importance that space is here accorded to the letter and diary notes of
an American officer, Major J. Carl Hall, our gallant and efficient
medical officer of the 339th Infantry, who from his home in Centralia,
Illinois, August 6th, 1920, sends us a contribution as follows:
“Take what you can use from this diary. Thought I would avoid the
English antagonism throughout but later have decided to add the
following incident at Shenkursk, December 12, 1918. I was ordered by
the British General, Finlayson, to take the duties of S. M. O. and
sanitary officer of Vaga Column, that all medical and sanitary
questions, including distribution of American personnel would be under
the British S. M. O. Dvina forces—right at the time the American
soldiers were needing medical attention most. This order absolutely
contradicted my order from the American headquarters at Archangel,
making me powerless to care for the American soldiers. I wired the
British I could not obey it, unless sent from American headquarters.
Col. Graham, British officer in charge of Shenkursk column, informed me
that I was disobeying an order on an active front, for which the
maximum punishment was death. I immediately told him I was ready to
take any punishment they might administer and sooner or later the news
would travel back to U. S. A. and the general public would awaken to
the outrageous treatment given the American soldiers by the hands of
the British. This affair was hushed and I received no punishment, for
he knew that there would have to be too many American lives accounted
for. I returned to the base at Archangel and was then placed in charge
of the surgery of the American Red Cross Hospital.
“The Russian-English nurse story you know and also add that 75% of all
medical stores obtained from the British on the river front, if not
stolen by myself and men, were signed over to us with greatest
reluctance, red tape, and delay. It was a question of fight, quarrel,
steal and even threaten to kill in order to obtain those supplies
justly due us.
“Would like very much to have given you a more satisfactory report—but
right now am rushed for time—anyway, probably you can obtain most of
the essential points.
“Yours very truly,
(Signed) JOHN C. HALL.”
This faithful and illuminating diary account of Major Hall’s is typical
of the story on the other four fronts, except that British medical
officers dominated on the Railroad front and on the Onega front and at
Kodish.
Upon arrival of 339th Infantry in Russia on Sept. 4th, 1918, as
Regimental Surgeon, established an infirmary in Olga Barracks,
Archangel. After taking over civilian hospital by American Red Cross, I
then established a twenty bed military hospital and an infirmary at
Solombola.
On Sept. 10th I was ordered to report to Major Rook, R. A. M. C, at
Issakagorka, on railroad front, four miles south of Bakaritza, for
instructions regarding medical arrangements on River and Railroad
fronts.
On Sept. 11th I reported to Col. McDermott, R. A. M. C., A. D. M. S.,
North Russian Expeditionary Force, and there received instructions that
I should leave immediately for Issakagorka.
Accompanied by my interpreter, Private Anton Russel, and Sgt. Paul
Clark, boarded Russian launch for Bakaritza six miles up the Dvina and
on the opposite bank of the river, where we transferred to train and
proceeded to Issakagorka. Upon arrival there and reporting to Major
Rook, R. A. M. C., I was informed that I should go armed night and day
for they were having trouble with local Bolsheviks and expected an
attack any time.
Issakagorka is a village located in a swamp with about 2,000
population, and every available room occupied. The overcrowded
condition due to the presence of many refugees from Petrograd and
Moscow and other Bolshevik territories. The streets deep. An odor of
decaying animal matter, stagnant water and feces is to be had on the
streets and in all the homes. At the house in which I was billeted, a
fair example of practically all Russian homes, the toilet was inside.
On Sept. 14th I was ordered to railroad front to inspect medical
arrangements. Arrived at Obozerskaya and found that Lieut. Ralph Powers
had taken over the railroad station and had almost completed
arrangements for a Detention Hospital of forty beds. He had just
evacuated thirty sick and wounded. The first aid station being in a log
hut, one-quarter mile west of station, in charge of Capt. Wymand Pyle,
M. C. In this there were ten stretchers which they had used for
temporary beds until cases could be evacuated to the rear.
