No day could have been more typical of France than the day of the
Divisional Review, Monday, February 17th, 1919. There was a steady fall
of rain, and the low-scudding clouds threw a dampened aspect upon the
scene.
The Sanitary Train, led by Maj. Oliver C. Gebhart, left Aulnois at 10:00
A. M. The distance of ten kilometers to the reviewing field between the
villages of Vignot and Boncourt was made under every disadvantage of
muddy roads and the heavy pour of rain. The field itself, located on a
broad stretch of the Meuse basin, was mush-like with mire and patched
with pools of water.
General Pershing, with the Prince of Wales, rode onto the field at 1:30
o'clock, while the entire division stood at attention. The salute to the
Commander-in-Chief was played by a detachment of picked buglers, and as
the General and his party rode around the entire division from right to
left, the band, stationed on the right, rendered "God Save the King," in
honor of England's young prince.
The columns of the Division were drawn up into platoon fronts, the
Sanitary Train being stationed between the Artillery, on the left, and
the Machine Gun, Signal Corps and Infantry Regiments on the right. After
riding around the Division, General Pershing and his party personally
inspected each platoon, winding back and forth, asking questions of the
company commanders and speaking with the men.
Having completed the personal inspection, the General and his party took
position in the reviewing stand on the right. At the command "Pass in
Review" by the Division Commander, each battalion executed successively
"Squads Right," and swept down the field in a line of platoons. It was
indeed a most impressive sight, and, although the sky was cast heavy
with low-hanging clouds, the sun, as if to lend color to an already
beautiful picture, broke through and shone for a few moments. Then, as
each column swung out upon its own way home, the rain began again. As
the last regiment passed in review, the Division was halted while the
General and Prince spoke a few words of praise for the splendid showing
of the Division, and of its work in battle.
Although participation in this great event required that the men wear
full packs for almost nine hours without removing them, and undergo a
hike of twenty kilos in the rain, not a man regretted the experience. It
will be long remembered with pride by those who took part.