Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1919-04-17

our heavy packs on our backs the delay
was not conclusive to good humor. How
ever. the ladies of the Red Cross were
at hand and with their kindly ministries
helped wonderfully. They distributed
sandwiches, coffee, chocolate bars ana
ice water. By midnight we were all on
board and pretty soon all were asleep.
Our transport was the Margha. bri-
fish Cunard Liner, built for the East
Indian trade, and modern in all its APP
Monuments. Each officer had comfort
able state-room in which there was run
ming water, electric lights and an
electric fan. The Margha had beauti-
full music room and very comfortable
smoking room. AS to meals we 1ared
splendidly, indeed we lived in luxury.
The crew YVES composed chiefly OF East
Indians and they were most obsequious
in their attentions to onr wants. Al
six O'Clock every morning tea and toast
were served in our statesrooms. Breaks
fast was at nine in the spacious dining
saloon. At one O'Clock we had lunch.
At four, following the English CUSTOM
we had tea and cake. Then course
dinner was served at seven in the even
ing.
The East Indians of the crew were
most interesting. While they rendered
most exact service in the dining saloon
they reverted to their oriental customs
when they themselves ate. Two or three
of them would squat on the floor around
common vessel using only their fingers
in helping themselves to their food
When they washed the dishes and silver
that had been used In the dining saloon
they kept everything on the fioor. dish
pan and everything, and squatten while
they worked. At regular intervals dur
ing the dav they came out on deck ana
Frustrated themselves toward the east IN
prayer.
Early Wednesday morning. July 3lst,
our transport steamed out of the Boston
Harbor passing close by Fort Strong on
our way out. We were so close that our
officers were enabled to exchange fare
wells with their wives and children.
There were six transports in close for
nation accompanied by two American
Destroyers. We proceeded on our way
to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where we put
no
voy should be formed We were there
in that beautiful harbor for several days
but were not allowed to land We did
launch life boats one morning and some
of US rowed around the harbor approach
ing close enough to the other troop ships
to talk with those on board.
Sunday morning at half past eleven we
weighed anchor and took our place in the
long line of ships that were slowly pass
ing out of the harbor to sea. The peo-
pie of Halifax hal lined the shores on
either side of US and cheered Justify as
we went by There were now nineteen
ships in the convoy accompanied by one
battle cruiser and several destroyers.
After a day or two the destroyers return
ed and with the cruiser as our lone pro-
tector we made our way across the At
lantic, pursuing zigzag course IN order
to avoid possible submarines.
Every possible precaution was taken
to insure the safety of the convoy. No
unusual noise was made, nothing was to
be thrown overheard. no outside lights
could be lit, there was to be no smoking
on deck after dark. In addition to the
regular watch of the crew, watchers
from our own men were on duty day and
night constantly scanning the seas for
periscopes.
Everybody was kept busy all the time.
Everyone took calisthenics for half an
hour every morning. There were fire.
quent boat drills, classes, etc, that took
up practically all the time. There was
very little in the way of entertainment.
When but two days out from England
we were met by British sloop and six
American destroyers, and with them as
our escort we felt secure even though we
were then entering the real danger zone.
Without the slightest mishap we entered
the harbor of Liverpool England, on the
18th day of August, 1918.
(To be continued.)