Pits had been dug for latrines daily because the ground was so swampy
the pit would fill with water by night. The Americans had been
instructed to boil water before drinking, but after investigating I
found it had been almost impossible for they had no way to boil it only
by mess cup, and the officers found it difficult to get the men to
strictly observe this order. The return trip from the front to
Issakagorka was made on the ambulance train. This train consisted of
five coaches, which had been used in the war against Germany, and all
badly in need of repair. Two were nothing more than box cars fitted
with stretchers. Two were a slight improvement over these, having
double-decked framework for beds, which were fitted with mattresses and
blankets. The other coach was divided into compartments. One an
operating room, which was built on modern plans, and the other
compartment was built on the style of the American Pullman, and
occupied by the Russian doctor in charge of train, one felcher or
assistant doctor (a sanitar), which is a Russian medical orderly, and
two Russian female nurses.
Our sick and wounded were being evacuated by this train from the front
to Bakaritza; there kept at the Field Hospital 337th or taken by boat
to Archangel.
I reported to General Finlayson on Sept. 16 and was given 50,000
roubles to be delivered to Col. Joselyn, then in charge of river
forces, and informed to leave for river front to make medical
arrangements for the winter drive.
At noon Sept. 18th, with Lieut. Chappel and two platoons of
infantrymen, boarded a box car, travelled to Bakaritza, where we
transferred to a small, dirty Russian tug. The day was spent going
south on Dvina River, toward Beresnik. At the same time Lieut. Chappel
with the platoons of infantrymen boarded a small boat and proceeded up
the river.
The tug on which we were had no sleeping accommodations and on account
of the number aboard we had to sleep the first night sitting erect.
The cockroaches ran around in such large numbers that when we ate it
was necessary to keep a very close watch, or one would get into the
food. The following day the infantrymen were left at Siskoe and we went
on to Beresnik. Lieut. Chappel was killed two days after leaving us.
Arrived at Beresnik, which is about one hundred and fifty miles from
Archangel, after a thirty-eight-hour trip; reported to Major Coker, and
then visited British Detention Hospital in charge of Capt. Watson, R.
A. M. C. The hospital being a five-room log building with the toilet
built adjoining the kitchen.
In this hospital there were twenty sick and wounded Americans and Royal
Scots. The beds were stretchers placed on the floor about one and
one-half feet apart. The food consisted of bully beef, M and V, hard
tack, tea and sugar, as reported by the patients stationed there. The
pneumonia patients, Spanish influenza and wounded were all fed alike.
It was here that I met Capt. Fortescue, R. A. M. C. A general
improvement in sanitation was ordered and Capt. Watson instructed to
give more attention to the feeding of patients. With Capt. Fortescue I
visited civilian hospital two miles northwest of Beresnik; found
Russian female doctor in charge, and, looking over buildings, decided
to take same over for military hospital. Conditions of buildings fair;
five in number, and would accommodate one hundred patients in an
emergency. The equipment of the hospital was eight iron beds. Vermin of
all kinds, and cockroaches so thick that they had to be scraped from
the wall and shovelled into a container. The latrines were built in the
buildings, as is Russian custom, and were full to overflowing. The four
patients who were there were retained and cared for by the civilian
doctor. While at Beresnik we stayed at the Detention Hospital.
The following morning, Sept. 21st, with Capt. Fortescue, boarded
British motor launch. After travelling for about thirty versts we
transferred on to several tugs and barges, and on Sept. 23rd boarded
hospital boat “Vologjohnin,” and left for front after hearing that
there were eight or ten casualties, several having been killed, but
unable to ascertain name of village where the wounded were.
After an hour slowly moving up stream, because of sand bars and mines,
the tug was suddenly stranded in mid-stream. After trying for two hours
the captain gave up in despair. We then arranged with engineers (a
squad on board same tug) to make a raft with two barrels. When this was
about completed two boats approached from opposite directions. We then
transferred to the “Viatka” and proceeded to Troitza and there
succeeded in commandeering twenty horses.
The following day with Capt. McCardle, American Engineer, Capt.
Fortescue and Pvt. Russel, with our horses, we crossed the river by
ferry and then proceeded to the front. Traveling very difficult on
account of the swampy territory and lack of information from natives
who seemed afraid of us. The horses sank in the mud and water above
their knees. The Bolos had told natives that the Allies would burn
their homes and take what little food they had.
Arrived at Zastrovia and saw American troops who informed us that the
hospital was located in the next village. Lower Seltso about three
miles farther. Upon arrival there we located the hospital, which was in
a log hut, considered the best the village afforded, in charge of Capt.
