marne. Did some repair work on the water cart. After
supper packed up and marched up along Marne until daybreak.
Jul 6th - Encamped this morning in woods on a hill overlooking the Marne valley and slept most
of the day. In the evening hiked a few miles farther to woods E. of Nanteuil-sur-Marne.
1918
Jul 7th-15th - Remained in woods with guns in reserve positions while Company fixed up reserve
machine gun emplacements.
Jul 16th - Packed up right after dinner and hiked from 3 PM until after midnight.
Jul 17th - Lay from midnight until nearly dawn beside the road waiting for the D*#! camions into
which we loaded and rode until late afternoon. Then went by hand with packs and machine gun
equipment up a long mountain through the woods. Stopped for supper and unrolled our packs
for night, but immediately rolled them up again and stacked blanket rolls. Hiked all night with
machine guns, equipment and ammunition through rain and stygian darkness along a road
congested with all sorts of traffic.
[ Aisne Marne Offensive ]
(See Citation)
Jul 18th - Stopped for rest a couple of hours at daybreak. Just flopped on wet ground in the rain
and was dead to the world. Took up march again with no breakfast and hiked all forenoon. The
6th Marines had started the drive that morning and we met frequent large bunches of prisoners
going to the rear. Had a hard time holding our own with the rapidly advancing front. Came to
front where drive had started, crossed the old No Mans Land to behind the old German lines
where we stopped to rest a few hours in PM.
Saw a sight that afternoon that no civilian ever witnessed and one that could never be
painted or described fully in words. Thousands of soldiers of French, French Orientals, and
American armies, tanks, cavalry, artillery, armored motor cars, bicycle corps, infantry, in fact,
one might say everything used in warfare advancing in a continuous stream toward the receding
front. Had an early supper and again took up the advance. Finally stopped for night in an open
field by some captured German batteries. Right ahead the tanks were battling for the next ridge.
Jul 19th - Fateful day for the 81st Company. 57 casualties out of 119 men on the line - number of
deaths unknown, but many known to have been killed instantly and several others known to have
died from their wounds. Capt. Sumner killed leaving Lt. Hart in command of company. Took up
march early and made front in time to go over the top. I was detailed as runner for Capt.
Sumner. He sent me on run to 3rd Batt PC. When I returned he had started over the top so I start
out to find him. Finally found Lt. Schwerins's section and heard of Capt's death at start of drive.
Lt. Schwerin gave me a gun and I advanced with his section on right flank of 1st Batt. 6th
Reg Marines. Thirty-eight started in section and twelve reached the ditch by the road where we
made our stand with 2 out of the four guns and tripods and two boxes of ammunition per gun.
The advance was through an open wheat field under the direct fire of German artillery and
machine guns. There were only about 200 left out of a 1000 in 1st Battalion The tanks started
over about 50 yards in advance of us, but our advance was so rapid they could not hold the lead.
Most of them were destroyed by the terrific German artillery fire. The rest turned back. We
reached the ditch about noon and lay there all PM in hot sun with no water and short of
ammunition praying there would be no counter attack. We had nothing at all to eat that day. The
German airplanes came over and fired machine guns into our lines and directed the artillery fire
to our ditch. They had control of the air all day, thus our artillery did not know where to fire and
1918
could not put down a barrage for our advance. Late in PM we got a message through to artillery
to blow Parcy-Tigny off of map and they soon made it untenable and Germans were seen
leaving in heavy marching order. After the barrage the Orientals who had the section on our
right advanced into town. We were relieved by the French machine gunners about midnight and
marched to rear until next noon when we encountered the mule train. [Second diary lost?????]
Jul 21st - We hiked to rear from afternoon until midnight when we stopped to camp in the
Compengne woods.
Jul 22nd - Lay in the woods all day. Worked most of day repairing carts.
Jul 23rd - Resumed march to the rear. Hiked all day and stopped for night in a courtyard in a
small town.
Jul 24th - Took bath this AM. In afternoon hiked a few kilometers further to Bregy.
Jul 25th-31st - Much repair work to be done on carts. Made grate for boilers in kitchen to rest on.
Aug 1st - Left Bregy at noon and hiked to Nanteuil where we entrained. Passed through St.
Daunis (?) at dusk. Rode all night making good speed.
Aug 2nd - Made good speed on the train all day. Passed through Poissons, Gondrecourt, Toul
to Nancy where we detrained and hiked to Houdimont.
