Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-22

ten.
Major Lightfoot dug the shell out
and found that it went straight down
backwards. 1t struck the foot blank
cts under my head and turned end for
end, the base hitting Thompson. The
blankets were rolled up in a tight wad
in the far end of the dugout. Know
ing that the artillery observer about
three-quarters OF a mile away could
by examining the shell tell the exact
distance and direction II had come
from l volunteered to take a chance.
by running across the open, but on
telephoning Headquarters il was
thought not advisable, as by doing so
l might draw another blast from the
hill on our trenches. Shortly after
dark, however, l rolled it up in my
sleeping cap and hustled down to
Headquarters and turned it over TO
the observer, who gave me a calling
down for taking the risk, as a live
shell is likely to explode at any time
II accompanied Thompson to the
dressing station, where DR.. Glidden
fixed him up and by now / suppose
he has crossed the Channel and is in
Clevedon. This is only one Of the
narrow escapes along our line this
date and l a relating il that you may
have an idea Of what our boys are up
against every day they are in battle.
Duel in the Air.
In the afternoon l had a real treat,
A German airman came over and was
met with a warm reception by our
aircraft and guns. He proceeded un-
scathed and was making fair head
way when out Of the blue directly
over his head swooped down a Brit
Usher. He turned and tried to ascend
SO as to be on the level with his an
tagonist, but could not make it. The
Germans shot at our chap, but soon
they got so close that both sides stop
ped firing lest they should get their
own man. The British made a sudden
swoop down and thought sure he
would strike the German and both
would come down together. AS he
passed close over the German there
was a sputter Of a machine gun shots
and the German turned. and with en-
CINE. still running. shot earthward,
landing just beyond the German lines.
We saw no more Of the German.
April 19.-This day was compare
lively quiet. Just a few shells Had
the officer from the company reliev-
ing us in our dugout all day so that
he could take a peep along the lines
and get an idea where to place his
men when they came in tonight. We
were relieved about 10 o'clock and
marched several miles to the most
shelled city in Belgium. where we are
billeted. The Germans shelled this
place ali day and there were many
| casualties among the women and chill
dren. The poor people cannot leave as
! they have no means by which to
move and In many cases the men folk
have been killed fighting. We turned
into our billets in the wee sma' hours
and the continued explosion Of Jack
Johnsons short distance away-as
they are Systematically razing the
city-did not disturb u.s.
! Civilians Killed in Bombardment.
April 20 enjoyed a good speel
1t was the first for five days OF
| almost constant vigilance and little
rest. We are here for four days and
| then we got back in the trenches
| again. Had good hot-water bath
| and enjoyed it more than ever l did
The boys did nothing but rest today
and some Of them slept the whole day
| through. The Smelling continues
over 100 civilians being killed today
/ mostly women and children. The peo-
pie We are billeted with-Major Light
foot and I-are very nice. They have
three little girls and a baby boy. They
| talk Flemish and some French. The
oldest is five years of age. One got
her dad to ask me if l had any kid
dies. l showed them the photo 1 carry
around my neck of my little family
They were greatly pleased They all
kissed the Major and myself good
night and it seemed like home They
have a lovely home here, which has
as yet escaped. The owner is the
Registrar of the Courts and was in
terested when he found out that l was
a lawyer. My arm has lost it's lame
ness from the thump of the she'll as il
hit the blankets and grazed by.
April 21-Another day is nearing
its end. Nothing doing outside Of the
constant Smelling, which has not been
so steady. l am being used by Divis-
ional Headquarters while out of the
trenches as a member Of the Court OF
Field General Courts Martial l wish
/ could give you a history Of what is
going on around here. but that would
be barred by the censor.
| Christening Of "Guthrie Island"
II think 1 told you of christening
our lines OF trenches Johnny Light
foot's Land The boys then gave
other names to pieces Of it such as
Brandon Marsh, after Lieut. Cold.
well. of Brandon. Man.: 'Pott Alley.
after Capt. Pott: Bell Street. afte,
Lieut.. Bell: and 'Guthrie's Island aft.
er myself. as this was the place
Rugged the swamp when surrounded
by fire. much to the amusement O
some of the boys who looking through
the openings in the parapet saw m,
sprawled, not by any means grace
fully. to save my skin.
Some funny things happen in tn
trenches. The other night was goin,
and chap. contrary to orders, lit
match to light his cigarette l sud
denly blew it out just as a spent bulle
tipped by from our right and made
hole in the mud. the chap think
the bullet was 50 close it took the en-,
off his match Needless to say he viii
be careful in the future.