University of Illinois - Illio Yearbook (Urbana Champaign, IL)

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The Divi Don McGinnis ex '20, was severely gasscd along with other members of the University U n i t. All recovered. Q Q 4 N - .aselmfir Lt. H. R. Stone of Chicago succeeding him in command of the University battery. Leaving its training grounds early in February of 1918, the Division crossed France to Luneville. The members of Bat- tery F were billeted in a large chateau in this city, while gun emplacements were prepared and while the cannoneers received their final training with some French artillerymen at the front. The guns were brought up into position February 25 and F began its ceaseless period of activity against the Huns. It re- mained in this position until the middle of March, the heaviest firing occurring on March 4 and 5, when it helped lay down a heavy barrage, while American infantrymen went over the top and brought in a considerable number of prisoners. The regiment started for a rest in the middle of March and after a one day's hike the artillerymen arrived at Gerberville, when they were startled to learn of the great German victory of March 21. The Rainbow Division took'over the first All-American sector at this point and held it against the Huns for 101 days. Pulling away from this point near the last of May, the Division took up a new position on Camp-de-Chalon formerly a French artillery range on the Champagne front. sion laid there until July 14, when another big German drive for Paris commenced. Fifteen Prussian Guard Divisions on the other side opposed the Rainbow and four French divisions on the allied side. After a three day's battle the crack Prussian regiments fell back in defeat. But a great battle was raging at Chateau Thierry. The Second Division with two regiments of Marines had smashed the German dream of capturing Paris, but it was worn out and badly shot up. The Rainbow division withdrew from the Champagne front and hurried to the rescue, taking up a position about five miles north of Chateau Thierry and in conjunction with the Vesle River wiping out the Salient and capturing Fismes. It was during this great campaign that Vic Stangel '19 of F brought down a German aeroplane with a machine gun from the ground. Members of the 149th were given a short rest and many of the boys visited Paris. The University artillerymen report a great time in the French metropolis, but they certainly deserved it. The Rainbow Division saw perhaps more service than any other American Division. The 149th Field Artillery is the most famous regiment of the division, and Battery F is the Horseshoe Battery of the Division. Surely it will be given a place of eternal pride and praise in the annals of the University. Ready to send a note to the Germans, to the accompaniment of an oskcy-wow-wow. Thirteen rue TWEyTY lLLl0

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Q ,Q 4 , xi sQffli'Nf Even the dump heaps were camouflagcd against impending: aerial attacks. Professor T, E. Oliver had the unique dis- tinction of witnessing the process of devastation of Belgium. He left this country in August, 1915, and spent six months as a member of the Commis- sion for Relief in Belgium, representing the Uni- versity of Illinois. His work at Brussels, behind the German lines, kept him in constant contact with German officials. He was the receipient of several medals for his great work. - - -- --1 V .. fm ff' W1 ,pg I 1 .-. . ,, lllI1llll'l'lq..4- ,,.B,g,L-L, ,V Q 41. ' -N, ,G 'L .vi Hidden from the watchful eye of the enemy. vi-... Long.: and powerful were shots . emanating from this gun. Advei-sity striking the camp of the Allies. Fourteen