TRANSCRIBED FROM THE MOUNTAIN WAVE DECEMBER 7, 1917 P. 2
Camp Beauregard, La. November 27, 1917.
Editor of the Mountain Wave, Marshall, Ark.
As the 345th Inf. of Camp Pike was one of the Regiments that was transferred to Camp Beauregard, La. to finish filling the National Guard—to war strength. I will write you my address so you may know where to send my paper, and at the same time write “A sample of a day in Camp” so that the boys who are yet to be called will know what will be expected of them when they reach Camp.
The soldier arises for the day at 6 o’clock by the bugler’s call known as reveille. The men dress and fall in within ten minutes after the first call.
Your first experience of military drill will probably consist of “setting-up exercises” which occupy the first few minutes of the day. They consist of certain movements of the head, arms, trunk and legs.
In the morning when the bugle rings out the reveille, and you crawl out of your bunk, visibly tired and sore from the previous day’s work, you will find yourself wonderfully freshened and cheered up by a few minutes vigorous setting up exercises.
Then comes breakfast, usually breakfast is followed by a half hour for cleaning the barracks and bunks and putting clothing and bedding in their order.
The remaining two or three hours of the morning are likely to be spent in drill, at first in “close order” and later “extended order” also.
In most camps guard mounting comes about noon. This consists of relieving the men who have been guarding the camp and turning over this duty to new men. Each soldier must mount guard not oftener than once a week.
During the afternoon the work is varied and includes additional setting up exercises and other drills, target practice, bayonet exercises and later more advanced drilling.
About 5 o’clock comes the evening parade and “retreat” when the flag is lowered or furled for the night. The band plays “The Star Spangled Banner” while all officers and soldiers stand at attention.
Supper comes between 5 and 6 o’clock and is usually followed by a period of rest. At this period the boys are allowed to go to musicals, theaters and so on. Taps are sounded at 10 o’clock. This is the signal to put out all lights, retire and keep quite. “It closes the day for the soldier and sends him to his blankets a tired and sleepy boy.”
Forrest Baker,
Co. H., 153rd Inf.
Camp Beauregard, La.
P.S.—Nearly all the Searcy county boys are in my regiment and several are in my company. We would be pleased to hear from any one from Searcy county at any time.—F. B.
NOTES: Baker was born on July 18, 1890 in Marshall, Arkansas. He was a self-employed farmer. He died on April 4, 1936. He is buried in the Sulphur Springs Cemetery in Wileys Cove, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
Camp Beauregard, La. November 27, 1917.
Editor of the Mountain Wave, Marshall, Ark.
As the 345th Inf. of Camp Pike was one of the Regiments that was transferred to Camp Beauregard, La. to finish filling the National Guard—to war strength. I will write you my address so you may know where to send my paper, and at the same time write “A sample of a day in Camp” so that the boys who are yet to be called will know what will be expected of them when they reach Camp.
The soldier arises for the day at 6 o’clock by the bugler’s call known as reveille. The men dress and fall in within ten minutes after the first call.
Your first experience of military drill will probably consist of “setting-up exercises” which occupy the first few minutes of the day. They consist of certain movements of the head, arms, trunk and legs.
In the morning when the bugle rings out the reveille, and you crawl out of your bunk, visibly tired and sore from the previous day’s work, you will find yourself wonderfully freshened and cheered up by a few minutes vigorous setting up exercises.
Then comes breakfast, usually breakfast is followed by a half hour for cleaning the barracks and bunks and putting clothing and bedding in their order.
The remaining two or three hours of the morning are likely to be spent in drill, at first in “close order” and later “extended order” also.
In most camps guard mounting comes about noon. This consists of relieving the men who have been guarding the camp and turning over this duty to new men. Each soldier must mount guard not oftener than once a week.
During the afternoon the work is varied and includes additional setting up exercises and other drills, target practice, bayonet exercises and later more advanced drilling.
About 5 o’clock comes the evening parade and “retreat” when the flag is lowered or furled for the night. The band plays “The Star Spangled Banner” while all officers and soldiers stand at attention.
Supper comes between 5 and 6 o’clock and is usually followed by a period of rest. At this period the boys are allowed to go to musicals, theaters and so on. Taps are sounded at 10 o’clock. This is the signal to put out all lights, retire and keep quite. “It closes the day for the soldier and sends him to his blankets a tired and sleepy boy.”
Forrest Baker,
Co. H., 153rd Inf.
Camp Beauregard, La.
P.S.—Nearly all the Searcy county boys are in my regiment and several are in my company. We would be pleased to hear from any one from Searcy county at any time.—F. B.
NOTES: Baker was born on July 18, 1890 in Marshall, Arkansas. He was a self-employed farmer. He died on April 4, 1936. He is buried in the Sulphur Springs Cemetery in Wileys Cove, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS