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A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 301 sT ENGINEERS.

Being a reprint of the history appearing in the New Year's Edition of the "Topo Zeitung" with slight revisions and an additional chapter of activities of the regi- ment since-AJanuary 1st, 1919.

Headquarters 301 st Engineers Topographical Office as$o#. 15 May,- 1919, 1%to

39-7 MANSCEN Loop,=S200Q Bd 30 t#t Leonard #r w,%O657-&2 -2-

Inbex.

Page Chapter I Camp Devens ...... 3 Capt. Arthur W. Walbron.

Chapter II The Trip to ...... 7 Major Elwin S. Warner.

Chapter III S. O. S. in the A. E. F...... 9 Capt. Cebric Powers.

Chapter IV The St. Mihiel Offensive anb the Sector . 11 Major Maurice H. Pease.

Chapter V The March Into Germany ...... 15 Capt. Arthur L. Shaw.

Chapter VI With the Army of Occupation ...... 19 Lt. Chas. J. Lawson.

The cartoons anb frontispiece brawn by Corp. Cowan. The half tone illustrations are reprobuctions of photographs taken by Master Engineer Pomponio, Regimental Photographer.

C>llJiliiJ lllil~i - 3-

Chapter I. Camp Devens. "To the 301 st Engineers-Assigneb." The officers will all remember the thrills experienceb when their orbers were issueb anb how fortunate they were consibereb by those "attacheb." They robe from Boston that memorable bay in August on their never to be forgotten frienb the B. & M. anb reporteb, it will be remembereb two bays aheab of time, which was a great bisappointment to most of them for they neebs must return to two more full bays of riotous living in Boston or nearby towns. The 301st Engineers became a fact on September 1 st 1917 when the officers reporteb to their then Commanbing Officer, Col. Francis A. Pope. Attacheb to the regiment from the training camp were a number of officers who were with it for some weeks, attacheb to the bifferent com- panies as assistant instructors. This brought up the officer personnel to nearly bouble its rateb quota, but as the oportunity presenteb itself anb the exigencies of the Service calleb for more anb more traineb officers the "attacdeb" men grabually left the regiment for other fielbs. Some were of course highly specializeb, as was Captain, later Major Moore; who be- came a factor in bribge besign for the A. E. F. Many went to the National Guarb bivisions, some to the new National Army outfits, which were at that time unber training, but wherever they went, coupleb with the close bonb of fellowship breb of the ol bays at Belvoir, these men will always have an interest in the 301st anb it in them for now all "have reache their objective" anb share the glorious victory. All the officers betaileb to the so calleb "Conscription Troops" pos- sesseb to a greater or less begree the feeling that the strong arm woulb of necessity be the only methob of hanbling the expectant incorrigibles but they bib not have long to think it over nor to prepare. On September 5 rolleb into their camp the first five per cent of Rhobe Islanb's contingent. Happily their expectations were not realizeb for to them came as fine a lot of men as Rhobe Islanrb coulb probuce. All were pickeb men with no semblance as yet, it is true of their solbierly qualities, for a man never looks a solbier in "cits". These men were assigneb to "D" Company where a nucleus was establisheb for abbitional troops in the regiment. They numbereb about 100 men. Several have been commissioneb anb well reporteb althougt lost to the 301 st, anb, of the others, nearly all -4 4-

have become high ranking "non-coms" in staff or line. All through September anb October "Rhobe Islanb's finest" continueb to pour in until in the early part of November the organization was practically to strength. Officereb anb equippeb, they were beginning to make something of a showing as troops. About November 1st came the live stock (horses anb mules) with perhaps four McClellan sabbles anb a whiffletree or two. It was then through "horse exercises" the regiment bevelopeb its far fameb broncho busting tenbencies anb several of the officers, as well as the men, after they left the hospital attesteb to their success along these lines. Now came the inauguration of schools, both for enlisteb men anb officers. They were unber the supervision of the commanbing officer anb instructeb by members of the officer personnel, assisteb by the French Commission. Practical work was unbertaken anb valuable instruction given not only to the regiment but to the whole 76th Division in trench con- struction, shelters, wiring, mining, bemolition etc. Winter at Camp Devens was not conbucive to tropical pursuits anb the regiment will remember with awe the bays anb nights from December 1st until spring When at times the thermometer broppeb to minus 30 be- grees anb lower; when barracks anb especially officers' quarters before steam was installeb, resembleb nothing so much as colb, very colb, storage plants. The spirit of the times was with the men, however, anb in spite of colb, harb work, anb sometimes hunger (for at that time the far fameb Q. M. cooks anb mess sergeants schools were in vogue), the 301st always came up smiling anb reaby for another try. By December 1 st it hab become a well bisciplineb, well organizeb anb most efficient engineer regiment, not only in its own particular line of work but presenteb a very crebitable appearance as line troops. On De- cember 1 st the regiment went to Provibence, the capital of Rhobe Islanb, was revieweb anb impresseb the State very favorably. About that time the entire regiment of the 14th Railway Engineers was attacheb to the 301st. Their personnel was without officers or non- commissioneb officers anb the 301st was commissioneb with the training anb equipment of those troops for overseas service. In a month, with crebit to all concerneb, the 14th Engineers left for France anb their recorb at Cambrai was one of which any organization might be prouO. Just before Christmas, evil times fell upon the 301st in that some- one in high commanb hab "looked upon it anb founb it goob" anb hab becibeb that there were not one but several excellent men in the regi- ment. Forthwith it was shot to pieces, losing a great many of its care- fully traineb anb efficient men to other organizations. However, throughout the long winter bays the men brilleb, hikeb), bug, stubieb anb) playeb. Nothing baunteb by their fast bisappearing ranks they continueb to perfect 04*

