HISTORY OF THE 307^TH ENGINEERS

Aug. 11, 1917 – Mar. 1, 1919

1. The officers of this regiment assembled at Camp Gordon, Ga., in compliance with S.O. 186, August 11, 1917. The division was designated as the 82^nd and was commanded by Major General Eben Swift. A schedule of drills and schools was started at once, each officer being required in turn to command squads, platoons and company in the field, and the work of the training period was reviewed during school hour. The enlisted men began to arrive on Sept. 5, 1917, among the first of which were 21 non-commissioned officers from regular engineer regiments.

2. The officers were assigned as follows:

Col. E. I. Brown, Commanding Regiment
Major H. C. Mower, 1^st, Battalion
Major Eugene Kelly, 2^nd, Battalion
Capt. H. W. Hill, Regimental Adjutant
Capt. J. B. Abbott, Jr., 1^st, Battalion Adjutant
Capt. W. D. Kendrick, 2^nd, Battalion Adjutant
Capt. J. W. Houseal, Topographical Officer
Capt. E. C. Lane, Regimental Supply Officer
Capt. C. F. Lewis, "A" Company
Capt. T. B. Catchings, "B" Company
Capt. H. B. Baird, "C" Company
Capt. W. S. Pottinger, Jr., "D" Company
Capt. M. W. Dixon, Jr., "E" Company
Capt. W. C. Caye, Jr., "F" Company
1^st Lieut. C. C. Browne, Jr., 307^th, Engineer Train.
Lieut. Colonel J. L. Schley, Corps of Engineers, reported for duty Sept. 1, 1917.

3. For the purpose of administrative instuction for officers, all of the enlisted men to arrive were put into one company, ("A"), were given an intensive drill and lecture schedule, and a complete set of company records was started. Later, when the company had reached approximate strength, the enlisted personnal was divided equally among the six companies to assist in organizing and training the new men which were arriving daily from Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.

4. Only uniforms were available for issue at this time and the training was limited to lectures, singing, school of the soldier, squad and company, (without arms) until Oct. 15^th, to 26^th., when all but five enlisted men per company were transferred to National Guard organizations at Camps Wheeler, Jackson and Sevier.

5. Between Oct. 17^th, and Nov. 15^th, the regiment was filled up to about 60% strength by men transferred from Camps Meade, Dix, Lee, Devers and Upton. These men had been uniformed and had had about three weeks training. No effort was made by the division authoritives to select technical or construction men for this regiment, but the material received from which to build an engineer regiment was far superior to that received in the original assignments.

6. Work of training the new men was confined to infantry drill without arms, until Nov. 6, 1917 when a few rifles per company were issued. These rifles were used alternately by the seveal platoons of each company so that when a full complement of rifles was issued eary in 1918, all men were familiar with the manual of arms and had had sightings and aiming drills.

7. Daily lectures were given to the men by battalion on Discipline, Care of the Feet, Military Courtesy, Loyalty, Duties of Engineers in Warfare, itc. Also singing and signalling drills were included in the first schedules which filled the hours 7:30 to 11:30 and 1:30 to 4:00 PM five days per week. Inspections were held on Saturday mornings from the start.

8. Col. Brown was transferred to the 92^nd Division, Oct. 29^th, 1917. Lieut. Col. Schley assumed command of this regiment and was promoted to the grade of Colonel. Major Mower acted as second in command and Capt. Lewis temporarily commanded the 1^st Battalion.

9. Early in November engineer schools were started in revetments, trench layout and road building, the afternoons of four days per week being devoted to this work. Also divisional schools were started for cooks, horse-shoers, mess and supply sergeants and wagoners. "A" Company was detailed to construct a grenade court or system of trenches for use of the division.

10 Between Nov. 1^st and 20^th, 1917, transportation and enginer tools having been issued for the regiment and engineer train, the train was organized and schools were started for stablemen, packers and for surveying, photography, lithography, carpentry and obstacles. The regiment also began in December, the construction of a typical battallion sector complete with trenches, obstacles, deep dugouts, out and covered shelters, etc. One company was assigned to this work every week and spent the entire daily training period on the work.

11. In the latter part of the month schools were started by the division for the instruction of officers in bayonet combat, hand grenade and gas defense. Details were sent from every company until all officers had been given the work and were able to instuct the men.

12. From January 1^st to the first of May training was continued in infantry combat, ceremonies and engineer work. Companies took turns at operating saw mill, railroad work and upkeep of Camp Gordon roads, while work on rigging, carpentry, surveying, etc. was continued by the remaining three companies.

13. The regiment made three thrips to the rifle range; January 16^th, to 18^th, 1918 February 21^st to 23^rd and April 11^th to 17^th, 1918, also a four day march to Marietta and return.

14. Officers’ schools were held four nights every week by the regimental commander, and N.C.O. schools by company commanders.

15. Lieut. Col. C. J. Taylor reported for duty as second in command on March 13, 1918 and was transferred from the regiment on April 16, 1918. During this period Major Mower resumed command of the 1^st Battalion and Capt. Lewis of "A" Company.

16. The division began to move to ports of embarkation the second week in April and this regiment was scheduled to leave Camp Gordon 8^th May, 1918. The work of packing all equipment had been begun in March contemplating earlier orders, and some packages had to be unpacked. All transportation was ready for shipment on May 3^rd and was loaded on trains. Limber and caisson wagons were crated.

17 Capt. J. W. Houseal with one sergeant, left CampGordon on 10^th April, 1918 to proceed overseas as the regiment’s belleting officer. Lieut. Roberts Mann with a detail of 45 enlisted men, was left at Camp Gordon to transport the regiment’s and train’s animals. The animals were later turned in to the remount station and the detail sailed with another unit. The following officers were detached from the regiment to proceed overseas and attend schools; Major C. F. Lewis, Captains W. C. Caye, Jr., N. Houston, 1^st Lieutenants B. E. Merrell, G. P. Donnellan, H. E. Newton, W. W. Moore, D. M. Rugg and 2^nd Lieutenant W. R. Boyd. They, with other officers of the division , left Camp Gordon 6^th May, landed at Brest 29^th May and rejoined the regiment at Toul, 24^th June. They had not attended school.

18. On 2^nd May Major Mower was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, Capr. Lewis was promoted and placed in command of the second battalion, Major Kelly was transferred to the first battalion and the companies were officered as follows:

"B" Company - Capt. T. B. Catchings
1^st, Lieut. B. E. Merrell,
1^st, Lieut. M. Readey,
1^st, Lieut. T. C. FitzSimon.
2^nd, Lieut. R. A. Clay
2^nd Lieut. J. A. Mason.

