Philip A Embury Journal #1

vesaid went ashore. Went from dock to station in omnibus. American flag on top, many cheers & salutes by the populace. Had supper at the station. Left for paris at 7:45. McLaren, Herb Kendall and myself in one compartment.

Thursday, May 31, '17

Had very uncomfortable ride in 3rd class coach. French man and woman joined us. No sleep. Reached Paris 7:10 A.M. After some delay were were taken to 21 Rne Raynourd in Amer. Ambulances. General asembly at 11 A.M. We were told that we had no chance to go out as ambulance, drivers, very sore. Very much excitement among everybody when told that we would have to drive ammunition trucks. Some went

over to the Norton Hargis ambulance Service. Had little meeting of the "Dirty Half Dozen" to decide what action we would take. Decided we would take our time & not jump at any conclusion in a hury. Would all act together. Had general meeting at 7 P.M. & addressed by Paul Cadman & Piatt Andrew. After they had finished we took a voat to see what we would do about going into the Convoi Service. The vote was unanimous in favor of going. Very busy all day getting equipment.

Friday, June 1, '17

Went down town, got measured for dress uniform. Had dinner with Dick & the bunch. Went sight seeing after dinner. "Temple of Beauty" In the evening same bunch, Dick, Herb, Bert, and Ben had

had dinner at a swell Italian restaurant on Ben, as it was Ben’s birthday. Went to theatre, met some Canadian soldiers, went with them.

Saturday, June 2. '17

Worked all day handing out equipment & packing. Went for a walk with Bert Hope in the evening over to the Ifal Tower.

Sunday, June 3, '17

Got up at 5 A.M. Company formed, pictures taken. Left Paris for Soissons at 9:50. Reached Vierzy at 2:30. Detrained and drove in carvions to our camping ground in a woods near Dommiers. Soissons being on the front and under military rule we couldn't enter on the train. Saw the first used trenches and entanglements. Trenches & dugouts in the woods

by our camp. Ideal camping place, very beautiful spot under the trees.

Monday, June 4. '17

Worked on baricks, lecture, went on convios in afternoon. First lesson in driving.

Tuesday, June 5, '17

Usual driving instruction, and camp work. Went to the aviation field in the evening. Saw smashed machine, about one hundred aviators there.

Wednesday, June 6, '17

In evening went out to some old trenches, and to an old farm house and church. Went to Dommiers, and to the avaiation field with the bunch.

Thursday, June 7, '17

Had good driving instruction with Guy Calden. Rained in the evening and night. Tent leaked, Heavy firing.

Friday, June 8, '17.

Left early and the whole courice section went to Villers-Cotterels [Villers-Cotterêts]. Got back at 6:45. Along rough but beautiful drive. Quite a large town. Expect to get up at 4 A.M. for a days trip.

Saturday, June 9, '17.

Got up at 3:45 a.m. and was at the cars at 4:30. Was raining when we got up & during breakfast. Left at 5:30 after much trouble in getting the cars started. The roads were very sloppy. One car went into the ditch. Passed the famous Castle of Pierrefonds. Was built in 13 century. Burned by the Germans. Rebuilt during the reign of Napoleon. Used by Napoleon as headquarters. Got load at La Croix St.