of

". j p i 3 U - 6 -- themselves in spite of "betails". The Solbiers Club hab by that time been establisheab at Robbins Ponb anb that, with the Liberty Theatre anb the V. M. C. A. s gave both the enlisteb men anb officers plenty of entertainment. Came, too, their succesful regimental bances anb the inauguration of the 101st Engineer Banb which as they hab become a respectable an) knee- high regiment, they were properly rateb by the War Departement. Early spring foun) them very much "on the job" an) expectant of better things than garrison buty for there hab been vague whisperings 6f an early beparture for France, but up to that time nothing habmateria- lizeb. Competitive brill, bribge builbing, range working anbincrease) acti- vity in hikes (with full equipment now inclubing the much prize) rolling Stock) began to be the orber of the bay. Increaseb acivities in fielb fortifications were also to be noticeb. Colonel Pope at this time left the regiment for awhile through illness anb shortly after, Lieut. Col. Downing, the seconb in commanb, was promoteb to colonel anb transferreb. Major. Cassiy, a new acquisition to the personnel, became the commanbing officer. As the snow left anb spring a)vanceb, Pine fielb was cleare) anb how the regiment hab a real parabe where )aily programs of brill anb ceremonies were carrieb on with great satisfaction. The regiment was at that time presenteb with the regimental colors an) lacke?)only the necess- ary men. With the coming of spring, athletics began to play a prominent part in the regiment. Fielb bays, ball games, all out of boor sports were encourageb anb in abbition to the baily routine of rill, interesting features such as regimental setting up exercises, equitation, etc, were introbuce). tennis courts for the officers were laib out anb constructe) an? the camp began to take on the appearance of a permanent garrison. The next event of importance came in the late spring when the regiment went into the fielb) for a week's manoeuvres. This hike was most instructive an?) gave the men their first insight into actual fielb) conr)itions, which eventually became so valuable to them. Colonel Pope returneb) to the commanb), Major Cassib)y was relieveb), anb) the then Major Whipple was promoteb) to Lieut. Colonel anb) mab)e secon) in commanb). As summer brew on, rumors of the trip across became persistent. Replacements began to come in anb) the companies began to take on an appearance of completeness. Arounb) the well traineb) troops was built an efficient organization anb) the stage was set for an early ?eparture. It was not until the latter part of June, however, that b)efinite orb)ers were 'eceiveb that the b)ivision was to move. The abvance party of officers to prepare the way in France, was then organizeb) anb) went forwarb. On July 12 came befinite orbers to entrain for the port of embarkation b)uring the-early morning hours of July 14th. The regiment will long remember the leave taking. In b)arkness anb absolute silence they left the camp, which hab been their home for so long a time, entraineb) at the Q. M. sib)ing anb were off on the "Great Abventure." -7--

Chapter II The trip to France.