"C" Company - Capt. C. B. Shaffer,
1^st Lieut. I. F. Witherington,
1^st Lieut. D. O. Patch,
2^nd Lieut. A. F. Sachs,
2^nd Lieut. W. R. Boyd

"D" Company - Capt. W. S. Pottinger, Jr.,
1^st Lieut. W. Y. Stamper, Jr.,
1^st Lieut. G. P. Donnellan,
1^st Lieut. H. C. Lewis,
2^nd Lieut. E. E. Hall, Jr.,
2^nd Lieut. J. V. Sarver.

"E" Company - Capt. M. W. Dixon, Jr.,
1^st Lieut J. D. Brown,
1^st Lieut. J. H. Claxton,
1^st Lieut. H. E. Newton,
2^nd Lieut., P. F. Shannon,
2^nd Lieut., P. C. Brewer.

"F" Company - Capt. W. C. Caye, Jr.,
1^st Lieut. W. W. Moore,
1^st Lieut. S. W. Anderson,
1^st Lieut. E. S. Allen,
2^nd Lieut. S. H. Andrews, Jr.,
2^nd Lieut. W. S. Merrill.

Hdqrs. Co. - 1^st Lieut. R. Wilkinson.

Capt. H. B. Baird was regimental adjutant,
Capt. F. T. Robson, first battalion adjutant,
Capt. W. H. Beace, secong battalion adjetant,
Capt. J. W. Houseal, Topographical Officer,
Capt. E. C. Lane, Regimental Supply Officer,
Lieut. J. T. Mortell, Chaplain.

Other changes in the commissioned personnel, assigned and attached, were constantly occuring during the training period and are shown in the biographical report.

19. With the exception of the details mentioned in par. 17, the regiment left Camp Gordon on 8^th May, traveling in four trains and arrived at Camp Mills, Long Island, N.Y. on 9^th May. While at Camp Mills 24 hour passes were given to the men to enable them to visit their homes. Most our men originally had come from this locality and had been in training for eight months without furlough. A great many overstayed their passes in order to reach their homes and return.

20. A careful physical examination was her made of every officer and man, and the regiment with 41 officers and 1426 men, boarded the British transport "Saxon" 18^th May, 1918. The fleet of fourteen transports sailed on the morning 19^th May.

21. The passage was made in eleven days; the fleet docked at Liverpool about midnight 30-31 May and the regiment moved by rail to Camp "Winall Downs", Winchester, on 31^st May, the Engineer Train following one day later. The command entrained on the morning of 2^nd June and on the same night sailed for Le Havre where it went into the British Rest Camp No. 2 on the morning of the 3^rd. Here the men were required to salvage practically all personal property, the U.S. rifles and bayonets were turned in and British rifles, bayonets and ammunition were issued. It was later decided to assign the 82^nd Division to the French sector and on 6^th June the U.S.rifles were returned and the command entrained on the night of 7^th June arriving at Vitrey on the night of 9^th June. After bivouacing on the Vitrey road the regiment marched, on the morning 10^th June, to their billets in Montigny-les-Cherlieu, Prigney and Cintrey.

1. When the regiment left Camp Gordon it was equipped 100% in animals, vehicles and in engineer, ordinance and quartermaster equipment. On June 10, 1918, the command marched into billets at Montigny-les-Cherlieu, Prigney and Cintrey with no equipment other than that carried by the men, the field desk, field ranges, colors and officers’ baggage.

2. While at these stations an intensive drill and practice-march schedule obtained. Lieutenants Merrell, Newton and Boyd of the school detail rejoined the regiment on the 20^th, and on the 22^nd, Col. Schley left for Toul. On 23^rd of June orders came to load freight and on the night of the 24^th June the regiment entrained at Vitrey.

3. The officers detailed from Camp Gordon to attend scheels overseas, minus Lieutenents Merrell, Newton and Boyd arrived at Toul on the night 19^th June and were directed to arrange for billeting the regiment in the towns of Orouvre and Foug. Major Lewis and Capt. Houston were taken up on line in the Boucq sector to look over the work of the 101^st Engineers on 20^th June; the remainder of the school detail met the regiment and trains at Toul on the morning of 25^th June.

4. Arriving at Toul, Lieut. Hall was sent to French Corps headquarters as liason officer, all company commanders and Lieut. Pfeiffer were taken by car to report to Col. Schley at Boucq for instructions, "D" and "E" Companies were left at the French barracks in Toul, while the balance of the regiment marched via les St. Remy to Boucq, arriving on the night 25^th June.

5. On the night 26-27 June "A", "B" and "F" Companies marched from Boucq to Raulecourt, Hamonville and Menil-la-Tour, respectively; "C" Company remained at Boucq; "D" and "E" Companies moved by rail from Toul to Manonville where "E" Company remained and from which point "D" Company marched to the Bois Montjoie. Headquarters and trains remained at Boucq. Lieut. P. M. Dufour of the French Engineers was here assigned to this regiment as liaison officer.

6. The command in this sector passed on 26^th June from the 26^th Division to 82^nd Division. Capt. F. T. Robson was detached on 28^th June and made assistant G-1, Division Headquarters in which capacity he has served ever since. The work of the engineer regiment was, generally, the development of the second position and the new idea of Groupes de Combat organized into strongpoints was followed. The flanking fire of machine guns in front of wire belts was the key note of this organization and controlled the layout. This work was layed out and constructed subject to the approval of the 8^th French Army Engineers and weekly progress reports and maps were submitted to the French 8^th Army Headquarters.

7. The line being developed may be located as follows: From a point one kilometre north east of St. Jaques, south west through this town and Noviant to a point 500 metres south of Grosrouvres, thence noth of Ansanville and Hamonville, south west between the small lakes and west to a point one kilometre noth east of Raulecourt, thence south west through Raulecourt.

"A" Company, on the left of the sector, constructed 3,000 lineal yards of trench, 12,000 yards of entanglements, 1,000 lineal feet of cheveaux de frise, 2 reinforced concrete pill boxes, 3,540 square yards of cammouflage, six light shelters (12 and 24 men) and organized six groupes de combat.

