Philip A Embury Journal #1

Omen. Took load to Villiers-Cottereles. Got home at 6:45.

Sunday June 10 ‘17

Got up at 5:30. Got under way at 6:30. I was ram leader. Went to ChateauThierry and got some trailers and took them to a farm, Chavigny Farm, near Longpont. Got home at 7:30

Monday, June 11, '17

One great day, a big celebration, one grand picnic. A French camio driver got decorated with the Croix de Guerre for staying with his car after being seriously wounded by shell fire which hit his car and set a load of gasoline on fire. He took his burning car away from ammunition.

A French band was here and many notible officers. The ceremonies were very impressive. The U. C. Corps drilled in grand style, and showed up the other units. U. C. quartet sang. U.C. unit sang. Band gave concert. The greatest picnic I ever hope to attend. A man of other units broke arm while driving. Boxed Homes.

Tuesday, June 12, '17.

Another good day. Practiced rifle shooting in the morning In the afternoon went to Novron-Vingre where the Germans were driven out last March. The place is in absolute ruins. Not a single building of any kind left standing. Went through the old German trenches, dugouts, underground passages, and out to the first line trenches and noman's land. Got home at 9 o'clock. Lost the road

out of Soissons.

Wednesday, June 13, '17

Left for Paris at 2 o'clock for our leave before going to the frunt. Had a dirty dusty ride to Longpont. Took pictures of the old mission (founded & built in 1209) arrived in Paris at 7:10. Had a fine dinner at the ChineseUmbrella. Stayed at the Grand.

Thursday, June 14, '17

Got up late. Went around Paris a little in the morning alone. Went to 21 Rue Raynouar for lunch and our orders. Did much shopping down town before dinner. Had one grand dinner, Herb, Dick Bert, Ben and myself. Went down to the slums in the evening.

Friday, June 15, '17

The five of us slept in one

room at the Grand. Had hard time getting any breakfast at 8 o'clock. Too early for the French. Left Paris for camp at 9:45. Arrived at camp, at Dommiers at 3 o'clock. Bud and I went back to the camp at Longpont for water. Got back at 7. Packed trunks ready to break camp at 6 A.M. for the frunt.

Saturday, June 16, '17

Saw the first German plane while leaving camp. Got to our new camp at the frunt, Jouaignes about 2 o’clock. Spent the wrest of the day cleaning our remorques and getting our beds made. (P.S. 3 pages ahead)

Sunday June 17, ‘17

Had the day off to work around camp, getting things in order.

Got our car asignments in the afternoon. Mine is no. 9 an awful rattletrap.

Monday, June 18, '17

Took our first trip with camions. Halled lumper and trench timber from Bozoches to a woods a little south of Brenelle. Two cars broke down. Had a good lunch. After lunch went to some batteries near Brenelle and got some empty shells and cannon powder & took it just west of Soissons. Unloaded in a rough field about ten o'clock at night. Had a rough and thrilling night ride, without any lights home. Got home at 2 A.M. Two cars got lost and didn't get in until 3 A.M. I guided seven cars from Braine home