U.S. VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7 COETQUIDAN, FRANCE WW1

U.S. VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7 A.E.F. WW1 (National Archives records)

Special note: I would like to thank Dr Sanders Marble (Historian, Office of Medical History, Office of the Surgeon-General of the United States for this joint effort with the Veterinary Corps Website for providing the documentation of Veterinary Hospital No. 7 from the National Archives. –Greg Krenzelok, Veterinary Corps Website

A HISTORY OF VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7
Headquarters Hospital No. 7
Veterinary Hospital Group, A.P.O. 701, Services of Supply (S.O.S.)
April 15, 1919

ORGANIZATION
Advance Veterinary Hospital No. 7, now actively engaged in veterinary work, at St. Nazaire, France, was organized June 24, 1918, at the Veterinary Training School, Camp Lee, Petersburg, Virginia. The personnel was composed of recruits from Company No. 1 and part of Company No. 3, Veterinary Training School. These Companies were respectively under the Command of Edward T. Kelley, Captain Inf. R.C. and 1st. Lt. Montell, Inf. R.C. Veterinary officers were attached to these Companies to give instruction pertaining to veterinary subjects and to act as instructors in drill and disciplinary training. Infantry and Cavalry non-commissioned officers were assigned to the Companies as drillmasters.

One June 24, 1918 the organization was composed of four Second Lieutenants and two hundred and fifty-two privates. From this personnel the following promotions were made to properly fill grades as given in the Table of Organization of a Veterinary Hospital; namely:

4 Privates as Cooks
20 Privates to be Farriers
10 Privates to be Horseshoers
3 Privates to be Saddlers
8 Privates to be Wagoners
79 Privates to be Privates, First Class

These promotions were made July 1, 1918. The selection of men for these grades were made possible by the special instruction given to horseshoeing, saddlery and advance training in veterinary subjects. Men especially qualified for the above vocations were given the opportunity of attending classes, and those best adapted for these trades were given the preference. Personnel were also selected for Cooks and were placed under the tutorage of graduate Army Cook; Wagoners were selected for their ability and experience in teaming. Non-commissioned Officers were recommended July 1st, 1918 and appointed July 12th. During the month of July Officers and personnel were transferred into the organization to complete its authorized strength.

OFFICERS
Major Coleman Nockolds was assigned as Commanding Officer of this Hospital, December 11, 1918, and was relieved by Major D.H. Udall, who was transferred to this Hospital as Commanding Officer January 12, 1919. Major Udall was relieved from duty March 12, 1919.

Captain Sherman L. Teeple, V.C. was assigned to this Hospital February 6th, 1919 and relieved Major Udall as Commanding Officer.

Captain Arthur Moore, V.C.
Promoted from 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. on July 14, promoted to Captain July 24, 1918. He commanded this Hospital from date of organization, June 24, 1918, to December 10, 1918. He was transferred to the Remount Service January 1, 1919.

Lt. Mattys DeBooy, V.C.
Assigned to this organization June 24, 1918, promoted to 1st Lt. July 14, 1918, acted in the capacity of Supply Officer until January 1, 1918, transferred to Veterinary Hospital No. 19, January 6th, 1919.

Lt. Arthur C. Grace, V.C.
Assigned to this organization June 24, 1918, promoted to 1st. Lt. July 14, 1918, has acted in the capacity of Mess Officer since date of assignment.

Lt. James A. Harris, V.C.
Assigned to this organization June 24, 1918, has acted in the capacity of Adjutant since date of assignment.

Lieutenants:
Samuel S. Gibson
Paul E. Wood
George R. Schaffer

Transferred to this Hospital July 14, 1918, Lieutenants Gibson and Wood promoted 1st Lt. July 18, 1918. Their duties have been confined to animal management and the direction of veterinary practice; Lt. Paul E. Wood having charge of all surgery.

ENLISTED STRENGTH
The duties of the personnel according to grades, are as followed:

Sergeant, First Class:
Supervision of paperwork at headquarters and company administration

Sergeants:
a. One Supply Sergeant, with supervision over supplies, drugs and necessary building and construction work.
b. One Sergeant in charge of transportation and forage.
c. The remaining Sergeants being distributed through the Wards of a Hospital to direct routine fatigue work.

Corporals:
a. One Corporal to conduct the Company Mess.
b. One Provost Corporal.
c. The remaining Corporals being distributed throughout the Wards

Cooks:
Four Cooks to prepare food.

Horseshoers:
10 Horseshoers to do the necessary horseshoeing and blacksmith work.

Saddlers:
To repair harness and other Hospital equipment.

Farriers:
20 Farriers distributed throughout the various Wards to attend to injury and surgical cases, and to apply medical treatments.

Wagoners:
8 Wagoners for necessary team work, but this number was insufficient to meet the demand, as hauling has to be done by wagon, motor transportation as an auxiliary not being available.\

The balance of the personnel is used for watering, feeding, grooming and routine fatigue work. The strength of an Advance Veterinary Hospital: three hundred men, cannot handle efficiently more than one thousand patients.

ACTIVITIES IN THE UNITED STATES
The activities in the United States consisted of instruction in the Sanitary Drill and veterinary work, the latter consisting, for the most part, of lectures, and in the practical working in trades, which are essential to the maintenance of a Veterinary Hospital. The men were also taken on hikes to accustom them to route marching and were instructed in the rudiments of military discipline. Their enthusiasm and ability to intelligently and quickly grasp the ideas and principles of training won the praise and admiration of the corps of instructors.

OVERSEAS, FRANCE, A.E.F.
Advance Hospital No. 7 embarked July 26, 1918 at Newport News, Virginia on the U.S. Transport, “Susquehanna” bound for duty with this American Expeditionary Force in France. It arrived at Brest, France, August 6, 1918 and was stationed at the Pontenasean Barracks until August 10, 1918. During these four days, the men were allowed to recuperate from the effects of the journey, and the equipment for the establishment of this Hospital was collected and prepared for shipment with the organization. On August 11, the organization was shipped by rail to Camp Coetquidan, France, arriving August 12th.

On August 12th the organization assumed its active duties as a Veterinary Hospital. The Hospital was divided into four (4) detachments and these were sent to separate farms located within the immediate vicinity of Camp Coetquidan. These detachments relieved Remount Squadrons of veterinary patients being supervised by the Remount until September 1, 1918. The farms were classified with reference to diseases, being known as:

a. Mange Farm
b. Influenza Farm
c. Pneumonia Farm
d. Surgical Farm

On August 14, Two (2) Lieutenants and 29 enlisted personnel were ordered on detached service to Camp Meucon, to establish a temporary hospital to alleviate the veterinary and sanitary conditions prevailing at that camp. The hospital was in operation until November 20th, when it was ordered back to the organization at Camp Coetquidan and incorporated with the main hospital.

During the month of October the several detachments, which were caring for patients on farms, were transferred into Camp Coetquidan and consolidated into a hospital. The animals in this hospital were classified and distributed into Wards. Each Ward being under the supervision of a Veterinary Officer, with personnel especially adapted and equipped to care for these classes of patients. The stables assigned to Veterinary Hospital No. 7 were ordinary, open artillery stables with very poor flooring and drainage. These were intended to be used temporarily, as a large hospital was being constructed for this organization at Roc St. Andre, Morbihan. This hospital was planned for completion in December, but owing to the difficulties in collecting materials and the signing of the Armistice in November, the project was discontinued. This hospital was thereby compelled to continue its duties as such in Camp Coetquidan, where facilities were entirely inadequate for the highest degree of efficiency. The topography of the land, the position of the stables, inclement weather and the impossibility of complete unity of the location of the stables and barracks, made the establishment of a centralized plant impossible. The heavy rainfall and poor alleyways between stables, gave rise to an over deepening mud and filth. This condition required a great deal of attention and demanded a great deal of labor. It was necessary to constantly surface the roads and standings with crushed rock to make them passable for wagons and to provide a dry footing for the animals, so as to prevent the excessive development of foot trouble and “scratches’.

On March 13, 1919 orders were received to evacuate all animals and personnel to the Veterinary Hospital Group, St. Nazaire. Preparations were immediately made to send all personnel and animals overland. Animals were evacuated at the rate of one hundred and twenty per day, being sent on moving picket line; twenty animals to a line. The first convoy left Camp Coetquidan March 16, arriving at St. Nazaire, a distance of one hundred kilometers March 18th. This journey was made in three days. Convoys were taken overland each day thereafter until March 25, when the last convoy left Coetquidan. It was found necessary to ship but sixty-six animals by rail during this period of evacuation.

The immediate country surrounding Camp Coetquidan is a rolling country of limestone formation, with a clay soil predominating; many small streams drain this country. It is heavily wooded and contains very fertile land in the valleys.

No data pertaining to meteorological observations was recorded by this Hospital. The months of August and September were very dry with bright clear days and cool nights; these conditions were more favorable to the health and hygiene to both man and beast. From October to the middle of March, was a period of almost incessant rain with no extreme ranges of temperature. The temperature dropped below freezing but very few times during the winter. Cold snaps occurred during the months of January and February when brief periods of clear weather were observed.

QUARTERING OF PERSONNEL
The personnel of this organization was quartered in tents until November 14 when stone barracks were assigned for quarters. The tents proved very satisfactory up until October 1, but, from then on they did not afford proper housing as the constant rain created a very muddy and unsanitary condition, on account of poor drainage and type of soil. The stone barracks were of modern construction with excellent ventilation and heating facilities, provided with electric lights and affording a dry and sanitary place for men. This move to better quarters had much to do with the improvement of the men’s health and cut down the sick rate. The Camp had a well-organized and equipped fire department.