"B" Company, from Hamonville built two and started a third out-and-cover shelter for one platoon each; built one 5-gun emplacement; one concrete dressing station; worked on three concrete pill boxes; superintended the construction of trenches by the infantry, constructed barbed wire entanglements and salvaged large quantity of property from Mandres, Beaumont, Raulecourt and vicinity. This company organized several combat groups on the front line position and 15 groups on the second position.

"C" Company, at first was held at Boucq on the constuction of a division command post of 12 chambers cut into the side of the mountain. It was later moved to Menil-laTour and took over from "F" Company the operation of engineer dumps at that point, Leonval and Corneville. This company also built light shelters for the artillery, worked with French Foresters in supplying pickets for wire entanglements, made camouflage protection over gun emplacements, constructed wire entanglements on the barrage position and completed dugout for Corps P.O. The last mentioned work was done in a most creditable manner by Lieut. Boyd.

"D" Company was assigned the constuction of three dugouts, working two shifts per day, machine gun enplacements and entanglements for the organization of the line of strongpoints through the Bois Montjoie west of St. Jaques, built a 60 c.m. line from Manoncourt to Royamieux, and for a short time had a platoon assisting in the operation of dumps and salvaging of equipment from the front lines. Infantry furnished labor for the construction of trenches under the supervision of this company.

"E" Company constructed a 3-chamber dugout connected with a machine gun emplacement between Bernecourt and Noviant, two cut-and-cover shelters, organized nad built tour combat groups with trenches, wire and completed the excavation for two pill boxes. In addition, this company completed the construction of two concrete pill boxes started by the French Engineers.

"F" Company was originally put in charge of engineer dumps, operating those at Menil-la-Tour, Corneville and Leonval and the saw mill at Menil-la-Tour. On July 5^th, this company was relieved by "C" Company and began the organization of the second position from Noviant to the western edge of Bois Montjoie, constructing machine gun emplacements, wire and supervising the construction of trenches by infantry troops.

8. Lieut Pfeiffer was material officer and had charge of saw mills, dumps and salvage. Rathions were "split" at Menil-la-Tour railhead and delivered under company convoys by 60 c.m. railroad to Boucq (for Headquarters and Train), to Hamonville (for "A", "B" and "E" Companies), and to Manonville (for "D" and "F" Companies), from which points the companies hauled their own rations.

9. While in this sector the regiment was issued practically full equipment. With the exception of 28 British horses transferred from the machine gun organizations, then being motorized, animals issued were inferior French stock. French fourgons and British general service wagons were furnished by the Q.M. in lieu of U.S. escort type for ration and baggage wagons. British limber and caisson carts were furnished for ration carts and for six ammunition carts to carry line companies ammunition with the train. The fourgons were later replaced by American escort wagons. The Engineer Train was equipped with U.S. escort wagons with the exception of one fourgon as a R. and B. wagon. Fourgons were also issued as regimental and battalion headquarters wagons.

10. On 23 July regimental headquarters, with Headquarters Company and the Train moved from Boucq to Lagney in order to be nearer division headquarters then located at Lucy.

11. On the morning 4^th August, a raid was made with artillery and machine gun box barrage. Five hundred infantry of the division went over north of Noviant; 1^st Lieutenants Witherington and Donnellan with 48 men of this regiment cut the German wire belts with Bangalore torpedoes and carried concentrated charges for cleaning up dugouts. Many Germans were killed but no prisoners taken. Lieut. Witherington and 4 of his men were wounded.

12. The 82^nd Division was relieved by the 89^th, the command passing to 8^th August. "A" and "B" Companies moved by rail to Toul and marched from there to Bicquelley on the night 6-7 August; "C" Company marching from Menil-la-Tour on the same night. On the night 7-8, "E" and "F’ Companies moved to Toul by rail and "D" company by trucks; "E" Company marched to Bicqueley and "D" and "F" to Gye on the morning 8^th August. Headquarters and Train marched from Lagney to Bicqueley on the same morning.

13. On 12^th August advance orders were received from Division Headquarters to proceed to the Marbache sector. Col. Schley with Lieut. Col. Mower and Major Lewis, went to the new station on the 13^th to get in touch with the engineer operation. Col. Schley returned that night leaving the other officers in Belleville. Field Orders No. 7, Division Headquarters, were received on 14^th August.

14. "C" Company march 14^th and 15^th August to the woods west of Liverdun, for work on the barrage position, care of mined bridges and the erection of barracks to be used by the infantry as a third echelon camp. "A", "D" and "F" Companies marched to Leverdun and stayed on the night of 16^th August, marched to Belleville Camp (south of Dieulouard) on the 17thand to their stations on the night of the 18^th. The balance of the regiment and train, less "C’ Company, followed one day later. Each company commander, or his senior lieutenant, preceded his company into stage billets and to stations. The train and transportation came through on the 18^th.

15. The command passed from 2^nd to 82^nd Division at 9:00 A.M., 18^th August. The companies were stationed as follows:

Colonel Schley and Lieut. Anderson met with an automobile accident near Toul on the night of the 14^th August and were taken to Field Hospital No. 1 near Toul, on the morning of the 15^th. They were able to rejoin the regiment in the new station about the first of September.

16. Here again, the distribution and service of engineer troops was under the supervision of the 32^nd French Corps (8^th Army) Engineers and four companies were placed on the development of the line, two being employed on communications, operation of dumps and miscellaneous work for the division. The following work was assigned to the several companies described as bounded on the east by a line passing south-south east between Bois de Bansard and Bois de Bronze, east of Landrement, through Millard and crossing the Moselle River south of Marbache; on the west by a line south through Jezainville to a point two kilometres west of Dieulouard, thence south east to a point two kilometres west of Belleville, thence due south. The positions being organized ran as follows; The "upper"position, north west, following the north crest of St. Genevieve mountain to a point about a kilometre south of that town., thence west across the Moselle to lint of sector. The "lower" position ran farther noth through the Foret-de-Facq. The French, here, as in the Lagney sector, strongly favored underground shelters on the higher positions, and pill boxes and overground shelters in the woods and lower positions.

"A" Company made a survey of all existing field fortifications on, and galleries and dugouts in the east wing of St. Genevieve Mountain near the "Statue of the Virgin"; repaired 15 dugouts replacing old timber, supplying drainage and wiring for lights; repaired roads; organized two strongpoints with trenches and wire entanglements; erected stables.

"B" Company worked on the division P.C. south of Marbache; built dugout dressing starion at Autreville; paved the Belleville railhead; built heavy telfered approach roads to Q.M. houses at Belleville; built prison pen at Belleville and kept the Marbache – Dieulouard road in repair.

