The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1919-05-23
BLUNDERS ON
BATTLEFIELD
Governor Alien Of Kansas Asks for In
vesti9ation Of Alleged ineffs-
cheney During Argonne-
Meuse Battle.

UNITED Press Leased Wire SerVice-I
WASHINGTON, May 23--Investisa-
ton of alleged blunders and ineffi-
cheney of army officers which were
said TO have caused terrific casualties
OF the 35th division during the Ar
gcnne-Meuse battle is asked by Gov
ernor Henry Allen, Kansas, in let
ter today 10 Senator Chamberlain, re-
firing chairman of the senate military
aHairs committee
Governor Allen submitted with his
letter a caustic report, said to have
been made by the chief OF staff OF the
first army, severely crfticizins officers
OF the division for their conduct dur
ing the battle.
The report called certain alleged
plumbers inexcusable" and mentioned
by name some officers charged with
'.inefficiency."
The report summarized conclusions
based on an inspection Of the division
following its action n the Argonne
and said in part:
When the division went into action
Ii was not well disciplined unit and
many officers were not well trained
The division staff was not well or
gained
Changes in staff, brigade and regt-
mental commanders greatly handf-
capped the division commander"
The liason system broke down after
the attack started.
Brigade and regimental commanders
failed 10 keep IN touch with their Of
ficers during the action.
Failure of all commanders TO keep
a headquarters established when COM
nunications could be received, was
"inexcusable'
Action of brigade and regimental
commanders in being far to the front
and out OF all communication re-
suited in their having no more effect
on the action than so many company
or platoon commanders and prevented
the headquarters in the rear from
sending orders to the front"
aIf commanders had remained in
their Headquarters or made provisions
for messages reaching them immedt-
ately. they would have been able to
have had fair knowledge of condi-
lions and perhaps have Strengthened
out the many difficulties that arose.
THE confusion and struggling show
ed poor discipline, lack OF leadership
and probably poor preparation.
1T was a serious error for both d.
vision commander and chief OF staff
to leave their headquarters at the
same time.
.-,rhe five attacks which the divis-
ion made followed each other so
closely there was no opportunity after
the evening of Sept 26 to reorganize
and get the various units in hand.
after Sept. 81 the division was
really one in name only as maneuver-
ing power with unit numbers ceased
to exist.
Casualties among officers is given
as one reason of much confusion dur-
ing the battle The report exoner-
ates the men from any suspicion OF
cowardice and comments on their
bravery as well as that of their off,
GERS.
Most of the struggling and confus-
onf was caused by men getting lost
and not having leaders, and not from
apy deliberate design to go to the
rear in order to avoid further fight
ing. The fighting spirit and bravery
of officers and men was excellent, the
report said.
Brtgadier General Berry, artillery
commander, was criticized because he
failed, it is alleged, to cooperate with
and make full use of the air service
until ordered to do so. Alleged bung-
ling of the telephone and wireless
communication to forward regiments
and failure to use the proper code in
calling corps headquarters was due
to the "ineficiency of Lieut.. Col.
George wiecorek, divisional signal Of
hcaro fine report said.
senator Chamberlain made public
tho Allen letter making charges today.