Racine County, Wisconsin - Chapter 22: Battery C, 121st, F. a by Frank J. Hilt, 1920

BATTERY C, Racine's first unit in the new Wisconsin national guax'd, was organized during the early summer of 1916, and was formally mustered into the state service on June 8, 1916, by Col. John G. Salzman, assistant to the adjutant general of the state.

Its organization was part of the program of preparedness, which was then beginning to sweep the country. War with Mexico was looming on the horizon, and some of the more far-sighted wei'e urging the enlargement of the army in event the United States should be drawn into the European imbroglio.

Originally it was intended as a three-inch battery. It was part of a battalion of artillery formed in this state, with Battery A of Milwaukee, which had been organized for some time, as the nucleus. Battery B of Green Bay was the other unit in this battalion. There was a race between Racine and Green Bay for the honor of having the second battery formed in the state. Green Bay filled its muster roll first, applied for admittance and completed the other technicalities, however, and its organization was formally called Battery B. Racine was only one day behind.

The Commercial Club rooms were the scene of the mustering-in of Battery C. Colonel Salzman had charge, and was accompanied by Chief H. C. Baker of Racine, Capt. Philip Westfahl (later colonel of the 121st F. A.) and Lieut. Reed, the last two of whom were then officers in Battery A. There were 12.5 Racine young men on the roster, and as their names were called, they stepped forward. All took the solemn pledge to uphold the constitution of the United States and to fight for it if necessary.

The first drills were held at the Commercial Club rooms, which were turned over gratis for that purpose. When the troops were called to the Mexican border a short time later, Battery C confidently expected to be among them. Owing to lack of uniforms, equipment and the short training, the Racine unit, together vrith Green Bay, was left behind. An appeal was made, however, for recruits to fill Battery A, which was called, to war strength. Several members of the battery responded and took l)art in the maneuvers in Texas.

The battery received its first war training during the latter part of August, 1916, when it was ordered to Camp Douglas for a ten day training period. A hundred and ten men made the trip, leaving Racine on August 20, 1916, on a special train. The time was spent in foot drills, hikes, lectures on war subjects, and in other details of this kind. The officers endeavored to make the drill as varied and interesting as possible, so as to relieve the monotony. Captain George W. Rickeman (who later became a major) was the commanding officer, virith Richard Drake and Richard Bryant as lieutenants. George Wallace was the first sergeant. Later George Wallace and Harry C. Sanders were appointed second lieutenants, the former being assigned to Battery F.

At Camp Douglas, the battery members received their first uniforms, consisting of a wool O. D. blouse, trousers, socks, campaign hat, and shoes. Their civilian clothing, with which they had marched to the special train which took them to Camp Douglas, was shipped home by expi'ess, so that they would not be encumbered with bundles when they arrived home. The metamorphosis undergone by the battery surprised the people of Racine on its arrival home after the ten days' encampment. The motley crowd, dressed in every style and color of civilian raiment, had been changed into a uniformly attired unit in O. D., marching with springy step and every foot in cadence.

School for the aspirants for non-commissioned officers' positions were held at the Commercial Club rooms after drill. Owing to lack of equipment, most of the drill consisted of the various foot maneuvers, although some pretence was made to instruct the men in the positions and duties to be assumed in firing a gun by using chairs to denote the cannons and caissons.

The battery had been promised horses, three inch guns and other equipment as soon as an armory to house the material had been arranged for. Besides their weekly di-ills at the Auditorium, the battery members, assisted by patriotic residents of the city, began the drive for such a building. The original proposition was to erect a building which could be used both as an armory and a municipal auditorium, and which would net revenue to the city yearly. Special committees appeared before the common council in its behalf, designating $50,- 000 as the sum needed for its erection. A bond issue for that amount was submitted to the voters, and was acted on favorably by a big margin. But the preliminaries leading up to this bond issue had taken considerable time, and owing to the war, the price of building material had soared. When everything was in readiness to build the armory, it was discovered that nearly twice as much would be needed for the building planned.

It had been practically decided to abandon the plan of a combined building, and committees were seeking a place which could be purchased cheaply for housing the horses and guns, when the news that America had declared war on Germany was received. The armory proposition was dropped, and everyone turned their attention to recruiting the United States forces to war strength. The war department decided to raise its national guard artillery in Wisconsin from a battalion to a regiment, which meant the recruiting of three new batteries. Racine was given a chance to be represented by one of these new outfits, and also to recruit an ambulance corps.

On July 2, 1917, Batteries C and F left Racine for Camp Douglas on a special St. Paul railroad train. The last assembling place was Lakeside Auditorium, and the time designated was 6 o'clock in the morning. There were brief ceremonies after roll had been called, the Red Cross presenting each man with a comfort kit.