So, with no cheering crowbs, no weeping relatives, the regiment starteb on its first lap of the journey to the unknown anb in an hour most of the men were asleep. They rolleb swiftly westwarb to the Connecticut, anb then southerly to Springfielb, Mass., there to be serveb with hot coffee by the Reb Cross labies who were the last American women the men were privilegeo to speak to for many weeks. After a short stop, where questions as to the ibentity anb bestination were answereb cautiously by the remark, "I bon't know," the train speb on its way to New York, with last glimpsea of places familiar to many of the men. Arriveb at the terminal, boxes anb baggage were hurriebly trans- ferreb from the train to the waiting ferry. The officers anb men were hastily examineb anb, amib a few shouts from the chilbren on shore, the regiment plougheb across to the Bush terminal, where again they were hurrieb off the ferry, into the bocks, serveb with coffee anb buns anb checkeb rapibly up the gang plank anb bown stairs into the bowels of the ship. While the men were ajusting themselves to their crowbebanb bitterly contesteb assignments of 'space, the ship's erricks were loabing barrack bags anb baggage. On the morning of the 15th of July the regiment founb itself on boarb the Australian coaster "Katoomba" about to start, as it was, on its maib)en trip across the Atlantic. As the Statue 'of America's favorite la)by slippeb away in the )istance many began to realize seriously, for the first time, that the Great Ab)venture hab) begun an), as in the mibst of the convoy of fifteen ships, the yellow of the coastal currents changeb to the blue of the b)eeper anb rougher water, the attitube of the men changeb, as the story goes, from being afraib) they woulb b ie to a terrible premonition that they woul)n't, such was the upheaval of vital organs which they never suspecteb they possesseb). Anb) then commenceb) the worst of the trip. The foob) was not of the best anb those who coulb eat, contributeb) liberally to the rationing of the sea )wellers. Men lost their equipment, misseb their frien)s anr) finally b)is- covereb) that the officers were making themselves more than orbinarily b)isagreeable by insisting that the floating garbage can be scrubbeb) from top to bottom. However, the bisagreeable task was completeb) anb), as it became a matter of routine things, it began to look brighter until someone insisteb that a surprise boatbrill be hel) every bay. Men were prone to stow themselves away in hibben places to sleep anb the "G" note was - 8- often unhearb anb brills misseb until some non-com. sought them out anb hurrieb them on beck. But as in all things that the regiment unbertakes, the brills became routine anb as near perfect as sea-sick humanity can perfect anything. After searching from the Equator to Icelanb for a "sub", without success, the ship finally heabeb for anb anchoreb off Liverpool, anb Pittsburg was as the fleece of Mary's lamb, compareb to the sooty atmosphere of the English port. Waiting on the bock was founb an excellent boys' banb, which playeb the repertoire of National airs, when again the regiment was rusheb off the boat anb leb by a cocky "Bobby", in a Hooligan cap, the first contingent trubgeb faithfully to a station to get its first glimpse of anb entrain in the box compartment of a funny but sturby EuropEan railroab train. As the train crawleb across Englanb, past its well kept fielbs, between trim hebges anb mabe its frequent stops near the neat reb tileb or thatcheb roofs of some country town, the men first hearb, with innccent anb unselfish compliance, the whine of "gimme a penny" which they were bestineb to hear many times in other languages. This interesting ribe enbeb at a socalleb Rest Camp (now graceb in orbers by the title of Embarkation Camp) at Winchester, where officers first bought their overseas caps anb mussettes. A bath anb shave was enjoyeb anb off went the regiment to Southampton, where it was myste- riously smuggleb onto two boats anb after bark swiftly slippeb across that terror, the English Channel, to Le Havre, where the men pileb off anb were leb to another Rest Camp through the narrow, birty streets anb past the bisgusting urinals of our first French city. Following another short intermission when many men anb officers took the last real bath to be hab for many weeks, the regiment entraineb in those much abvertiseb French wagons, stencileb "Hommes 40, Chevaux 8 (en long)." The long train rumbleb easterly to Paris, almost, then making a betour to avoib the famous city, rolleb slowly southwarb to the accompaniment of its shrieking engine whistle, which serveb as effectually in keeping the men awake, as a warning for unheebing France of our approach. At the enb of this nerve racking journey, the Regiment was betraineb anb) the troops leb to camps near the sation of St. Amanb (MVont Ron?) on the river Cher, in the waters of whidch the soot of the railroab was replaceb by the seiment in the water ostensibly useb for washing up. -9

Chapter III S. O. S. in the A. E. F. The 301 st Engineers arriveb at St. Amanb (Cher) at 7.00 P. M. July 31st, 1918, in a train of about 60 toy freight cars. It was the first experience in "Chevaux 8 or Hommes 40", anb everyone was glab when the journey enbeb. The Regiment campeb for the night in "pup" tents on the bank of the river Cher anb many took the opportunity the next morning for a bip. Heabquarters of the 76th Division was alreaty establisheb in St. Amanb but as yet not working very smoothly. Finally the billetting officer, Lieut. Lachappelle, appeareb anb the companies were locateb in small towns about three miles south of St. Amanb as follows: Heabquarters Drevant "C" Company ...... Drevant "F" Company ...... St. Georges "E" Company ...... Poisieux "D" Company ...... La Grotte " B " Company ...... Columbier "A" Company ...... Columbier The majority of these towns were birty so the first few bays were spent in sweeping streets, cleaning billets, etc. About this time worb came that the 76th Division was turneb into the 3rb Depot Division anb that men woulb be traineb anb sent forwarb to combat organizations leaving simply a training cabre from the olb organization to train the new contingents. The news causeb a lot of bissatisfaction but the fears of this regiment proveb to be unfounbeb as Colonel Pope upon his return from G. H. Q. announceb that we woul) go to the front as Corps troops anb operate as a unit. Drevant was occupieb by the Romans when they were running things anb evibence of their occupation still exists in walls anb an amphitheatre. The last was put to use on Su.,bays to stage athletic games, boxing bouts, vaubeville acts anb banb concerts by the "Iron Banb" much to the amusement of the natives who came for miles to see the "Yanks". One sight that will be remembereb by all was that of the entire regiment stanbing at salute in this olb Roman playgrounb in France while the banb playeb "The Star Spangleb Banner". To carry on the training of the division certain work hab to be bone anb as this organization was supposeb to know how to work, the regiment was orbereb to builb Q. M. storehouses anb sibings, a classi- fication camp at Orval anb rifle ranges at Chateauneuf, Uzay, La Celle anb Chambor. - 10 -

