w HZAD^yta coia:u:Ti?Af ioia zosn: zurojgaj tk^at^i of c..?..

,::ATiOJS Office of the Chief Quartermaster

AJG

887

quartermaster

Field Observation

report

'

No. 12.

U.o. ZQUTfl^liT

The purpose of this 7ieiO. Observation .-teporfis to give proper dissemination of information collected in this Theater regardi.i;, Quartermaster equipment, published Opinions, suryxestions and recommendations necessarily have the' concurrence of this herein do not Office. This communication is forwarded as information ; ; \u25a0 . . ONLY.
I, G2IERAL

A. Period of Time
-3*

Cove rod by This Report

' C gxis t inc. eath,er C ond itions -Temperature ranged betweeii 8 and 32 F. About one. toot of snow covered the ground and snow fell almost every day.
7

Sector frpm Which Report xCmanated^

First

25

to 28 Jan 45
U.5 f

Area

D. nature of Kilitary Qoerations^-The First \J,b. Army : ;/as a.tt"ckin r in the sector of the 3-erman bulae ?. ..id had almost straightened out the line to the positions held before the \u25a03-erman breakthrough.
'

'

E \u26 6

Report and Photographic Annex Prepared :T R, ICugler

Captain illiam Ist 3rt. Jerome '2. Kamprud
Ivilic Z, Capadalis

3y-r^

s/3^t.

F,

Units and Individuals Interviewed

First U.S Army
\u25a0Class- IIL IV Officer Asst Class. 11l Officer
'! Corps

Qi-:
Class

II IV Officer
Cz

7li Corps
&:

Q,i: Sxec 0

2nd Armored Div

q,i:
qk so

3 i^COs of Q,K
Armored Div

bee

<&\u25a0\u25a0:

5-4,- 36th Armd Inf.

S-4 S 32d Armd Regt
2 Offs, Q,M oec

sth Ar~id Div

QI-I SO
3 NCOs of Q,i: Sec
1 ~e-tl S.^4

0,1: Field Observation

Ist Div

Report

jo.

12 cont'd.

G--4, 0,1:, Hxcc lStb Inf. and Co 18th Inf., platoon of Hq

2d Div
QK, Q,K

QII, -4^o, 3 -JCO of Q,l- 3gc ? S*-4 //0 Asst, 2 Lts and 20 aen ; CO 1 Off. and 10 men ant i-tank Co 2d 3n, 18th Inf.
;/ 0;

:xec, QHSO

9th Div 39th Inf

Regtl CO, 2d Sn GO, 2n S-4, 6 Offs

and 150 Ell

83d Div

Q,KSO ,

EX 0,1-1 3ec ; Reatl 5-4, j)3lst Inf; 2 DIJ S-4s Artillery

84th Div
0,11. 0,1-1 Lxec

0,1-SO,

3 lICOs '4k Sec

C-. The First U.b. Array r ae issuing itess of winter equip oient to combat troops. These included shoepacs; inner soles, felt; socks, and Artie; ponchos, trousers, iki fieldcotton; suspenders trouser; cap.s, field, cotton; mufflers,, mittens, tri^aer fin.aer, shell and insert, Infantrymen
of the 18th Inf*, Ist Div and of the 39th Inf, 9th uiv , who
had received their issues of those items wpre- questioned to
get their initial reaction.

11.

CLASS I

A.

Assault Ration

wo ca:ie aso or _L_l ...OX i> V.LCJJ' v LiW '. I -UC-.i.lVL^' carried t o days D ration an one day of X, e: ithin men about a fe^. hour:, after the l?ndin-- we had a stock of Z rations I-.'any of the men broke open f'.-.e X's and put the on. the beach. items they wanted in their pockets. On the first day most T of them ate very little. hon men had time, they would cat a, can of the c\u25a0;-;-\u25a0, cheese or meat and a oackaao of crackers. They ate the D bar. On the third day we fed a hot meal to most of the men and from then on continued to bring up hot eho -r, 1 do not believe that a soecial assault ration would be ''"orthwhile , it would be used for such, a short time and during that period the men are not much interested in food, Tjie D, II . and C are sufficient until we could act hot food to 3 the men. ":low, even in an attack, we two or three hot meals to yearly all of the men daily. Seldom do our men have to eat as many as three cold meals consecutively," (RSO, 18th Inf, Ist Div)
T
j T; T

1.

"" The.n

2. "During the first 48 hours after a landing, very little food is epten by the men, because of their anxiety.
The components of the II ration is good, with the exception of "ye like the sweet the Charms, lemon powder and fruit bar. chocolpte bars for a quick lunch. ehe packa-sina is not so important because the men tear the boxes apart and 'take only the. items that they want, which is, generally, just the can, crackers, chocolate bar and cigarettes. The moot quantity in the E ra. t i is sufficient". . on (Supply 3r:t, Glider Co, 82 d Airoorne) -2-r

*:

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"

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t?t

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'

Field Observation

Report l"o 12

cont'd.
48

\u25a0\u25a0

'*

hours of p;o. assault. -I would say the X ration is OK* Give it to the. men in' "bulk and let them pick out only the items }; they want to carry, which, generally, will be only the meat (Ist Sgt ? Co I, loth Inf., Ist Div)

3*

"A person

does

not eat much during the first

111.

GLASS II& IV
?

A.

Clothing
1. Boots-. Combat
,<

a. "The -combat boot is well accepted ''oj the men it, chiefly, because it eliminates the use of leggings* .have It is far from waterproof though; after the shoe is dubbed, I guess it takes about three days to it gets much colder. break in a p^.ir of. these shoes." (platoon 3gt, 3v Co, 7th Arind Div)
vrho

\u25a0

b "The combat boots are too cold* and do not give us any support around '\aur ankles like our jump boots do. The combat boot does not polish as well' as the others do and that makes it undesirable for dress purposes* ' Polish is the best water repellent that can be applied." (Sup 3r:t, G-lider Co, 82 iroome)
t

Shoepacs

a,,

"Shoepacs
warm,

were issued

two days ago and.

been found to be I wear two pair of skis socks and one ' pair of felt insoles. l^y shoe size is 9 3 and. X have size 10 shoepacs. Host of the men ri the platoon took a size larger ." (Squad Leader H Co", 2d 3n, 39th Inf, 9th Div)
b. "The effects of the issue of shoepacs have al ready been felt. In the three day period before their issue we had 120 cases of frostbitten feet in the Division. In the 2 days we have had shoepacs on the infantrymen we have had only

have

4 cases

of

frostbite." '
Socks
?

(G-4, Ist Div)

"fool, 3k i
\u25a0

a. "I'cst of the men in my platoon .wear two 'pair of ski socks with their shoepacs. ':Je find that -they are comfort able do warm but I not know where we will get a clean pair. They say that 2 pair of ski socks are all we will get. ilost of us took one size larger in the shoepac than we wear in the combet boot. 11 I (Platoon Leader, 2 Co, 39th Inf)

Socks,

'/ooly. Li-,ht e\i& Heavy

a. "The men in this .regiment get a pair of clean socks every day. I check this by having each company 'turn; in a report to me daily of the number of dirty socks turned in to the laundry. Only in unusual cases will there be less than = full turn in of socks.. .Then I started this program, it required my personal attention, but now I just 'glance at the report. I know that my men are doing something to take care of their feet." (Re-tl GO, 39th Inf, 9th Div)

i
\u25a0t

N-

**

fl

'

\*

"f

i*"
\u25a0

"V
"i

55
I need

Crloves,
a,

rork, Heavy Leather

ny gloves constantly and feel as though two pair in order. that one pair mil have tine to dry." (2i:, 3814 aas Sup Co)

"I use

b. "All men have l>ee-ci issued heavy work gloves V Some men would rather r ear the glove, wool, leather palm, because they are warmer than the heavy leather glove-." (1 SK, 3813 & Gas Sup Go)
T

-fe need them c. "livery man has these gloves, against hot items. when working around the ovens for protection Howe v e r , one pa ir per man i eno ugh ir s (Shift Leader (S Sgt ) 3OU 4M 3kry Go)

Consensus kittens, Tri-Ter Finder, Shell L Insert of opinion of officers and men of the ISth and 39th Ini% Re-;imsnts '.-/ho had had these mittens about three days:

a. "These mittens- are warm and we really need them. There has been a considerable number of cases of11 frozen hands and. these mittens should ore vent this condition*
*

-ms divided as to whether, they would* b. fire their guns with tie mitten on. Men who desired to take off mittens to. fire weapons said that they would certainly not loose them*

77

Sweater,

Tool, OP
1

a. The sweater is a1a very popular item. Nearly all . . officers and men in the field were wearing it.' The design is ,-, few men complained that the coarse cons s "ered to be excellent. knit sweater stretched out of shape after continuous wear. Ilany '\u25a0 ; are wearing sweaters under their shirts and say that this arrangement is warmer. A few. men have sent sweaters to the . . laundry and they' have shrunk considerably.
/ /

.Shirt,

/fool, OP

"The cuffs on the shirts were reported to be much too tight when an undershirt and sweater were worn under neath, and some men wear two or three undershirts at one time. , It was almost impossible in many cases to get the cuffs buttoned j ' and some men used, a string between the button and the button hole to make the connect ion i5'\u2 a0 (Sup oGt, 3v Co-, 40th .rm<3. 3n, 7th Armd Div)
a..

Trousers,

fool, OP

"Kany men complained that the trousers, wool, OP,

a. were t.OO tight in the crotch when two pair of drawers wool or
' extra trousers were worn, Some men reported they had cut the
flap off the trousers because they did. not- like it. They
gas had not thought of buttonin it back," Div) (Sup 3gt, Sv Go 40th ,Sn, 7th
10

Trousers,

potton, ITielfl

"Ihave had mine for two days now and like them. a. 'i-.'ost of the men in my platoon were, wearing two pair of drawers, wool and two ??ir of trousers, wool, OP before the issue of the
They are now turning in rbhe extra, wool trousers
cotton trousers*

mm
1

'

WP

W'

*
\u25a0j.^&

*~*

<"

Reoort 1~0

Field Observation

* 12

cont'd.
T

The \u25a0rind and water repollGney of the cotton fisld trousers arc c have -no extra a good thing and the man like the features.' we button the tabs on the belt or suspender, but, if necessary, waist to get a fit.". (Platoon %t, Z Co, 2d :sn, 39th Inf, 9th .Oiv)

r Mufflers '.ocl, OP

The

he?vy

is a popular , item with all the as hoods bjr men who. do not hay
5

wool muffler has been distributed.' It Some are used en interviewed.

the wool r,as protective

hood.

Individual

..sc?uipmeht*

;?^5

:)ing, 51ce :

officers and men of

thcTlth

'bbl, OP
and

Concensus

39th

of opinion of Infantry Regiments:

cannot

The men on the- very fro^t line are afraid they They prefer blankets. ~et out of the bags fast enough. b. c.
Rany

men 'sirs "able to u=:e the -bags even when a

company' is/ in the li'o

'The 'siVoop'lrig 'bag is generally well liked, es pecially.,. by men [who have' learned how to put the extra blanket around the wool bW? and* inside' the water repellent cover.
2.

I-2css G-ear

a. "All soldiers in this outfit carry their meat canteen, cup, and some eating utensils, often just a spoon. They are served hot food two or three times daily even with when their company is commit od. -They wash the The is at hand, .3o^c individual cooking is done. whatever Itpresent design of the mess kit is suitable for their use. a mess tray would be*". .. -.. is more convenient than

can,

(HSO, 1 Go Comer, 4 SM, 18th Inf, Ist Div)

Case,

Canvas,

Dispatch
CSSC

quite often. -The primary then you deficiency is the design cf the pcnxiil slots. button the cover, you willinvariably break the lead in your pencils. That is the reason I use the G-erman case, tfhis item has a small metal guard about Ik inches long that protects the lead from breaking. That is one point we adapt could. v (3-a S"t I-lajo-r, 2c 3n, 18th inf, Ist Div)

a.

"I u-g this

"

b. '!c do not like the grid lines on the plastic map case in the dispatch case. Thess lines make the map hard It has no grid using a German map case now. to read. lam and is made in the form of a pouch "with three sides lines closed, so the /maps will not fall out or slip*" ';\u25a0 "(CO, I Go, loth Tat,, Ist Div)

"

4.

."lscl-: 3ovfl for ilanae; Jisld, K-1937

a,

to think this addition

All mess sergeants and cooks interviewed., seemed to field equipment is needed.

use one.

b. "A nixing bowl' would be. fine. :Je could really I believe that each kitchen with three stoves should

ii||^;i'n\

f% ***^^*p|Pi%

lii:Field Observation .Report

be cauipped

? To

12 cont'd

usin^ only " _

'
\u25a0

with at least two "bowls, but for the kitchens one- o- two ranges, on-.; bowl would be enough.. (Mess 3:tV 595th 4.: Ldry Co)

c. "The mixiiv. bowl Is a,.. fine idea a,=d would be One bowl per kitchen is enough, a Treat help to my cooks. could, always be used*" but two, of course, (I-Icss 3-t, Go I, loth Inf, "Ist Div)

iv

uaflt :::,.a :>t ::;_: vn it3 i# Gasoline

Supply

Co

a. The- Cl^.ss 111 officer of the "irst U.S. of his gasoline supply company ?nd battalion commanders avid the These units worked out a su^-.cstcd T/O for their companies. supported the First U.S. Army in the Normandy units have They land in-, in the race across France, r.nd up into Germany. truckheads, railheads, depots, and decant ins have operated, The companies have been operating over two years,

slants'.

Su^csted

T/0

is~Appendix "A1 to. this report.

HO3.ST :-I. LITTLSJOHN Major G-encral, U.S.^. Chief quartermaster Incl: 2

Appendix

!I

1 Photo

Annex

Distribution:
O^HG CCUi-I, Com Zone SCLOC.

\u2666..lB

'\u25a0 1

:^I Adv Sec Com Z0ne .......:...

