The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1918-12-25

about three miles away. It was about
three a. m. when we found what was
used for beds-merely two boards
with block on one end to raise the
head
While at Winchester we were allow
ed to visit the Cathedral and all 9TH
er places of interest. One of the men
in the regiment took the large key
from the Cathedral and when we got
to France the regimen. was searched
the key found and returned. The
man didn't think it was wrong, he only
had some of the natural instinct
which all Americans have for hunt
ing souviners.
From Winchester we went to South
Hampton, crossed the channel and
landed at La. Harve. Here we enter
ed another English rest camp for a
few days. Just about this time we
were hoping we would see the end Of
rest camps. Especially those where
tea was served for breakfast as well
as for other meals.
We left this camp after stay Of
three days and on this trip we trav-
eled in box cars (eight chaveaux-
thirty six Hommes) eight horses or
thirty six men is how they are marked
and 1 sure feel sorry for the horses
if eight of them fill the car as full as
thirty six men do. After three days
trip we landed in Bordeaux and were
taken to camp de Longe where we re-
manned until late in April. Here our
regiment changed from light artillery
to heavy. Ours was the first to re-
ceive the French G. P. F. 155 gun.
The regiment was equipped with mo-
tors and it sure was fine outfit to be
with.
From camp de Longe we went to
place near Libourne where we re-
ceived further training. Then we en-
trained and moved to Cleremont, Fee
nand where we remained for six weeks
instructing another regiment equipp-
ed the same as ours Now then we
received orders to move to the front.
We landed first at Maux and went in
to position below Chateaux Thierry.
| Our advances were very rapid on this
front and after about six weeks we
had advanced short distance above
Fer in Tardinois.
From here we moved back for few
days rest and then travelled by con-
voy for five or six days, finally land
ing a short distance east of Verdun.
We were present when the American
took Saint Mihiel salient in such a
wonderfully short time. We then
moved west of verdun where some of
the hardest fighting Of the war took
place. OF the beginning of the at
tack the allies launched the heaviest
artillery barrage that took place dur
ing any fight. For twelve hours the
earth shook and the guns kept up a
steady roar. 1t is impossible to des-
cribe a thing of that kind.
It was while we were at this front
that was sent to the Artillery school
at this place. On the day the arm
istice was signed l met Edgar Aiken.
Here we are school mates again. He
graduated yesterday and will un-
doubtedly return to his regiment.
l never mentioned it before but this
is an officers training school and all
men receiving commissions in the ar
tillery in France must first go through
this school, But now that the war
is over there has been issued an
order that no more commission will
be given. / still have another month
to 60 but the class that Edgar is in
has already completed it's course and
none of them will be commissioned.
1t was quite disappointment and it
takes the pep out Of these who still
have a month or two left. But such
is life in the army.
Well now l suppose you want to
know when we are coming home. The
end came so sudden that we haven't
really had time to make any plans.
Of course our thoughts are all of
home now and getting there is ques-
ton that concerns us all great deal
There is still work to be done over
here and it will take long time to
transport our big army back so it
all depends on a mans luck whether
he will spend Christmas 1918 or
Christmas 1919 at home. That is
what we call the zone of dispersion
and you might hit any place between
those two dates.
l received letter from John dated
November 2 and he was then in a
rest camp over here. / wrote to him
Immediately but have had no reply.
He reports all well. Hope he can
come to see me before leave here
for we may not be as close again. He
perhaps regrets not having arrived
before the war was over but being in
the infantry it is just as well that
he came late, my heart always went
out to he doughboys when I saw them
going forward into the line.
I think I have troubled you enough
for this time. | wish you all a very
Merry Christmas and a most Happy
New Year and to you especially Dad,
many happy returns Of this day.
From your son,
Herbert J. Lauterbach