Company “G” Scrapbook

In the summer of 1916 over one hundred thousand men from various states answered the call of the President Wilson to defend the southern border against further intrusions by Pancho Villa. About a hundred men from Aberdeen, Washington were deployed in Calexico, California just three months before the United States entered World War I.

These Images and many of the articles are courtesy of

Harry A. Comeau's grandson, John ggins.

Additional Online Resources

The California State Military Museum

History of the Washington Army National Guard

Volume 5 - Washington National Guard in World War I

 Watching and Waiting on the Border, by Roger Batchelder

 The California National Guard at the Mexican Border 1916

Photo taken from the Washington National Guard Register of Officers.

Captain Harry A. Comeau with another Guardsman, Calexico, California, 1916.

These photos appeared on the front page of the Grays Harbor Post, Saturday, June 24, 1916.

Guardsman from Company “G” stands outside his tent in Calexico, California, 1916.

Company “G” National Guard Unit drills with the 161st U S Infantry in Calexico, California, July 1916.

Three years before their deployment in Calexico, Company “G” participated in a rifle contest with the Canadians for the Stieglitz Cup. These photos appeared on the front page of the Grays Harbor Post, Saturday, October 11, 1913. Officers in charge of the contest (left to right) Captain O. R. Austin, Executive Officer; Captain R. H. Fleet, Official Scorer; Lieut. W. B. Hunter, Canadian Coach; Captain H. A. Comeau, American Coach.

Duke of Connaught’s Rifles

Left to right—Rifleman C. S. Hunter; Sergeant C. R. Porter; Sergeant J. Cookall.

Rifle Team of Co. “G” Aberdeen

Left to right—Private G. Spoon; Sergeant B. H. Short; Sergeant W. S. Mitchell.

Last updated August 2004 by Larry R. Short

email [email protected]

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