After the War
November 13th found the battery, together with the remainder of the regiment, moving out of position and on their way to Pont-A-Mousson, at which place we arrived the same day. Here we were billeted in large comfortable buildings, heated with fireplaces and possessing all the home comforts. As this was to be our home indefinitely we all worked to make it the best ever and in less than a week's time all the rooms, which contained eight or ten men, were like civilian homes. Here we performed necessary drilling, including gun drill, foot drill, and other essentials of Army life.
February 1st, during the shuffle of our daily duties our worthy Captain, Carlton L. Wheeler, was transferred to the 1st Division. As Captain Wheeler raised, trained and led the battery all through its career, all the men mourned the loss of him, but with him went the best wished of all. Lieutenant Bishop was then put in command, which move was welcomed by every member of the outfit. Another hard blow struck us February 23rd., when Lieutenant Scott was transferred to the 328 F.A. Scott surely was every man's friend and all the boys would risk their lives for Jim, but this did not keep him with us, so all we could do was send our wishes with him. Lieutenant William B. Waterman of Headquarters Company was transferred to E Battery to fill the vacancy left by Lieutenant Scott.
February 11th we all packed our belongings and hiked to Douillard, about two miles from Pont-A-Mousson, and entrained for the coast, which trip was anticipated for months. Here we were welcomed by our never-forgotten French 2 X 4 box cars, 28 men to the car. After hay and stoves were put in each car, also the 298 men and provisions, we started across France again. The trip was cold and slow. We traveled about twenty-five miles a day. Nights were spent sleeping in reliefs, one-half sleeping and the other half fighting the war around the grand stove. The scenery was beautiful, as we passed through the more beautiful part of France. Near Tours we received a caller in the person of Sergeant Winifred Thibeadeu, a former member of the old battery. Thibeadeu is now doing detective work through France and was transferred from the battery in the early days of Custer. It surely was a surprise, as he was reported officially killed in action.
February 13th we detrained at Montaubleau. A three-mile hike found us at Valennes, where we made our home before starting on our trip to the boat. Valennes is a small village near St. Calais with a population of about 800 good old French people. As we entered the town all the school children and people of the village assembled in the square and greeted us as friends, this being their first glimpse of American soldiers. We took one look at the village and it was so clean and up-to-date that we all immediately got busy and cleaned up from head to foot in order to keep in harmony with the village. Afterwards we were assigned our billets and homelike beds, all grouped around the square, where everything takes place. Here the little French refugees would gather after school and play with the men, which brought back old U. S. memories. It was here we got a real taste of home life. The people surely took us in and would prepare us chicken, French fried, steaks and all the things that tasted like home for a reasonable price. Most everyone took advantage of the opportunity and within a week the supply sergeant was besieged with requests for larger trousers. One could also enjoy billiards and pool, there being three tables in the town.
Just as we were about to depart from Valennes, our old friend Corporal George C Channing rejoined us in the form of a 3rd Lieutenant. George finished up his course at Saumur with flying colors, and as the war was over when he finished his course, he was only too glad to get back. George is a fellow that comes up smiling no matter how dark and dreary the day may be, and he surely was welcomed back with a broad smile, also his decootied outfit , which was filled with a million creases. Now we can appreciate what George told us regarding the "Mills." Many a good laugh and conversation was afforded by George. Corporal Carl. L. Hesse, a 3rd Lieutenant, also rejoined us about this time--a good
happening for the battery, as no better friend could be had than Carl. By reports he surely must have traveled over France several times before finding us. No wonder. He traveled on trains and we on foot.
March 2nd we bade the good people of Valennes farewell and again hiked for "Somewhere" nearer the coast. After one of the hardest marches ever pulled off by the 329th we pulled into La Briel for the night. After all had their supper and a salt water foot bath, our beds welcomed us for a good night's rest on hard wooden floors. Early the next morning packs were once more thrown on trucks and we were marching over the muddy roads of France. It was noon when we pulled into Camp D'Auvours, at which place we were all assigned barracks. This is a Belgian camp located about ten kilos from La Mans. We were de-cooted and given baths the following day, also several inspections. Here is where the
regiment ate at one time, which mess was welcomed by all after corn willie, etc., were our guests on the march.
Sunday, as usual, March 9th, we departed from Camp D'Avours for a short march to the train. To our surprise at the end of the march we were introduced to good old American box cars which took us to Brest. At the sight of the American train you could hear nothing but cheers and see nothing but smiles. Fifty-three men were assigned to a car, which crowded us a little, but with fifty-three in these cars, one had more room than forty in the French cars, also good comfortable riding. The following day we detrained at Brest and needless to say how real the ocean looked to us fellows. After a good meal we were marched to Camp Pontanezen, where we were given tents with real floors and stoves in them.
Here we received our final examinations for the trip home. All will remember the details that were handed out. Instead of asking for twenty or thirty men they took practically the entire battery for fatigue, nights and days. No matter how hard you worked, you always could fill up on
good eats, as all the kitchens had the "Bou Coup" seconds sign printed on them, and it did not take us long to get wise. Passes were issued in this camp and all could take a trip down to Brest and see the sights and pretty French girls in all their glory.
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The trip back home
March 24th we were on our way once again, down the final stretch for home. About noon found us on the great old ship Leviathan, formorly the German ship "Vaterland." As we did not leave port for several days we were allowed to explore the ship as much as we could without getting lost. We never dreamed they could build such a floating palance. Two days later the ship was filled to capacity, 15,000, and headed out to sea midst the cheers of her passengers.
The trip over was a calm, interesting trip for all of us. One could enjoy himself no matter where he went as the weather was clear and warm and the sea quiet. The feed was above reproach and some of the fellows who never got enough to eat surely had their chance to fill up. Pie, apples and all sorts of fancies were in order. April 2nd we were greeted in New York harbor by the "Mayor's welcoming committee ship" and by 11:00 a.m. we were docked and once more cherished the privilege of stepping on American soil. Ah! it was a great moment for all of us. All our American thoughts just flashed and bubbled out of us. The Salvation Army, Red Cross and other societies met us and distributed pie, cake, etc, which sure tasted fine. After a brief stay at the dock we loaded on a ferry and started down the river to the railroad station where we debarked and entrained for Camp Mills. To our surprise we found Mills all build up with green-colored barracks instead of the former dusty tents. On the whole the camp changed 100 per cent and is now a camp which can be boasted of by the Government. The same evening we were run though the de-cootie plant once again, but this time to our surprise we came out all steamed up, making work for the tailors. Most of us turned in our steamed clothing for new things. Passes were again issued to the big city, New York, and we all took advantage of seeing the place once again.
April 17th dawned and we marched to the train which took us to Camp Custer, the best camp on earth. Upon arriving at the tracks we were welcomed by honest-to-tre Pullman cars which were to take us to Custer. The trip was fine. We were cheered all along the way by our friends, the Canadians, and upon arriving in the Detroit station many a sweet meeting took place. After refreshments were served we were again on our way to Custer, arriving there about midnight the 18th. Barracks were assigned and all made themselves at home once again. After that, the little white paper---and freedom.
SGT. RAY W. FOX
Battery Editor