MESS HALL
The mess arrangements of the hospital, while in detachments were good; the ordinary field ranges were used and the number of men to fed were not so large but what the food could be well prepared and served. These kitchens were set up under tarpaulins with an adjoining tent used a storehouse for supplies. This arrangement afforded the utmost simplicity in kitchen arrangements; therefore, a high state of sanitation was maintained.

An officer inspected kitchens each day. All equipment being thoroughly cleaned after each meal. Officers were provided with a mess tent but owing to the large number of men and the scarcity of building material the men were obliged to eat out of doors. This caused no discomfort up to October 1, as weather conditions were good. From October 1, until barracks were obtained, mess arrangements were not satisfactory as it was not possible to shelter all men during meals. It was also difficult to properly prepare meals under the prevailing weather conditions, with only a tarpaulin for shelter. At this time there was very little variation in the meals as the rations and facilities afforded no variety.

On obtaining a kitchen and mess hall indoors this difficulty was simplified and the food was prepared in a more appetizing and palatable manner.

FOOD SUPPLIES
While stationed at Camp Coetquidan, the food supply was found inadequate at all times, not only from the standpoint of variety, but also as to quantity. The men were laboring under adverse condition from ten to twelve hours per day, with a consequence that they needed a greater quantity of food than most labor units. This deficiency was remedied by the addition of vegetables and other commodities purchased from the surrounding farms. A the present station, excellent conditions prevail, both as to mess halls, kitchen equipment, and quantity of food.

WATER SUPPLY
The water supply at Camp Coetquidan was excellent in quality and quantity, being available at all times. The approximate amount of water being consumed by the personnel of this organization for drinking, cooking and washing purposes amounts to approximately fifteen hundred gallons a day.

Bathing facilities were good; bathhouses with hot water and cold showers were at the disposal of the men at all times. These bathhouses were under the supervision of the Camp Quartermaster.

SEWAGE AND WASTE
The sewage of Camp Coetquidan was under the direction of the Sanitary Corps of the Camp; kitchen slop and waste were disposed of through arrangements of the Camp Quartermaster to French farmers, being hauled away each day.

While operating under field conditions hospital latrines were policed and cared for by the Medical detachment, under the direct supervision of the medical officer. They maintained a high degree of sanitation. While quarters in barracks latrines were policed by the Medical detachment, the waste being disposed of by the Camp Police Officer.

Sewage arrangements at St. Nazaire, with the Veterinary Hospital Group provide for adequate sewage disposal and the maintenance of good sanitary conditions.

CANTEENS
There were four (4) Y.M.C.A. canteens maintained in Camp Coetquidan, and they seemed to be amply supplied with tobacco, candy, toilet articles, and other comforts. There was also a sales commissary operated by the Quartermaster Corps.

AMUSEMENTS
Amusements were provided for by the Y.M.C.A. and consisted for the most part of moving pictures and of entertainments of an athletic nature. In conjunction with the canteens and amusement halls were large reading and writing rooms accessible to the men at all times. In camp there was also a large “K of C” (note: Knights of Columbus) building, this was used as a chapel, lectures hall, and reading and writing rooms. Devine services were held regularly at the Y.M.C.A and K.C. buildings. It was not possible to provide any outdoor entertainments, although this organization did stage a successful roping and riding contest Christmas afternoon.

VENEREAL
The venereal rate of this organization while in Camp Coetquidan was extremely low; until December not a single case of venereal disease was reported to its discredit. At the present writing, five cases of venereal diseases are recorded against this organization. A prophylaxis station has always been operated by the Medical detachment, and men were constantly instructed in its use. Frequent talks were given by the medical officer at opportune times warning the men of the dangers of exposing themselves, and the consequences thereof.

MEDICAL ATTENDANCE
Medical service has always been efficient; a medical officer and eleven men being attached to the hospital. The psychological examination proved successful in some cases in determining the mental development of men, but did not prove that men, because of high standing in the test, were necessarily best fitted for managing men.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Sufficient quantities of clothing have always been available from the local Quartermaster, although it has been difficult to obtain a proper assortment in order to dress the men in a smart, neat soldiery manner. This difficulty has been in our estimation, one of the sources of waste in clothing, as improperly fitted clothes, whether they be too large or too small, cannot be utilized to their full extent in giving economical wear. For instance, from a purely mechanical standpoint; it was impossible to obtain boots that were not too large. This condition made the average life of a pair of socks about two days, as they were quickly worn out by the constant rubbing of the boot. From a psychological standpoint it is a decidedly hard matter to get men to take pride in their clothing and to keep them in first class condition when the clothing is ill fitting.

For men working in and around open stables, and exposed to the incessant rains peculiar to this climate, “Overseas Caps” cannot be termed the best adapted headgear. With the exception of this one article, a proper headgear, the men were amply provided with articles of clothing and footwear suited to afford protection and comfort in this land of inclement weather and mud.

While the organization was functioning is separate detachments at the various camps around Camp Coetquidan, and the men were living in tents, the laundering of clothes was a fairly simple matter as this could be done by the individual soldier upon the bank of an adjoining creek. When the detachments were assembled at Camp Coetquidan, the men used the wash racks provided by the Camp Authorities. These racks had running water and were located near the barracks. While here, a drying room and attendant was provided to care for the drying of wet clothing and clothes lines were constructed between the barracks.

The equipment for the personnel, other than clothing, was adequate for every emergency and need.

TRAINING
Training consisted of lectures given by Corps of Instructors who were veterinarians; the subject taught dealt principally with the care and treatment of horses. These lectures were given in the training school at Camp Lee. A special lecture course was conducted as a school for farriers, whose duties are along more or less specialized types of work. It was found from actual experience in the field that these lectures were of no practical value.

DISCIPLINE
This organization contains no conscientious objectors. But three AWOL’s are on record and these men returning within forty-eight (48) hours; there are no alien enemies although some of the men are recently naturalized citizens.

There have been thirteen men Summary Court Martialed and three General Court Martials. Of the thirteen men tried by Summary Court twelve were convicted and one acquitted; the majority of cases were for drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Of the three men receiving General Court Martial, one was given a prison sentence of six months, the other two have not as yet received sentence.

The conduct and efficiency of the men in this hospital has been of an exceptionally high standard, and they have all striven to perform their assigned duties in a cheerful and thorough manner.

HOSPITAL: VETERINARY ADMINISTRATION
This Hospital functioned under the direction of the Remount Depot, Camp Coetquidan until September 1, 1918 on which date veterinary hospitals were separated from the Remount Service. The Chief Veterinarian and other Veterinary Officials visited this Hospital on their regular tours of inspection. This organization received very little cooperation from the Remount Service after September 1, 1918, with the exception of the evacuation of this Hospital to St. Nazaire. They were then under orders of the Commanding General S.O.S. to lend us all assistance necessary in taking animals overland. We received no cooperation from the Medical Corps other than the filling of our requisitions on their depots. A detachment of two officers and one hundred and seventeen of the 801st. Pioneer Infantry were attached for duty with this Hospital for the month of December.

The horses received by this Hospital came from the remount, artillery organizations, or were received from veterinary hospitals toward the Front. Taken as a whole these animals were then received in poor and emaciated condition, having but little stamina and were generally suffering from Mange.

GENERAL
While stationed at the farms, horses were at first pastured, but it was soon found expedient to build picket lines so that treatment could be administered to them properly. The hospital stable area at Camp Coetquidan comprised of eighteen (18) open stables, with a proper capacity of seventy each; two sections, thirty-five (35) animals to a section. Picket lines were built between stables. No separate stalls or box stalls were available in this camp and stables were not fitted with lighting or heating systems. Space was very often inadequate for the animals on hand, as extra stables were difficult to obtain, being used by artillery organizations in training. Draining was very poor due to the heavy type of soil, this was remedied to a limited extent by surfacing stable areas and picket lines with crushed rock, and getting drainage by the use of open ditches. Stables at the time of assignment were in very poor condition, feed racks and water troughs having to be repaired and built in many of them; these were for the most part constructed of wood.

FEEDS AND FEEDING
Facilities for obtaining feed were generally good. All feed was hauled from the Quartermaster by teams belonging to the Hospital. While hay and grain could be drawn in abundance bedding was not obtainable, spoilt or damaged hay was however used as bedding for cases that demanded unusual attention.

Standings were dry because loads of clay, rock and gravel were constantly being used to resurface them.

Nosebags were washed twice daily with a solution of vinegar and creosol solution. Feed boxes were cleaned and disinfected every other day.

Feeding schedule – Animals were fed at 6:00 A.M., 11:00 A.M., and 5:00 P.M.; they received 10 pounds of grain and between 12 and 14 pounds of hay per day, one feed of bran being substituted each day for a grain feed whenever good bran was available.

This hospital was not required to store feed because it could be drawn from the Quartermaster warehouses as needed.

Very few cases of colic were attributed to the quality of feed. Salt was given to the animals twice a week.

The manure was disposed of by the Camp Quartermaster to the French farmers; it was hauled by this hospital, by team, to a large dumping ground situated approximately a mile and a half from camp.

WATER SUPPLY
Source – First two months – creeks Remainder of period, pumping station at camp, drawn from reservoirs where it was purified. There was an adequate supply at all times, but the distribution of the watering troughs in relation to the stables was poor as is was necessary to lead horses too far, in the majority of cases. The daily consumption of water was never measured as the horses were given all they could drink three times per day.

In the process of clipping, strict orders were made and observed concerning the thorough washing of animals with warm water and soap.

ANIMALS MANAGEMENT
Each day the animals were groomed thoroughly under the direct supervision of officers, particular attention being paid to the head, fetlock region and foot. Grooming kits were disinfected daily.