Aug 3rd - Doc Kirkland and I had a 3 to 11 PM liberty to Nancy. Saw Harry Hodges picture in a
photographer's window.
Aug 4th - Slept in AM. Was sent to Div PC in Nancy in PM to crack safe so got second liberty
in Nancy.
Aug 5th - Left Houdimont and hiked about 15 miles to a camp in the woods. Saw Cliff Franklin
in Nancy as we marched through.
Aug 6th - Slept in day and that night hiked to Dieulouard.
[ DEPT OF THE MEURTH ET MOSELLE - MARBACHE SECTOR ]
[ PONT A MOUSSON ]
Aug 7th - Slept in day and at night hiked to Pont-a-Mousson. I spent night with Lt. Bower's
section.
Aug 8th - Took morning report from Lt. Bower's section into 81st PC in Pont-a-Mousson. Had
a good bath and scrubbed clothes in AM. In PM did nothing but rummage around and eat plums.
Doc Kirkland and I had a private dress parade.
1918
Aug 9th - Left 81st PC at Pont-a-Mousson and went to 6th MG BN PC at Dieulouard as runners
to 81st. Germans brought balloon down.
Aug 10th-12th -Made one run each day to 81st PC and had a meal there and filled up on plums.
Aug 13th - Took swim this morning in the Moselle River. Art Band (artillery band ??) gave
concert in street tonight.
Aug 14th - Made run out to Co. PC after supper and rode back on cassion. Anti-aircraft guns and
searchlights very active. Germans excited sending up many starshells and signal flares.
Aug 15th - Rode out to Company and return on horse. Had my dinner out there.
Aug 16th - Germans brought down observation balloon this morning before breakfast. Made run
to Company PC. Company came out of trenches and I helped billet them in Dieulouard for the
night.
Aug 17th - Went down to corral and had a good swim and clean up this morning. Mended brake
on water cart in PM. Left Dieulouard at 8:15 PM and hiked to 3:45 that night. Had charge of
prisoners on the hike. Stout took D-7's (??) and towed them along behind escort wagon.
Aug 18th - Breakfast at 6:30 and resumed march from Gondreville at 7 AM. Passed through
Villery de Sec, Villery de Sec en Hage crossing river and canal and RR in latter place. Arrived
at Camp Bishops Woods, or in French Bois de Eleveau. Worked prisoners rest of forenoon.
Aug 19th - Bunch went to river in PM to swim and wash carts and mules. One mule drowned.
Put in charge of billet.
Aug 20th - Cpl. [Harry] Cochran made company carpenter. He and I built black board for office.
Washed clothes in PM. Had my teeth inspected.
Aug 21st - Fixed up two tripods and took water cart apart to be painted and repaired.
Aug 22nd - Mended water cart and assembled. Fixed two gun carts. Rode mule to river after
supper and took swim in canal.
Aug 23rd - Worked on carts in AM. In PM went to repair a Hotchkiss and function fire. Rode a
mule to water and took swim after supper.
Aug 24th - Painted some tripods, ammunition boxes, shafts, etc. Company on parade before 2nd
Division officers. Rode mule to water and took swim in canal.
Aug 25th-30th - In camp in Bishops Woods doing general repair work.
1918
Aug 31st-Sep 3rd - In camp in Bishops Woods. Had clothes `decootized' first and took swim in
river. Packed up to leave at 9:15 PM. Shoved off and hiked all night. Stopped in woods.
Sep 4th - Lay in woods all day, hiked all night.
Sep 5th - Camped before daylight in woods. Raining. Stayed in woods all day. [Floyd] Williams
returned to Company.
Sep 7th - Still raining. Stayed in camp all day. Made sea horse stencils in PM. Packed up after
supper and hiked all night.
Sep 8th - Camped just before daylight in woods and lay there all day. Still rainy.
[ DEPT OF MEURTHE ET MOSELLE - St MIHIEL SALIENT ]
Sep 9th-11th - Camped in shelter halves with [Floyd] Williams. Paid the 10th and was Cpl. of the
Guard night of 10th and 11th. Preparations for big offensive. Company went to front to dig
machine gun emplacements night of 10th. Night of 11th and 12th Company marched to trenches. I
was detailed to guard ammunition dump. Dark and very rainy. Barrage started at 1 AM to five
when machine guns and 75's opened up along whole front. 2nd Division went over top at 8:30
and advance 12 kilometers that day from Limey to beyond Thiaucourt. I stayed at Limey dump
until noon of 12th when with 15th Company's carts took train of ammunition to Thiaucourt
dump and remained there on guard alone until next evening [Charles] Ferguson came to help me.
