from THE MESSENGER
October 27, 1918
October 27, 1918
Work can often be a pleasure, the following extracts from
one of our Engineer Corps boys in or near the front line trenches of France,
indicate that the most unusual of tasks and conditions have their bright side:
“I feel in a particularly good frame of mind tonight, cause
by finding a barn full of hay today. Now that does not seem like a very
remarkable thing, does it? Ah! But it was a wonderful discovery, because
sleeping on the ground had long since lost its romance, and the ground was
getting a little harder every night. Now our cozy little tent is piled deep
with sweet smelling hay, and Chris and I are as comfortable as can be.
Was awakened this morning by Chris with the explanation that
if I wanted any breakfast I had better get a move on. Result—wild dash for
shoes, and breakfast of bacon and potatoes. Then I shouldered my trusty shovel,
executed a squads left and marched three miles to work. On sighting the enemy
(work) deployed and advanced in skirmishing order, attached the enemy on all
sides, and after eight hours hard fighting, interrupted by a feast of pork and
cabbage, and the discovery of the aforementioned barn, was victorious. Then the
march homeward with the spoils of war (the aforementioned hay) followed by a
good supper of hot cakes and beans. I am ashamed to say that I lined up three
times for the former, and would have continued doing so if the cakes had not
given out.
Then followed a very delicate operation, namely shaving in
the dark. Ah! With me that is the feat of feats, and another victory was scored
for the A. E. F. (American Excavating Forces).”
W. O. Henderson, 21st Eng
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