Any horse infected with Mange was clipped as the first step in the treatment of the disease.

Animals when being fitted for issue were exercised each day; all were given light exercise when climatical conditions permitted.

Harness was fitted and inspected by officers; it was cleaned daily, oiled weekly and repaired when needed.

Whenever deemed necessary animals were blanketed. It was the policy of this hospital to assign each horse an individual blanket, and before being reused these were thoroughly disinfected. Camouflageing horses were not necessary.

SHOES AND SHOEING
Our shoeing shops were not of an elaborate construction it being impossible to obtain building material. Forges were set up at the ends of the stables. This arrangement was very unsatisfactory on account of the exposure to winds and bad weather, which gave rise to low forage heat and afforded poor protection for the men, thereby lessening their productive ability.

The equipment was of the poorest character, being cheaply constructed and of poor quality. The assortment of tools showed lack of knowledge in providing horseshoeing equipment necessary for this branch of the Service; for instance, the anvils were too short and stubby and much to light for shoeing; the hammers were of the machinists or boilermaker type, having no balance and were of such a clumsy nature that their use would ruin a good horseshoer, let alone the novice.

Our experienced horseshoers were few in number; however, the recently trained men, who were in the majority, did very satisfactory work. For pathological shoeing, to obtain results, men should receive special training.

GENERAL WORK ROUTINE
This subject has been thoroughly discussed in the previous topics.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

In general the measures taken to control and eradicate diseases were isolation, prophylactic treatment and the destroying of animals.

Animals were inspected daily for Mange, and those found suffering from this disease were isolated, clipped, washed, groomed and the Mange treatment administered.

Lymphangitis – epizootic, isolated, destroyed and the carcass disposed of to the rendering plant, the contaminated area quarantined and disinfected; ulcerative, isolated and treated successfully.

Bornia sickness – None

Tetanus – cases few, patients put in slings and treated, recovery about fifty percent.

Influenza – This disease was very prevalent among the horses taken over from the Remount Corps in August, with about forty percent of developing pneumonia. Cases were also common among artillery organizations in the Camp. Approximately seventy percent of the pneumonia cases were saved. These cases were isolated and fed and watered separately, being kept in one ward, which was quarantined. Inspections were made daily and those cases showing symptoms of contagious pneumonia were destroyed.

GLANDERS
This Hospital had one case of Glanders, September 5, 1918. Source – animal purchased from the French. It was turned over to the Hospital August 25th as a case of influenza by the Remount. The animal was quarantined and retested; the method use it testing was the intra-dermal palpebral, the retest given was the subcutaneous and showed pronounced swelling. The test was reliable. Each officer tested animals in ward under his supervision. Contacts were held as suspicious until retested; disposition of reactors, destroyed, posted and burned.

Supply of Mallein was at all times adequate. Observation on intra-dermic test satisfactory.

SKIN DISEASE
All animals received by this Hospital were mangy. This Hospital contained no Dripping Vat, no treatment was applied by hand and by sprays. The hand treatment proved successful in combating the spot mange, but spraying was used in all other cases, with results just as good if not better than those obtained through the use of a dripping vat. Of course, the hand method is slower, more laborious and requires a greater amount of labor. If animals showed a thickening of the skin, applications of oil were prescribed a few days before washing them in soapy water. All animals were washed with soap and water before being subjected to the sulphur and lime treatment. This solution was applied hot and thoroughly rubbed in with a stiff fiber brush. Animals were treated every other day until cured.

This Hospital contained no laboratory.

DISEASED CONDITIONS
Cases of colic were comparatively few in number and only developed in weak emaciated animals that were received from organizations near the Front. These were generally caused by overeating. The mortality was less than five percent.

Thrush and scratches were the most common conditions this hospital had to cope with, and occurred constantly because wet, muddy and filthy conditions prevailing all over France. This malady can be prevented by having the horses kept in dry clean stables. As these were not to be had prevention could but partially aid against these diseases. The treatment consisted of keeping the horse in a dry clean stall and resorting to the use of a mild dry antiseptic, such as equal parts of zinc oxide and boric acid; alcoholic-mercury packs also gave good results.

ANIMAL CARCASSES
Necropsies were held then deemed necessary and included such subjects as Pleuro Pneumonia and suspected Glanders.

Most carcasses were disposed of at a near by rendering plant, while a few were sold to the French for butcher purposes.

Gas cases were few, especially of the pulmonic type. We had a number with external manifestations of gas, which responded very readily to the ordinary, mild, skin treatments.

SURGICAL SERVICE
The surgical service of our hospital is no doubt of great importance, considering the inadequacy of sufficient equipment. Our operating room consisted of a very spacious out door arrangement, with plenty of fresh air and moisture. Due to some fumble in transportation we were at all times without a complete operating table, so with an improvised set of stocks, casting harness, and a limited number of operating instruments, we not only attempted but successfully cared for all cases of surgery that came under our supervision, as follows:

a. Fistulas – These were operated on, at all times, in the stocks without the use of an anesthesia, special attention being given to good drainage and the removal of all necrotic tissue. The after treatment consisted in permitting the wound to heal, keeping external parts clean by daily scrubbings with water and soap.

b. Poll Evil – The techniques consisted in the standing operation as before without anesthesia, using a medium line incision, removing a triangular portion of the “Ligamentum Muchae” on both sides of the medium line to the extent of the area affected, preserving as much as possible the upper strands of the ligament, getting drainage laterally at lowest point of area affected, using both sides if necessary. After treatment was same as for fistulae; eight five percent of the cases treated for fistulae and poll evil recovered.

c. Shell wounds – Treatment consisted in the removal of the fragment, allowing free drainage, and where there was a great amount necrotic tissue, the wound was irrigated with a four percent solution of formaldehyde at intervals of two days or until odor subsides. Of approximately two hundred shell wound cases death occurred in one case, and that being a case where a fragment of shell striking the personal region, passing along the rectum and lodging in the broad ligament of the uterus; death was caused by irrigating, rupturing the peritoneum and resulting in peritonitis.

d. Quitters – In ninety percent of our so called quitters, the lateral cartilage was never affected and the operation consisted in removing the protruding portion of the wall of the hoof at point of discharge opening, and in securing drainage in the bottom of the foot between the wall and bar. In nearly all cases there was evidence previous injury either by contusion or shoe pressure. Packing with an alcoholic five percent formaldehyde pack, allowing it to remain forty-eight hours, then removing and allowing the wound to heal was the treatment most commonly practiced.

e. Foot injuries – Treatment consisted in the removal of foreign body producing the injury, if any, and the removal of all diseased parts and shoe. The foot was then packed with tar and oakum, using the bailer wire dressing. This dressing is replaced each day or two days until discharge and lameness ceases; when cured the horse is permitted to wear the dressing until it is necessary for it to be shod.

SUPPLIES
While established at Camp Coetquidan this hospital had a make shift dispensary and supply house, where drugs and other supplies were stored to prevent any injury or loss. It was very difficult to obtain drugs from the Medical Supply Depot due to the fact that shipments were made by freight, and it was never known whether drugs requisitioned for could or could not be obtained. Time and time again mallein syringes and needles were asked for, but the supply was always inadequate and shipments were late. In the treatment of mange large quantities of blades for clipping machine are necessary. Sufficient quantities of these were brought from the United States with the organization’s equipment to satisfy the consumption for one month. Had a proper grinding machine or sharpener constituted a part of the medical equipment it would have been possible to repeatedly use the same blades, and at no time held up the treatment of mange.

One great difficulty with Quartermaster supplies besides the horseshoeing equipment issued was our inability to secure proper kinds and sizes of horseshoes and horseshoe nails. It was impossible to obtain what is known as number four and five shoe, and this seemed to be the size most frequently used on a light or heavy artillery horse. With the exception of these articles plenty of supplies adapted to veterinary hospital use could be obtained, although their delivery was slow.

END OF REPORT

(Unsigned)
April 15, 1919

VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7 COMMUNICATIONS

REMOUNT DEPOT NO. 3
Base Section No. 7. A.P.O. 735
August 9, 1918

From: Col. H.A. Sievert, Cavalry

To: The Chief of Remount Service

Subject: Portable Sulphur Gas Chamber (note: another way of treating mange instead of dipping vat or hand spraying).

1. Pursuant to your verbal request the following report is submitted on portable sulphur gas chambers as designed and used by me at the Remount Depot, La Courtain, A.P.O. 722.

2. The chamber herein described was designed to meet the conditions and requirements of troops at the Front. The need of such a potable chamber was demonstrated to me last winter while serving with 2nd Division, and I have endeavored to coordinate these conditions with a mechanical construction that would be practical, simple and efficient.

3. Component Features:
The apparatus consists of three parts:

a. The frame structure for securing the animals and supporting the canvas hood.
b. The canvas chamber hood with headpiece.
c. The burner to generate the gas.

4. The Frame Structure;
This comprises four uprights set three feet in the ground, fastened to these uprights are four cleats for the breast, tail and sides, also a top and bottom railing is similarly attached to the posts set in the ground. Two pieces lean upon the rear of the framework to hold the canvas hood clear of the burner. Photograph No. 1 (note: not pictured here) shows the above described frame; the material used was green logs supplied to troops for firewood. By reference to the photograph it will be noticed that any material at hand can be utilized. This one was made with green logs ot demonstrate the practicability of constructing the framework out of material most usually available to the troops in the field.

5. Canvas Chamber Hood with Headpiece.
This canvas chamber or hood is made in one piece of muslin or light canvas, treated with one coat of boiled linseed oil. The hood is flared at the heel to fit over the rear projections in the framework. The dimensions of the hood are given below. I believe it is advisable however, to supply these hoods in a standard size to troops in the field, as the canvas should be machine stitched and oil treated, so as to make the chamber hermetic.

