Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 111, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 May 1918 — JOHN KNOX SOON TO BE “OVER THERE” [ARTICLE]

JOHN KNOX SOON TO BE “OVER THERE”

Camp Johnston, Fla., May 14, 1918. Dear Father:—Just finished dinner so will have time to knock out a few lines. It is clouding up and preparing for a hard rain—so I might have all afternoon. About two hours later—been busy checking up equipment. It’s now raining to beat the band. Well, you will have to change my address again. I am in on Over Sea’s Co. Supply Co. 312. O. U. No. 1 was broken up Saturday. We were divided among supply company’s Numbers 311, 312, 313, and training company No. 1. There has been quite a rumpus raised about this last transfer between the officers of the camp and the civilian board which was sent down here by the Q. M. General’s Department in Washington to.put the camp on an efficiency basis and to direct the establishing and running of these schools. The civilian board is kicking because they transfered the students to these supply companies and they might be able to pull us out again but it is very doubtful. The intention, of the board, of course, was to give us, that training and then give us sergeant’s ratings, but is looks as if that plan was knocked into a cocked hat, as it were. Anyway, it turns out I’ve made up my mind to be satisfied. This is a little disapponiting, though to be sent over before we get our ratings as non-com’s.

Ttys Co. (312) has been ready to leave for a month. Has all equipment packed, crated, boxed, painted battleship gray, stamped and otherwise marked ready for immediate movement. All they needed were a few men to bring them up to full strength. They now have it. Some of the fellows think we will go this week, but I’m doubtful. However, it’s only a matter of a short time now—a few weeks at the most—probably less, then we will be on our way. Of course there’s a chance we won’t go for a month or two yet, but I’m telling you this so you will have an idea of what is going on. Nobody knows what a supply company is exactly, but there are a pretty nice bunch of fellows in it, so I’ll get along all right. ' They issued full over sea’s equipment to us last night. «The first thing we got i was a steel helmet. It weighs 3 or 4 pounds and feels like a young stove. Looks just like those pictures you see of them. It is painted ©lave drab color-in which is mixed something that looks like sawdust. This is camouflaged to- make it resemble the ground. Other things we got are havesack, mess pan with cover, canteen and cup in holder, shelter-half with stakes and pole, knives, forks and spoons, bacon can, 1 condiment can (for sugar, salt and pepper), 1 revolver or pistol with 2 extra pistol magazines, 1 pack carrier, pistol belt, pistol holster, 1 first aid pocket. They took a why our khaki clothes and gave us two O. D. wool suits, also our light underwear and sock, gave us 3 suits of heavy wool underwear and five pairs of wool sock about % inch thick. Also got 1 pair of russet dress shoes and two pairs of heavy trench shoes. They are awfully big and heavy, but very comfortable. The rough sides of the leather is outside and smooth is inside. The half sole has 42 hobnails about the size of a pea and the heel is protected by a steel plate about %in thickness. They are made for comfort, not speed, and are sized so that two pairs of heavy socks may be worn with them. Also got a slicker, three wool blankets,, overcoats, etc. So don’t leave much for us to want for. While I think of it, tell Leah to hustle up that sewing kit, needles, thread, buttons, few pins and safety pins. Want just a small kit. ' Have been down to Pablo Beach the past two Sundays, got sunburnt and some blisters, but had a great time.. The ocean was rough and we had great sport diving the breakers and.riding the waves. Had few snap shots taken at the ocean, will try to get some prints and send you some. Will have to close now. How are you feeling? Give my love to the rest of the folks. Write soon. Your son, JOHN. Supply Co. No. 312.