ercises. Calesthenics, to the
music of the regimental band, was the feature of the exercises.

The long hike to the grain field drill ground was abandoned after two
weeks and the village plaza was used for drill purposes. About this
time several French army sergeants were attached to the regiment and
instruction in gun pit construction was started. Details were kept
busy for several days digging gun pits near the regimental drill
grounds, but before the job was fully completed orders came for
the regiment to leave Montmorillon.

Present day reminiscences vouch for the fact that the stay in
Montmorillon was most pleasant. The weather had been ideal throughout
the month of August. Except for a detachment from the regiment who
replaced the negro M. P.'s no guard duty was necessary in the town.
During the first week of September, 1918, however, all that the boys
had to compare their lots and life in Montmorillon with was Camp Meade
regime. In the light of this comparison many expressed words of
approval that the outfit was finally getting away from such a horrid
place. Those who failed to see the good points of Montmorillon,
moreover, were without knowledge of what the future held in store for
the outfit in its journey through France.

CHAPTER XVI.

ACTIVE TRAINING AT LA COURTINE.

La Courtine, a village in the Department of Creuse, France, is
surrounded by hilly country, the very nature of the hills affording
ideal artillery range. La Courtine, therefore, was the site of a
French artillery camp for many years.

The village is divided into two parts; that which is gathered around a
progressive looking station, and part is on a hill, which part is
called Hightown. Both parts are confined to one street, replete with
bars and cafes.

It was to La Courtine that the 311th was bound after leaving
Montmorillon. The French had turned the artillery camp over to the
Americans and thither the 311th regiment was sent to get active and
intense training in range fire with the use of the French 75's.

The troop special assigned to the regiment upon leaving Montmorillon
was made up of box cars, many of which had recently been used to
transport crude oil, evinced by the oil on the floor of the cars. Onto
every box car was loaded anywhere from 36 to 50 soldiers and a supply
of iron-rations for the trip.

Montmorillon was last seen at 10 a. m., September 4th, when the trip
of box cars began to jolt and bang and back and sw