Note: The chamber here proposed then, consists simply of the canvas hood, which can be folded, in a bundle, the size of a grain sack, and the troops using it can construct their own frame and burner, thus the portability feature is simplified.

6. The burner for generating the gas:
After considerable experimenting with generators of various designs, constructed with and without a forced air draft, the one shown in photograph No. 1 was found to do the work admirable. This burner can be constructed with materials at hand.

Note: The rest of the pages of the above report are missing in this transcribing of Veterinary Hospitals No. 7’s records. I have decided to post this uncompleted report because of the excellent materials in describing a Portable Sulphur Gas Chamber. – Greg Krenzelok, Veterinary Corps Website.

VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7
A.P.O. 711
August 20, 1918

To; W.P. Hill, V.C., A.P.O. 717, A.E.F.

From: C.O. Veterinary Hospital No. 7

Subject: Equipment

Sir:
Inclosing list of equipment that this organization brought over from the United States.

I have received from the Q.M.C. here at Camp Coetquidan on memorandum receipts enough such as, wagons, saddles, harness, cooking utensils etc. to supply the different detachments of this organization.

My equipment is sufficient under the present conditions with the exceptions of:

1 – Motorcycle with sidecar.
1 – Motor truck, one and one half ton.
1 – Two-mule ambulance.
1 – Motor ambulance.
20 – Slings.
3 – Water wagons

I have made requisition for the 2-mule ambulance and the water wagons.

I understand that the motor drawn vehicles are very hard to obtain. Your assistance will probably be needed before I can obtain them.

Would like to have the two officers and thirty men who are at Meucon on detached service, relieved if possible as there is plenty of work here. Have 2000 patients now, and coming in at the rate of 70 per day.

Hoping I have given you the desired information in regard to equipment.

Yours truly,

Arthur Moore
Capt. V.C.N.A.
Vet. Hosp. No. 7

VETERINARY HOSPITAL SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT LIST
Note: List of equipment that this organization brought over from the United States.

1000 – Bandages, muslin.
1070 – Blankets, horse.
8 – Brooms, house, corn.
40 – Brooms, stable.
500 – Brushes, leatherback.
475 – Brushes, wooden back.
8 doz. – Brushes, scrubbing, 1 case of 8 cartons.
50 – Buckets, water, canvas.
100 – Buckets, water, G.I.
86 – Buckets, fire.
25 – Brushes, whitewash.
5 sets – Blacksmith.
1 – Bag, Lister.
200 – Canvas, yards 27 inches wide.
6 – Chests, Veterinary Hospital.
12 – Chests, Veterinary Field Unit.
4 – Chests, Officers’ small.
1 – Chest, tool, No. 2.
12 – Clipping machines.
40 sets – Clipper blades.
16 – Clipper cutting head.
500 – Curry Combs.
920 – Nose feed bags, commercial.
7 – Forges, portable.
5 – Grease, lube, pounds.
1325 – Halters.
38 – Handles, broom.
250 – Halter straps, leather.
2 – Jacks, wagon.
5 kits – Veterinary Officers’.
15 kits – Farrier.
5 – Leather, sides, dressed.
1- Leather, sides, rawhide.
16 – Lanterns.
5 cartons – Lantern, globes
0 – Nails, horseshoe Nos. 4 and 5.
15 lbs – Nails, wire, 10d.
15 lbs – Nails, wire, 20d.
3 sets – Saddler tools.
3325 – Tie ropes.
48 – Thread, shoe, 3HB, balls.
11 - Wax – saddlers.
17 – Wheelbarrow frames.
6 – Wheelbarrow boxes.
6 – Lash pole.
8 – Axes, pole.
5 – Axes, fire.
5 – Wagon hardware 1 case.
8 – Pick axes.
4 – Post hole augers.
37 – Shovels, scoop, No. 4.
19 – Shovels.
7 – Riding equipment, complete.
2 – Disinfectors, barrel, spraying.
6 - Disinfectors, spraying, hand.
10 – Mauls, sledge.
44 – Forks, manure, s.h.
23 – Forks, manure, l.h.
16 – Rakes, iron, garden.
5 – Blacksmith anvils.
3 – Ranges, field, cooking.
2 – Paulins.
16 – Towels, huck, doz.
6 – Gowns, operating.
3 – Nozzles for hose, garden.
5 – Wire cutters.
6 – Couplings, hose, garden.
6 – Hose, garden, lengths.
2 – Clippers, horse, hand, doz.
15 lbs - Candles

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SURGEON
Headquarters, Services of Supply (S.O.S.), A.E.F.
September 6, 1918
From: Chief Veterinarian, A.E.F.

To: C.O. Veterinary Hospital No. 7

Subject: Conditions at Veterinary Hospital No. 7

1. Extract from Inspecting Officer, Records, Reports, Property, etc.:

“Veterinary Hospital No. 7, Coetquidan was in poor condition; had no records of correspondence nor property accounts.”

This is very unpleasant reading. Endeavor to rectify at as early a date as possible, and report to this office when you are in possession of Records and Property Accounts.

Signed:
David S. White
Lt. Col., V.C.

COMMANDING GENERAL
Tours, France

September 6, 1918
Telegram:
Coetquidan (Ille ot Vilaine)

M-69 – Please direct Veterinary Hospital No. 7 now at Coetquidan to proceed to Roc St. Andre (Morbihan) and establish Veterinary Hospital at that station. The sick animals now in care at this Hospital will be moved with them.

Signed:
SMITHERS

Note: The request to build a Veterinary Hospital at Roc St. Andre, Morbihan was cancelled in the communication dated: November 19, 1918. See below communication on that date. The hospital was almost completed but not put into service, see communication dated Dec. 1st, 1918.

HEADQUARTERS, SERVICES OF SUPPLY
Office Chief Surgeon, A.E.F., France
September 7, 1918

Memorandum to: Chief Veterinarian, A.E.F.

1. The following is submitted in order to acquaint you with the existing condition of the site that has been chosen by Captain Bell of the Remount Service for a Veterinary Hospital at Roc St. Andre:

I found this site to be one and one half miles from the town of Roc St. Andre, connected by a narrow metal road, too narrow to allow two wagons to pass one another. This is the only entrance to the site at present. The water supply is the canal about one half mile away, but as there is at present a low lying farm between the site and the canal, even if a right of way was secured, it would take a tremendous amount of rock to make a road through this way to the canal.

The pumping plant is to be installed by the engineers with a water tank on the high ground back of the hospital. This will have to be completed before any number of animals can be watered. At present, animals would have to be led two miles each way ot water.

The railroad station is about 2 miles from the site and at present has no unloading facilities. The intention is to bring all supplies by the canal from Brest.

2. I am not in favor of this site as a veterinary hospital and recommend that someone else with the rank of Field Officer be sent to look it over before it is definitely settled to build at Roc St. Andre.

Signed:
W.P. Hill
Major, V.C.

HEADQUARTERS VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7
A.P.O. 711, A.E.F.
September 19, 1918

From: C.O. Veterinary Hospital No. 7

To: Chief Veterinarian, A.E.F.

Subject: Construction of Hospital

I can now release one officer and twenty (20) men for the purpose of starting veterinary hospital at Roc St. Andre. I think that within a week I can release thirty (30) more men and one more officer. Please advice me what steps to take in this matter.

Signed:
Arthur Moore\
Capt. V.C., U.S.A.

HEADQUARTERS VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7
A.P.O. 711, A.E.F.
October 15, 1918

From: C.O. Veterinary Hospital No. 7

To: Headquarters, Base Section No. 1, S.O.S. (Thru military channels)

Subject: Increase of rations

1. Rations that this organization is now drawing are inadequate to the subsistence of men. The schedule for working is 5:30 A.M. to 5:45 P.M., 45 minutes is allowed for breakfast and one hour for dinner making a total of 10 hours and 30 minutes working time.

2. This organizations capacity in one thousand patients but have had 3000 patients and seldom falls below 1500. So the above schedule is necessary. The men are all doing hard labor and an increase of rations is absolutely necessary.

Signed:
Arthur Moore
Capt. V.C., U.S.A.
Commanding V.H. No. 7

HEADQUARTERS VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7
A.P.O. 711, A.E.F.
October 23, 1918

From: C.O. Veterinary Hospital No. 7

To: Chief Quartermaster, A.E.F., A.P.O. 717

Subject: Forage

1. A new hospital (2000 patients capacity) will soon be completed at Roc St. Andre, Morbihan for this organization. I am informed by the Base Quartermaster, Base Section No. 1 that authority must be secured before he can supply me with hay.

2. Hay will probably be shipped by canal to this place. Request authority be given to Base Quartermaster, Base Section No. 1 at once.

Signed:
Arthur Moore
Capt. V.C., U.S.A.

Note: Captain Arthur Moore, V.C. - Promoted from 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. on July 14, promoted to Captain July 24, 1918. He commanded this Hospital from date of organization, June 24, 1918, to December 10, 1918. He was transferred to the Remount Service January 1, 1919.

HEADQUARTERS, SERVICES OF SUPPLY
Office Chief Quartermaster, A.E.F., France
November 14th, 1918

To: Quartermaster, St. Nazaire, Loite-Inferieure, (Supply Division)

From: Veterinary Hospital No. 7, Camp Coetquidan, France, dated: Oct. 30th, 1918

Subject: Stoves and parts

13 – Stoves, heating, large.
91 – Pipe, stove, lengths, size, to fit above stoves.
39 – Elbows.
1 – Stove, heating, small.
7 – Pipe, stove, lengths, size to fit small.
3 – Elbows, size, to fit small stove.