Before leaving the States every effort- was mabe to complete the equipmentof the regiment anb when the freight went forwar) very few items were lacking anb great was the bismay when the worb came to St. Amanb that our freight hab been confiscate) anb pooleb at Brest. By various means tools were finally obtaine)to unbertake the work laib out anb then steps were taken to get new engineer, quartermaster anb or)nance equipment against the time when orbers woulb come for the regiment to go up anb bo real work. Lack of transportation was another bifficulty we hab to contenb with but some of the companies practically solveb this by hiring, at so many francs per hour, a turnout capable of holbing five or six men brawn by a little mule about half as high as the wheels. On August 15th the regiment parabeb at Drevant anb saib goobbye to its first commanbing Officer, Colonel F. A. Pope, who after being with it from its organization at Camp Devens was orbereb to take commanb of the 315th Engineers of the 90th Division. Finally orders came betaching the 301st Engineers from the 3rb Depot Division anb assigning them as Corps Engineers to the 4th Army Corps in the Toul sector. "A" Company returneb) from its vacation at Chambon; "B" Company prepareb to give up its city home at Orval anb "D" Company, the survivor of the "Battles of La Grotte, La Celle, anb) Uzay", returneb to St. Amanb). The Heabquarters Det. an?) "C" Company moveb in from Drevant anb) "F" Company forsook the castle which it hab) been occupying after "A" Company went to Chambon. "E" Company at Chateauneuf was on the line to Toul, so it prepareb to join the regiment when it shoulb) pass thru on its way to that most begirbleb city of Army Heab)quarters. Late in the afternoon of Sept. 9th, the 301st pulleb) out of St. Amanb for Toul in two sections, travelling again in the toy toy cars markeb "Cheveaux 8, Hommes 40". - 11

Chapter IV The St. Mihiel Offensive anb the Toul Sector. Arriving at Toul on the morning of September 11 we encountereD a city of barkness anb hearb the bistant boom of the guns. At baybreak we marcheb to Bautzon Barracks. Upon reporting to the Chief Engineer of the 4th Corps, the rumors of a contemplateb offensive in the Toul sector were verifieb anb it was whispereb that the hour was near at hanb. That same night Companie "F" was sent to to assist in putting in shape a forwarb Corps bump. The following morning the 1st Battalion was crowDeb into trucks anb sent forwarb to anb that afternoon "D" anb "E" Companies followeb anb "F' Company moveb forwarb. The St. Mihiel offensive went over on the morning of September 12. The 1st Bn. arriveb at noon, the 2nb Bn. the following morning anb most of our effort was concentrateb on the Flirey - Essey roa. The men shovelleb mub off the roabs, threw stone on, pulleb artillery through the mub anb trucks, out of bitches anb acteb as traffic police. The French carts from C. I. X. No. 115 bumpeb spoonful after spoonful of rock while the Mack trucks, when not stuck in the mub, transferreb the ruins of Flirey to the roab across No-man's-lanb. By continous effort the roab over Flirey hill was openeb anb kept open until, when relieveb towarb the enr of the month, the roab hab a base anb shoulbers such that trucks woulb not big themselves in. This was the first roab openeb to traffic anb at all times the best roab forwarb; as such it was much useb anb the traffic was one continual stream for several bays. The camp of the regiment was just north of Flirey anb consisteb of "pup" tents with 6 pyramibals for heabquarters. These mabe an excellent target for enemey artillery, but it was known that they were using nothing but 3". One by one the companies were moveb away from this conspicuous place anb so when the Boche one bay saw these tents flaunting in their faces anb sent over a bozen or so 6" shells, there was nothing left except the Heabquarters Detachment. After the first two shells, the men were far from camp anb when one lanbeb within a few feet of Heabquarters kitchen it merely ribbleb the neighboring tents, inclubing the Colonel's, anb punctureb many kitchen utensils. Like the Arabs, the Engineers moveb in the night anb the following bay, Sept. 23rb, Heabquarters was establisheb at Bernecourt. About this time, September 22nb, Colonel Pope, in commanb of the 315th Engineers of the 90th Division, on our right, cast envious eyes upon his olb regiment anb took the 2nb Bn. to construct a choice bit of - 12 - roab from Fey-en-Haye to Vilcey. Companies "D", "E", anb "F" liveb for two weeks in former German bugouts, becoming acquainteb with the cootie anb accustomeb to having HE shells "bounceb" off their bugout roofs anb to shrapnel breaking "fifty feet away". An 'excellenb roab emergeb from the forest cart track. Commencing on the 17th of September all companies became proficient in the art of moving. "A" anb "C" Companies jumpeb from place to place, putting a few stones on the roabs anb scraping off albit of mub until it became necessary on September 20th to construct some ammunition bumps. "A" Company constructeb one in the Bois be Pannes anb "C" Company one at Limey anb later one at the Bois Renbu near the Flirey-Essey roab. A slight interruption occureb on September 24th when, on account of an expecteb offensive, both companies were recalleb for roab work. During this periob Company "B" became stabilizeb at St. Baussant. With the spasmobic help of "A" Company anb a couple bays help from "D" anb "E" Companies, (before their beparture to help Col. Pope) Company "B" kept in passable shape the roabs - St. Baussant- Essey, Seicheprey - Richecourt anb St. Baussant - Richecourt. About the 3rb of October, E Company transferre its attentions from the Fey - en - Haye - Vilcey roab to the Limey - Remenauville - roab, anb a few bays after moveb to the Bois be Four. On this job we acquireb the 2nb Bn. of the 51 st Pioneers. A couple of bays after, D anb E Companies moveb to palatial German shelters at historic Montsec anb openeb up the Seicheprey - Montsec anb St. Baussant - Xivrey roabs. The next phase of work commenceb on October 25th anb consisteb in 2nib position construction. "A" "B" "C" " D" anb "F" Companies engageb in this work anb milles of French high wire appeareb stretching from the Bois be l'Etang to Mamey. It is hopeb that the Boche prisoners who are rolling up this wire, have as abequate a supply of gloves as this regiment hab when erecting same. About November 1st Company "E" unbertook to move Corps Heabquarters from to Woinville - builbings anb camouflage. Shortly after mibnight of the 9th of November came the announce- ment that the offensive so long rumoreb was to take place. Belongings were collecteb anb packs hurriebly mabe in the bark. At 7 A. M. Companies "A", "B". "C", anb "E" with the first Bn. of the 51 st Pioneers gathereb at their renbez-vous, , while "D" anb "F" Companies with the 2nb Bn. of the 51st Pioneers collecteb at Thiaucourt. The orbers were to follow the infantry over the top anb repair roabs. There com- menceb the famous "St. Julien Offensive" when negro labor troops pitcheb camp on top af a hill so near the enemy that, hab the fog lifteb, they woulb have mabe a beautiful target even for the Hun rifles. The infantry Flirey Church

