Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-22

28th-2eth, when 1t was relieved by the
French.
Although all classes Of transporta-
ton were badly needed, it was impera-
tive at this time to increase the rail
facilities in the zone Of our Army.
Truck trains were now being handled
regularly and efficiently, yet the enor-
nous supply of artillery ammunition
that had to be brought up was begin
ming to bear heavily on them. The
French were demanding the return Of
their trucks for use behind their own
lines, farther to the west, where trans
portation was also being overtaxed.
Influenza Spreads
Our supply system was on a well
regulated basis under the able co-ordi-
nation Of Brig. Gen. Moseley and his
assistants at G. H. O., although we
sorely felt the deficiencies in motor We
hicles These operations were hard on
horseflesh, but our losses were being
partially replaced from the limited
numbers In the French armies. mainly
through Marshal Foch's direct orders,
and some were obtained from the Brit
ish Col. John L. De Witt, as the CO.
ordinator Of supplies for the 1st Army,
displayed rare ability in meeting the
tremendous demands and overcoming
the difficulties Of transportation.
Influenza in the Army had assumed
very serious proportions, over 10000
cases additional having been reported
in the week ending October 5. Large
numbers Of cases were brought in by
our troop ships. The death rate from
influenza rose to 80 per cent for the
A. e. f. and was as high as 80 per cent
in some groups. The total number of
cases of influenza treated in hospitals
was nearly 10000, of whom many de-
veloped grave form Of pneumonia and
did not recover.
Although short Of equipment and
personnel, especially nurses, the medt-
cal units Of the 1st Army gave splen-
did service, regardless Of the arduous
character of their duties. In many in
stances they were under constant ex-
pcSure on or near the battlefelds for long
periods. Supply truck trains and am
bulance trains went back and forth at
all times and were often hit by artil-
Iery fire or shot up from aiplanes.
Evacuation hospitals were frequently
bombed and several nurses were killed.
Altogether, the Medical Department for
its services In this operation deserves
the greatest praise.
It was recognized that our divisions
were required on other parts OF the
front to sustain and encourage the
aIt1eS ana O1Len 70 dlQ dL pO1I1bS WILEY
the other armies were unable to adj
vance without our help. At the same
time, the absence with the French ana
British Of four divisions, among which
were some Of our best, made it neces-
sary to keep units in line on our front
without the normal withdrawal tor rest
and renting Five of our divisions
were kept in line on the active front for
an average Of "a days OF continuous
service.
Losses Mounting Daily.
Once cur army was committed TO
continuous attacks. the replacement OF
men became q problem of vital inpor-
lance. The losses were mounting daily
and the number of electives was de-
creasing at o rapid rate. Casualties
since September &c had grown to nearly
rs 900, and our need for requirements
had increased to 10000. 1t was neces-
sary at this stage to reduce the size Of
our infantry companies from $50 to IT'S
men, and to keep up their strength
even TO this reduced figure seven d.
visions sent over for combat had to be