Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1916-04-08
reached the field base at casas

Dus, force OF army carpenters ana
mechanics fitted the trucks with field
wagon and cavalry-wagon bodies. The
fie,d-waCcn arrived in knock-down
form. while the cavalry bodies were
transferred direct from cavalry wag-
ons to trucks without need OF altera-
ton of any kind.
All of the bodies were mounted in
one day. March 81. and the first di.
vision of Whites. consisting of twelve
trucks. was sent across the border TO
begin the l30-mile run through the
desert sands and rough mountain
trails to Casas Grandes.
Each truck carried two soldiers.
The drivers. selected from the White
factory. were in civilian attire, and
carried no arms. This division deliv-
cred its load at the Cield base and re-
turned to Columbus in three days.
Mule teams averaged less than two
miles an hour. Occasionally, between
! the despatChing of truck transports.
few old-style army field wagons were
sent across the border. carrying no
greater load than the trucks, but
| drawn by four mules.
! Trucks to Aid Army Flyers.
! The second division of Whites to
leave Columbus consisted of seven
| trucks. which started from headquart-
ers at $50 p. NJ. on March 81, with
: IA load OF supplies for the aviation
corps at the front. This load consist
! ed of ratiOns. gasoline. oil. tents. spare
parts for aeroplanes, knock-down ian.
gars, and other equipment.
BY starting out late in the afternoon
on day when apprehension was felt
for the safety Of two missing aviators,
this division attracted considerable at
tention at Columbus. Even the hour
of setting out across the desert sug,
gestcd tic urgency of the trip.
TIL third detail consisted of five
trucl-s, which left Columbus at noon
on March %, carrying 20 huge drums
of gasoline and oil. The immense
/ quantities of gasoline required by the
various fleets Of army transports
acroplanes, dispatch cars, motorcycles
etc, presented a difficulty almost as
great as the difficulty of getting an
ample supply of water for the troops
in the field.
Drinking Water Hauled BY White
! Tank Trucks.
Many of the rivers, wells and water
holes along Che route OF the army
transport service are either polluted
or poisoned, making it necessary to
used for drinking. For this purpose
the war department placed rush or
der with the White Company for three
tank trucks of 500 gallons capacity
each, and these trucks are now in ser
vice.
i For ~ miles south of Columbus, the
route passes through only Two vii
lagos. and these have been deserted
The only opportunity to replenish a
water supply rs offered by the road
side camps and kitchens which have
been established along the route to
enable the transport service TO kecr
going night and day.
Testing the MettIe of Machines and
Men.
Every piece OF motor equipment now
in service IN Mexico is called upon &c
render extraordinary service. In over
coming the natural difficulties present
ed by deep desert sands, always shift
ing with the wind and obliteratinf
; parts of the trail, as well as the rough
routes through passes and canyons
the army trucks have only begun theii
; work. The sand storms which impose
; so much suffering upon men and
mules, also impede the progress of the
trucks.
) Great clouds of dust and fine sand
. raised by the gentlest breeze, swceJ
across the deserts and pIateaus O
Chihuahua. enveloping the trucks ant
. lodging sand in the truck carburetors
. as well as the eyes and threats of the
drivers. Eddies of sand strike tn,
; face with singing force and add to TIL,
. suffering from sun and wind. In som,
.. of the narrow passes through whicl
! the trucks must travel, few grains o
. sand In a carburetor might easily Il,
up whole convoy, inasmuch as ther,
would be no opportunity for one trucl
, to pass another. The White truck
have been rendered particularly i'm
mune from conditions of this kind
. having all working parts fully
closed. magnetos equipped with leath
er covers. and carburetors protecte,
from tho flying sand.
, Trucks Supply Power for Army Wire
less.
In addition to hauling supplies, tn
. motor truck is performing an eduall
important work for the signal CORDS
Communication between Columbu
! and the advance column in Mexico I
maintained by motor trucks eauippe
with radio sets.
Situated on the same knoll wher
! Villas men mounted machine gu,
: and swept Columbus with its fire o.
; the night of the raid, the signal corp
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