"C" Company continued work on the construction of barracks, sheds and roads in the infantry camp at Liverdun until 25^th August when two platoons marched to Foret-de-Facq and bivouaced in the the woods. During the night they were shelled; four men were wounded, two of whom died and these platoons were moved into Atton, from which point they worked on the organization of the "front" or "lower position" through the woods. The two platoons at Liverdun under Lieut. Boyd, relieved the French Engineers in charge of mined bridges in the vicinity of Liverdun and took over the organization of the barrage position near that point. On the night of Sept. 10-11 these platoons marched from Liverdun to Foret-de-Facq and took over the operation of the dumps there. This company also constucted dugouts and provided gas proof doors for dugouts in the Foret-de-Facq.

"D" Company built 14 light shelters and completed two concrete pill boxes, one of the latter at Pont-a-Mousson and one at the Cartonnerie. One platoon at Pont-a-Mousson guarded the mined bridge there and constructed mine galleries to the observation post on Mousson. Three platoons were employed on the 2^nd position from Jezainville to the Moselle, camouflaged the Marbache-Metz road, developed a ford across the Moselle and started a bridge offosite the Cartonnerie also making preparations for crossing the canal at that point.

"E" Company furnished bridge guards at Dieulouard, Belleville and Marbache; operated engineer dump at Dieulouard; furnished crew to operate the French Army mill at Marbache; camouflaged the roads from Dieulouard north toward the Cartonnerie, across the river and on the east side of the Moselle from Loisy toward Millery.

"F" Company constucted four deep dugouts on St. Genevieve Mountain and nearly completed the Corps P.C.; an elaborate system of galleries through the crest of the mountain. They developed strongpoints and built shelters on the "lower position" through Foret-de-Facq. Few dugouts could be built here on account of water in the ground and breastworks were built. The French Engineers here again insisted on the construction of pill boxes in many places where dugouts could have been provided as shelters for machine gun crews.

In addition to the above work prior to the St. Mihiel drive, details from each company instucted the Artillery units in organizing gun emplacements and in gas-proofing dugouts; all men of this regiment were instucted and drilled in the use of the automatic arms and instruction and drill were given in ponton constuction with French equipment and the new American floating foot bridge.

17. While in this sector, rations were drawn from the Belleville railhead, taken to the regimental supply office at Dieulouard from which point they were hauled by company wagons to the several stations.

18. From the 21^st July to 4^th September, 1918, the following eleven officers were transferred from this organization to the states to assist in the training of new units:

Also 1^st Lieut. H. C. Lewis was evacuated on the 13^th August and has never returned to the regiment. Capt. M. F. Sewall, M.C., who had been regimental surgeon since the organization of the regiment, became division gas officer, and was relieved by Capt. A. M. Frank on 1^st September. On 11^th September, 1918, the regiment was officered as follows:

SANITARY DETACHMENT

ST. MIHIEL.

19. Upon receipt of oral instructions from the Chief of Staff that the St. Mihiel drive was to begin 12^th September, "A" Company was assigned to the 163^rd Infantry Brigade, "F" Company to the 164^th Infantry Brigade, and "C" Company to the artillery brigade. The 82^nd Division was charged with holding the hinge of the advance. The 163^rd Brigade east of the Moselle river, was not to advance but to make a demonstration or holding attack. The 164^th Brigade, west of the river, was to advance and take first Norroy, then Vandieres.

20. On 12^th September, "D" Company opened the road, then in No-man’s Land, from Pont-a Mousson to and into Norroy, demolishing two buildings and building a sheltered road into town. On the 13^th Capt. Baird and Lieut. Andrews, with 13 of their men, picked up an infantry patrol and captured Maison Gauthier, a machine gun nest on the German lines. "E" Company moved from Dieulouard to the Cartonnerie on 14^th September and on the 15^th advanced with the infantry from Norroy to Vandieres, organizing, with the infantry, the new line from the hill north west of vandieres back to Norroy, this line having become an exposed flank. The above work by "B", "C" "D" and "E" Companies was rendered most difficult by the intense darkness, the officers never having seen the terrain, and no guides being furnished. The machine gun positions were located largely by memory of the terrain as shown on maps, entanglements and trenches were laid out and built under gas and high explosive shell fire, and strangely enough, few changes were found to be necessary when the layout was inspected in daylight on the morning of the 16^th.

21. One platoon of "F" Company, under Lieut. Moore was assigned to the 327^th and one platoon to the 328^th Infantry. These units assisted in patrolling, "went over" with the Infantry in two assaults cutting wire in advance of the front line when necessary. Thje two platoons not employed with the infantry during the drive were kept busy on the roads north and west of Pont-a-Mousson. They cleared the wire cheveaux-de-frise and other barriers from the roads opposite Norrey and mopped up the dugouts in a strongpoint east of that point, capturing the first prisoner taken by the division on the 13^th September. Work on organizing the new position was continued until the night of the 17^th, when the 90^th Division relieved the 82^nd. "B" and "C" and "E" Companies returned that night to Belleville Woods followed the following morning by "D" Company. "F" Company returned to Loisy on the night of 17^th September and to Belleville Woods on the 19^th.

22. "A" Company did not chage station during this action, but kept patrols out, built a foot bridge and restored the stone arch bridge at Port-sur-Seille.

23. Although still limping as a result of his injury, Col. Schley was generally present with his foremost units. This division was relieved on the east side of the Moselle on 20^th September by the French, and the entire regiment, less headquarters, was assembled in Belleville Woods.

24. All the animal drawn transportation left the Belleville Woods for a camp in the southern edge of the Argonne Foret on 20^th September, and the regiment followed in French lorries on the 24^th.

25. The regiment up to this time had lost 3 killed, 22 wonded and 43 gassed. The behavior of all officers and , (with two exceptions), all men of the regiment during this short operation was highly satisfactory. Especial mention should here be made of the ifficient service rendered by the Engineer Train under Lieut. D. M. Rugg.

