In Their Words

Cpt. Alban B. Butler

Learning Trench Warfare

The 47th French Division Chasseurs Alpins was stationed in Gondrecourt, and the First Division quickly learned not only the rudiments of trench warfare, but also much of the esprit of the “Blue Devils.” Many of the weapons, such as grenades, trench mortars, Chauchat automatic rifles, gas masks and French 75’s were new to American troops. Skinny French horses and even French mules had to be mastered, while British instructors taught the bayonet drill.

From Cpt. Alban B. Butler’s
"Happy Days, A Humorous Narrative in Drawings of the
Progress of American Arms 1917-1919".

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