Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-09-07
FLYING PIGS" make
Deep IMPRESSION ON
AMERICAN SOLDIERS


Sept. 6.-(By. the Associated Press
The American soldiers training in
France had their second demonstra-
ton Of artillery fire by an entire
French regiment of famous 75s and
learned something more of the va
carries and intricacies of rolling bar
RACES, annihilating commandments,
minenwerfers and flying pigs" AS a
matter of fact, the pigs made a far
deeper impression on the troops than
, the delicate timing and placing of the
perfect French curtain Of fire
Fired from nearby trench mortars at
very low velocity the flying porkers
came amblinG through the air at
| most ungainly gait and pace, explod-
! ing in or near the practice trenches
with roar that filled all the air and
the surrounding hills with terrific
, echoes.
Liked the Shells
The soldiers liked the shells. be-
cause they could see them coming and
wait for the big blow up The trim.
| true shells from the French - guns
slipped by so noiselessly overhead
without being seen that the troops
rather We're inclined to underestimate
! their effectiveness until the barrage
curtain was fully built and maintain
ed across space or nearly a thou
sand yards. The flying pigs roared
with explosive force of 15-inch shell
calling forth immediate attention and
respect.
| 1t mad been expected that the French
troops might carry out a sham at
TACK under the rolling or creeping bar
! rage but at the last moment the pro-
! gram was changed. as it was thought
| best that the Americans should study
barrage fire and infantry attacks sep
aratelI, rather than involve the two.
| therefore, the morning was given
I over to artillery display. including
! trench motar fire, indirect machine
| gun IRE, and all the various examples
OF military preparation, concluding
/ with the harfage intended to break up
an enemy counter attack.
I Virtually all the American troops in
training saw the demonstration from
neighboring hill tops. They were in
tensely interested at first but toward
noon some Of them rolled over and fell
asleep IN the midst of the din-iust
as tired troopers at the battle front
sleep peacefully when all the manned
guns arc Gathering out a song Of hate.
II IS one OF the strange PSYCHOLOGISTS
or the wa that one cannot long watch
! even the most intense bombardment
! without soon experiencing certain
amount Of boredom. The guns seem
so precise and the exploding shells far
away 50 impcrsonal
Infantry Attacks
Inc American officers followed ev-
cry phase of the demonstration with
studlouS attention. The ordinary SOL
der generally has to get into the thick
or shell fire before l. makes q par
ucular personal Impression on him
me infantry attacks this afternoon
were more to his liking. The French
, Went ever the top" in four successive
waves, taking three lines of trenches
and beating off theoretical counter at
lacks.
The French attack was carried out pre-
ciselr as if intended. Artillery barra &c
was being laid and a low-hying airplane
co-operated, both AS an artillery observ-
er ana IN liason with the infantry COM
mander, signalling him constantly the 20
sitlon OF his forward units. The first sys-
tenn Of trenches attacked were known as
Mackensens trenches, the second Won
hlucks and the third Crown Prince Rup-
prechts. Several strong points or works
such as quarries. tunnel mouts. etc also
were Included in the operation. They were
known as the Cohlens, Cologne Treves
and Berlin works.
1t was an impressive picture as under
the dazzling hot sun the blue French
waves swept forward, hurting bombs and
firing rifles and rife grenades in exact
stimulation of real attack.
Today saw the farewell display Of in
structions from the French Crasseurs.
who have been with the American troops
ever since they went into training here
Other French troops will be brought in
from he firing line to take the work with
the Americans. but the first expedition
airy force will ever be grateful and ever
feel the bond Of comradeship with the
first French troops whom, they have come
to admire so much.