26. The regiment arrived at Auzeville on the edge of the Argonne at midnight 24-25 September and bevouaced in the woods noth of Grange-le-Comte Farm. The animals and animal-drawn transportation of the regiment and train, under 2^nd Lieut. Roberts Mann, arrived the same night after a ver hard five days march. Lieut. Rugg brought the motor transportation of the train across. Major General W. P. Burnham was relieved by Major General G. B. Duncan, who commanded the 82^nd Division through the succeeding operations. The division was made army reserve, (S.O. 282, hdqrs 1^st Army); this regiment was detached from the division and put on road work in the army zone. The 1^st Battalion worked the road from Auzeville to Clarmont, thence to Neuvilly, with headquarters at Clarmont. The 2^nd Battalion repaired the road from Auzeville to Vraincourt, thence to Aubreville, Neuvilly and Boureuilles. "D" Company was quartered in the ruins of the latter town engaged on the constuction of a detour aroung the mine crater in the road, which, for some unknown reason had not been bridged, when it was placed in a position in front of the first line of the 28^th Division. Captain Baird’s report follows:

Company "D", 307^th Engineer Regiment
October 5, 1918

From: Commanding Officer

To: Commanding Officer, 307^th Engineer Regiment, A.E.F.

Subject: Report of Operations from September 29^th to Oct. 3^rd 1918

1. At about 14:00 o’clock of the afternoon of September 29^th, 1918 verbal orders were received from Major Lewis to pack up and hold the company in readiness to move at a moments notice. The company was called in off work at forward mine crater and held awaiting orders. Major Lewis arrived at avout 19:00 o’clock and stated that the men should make themselves as comfortable as possible as it was probable they would remain here all night. He also advised that a counter attack was expected that night and directed that the nearest Brigade Headquarters be located and informed of the company’s whereabout and status, and that they would be available for use as reserve troops in case of an emergency.

2. I took 2^nd Lieut S. H. Andrews with me to Varennes to search for a brigade P.C. but found that there were none nearer than Apremont. I therefore reported my location and orders as above directed, to Lieut. Col. Sweeney, Chief of Staff of the 28^th Divistion. Lieut. Col. Sweeney asked me what conditin my men were in, what reserve rations I had on hand and called up Brigadier General Nolan at Apremont, telling him that he had a company of Engineers who were available and that he would send them up to him immediately. He ten ordered me to send back for my company and wait there with him for further orders. 2^nd Lieut. Andrews was sent back and the company was marched to Varennes, arriving there approximately 23:00 o’clock. Lieut. Col. Sweeney in the meantime, gave me a typewritten order to Brigadier General Nolan which I later delivered to Brigadier General Nolan in person, to the effect that the company was to be used in organizing the ground and that they would be available to help out in case of emergency. Before leaving Varennes a note was sent to Major Lewis by runner, telling him of the whole situation and advising him that I was then leaving with my company for Aprement. It has since been learned that the runner carrying this message hissed his way and that the message was not delivered until 8:00 o’clock the following morning. The company was marched to Apremont, the march being conducted without particular incident other than some small amount of shelling in the neighborhood of the the roads, and arriving there at about 2:00 o’clock, reporting upon arrival to Major Thompson. Major Thompson suggested that the men be given a rest until daylight. After drawing tools from the nearest tool dump which was approximately two kilometres down the road toward Varennes, the men were distributed in the shelter of walls and buildings and told to make themselves comfortable until dawn.

3. Immediately after daylight I reported to Brigadier General Nolan delivering my order from Lieut. Col Sweeney. He told me that he had selectedan old quarry located some three to fourhundred yards north of Apremont as an excellent position for a forward strongpoint, and that he wished it organized for defense. Whe then went over the ground with me and gave me detailed instructions. Fifty (50) men from the 1^st and 2^nd platoons under 2^nd Lieut. S. H. Andrews were detailed for the work and sent out to report to me at the quarry. No barbed wire being available it was decided to merely cut fire steps on four sides of the quarry, which was from three to six feet deep, and to give the men garrisoning it as much protection as possible by throwing up a paradose in rear of the fire positions. Also to locate four machine guns so as to obtain cross fire on the forward slopes of the hill, or swing to the rear and obtain fire from that direction also. The quarry was located about six hundred (600) yards east of the nearest enemy position and it was impossible to do any work above ground on account of machine gun snipers. Brigadier General Nolan then gave me orders that no man was to leave the quarry under any circumstances without orders from him or until relieved. These orders were passed on the 2^nd Lieut. Andrews and the senior platoon sergeants, and work was commenced on the organization. The balance of the company was held in reserve at Apremont.

4. About 1:00 o’clock on September 30, 1918, Brigadier General Nolan sent for me and advised that the bridge across the Aire River directly east of Apremont had been destroyed byt that he had been advised that it could be repaired sufficiently to allow passage of machine gun carts with very little work, and directed that this work be completed and the bridge opened by 24:00 o’clock. An immediate reconnaissance was made of the bridge which was found to consist of three spans of approximately forty-five feet each, all spans having been totally destroyed. I therefore sent out three reconnaissance patrols for the purpose of locating a ford; one to the south of the bridge; one to the north of the bridge and one to the dam across the river southeast of Chatel Chehery with orders to return by 21:00 o’clock. All patrols returned without encountering the enemy. Thje patrol under 2^nd Lieut. Sarver, which reconnoitered the dan, heard gasolene engines running on their left flank, and moving backwards and forwards they reported that they thought these were either tanks or tractors. By reference to the map, however, it was discovered that the enemy had an ammunition dump to the west of the railroad at this point and the conclusion was drawn that they were withdrawijng ammunition from the dump, using gasolene locomotives for the purpose. The patrol sent to the north of the bridge discovered a location for the ford within about one hundred (100) feet north of the destroyed bridge. The entire company with the exception of the fifty (50) men garrisoning the strongpoint was immediately placed on the work of clearing the approaches to the ford on the east and west banks; grading the banks of the river and preparing a detour from the road on both the east and west sides of the river. The ford was prepared and ready for machine gun carts at 24:00 o’clock; the company, with the exception of guides, helpers to be used in assisting carts in steep places, and the necessary coving detachment, was withdrawn to Apremont and the fact that the ford was ready reported to Brigadier General Nolan at twenty minutes past 24 o’clock.