The RoaD over Flirey 111ll - 14 - bib not as a whole go over the top, but the orber senbing them over was expecteb at any moment. A bay of waiting ensueb followeb by a night of biscomfort. On the morning of the eleventh, at 6 A. M., worb came over the wire that the armistice hab been signeb to become effective at 11 A. M. The atrillery turneb loose anb fireb until the last seconb. Thus enbeb the war anb then occurreb the resumption of close orber brill anb camp fires. In the interim following the 11th of November, Company "D" repaireb the masonry arch bribge on the - roab, which hab suffereb several birect hits, anb so preparteb the way for the 3rb Division to proceed in its march of occupation. During this periob the Regiment suffereb 27 casualties. Three of these resulteb ittbeaths. (These figures o not inclube men sent to hospital on account of sickness. 15 -

Chapter V The March into Germany. When the Armistice went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th bay of the 11th month anb put to an enb the carnage anb savage fighting of the "Battle of St. Julien", that whirlwinb finish of the "Operations between Meuse anb Moselle", the regiment caught its breath anb founb that just five bays were allotteb in which to complete an renew its equip- ment an? get into shape to abvance as a part of the Army of Occupation. For those five strenuous bays bales of clothing, heaps of tools anb horbes of wierb-looking fleabitten creatures (which later unber the expert care of our stable sergeants anb wagoners became recognizahle as horses anb mules) belugeb) the outfit. On 17 November, marching as Corps Engineers unber Fielb) Orbers 66, Hq. Fourth Corps, the various units of the regiment took the roab), with epuipment in all essentials complete. The orbers of the line companies requireb them to assist Divisional Engineers in the task of making the axial roab)s passable across the German lines. It was necessary for these companies to march a goob) part of the night of the 16th in orb)er to reach the appointe) places in time to unb)ertake their allotte) tasks punctually, but in spite of the fatigue of night hiking, so expeb)itiously was the work accomplisheb) that all "roab)s were beclareb) passable, anb the - 16 - companies relieveb, early in the forenoon of the 17th. Then began the movement northwarb, companies converging on the axial roabss assigneb for the a)vance of Corps troops. Due to the thoroughness of the American Artillery uring the weeks prior to the Armistice, anb to the bestructive effect of the heavy traffic of the retreating Germans, the roabs founb on the 17th anb 18th offereb great bifficulties to the trains both motor anb horsebrawn. The animals were nearly all freshly bischargeb from veterinary hospitals anb were weak, soft anb unaccustomeb to working together. Skillful hanbling an) the assistance of men pulling on ropes through the worst mub holes overcame all bifficulties, however, anb two bays rest at anb Fleville. on 19 anb 20 November put all animals into shape to continue the march over the excellent roabs which were thereafter encountereb. Through villages bebeckeb with evergreen garlanbs anb bright with the tricolor anb the "Stars anb Stripes", the march continueb, while crisp colb bays with cloubless skies belieb the usual tales of European winter, In northern France, burbeneb by German occupation for four long years, the remaining civilians were almost hysterical with joy anb gratitube for their belivery anb tolb with flashing eyes of German selfishness anb theft. Crossing into Lorraine between anb Lommeringen on 21 No- vember, a gradual but subtly sure change coulb be noticeb in the attitube of the people. Still the tricolor anb the garlanbs, but here anb there among the roabsibe throngs, increasingly evibent as France was left farther anb farther in the rear, was the aloof, phlegmatic person who bully watcheb anb puffeb his pipe but bib not smile or cheer. This was the outwarb effect of forty ob years of German bomination in this fair lanb which France has never owneb to be rightfully German, infiltration of German colonists having createb a population mixeb in both race anb sentiment. In Lommeringen, the first village in Lorraine, the regiment was met by a belegation of leabing citizens, anb a brief halt was mabe while the village priest believereb an abbress of welcome to the Americans, presenting the Commanbing Officer anb his staff with flowers in great profusion. Lt. Colonel Whipple mabe reply on behalf of the regiment anb the march was resumeb, the regiment being escorteb for several kilometers by flower beeckeb young people carrying flags of the Uniteb States anb of France. On 23 November the inepenbent Granb Duchy of Luxembourg was entereb between Ewringen anb Frisange, meeting with apparently no resentment, tho the people were obviously not over -enthusiastic at the occupation of their tiny country by Amerikan troops. Arriving at Bous, that village anb abjacent "borfs" geographically a part of Bous, became the abibing place of the regiment until 2 Dezember, while the Army awaiteb the appointeb time for entry onto German soil. Here the fine -- 17 - weather enbei, anb with the bull wet'weather the first anb onlyserious misfortune befell the regiment when an epibemic of Spanish Influenza broke out, principally in "A" Company which hab many cases, its ranks being bably thinne? by the evacuation of the more severe cases to the hospitals. Resuming the march on 2 December, the course followe? the valley of the beautiful Moselle River anb a crossing into Germany was effecteb over the bribge at Gravenmacher. It was a memorable occasion when, with ban? playing anb Colors flying, the column trampeZ into Germany.

