Census Records | Vital Records | Family Trees & Communities | Immigration Records | Military Records Directories & Member Lists | Family & Local Histories | Newspapers & Periodicals | Court, Land & Probate | Finding Aids

Camp Greenleaf, Ga during WW1

HISTORY OF VETERINARY COMPANY NO 1

CAMP GREENLEAF. GA 1918 UNTIL CLOSING

One cold, blustery day in February, in the year 1918 when one’s idea of the “sunny south” took a sudden slump, and while Camp Greenleaf was still in the making, eleven rookies straggled into Camp Greenleaf. These eleven men were the pioneers of the Veterinary Corps. Weary, and with their splendid dreams of army life somewhat shattered by their first impression of the camp, they began to inquire of passers-by for the Veterinary Corps. Some listened politely until Veterinary Corps was mention, then a blank expression overspread their faces as if the word “veterinary” was entirely foreign to their vocabulary. After a great deal of questioning and stops, this little band at last reached the headquarters of Camp Greenleaf, where, after a long wait a sergeant rushed out and ordered them to follow him. He conducted them through the deepest mud this side of Flanders to what was then known as Animal Drawn Group. More waiting and another sergeant led the way through a great deal more mud to Stable Company. At that place they were informed that they had been assigned to the worst company in Camp Greenleaf: that there was no Veterinary Corps, which was in fact, all true.

For several weeks these eleven men, together with the new men that were arriving daily for the Veterinary Corps, worked in the corrals. This continued until the enrollment became so large that it became necessary to transfer all enlisted Veterinary Corps men to Instruction Company No 2. The veterinary training there consisted of building roads, doing police work, and bits of drill. One cannot wonder that the idea began to prevail among the men that they were entirely out of luck so far as training in work for which they had enlisted was concerned and in addition to this, no chances for promotion.

In April, Instruction Company No 2 moved to the old barracks at Camp Forrest formerly occupied by the U.S. 11th Infantry. Hardly had the policing of the camp been completed when it was rumored that a veterinary company was to be organized. Lt. Maguire, Lt. Jones and Lt. Rundle were assigned to Instruction Company No 2 and plans for organizing the veterinary company were formed.

Captain Francis X. Maguire, Company Commander at Camp Greenleaf 1918

On May 2, Veterinary Company No 1 was organized and attached to the Seventh Battalion at Camp Greenleaf. The personnel consisted of 159 privates. No commissioned or non-commissioned officers had been assigned to the company as yet but on May 4 1st Lt. Francis X Maguire was placed in charge as Company Commander and with 2nd Lt. Jones and Rundle as instructors. Quickly the company was whipped into shape, drills commenced and acting non-commissioned officers were appointed. On May 14 the company took over the 244 horses and 14 mules in the M.O.T.C. stables and Lt. Jones being appointed a 1st was placed in command of the corrals.

Non-Commissioned Officers at Camp Greenleaf

On June 8 the first noncommissioned officers were appointed. John B. Laker, first sergeant; Lon Harlow, Leonard Foster, Edward St. Clair, George Harp, Maxie Burch, Joseph Dupre and Arthur Roussin were appointed sergeants; Frank Syrell, Patrick McDermott, John Brant, Cassius Collins, Will A. Thompson, John Kane, James Aaron, Gordon Garner and Regis Strasbaugh were appointed corporals. The company now began to act with more efficiency, systematized schedules were made, and as a result a real organized company for enlisted men of the Veterinary Corps only was formed.

The men received instruction in both foot and mounted drill and stable management. Rifles were obtained from the Quartermaster for instruction purposes, but there use was discontinued two months later. Practical lectures on veterinary subjects were given twice each week.

The Company experienced a decided decrease in its enrollment July 6 when one corporal, seven first class privates and one hundred privates in charge of Lt. Rundle were transferred to the Veterinary Training School at Camp Lee, Va. This reduced the Company to forty-one privates until one week later, when eighteen privates were received from Fort Slocum. Two days later the Company was again reduced by the transfer of one corporal and nineteen more men to Camp Lee.