Copy to: C.O. Veterinary Hospital No. 7, Roc St. Andre, Morbihan.

HEADQUARTERS VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7
A.P.O. 711, A.E.F.
November 19, 1918

From: C.O. Veterinary Hospital No. 7

To: Quartermaster, St. Nazaire, France, A.E.F., A.P.O. 701

Subject: Stoves

1. Please refer to order for shipping stoves, heating and all pipes and elbows for same, dated November 14th, 1918.

2. Request that the order above mentioned be cancelled at once as the construction of the new veterinary hospital at Roc St. Andre, Morbihan has been suspended.

3. The requisition for these stoves was dated October 30, 1918.

Signed
Arthur Moore
Capt. V.C., U.S.A.
Commanding V.H. No. 7

1ST INDORSEMENT
November 22, 1918
400.31 (Veterinary Hospital No.7)

From: S.O.S., Office of the Quartermaster (O.Q.M.), Hq., Base Section No.1, France. November 22, 1918.

To: D.Q.M., Q.M. Depot No. 2

1. For necessary action. Under 2nd indorsement November 18, you advised these stoves would be supplied by you. Advise action taken.

By direction:

J.A. Forres
Capt., Quartermaster Corps

Recorded November 24, 1918.

Report action taken by indorsement by authority of the C.Q.M.

Signed:
H.I. Kidwell
Major, Q.M.C.

HEADQUARTERS, SERVICES OF SUPPLY
Chief Surgeon, A.E.F.
November 21, 1918

From: Chief Surgeon, A.E.F.

To: C.O. Veterinary Hospital, A.P.O. 711, A.E.F., France

Subject: Condemnation of animals

1. Lt. Col. H. D. Munnikhuyen, of the Remount Service, has authority to inspect all animals in Veterinary Hospital, Base Section, for the purpose of condemnation.

2. It is desired that every animal, which, in the opinion of the C.O. of each Hospital, will not be fit for evacuation within two months to a Remount Depot, he presented to Lt. Col. Munnikhuyen for inspection. 3. I and I reports will be prepared by each Hospital and every faculty given Lt. Col. Munnikhuyen for prompt action concerning these animals.

By Direction

B.T. Merchant
Lt. Col., Q.M.C.
Chief Veterinarian, A.E.F.

CAMP COETQUIDAN, FRANCE, A.E.F.
November 25, 1918

From: C.O. Prisoner of War Escort C. No. 73

To: Camp Commander, Camp Coetquidan

Subject: Taking Souvenirs from Prisoners of War

1. Many of the enlisted men of this camp are trading their overseas caps for German caps. In some cases this has been forced on the prisoners.

2. Other articles, such as buttons, canteens, etc. are continually being demanded in trade or sale.

3. In some cases work is being interrupted by having men stop and hold conversation with the prisoners.

Signed:
Robert M. McLaughlin
1st Lt. Inf.
Comdg. Co.

1st Indorsement:
Office of the Camp Commander, A.P.O. 711, Nov. 26, 1918

To: Commanding Officer Veterinary Hospital

1. The above communication is published for the information of all concerned. Many violations similar to those mentioned above have been brought to the attention of the Camp Commander.

2. The attention of all organization commanders is invited to provisions of G.O. No. 106, G.H.Q., 1918, Memo No. 23, Base Section No. 1 and Memorandum Nos. 16, 18 and 35, these Headquarters.

3. The Commanding Officer of the Prisoner of War Escort Co. has been instructed to place under arrest any one found violating the provisions of the above mentioned orders. It is the duty of each organization commanders to see that all of the members of his command are familiar with the provisions of the orders above mentioned.

By order of Colonel Monroe
Commanding

Signed:
C.E. Hickman
1st Lt. Field Artillery
Adjutant

OFFICE OF THE LIAISON OFFICER, A.E.F.
November 25, 1918

From: Assistant Liaison Officer, 10th French Region, Rennes

To: Camp Commander, Camp Coetquidan, Morbihan

Subject: Condemned American E. F. Horses

1. It has been called to my attention by the French Etat – Major, 10th Region that Bulletin No. 84, G.H.Q., A.E.F., October 23, 1918, Article No. 2, refers to condemned Army horses.

2. I am enclosing an order from the Ministers de la Guerre, Bureau des Remontes, No. 13402-2/2, in which it is stated the various ways regarding which the French will buy our condemned horses.

3. This office has asked me to have you send to me the 14th and 29th of each month, a list showing exactly the number of horses which you have condemned and which you desire the French to take over. They also tell me that the French will come to the Depot, classify said horses, etc., as in the above French General Order of Ministers de la Guerre.

4. I will appreciate very much having said list mailed on the 14th and 29th so there will be no delay with the French Veterinary Inspectors.

Signed:
Francis Goodhue
2nd Lt. Infantry, U.S.A

1st Indorsement:
Office of the Camp Commander, A.P.O. 711
November 29, 1918

To: Commanding Officer, Veterinary Hospital No. 7

1. Above letter is forwarded for your information and compliance.

By order of Colonel Monroe
Commanding

Signed:
C.E. Hickman
1st Lt. Field Artillery
Adjutant

GENERAL COMMANDING 10TH REGION

Subject: Horses

After conferences with American authorities, it has been decided that American Army will give up to French State, at a settled price, all horses or mules available for its services.

It is convenient now to comply with this measure.

So, consequently and together with American authorities of your Region, you will execute the following dispositions. American depots or services in your region will point out the animals not available and which have to be given up to the French State. You will take care of the reception of these animals and you will send them to the nearest depot.

A provisional receipt showing the quantity of animals will be made in three copies, one for U.S. authorities, another will be sent to me and the third will be kept by your services.

The animals will be examined at the receiving depot by a commission comprising one officer of Services of Remount to be designated by you, and a Veterinary to be designated by the Director of Veterinary Services of your Region. This examination will class the horses in the following categories:

a. Horses still good for the service of the Army.
b. Horses good for land owners.
c. Horses to be sold off at the ordinary condition.
d. Horses to be sold to butcher.

The Commission, in order to class these horses, has to follow the same rules as for French horses. All horses and mules available enough for any services will be kept. Horses belonging to Category “A” will be given by you to troops of your region.

Let me know twice a month;

1. The quantity of horses delivered by American Army. Send me the provisional receipts.

2. The result, for said horses, of the classing in categories according to the above instructions.

3. The whole amount of sales of horses belonging to Category “A”. The quantity of animals sold in order to establish the average price.

4. Approximately the average price of horses belonging to Category “B”.

I call your attention to the necessity of giving me very exact information in order to make the operations easier, so I can know in the best way the results.

Further instruction instructions will be given you regarding prices of sale and administration formalities that will be necessary.

The American Section of Headquarters of the Region will let know the active Section, on 1st and 15th of every month the quantity of horses, which can be given up by American Depots or Services of the Region to French State, and also the days and places where these horses will be disposable.

These information will be communicated to Superior Commanding General of Artillery Depots, who will designate the Corps of troops that will receive the horses.

The Commanding Officer of Remount Depot at Guimgamp, and the Director of Veterinary Service will designate the member of the Commission pointed out by the present Ministerial order and will give an account of it to General Commanding the Region. As soon as the receiving depot will be ordered to take a certain quantity of horses, it will inform the President of this Commission who, as soon as possible, will examine and class the horses according to instructions of the present circular.

The receiving corps will send to General Commanding 10th Region on 5th and 20th of each month, the provisional receipt for the Minister, and also, the information required by the present circular. These informations will be submitted on the form below, in two copies. Informations regarding sales of horses of Category “C” will be sent on the above said dates by the Director of Intendance. The third provisional receipt will be kept by the receiving depot.

Form:
Quantity of horses given up by American Army to the French.

Classing by the Commission:
a. Category “A”
b. Category “B” – Average value inscribed in loan contracts.
c. Category “C” – Total No. amount of animals sales sold.
d. Category “D”.

Signed:
Laine
OFFICE, ASSISTANT CHIEF VETERINARIAN
Services of Supply, Base Sections, A.P.O. 701
December 1st, 1918.

From: Assistant Chief Veterinarian, Base Sections

To: Chief Veterinarian, A.E.F.

Subject: Report on Construction at Roc St. Andre

1. Barracks for officers and enlisted men completed with the exception of doors and windows. The Quartermaster, forage buildings and blacksmith shops are practically completed. One stable entirely completed, nine other stables are roofed.

2. The water situation would be bad as the French Authorities refuse to allow a power pump to be installed at the canal. They have on objections to the installation at the canal of hand pumps but it would necessitate placing the water trough on the canal bank and the animals would have to be led there to water, a distance of several hundred yards.

3. Al material, lumber and corrugated steel have been removed from the grounds.

Signed:
G.B. McKillip
Major, V.C.

Stamped Received: Chief Surgeon 3 Dec. 1918

OFFICE, ASSISTANT CHIEF VETERINARIAN
Services of Supply, Base Sections, A.P.O. 701
December 8th, 1918

Memo:
To: To C.O., Veterinary Hospital No. 7

1. For the purpose of uniformity in Veterinary Hospitals in Base Sections, I recommend that you follow the enclosed schedules as close as practical.

Signed:
Geo.B. McKillip
Major, V.C.

MEMORANDUM

To: All Veterinary Hospitals

The following calls are effective December 13, 1918:

Reveille, first call – 5:45 AM (Sunday 6:00 AM)

Reveille – 5:55 AM (Sunday 6:10 AM)

Assembly – 6:00 AM (Sunday 6:15 AM)

Stable call (grain feeding) – 6:25 AM (Sunday 6:00 AM)

Recall – 6:45 AM

Mess call – 7:00 AM

Sick call – 7:30 AM

Assembly – 7:55 AM

Water call – 8:00 AM (watering, hay feeding, policing stables, dressing cases and grooming.