5. At 5:45 o’clock on the morning of the 1^st of October, 1918 a heavy barrage was laid down on Apremont and the vicinity, consisting of gas and H.E. shells. Immediately after the barrage had ceased, the enemy opened fire from the north and west with machine guns and rifles. As no orders had been received from the Brigadier General as to the disposition of the company and as everything was in considerable confusion, I sent out a reconnaissance patrol under 2^nd Lieut. Sarver along the the southwestern edge of town, to determine whether the enemy was attempting to flank the town from that direction; and placed one platoon in position behind some ruined walls on the east flank where they had a clear field of fire for about six hundred (600) yards with orders to remain there and protect that flank. The balance of the company was placed in the firing line along the northern edge of the town, a part of one platoon being used as a support for some machine guns which were without infantry support; the balance used to fill up gaps in the firing line. The action lasted about an hour, the enemy being held off at a distance of about two hundred and fifty (250) yards north of town and driven back from the north east edge of town to about the same distance. Three tanks were used in breaking up the attack, two of them being put out of action by direct hits from enemy artillery, the third inflicting heavy losses on the enemy by fire from its one pounder at point blank range of less than fifty (50) yards. After the enemy had withdrawn, the two platoons which had been used in the firing line were ordered back to their billets, and the 4^th platoon which had been placed to protect the east flank was left in the position as some fire was still coming from across the river. In the meantime, the Lieutenant Colonel of the infantry had ordered this platoon to remain in position until relieved which was at about 15:00 o’clock that afternoon.

6. The following is a summary of the report of 2^nd Lieut. Andrews whose platoon, together with four (4) machine guns and about two (2) squads of infantry occupied the quarry north of Apremont:

Immediately after the barrage, the enemy in large numbers, was seen approaching from the north in the direction of Chatel Chehery, and from the west along the edge of the woods in a formation resembling platoon columns. They sent five (5) men forward with grenades to take the quarry which they evedently considered to be no more than a sentry post. These five (5) men were put out of action by our rifle fire and the enemy continued their advance sending forward a machine gun crew which was put out of action by Sgt. 1^st Class W. L. Eilhardt with hand grenades. Fire was not opened from the quarry until the enemy had advanced well abreast of it at which time all four (4) machine guns, all automatic rifles and riflemen opened fire from both flanks, inflicting very heavy casualties. The enemy succeeded in surrounding the quarry but the garrison continued to fire from all sides and were able to haarass them from their rear as well as defend itself from the front and flanks. The enemy deployed immediately after passing the quarry and attempted to gain admission to the town by infiltration.

Eleven (11) prisoners were taken by the garrison at the quarry. It is not known at this date, what the enemy casualties were but it was estimated that they approached nearly two hundred (200) at this point, and that their total casualties from the garrison at the quarry and from the fire of the Infantry and Engineers in front of Aprement was nearly five hundred (500) in killed, wounded and prisoners.

Information from the prisoners indicated that the attack was made by twelve (12) companies of Infantry, on one hundred and twenty men each, with one company of machine gunners. Thje prisoners taken were from different units, some being from the Prussian Guard regiments, others from the 129^th and 128^th Landstrum.

The total casualties of our troops were comparatively slight, my company losing one (1) man who was wounded in the shoulder by a rifle or machine gun bullet, while acting as my runner on the firing line.

During this day, October 1, 1919, there was no further activity except heavy shelling of the strongpoint and the town.

7. Major Lewis arrived during the afternoon and advised me that he had arranged to have us proceed back to out station at once, and that I would probably get orders shortly. I so advised Brigadier General Nolan who told me he had received the same instructions through his division, but that in view of the shortage of men (the Infantry regiment having been reduced to an effective strength of five hundred (500) he deemed it inadvisable to send us down, and that he would take the responsibility of holding me there contrary to the orders of my battalion commander. During the day the company was occupied in erecting shelters, burying the dead, etc. Late that afternoon (October 1, 1918), I received a note from Major Lewis to the effect that a Corps order had been issued directing that our company be returned to their former station and that I might now proceed to move out without further orders. I immediately dispatched a note to him saying that the company was then about to leave for Boureuelles and ordered the 2^nd platoon to prepare for an immediate move. I reported to Brigadier General Nolan who, at the time, happened to be talking to Col. Sweeney (Chief of Staff of the 28^th Division) over the telephone. The General told me that he had such an order and that as no troops were available to replace us he was forced to disregard it, and that I would not leave Apremont without his orders. He further directed that my men garrisoning the strongpoint in the quarry north of Apremont be relieved, and be replaced by fresh men from my company. I therefore countermanded the orders for the march and so advised Major Lewis by runner.

8. 2^nd Lieut. Andrews, having been slightly wounded during the afternoon and having been evacuated to the hospital, and 2^nd Lieut. Sarver having been placed in command of the entire garrison at the quarry, I conducted the relief to its post and advised him of the situation, directing that he remain until he received orders from me or was relieved by the Infantry. Nine men wounded and two men gassed during this day.

9. The night of the 1^st, passed without event except for continued shelling by the enemy. On the morning of the 2^nd Major Lewis visited Apremont and was advised of the situation. During the morning, Brigadier General Nolan sent for me and advised that relief was in progress and that as soon as the relief of my platoon at the quarry was accomplished, I would be at liberty to return to my former station, giving me an order to the effect which has since been forwarded to Col. Schley. The company lift Apremont commencing at 14:00 o’clock and proceeded to march to Boureuilles, the march being conducted in double column of files at fifty (50) yards intervals. The total number of casualties for the operation follows:

One man, Cpl. Victor Demea, reported missing was afterward found to have been sent to hospital, presumably slightly gassed, and was returned to duty at Boureuilles; one man, Pvt. Claude C. Taylor, reported missing from the strongpoint on the morning of October 2, 1918 afterward returned to duty with the company at Boureuilles on the evening of October 4, 1918 and was placed in arrest under charge of Violation of 75^th Article of War; Cpl. Walter Roseberg, reported missing from Apremont, has not turned up and it is believed that he was either killed or wounded and evacuated to hospital.

10. In connection with this report I wish to call attention to the excellent service rendered by the Sanitary Detachment. 1^st Lieut. Wilson reported to the first aid station immediately upon the arrival of the company at Apremont and remained on duty there constantly. One man, Pvt. W. C. Manning, was sent out to the strongpoint with 2^nd Lieut. Andrews, and remained on duty there for approximately fifty-eight (58) hour, rendering first aid. He was relieved once during this period by Pvt. George Balletti but as Pvt. Balletti was wounded shortly after that, he expressed his willingness to return and stay at his post until the platoon was relieved. It is believed by the writer, that his conduct is worthy of mention in orders.