Up to July 17 the personnel of the Company was practically made up of non-graduates, the few graduates here being graduated previous to 1918. On this date the Surgeon-General issued orders to about 50 per cent of the 1918 graduates to report to Camp Greenleaf for active service. By August 4 the roll increased from 79 privates to 243 privates. The majority of these recruits consisted of graduates transferred from other camps and those of Cornwell and Pennsylvania. At this time First Lieutenant Maguire was promoted to a Captaincy. One hundred and ten more horses were added to the corral. Another general order for more 1918 graduates was sent out August 10, bringing the Company roll to 500 men by August 25.

The rapid increase of the enlisted personnel necessitated an increase in the non-commissioned officers’ personnel. Three sergeants and thirteen corporals were appointed. The Company roster on August 25 consisted of one captain, one first lieutenant, four sergeants of the first class, seven duty sergeants, seventeen corporals, five cooks, one saddler, one farrier, three machinists, three first class privates and five hundred privates.

One incident impressed on the memories of those who arrived in August was of the Veterinary Company lined up in the Company street between 12B and C. “Toughie” St. Clair called for volunteers who were expert typist or mechanics, and when the desired number of fair-faced, delicate fingered “birds” stepped one pace to the front he informed them in simple words that a certain number of gravel wagons were waiting; or, even worse, the mess sergeant had spuds and onions to peel.

It was at this time that the hard-hearted Laker was on his furlough. All the veterans were eager to tell us how soft it was under St. Clair in comparison, but one glance at him perched on the rain barrel in the shade of the barracks, hat decidedly cocked over his right eye, giving commands, “get the rag out” civilians fall in the rear, followed by orders for Corporal Cook to march that gang for stable detail, convinced the recruits that he was hard enough.

All the new ones were introduced to the pick and shovel, kitchen police, sanitary squads and stable police in quick order. The reasons given were that idleness stimulates unrest and homesickness. Well, having not as yet learned all that was included in army mottoes, it seemed difficult to comprehend how much educating occupations could enlighten a graduate in the practice of the Veterinary Science, or even overcome the faraway feelings which reach all of us. We found consolation in the seeing our classmates pushing wheelbarrows, policing up quarters, mopping the kitchen floors or engaged in scientific “pool playing” in which to become an expert, one must spend weeks of recreation in the corrals.

In a few days Laker arrived to again resume his duties as Top Sergeant. Even the non-coms who realized their freedom while he called the various commands and used every effort to catch someone in the wrong position in order that he might bestow upon him a series of “soothing remarks” Sergeant St. Clair and Harlow were appointed sergeants of the first class August 20. About sixty horses arrived at this time from Fort Riley. This group of horses included the after named “U-Boat” and Kaiser who were the terrors of all stable police and the anxiety of the stable guards.

On September 5 Lieutenant Huston was assigned to this Company. At first we viewed him with awe, as it was a novelty to see a commissioned officer accompany us out to the drill field. But Lieutenant Huston was very lenient with us and gained the respect of the entire company when he acknowledged that we were the only company who could execute a command of “On the right into line” from a position of “Company front”. He was later assigned as Officer of Supply.

On the morning of September 5 the Company was marched down to the drill field for the regular morning exercise. The non-commissioned officers were officially notified of their promotions by Captain Maguire. Sergeant Roussin was appointed sergeant of the first class, Corporals Kane, Thompson and Grigby were appointed duty sergeants. First Class Privates Peavey and Miller were promoted to corporals.

