Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1919-02-20
From Scotland.

Dear Editor and Friends-At my
last writing was on the British Isles,
in secluded spot, doing my bit to-
ward defeating the German Navy.
We were quietly operating our war
machine, which has helped to spell
DEFEAT to the Huns. Our site
is an extinct distillery, which was once
prosperous business, but was turned
over TO Uncle Sam to help the world
for Liberty. If all the liquor business
had been turned over to the Govern
ment and arranged to help in the
great war perhaps we boys could
have returned sooner. 1t would also
be a great step toward freedom to see
the liquor traffic eradicated from this
country, as we'll as U. s. A.
On either side of us are fields dotted
with many heads of sheep, cattle, and
horses, leisurely grazing, while the
people do their farm work. At the
Base you see regular town with
"gobs" working everywhere You
would have thought 1--WE we're exiled
to see the large amount of stores on
hand. Everything was prepared to
give the Kaiser his knockout blow.
You have wondered what our mission
was. This place was taken over for
the purpose of assembly mines to
plant in the North Sea. When we-5
mine layers loaded with mines-ar-
rived here last May, everything was
ready. Since then, up to November
II, about $4,000 mines assembled by
both Bases-the other Base No, is To-
Gated 80 miles of Eere. These were
planted by the 10 Mine Layers. We
claim to our credit about IA Subma-
rines.
1t was great day when the Ger
man ships surrendered to the Grand
Fleet. The Navy is practically clear
Of the repoach of defeat. AS to cow
ardice or ineficiency they have not
been known in the Navy of the U. 8.
We had little or no navy force in the
war of the Revolution, but it was
French and Americad ships which
spelled success at Yorktown. Our
Navy has never in any war struck a
flag before any antagonist of even
number; or even weight and metal.
1t will never do SO.
"Where muttering tempests rage
And angry lightnings fash,
: When "Subn infected waters
Make each minute plunging brash,
When God Almighty's vengeance
Seems the only welcome sight,
It's soothing consolation,
You're not afraid to fight.n
Since our last correspondence many
changes have taken place. We spent
very enjoyable day July 4th at
Inverness, scotland, (Base 18.) We
had the opportunity of viewing their
surroundings. They have q city of
10000 near here. The town is old
, and historical, but not so far different
!, from Missouri town.
We were granted a furlough De-
cember 29th to January 8th. We
) spent the time in the Metropolis OF
j the British Isles. We are about 65O
: miles north of London. While there
8 we visited the places of historical in
D terest. The most interesting places
8 visited were: The Great Tower,
. House of Parliament, Westminster
, Abbey, and Hampton Court. 1t was
the latter place where the plot foI
'sHenry WHIP was made. We were
in the banquet room of the Mansion
House, where a banquet was given il
honor of President Wilson q few days
previous.l
While being placed in this secluded
spot for nearly eight months we CAM
complain, as the Y. M. o. A. has help
! ed wonderfully. They have Offered
. us entertainment and amusement
We have had some excellent speak
: ers, among them: DR.. Little, Mr.. ].
!. r. Francis, Mr.. Bushnell, DR.. Chad
d burn, Mr.. Kramer, Capt. Taper ant
o DR.. Poole.
Our Base was inspected by higl
Naval authorities. Assistant Secre
tary F. D.>Roosevelt visited US few
n months ago, also, Admiral May
+ with his staff.
Z The part of the country in whicl
i we abide is very historical. The hill
Q are dotted with castles. The scener.
: is reminder of the Arcadia Valley
II The weather here 10 quite pleasant
y except for the frequent rains. w
o have seen very little warm weather
since last summer in Missouri.
We certainly admired the spirit an
y work Of our soldier boys who Tough
,. so gallantly. Many times we wishsd W
70 were among them, but: