g feature of the routine. This
inspection required the soldier to produce all his wares and equipment
for inventory. The supply officer and supply sergeant of the battery
made many rounds taking account of equipment that was short, but
several more "show-downs" usually transpired before the lacking
equipment was supplied.

There was also a field inspection every Saturday morning, where the
general appearance of the soldier could be thoroughly scrutinized.
Clean-shaven, neatly polished shoes, clean uniform with buttons all
present and utilized, formed the determining percentage features. When
the inspection was mounted, horses and harness had to shine, the same
as the men.

January 1920 ushered in a period of changes in the staff of officers
for Battery D, some of the changes being temporary, others permanent.
Trials of sickness and quarantine were also in store for the battery.

Early in January Capt. A. L. Smith was called away from his military
duties on account of the death of his father, Edward B. Smith, of
Philadelphia, Penna.; a bereavement which brought forth many
expressions of sympathy from the men of his command.

Captain Smith returned to camp the latter part of the month. Some time
later he was ordered to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to attend the artillery
school of fire. Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke also left the battery to attend
the school of fire. First-Lieut. Arthur H. McGill was detached from
the battery about this time and assigned as an instructor at the
Officers' Training School that was opened at Camp Meade. Lieut. Robert
S. Campbell was transferred from Battery D at this time.

First-Lieut. Robert Lowndes, of Elkridge. Md., was assigned to
temporary command of the battery. First-Lieut. J. S. Waterfield, of
Portsmouth, Va., served as an attached officer with D Battery for some
time.

First Sergeant William C. Thompson and Supply Sergeant Merle
Liebensberger were successful applicants to the officers' training
school at Meade. James J. Farrell, of Parsons, Penna., was appointed
acting first-sergeant and Thomas S. Pengelly, of Hazleton, Penna., was
appointed acting supply sergeant, both appointments later being made
permanent.

CHAPTER VIII.

BATTERY PROGRESS.

"Retreat," the checking-in or accounting for all soldiers at the close
of a day's routine, was made a formal affair for the 311th Field
Artillery on January 13th, 1918. The erection of a new flag pole in
front of regimental headquarters