Recall – 11:45 AM

Mess call – 12:00 noon

Officers’ call – 12:55 PM

Assembly – 12:55 PM

Stables (grooming) – 1:00 PM

Water call (grain and hay feeding) – 3:00 PM

Recall – 5:00 PM

Guard Mount – 5:05 PM

Retreat, first call – 5:15 PM

Assembly – 5:25 PM

Retreat – 5:30 PM

Mess call – 5:35

Tattoo – 9:30 PM

Taps – 10:00 PM

Signed:
Geo.B. McKillip
Major, V.C.

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Headquarters, Services of Supply, A.E.F.
Coetquidan, France
December 30, 1918

From: Lt. Col. N. H. Davis, I. G. D.

To: Commanding Officer, Veterinary Hospital No. 7, Coetquidan, France

Subject: Irregularities

1. The following list of uncorrected irregularities and deficiencies observed during the recent inspection of your command is furnished you in compliance with A.R. 892, as changed by C.A.R. No. 61:

Commanding Officer

a. Horses covers being used on a number of animals at time of inspection. Believed to be advisable to limit the use of horse covers to time of extreme cold or animals specially requiring them.

b. Some hay noted on the ground at various places about the stables during the inspection.

c. Animals not being sufficiently groomed or sufficiently exercised.

d. Water supply inadequate for all needs.

e. Drainage system, standing and roads in poor condition.

f. Practically no bran being fed.

g. Supply of salt inadequate and an insufficient quantity being fed.

h. Many animals on hand whose condition would indicate that in view of the high cost of forage it would be advisable to condemn and dispose of.

i. No weekly inspections being held.

j. No practical drill for discipline or theoretical instruction for officers and men being conducted.

2. Your attention is invited to the provisions of Par. 892, A.R., requiring the submission of this statement, thru military channels, to the C.G., S.O.S., with a report of remedies applied and recommendations in cases in which action is beyond your control. Attention is also invited to the provisions of Cir. No. 14, W.D., 1906, requiring the report of remedies to be over the signature of the commanding officer.

Signed:
Lt. Col. N. H. Davis, I. G. D.

COPIES OF TELEGRAM
March 10, 1919

Off St. Nazaire 164 R/44 199 13 20/40

G. 343. Following telegram from Headquarters S.O.S. dated March 10th repeated for necessary action Par. 677. References your letter dated March 1st subject of discontinuance artillery training camp at Coetquidan. All animals at both Remount Depot and Veterinary Hospital will be taken overland to Veterinary Hospital, St. Nazaire, provided they, provided they are in such condition as to stand overland shipment. Ship by rail all those unable to precede entire personnel at Remount Depot and Veterinary Hospital or such per as may be necessary will be used in moving units overland. After movement of animals is complete personnel will take station as follows: Major A.T. Ellie and Companies “I” and “E” 809th Pioneer Infantry at Remount Depot Meucon, Morbihan. Field Remount Squadron No. 342 at Remount Depot St. Nazaire. Veterinary Hospital No. 7 at Veterinary Hospital, St. Nazaire. Ship all Remount property to Remount Depot, St. Nazaire, and all Veterinary equipment to Veterinary Hospital, St. Nazaire. Issue Necessary Orders. The travel directed is necessary in the military service.

Acknowledge, Daniell, Adjutant.

HEADQUARTERS, VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7
A.P.O. 711, A.E.F.
March 25, 1919

From: C.O., Veterinary Hospital No. 7

To: Camp Headquarters, Camp Coetquidan, France, A.E.F.

Subject: Report on Horses

1. This Hospital had 1066 horses and mules March 17, 1919

3/17 – Shipped to St. Nazaire – 115 Horses, 8 Mules
3/18 – Shipped to St. Nazaire – 119 Horses, 2 Mules
3/18 – Admitted, 25 horses
3/18 – Died and destroyed - 5
3/19 – Shipped to St. Nazaire – 78 Horses, 36 Mules
3/19 – Admitted, 2 horses
3/19 – Died and destroyed – 2
3/19 – Shipped to St. Nazaire – 66 Horses
3/20 – Shipped to St. Nazaire – 109 Horses, 1 Mules
3/20 – Died – 4
3/21 – Shipped to St. Nazaire – 106 Horses, 5 Mules
3/22 – Shipped to St. Nazaire – 96 Horses, 15 Mules
3/22 – Died – 1
3/23 – Shipped to St. Nazaire – 106 Horses, 5 Mules
3/23 – Died – 1
3/24 – Shipped to St. Nazaire – 103 Horses, 8 Mules
3/25 – Shipped to St. Nazaire – 63 Horses, 6 Mules
3/25 – Destroyed – 2
3/25 – Issued to Quartermaster – 25 (not yet invoiced)
3/25 – On hand – 6

TELEGRAM RECEIVED
May 9th, 1919

3304 G-1 Period furnish copies of following wire to commanding officers of 805th and 806th Companies Transportation Corps, Veterinary Hospital No. 7 and Base Veterinary Hospital No. 2: quote prepare for submission to the Commanding General at Port of Embarkation upon arrival a report of your organization showing number of officers and enlisted men destined for each camp or cantonment, destination given in each case to be the camp or cantonment nearest the place to which the individual concerned is entitled to travel pay upon discharge under circular eighty-five (85) War Department nineteen eighteen (1918) as published in G.O. (General Order) two-thirty GHQ, 1918. In addition the commander of each company or corresponding unit will prepare separate lists for each camp or cantonment showing name, rank, and place to which entitled to travel pay of each individual shown thereon. These lists to be used as a basis of separation of the units, upon arrival in the United States, into detachment destined to the various camps or cantonments. Copies of these lists will also be prepared for presentation at the port of debarkation. Whenever a back haul would be involved by assigning a man to a camp or cantonment nearest the place to which he is entitled to travel pay, good judgment must be exercised in assigning this man to a camp, giving due consideration to the expense to the government involved by a back haul as against the increase in payment of travel pay if sent to a camp which would not involve a back haul. Request report be mailed to G-1 these Headquarters showing number of officers and enlisted men for each camp or cantonment.

Acknowledged
Booth, 10PM

Hq. Base Section No 1
May 10, 1919

Copies to:
C.O. 805th Co. Transportation Corps
C.O. 806th Co. Transportation Corps
C.O. Veterinary Hospital No. 7
C.O. Base Veterinary Hospital No. 2

Reports called for will be sent to these Headquarters as soon as practicable for transmission to G-1 Tours, France, A.E.F.

VETERINARY HOSPITAL GROUP, HEADQUARTERS
Base Section No. 1, S.O.S., France, A.E.F., A.P.O. 701
May 11th, 1919

From: Commanding Officer, Veterinary Hospital No. 7, A.P.O 701, France

To: Commanding General, Base Section No. 1, S.O.S., France

Subject: Report of Organization for Demobilization in United States

1. In compliance with telegram No. 3304 G1., May 9th, 1919, the number of officers and enlisted men destined for each camp or cantonment is as follows:

Camp Bowie – Officers 2, Enlisted men 18
Camp Custer – Officers 2
Camp Devens – Enlisted men 5
Camp Dodge – Officers 1, Enlisted men 19
Camp Dix – Enlisted men 4
Camp Funston – Officers 2, Enlisted men 4
Camp Grant – Enlisted men 64
Camp Gordon – Enlisted men 2
Camp Jackson – Enlisted men 1
Camp Lee – Enlisted men 14
Camp Lewis – Enlisted men 1
Camp Meade – Enlisted men 1
Camp Pike – Enlisted men 41
Camp Shelby – Enlisted men 4
Camp Sherman – Officers 1, Enlisted men 14
Camp Taylor – Enlisted men 10
Camp Travis – Enlisted men 1
Camp Upton – Officers 1, Enlisted men 17
Camp D.A. Russell – Enlisted men 55
Camp Oglethorpe – Enlisted men 1
Presidio of San Francisco, Calif. – 6

Total: Officers 7, Enlisted men 282

Signed:
Sherman L. Teeple
Capt. V.C., U.S.A.
Commanding, V.H. No. 7

VETERINARY HOSPITAL GROUP, HEADQUARTERS
Base Section No. 1, S.O.S., France, A.E.F., A.P.O. 701
May 15th, 1919

From: C.O. Veterinary Hospital No. 7

To: Postal Express Services, A.P.O. 701, St. Nazaire, France

Subject: Change of Station (Prepare for return to the United States)

1. Veterinary Hospital No. 7 is relieved from duty at Veterinary Hospital Group, A.P.O. 701, St. Nazaire, France, and reports at Camp Guthrie, St. Nazaire to prepare for return to the United States.

Signed:
Sherman L. Teeple
Capt. V.C., U.S.A.

VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7 ROSTERS

OFFICE OF THE SURGEON, BASE SECTION NO. 1
A.P.O. 701, A.E.F., France
November 11, 1918

From: C.O. Veterinary Hospital No. 7, A.P.O. 711

To: Surgeon, Base Section No. 1, S.O.S., A.E.F.

Subject: Report of Enlisted Personnel Roster, November 9, 1918

SERGEANT, FIRST CLASS
Callister, Paul Q

SERGEANTS
Campbell, Donald
Moyer, John M.
Queenan, Patrick H.
Smith, Henry R.
Watt, Howard S.

CORPORALS
Bristol, Floyd R.
Cover, Ralph E.
Danner, Franklin C.
Eich, John P.
Milne, George A.
Jones, Roll
Owens, William H.
Rhoades, Elmer M.
Self, George N.
Wallace, Wilbur D.