H. B. BAIRD
Captain, Engineers.

27. On 3^rd October, 1918, (82^nd Division Field Orders 18, 3^rd October, 1918), the division was made corps reserve and established it P.C. in Varennes 15 hours 4^th October, Lieut. Mann, with teamsfrom this regiment and train, made a drag scraper fill as a by-pass at the second mine crater near Boureuilles on 2-4 October. On 5^th October the P.C. of this regement was moved from Grange-le-Comte Farm to abandoned German dugouts 1½ kilometres south west of Varennes. The companies of the first battalion were moved to the vicinity of les Islettes, "A" and "C" Companies removing German barriers in improving and draining roads in the forest not of Le Fore-de-Paris; "B" Company loading trucks with road and engineer materials. The second battalion from the 3^rd to the afternoon of the 6^th was engaged in linkin the German with the French 60 c.m. railroads in the Argonne, and opening roads from Varennes to meet the work of the first battalion near Le Fore-de-Paris. "E" Company also made an ammunition dump at Neuvilly, opening up necessary roads, etc. The second battalion was assembled with the train at la Chene Tondu, in the forest west of Varennes on the night 6^th October. The first battalion was near les Islettes.

28. On October 6, 1918, the impetus gained by the American Army had spent itself in 10 days of hard fighting, and the advance through the Argonne Forest and up the Aire Valley had come to a full stop. The enemy had successfully rallied his utmost resources to prevent further American progres at this vital point in the battle line. The First Division had relieved the 35^th Division and by one continuous plunge produced a salient east of the Aire River, extending north to Fleville. Here also further progress had been denied. The 28^th Division, west of the Aire and 77^th Division in the heart of the Argonne, were enduring very heavy losses uncompensated by gains in territory.

29. The High Command determined upon a bold and hazardous expedient. A surprise flank attack much be driven into the enemy flank west of the Aire and north of Chatel Chehery. Troops making such an attack would be exposed to counter attack and concentrated artillery and machine gun fire from the west and north, and to some extent from the south if it succeeded in shutting off the enemy elements fronting the 77^th Division. If the thrust accomplished it purpose, the forest would be cleared and the way opened for a substantial American advance. The 82^nd Division was selected for the task.

30. About 20 hours, 6^th October, 1918, the regiment received 82^nd Division Field Orders No. 20. The 82^nd Division was ordered to relieve the 28^th Division and to attack the hill west of the Aire River on a front extending from La Forge to Fleville. "F" company of this regiment was designated to reconnoiter the Aire River from La Forge to Fleville, locate fords, mark them and dig necessagry approaches or ramps, reporting to the Commanding General of the 164^th Infantry Brigade. If time permitted, this company was directed to build foot bridges for the infantry.

31. The roads were so congested by troop movements that the trucks carrying "F" Company were unable to get out of the camp and past Varennes. The company marched, reaching the site at 2:30, 7^th October, located and marked the only ford and dug approaches. Time before 0 hour did not permit of the construction of bridges. "D" and "E" Companies marched to Charpentry and on the night of 7-8 October, built bridges across the canal and Aire River at La Forge, and paved the ford for heavy artillery and trucks, working through the day on the latter under fire. On 9^th October, "E" Company marched to Chatel Chehery and held an outpost through the night 9-10. "F" Company returned to Apremont on the 9^th, opened the road on west side of the river and developed a ford with approaches below the demolished bridge. "E" Company reconnoitered the Aire River from La Forge to St Juvin, on 10^th October, locating a ford at Fleville and that night building, near the same point, a foot bridge over which two battalions moved to attack on the following morning. The same company, on the 11^th built a wagon bridge at Fleville, bridged a road mine crater on the Fleville-St Juvin road and the mill race, and established a dump in Fleville where they camped. "D" and "F" Companies were stationed at Chatel Chebery and worked road out of that town. The train operated from Le Menil Farm.

32. "A" Company marched to Charpentry on the 7^th, and returned to la Chene Tondu on the night of the 9^th. The 1^st Battalion had been attached to the 163^rd Infantry Brigade on the 7^th and "B" and "C" Companies had been on the road reconnaissance in the forest, removing wire and road mines, filling shell holes and opening drains. Following the advance of this brigade roads through the forest were opened to Cheveires, Marcq, Cornay and St. Juvin. On the night of 10-11 October, a platoon of "B" Company was ordered to Marcq by the brigade commander, without instructions other than to report to the infantry detachment there. Lieut. FitzSimon commanding the platoon, was taken to the demolished steel bridge at St. Juvin and told that the infantry would cross there in the morning. They had no tools but tore down a German shed at the Marcq R.R. station and built a footway over the old structure using gun slings at lashings. A shell tore part of the floor off shortly before 0 hour, but it was repaired in time for the assault. The infantry battalion crossed at 5 hours, was cut to pieces on the north bank and retired. Capt. Catchings, commanding "B" Company was wounded there later in the morning. This company built two bridges on the Fleville – Cornay road and continued on road work west and south of the Aire River, working from the German prison camp north of Martincourt Farm. "C" Company, from Cornay also worked roads and on 15^th October salvaged 2,600,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition and 80,000 clips. (The division at this time had the last available M.G. clips in the line).

33. Regimental headquarters moved from the German dugouts into Varennes on the 10^th and on the 11^th to La Forge. "A" Company, on the 10^th took over the captured German 60 c.m. railroad north out of Varennes, repaired and operated it in supply service, delivering rations, forage and artillery ammunition to Apremont, Chehery and later to Cornay.

34. Between 11^th and 15^th October the 2^nd Battalion established forward dumps, maintained fords, opened roads from Fleville to Sommerance and St Juvin, built an infantry brigade P.C. in Sommerance and kept traffic open on the Apremont – Cornay road. Lieut. Claxton was killed by shell fire on the 14^th while on reconnaissance. The train moved to La Forge on the afternoon of the 12^th.

35. On roal orders from division headquarters 22 hours, 15^th October, the 2^nd Battalion was assembled at Fleville at midnight and marched out to the infantry support position north of Sommerance where they dug in on the reverse slope and that night began a system of fortifications on the military crest north of that position. A counter attack was expected and at the time the division had a total effective force of 3200 infatry and machine gunners. The other battalion moved into a reserve position west of Sommerance on the following night and out regimental P.C. was established in Fleville. A German barrage was put down on the morning of 17^th, high exposive, gas and indirect machine gun fire, but the attack was broken up. The 2^nd Battalion was moved two kilometres west and then to the hill 500 metres north of their original position.