Sep 14th -Ration dump established by ammunition dump and I was put in charge of it also. Lt.
Moriarty, Browny, Kopp spent night with us waiting for kitchen.
Sep 15th - Lt. Biglow came to take charge of dumps. Made several trips on runs to Thiaucourt.
Sep 16th - Made several runs into Thiaucourt. Company reported to be surrounded and
captured or wiped out. Were nearly surrounded, but fought their way out of the trap and made a
two kilometer advance. I returned to our Company galley late that PM and made run from there
to Thiaucourt to Bn PC and also to hunt [Robert] Diver, [Mike] Winandy, and [William] Bulda.
[Ernst] Teuscher went with me. Mr. Ladd started with us, but turned back. We met [Harley]
Bourne and [Mike] Winandy on our return. Had my first good meal and sleep for five days.
Sep 17th - Spent most of AM in sleep and in PM salvaging machine guns, spare parts, tools and
ammunition. Packed up and moved back to top of hill south of Thiaucourt. I was detailed to
wait for ration cart and guide it in. Company turned snipers and made it hot for Fritz.
1918
Sep 18th - Had early dinner and took up march to the rear, stopping at Bois de Minorville.
Traveled with monkey cart.
Sep 19th - Mended carts in AM. Went to river in PM to take a bath, but were recalled as guns
had to be sent to mobile repair shop. [Cecil] Thompson, [Floyd] Williams and I were broken out
of bed about 9:30 to mend broken kitchen and worked until stopped by Major Waller.
Sep 20th - [George] Zimmerman and I took the rolling kitchen to the repair shop at Manorville,
but they did a par bon (?) job as it broke next day on the road again.
Sep 21st - Spent most of the day getting carts into shape and packed up after supper and hiked
all night to Bicqueley, 5 kilometers from Toul.
Sep 22nd - Helped all day making a steel reach and coupling for rolling kitchen --- Thompson,
Williams and I.
Sep 23rd - Finished mending kitchen and fixed some gun cars, Had my whole toilet kit stolen by
French kids, but got most of it back.
Sep 25th-26th - Remained in Bicqueley doing general repair work. Drew new clothes on 26th.
[ DEPT OF THE ARDENNES --- BLANC MONT SECTOR ]
Sep 27th - Packed up and hiked to the train. Rode all night on flat car under Dutch wagon.
Sep 28th - Got off car in forenoon at Vitry la Ville and hiked to Sarry.
Sep 29th - Reveille before daylight. Packed up and hike to woods near Courtisol before noon.
Lay in woods in PM and started with wagon train at 6 PM and hiked steady till after 3 AM. We
camped in pine grove; 65 kilometers in all.
Sep 30th - Up at daylight and went to join Company with wagons. Only a few hundred yards
could see battle raging between Germans and French with glasses. Were fighting on ridge a few
kilometers ahead. Camped in pine grove.
Oct 1st - Few repair jobs in AM. Watched artillery shelling ridge for a while. Went out with
[Joseph] Wholly to kitchen with rations.
Oct 2nd - Slept in forenoon. Made trip with mule and cart with rations to Somme-Py at night.
Oct 3rd - Slept in AM. Made trip again to Somme-Py to Battalion PC with rations.
1918
Oct 4th-9th - Helped with rations and supplies for Company. Marines took stronghold in three
hours that French had failed, with severe losses, five times to capture. The Division advanced so
far and fast French could not keep up on the flanks. Relieved by 36th Division, a Texas N.G.
outfit. Their first time in the line so we had good salvaging to their loss.
Oct 10th - Rode Fanny in to guide Company out. Company stopped at train camp for dinner and
went on to Camp Marchand near Somme-Suippes and Bursy le Chateau. I came later with
R.&B. wagon.
Oct 11th - General cleanup day. Helped issue clothes, salvage from 36th Division.
Oct 12th - Company went to `cootie machine' -- issue of overcoats and some equipment in PM.
Repaired two shafts in AM.
