The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-08-06
Continued from last issue)
CHAPTER XII

artillerymen. This fully bore out a
prediction had cabled Washington
that the allies would be asking artil-
lerymen before long.
1t will be readily understood, how
ever, that once the allies had made
demand for infantry and machine gun
ners they all Joined in concerted effort
to bring it about regardless Of what
their real needs might be.
In reply, 1 reminded Marshal Haig
that the Abbeville agreement, giving
priority to infantry and machine-gun
shipments, would prevent the arrival
Of our artillerymen for some time.
In fulfilling our part in military CO.
operation we had already gone far be-
yond the mere recognition Of the prin-
ciple of unity of command and had
begun to bring over hundreds Of thou
sands of men almost regardless Of the
organizations to which they belonged,
that they might be available in the
event of extreme necessity.
Inspects Second Division.
1t was my custom throughout the
war, as both duty and pleasure, to
visit the troops as frequently as pos
sible to keep in touch with the state of
efficiency and the morale of officers
and men. AS Bundy's Second division,
with Harbord and E. NJ. Lewis as bri-
gade commanders, was leaving the
quiet sector south of Verdun en- route
to the billeting and training area to
finish preparation for battle, the mo-
ment was opportune to make a brief
inspection. l had an opportunity to
talk with number of the officers in
command of smaller units. especially
discussed the question of supply with
officers charged with that duty.
1 visited Harbord's brigade of ma
rines and found those inspected in
good shape and their billets well kept.
The troops Of the division that were
seen on the march, especially the
trains, did not look so well. In an
army like ours the care of animals is
difficult to teach. Cruikshank's artil-
lery looked well. The entraining at
Ancemont was carried out in an Or
derby and systematic manner.
General Blondlat, in whose corps the
Second had been serving, spoke very
highly of the troops. The favorable
impression obtained of this unit was
very soon to be confirmed on the bat
tlefield, where it's distinguished service
was to make its name immortal.
Frequently Had Guests.
During the first few months at Chau-
mont occupied quarters in the town,
but later NJ. de Rouvre placed at my
disposal his beautiful chateau some
three kilometers away. My headquar-
tiers mess was limited to the few Off
GERS with whom was most intimately
associated and consisted Of my per-
sonal aids, the chief of staff, and one
or two others. Nearly always there
were a few guests at meals invited
from among the visitors, both French
and American, who came to headquar-
tiers. Officers from French general
headquarters were frequent guests and
we were always glad to have them.
As rule there was ban on every
thing in the way of shop talk and the
rule was rarely broken and then only
when we had special guests seeking en-
lightenment or information regarding
our policies and activities.
There was one subject that would
always start a discussion, and that
was the relative value Of the different
arms, each being represented by at
least one officer. Hartford and l were
both from the cavalry, and the cav
airy member of the staff felt that he
had at least a sympathetic audience.
The infantry aid, however, always held
his own in any discussion. as no mat
ter how specious the arguments or per-
haps the gibes at his expense we all
know that without the infantry the
other arms would accomplish little.
The associations of such a group are
never forgotten, and even a short pc
Rod was enough to establish perma-
nent and affectionate relationship.
Staff Offices Rotated.
Rotation in office was early adopted
as a principle to be applied to the staff
in general, and although it was never
possible fully to carry it out most Of
the officers of my staff got their chance
at a tour with combat troops. Major
Collins and Major Shallenberger, two
of the aids who went with me to
France, were the first to go to other
duty, being replaced by Major Queke-
meyer and Major Bowditch. Colonel
Boyd, who, Joined me as aid shortly
after my arrival in France, remained
throughout the war.
When General Harbord's turn came
his place as chief Of staff was taken
by General McAndrew. Several of the
higher officers of the general staff had
a tour with troops, not only that they
might have the opportunity to serve at
the front, which is every soldiers am
bition. but because they would return
to staff duty with a broader and more
sympathetic understanding of the line
officers point of view and appreciate
more fully the consideration that he
deserves at the hands of the staff.
According to the plan for the rota-
ton of officers between line and staff
several others were relieved and sent