The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1919-05-01
DIARY OF LIEUT.. BRUCE.
CONTINUED on page two, column l.)

coming US. we finally arrived at this
rest camp at Knotty Ash. We stay
here over night. Blisters, on you
blisters.
Aug. 12, Romsey, England, Camp
Woodlief.-After a hasty breakfast
we broke camp and entrained. Passed
through the most beautiful rustic
scenery that most of us had ever
seen. Well cultivated farms and
roads lined with green hedges, with
a background of green-clothed hills,
on which were grazing sheep, brought
to mind the canvasses of some of the
old English masters. We arrived
here at 2.OO p. m. and marched into
the camp weary but happy.
Aug. IA. Aboard ship bound Tor
France.-After an 11-mile hike
through magnificent highways and
auto routes, with an hours stay at a
rest camp just outside of South
Hampton, we finally boarded this
ship at 400 p. m. AS before, we
were afforded a warm reception by
the women folks. The old boat is
packed to the masts and we are once
again wearing life preservers.
Aug. Is. Camp at LaHavre,
France.-Arrived here at 4:30 a. m.
and marched through the streets to
the camp. Everything seems very
quiet and black is the prevailing col
or. As in England, one is struck by
the absence of young men on the
streets. Helping to down the Hun,
no doubt.
Aug. 16. Rest Camp at LaHavre.
Who in the blazes named these
camps REST camps?
Aug. II. Cattle cars, en- route
somewhere in France.-An air raid
last night caused some excitement,
but no harm. We left. camp at 10:3O
p. m. and after a march in the dark
we entrained in these cattle cars.
These cars are not what we would
select, but the experience of riding in
box cars is novel. We are passing
through many small towns and when
the opportunity presents itself flirt
with the pretty brake women.
Aug. IS. Thorey, France.-With
sudden expectedness our destination
was reached, all of us unloading at
500 a. m. After stopping for rest
and lunch in a nearby field we hiked
six miles to Thorey. Our billets are
barns and sheds, we couched on
straw and many of us on the floor,
but We are happy, for no more hiking
for a while at least.
Aug. "a. Thorey, France.-All old
people in this town of 81. They are
good to US. We are living a peaceful
life far from the maddening struggle.
Drill, drill and then some more drill,
but after the work is done we all sit
around our billets and tell what we
will do when the Jerry" meets US.
The early bird gets the erfs dupain
and duhla. Compree?
Sept. 10. Thorey, France ater
is scarce and baths are becoming on
ly pleasant memories. Irish baths are
all the rage (change underclothes
whilst thinking of a tub We've
been drilling and solving tactical
problems and are becoming adept at
the game of soldering.
Sept. Is. Prusey, France.-At last
we are on our way to the front. We
left at 1:30 p. m. and after a swelter-
ing hike of 10 miles we arrived here
at 500 p: m. We leave in the morn
ing.
Sept. 16. Erby, France, Large
Fleld.-Up again and after a hoof
OF II miles we arrived tired, dusty
and sore. Our pup tents are up and
we are preparing ourselves for the
night. Sparkling brooks offer us the
nrst real opportunity for baths we
have had in an age. Blistered and
sore feet are being put in hiking cor
dition by the surgeon.
Sept. 1S. Beaumenil, France
Rolled up our tents and at 12, noon
entralned. Rode all night and after
oetralning at Bruyehres, we hiked s
miles to this town. An air raid on
our trains resulted in three casual
Ties. We are awaiting further orders
Sept. 19. Domfaing, France.-At
noon we were ordered to move up to
this town. We are nesting at the
loot OF huge pine tree-clad hills Be-
ing only few miles from the front
we are on the watch for enemy air
ships.