Oct 13th - Made trip with Dutch wagon to DW salvage dump after overcoats.
[ DEPT OF THE ARDENNES --- CHAMPAGNE SECTOR ]
Oct 14th - Left Camp Marchand this morning and hiked to Camp L'Ermitage. [ 22 kilometers
].
Oct 15th - Repaired several shafts this AM. Salvaged casualty packs.
Oct 17th - Went on 20 hour liberty into Chalous, about 13 kilometers away. Had a fine time.
Mike Winandy, [Marmaduke] Sharp, [Hawley]"Fat" Waldron and I hung together. Rode back to
camp in 703rd Company Dutch Wagon.
Oct 20th - Packed up and hiked all day from Camp L'Ermitage to Camp Rossignol 2/5 on
Suippes-Perthes road.
Oct 21st - Reveille before daylight and hiked with train all day through devastated country across
old Hindenberg Line to German camp about 16 kilometers N.E. of Somme-Py.
[ Bayern Lager Nord ].
Oct 23rd - We were not needed on front as French Division got in so hiked back to Camp
Rossignol 2/5.
[ DEPT OF THE ARDENNES --- MUESE - ARGONNE ]
Oct 24th - Hiked to town on Chalons - St. Menehould road. Valmy [22 K]
Oct 25th - Hiked all day to woods on hill near Les Islettes.
1918
Oct 26th - Hiked from 2 PM until about 4 AM next morning. Crossed old line and camped on hill
near Apermont. (Exermont?)
Oct 28th - Went over to Company and fixed a broken shaft. Moved HDQ about a kilometer
farther east to strip of brush by road.
Oct 29th - Made a few runs from HDQ to Company and back.
Oct 30th - Company moved to Exermont. Sgt [Joseph] Wholley and I went over that night.
Oct 31st-Nov 1st - Went out on Prince with R&B wagon to Division ration dump with Capt.
Harvis to draw rations. Had to go cross-country. Stayed at galley that night.
Nov 2nd - Went with R&B wagon cross-country to ration dump. Spent night at dump.
Nov 3rd - Left dump early and caught up with galley between Bayonville and Fosse that PM.
Returned to Battery HDQ that night.
Nov 5th - Started for rear, but found wood for cart shafts so returned and fixed two good shafts,
Cleaned tools in PM.
Nov 6th - Left Battalion HDQ and went back to Company property dump.
Nov 7th - Sam Roberts brought news that an armistice was on, but it proved to be a false report,
but we celebrated that night with flares, etc. anyhow.
Nov 8th-10th - Our little bunch of 10 at Company properties of Battalion had great time doing
our own cooking on what we could bum, borrow or steal and scouted around country hunting,
salvaging, etc.
Nov 11th - Armistice went into effect. Our bunch had great time celebrating that night. While we
were eating supper the Battalion wagons came in after properties and stayed all night.
Nov 12th - Packed up early and loaded wagons. Sgt. Welsh, Bill Love, Williams, Shaw and I
walked cross-country to Sommerance and caught trucks from there to
Buzancy - Stuay road and caught truck into Beaumont ---42 kilometers in all.
Nov 13th-16th - Stayed in Beaumont. Company turned in Hotchkiss guns and equipment and
drew new Brownings. Issued clothes on 16th. Worked two days mending two broken beams in
carts.
1918
[ THE MARCH TO THE RHINE ]
Nov 17th - 4 AM reveille. Loaded cassions and left Beaumont with Battalion train at 9 AM.
Arrived in La Ferte about two hours after dark and put up for night in a big auto factory. [17K]
Nov 18th - Left early in AM and crossed Belgium line, Villers at 11 AM. Arrived in Bellfontaine
about 6 PM. Carried heavy pack. [20K]
Nov 19th -Worked all day with [Cecil] Thompson making new (????) for rolling kitchen.
Nov 20th - 4 AM reveille and left at 8 AM. Arrived about dark in small Belgium town 2 « K
west of Arlon. 6th Regimental band in lead played in every town as we went through. All towns
decorated with flags and evergreens and paper flowers in honor of our troops. Germans are
evacuating about a day ahead of our advance. [25K]
Nov 21st - Left Heinsch about 8 AM and crossed line into Luxemburg at 10:30 AM and hiked
to Everlange in PM. Flopped on ground as usual. Bitter cold and snow, but slept warm. [19K].
