The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1919-01-23

that place we rode three days and
nights in cattle cars, to town called
Torcenay We stayed there about
seven weeks. During that time we
got plenty of infantry drill and prac-
tice hikes. At that place we could
buy all the eggs and milk that we
wanted But after leaving there we
got nothing but the regular army ra-
tions. There is one kind of food that
the soldiers over here have had plenty
of and that is canned Willie" other
wise known as plain corned beef Be
very careful about offering me any of
that when | get home. We left
Torcenay on the 18th OF September
and rode in a box car to place nam
ed Ancemont. 1t was at this place
that | heard the shells whistle for the
first time. The town was bombarded
the night we arrived. The shells land
ed about $50 yards from us. | also
saw the first aeroplane fight there A
Bosch plane was brought down. From
there we went on long hike to
place called Vlle-cerSusance. That
was tho worst hike we had. We
travelled all night going over twenty
miles. Troops we're always moved in
the night when up near the front we
carried full packs a steel helmet, gas
mask, rifle and 100 rounds of ammun-
ition in our belts. The whole outfit
was very heavy when We reached our
destination. 1t was about this time
that they were getting ready for the
big drive We did not know how
near the front we were just then.
On the night of Sept. 25th, we left
this place and hiked about two hours.
We were then in thick woods. We
were told that We would be in those
woods until four o'clock next morning
and could pitch tents if we wanted
to. Most of us decided not to unroll
our packs, but sat down to wait for
morning. At II o'clock that night |
thought the world was coming to an
end. The wood around us was full
of guns and they all started at the
same time. 1t would not be OF any
use to try to tell you how much noise
they made, but it wa sa lot more than
| had ever heard before. Perhaps
YOU remember reading something
about the Argonne- Mouse front. That's
where we were during the drive.
Starting in the woods on the morning
of Sept 26th we followed the drive,
without any relief, until the armistlce
was signed. 1t was great day when
the guns ceased firing.
The 10Th of October found us build
ing bridges on the Mouse river. II
the armistice had keen little later
we would have had that little job to
do under shell fire. ! am sure we
got enough of that on some other
Jobs. | will wait until | get back,
to tell you about those things Our
last work was on the Meuse. From
there we hiked into Belgium. We
crossed the river at town called
Stenay This was a nice looking
place. In peace times ii had about
60 900 inhabitants. We are now in
very pretty town called st. Mard.
1t is a clean looking town and the
people are very good to us. We are
billeted at different houses through
the town. Three of us have a room
together. 1t is nice room with good
beds 1t Is surely a delightful change
from the life we have been living over
mere.
Well, Ma don't know when / will
be home, but | think it will be soon
after peace is signed. We were in
the 9th Army Corps but have been
transferred to the 18th Corps.
| think / have told you about all
that | can think OF for this time. |
will write oftener now.
Love to all.
ALBERT.