Newark post., 1919-01-29
Delaware Soldiers Have
Memorable Christmas
Third Battalion Gives Exhibition of Yankee Pen
Old Company E Boys SO Strong Have Part in
Celebration "

France was TeCclVeu Ulle llTSC OF |
the week from Lieutenant J. R..
Shultz:
Yankee Doodle came to town."
Yankee Doodle being the 3rd Bat
TALON of the 59th Pioneer Infan-
try, formerly the 1st Delaware In
fantry, the town Boucq, Meurthe,
France, the time a few days before
Xmas 1918, and Xmas being the
second gladdest in the worlds his
tory, it was proper that it be cele-
brated in a fit manner. The de-
cision being unanimous it was
decided to give an exhibition of
Yankee pep, in the form of an en-
tertainment, that this little old
world town will long remember.
The decision made, all, from the
Commanding officer to the last
private, got busy. Committees
we're called and plans outlined.
Men in trucks, wagons, and motor
cvcles searched the country for
commisaries, canteens and stores
where supplies might be found.
The entertainment committee de-
clared open season on all local
talent and the catch was given
intensive training in "How to en-
tertain in public" Decorators and
mechanics were set to work ar
ranging the stage effects.
Like small boys at Xmas time
everybody wanted to help. Trucks
laden with mysterious boxes and
bundles rolled up to Headquarters
and Immediately Mr.. 0. D. Kankee
rendered his assistance.
Even the placid townsfolk
caught the spirit. They viewed
with interest and curiosity the
mad Americans preparation for
the celebration of "Noel."
Securing a tree was matter OF
some moment. For France being
an old and thickly populated
country has little timber. The
available supply has been furthe,
greatly decimated by this war
Forestry laws are very rigid. The
Major du Cantonment was con
suited. This gentleman kindly as
sisted personally in locating
suitable tree. Permission gener
ousIy given by General Morlain
court. owner of a beautiful chau
teau and large grounds in th'
town, to cut tree on his estate
The tree was borne in state on tn
shoulders of husky Pioneers to tn
place of honor in the Place de |;
Marie. or Public Square. Its pro
gress was in the nature of
triumphal procession. People drop
ned their work to come and watch
children followed the procession
dogs barked and mild excitemen
prevailed.
Officers shed their coats an
dignity and served as privates /
the army of Santa Claus. Even tn
Major insisted on being enrolled
Each man was to be given stocF
ing filled with goodies in the az
proved Xmas style. The officer
worked, filling the stockings hour
after taps-the soldiers good-nlgf
that echoed among the hill
around Boucq. The stockings,
pair to each man, were donated 0
the American Red Cross.
So we'll did each worker pertorl
his part that Xmas Eve,shoWed a
arrangements complete. "A llgf
snowfall added further to the a.
corative effect and the spirit OF tt
season. ;,
Dawn of Xmas Day brought VIII
it promises of more snow ana Sc
eral flufries punctuated the pr
gram. All calls were suspendt
and the boys ears were not assal
ed by the Bugles imperlous cor
mand to crawl from warm o'
into the darkness of early daW
A late breakfast "like the 1ol
back home," then each compa,
marched to the Square where u
program was to commence at ..
o'clock. 80,
The hard working comnlic.
headed by Chaplain Joseph
Kelly, had preceded them ana {
program commenced promptly
the hour. The program as arrah
ed follows:
l.. Opening Prayer, Chaplain
M. Kelly.
2. Christmas Carol, "Ades
Fidelis," Battalion Choir.
3. Salutatory, Col. J. warn
Reed, Commanding 59th Plone