Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1917-11-14
WAR TRENCHES
Continued from first pace

1onLInued from ilrst page
into the air to give the signal to the ARTILLERY
had been shipped from Sparta, eeenes iii M
with their thunder and roar. Orders came 10
Us but we did no firing because our first line
was putting up such a fight that the support
was not called upon. After an hour the lat
tie died down and we went back into the
dug-outs. But four O'Clock came soon and
came During the next day we were busy
trying to drain the water out of the trenches
sentineis and observers kept duty and the
| second night came on. At s O'Clock that even
/ ing we we're ordered TO the front line and our
sixty rounds Of ammunition was increased to
one hundred In the front line about half the
men are on duty constantly. Those in the
dug-outs must sleep with belts and bayonets
| cn and with rifles at their sides.
At various times during the night the or
der to stand TO" came, but about three a. m.
we were called to the line and were in real
| battle. which lasted almost until day break
1t a thrilling experience and one |
would not have missed for ANYTHING II had
rained during the day and that night a cold
north wind sent the ehills through the heavy
wooden clothing, but everyone in the front
line was TOO busy watching to notice the cold.
Our patrol reported Blue troops to the south
| approaching. Then the report came that sew
eral companies of the Blues were forming
a skirmish line to front some 500 yards
away. Then the report came that they were
advancing and were as near 200 yards.
cutters. cutting barbed wire entangle-
ments about 80 yards to our front. But the
darkness OF the night prevented us seeing
anyone.
FORBIDDEN THINGS IN THE TRENCHES
Everyone in trench at night is forbidden
from speaking above whisper, and under no
circumstances to light match or smoke.
Our orders were not to fire until saw the
enemy. We knew they were coming and ev-
cry man was ready waiting with rifles loaded
and locked
Due to the darkness of the night and the
skill of the Blues in advancing quietly we
could not see thing of their line until they
made charge. and arose up on their feet to
make the dash into trenches when only
rs yards away. Then opened fire and it
was real battle for ten minutes. They did
come on and into trenches, but by that
time flares illuminated the sky until it was
bright as day and our artillery had opened
with thick "barrage". The first line was
er attack over the top" they came, and the
battle began anew. After a few minutes of
fighting whistles of the umpires blew and the
battle was decided in our favor. By this time
day had begun to break and cordially in
vited the few enemy prisoners we had taken
in to share the warmth of our dug-out.
VARIOUS DUTIES IN TIE TRENCHES
Inc next day we were again kept busy with
various duties. Sentinels always posted
and patrols sent out At seven o'clock
the march out of the trenches came and that
order was as welcome as any which we had
received In certain order marched out
and it was an entirely different type of gar
ment that came out Anyone who had fail
ed to get clay mud in his hair, had it
properly rubbed in
SAMPLE OF REAL THING-NO CUTTERS
Although the weather unfavorable it
a sample of the real thing and every fell
low kept his spirits up to the top notch all the
time. There were hardships and slept,
bat in spite of it all, one would have been
gutter and preferred the steam heated bar
racks for anything.
Each man had typewriter sheets with him
telling all about the so-called French warfare,
and lectures previously had explained all the
details, the life itself made doubiS IN
teresting. II is the quickest way anu oest
way 70 learn this new style of warfare which
has reached such high stage of development
abroad.
COMMENDED BY FRENCH OFFICERS
French officers here in camp were with US
and said it the real thing well can
be staged in this country. They praised
work very highly and very anxious to have
US sail for their own native land and help car