Battery C was officered at that time by. Captain Richard Bryant; 1st Lieut. Ludwig Kuehl; 1st Lieut. Harry Herzog; 2nd Lieut. Harry Sanders; 2nd Lieut. Harry demons. Lieut. Kuehl had an operation shortly before the battery left for Camp Douglas, and did not arrive there until a few weeks later.

Every resident in Racine turned out to bid farewell to the first complete outfit to leave this city for war training. Led by the drum corps, the men marched do-wn Main street, which was jammed with humanity on both sides. There was such a crowd on Second street, down which thoroughfare the men marched to reach the special train, that it was difficult for the two batteries to force their way through. State street bridge was so crowded that there was grave danger of its collapsing. Whistles shrieked from every factory all along the route as the train proceeded out of the city, and handkerchiefs waved a last farewell from every residence window.

Arriving at Camp Douglas, the work of getting in shape was begun in earnest. The two batteries were among the first to arrive at the state camping grounds, and began woi'k immediately.

At midnight, July 15, the two batteries automatically went into federal service with the rest of the First Wisconsin Field Artillery regiment. On July 24, the federal examinations were conducted, and the soldiers received their first inoculations as a guard against typhoid fever. They were also vaccinated to ward off smallpox.

The drill outlined for Camp Douglas seemed strenuous to the men fresh from civilian life, but compared to after events, it was a lark. Much of the time was spent in getting the battery in shape, picking those men particularly adapted for special jobs, appointing "non-coms," and in physical training. Ovidng to the fact that Batteries A and B were the only ones with equipment, much of the time had to be spent in the monotonous foot drill. The various batteries in the regiment took turns at using the equipment, and the few head of horses that were at Camp Douglas. There was no real progress, except at foot drill and in getting the men in shape, and under discipline.

There are three events at Camp Douglas which stand out prominently in the memoiy of the battery members. The first was the kidnapping of "Battering Ram Bill," the goat mascot. The goat arrived on August 8, and with much ceremony, was designated as battery mascot. A few days later it disappeared. The mystery was not explained until August 18, when Battery F left for Waco, Tex., and "Bill" was peering from the baggage coach door as the train pulled out. The other two dates the men will remember are August 28, when "hot cakes" were served for the first time, and August 29, when the first long foot hike was held. Col. Westfahl led the regiment in the hike, and fourteen miles, over sandy roads, wei'e covered.

On Sept. 2, the battery, with the remainder of the troops at Camp Douglas, turned out to bid farewell to those units of infantry which entrained for Camp Mills to join the Rainbow Division.

The start for Camp McAi'thur, near Waco, Tex., which had been designated as the training grounds for the Wisconsin and Michigan national guard outfits, was made on Sept. 9. The regiment was divided into three different sections, each of which left at a different time during the day. The train containing Batteries C and D was composed of fifteen coaches and three freight cars, the latter containing the baggage of the men. Camp McArthur was reached on Sept. 12, but owing to the fact that it was late at night, the men slept aboard train until morning.

Equipment was expected when Camp Mc- Arthur was reached, but the men found that the same drill schedule which had been lengthened to more hours, however, awaited them. "Squads east and west," under a hot Texas sun and occasional sand storms, was relieved by lessons in equitation, trench building, wigwag woi'k, drill on the guns and lectures on various subjects. The day was divided into periods and the men into classes. Each period was of forty minutes' duration, and a different subject was taught during each. Wednesday and Saturday afternoons were devoted to athletics, and every Saturday morning there was a regimental hike. An inspection of personal equipment was held every Sunday morning.

Tents, the same as at Camp Douglas, were provided as living quai'ters. Realizing that they were to remain at least sixteen weeks at this camp, the men began to make themselves as comfortable as possible. A collection was taken up in each tent, and enough money secured to put in wooden floors and sidewalls. This seemed like real luxury after several months with dirt floors and flappy canvas walls. The wood side walls provided a background for the installation of shelves, and the canvas habitats began to assume a homelike appearance.

At Camp McArthur the men became thoroughly efficient in foot diill, the manual of arms, guard duty and other details of this kind. The officers were given a chance to select permanent cannoneers and drivers by observing the aptitude shown by each individual at gun drill or equitation. The gun drill was mostly simulated, with timbers repi'esenting the pieces and caissons. Each battery had about thirty horses, however, and the drivers wei'e given a chance to become proficient in horsemanship.

It was a period of uncertainty. One day the unofficial announcement would be made that the regiment was to be motorized, and the next that it would be horse drawn. A few days later it would be changed to six inch artillery, and then would return to three inch. In order to be prepared, the men were instructed in drill for both the three inch and six inch.