COOKS
Bryant, Joseph C.
Johnson, Forrest G.
Rutledge, Frank

HORSESHOERS
Baum, Alva
Coombs, Francis D.
Fisher, George P.
Forrest, Anthony J.
Hickey, Callie W.
McDonell, James J.
Robbins, Lloyd
Smith, Samuel C.
Snively, Joseph

FARRIERS
Burckhard, John S.
Duncan, Frank H.
Dunn, Thomas
Geis, James B.
Gould, Alva C.
Hardin, Alfred D.
Harris, Sam T.
Manley, Charles F.
Pratt, Lee R.
Ratliff, York W.
Rule, William T.
Sacra, William C.
Watkins, Charles E.
Williams, Donald R.

WAGONERS
Aufdemorte, Frank E.
Estes, Clarence E.
Glover, Holsey C.
Ott, John E.
Randal, Horace G.
Reding, Robert E.
Robison, John W.
Thomas, Dempsey E.

SADDLERS
Howard, Bert
Madding, Fred
Mason, Charlie L.

PRIVATES, FIRST CLASS
Anderson, Phillip T.
Boatright, Lloyd E.
Bowman, William M.
Bray, Chester A.
Brumley, John F.
Coast, Olie A.
Covington, Everett
Craven, Albert
Curfman, Emory L.
Davis, Allen A.
Davis, Clarence G.
Durham, Charles E.
Earley, Bruce W.
Ely, James W.
Fardig, Walter E.
Fetrow, Harry E.
Garr, Augustus G.
Garth, John
Glauser, Fred G.
Gonder, Henry
Goodwin, Glenn A.
Greenler, William J.
Greer, James R.
Grimm, John F.
Hansen, Charles E.
Hardin, Lonnie R.
Hart, Gerald L.
Hearne, George W.
Hester, Ernest L.
Holmes, Maurice D.
Hooper, Will
Hunter, James M.
Jacobsen, Edwin M.
Johnson, Albert L.
Johnson, Hiram S.
Kennett, Port W.
Kinkead, Westerfield
Leitzke, Oscar W.
Loving, Richard D.
McGinnis, Proctor
McGinnis, Walter
Marrin, John J.
Marah, Sherman R.
Moore, Harry
Myers, Alec
Mylah, Fred
Nixon, Thomas V.
Picard, Raymond D.
Pleiman, George J.
Ramey, Lewis
Rasco, Robert D.
Rogers, George E.
Sandvig, Alfred
Schissler, William
Shearhart, William E.
Simonton, George W.
Sneed, Fred
Sprowls, Orville L.
Stafford, William A.
Staggs, Charley M.
Taylor, Harry A.
Taylor, Ralph D.
Tyson, Elmer
Walker, Claud
Weaver, Fred C.
West, Edward B.
Williams, Major R.
Youngs, Adelbert Jr.
Young, Ezra F.
Zimmerman, Fred C.

PRIVATES
Arnold, Garett C.
Atkinson, Joseph R.
Baake, James M.
Barnhart, George C.
Barnhardt, Oscar C.
Batterton, Arnold F.
Bechle, Eddie
Becker, Richard
Behnke, Eddie
Blake, George L.
Blanke, Ernie
Bloedow, George F.
Bluhm, Frank F.
Bolint, William
Bohan, Raymond R.
Brady, William F.
Brown, James A.
Buechner, Louis H.
Chambers, Reuben
Chambers, Clyde H.
Christensen, Alton
Christensen, Alexander
Clark, Jasper C.
Copus, Willard F.
Corrsey, Nim L.
Crawford, San H.
Curtis, Roscoe V.
Debbink, Garrett J.
Deffke, Henry H.
Delosh, James O.
DeVriend, Peter
Douglas, Hiram B.
Dove, Everett
Duenk, Arthur J.
Duerst, John C.
Duncan, Jesse L.
Dupius, William J.
Encinias, Francisco
Evensen, Isaac
Falcohio, John
Faulkner, George W.
Fiedler, Oscar C.
Finney, George W.
Fleharty, Iral
Foster, Charles H.
Frazier, Fredrick H.
Freeland, Mertin G.
Furrer, Frank Jr.
Gagnon, Frank
Garbe, William F.
Gerondale, John
Gintner, Anton J.
Gmur, Edward J.
Goessl, John A.
Goessl, Walter F.
Grosskopf, Conrad
Grumbles, James A.
Gust, Victor
Haller, John J.
Hansen, Grover F.
Hargreaves, Lloyd D.
Harwood, Arthur A.
Haye, Harold W.
Hayes, David C.
Helland, Knut
Hennessy, John E.
Hensley, Earl J.
Hetzel, William A.
Hoitink, Garrett J.
Holden, Aaron
Huntington, Dick C.
Hurdsman, John L.
Janicke, Alois C.
Janisse, Henry
Jennejohn, John
Johnson, Arnold E.
Johnson, Harold T.
Jones, Everett W.
Kidd, Robert F.
Klann, Gustave A.
Klarowski, August J.
Klein, Max B.
Kloptek, John E.
Knuth, Edmund W.
Kracht, Louis
Krause, Russell D.
Krauss, Carl
Kunselman, Walter
Kworski, Anton A.
Landau, Alex
Lansdown, Seaborn
Larson, Lewis
Larson, Thomas
Laster, James E.
Latrafa, Luca
Lehrman, Edwin
Lensmire, Joseph A.
Lewis, Herbert E.
Lievense, Morris
Lloyd, Almon C.
Lofton, Doll L.
Loving, Estil E.
Lugiero, Nicola
Lupfer, Harry S.
McArthur, Neil
McCord, Howard F.
McLaughlin, Teed H.
Maley, Frank J.
Malpede, Guiseppe
Merchant, Harry C.
Miles, Bernard
Moore, Claud H.
Munchausen, Nick C.
Mylan, Frank E.
Mylar, Frank M.
Newcomb, Edgar L.
Oestriech, Louis J.
Oler, James W.
Pappan, Mode
Parker, Robert M.
Parker, Robert N.
Perkins, George D.
Perry, Fred E.
Peterson, Hans
Pfann, Arthur S.
Ramey, Merl
Regalia, Antonia
Revell, Lester V.
Rhinehart, Murral L.
Ricken, George W.
Rogers, Ernest E.
Rollman, William J.
Scott, Walter S.
Shea, Dennis J.
Shipp, Lewis V.
Slaichert, Vaclav W.
Slenker, Norman D.
Smith, Mack H.
Sponamore, Charles O.
Stauber, Charles J.
Stuart, Charles S.
Swanson, Swan G.
Thomas, Joe C.
Thornstiensen, Christ O.
Tomlinson, Nova
Townsend, Charles G.
Turner, Rexford
Waldron, John D.
Walker, William H.
Wall, George W.
Wilkinson, Clifford
Williams, Arthur J.
Wirth, George E.
Yentsch, Charles
Zahm, Manuel S.
Dicken, Benjamin H.

MEDICAL DETACHMENT VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7

SERGEANT, FIRST CLASS
Poindexter, Samuel F.

SERGEANT
Baldock, John

PRIVATE, FIRST CLASS
Callahan, John
Iseman, Horatio B.
Pfanner, Harry C.

PRIVATE
Berman, Simon
Burnett, Asa B.
Farmer, William F.
Howard, Hillary T.
Maniates, John
Ritzman, Albert

Signed:
Arthur Moore
Captain, V.C.N.A.

HEADQUARTERS, VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7
Base Section No. 1, S.O.S., A.E.F., France.
(Undated, estimated after Feb. 6th, 1919)

ROSTER VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7

COMMANDING
Captain Sherman L. Teeple
(Note: Captain Sherman L. Teeple, V.C. was assigned to this Hospital February 6th, 1919)

1ST LIEUTENANTS
Arthur C. Grace, V.C.
Samuel S. Gibson, V.C.
Paul E. Wood, V.C.
William H. Updegrove, M.C. (Attached)

2ND LIEUTENANTS
Charles C. Corson, V.C. (Attached)
James A. Harris, V.C.
George R. Schaffer, V.C.

SERGEANT, FIRST CLASS
Campbell, Donald

SERGEANTS
Coombs, Francis D.
Jones, Roll
Meyers, John
Self, George N.
Smith, Henry R.
Wilkinson, Clifford

CORPORALS
Cover, Ralph E.
Danner, Franklin C.
Eich, John P.
Glanser, Fred
Kennett, Port W.
Milne, George A.
Oestreich, Louis J.
Robison, John W.
Rhoades, Elmer M.
Sandvig, Alfred
Slaichert, Vaclav W.
Wallace, Wilbur D.

COOKS
Bryant, Joseph C.
Johnson, Forrest G.
Rutledge, Frank
Yentech, Charles

HORSESHOERS
Baum, Alva
Fisher, George P.
Forrest, Anthony J.
Hickey, Callie W.
McDonell, James J.
Robbins, Lloyd
Smith, Samuel C.
Snively, Joseph
Tomlinson, Nova

FARRIERS
Coast, Olie A.
Duncan, Frank H.
Garth, John
Geis, James B.
Goodwin, Glenn A.
Gould, Alva C.
Hardin, Alfred D.
Harris, Sam T.
McCord, Howard F.
Manley, Charles F.
Mylan, Fred
Pratt, Lee R.
Ratliff, York W.
Williams, Donald R.
Zimmerman, Fred C.

WAGONERS
Aufdemorte, Frank E.
Chambers, Reuben
Estes, Clarence E.
Janicke, Alois C.
Ott, John E.
Randal, Horace G.
Thomas, Dempsey E.
Young, Ezra F.