All the August recruits have vivid recollections of this day as Sergeant Laker announced that all men who had been here less than one month would march up to the saddle-room for bridles. Everyone who had previously expressed himself as anxious for horseback riding had his equitating desires satisfied in full measure. To recount the various scenes that took place in the bull rings would only cause agonizing expressions on the faces of the readers who remember their anatomical mutilations, as revealed in bathhouse scenes, better than any historian can relate. Mounting and dismounting the horses at a walk, trot and gallop constituted part of the drill, many of the boys enjoying dismounting so well that they could not wait for that command, but dismounted in what after became known as the “M.O.T.C.” fashion (fall off)

Another shake-up occurred in the non-commissioned personnel September 16. Top Sergeant Laker, and Sergeant Burch who had charge of the saddle-room, were transferred to the Central Officers’ Training School at Camp Hancock. Corporals Busch and Garner were also transferred the same camp. Sergeant St. Claire was appointed top sergeant , and one week later six privates, Graves, Buehler, Fischer, Miller, Scott and Abrahams were promoted to corporals. About the same time eight-six men who had graduated previous to 1918, and had qualified for commissions, were transferred to the Veterinary Student Officers’ Training School.

The departure of Sergeant Laker was not marked by any pathetic scenes. The boys were relieved of any fears concerning buttons being pulled off their shirts. Sergeant St. Claire soon gained the confidence of all the enlisted personnel by enforcing strict discipline during drill hours and encouraging friendly relations during hours of leisure. This “work while you work and play while you play” method was a decided stimulus to the morale of the entire Company. Corporals Gallahue and McKee were promoted to sergeants October 3, and Privates Baker, Ish and Barron were appointed corporals. With the efficient co-operation of the revised non-commissioned officers’ personnel the Company took added interest in performing all duties, and as a result of this harmonious action time passed more quickly.

A regular weekly schedule was formulated by which the Company spent at least an hour in drill in the morning and then if possible the remainder of the morning was spent in equitation. Sergeant St. Claire used very good judgments in relieving the monotony of daily drill by alternating with hikes. During these hikes we had exciting experiences by rivaling the stunts of the most daring cowboys. Charges through woods, jumping logs and ravines, galloping through creeks, and snake like formations constituted the principal causes for enjoyable equitation. To eliminate these features would have taken practically all the joy our cavalry drill.

On October 8 another order arrived for the transferring of twenty non-graduates from this Company to Camp Lee, Va. This list included seventeen privates, two first class privates and Sergeant Foster, who was placed in charge. The next day Sergeant Dupre was appointed first class sergeant. During this same month, influenza made its appearance in camp. Prophylactic measures prevented the wide spread of the disease in this Company. Daily airing and sunning of beds and clothing, disinfection of quarters, sterilizing mess kits and placing of receptacles for oral discharges constituted the principal sanitary prophylactic measures, which were strictly adhered to. From the favorable comment of the sanitary officers and the comparatively few cases sent to the General Hospital, this Company held the honor of having one of the best health reports of any in Camp Greenleaf.

Our worthy Company Commander realized the need of variation from daily foot and mounted drill and ordered certain afternoons to be spent in recreation; such to consist of athletics and paper work. The latter consisted in instruction on Army Regulations and discussions on infectious diseases.

Up to November 18 the Company’s sleeping quarters consisted of opens sheds. On this date the regulation barracks were evacuated by the Dental Company No 1, and this Company took possession. There were not enough regulation barracks in the headquarters section to accommodate the entire Company, so about one-half the Company was quartered in what was later known as the “Rossville Section” Buglers and non-commissioned officers’ were assigned to this division so that they had a separate reveille, but joined the other section for all other formations.

The same week orders arrived for the transfer of First Class Sergeants St. Claire and Dupre, and Sergeants Thompson and Kane, and Corporals Karrel, Abrahams, Buehler, Scott and C.W. Miller to Camp Lee. They departed November 23, regretting to leave fully as much as the Company regretted to see them leave. This necessitated a change in the non-commissioned personnel by which Sergeant Gallahue was promoted to first class sergeant and placed in charge of the Company during the absence of Sergeant Grigsby, who was made top sergeant. Sergeants McKee and Strasbaugh were made first class sergeants; Corporals McGill, Cook, Miller, Fischer and Cousins were promoted to sergeants. Private Bowen, Chapman, Cook, Duffy, Jeter, Leonard, J.T. Wilson, D.C Wood, Waldauer, Van Buskirk and Donahue were appointed corporals.