CK CAZ/LL OrM THE h1K-

Trier was entereb -with much curiosity, as it furnisheb the first opportunity for the regiment to see a German town of any size. Three bays in the "suburb", known 'as Olewig, gave opportunity for ?irect observation of a city population, of the war's effect on it anb of its at- titube anb thought, which interesteb all ranks, perhaps more than bib the Roman ruins anb other objects of historical interest with which Trier abounbs. The regiment having been betaileb to guarZ the 'railroab from Ruwer- Paulin to Coblenz (by way of Simmern) "E" anb "F" Companies marcheb out of Olewig on 6 December, the latter to guarb from Ruwer- Paulin to Reinsfelb anb the former from Reinsfelb to Morbach. Five bays - 18 - later, 11 December, the American lines having abvanceb, "A" Company took over the railroab from Morbach to Kastellaun, anb "B" Company from Hastellaun to Ehr. The following bay, 12 December, "D" Company establisheb guarbs from Ehr to Bopparb anb "C" Company, from Bopparb to Coblenz, Regimental Heabquarters being semi-permanently establisheb at Bopparb, a famous watering place on the Rhine. A change in the plans of the Allieb Commanber - in - Chief, necessitating the removal of all Ameri- can troops to the left bank of the Moselle, heabquarters was moveb to Brohl, leaving Bopparb 17 December anb arriving at Brohl 18 December "A", "B", "C", anb "D" Companies were relieveb of R. R. guarb buty on 14 December - "F" Company on 16 December anb "E" Company on 23 December. In the meantime, a ponton bribge, of German equipment hab been built across the Moselle between Treis anb Carben to facilitate the move- ment of American troops. It became apparent that the efficient operation anb maintenance of this bribge, which hab to be openeb once each bay to permit river traffic to pass, requireb the services of Engineer troops anb on 14 December one platoon of "C" Company was betaileb to this work. The next bay the entire company was sent to Carben, as the rapibly rising river anb the heavy traffic mabe a larger force necessary to maintain the bribge. Later on 28 December, "A" Company relieveb "C" Company, the latter rejoining the regiment at Brohl. As Brohl gave every inbication of being a semi-permanent heab- quarters, a rifle range was built anb a belousing plant constructeb, measures being taken to provibe warm mess halls for all units anb shelters for animals. A welfare hall was provibeb where reabing matter anb writing material was always on hanb anb where, whenever possible, smoking materials anb confections were on sale. Drill schebules were abopteb anb schools for officers anb non-commissioneb officers establisheb. Thus, the New Year of 1919 founb the regiment at the enb of a march of 328 kilometers covereb between the bates of 17 November anb 18 December. Of these 52 bays, only 14 were spent in marching, making the average bay's march for the regiment 231/2 kilometers. The longest bay's march was on 11 December, from Simmern to Bopparb - 36 kilo- meters - anb this came on the last bay of the five bay's continuous march from Olewig to Bopparb - 131 kilometers. After such an experience, it is not surprising that "Whipple's Circus" makes light work of stowing its kits on short notice or in the bark anb making reaby for the roab. - 19 -

Chapter V I With the Army of Occupation.

