South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-07-26
u. 5. Engineers, in Camp at Humphreys,
Va, Trained into Skilled Mechanics for
Peace Activities As Well As War

CAMP A. A HUMPHREYS Va
July 25.-A terrific explosion. a few
Jays ago. shook the surrounding
country for a radius OF ten miles.
Although the shock only lasted a
bare ten seconds. the residents we're
terrified. some thought an earth
quake had occurred. others had
visions OF an ammunition depot ex-
piosion.
AT Accotink, a few miles from
here, however, an old-time resident
volunteered a remark which reveal
ed the mystery: That's them damn
engineer sappers at Camp Hum
phreys,' he said.
The explosion was q test OF A new
explosive with which the sapper
regiment was experimenting. Ii is
the most powerful nov being ased
on the French front and the ex-
plosion fairly tore a hole in the
eartn quarter OF a mile IN dame
ter This camp is the training
station for the United states engi-
peer corps, and is the largest en-
cheering school in the world. Here
thousands OF engineers are daily
trained for overseas" service. Few
realize what the duties OF the en-
cheering troops consist Of APPROX
imstely one-half of the various en-
cheering organizations are strictly
eombatant. Others are special units
made up OF skilled men. who. in
peace time, are engaged at work
similar TO that which they are ex-
pected 10 perform with our armies
broad.
A special OFFER for enlistment is
made by the engineer corps. Men
between the ages of eighteen and
twenty-one, and from thirty one
10 forty-one can enlist The ad-
vantages offered in this camp are
unusual. When q man enters he is
Immediately assigned to some branch
Of the service which competent au-
thorities deem ne is best fitted for
and he is thoroughly trained. The
result Is that he has been taught a
trade. so that by enlisting and serv-
irg the country. he also serves him
self. After the war he can step out
and offer his services as a skilled
and trained mechanic.
Engineer troops are charged with
reconnoitering and surveying for
military purposes. and the prepare
iiou OF maps Of the theater of opera
zone, planning and experimenting
defensive and offensive works OF
troops in the heid examination Of
roads OF communication for supplies
and for military movements. con-
struction and repair OF military
roads railways and bridges; military
demolitiops. the conducting OF gas
and flame warfare. the location and
designing and construction Of
wHaryes. piers, landings. storehouses.
hospitals and other structures Of
general interest. and the construc-
'tion. maintenance and operation of
railroads under military control.
The American army operated in
Europe must be transported, fed,
supplied with ammunition and all
other materials and supplies neces-
sary 10 conducting a successful war
rare
All or this work falls 10 the part
Of engineers whose efforts are Just
as important toward the anal sue
cess OF. our armies dS are lnoSe OF
The men on the forefront OF battle.
Camp Humphreys is a miniature
battlefront Already twenty
seven mile combat railway has
been constructed mainly by drafted
men Piers and wharves have been
built A standard gauge railway in
Guiding a 3OO-foot trestle. has made
IFS appearance. FOrtihcatiOns are
seen thrown up overnight and before
noon have been DESTROYED again by
the Ssppers and demolition squad
Portable machine shops are seen
scattered all over the camp and are
moved around like checkers on a
checker board. The electrical di-
Vision can be seen stringlng wires
throughout the CO mp 10 headquar-
ters. A solid concrete road suddenly
made It's appearance through miles
~ woods
Besides the men outside OF the
draft axe who desire 10 enlist those
who are drafted and have not been
called n they have had any Jechni-