On Dec. 3 the battery had its first hike with the three inch material and horses, covering twenty-two miles. The men camped at noon, and ate their dinner by the roadside. On Dec. 7, they wore their gas masks for the first time.

More than five months after entering into service, the men fired the three inch guns for the first time, at a week's maneuvers, which were held at China Springs, about eighteen miles from camp. Each battery was given a day on the range. Battery C had its turn on Dec. 15.

Its training period completed, the regiment began preparing to move in January, 1918. The horses were turned into the remount station on January 3, and on Feb. 5 it boarded trains for Camp Merritt. While stopping over at Kansas City, Mo., for a few hours. Battery C received its first news of the sinking of the Tuscania.

At 11 o'clock Sunday night, Feb. 11, the train section containing Battery C arrived at Cresskill, N. Y., the station nearest Camp Merritt. It was bitter cold and the hills were covered with ice, but trains were badly needed for the carrying of troops at that time, and Battery C disembarked and marched to the camp. It was after midnight when they crawled under the blankets in the wooden bai-- racks, but reveille sounded at the usual early hour next morning.

Three weeks were spent at Camp Merritt, waiting for the ship which was to transport the artillery regiment and other units across the ocean. It was a pleasant three weeks, the men being given a chance to see New York

The battery was aroused at 4 o'clock on the morning of March 2, packed its equipment, and was taken by train to Hoboken, N. J., where it boarded the converted liner Leviathan, formerly the Vaterland. It was one of the first outfits aboard the ship, and it was assigned quarters far up forward. On Sunday, March, 3, the other troops embarked, and at 9:£0 Monday morning, March 4, the ti'ansport steamed for Liverpool, Eng. The men wei'e required to stay below decks until the craft had passed out of the harbor, so that spies might not obtain information as to the number of troops ab-^a- '. The ocean trip was uneventful. Owing to its speed, the Leviathan could outdistance submarines, and it crossed the ocean with no convoy. It was not until the last day at sea that a convoy, which was to escort it into Liverpool, was picked up. The ship docked at Liverpool on Tuesday, March 12. The artillerymen remained aboard during that day, and started for an English rest camp near Winchester on March 13. The trip was made in the small English coaches, and the men arrived at camp at midnight, March 14.

The stop at the rest camp was brief. On March 18 the regiment was again aboard trains bound for Southampton, from which port it was to cross the channel to LeHavre, France. On the "Queen of Douglas," a small sid?- wheeler. Battery C started to cross the channe': on Monday evening, March 18. It was a clear night, and the hazard from submarines was too great, so the craft turned back after only going a short distance. A successful crossing was made next night, however.

One day was spent at LeHavre, and the regiment was again on its way. Camp Coetquidan, near Guer, France, was reached March 2.5. It was the final training camp for the regiment, where equipment was to be issued and pi-actice on the range given. Each outfit was given a full complement of guns, caissons, field kitchens, wagons, horses and other material, and the work of learning to handle them was begun in earnest. Non-commissioned officers attended school during the daytime, and there were also special classes for the officers. Each battery was given certain days each week to fire the guns, under the direction of French and American instructors. There was considerable fatigue work in getting the camp in shape, each battery being called upon on some days to furnish as many

While at Coetquidan, a requisition came in for two batteries, to be used for a twelve week term in instructing aspirants for officers' commissions at artillery schools. Battery A of Milwaukee was sent to Gondrecourt, and Battery C assigned to Veauxhalles. On March 25, the Racine battery loaded its guns and horses aboard cars, and started for the small French village. Genei'al Chamberlain, Col. Westphal and others were at the railroad depot to watch the loading.

On April 29, the battery arrived at its destination. Its members were the first troops to be quartered in this small French village, and every inhabitant was at hand to watch the proceedings. Gaunt from their four days' ride,^ the horses vs^ere hitched to the guns and caissons and the procession to the village, about a mile distant, started. The town was so small that the battery passed through it, and it was not until the circuitous road led it back to the depot again, that the mistake was discovered. It was six o'clock in the evening before the picket line had been built, the guns parked, the men billeted and the rolling kitchen set up.

A few days were devoted to getting things in shape, and then the battery started firing for the Second Corps Artillery School, which was situated at Montigny-sur-Aube. Battery P of the 147th Field artillery, an outfit with 75 millimeter guns, fired mornings and Battery C in the afternoon. Reveille was at 6 o'clock in the morning, and taps at 10 o'clock, and every minute of the time was occupied. In the morning, the drivers attended their horses, cleaned harness and had lessons in equitation, while the cannoneers did detail work, constructed gun pits and drilled with the material.