Nov 22nd - Left Neverlange (Everlange) early and hiked to an old electric light plant near
Bissen. [12K]
Nov 23rd - Left Bissen and hiked to Reisdorf, only two kilometers from the German border.
[27K]
Nov 24th - Stayed in Reisdorf until PM then packed up and hiked to Biglebach. [3K]
Nov 25th - Went out at night with rations to men on patrol.
Nov 26th - Bill and I spent the afternoon visiting with a Luxemberger who had been 17 years in
States. Had 4 brothers in Detroit.
Nov 27th - [Cecil] Thompson and I went to Battalion HDQ for tools. Rained all day. Went out
with rations for patrol at night.
Nov 28th - Sat in caf, and wrote letters most of the day. Thanksgiving dinner of steak, mashed
spuds, gravy, tomatoes, coffee and bread.
Nov 29th - Wrote some more letters today. Went out to Walendorf with rations.
Dec 1st - Packed up and left Biglebach in morning. Crossed line into Germany at Walendorf
(Wollendorft) ? at 9:15. Made 35 kilometers to Emmelbaum, a small burg near Neuerburg.
[35K]
1918
Dec 2nd - Left Emmelbaum early and hiked all day and stayed in barn by an old mill on river.
[22K]
Dec 3rd - Left next morning and stayed in mill of small town a few kilometers north of Brium.
[17K]
Dec 4th -Left in morning and hiked over the hill to Weisheim. [10K]
Dec 5th -Weisheim to Hillensheim. [18K]
Dec 6th - Hillensheim to Dollendorf. [12k]
Dec 7th - Dollendorf to Fuchshofen. [20K]. Went to Schull after rations.
Dec 8th - Fuchshofen to Neuenahr. [35K] Stayed in big hotel.
Dec 9th - Neuenahr to Brohl. [15K]. Helped Thompson make tongue for Dutch wagon.
Dec 10th-14th - Remained in Brohl.
[ WITH THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION ]
[ OUTPOST DUTY COBLENZ BRIDGEHEAD AREA ]
Dec 15th - Left Brohl. Company crossed river (Rhine) on a boat at Neider-Breisig and
Company train crossed bridge at Remagen to Expel. Stopped in Rheinbrohl. [11K].
Dec 25th - Xmas in Rheinbrohl. Had fine Xmas dinner. The Zimmermans gave us a fine Xmas
supper. Went to movies in PM.
1919
[Letter home]
Rheinbrohl, Germany
April 13, 1919
Dearest All,
There was lots of mail in my box the other night, your letters of Mar. 17th & 23rd, the
birthday card and the pictures, a letter from Vera, Mable Fiero, and several bundles of papers
and magazines. The first number of Popular Science was among them. I must thank you ever so
much for it. They have no sugar maples here in this country so I couldn't very well hang a
bucket out, I am glad you hung one out for me. You must have had the spring fever too. Today
is just a steady rain but the last week has been just wonderful weather. Some of the apple and
peach trees are in blossom now and a few bushes along the brooks are showing green leaves.
1919
I have not seen Wilford Ayers but the one time, so do not know whether he is still here or
not.
I have been through Heddesdorf several times since, but have always been on a wagon
or truck and so had no chance to look him up as he was living back off the main stem. Yes, I
read the letter Millard Gow had written that was in the Express.
I have a diary that I have been keeping for some time that I wouldn't take a good deal
for. I haven't written in it this year though. It starts from the time I enlisted until I reached
Rheinbrohl. No it is not the same one I have had all the time as the biggest half is written from
memory. I had one that I kept until we went to the trenches the first time. We received orders to
pack everything we owned in our sea bags except what would be absolutely necessary for a two
week trip to trenches and the sea bags would be stored. That is where the marines lost
practically everything of their personal property. The bags they say are still in storage, the bags
may be I doubt if there is anything in them, for they cut all the locks off them and took out such
clothing and blankets as they might contain to reissue. I have heard from men who claimed they
knew that everything was dumped out and the clothes separated and the S.O.S. guys that were
doing the stunt took anything else they wanted and what no one wanted was put back in. My
first diary was left in my bag, after a while a [I] managed to buy a little notebook and wrote up
another from memory, only to lose it later with my pack in the field of battle. The one I have
now I bought just after the battle of Soissons and by the aid of friends who had managed to
hang on to theirs I wrote up another one and kept it always in my pocket and wrote in it at least
once a week until we reached Rheinbrohl. It is mostly nothing but mere notes so I think I shall
get myself a good notebook and go over it all fill it into a sort of a story of my life as a marine.
