The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1920-05-02
American "Doughboy" Remarkable and
Distinctive Species, Typical of His
Nation, Says British Field Marshal

Ing to my fellow citizens Of
them demobilized soldiers 'of the ar
mics ! communicate was natural
that | should devote my utterances
to euiogy Of our own country regi-
meuts.
But SO far from my being unap-
preciative or desiring to dtsparage the
services rendered 10 this world by
the American armies. let me tell you
and. indeed. ] have constantly re-
iterated the fact--that from their
first arrival in France ] was fmme-
diately and profoundly impressed by
the keenness and seriousness with
which the young American troops
adapted themselves TO the unexpected
conditions with which they were con-
fronted,
TO my observation they were inn
hued with the spirit, and desire TO
render the utmost service wherever
their aid might avail. and especially
admirable. in my estimation, was the
self -cffacement they were ready to
display and the desire they at all
times showed to learn from the men
OF the armies who had been for years
in the field.
This desire was equally apparent
in all ranks, They fratsrnized at once
with the British and French troops.
picked up their ways learned quick
~ from the knowledge acquired by
the bitter experience of two years
fighting under ever-changing condi-
tons and, readily asslmilated this
knowledge. they were able. when
called upon. to make the best of the
opportunities given them.
ARRIVAL BROUGHT HOPE
Moreover. you must bear in mind
the marvellous heartening effect given
to the sorely tried people OF France
by the opportune arrival in their
country OF the first Americans: that
is to say, of General Pershing and his
staff. in June, 1917. The effect was
electrical.
The French armies-unbeaten
certainly--were seriously exhausted.
and the arrival in their midst OF the
first attachments of the armies of the
United States-eplendid in physique,
magnificently equipped. and supplied
with apparently unlimited resources
In material--acted as wonderful
stimulus throughout the whole coun-
try
You must remember that when |
speak to you in regard to the Ameri-
can armies in France I am especially
which came under my personal obser-
walton. / allude to that period in the
early days of American cooperation
when certain divisions of the United
States army were attached TO my
command Immediately on their land
| ing in France. During these months
I was enabled to note--and was much
| Impressed blythe rapid growth in
| all-around efficiency that they at
| tanned in practical warfare, and all
, that prase means. Their stan Off
GERS especially struck me as highly
educated. capable. as well as "tactfH,
| gentlemen.
| The bigger army that was formed
later and with such wonderful celeri-
| ty, was, In the technical sense, an
| unframed army with only a rudiment-
| airy knowledge of military duties and
| requirements. In that respect it was
| precisely like our own citizen army.
But by sheer devotion to- the cause
that had adopted and by persistent
application to the surmounting of the
tasks imposed on them, the Ameri-
can 'doughboys' speedily gained the
admiration not only of the British
Tommies, their comrades in arms. but
L