Van Home and Lieut. Katz with eight enlisted Medical detachment men.
Lieut. Goodnight with twenty or thirty Ambulance men had just arrived
at this place. Eight sick and wounded Americans were being treated in
hospital. Arranged for two more rooms so capacity of hospital might be
increased.
It was vitally important that these cases be evacuated at once, but
there was no possible way except by river, which was heavily mined.
Decided it best to attempt evacuation by rowboat. Sgt. Clair Petit
volunteered to conduct convoy to hospital boat at Troitza. Convoy was
arranged and patients safely placed on board hospital boat, where they
were hurriedly carried to Archangel.
Returned to headquarters boat the following morning and all seemed to
be suffering from enteritis, due to the water not being boiled.
Sanitation in these villages almost an impossibility. Barn built in one
end of home, with possibly a hallway between it and the kitchen. The
hay loft is usually on a level with the kitchen floor, a hole in many
houses is cut through this floor and used as a toilet. Or it quite
often is nothing more than a two-inch board nailed over the sills. In
the very best southern villagers’ homes there may be a closed toilet in
the hallway between the barn and kitchen. These are the billets used by
the Allied troops on the river front in North Russia. The native seldom
drinks raw water, but nearly always quenches his thirst by drinking
tea. Wired Major Longley at base Sept. 22nd for one-half of 337th Field
Hospital to be sent to Beresnik, to take over civilian hospital.
Communication with the base was very poor. Unable to get any definite
answer to my telegrams.
Another trip was made from Troitza to Beresnik with hospital boat
“Currier.” Sick and wounded Royal Scots taken to Field Hospital at
Beresnik. After arrival they were loaded on two-wheeled carts and
hauled two miles to the hospital.
Upon arrival at Beresnik found Capt. Martin, with one-half of Field
Hospital 337th, had taken over civilian hospital.
On Sept. 28th it was decided to establish a detention hospital at
Shenkursk, so Capt. Watson and twelve R. A. M. C. men with medical
supplies for a twenty-bed hospital were placed on board hospital boat
“Currier.” After posting two guards with machine guns on the boat we
started on the trip to Shenkursk. A distance of about ninety-five
versts from Beresnik on the Vaga River.
All along the way the boat stopped to pick up wood and at each stop
natives would come down to the river banks with vegetables and eggs,
willing to trade most anything for a few cigarettes or a little
tobacco.
Arrived at Shenkursk at 5:00 p. m., Sept. 29th, and about one-half hour
later the American Headquarters boat docked next to the hospital boat.
When the various boats docked at Shenkursk all the natives of the town
came down to the banks of the river and were very curious as well as
friendly. The village of Shenkursk is situated on a hill and surrounded
by forest. One company of Americans and a detachment of Russians in
control of town. It had been taken only a few days before.
Capt. Fortescue and I looked over civilian hospital and found it to be
very filthy. Owing to the fact that it was so small and occupied to its
full capacity, decided to look further. Directing our steps to the
school, we found a very clean, desirable building, large enough to
accommodate at least one hundred patients.
After consulting the town commandant, were given permission to take
over building for military hospital. Capt. Watson and Capt. Daw, with
equipment for thirty beds, were placed in charge. Stretchers were used
as beds, until it was possible to make an improvement or procure some
from base. Employed two Russian female nurses. Wired to Major Longley
for one-half of Field Hospital 337th to take over this hospital, and in
addition more medical officers and personnel, for Ambulance work. On
Oct. 2nd Capt. Fortescue returned to Beresnik, which left me as A. D.
A. D. M. S. river forces. The same day we took quarters with Russian
professor and established an office in same building.
Upon investigation we found that the American troops had not been
issued any tobacco or cigarettes for several weeks and were smoking tea
leaves, straw or anything that would smoke. The paper used for these
cigarettes was mostly news and toilet paper.
On Oct. 3rd, with Russian medical officer and six American enlisted
medical men, we proceeded to Rovidentia, the advance front, about
thirty-five miles from Shenkursk on Vaga River. Established a small
detention hospital here of ten beds, leaving the Russian medical
officer and six American enlisted medical men in charge. This village
was occupied by two platoons of Americans and about one hundred
Russians.