On December 6, Corporal Mahan and twenty-two privates were transferred to Camp Lee. The Company turned out in a body to wish the boys Godspeed, all regretting their departure as much as did the boys themselves. Corporal Mahan, familiarly known, as Corporal “Bill” was one of the most popular non-commissioned officers the Company ever had, and it is needless to say that his loss was deeply felt. This transfer reduced the Company roster to three officers, six first class sergeants, seven sergeants, nineteen corporals, five cooks, two horseshoers, three mechanics, nine first class privates and four hundred and forty-four privates, which represented the strength of the Company at the present time. Sergeants Gallahue and Grigsby are splendid soldiers, thoroughly acquainted with all army regulations and strong advocates of discipline. Although the desire for discharges creates a restless spirit in the Company, confidence in the ability of this non-commissioned officers’ personnel is a decided factor in overcoming it affects.

Thus from a crippled, unorganized group of men, Veterinary Company No 1 has developed into one of the best organizations in Camp Greenleaf. Their deportment and morale is second to none, which is proved by the fact that not a single graduate veterinarian during the entire life of the Company has been given a guardhouse sentence. The military appearance and courtesy shown by this Company has been favorably commented upon by all whom they came in contact with. Even though the Company has been subjected to many hardships, very few complaints have been made, and the way they have adapted themselves to unnatural surroundings and snapped into all duties has been a characteristic feature from the beginning.

To our Company Commander we owe most of the praise for our development. A soldier in every respect, he has had the interest of the boys at heart and has always used his influence toward any social or athletic event that would aid in breaking the monotony of camp life. He is held in respect and admiration by the entire Company.

Now that the day of discharge is in view and we shall soon depart to our respective homes, we look back over our army career and see the pleasant events and lose sight of the unpleasant. We realize that the military training received here has been of great benefit, but the greatest benefit will be derived from the stimulus to veterinary friendship and fraternalism. So the last word of advice to Veterinary Company No 1 as they separate is that the good spirit of friendship that has prevailed here maybe transferred to the veterinary profession with the hope that its influence will be as helpful to that profession as it has been to this organization.

Veterinary Company No 1 Truck at Camp Greenleaf, GA 1918

SOLDIERS OUT OF LUCK
When the selective service law commenced its operations June 5, 1917, the majority of the members of Veterinary Company No1 were preparing to enter the senior year at their respective colleges for the completion of their course in veterinary science. In September, 1917, when the first selectives were sent to the various training camps, it became apparent that if the rules of the service law were adhered to and rigidly carried out, it working would be detrimental to the basic institutions of the country, such as religion, industry, home life, education and their various phases and in order to obviate this difficulty the plan of the questionnaire was evolved and the law amended, and this provision was made effective December 15, 1917.

The questionnaire permitted all medical, dental and veterinary students to enlist in the Medical Enlisted Reserve Corps for the purpose of finishing their college course, and upon its completion each man was subject to call to active duty. Practitioers in the field were commissioned in the Reserve Corps and were to be called as needed.

Camp Greenleaf was designated as a training school for veterinary officers and May 2 1918, Veterinary Company No 1 was organized with First Lieutenant Francis X. McGuire and Second Lieutenant G.M. Jones in charge. Shortly afterward these gentlemen were advanced to captain and first lieutenant and to this Company were sent those men of the 1918 class who enlisted in the Medical Reserve and other veterinarians that for various and sufficient reasons had not been commissioned officers in the Medical Reserve.

The enlisted men were given a two-month course, during which time they were instructed in the infantry, sanitary and mounted drill and the candidates were thoroughly familiarized with the details of military life and its organization. Every member was given gas drill and instruction for such a length of time as would enable the candidate to completely care for himself under actual fighting conditions. This was accomplished by practice with the mask itself until it was handled, fitted and adjusted with celerity and lectures upon the various kinds of gas, there actions, effect and proper method of combating.