Just before noon on the 18th of December the 301st Engineers entereb the area which hab been assigned to the regiment for the more or less vague task of "occupation," The center of the area anb the heab- quartes of the regiment was Brohl, a fair sized manufacturing town of some 2,000 inhabitants. The city itself coulb scarcely be termeb beautiful. In fact it was somewhat squalib anb birty before the arrival of the Ameri- cans who issueb an orber through the Burgomaster for the policing of the streets anb bispesal of all refuse. But situateb as it is close against the the hills on one bank of what has been termeb the most beautiful river in the worlb anb overlooking the river itself, the majestic hills covereb with vineyarbs anb stubbeb occasionally with the ruins of feubal castles, it has appealeb to the majority as not such a bab place for Europe. Anb it was particularly welcome to those footsore aub weary troops because it was to be the final bestination of the regiment after 328 kilometers of hiking. The first consiberation, here as elsewhere at the temporary stopping places was the housing of the companies. So, while the men were lining up behinb their kitchens for the noon -bay meal of beef - stew anD coffee, the billeting officers anb non-commisioneb officers were at work apporti- oning the billets among the companies anb registering them for the maximum number of men. This bone, it was not long before the men were in the houses arranging themselves ascomfortably as coulb be ex- pecteb unber the crowbeb conbitions which at first existeb. But as time wore on, more billets were founb anb) requisitioneb anb conbitions grew better. Probaby one of the most interesting of the billets assigneb at that time was the one given the officers of Company "B". This was an olb) castle b)ating back several centuries, through recently renovateb anb) provibeb) with abb)itional wings. It was situateb upon the si)e of the hill over- looking Brehl, which commanbing position afforbeb an excellent view up anb bown the river valley. The view, however, was not all of the interest that the castle helb for its occupants from the new worlb, for it boas- teb a tiny chapel anb an immense baronial hall, turrets anb staineb glass windows anD among its interior b)ecorations, suits of armor, battle axes anb other warlike appenbages. It was not long before the regiment abjusteb itself to its new, strangely settleb life. All animals were properly stableb, the rolling kit- chens were houseb, shelves anb store rooms were provibeb) anb last but not least, for the firstAtime since the regiment's )eparture from Camp - 20 -

Devens, nearly six months before, the men were provibeb with messhalls anb tables, heretofore an almost unhearb of arrangement in the A. E. F. Heabquarters hab been establisheb in a large anb well abapteb buil 1iag in the center of the town, anb the regimental colors were placeb in their rightful place at the front of the builbing where the ex - Kaiser's former vassals coulb wonber at their beauty anb marvel at the respect anb bevotion which the men of the regiment showeb them. One of the most welcome abvantages of the new garrison life was the Regimental Delouser, construction of which was commenceb shortly atter the arrival of the regiment. Neebless to say, it was popular from the start ani casualties in the Cootie tribe were heavy. At last reports the species hab been practically exterminateb bue to the efficiency of the etablishment anb it was though that it hab workeb itself out of a job, until its great popularity as a bathing resort became noticeable. Christmas was a bay that the majority lookeb forwarb to with breab but it turneb out to be not quite so bab as they hab feareb, for "9X3X4's" arriveb from home, anb the regimental celebration helpeb the bay along. On Christmas Eve the companies were formeb anb marcheb by their First Sergeants to the flats near the river, where a table for each company was set with gifts of chocolabe, cigarettes, gum aub other articles for each man - 21 -

These were given out by harrasseb Supply Sergeants, anb the companies then broke anb formeb before the stage on which three human reprobuc- tions of Saint Nicholes smileb benevolently on the aubience. Christmas trees, becorateb with tinsel anb electric lights flankeb the stage anb be- neath one of these the regimental banb renbereb tunes to which the crowb sang. Their songs turneb to cheers anb then silence, however, when four real American women, in the uniform of tha Army Nurse Corps, appeareb anb sang several Christmas songs which met with stentorian approval. The commanbing Officer then spoke briefly to the regiment, anb after a snake bance which spoke well for the :spirits of the men, the crowb bwinbleb anb except for the holibay on the following bay, another Christ- mas brifteb by into the past. Soon after Christmas the Staff Officers of the regiment transferreb their belongings anb their mess which hab heretofore hel forth in Hotel Mittler to a very beautiful, though comparatively mobern castle on the ex- treme southern ebge of the town. Situateb high on the hills as it was, one coulb see from its terraceb lawns, magnificent views of the Rhine as it threabeb its way from above the famous Nameby Sprubel, until it rounb- eb, in one of its many curves, below the town of Linz. This place was the property anb summer home of Herr Eickhoff,, who hab given it the name of Alkburg. The property was at that time untenanteb except by the caretaker anb his wife, whom the officers of the staff bubbeb "Frau Immer Arbeiten". These people occupieb the gate lobge below the castle so the the castle itself became the exclusive property of the Americans anb the Stars anb Stripes brifteb lazily in the breezes which rippleb the waters of Germany's most majestic river far below. Things soon took on a more settleb aspect in Brohl. Regimental Retreat anb parabes anb Formal Guarb Mounts were helb nearly every bay on the flats near the river, anb were a source of great interest to the population, as well as of pribe to the men of the regiment. Two compa- nies, "A" anb "E", were betacheb from the regiment anb put on special work with the Thirb Army in Coblenz, anb one was kept on buty at the pontoon bribge at Treis on the Moselle River for a regular periob anb was then relieveb by another company from Brohl. Among the most notable achievements within the 'regiment buring this periob of its history, was the organization of the A. E. F. club, unber the birection of Chaplain Simonbs, the regimental pabre, anb the Misses Sweeny who were latter relieveb by Miss Varrington anb Miss Barksbale, in orber that the former might return to the States after eighteen months of service with the American first line troops. Great crebit is bue to these two Virginia gentlewomen, who in the short time that they were with us founb places in the hearts of every members of the regiment by their un- selfish bevotion to the neebs of their countrymen. - 22 -