In comparison to previous villages I visited in Russia, Shenkursk was
an improvement over most of them. Mainly because of its location, there
being a natural drainage, and the water was much better, containing
very little animal and vegetable matter.
On Oct. 7th with Pvts. Russel and Stihler again embarked on hospital
boat “Vologjohnin,” and the following morning at 8:00 a.m. proceeded to
Beresnik with a few Russian wounded, arriving at 2:00 p.m. Made
inspection of hospital. Capt. Martin with one-half of Field Hospital
working overtime, making beds, cleaning wards and hospital grounds, and
at the same time caring for thirty sick and wounded patients. Marked
improvement over previous condition.
Left Beresnik Oct. 9th on hospital boat “Vologjohnin” with headquarters
boat and small gunboat. Downpour of rain. Gunboat landed on sand bar
and headquarters boat turned back, but the “Vologjohnin” kept on going
until dark. Anchored opposite an island and at daybreak proceeded
further, finally reaching the only boat, the “Yarrents,” left on the
river front.
Before leaving Beresnik three more men were placed on board the boat.
The personnel aboard at this time consisted of Capt. Hall in charge,
two Russian female nurses, five American medical men and two British.
Upon arrival at Toulgas I received word from Major Whittaker that
sixteen wounded and six sick Royal Scots were located in the hospital
at Seltso, but that Seltso had been under shell fire that day and would
be too dangerous to bring hospital boat up. That night, under the cover
of darkness with all lights extinguished, I ordered hospital boat to
Seltso. We arrived at Seltso but the British troops who were stationed
there stated they knew nothing of the sick and wounded Royal Scots, but
that Royal Scots were stationed across the river. They stated that it
would be very dangerous to attempt to go across the river, and no one
on the hospital boat knew the exact location of the Royal Scots. After
a while a British sergeant stated that he would go along and direct the
way, but when the boat pulled out the sergeant was not to be found. But
we went across the river. The barge directly opposite was empty, so we
went to the next barge about two versts farther up. That one had been
sunk, so we went a few more versts to the third barge which had been
used by the Royal Scots but which had been evacuated by them that day.
I decided that we had gone far enough, and we returned to Toulgas. On
the way back we picked up two wounded officers of the Polish Legion,
who had just come from the Borak front, in a small rowboat, and stated
it was at that place that they had the sick and wounded Scots. It would
be impossible to reach this place by boat, because they had quite a
time in getting through with a small boat. They would not believe that
we had come up the river so far, and made the remark that we had been
within a few yards of the Bolshevik lines.
On Oct. 11th, after getting in touch with Major Whittaker, who stated
that the Royal Scots would be placed on the left bank of the river
opposite Seltso, I ordered the boat to Seltso to make another attempt
to get the Royal Scots. Although we had the window well covered, the
Bolsheviks must have seen the light from a candle which was used to
light the cabin. They began firing, but could not get the range of the
boat. We then returned without success.
On the afternoon of Oct. 12th, while Seltso was under shell fire, the
“Vologjohnin” was docked about twenty-nine yards behind the Allied
barge with the big naval gun, and did not leave until the shell fire
became heavy. About 8:00 p.m., after transferring the sick troops and
female nurses from the “Vologjohnin,” another attempt was made,
although the Russian crew refused to make another trip, and would not
start until I insisted that the trip had to be made and placed several
armed guards, American Medical men, on the boat. On this night the
medical supplies were handed over to Capt. Griffiths, R. A. M. C, and
casualties were safely placed on board. After returning to Toulgas the
female nurses and sick troops who had been left there were again placed
on board. The “Vologjohnin” proceeded to Beresnik where all casualties,
totaling forty-three, were handed over to the 337th Field Hospital.
(The Major modestly omits to tell that he with his pistol compelled the
crew to run the boat up to get the wounded men. General Pershing
remembered Major Hall later with a citation. He repeated the deed two
days later, that time for Americans instead of Scots.)
Left Beresnik Oct. 14th with hospital boat for Seltso and upon arrival
there, the town was again under shell fire. All afternoon and evening
the hospital boat was docked within twenty-five yards of the big gun.