36. Division headquarters noticed that the supply of ammunition stopped on the 17^th and found that the railroad had been operated by their own engineers; "A" company was, therfore, sent back to operate the road, and by the night of the 18^th the trains and heavy traffic were getting the better of the roads and the balance of the 1^st Battlion was therefore released and continued work on all lines from Apremont north on both sides of the river. The 2^nd Battalion remained in the line until the night 22-23 October, developing standard firing traverse trenches on the forward slope. This battalion was relieved by the 1^st Battalion on the night of 22-23 and returned to road and bridge maintenance.

37. The 21^st Engineers took over the operation of the railroad on the morning 23 October. The Engineer Train continued to give excellent service in delivering materials for bridges and field fortifications to the the reverse slope immediately behind the first lines. Geat quantities of materials were found in the St. Juvin dump left by the Germans, but this site was continually under hostile file and we lost several animals on our trips there for equipment.

38. On 23 October, Major Kelly was transferred to school in southern France as an instuctor and Capr. Houston commanded the 1^st Battalion, Captains Catchings and Shaffer being in hospital until it left left the line. Col. Schley became Corps Engineer of the 5^th Corps on 26 October, turning this command over to Lieut. Col. Mower. Capt. Baird commaned the battalion from the time it left the line (29^th October) and 1^st Lieut. Donnellan was placed in command of "D" Company.

39. "D" company relieved the 1^st Battalion in the line on the night 28-29 October and the battalion resumed work on roads. On 31^st Octover the division was relieved by the 80^th Division. "D" Company of this regiment joined "E" and "F" Companies and the trains on the corps line of security south and west of the river, and work was started on the organization of this position. "D" Company was located north of Cornay, "E" Company south of L Besogne, "F" Company near Senuc and the Train in the wood west of Chatel Chehery. These units were relieved as corps reserve on 3^rd November.

40. The 1^st Battalion and Headquarters moved on the night of the 31^st Octover to the old camp at la Chene Tondu, marching on the 2^nd November to Florent. The 2^nd Battalion and train, relieved by the 6^th Division on the 3^rd November, moved to Florent on the same day, the companies moving by trucks.

41. The losses of the regiment; during the Argonne operations were

The regiment and train had lost through shell fire and exhaustion, so many animals that only 329 horses and mules were serviceable when we left the line, 3^rd November. Most of the officers’ mounts were in harness and several four-line vehicles were hauled by single teams. It was necessary to salvage a great deal of equipment, including all mule packs, before moving out. The companies were rationed from railhead at Froidos until 5^th October, Varennes until 12^th October, Apremont for the balance of the offensive except on 16^th October when rations were drawn from Fleville. When the companies were in the line, the rolling kitchens were hauled into the valley immediately in rear of their position twice per day and hot meals were served.

42. The spirit of the men had been excellent throughout. Only four enlisted men allowed their personal safety to interfere with prompt and cheerful performance of duty, and they have since been court-martialed. The services of Capt. A. M. Frank, Regimental Surgeon, Lieut. O. E. Wilson, M.C. and their sanitary detachment deserve special mention. They were always present where needed and always prompt and painstaking in their treatment not only of our own men, but casuals from other arms. On 15^th September the regimental sanitary squad with a detail from our "F" company brought in from the field north of Norroy 120 infantry and machine gunners, all of whom were given first aid and evacuated by Lieut. Wilson. This regiment has since had the lowest sick percentage in the 82^nd Division.

43. On the morning 4^th November the 1^st Battalion and Headquarters Company moved by French lorries to Gibeaumeix, (Dept. Meurthe et Moselle), and were followed on the 7^th by the 2^nd Battalion which was stationed at Uruffe. The trains left Florent on 5^th November and arrived on the 9^th.

44. The regiment started on a four day march with trains 11^th November and arrived in Romaine-sur-Meuse (Dept. Haute Marne) 14^th November.

45. After one day of rest the command started for the 10^th Training Area on 16^th November. The first day’s march was 24 miles (38 kilometres) under full packs plus gas masks, steel helmets, extra blankets, shoes and overcoats. After four day march the regiment and train arrived in the new station on scheduled time (19^th November), with five men absent, (all authorized by regimental surgeon to remain at Fays-Billot). There were no stragglers from ranks during the eight days of march, and intensive trainingws begun at once. On the day of arrival the chief of staff caused the reserve officer in command to be relieved and ordered before a retiring board, at the same time wiring for a regular army officer to command the regiment. Major Lewis was put in temporary command 12^th November and the retirement board on 25^th November recommended the reinstatement of the lieutenant colonel which was made effective by G.H.Q. order, Dec. 7, 1918. Col. H. A. Finch, Engineers reported 10^th December, 1918, and assumed command. On the same date Lieut. P. M. Dufour, Enginer, French Army was relieved from further service as liaison officer. This officer’s services had been invaluable to the regiment from the time of his assignment in June; his loyalty, tireless eneygy and sound judgment were always to be counted upon.

46. As shown by the monthly operations reports, the regiment was engaged most entirely in infantry and engineer training from the date of arrival in this station until the first of this year. Carpenter crews and plumbers repaired building and bath equipment thoughout the divisional area. After the arrival of Col. Finch, officers and work details were permitted to leave the training area for engineer supplies and much was done by the engineer regiment for the comfort and wellbeing of the division at large. "Engineer schools" in the several trades were started and practically the entire regiment was employed on the erection and repairs to buildings, roads, stone walls, etc., using two morning out of each week for military training.

47. The regiment at present, February, is stationed in the following towns:

The balance of the 82^nd Division is now moving to the vicinity of BORDEAUX, leaving this regiment to repair roads within the divisional area. Details from all units of the division have been working on roads in their several sub-areas under engineers’ supervision, but this work was discontinued upon receipt of orders to move.

48. Col. Finch was relieved on 12^th February by Col. W. G. Caples, Engineers; Col. Finch left this station 19^th February, 1919 to command the 6^th Engineers. Since the opening of the St. Mihiel offensive the following changes in addition to the above, have been made in the commissioned personnel of this command:

PROMOTED:-

TRANSFERRED TO REGIMENT:-

TRANSFERRED OUT:-

DECEASED:-

1^st Lieut. J. H. Claxton, 10/14/18.

49. The division is expecting to embark for the states about 15^th April. The commissioned personnel of this regiment is now being filled to full strength by officers from other units who desire immediate dismissal from the service. All property has been turned in except individual equipment of men, kitchens, water carts, field desks and such road tool as are now in use.

THE END