Other lectures were given by the officers on subjects pertaining to military matters and the veterinary work from an army standpoint.

At the end of the two-month’s of training period the applicant for commission was given a rigid physical examination and if having been found fit in this particular was eligible for the professional examination.

As further prerequisites of eligibility for taking this examination the applicant was required to show evidence of graduation from an accredited school in the prescribed course; to hold a license to practice as a result of having met the requirements of some state of his selection, and present two letters of recommendation from persons having sufficient knowledge and acquaintance with the applicant to enabled them consistently do so.

The examining board consisted of Major Stokes, Lieutenants Lambert and Longley. Later the latter two were made captains and two other lieutenants were then added to assist them. The examination itself was oral and was of such a character as would determine the general knowledge of the applicant in Veterinary Science. If the candidate was found qualified by the examining board, his application was forwarded to the Department at Washington, and a commission was awarded him upon his formal acceptance of the same by direct communication with said applicant. In case of an applicant’s failure to qualify in the oral examination, he was given a further opportunity through the medium of a written examination, but this was optional with the applicant as to whether he desired to take advantage of it or not.

Those candidates who failed to qualify were eventually transferred as the demands of the service saw fit. A class of one hundred per month was graduated from the company, and these men were then given an eight weeks’ course of training in the paper or clerical work demanded of one holding a second lieutenant’s commission, and the drill was also continued. Veterinarians in the field who had been commissioned took this course of training before being assigned.

The first class left the company on September 1, 1918, and a class left each succeeding month until the signing of the Armistice, November 11, 1918. This event marked the culmination, as well as the termination, of the world’s greatest war, and it became obvious there was no further necessity of commissioning the men, and orders were received to this effect.

At this time one class was ready to take the final period of training, another class was being examined and the remainder of the Company were in training and thus it finds four hundred and seventy-one enlisted men who will not receive commissions.

While this is a source of disappointment, yet the value of the training still remains, and in conclusion we should judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing and not by what we have done, and consequently there is no necessity of limiting ourselves to what we have done if we have proper estimate of ourselves.

EQUITATION “BOOTS AND SADDLES”
“Veterinary Company No 1, Camp Humor”

Boots and saddles is sounded! “Fall in!” is shouted. Snipes are Hooverizingly butted for future use. “All you birds have been here two months or more, one pace to the front.” “Close in to the right.” Right Dress and Front are given in quick order. Sergeant Grigsby is ordered to take these men to Rossville. Off the next instant, the pedestrians start for the flourishing village of “wild boar” fame, four miles away while the equestrians stand at ease.

After a consultation between “Toughie” St. Claire and Soldier “Joe” the “Attention” is heard. Then the small man from the kitchen, known as “Let’s-go Harry”(whom ‘tis said misunderstood the command to “shoulder arms” appears and another consultation follows. “Anybody in there sore from riding? Fall out!” Those that were praying for the opportunity respond for K.P. service. Then more men are taken off the end of the line for gravel detail.

Squads’ right, column right and right by file, place us in the saddle-room. “Give these men bridles” Another look of despair. The skeletal equine specimens are bridled and lined up in front of the corral. Right dress, Prepare to Mount, and the last. “Shorty” Work and “Bottled” Taylor try in vain to climb the horses front legs in ladder fashion, and invariably must be helped on their steeds. Squads right is given, and the “hard-boiled” sergeant and his cohorts, smiling in their saddles, execute the commands while some two hundred rookies, doomed to protect our country from animal plagues, sit on the back of their steeds, bouncing from withers to croup. They wonder if artificial appliance will be made for other parts as well as arms and legs. The uninsured now remorsely regret their omission.