Received reports that several Americans had been wounded so I ordered
the Russian crew and medical personnel of boat, with stretchers, to
upper Seltso to get the wounded. The seriously wounded had to be
carried on stretchers through mud almost knee deep, while the others
were placed on two-wheeled carts and brought to the boat, a distance of
two miles. After two hours they succeeded in getting six wounded
Americans on board, one dying, another almost dead, and a third in a
state of shock from a shrapnel wound in thigh. Necessary to ligate
heavy bleeders. Bolo patrol followed along after bearers.
That night the Allies retreated on both sides of the river. British
Commanding Officer taken aboard hospital boat. Remained over night
anchored in mid-stream. Nothing could have prevented the Bolo boats
from coming down stream and either sink our boat or take us prisoners,
for our guns were left in the retreat. Several wounded on opposite bank
but it was necessary for them to be evacuated overland for several
versts under most extreme difficulties on two-wheeled carts through mud
in many places to the horses’ bellies. By moving up and down stream
next day the wounded were found. It was necessary to have the boat
personnel serve what extra tea and hard tack they had to the weary,
mud-spattered Royal Scots.
Americans retreated to Toulgas on right bank of river where Lieut.
Katz, M. C., with medical detachment men established a detention
hospital.
On Oct. 16th thirty-five sick and wounded patients were transferred to
Field Hospital 337th, Beresnik. Capt. Kinyon, M. C.., Lieut. Danziger,
M. C., Lieut. Simmons, D. C., and one-half of Field Hospital 337th
arrived at Beresnik from base, and placed on board hospital boat
“Currier.” Arranged to take personnel and supplies to Shenkursk and
establish hospital there, at this time occupied by Capt. Watson and
fourteen R. A. M. C. men. Pvt. Stihler transferred to British hospital
barge “Michigan” to work in office of D. A. D. M. S. In addition to
being used for the office of the D. A. D. M. S., the barge was also
used for a convalescent hospital of forty beds, in charge of Capt.
Walls, R. A. M. C.
Left Beresnik Oct. 18th with complete equipment and personnel for
hospital of one hundred beds, also medical and Red Cross supplies. Many
refugees and several prisoners on board. Placed guards from medical
personnel over stores and prisoners. One prisoner tried to escape
through window of boat but was caught before he could get away.
[Illustration: RED CROSS PHOTO
_Trench Mortar Crew, Chekuevo—Hand Artillery._]
[Illustration: U. S. OFFICIAL PHOTO (152755)
_Wounded and Sick—Over a Thousand in All._]
[Illustration: U S OFFICIAL PHOTO
_Bolo Killed in Action—For Russia or Trotsky?_]
[Illustration: ROULEAU
_Monastery at Pinega._]
[Illustration: U. S. OFFICIAL PHOTO
_Russian 75’s Bound for Pinega._]
[Illustration: HILL
_“G” Men Near Pinega._]
[Illustration: HILL
_Lewis Gun Protects Mess Hall, Pinega._]
He was reported later as Bolshevik spy, another as a Lett officer.
Travel by night is against the rules of Russian river boat crew. Had to
use force to get them to continue moving. Arrived at Shenkursk Oct.
19th and delivered prisoners. Relieved Capt. Watson, R. A. M. C., and
personnel from duty at detention hospital, and started Field Hospital
337. Returned to Beresnik and found that hospital now working about
full capacity. After placing all seriously sick and wounded on board
hospital ship “Currier” we proceeded to Archangel, and arrived there
Oct. 22nd. Boat greatly in need of repairs.
Arranged with Major Longley to get Red Cross and medical supplies, and
had them placed aboard. Among the Red Cross supplies were ten bags of
sugar to be divided between the hospitals and used for the purpose of
bartering natives for vegetables, eggs and chickens.
Oct. 25th, 1918, weather growing colder. Departed for Beresnik on
hospital boat. The Russian crew did not want to travel at night but I
insisted and we kept on going. Awakened by cooties. After lighting my
candle found quite a number.
Oct. 26th, 1918, stopped for a short time to pick up wood. Awakened by
rumbling and cracking noise against boat and upon looking out saw we
were running through floating ice. This condition persisted for
thirty-five versts until we reached Beresnik. Crew stopped boat and
refused to go any farther. Necessary to use some moral “suasion.” When
we arrived at Beresnik found that one paddle was out of order and bow
of boat dented in many places and almost punctured in one place.