There are some pretty good stores here in Rheinbrohl considering the circumstances and paper
is one of things that Germany seems to have plenty of. So we can get pretty good stationary
here for a reasonable price.
We have our new mess hall and barracks completed now and moved in this last week. I
however am still in the same house. There was not room enough in the barracks built for a
hundred men so we still have many living around in the houses. Another fellow and I have a
room to ourselves now that there were four in before. We always had our field kitchen (mounted
on wheels) that did our cooking and we line up with our mess gears and got our chow and stood
around in the weather any place that was handy and ate it. But now we have enamel ware dishes
and do not have to wash them ourselves when we get through. We march in and seat ourselves
on benches, twelve men to a table and have the food brought to us by the mess men.
And we certainly have no cause to kick either concerning the quality or quantity, though
of course it is nothing like sitting down to a table at home.
The time that some of the letters have been going through in lately this ought to reach
home just about in time to wish you a happy birthday. I certainly wish you a very happy one and
lots more happy ones to follow it.
I think we will have things much better now as there is more room for everyone and
there won't be so much work to do either. We are supposed to devote the afternoons to athletics
now and are organizing a ball team in the company and have several games scheduled with
other companies so we may have a little fun. We have reveille in the morning twilight and a
long forenoon full of work or drill so there is not much danger of growing stale.
1919
We have regular army canteens now instead of the Y.M.C.A. canteens so we are able to
get considerable candy, toilet necessities, canned fruits, etc. We have a good bathhouse for the
use of our company, where there is always plenty of hot or cold water. And I think every man
has someone who does his washing for him regularly. So you see we are pretty well fixed. A
fellow by the name of Black ate with our company for about two months this spring and I got
pretty well acquainted with him. He said that and Millard Blair had palled together for over a
year.
Don't think of any more news at present so will say good-bye for present.
Lots of love.
/s/ Fletcher
Cpl Howard F. Davidson
81st Co 6th M.G. Bn
U.S.M.C.
A.P.O. 710
DIARY CONTINUES---
Jun 16th - Left Rheinbrohl and hiked 32 kilometers to Gierend and billeted for the night.
Jun 17th - Hiked from Gierend to Schenkleberg and camped awaiting signing of the peace.
Jun 29th - Hiked from Schenkleberg to Oberbieber, 36 kilometers in 7 hours.
[Letter home]
Oberbieber, Germany
July 3, 1919
Dearest All,
It is over two weeks since I have gotten a letter written. We have been doing some
maneuvering around and were out on the occupied zone limit ready to go over the top again if
Fritz didn't come across and sign the peace treaty. It seemed quite like war times in a way, the
orders came in the night and we left Rheinbrohl next morning with our worldly goods on our
backs. We had a few days of pretty stiff hiking and stood by on the line about a week while the
Peace delegation was arguing over the last extension. Then when they signed we came back
here. We are not going back to Rheinbrohl again but remain here until we start for home which
we are expecting to do inside of two weeks now and maybe sooner. So I may not write again
before I get home.
The reason that we did not go back to Rheinbrohl was that the whole battalion must
remain together to facilitate the turning in of ordinance and quarter-master stock. It is only
about five miles from here to Neuwied and a electric car line runs to there from here and the
railroad from Neuwied to Rheionbrohl so I may get to go back to get some personal stuff I had
to leave there when we left. But the best news of all I am expecting to get my discharge within
two or three days after I reach the States, so when I come home it will be to stay.
1919
I have a fine place to stay here, in fact, the best accommodations I have had since I have
been a Marine and we are feeding fine so I ought to be able to worry along in great shape what
little time we have left to stay here.
The last two weeks has been mostly rainy with some pretty hard showers so it was a little
disagreeable on our maneuver. It is raining now just a slow steady drizzle.
Our battalion had our colors decorated again this morning. That adds another palm to
our Croix-de-Guerre.
Hoping that everything is going fine at home and that I will see you all soon.
With heaps of love
/s/ Fletcher
DIARY CONTINUES---
Jul 15th - Left Oberbieber at noon and hiked to Engus and entrained.