SADDLERS
Howard, Bert
Madding, Fred
Mason, Charlie L.

PRIVATE, FIRST CLASS
Arnold, Garrett C.
Atkinson, Joseph R.
Barnhardt, George C.
Bowhan, Raymond R.
Bray, Chester A.
Chambers, Clyde H.
Clark, Jasper C.
Covington, Everett
Curfman, Emory L.
DeLosh, James O.
Dove, Everett
Durham, Charles E.
Earley, Bruce W.
Ely, James W.
Fiedler, Oscar C.
Fetrow, Harry E.
Garr, Augustus G.
Goessl, John A.
Goessl, Walter F.
Gonder, Henry
Greer, James R.
Grimm, John F.
Grosskopf, Conrad
Hardin, Lonnie R.
Hart, Gerald L.
Henry, George G.
Jacobsen, Edwin M.
Johnson, Albert L.
Johnson, Hiram S.
Krause, Russell D.
Leitzke, Oscar W.
Lehrman, Edwin
Lugiero, Nicola
McKenna, Patrick J.
Malpede, Guiseppe
Marrin, John J.
Marah, Sherman R.
Miles, Bernard
Moore, Harry
Myers, Alec
Mylan, Frank E.
Nixon, Thomas V.
Picard, Raymond D.
Pleiman, George J.
Ramey, Lewis
Ramey, Merl
Rasco, Robert D.
Rhinehart, Murral L.
Rogers, George E.
Schissler, William
Shearhart, William E.
Simonton, George W.
Sneed, Fred
Sprowls, Orville L.
Sponamore, Charles O.
Stafford, William A.
Taylor, Ralph D.
Townsend, Charles G.
Turner, Rexford
Tyson, Elmer
Walker, Claud
Weaver, Fred C.
West, Edward B.
Youngs, Adelbert Jr.
Zahm, Manuel S.

PRIVATES
Anderson, Phillip T.
Barnhardt, Oscar C.
Batterton, Arnold F.
Bechle, Eddie
Becker, Richard
Behnke, Eddie
Blake, George L.
Blanke, Ernie
Bluhm, Frank F.
Bolint, William
Bowman, William M.
Brady, William F.
Brown, James A.
Buechner, Louis H.
Christensen, Alton
Christensen, Alexander
Cohen, Dave
Cooney, Thomas
Copus, Willard F.
Corrsey, Nim L.
Crawford, San H.
Curtis, Roscoe V.
Davis, Allen A.
Debbink, Garrett J.
Deffke, Henry H.
DeVriend, Peter
Douglas, Hiram B.
Duenk, Arthur J.
Duerst, John C.
Duncan, Jesse L.
Dupius, William J.
Evensen, Isaac
Fardig, Walter E.
Falcohio, John
Faulkner, George W.
Finney, George W.
Foster, Charles H.
Frazier, Fredrick H.
Freeland, Mertin G.
Furrer, Frank Jr.
Gagnon, Frank
Garbe, William F.
Gerondale, John
Gintner, Anton A.
Gmur, Edward J.
Granata, Thomas
Grumbles, James A.
Gust, Victor
Haller, John J.
Hansen, Grover F.
Hargreaves, Lloyd G.
Harwood, Arthur A.
Haye, Harold W.
Hayes, David C.
Headington, Harry
Hearne, George W.
Helland, Knuth
Hensley, Earl J.
Hetzel, William A.
Hoffman, Richard E.
Hoitink, Garrett J.
Holden, Aaron
Holtman, Harry J.
Hooper, Will
Huntington, Dick C.
Hurdsman, John L.
Iacona, Givanni
Janisse, Henry
Johnson, Halver
Johnson, Harold T.
Jones, Everett W.
Klann, Gustave A.
Klarowski, August J.
Klein, Max B.
Kloptek, John E.
Knuth, Edmund W.
Krauss, Carl
Kracht, Louis
Kunselman, Walter
Kworski, Anton A.
Landau, Alex
Larson, Lewis
Larson, Thomas
Laster, James E.
Latrafa, Luca
Lensmire, Joseph A.
Lievense, Morris
Lloyd, Almon C.
Loving, Estil E.
Loving, Richard D.
Lupfer, Harry S.
Lynch, Thomas P.
McAlister, Benjamin G.
McDonald, William
McEntee, James O.
McGinnis, Proctor
McGinnis, Walter
McLaughlin, Ted H.
Maksim, George
Maley, Frank J.
Mettler, Joe
Mongan, Joseph
Monahan, Thomas
Moore, Claude H.
Munchausen, Nick C.
Mylar, Frank M.
Nadel, Joseph
O’Reilly, James J.
O’Keefe, George
Oler, James W.
Owens, William H.
Pappan, Mode
Perkins, George D.
Parker, Robert M.
Parker, Robert N.
Peterson, Hans
Pfann, Arthur S.
Queenan, Patrick H.
Regalia, Antonio
Revell, Lester V.
Ricken, George W.
Rogers, Ernest E.
Rollman, William J.
Russell, Harry O.
Sacra, William C.
Scott, Walter S.
Shea, Dennis J.
Slenker, Norman D.
Stauber, Charles J.
Stuart, Charles S.
Swanson, Swan G.
Thornstiensen, Christ O.
Waldron, John B.
Walker, William H.
Wall, George W.
Williams, Andrew G.
Williams, Arthur J.
Wirth, George E.

ATTACHED VETERINARY PERSONNEL

SERGEANT
Herron, Francis A.

CORPORAL

Becker, Harry L.

FARRIERS
Blackaby, Jesse B.
Brooks, Ralph
Jones, Howard B.
Jones, Raymond F.
Sutton, John F.
Waddell, Arnold W.

PRIVATES, FIRST CLASS
Abbott, Belton
Badinger, John W.
Betopinal, Charles

ATTACHED MEDICAL PERSONNEL

SERGEANT
Baldock, John

PRIVATES, FIRST CLASS
Callahan, John
Iseman, Horatic B.
Pfanner, Harry C.

MEDICAL DETACHMENT VETERINARY HOSPITAL NO. 7

SERGEANT, FIRST CLASS
Poindexter, Samuel F.

SERGEANT
Baldock, John

PRIVATE, FIRST CLASS
Callahan, John
Iseman, Horatio B.
Pfanner, Harry C.

PRIVATES
Farmer, William F.
Howard, Hillary T.
Maniates, John
Ritzman, Albert

End of Roster
(unsigned)

Above is what Coetquidan looks like today

BRIEF CAMP HISTORY

NOTE: This is not a description of the Veterinary Hospital, but of the camp at Coetquidan

Coetquidan was an artillery camp built by Napoleon and situated twenty-four kilometers to the east of Redon.

Camp de Coetquidan was divided into streets quite similar in appearance and general construction to those in American camps.

The billets were anything but comfortable, since practically all were without floors, good windows, or rain-proof roofs. The incessant rainfall kept everything damp and the dirt floors were in a constantly softened condition.

Camp de Coetquidan was well supplied with Y. M. C. A. huts and other war organization buildings. There were three Y. M. C. A. buildings for enlisted men and one for officers, several Red Cross buildings, and a K. C. hut or two. The men universally patronized the Y. M. C. A. buildings where they spent their evenings and other spare moments in reading books, writing letters home and in playing games. The "Y" came to be the congregating place for the men and if one soldier wanted to see another, he usually arranged to do so during some evening at the "Y." Moreover, the Y. M. C. A. huts were especially popular because men were allowed to purchase foodstuffs there Much criticism has been offered against the Y. M. C. A. in France, especially against the manner in which it sold products, but the history of its activities in Coetquidan does not furnish ground for serious criticism. It is true the men had to pay good prices for the food they bought at the huts and they were often unable to understand why such prices were being charged, but aside from a few disgruntled individuals the general work of the Y. M. C. A. was satisfactory and pleasing to the men

The French people are great merchants, and they quickly showed their spirit of commercialism by rapidly changing prices in "Potato Alley" when the Americans arrived. When U. S. troops first reached Coetquidan they were lavish with their money, almost universally refusing to take change from the French saleswomen when making purchases of less than half a franc. For instance, a soldier upon being tendered ten or fifteen centimes as change on a half franc transaction would in the usual American fashion say, "' Oh, just keep the change." This extravagant habit • ioon convinced the shrewd French women that they were selling their commodities too cheaply to the soldiers and they immediately raised the prices so no change was required in the sale of most articles. They raised some prices as much as thirty-five or forty centimes per article, if they were of slight value, and as much as five francs or multiples thereof, if the articles were expensive.

But the freedom of "Potato Alley" was taken from the soldiers a few weeks after their arrival in camp, for so much bickering and quarreling over prices and so many free-for-all fights took place between them and the French people that the authorities deemed it prudent to refuse the soldiers admittance to the place.

Click on the below links:

Veterinary Corps in WW1

Leonard Murphy in WW1

Fort Ord Equestrian Center and Station Veterinary Hospital

U.S. ARMY VETERINARY CORPS HISTORICAL PRESERVATION GROUP

Motto: “Illic est Vires in Numerus” There is Strength in Numbers

“Working Hard to Preserve Our Country’s History wherever it is being lost”

U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Historical Preservation Group is a group of individuals that are concerned about the preservation of the History of the Veterinary Corps, Remount Service and Cavalry or wherever our country’s history is being lost in conjunction with our beloved “Horse and Mule”. There is no cost to join and membership is for life. We believe by uniting together in numbers we will be a more powerful force to be heard. Our membership list is private and only used to contact our members. Email us and become a member.

Greg Krenzelok
gregkrenzelok@msn.com

FACEBOOK: U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Historical Preservation Group

Click on the below link:

U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Historical Preservation Group