Evening star., 1924-08-12
GUARDSMEN FIGHT
FLOODS IN CAMP
Barracks at Humphreys Like
Houseboats and Streets
Like Rivers.
By n Stan Correspondent.

By stan Correspondent.
FORT HUMPHREYS, Va, August
12.--Some real engineering not on the
schedule of drill of the 121st Regiment
of Engineers, National Guard of the Dis
trict OF Columbia, in camp here, was
provided during the night by old Jupiter
Fluvius when he turned loose torrent
Of rain which literally made houseboats
out of the barracks.
Troops we're marooned in their quar-
ters at reveille and details were prompt
ly put to work seeking out old drains
in the camp to carry off the flood, and
men waded around in the water up to
their chests seeking them. They waded
to their barracks, waded back and then
waded some more to their drills.
The prepared drill schedule had to be
changed to meet the unexpected fur
nished by the elements. Officers and
men alike were out in deep water all
the morning in an effort to get section
of the camp occupied by the District
troops drained. Men in charge of quar-
ters had difficulty in keeping them clean,
as the troops brought in thick, sticky
mud on their shoes.
Inspect Camp KitcA~ns.
While the troops were engaged in
the drainage work and taking steps
to prevent a recurrence, Col. John
w. Oehmann. commanding the regi-
ment; Maj .Covell, Regular Army in
structor assigned to the District
troops, and Capt. B. r Bolton made
an inspection of camp kitchens. Col.
Oehmann expressed himself follow
ing the inspection as being much
pleased with the way the men have
settled into camp life.
Of uhn
rounded up in Washington yesterday
by the military police came into
camp just in time to get a real taste
of the life Of a soldier. for they were
turned out to put the land surround
ing the barracks in shape.
VIII Continue Rouaa-Up.
Col. Oehmann said this morning
that there is an average Of Is men
from each company who failed to
report for this encampment, and that
efforts would be continued to round
all Of them UP. He pointed out that
when these men enlisted in the guard
they did so for a serious purpose
that of fitting themselves for i'm
mediate service in time Of war. He
is going to be insistent that all who
have no legitimate reason for re-
naming away shall be brought to
camp.
The heavy downpour Of rain started
here shortly before midnight. and was
accompanied by a display Of astro-
nomical pyrotechnics that reminded
the veteran members Of the guards
of their days In France. Several
bolts of lightning struck In the camp,
but no damage was done.
Asxxnnezt. Made.
Assignments Of officers and nom
commissioned personnel, who have
charge Of the various schools in camp
were announced today by Col. Och
Capt Sidney Morgan, Headquarters
and Service COMPANY. school of the
automatic rifle; Master Sergt Sydney
G. Hunt Headquarters and Service
Company, school of carpentry and
general Instruction.; Tech Sergt
Frank P. Kaye, Headquarters and
Service Company, map reproduction;
Sergt. John p. Sniegosky topography;
Capt. E. H. Grove, cooks and mess
Garlick, first sergeants and sompany
clerks school.
The following assignments of on1-
GERS also were announced: Mai
George a. Allen. medical officer; Capt
Edward II. Grove. supply officer; Capt
Boyce R Bolton. sanitary officer;
First Lieut.. Robert G. MacCartee
adtutant; First Lieut.. James r. Ma
gruder, first battalion mess officer;
First Lieut.. Charles E. Smithson. sec
ond battalion mess officer; Second
Lieut. Rudy w. Boyer, consolidated
mess officer.
The continued downpour Of rain
will preclude the building Of pontoon
and trestle bridges this afternoon
However, trucks are hauling in the
necessary materials for the construc-
ton work to be done by the eng1-
neers while they are in camp here
destruction fer Men
However, in view of the fact that
the elements will prevent the men
noon, they will have plenty of drill
ing. All of the afternoon will be
given over to instruction in the
articles of war. when the men will
be impressed with the seriousness OF
committing various offenses in time
Of war, and also instruction in knot
tying and lashing used in the con-
struction OF temporary structures IN
the field.
Yesterday afternoon tho members
Of the regiment participated In their
first parade and presented a very
creditable appearance. The drill
schedule for the camp provides
something for the troops to do from
$3.50 am. to parade and retreat al
5:45 pm. Taps are sounded at II
o'clock each night.
The elements permitting. the
troops will drive directly into their
training schedule tomorrow, when
they will begin construction work
But they will be of duty in the after
noon, which has been given over to
supervised athletics. Capt Snith