The range was six miles from town, and it was not until six o'clock at night that the guns were hauled into the park for the evening. The men then had supper, after which retreat was held. The horses were groomed in the evening, from 7 to 8:30 o'clock. Every "noncom" was required to attend school for an hour and a half in the evening.

After six weeks, the artillery school was moved to the Swiss border, leaving the two batteries behind. Word was expected daily which would start the battery toward the regiment, which was rumored to be on the Alsace front. Before such word was received, however, the two outfits were assigned to an aviation school at Chattilon-sur-Seine, where aeroplane observers for artillery were being instructed. They retained their billets in the little villages, the aviators and observers making the trip from Chattilon in aeroplanes.

Disappointment among the men was keen, as they had been assured that after twelve weeks' firing for the artillery school they would join the regiment. During the twelve weeks. Captain Richard Bryant had been transferred to another outfit, and Capt. McQueen S. Wightman of New York had been placed in command of the battery.

Their work was cut when they joined the aviation school, each battery being required to fire only three days a week. Wireless stations were established to receive the sensings from the observers in the aeroplanes. Spade trails were constructed at the range to facilitate shifting from one target to another. Everything possible was done to make the work as easy and as interesting as possible.

The aeroplane observers directed the firing of the batteries, flying high above them and observing where the shots landed. They would then send down corrections, until they had finally put the shells on the target.

The men sought diversion from the monotony of firing day after day, at the same target and with practically the same deflection and range, by joining in the social life of the village. A canteen was established, which later developed into one of the largest Y. M. C. A.'s in the Chattilon section. There were moving picture shows once a week, and the men also held impromptu entertainments. The various sections competed against each other in a basketball tournament. There were baseball games between the various outfits in the Chattilon area, Battery C capturing the championship after a lively battle. The battery also won the football championship and the basketball title. There were horse shows and athletic meets.

Three different times orders were received for the battery to join the regiment. But at the last moment, after horses and material had been gotten into shape, these orders were cancelled for some reason or other.

The battery was close enough to the front to hear the booming of the big guns at times, where the other units of the regiment were making history. Finally five of the men packed their belongings, and jumping on a troop train, reached the regiment at Montfaucon where it was taking part in the Argonne Drive. These five were Arthur Hader, Edward Linn, Eward Stilb, Walter Williams and Walter Maas. They remained at the front fourteen days, and were then sent back with

For during the time that it was at Veauxhalles, the battery membership had rapidly dwindled. Some men had been transferred to other outfits, some had taken ill and were in hospitals, and many were on special work. Conditions had become such that there were not sufficient men for details, firing the guns and caring for the horses, and a requisition for more men had been sent to the regiment.

When it seemed as though the hopes for the battery rejoining the regiment were slim, requests for transfers began piling up on the captain. Practically every man in the outfit asked for a transfer between April 29 and November 11, when the Armistice was signed. Armistice Day was appropriately celebrated. It was declared a holiday for the battei-y, and the soldiers joined in with the French people in appropriately observing it. The opportunities for celebrating were slim, but the men took advantage of every one of them.

With the war at a close, the men felt confident that they would rejoin their regiment. But the work of training artillery observers was uninterrupted. Instead of being stopped, it increased, more firing days being added and the sections being divided into battalions so that more observers could receive instructions. It was not until a few weeks before the battery was prepared to start for Gondrecourt, near where the regiment was stationed, that the firing finally ceased.

During the nine months at Veauxhalles, the battery turned out 388 aeroplane observers, and trained 200 aspirant artillery officers, besides doing the routine work necessary for the care of its equipment and keeping itself in shape to answer a call to the front at a moment's notice.

On Feb. 14, 1918, the battery took its farewell from Veauxhalles. The entire town turned out to wave a last goodbye as the procession wound its way through the main street. There was not a dry eye, as during the nine months there was not an inhabitant but knew every man in the outfit.

After five days on the road. Battery C finally pulled into Pershing's Park at Rozieres-onblois on Feb. 19. Owing to the lack of barracks, it was quartered in barns in the village below. Its horses were turned in, and tractors and trucks were issued in their stead. Work on the erection of barracks started immediately, so that the battery might be quartered with

In the upper row are Chas. Olson. Andrew Fisher, O. A. Johnson, Eugene Grann. In the lower are R. J. LeCIair. Hans Kvamme (warrant officer). J. A- Olander (c. p. o.>. Peter Larson and Nels Jacobson.

the remainder of the regiment at Pershing*s park, which occupied the top of a high hill adjacent to the town. These barracks were completed a few weeks before the regiment started on the long trek homeward.

the battery was ordered to Camp Douglas on July 2, 1917, until its return in 1919. Men who were transferred from the oi'ganization before it sailed for France are designated with a §; those who came from other cities and were assigned to the battery after July 2, 1917, are designated by a f-