Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 248, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 November 1917 — Casualties Few But “Trench” Feet Are Many. [ARTICLE]

Casualties Few But “Trench” Feet Are Many.

The first battalions of Americans in the trenches have been relieved by others, which is considered one of the critical periods when the enemy by shelling the approaches of the trenches may inflict heavy dmaages was accomplished successfully, ’ Apparently the enemy was not aware of what was going on. With the men back in. billets it is now permitted to mention for the first time that the casualties were negligible. In fact, more men are suffering with “trench feet” than with wounds. From a military standpoint the experience gained by the Americans is considered of very high value in the training of contingents which are yet to arrive on French soil. It was tired, wet, mud-caked body of men that returned to the billets. The men had only two clear days while in the trenches. They were mud from their hats to their shoes. Before anything else they required a bath, first with gasoline and then with water. The next day the sun was shining and the returned soldiers spent most of the time sunning themselves and their belongings. Some of the fields in this section of France were covered with blankets, parts of uniforms and equipment. Clouds of red dust arose in these places, when later the owners started to brush. That night the returned battalions were clean and ready to go back again.