Jul 16th - Train started at 3:28 AM. Went by northern route through Koln, Belgium, Northern
France to Brest, arriving at 6 PM on July 18th.
Jul 24th - Left Brest at 5:30 PM on USS Santa Paula.
Aug 4th - Landed at Hoboken about ?? PM. Went to Camp Mills, Long Island.
Aug 8th - 2nd Division parade in New York. Marines then entrained for Quantico.
Aug 9th - Arrived in Quantico at noon.
[ END of DIARY ]
[August 13, 1919 - Honorably discharged at Quantico, Virginia]
Enlisted 20th May 1917 Honorable Discharge 13th August
1919
Military efficiency-Excellent Obedience--Excellent Sobriety--Excellent
Good Conduct Medal
Battles, engagements, skirmishes, expeditions:
TOULON TEYON, VERDUN from March 28th to May 12th, 1918
CHATEAU THIERRY from June 1st to July 9th, 1918
AISNE MARNE OFFENSIVE from July 18th to July 19th, 1918
MARBACHE SECTOR from August 9th to August 16th, 1918
ST. MIHIEL OFFENSIVE from September 12th to September 16th, 1918
MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE from October 2nd to October 10th, 1918
(Champagne)
MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE from November 1st to November 11th, 1918
Participated in the March to the Rhine from November 17th to December 13th, 1918
Served in Army of Occupation from December 13th, 1918 to July 19th, 1919
Reg. No. 2107 HEADQUARTERS, U.S. MARINE CORPS April 30, 1920
HOWARD F. DAVIDSON
Having been a member of the 81st Company, 6th Brigade, during the period in which his
organization was twice cited in the French Orders of the Army, is hereby authorized to wear the
Fourragere, of the colors of the French Croix-de-Guerre. (green and red)
CITATION
Cpl. Howard F. Davidson, Sixth M.G.Bn., For distinguished and exceptional gallantry at Vierzy,
France on July 18, 1918 in the operations of the American Expeditionary Forces in testimony
thereof and as an expression of appreciation of his valor I award him this CITATION
awarded on June 25TH 1919. /s/ JOHN A LYUINE, Major General, U.S.M.C.
HDQ U.S. MARINE CORPS
June 25, 1925
My dear Mr. Davidson:
Receipt is acknowledged of your letter of June 16, together with a copy of your
discharge certificate which is returned, relative to securing certain insignia.
Accordingly there are enclosed one Aisne battle clasp, one Aisne Marne battle clasp, one
St. Mihiel battle clasp, one Meuse Argonne battle clasp, one Defensive Sector clasp, five bronze
stars, one Victory Medal, and one bronze Victory button to which you are entitled for your
service in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Very sincerely yours,
/s/ C.E. Nutting, Major, Asst. Adjutant and Inspector, U.S. Marine Corps
Postscript
(July 4th, 2000)
Prepared by Ed Davidson
To the best of my ability I have accurately transcribed my father's diary. Since starting
this project I have discovered that the diary in my possession is actually his third diary, mostly
written from memory, as the other two diaries were lost during battles in France.
After returning home my father married Lois Jane Ormiston on October 5th, 1921 at his
home town of Bovina and raised a family of one daughter and three sons. My brother Allan and I
both served in the Army Air Corps during WW2 and were recalled to active duty for Korea. My
brother Richard served on active duty with the United States Air Force for twenty-six years.
My father had a great interest in genealogy and was Town of Bovina historian as well as
Delaware County historian. In fact, the Delaware County Historical Museum located in Delhi,
NY is named:
"The H. Fletcher Davidson Museum".
My brothers, Allan Davidson and Richard Davidson, join me in my desire to have this
information made available to any and all who have an interest in these matters.
Ed Davidson
4767 Ocean Blvd #801
San Diego, CA 92109
Other References:
The United States Marine Corps in the World War
Historical Branch, G-3 Division
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
Washington, D.C. 20380
First Printed 1920 (1968 Reprint)
Author - Major Edwin N. McClellan, USMC
Muster Roll of Officers and Enlisted Men of the U.S. Marine Corps
Attached to the 81st Company, 6th Machine Gun Battalion
From: May 1st to May 31st 1918
Certified True Copy /s/ D.M. Randall, Lt. Col, A.A. & I., U.S.M.C.
Diary of Howard Fletcher Davidson
(May 20,1917 -August 13, 1919)
© copyright 1996-2008