Norwich bulletin., 1917-07-30
NORWICH BOYS AT ISLAND FORTS
Local Companies Given Big Send Of They Boarded Train Saturday Morning-Larse Crowd Turned Out to Bid Guardsmen Godspeed In Spite of Early Hour of De parture.

1 at Fort Wright over Sunday to receive 1 their issue Of clothing. but from the | order it was evident that they were to | go immediately to Fort Terry. 1 Songs were sung on the trip to the fort, but as the island loomed in sight
 silence reigned and the boys got the | first view of their home for the com ing months.
 paraded to the eastern end of the 1 island, where in the midst of burning sands they awaited their issue Of tents and cots. After receiving the tents those who were not detailed to pre- pare the mess shack for use were busily engaged in setting up the tents. It was a busy scene About 1.3O the mess call sounded and the boys had their first taste of camp rations- Work continued throughout the afternoon in settling camp.
 At o'clock the soldiers laid off work for the day and mess was sounded.
 The boys assembled after mess and the company was then dismissed, some of them retiring while others went to the canteen, where they made few necessary purchases. The orders were for the men to be in the company street by g o'clock. and at II lights were out. No guard duty was assign ed to the Fifth company during the first day
 Reveille sounded at 445 Sunday
 
 was called at G. They were then al- lowed to return to their tents for a short rest. Seven o'clock found them at the other end of the island to un- dergo federal physical examination. These examinations were conducted by five regular army surgeons. At 12.30 the boys marched back to camp for mess. At o'clock those who had not been examined, which included about half of the company, were marched back to the hospital, where the exam nations were completed. The officers took their examinations during the noon rest. In all probabi there will be a few rejections which every man is hoping will not fall to his lot. After the examinations the routine of the preceding day was carried out.
 The boys are in good health and high spirits. all seemingly enjoying army life and eagerly watch the mails for news from home.
 The boys have charge of two bat teries. on which they will have three hours drill in the morning. and three hours infantry drill in the afternoon. They have not yet received their issue of clothing and equipment, but are ex- pecting it this week. Only blankets and dishes have been issued. The camp. which is situated on the eastern end of Plum Island, is surrourHod by High banks which protect from wind and storm. The tents all have floors and the street is lighted by electricity as are the tents.
 Everything is being done for the comfort of the outfit. Close at hand are companies from Bridgeport, New Danielson and Hartford which gre also under canvas. The mess halls are clean and art screened in to pre- vent flies. There are long la bles and g sand floor. The cooks, Fra ser. Dydo and Benoit. are giving the company the best that their skill affords There Ire facilities for taking shower baths and permission has been granted for eathing on any part of the island
 During the spare hours the boys with musical talent are organizing a ompany orchestra, the efforts of which 1 it times cause comment and ridicule from the less talented soldiers Pri- yates Huntley and Gevers who are acrobats. take their turn at doing a l Few stunts to while away the idle 1 hours. Dutch" Kleindeinst, the camp comedian. provides laughter during the | quiet moments by his witty expres- sions and funny antics. Tn fact all | he boys do their bit and when called | 1n to perform for the companv's 1 amusement do so willingly and unhesf- | atingly.
 Letters and parcels may reach the 'oys by being addressed to the Firth company, c. A. C., N. G.. Fort Terry. Y. Y.