Page:History of the 305th field artillery (IA historyof305thfi01camp).pdf/356



Verpel, Nov. 2, 1918.

The march was nearing its end. Wearily the battery splashed thru the muddy streets of Verpel, across the brook and up thc hill. “Column Right"-"Halt" It was an abandoned gun position. The piles of ammuition and fuses strewn around wore evidences of a hasty retirement. The emplacements with trail logs intact were im- mediately appropriated and the platforms placed. In short order the guns were in position to open up on the retreating Bosche. Meanwhile the picket line and kitchen were being established below the bill. A fire was started and none loo soon caine the welcome call:“Chow's ready." And this time it was real chow-nol corn willic or bully beef—but beans, rice and coffee.

Meanwhile Jerry had started evening serenade-in rapid succession shells were dropping on the ncarby road but not near enough to distract the hungry men. Sud- denly the whine of an approaching shell grew louder, and before one could duck, it exploded. Sudden pandemon- iun—the air was full of rice, beans and messkits—the diners lay on their faces in the nud. The cry "Anyone hurt" was followed from the picket linc by “Medical man!"

The Captain hastened to the picket line and discovered that our Chinese driver, Charlie Wing, was wounded.

"Where are you burt, Wing?" asked the Captain.

"In the kitchen," was the surprising answer,