Soon the trot was ordered and attention was impossible, so forced speed could not be withheld. The grandeur of the park and historic monuments were passed unnoticed, as the equestrians were too busy solving the problems of equilibrium. When the drill field was reached. “Halt” was given and all dismounted. The non-coms adjust their saddles while The Chattanooga Times, Atlanta Journal, Saturday Evening Posts and Turkish towels were more conveniently arranged in the trousers of the privates. Little did that great statesman and publisher realize that such a humane service could be rendered in founding The Saturday Evening Post.

The troop was then conveniently divided into platoons, a sergeant over each, with a corporal directing the personal instruction to the novices. Platoon circles were formed, and monkey drill, equally only by the horrors of Flanders, followed. Dismount, mount, walk, trot and gallop were continuously given, keeping four feet between the head and croup at all times, so if a man was so fortunate as to fall, the distance allowed ample time for a short prayer.

Those displaying individuality as horsemen and special aptitude for admittance to the “jolt and jar” family, were given prominence by demonstrating their ability before the troop. They illustrated by giving the reins to a corporal while they bounced with arms folded, massaging the supra-spinous ligament from the head to the croup. The remainder of the troop enviously looked on.

After spending fifteen years in two hours, the troop was lined up and ambulances removed the dead and wounded from the mighty field of conflict. On the return all were constantly reminded that the co-ordination existing between them and the horse was anything but pleasing; each man explaining that his wounds were greater than those of his partner.

More pleasing than the call of payday was the order to dismount. The cowboys, sore in body and mind, limp and stagger to the corral to tie in the I.C.’s. and later return the bridles. The next few days are spent in extravagant use of astringents, antiseptics, frequent baths and trips to the infirmary, seeking medication and consolation without any more equitation.

THE VETERINARY COMPANY NO 1 ORCHESTRA
When the 1918 Veterinary men had been in Camp Greenleaf about a month and a half an effort was made to organize an orchestra, which resulted in five or six men responding to the call for men with musical talent. With so few men and no instruments the outlook for this project seemed to say the least, most discouraging. Nevertheless, with that genuine spirit of willing co-operation which has characterized the “Enlisted Vets” something had to be done and it was. Instruments were secured for a while from our neighbors, the Camp Greenleaf Band Company No 1, when they themselves were not making us of them.

With this ridiculously small equipment and but little preparation a concert in conjunction with the first vaudeville show ever attempted by Veterinary Company No 1, was given at “Y” 31 on the evening of September 27. Most of the surprising success of that evening was brought about mainly by the efforts of the orchestra, which were very gratifying to the musical director and performers, not to mention the audience.

Activities along these lines came to a standstill for about four or five weeks around exam time, after which the musical idea was revived, and the orchestra placed on a permanent basis with specified time for rehearsals.

At about this time quite a number of new members were added and arrangements were made whereby a separate barracks was set aside where rehearsals were held when the “Y” was not available.

The orchestra has contributed much enjoyment to the officers and men in camp. Shows, concerts, banquets, dances, church and Sunday school participation have been some of its activities. At mess a delightful musical program was rendered by the orchestra at times and particularly on holidays, thus casting a festive spirit on an otherwise drab occasion.

The personnel of the orchestra is composed of:

J.V. Moore, Violin
E.O Nash, Violin
H. Shepard, Drums
F.H. Kelly, Drums
E. Elmer, Trombone
K.R. Lewis, Cornet
D.A. Dickerson, Clarinet
R.F. Whitlock, Clarinet
A. Viola, Piano
E.E. Byerrum, Baritone

DANCE NO 1 On the evening of November 13 1918, Veterinary Company No 1 gave its first dancing party. The Post Gymnasium, where the dance was held was furiously decorated with verdant green pine and cedar boughs with here and there a blaze of scarlet oak leaves. In front of the musical stage there was a large open fireplace artistically draped with green and brown Virginia creeper vines. During the “moonlight” waltz the light effect of the red and yellow flares that flickered from the fireplace gave to the otherwise dark room that romantic touch which, together with the sight of dark, silhouetted swaying bodies and the swing of dreamy music seemed ideal. One-steps, fox-trots, two-steps and waltzes under the rendition of our orchestra seemed all too soon to be finished, and the repeated encore from the dancers for repetition of nearly all the selections was proof enough of their enjoyment. About 10:30 time for an intermission was called during which generous shares of ice cream, cakes and punch were carried to the ladies by their partners. Some of the boys needed three shares for their lady friends and themselves and I very much doubt if their fair companions saw more than one portion.

The great success of our dances is due to the interest shown by our Captain and Lieutenants, and the excellent music rendered by our orchestra. The efforts of Sergeant Gallahue, Private Speaker, the refreshment committee, the check-room men and all others who were willing and generous enough to spend their time and energies in promoting the pleasures of those attending. Probably no one endeavor has done more to spread the fame of the Veterinary Company No 1 throughout the city of Chattanooga and suburbs than the dances that were given. Numerous comments have returned from here and there about “The clean gentlemanly and entertaining men of Veterinary Company No 1”

DANCE NO 2
December 3, 1918 found Veterinary Company No 1 ready for its second dance. The first dance had achieved such an apparent triumphal success that the second was attended by about the same fair set as before who expectantly looked forward to an evening of joyous pleasure. They were not disappointed, you may be sure. The decorations about the gymnasium were more expensive though less abundant than the previous dance, claiming simplicity as the keynote of the artists’ achievement. The “moonlight” waltz under the yellow beams of artificial moon shinning through some lonesome pines on a hill-crest seemed to take with such enthusiastic favor that nothing would do but a repetition of it some where towards the latter part of the evening. Directly after the intermission when dancer had finished munching their sandwiches and after the last sip of punch had washed away the crumbs, the “Georgia Grand Opera” gave us a treat. Our “Opera” consisted Corporal Dyar C. Woods, second tenor soloist; H.C. Rea, bass; B.B. Binnall, baritone; B.L. Gray, first tenor.

“When Twilight Comes” was the first song and , after a spirited applause in spite of laps full of paper napkins and plates (during which most of it went on the floor) the encore, “The Whole World Was Just Made for You” was harmoniously rendered.

A circle two-step was attempted at one time, but the floor containing some two hundred couples would not permit a large enough, so the idea was given up.

While the closing “Home Sweet Home” waltz was being rendered by the orchestra a noisy murmur arose from the khaki-clad dancers “Hoping it would soon be a real true “Home, Sweet Home for them.

MEMORIAL DAY
On May 30, 1918 Veterinary Company No 1 attempted it first banquet. A bounteous display of culinary achievements was set before each company member, and in less time than Fletcherism approves of it was un-returnably gone. During the royal feast several songs by the Physiological Company Quartet, arranged for by Lt. Rundel, our mess officer were uproariously greeted. The flag decorations that adorned the mess hall certainly put the necessary patriotic spirit into the atmosphere. As a first attempt the results were significant of good omen for the future social benefits.

LABOR DAY
Labor Day was celebrated by quite a feed at the mess hall. Between the music of some ten aspiring musicians, our orchestra was only in its infancy and what’s a few notes difference between friends! And the soup embarkation on some one hundred spoons things went along swimmingly. The day, minus drill, plus excess eats was a joy tonic to all Vet. buck privates, except those of us who drew detail, especially K.P.

THANKSGIVING DAY
Thanksgiving Day dawned and nooned with most of the Company in bed; no roll-call that day, but along about mess call time everybody was ready and present on the mess line. That line never does move fast, but it seemed especially slow November 28. However, the feed sure was worth waiting for not to mention the artistic decorations of pine, oak and cedar that adorned the mess hall, and the outburst of music from a twelve-piece orchestra.

Here is what awaited our appetites:

MENU

Click on the below Home links:

Veterinary Corps in WW1

Leonard Murphy in WW1