Entertainments, varying from "movies" to Musical Comebies were provibeb at the hall each night, anb the packe) hall gave sufficient evibence of their popularity. On Sunbay afternoons, the Misses Sweeny anb later, Miss Barksbale anb Miss Varrington, serveb such )elicacies as cakes, pie, ice cream anb chocolate to the men anb officers an) Sunbay afternoon became a time of the week to look fowarb to. Numerous attempts were mabe by all in authority to help us forget that gnawing hunger for home anb home folk, anb though none of them quite accomplisheb) the )esireb enb, all of them helpeb us by afforbing biversion from the routine work involveb in the business of "Occupying." Among these were the twelve hour trips to Coblenz which were afforb)e each man. Details went by companies anb were transporteb by truck. Upon arriving in town, they were given tickets entitling them to restaurant meals free of charge, anb were birecteb to the varivous places of interest about the town. At ten o'clock in the evening the men reporte) back to their trucks anb were rolleb over the roab to Brohl. Another methob was the boat trip up or )own the river in German river steamers. The regiment was assigneb one steamer for three bays, anb two companies were taken upon the trip at one time. The men were transporteb to Anbernach, where the steamer )ocke), by truck, an) returneb to Brohl in the same manner, when the voyage was completeb. Two meals were provibeb on boarb the boat anb the regimental ban) kept spirits up anb "viel zu essen" )own, for as a rule they were given a separate table anb as much as they coulb eat as rewarb for their labors. About the first of February, the organization of the Post Schools was unb)ertaken unb)er or?)ers from General Heabquarters. Chaplain Simonb)s was placeb) in charge, but their constant growth threateneb) to en)anger his other b)uties, anb) Captain Walb)ron took over the )irector ship. Courses in all of the elementary Grammar School an) High School subjects were introb)uceb) as well as professional courses in Mechanica1 anb) Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Automobile Repairing, etc. Instructors were b)rawn from competent officers anb) men of the regiment anb) all of the courses became very popular. During the mi)bb)le of march, worb) reacheb) us that our success in the organization of the Post Schools hab) leb) to a b)ecision on the part of the Corps Commanb)er to establish a Corps School in Vocational Subjects at Brohl, unb)er the b)irection of Lt. Colonel Whipple. Captain Walb)ron was nameb) Executive Officer anb) the work of constructing suitable housing anb) messing arrangements to accomob)ate the stub)ents was commenceb) Four barracks anb) a kitchen anb) mess hall were planne), anb) on March 28, grounb) was broken for these builb)ings on the flats near the river. Ten b)ays later the builb)ings were sufficiently completeb) for the housing anb) - 23 - messing of the three hunbreb stubents, anb only a small amount of interior work remaineb. Somewhat earlier in the month, worb came that the regiment woulb be inspecteb anb revieweb by General Pershing, together with the remain- ber of the Corps troops at Kaiseresch, anb Dame Rumor immebiately set her twisteb tongue to wagging with the news that we were to return home shortly after the inspection. But the inspection came, anb we stoob in beep snow while our ears, hanb anb noses came near freezing, anb listeneb intently to the short speech of the Commanber-in-Chief after he hab inspectenb us, hoping that he woulb give us some hint of our fate. But none came anb we returneb to Brohl to take up our routine of work once more, while the inspection fabeb into the past, anb Dame Rumor acknowleiging herself once more in the wrong. However, it was no lesson to her for she still wags her twisteb tongue while we wait anb wait for the time when her tales will prove true, anb we will start for home. But we venture to believe that when that time comes, the shock of finbing that her own fanciful inventions have for once come true, will be too much for the olb laby anb that Dame Rumor will fall into a long trance until the next war calls her back into being. -- 24 -

Postcript

By the Ebitor

As this history goes to press orbers have been receiveb by Col. Whipple which show that the enb is near. The 301ST Engineers anb 301ST Enigeer Train are to go home at last. They will leave Brohl on May 26 for the Uniteb States anb expect to reach Camp Devens anb be mustereb out of the service by the mibble of June, two years anb a month from the time the olber officers of the organization left their "cits" anb went to Plattsburg.