"Went in trenches up from Moosch, Alsace first time June 20th, snowed June 23rd, came out of trenches June 29th came out to Oderen and stayed all night next day hiked to La Bresse. Trained. Went back July 20th from Kruth. We were relieved August 2nd by 128th M.G. Bat[talion]. Went back to Kruth 13th went in trenches 14th. Went out morning of Sept. 2nd. Went to Kruth Sept. 3rd went to Cornimont Left Cornimont on train on morning of fifth. Got off about 12 o’clock at Eaurix and started hiking about 1:30. Hiked until morning of sixth until about 2:00 when we arrived at Neuveo Maison. Left Neuveo Maison in rain and mud night of 11th. Hiked in rain and mud all night to be in reserve for St. Michael [Mihiel] drive, we pitched pup tents in woods near Liverdun. Transport left woods night of 15th. We left September 20th in French trucks rode all night. Left there night of 22nd went to woods from where we went into drive. I was on detail and got to ride in truck." This last movement put them in position for the Meuse-Argonne offensive.
Kevin took these two pictures of the Vosges, which he described as more "rugged" than he expected, and of the trenches. Meredith took the picture as they entered La Bresse.
Dad's diary says they "hiked" from Oderen to La Bresse. Google Maps shows that is 17 kms, including a 500 meter change in elevation. It would take 4 hours by foot today, but in the First World War, it was nothing for soldiers to march from town to town in France. Dad wrote that one day at Camp Doniphan in Oklahoma, they went on a 28-mile march that took a full day, but Oklahoma is flat as a pancake. In the diary quote above, Dad says they hiked for twelve and a half hours in going from Eaurix to Neuveo Maison in rain and mud. Before joining the Army, Dad had not traveled beyond the plains of central Kansas. One can imagine what an eye-opening experience this was, including things like snow in late June. That is when wheat is harvested in Kansas.
No comments:
Post a Comment