ter several firing problems in the field were worked out
by proxy fire.

Chances for a quick departure overseas began to warm up about the
middle of May, which perhaps was responsible for the big divisional
bon-fire that was burned on the night of May 13th.

[Illustration: CAPT. PERRY E. HALL LIEUT. SIDNEY F. BENNETT LIEUT.
C. D. BAILEY LIEUT. FRANK J. HAMILTON _Officers Associated with
Battery D._]

CHAPTER IX.

FAREWELL TO CAMP MEADE.

First authentic signs of departure from Camp Meade came during the
month of June when the boys witnessed the departure of the infantry
regiments of the division.

Void of demonstrative sendoff, regiment after regiment, fully and
newly equipped, was departing on schedule; thousands and thousands of
sturdy Americans, ready to risk all for the ideals of liberty and
freedom.

It was with no unsteady step they marched through the streets of the
military city that had sheltered, trained, tanned, and improved them
aright for the momentous task which was before them.

The scene, as they marched, is one that will live in memory of the
boys of Battery D. It was no dress parade such as the march of like
thousands in a civilian city would occasion. Battery D men and others
were spectators, it is true, and the departing ones were sent off, as
was later the case with Battery D, with cheers of encouragement and
words of God-speed--the spirit breathed being of hearty, thoughtful
patriotism such as can come only from a soldier who is bidding adieu
to a comrade in arms, whom he will meet again in a common cause.

Wonderful days of activity within Battery D foretold the news of
departure. The regiment was in first class shape to look forward to
service overseas, despite the fact that range-practice was a
negligible factor. During the latter part of May, firing, to a limited
extent, was practiced from the three-inch field pieces directed over
the Remount station, but the experience thus gained was too light to
be important. About this time a French type of 75 mm. field piece was
shipped to the regiment. Major David A. Reed became the instructor on
this gun, when it became known that the outfit would likely be given
French equipment upon arrival overseas. One gun for the regiment,
however, and especially when received only several weeks in advance of
the departure for overseas, afforded but little opportunity for
general instruction on the mechanism of the new field piece.

France, mor