Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 103, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 March 1918 — FIGHTING “BOCHES” IN FRANCE [ARTICLE]

FIGHTING “BOCHES” IN FRANCE

Vern Davisson Writes Parents of Firing Line Experiences. The following letter has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Davisson from their son, Verne, who is in France, and tells of his meeting with some of the Jasper county boys in France,,who are members of the Rainbow Division: February 23, 1918. Front. Dear Father and Mother: Received a letter from you today. Would have written you sooner, but we were ordered to get our - cars ready for an (censored). We have been repairing our cars and receiving instructions as to positions and manner to take in order to do the work rapidy and get the wounded taken care of in good shape, how to avoid the numerous places the Dutch were shelling, roads near batteries, etc. llt was pulled three days ago, 'the big guns started in hammering about six hours before the infantry went over the top. The batteries had paved the way for them by shooting the “Boche” trenches, barbwire entanglements and abris all to pieces. Then the (censored) of all sizes put up a terrible barrage, or curtain fire ahead of the infantry. The infantry followed just behind the barrage and the Dutch saw them coming and as many as could, fled back up the hill like ants. Those that were hemmed in by the barrage had to fight. They suffered big losses and the French brought back a good number of prisoners. * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Censored. Then after the attack was over we worked quietly a while longer, and got the wounded taken care of in good shape I hauled some wounded “Boche” in my car. One of them sat in the seat beside me. I looked him over for souvenirs, but he had none—not even a hat. I was so busy hauling the wounded, load after load, that I had no time to look for souvenirs. Duvall got a number of them, overcoats, automatic pistols, etc. ♦ ♦ ♦ Censored. The cannon fire was so heavy and fierce we had to stuff our ears full of cotton to save our ear drums, as the big guns were all planted just at the edge of the road not twenty feet

away. Some were on the wrong side of the road and we were obliged to drive right past the business end ot them. Then they would shoot while we were opposite them. The shells would almost shake us off the road, the concussion was so great. The whole sector pulled through without a scratch. I’m not saying we were not excited a bit at times, but that is what we like as long as “Fritzy” shells don’t muss us up. The attack was a success and all went well. A good number of the prisoners were kept over night and the next night here close to our camp. We went down the next day and looked the “devils” over. We asked them how they liked the celebration, and they said they were glad to be prisoners and out of the war. They looked pitiful—dirty, ragged clothes and half starved. The majority of them had no hats, and their shoes were worn out. A person couldn’t help feeling a little sorry for the blood-thirsty rascals. They were anxious for the war to end. The French gave them hot coffee and a whole loaf of bread apiece and this sure made them look happy. Some of them were sure New York city had been captured by the Germans, and that their forces were marching into the interior of the United States. That is the stuff the Kaiser feeds his army on to keep their courage up. If the common soldiers knew what they, were up against now they would step fighting. Today the prisoners were taken to some other place farther behind the lines. A funny incident happened yesterday, which will show you how closely they watch the captured “Fritzies.” We got a call to come

to the place where the captives were to be taken to. Five of them were seriously wounded and we were ordered to take them to the hospital. They were still able to walk. I went with another driver to help get them. Four of them were put in our car, after which the back of the automobile was wired shut so they could not get out while on the trip. One sat on the seat accompanied- by a military police. I guess that is using precaution, what? Last night a division of the U. S.. (censored) camped here in the same village our camp is in, and, as luck would have it, they were all from Indiana. Three of them were from Rensselaer, or from close by. I talked with Howard Ames, William Reed and Wesley Hurley. The Ames boy told me his brother was in “The Fatherland,” and that he likes his ] work fine. Reed and Hurley looked | fine and were feeling good. They. have not been on the front, but ’ think they will be soon. They are . with (censored). It seems great to] talk to some one from home. I think j there are some more of the Rensselaer boys close by, and I think I know' where Willie Potts is and will try and , visit him soon. We have not had it so cold here' as you have had there. Lately the i weather has been good, but it is , rainy and muddy. I received the three pairs of socks, and they fit fine. The sweater and papers were received yesterday. That I was the first newspaper I had received from home. The sleeping bag I received about two months ago is surely wonderful. You surely are not getting my letters, for I have told you three times that I have received the bag. I received a letter from Rensselaer asking me if I was dead. The party had heard that I had been killed. Well, if I have, I am a pretty live “dead one.” I have; ] thought I was a good many times,l but didn’t quite make it. I want to

see the Kaiser “tu-a,” or “a La. Mort.” Received the gloves, stationery, pictures, cookies, nuts, tobacco, candy, soap, fruit, cakes and almonds. Many thanks to all. I put in my application for SIO,OOO army insurance on the last day. As yet I have not heard from it. I lost my fountain pen and am using a borrowed one. It is impossible to get a decent one here. If you will send me one I will thank you for it. “That’s a good one.” A package of cookies, two or three times a month would also be very acceptable. They are great stuff to take out to the post in the car. We quite often miss our meals out there. Sam is still with me. We are feeling fine and now consider ourselves professional bullet dodgers. Sam is second mechanic of this section. We got ten more men in the section before the attack. I gueaa they thought some of us were going to get “winged,” but we fooled them. We have thirty-six good men now. I will close, hoping this finds you all well. Your loving son, VERNE.