1
:\u25a0}: Sixth^ US Army 3M Twelfth US Army G-roup 4M First US Anjiy 4LI Third US krmj Fifth US Army \u26 6

.
\u0084

Seventh US Army 1
\u0 84 Ninth US Army a 1
:>:: Fifteenth US Army * 4
ZIIS Team Captains Maj. Robert 3ates, Has Fifth,Array \u2666!

,.

..........

... . ..

1
1

1
1
1 1

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I MS V

*'

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LTOT&STSa LTOT&STSa TA3LE OF cm&itZMllOS So. So. 10^77

' '
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&

WAR DSP^^iSiIT
Washington,

Designation

-1 ~ '

Quarto master G-asolinc

Supply Conpan^

3 3
en en

5
( >ach)

P .atc n He: "arks

-p -p

Ui'l'T

o o -p
OO

&s. r' D' D'

o o
i-, c'

in in

Oi-i-i

C'CQ

o 04-* 04-*

We'

00

rH t

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w o \u25a0H U

WO

2 2 Captain 3 First Lieutenant cut U Sc c r>ncl Li enant U cnc 5 Tot al o onriss i cl 5 6 First Sergeant (585) 7 Technical Sergeant

1 1
1 1
1 2 1 1 1

g
10 11 12

9 9

Operaticns (8II4.) Staff Sergeant, including

1 (I)"

1
1 1
I

1 1

1 1

(1)

(1) (1)

13 including 1U Sergeant , including 1U (652) Leader (652) Section 15 16 C crp 0 ral , including Clerk, company (UO5) 17
Dispatcher (l+lO) Clerk, record (323) 19 Squad Lccadcr 20 Technician, grade U) 21 22 Technician, grade 5) 23 Private, first class)

Kcss (62k) ilotor (813) Platoon (6pl) (S2l) Supply (S2l)

(1) (1)
1) (1)
1

: (1)
(1)

(1)
(1) (l)
1

(1)

(2)
(1)

18

(l) (1) (1)

(1) (2) 2 U

(v)
11

(1) (1) (1)

(S)

'(I)

(2) (U)
1 1

19
(1 (1

33

69

2U Private

i i

56

U 31

1 1

25 26 26

Bugler & Kesscngcr

(8O3) 5
U 5' 5'

66

(X)

27
29 30

28 28

Chauffeur (3U5) Chauffeur (3U5) C-ck (060) Cook (060) Crok's helper (521)

(1)

31

Checkers
artificer

36 36

32 33 3U 35 35 37 3S 3S 39

Laborer (590)

5 5
5 5 (OSI '5 5
U

Mechanic, auto (OlU) Mechanic! auto (OXU)

Operator, gas disp. (695) Orderly (695) Supply Clerk (37k) Basic Basic (521 Enlis.tcd Total Enlis.tcd Aggregate Aggregate

(v) (s) (17) (3) (1) (v) (3) (21) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)
(2) (2) (2) (h) (1) (1)
(1) 22) (uu) (SS) (2) (2)
(2) (2) (2)

(1) (1)

(1)
(1) (1): (i)j (2)

(2)

(U)
(1) (1) (9)

(v)

uo

27 "U yo

76
77
10 2 2 10

X79

Ul

29
29
1 2 1 1 1
f

36
5 36
1
1

183
183
21 U 21

U2 0 Carbine, cal, 3 U2 Ix3 0 Trailer, 1 ton

UU 0 Truck,
Ten

U5 0 Truck,

U6

U7

0 Truck, ton 0 Gun,, nachine, H,B.cal 5Q 0 0 Launcher, rocket AT 2.3 inch 0 aiflc, cal. 30, : . 1903 1. 1

l/U \IJQ 3/u TenCargo 2-,|

5 5

77

5 5

us
U9

Flexible

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Office of tfre Ohief Quartermaster AX) SB7

Qjoarbermaster

EOROPS&I TTO^SR Of OKERAWOSS

; %

' .

field O"bservatioa li@port lTo^,_ll

!v

-,-d

%,:. &.. sqdm^iis

The jnrrpose of this I'ield Observation Seport is to give proper dissemination of information Qollectecl; in t&is Theater regarding equ-ipnent, supply , activities and installations . Contained in tjais report are experiences of personnel of all ranks &nd positions in the use of Q,uarteraaster equipment. Opinions, suggestions and re.cppjaen^.a'tions published herein <io not necessarily have the concurrence of this Office, communication is for~ , only. warded as. infor-mati-on .

\u25a0

j*^

<

h-' Grjkm&t
\u25a0A.ypriod of Time

Gpy^red

"by, -his H-sport

Sector*

?r'oa

Staanated
j

- 17

to 2U., December. 13hh,

ivrmy

heavy fog, gaoling of-f Iso, freezing 2$

<

C. Hoisting leather pondi%ion s.

Decectber*

- .*4ild* with some

J,S. 'Islntfc T

area.
'&'.

rain and

'J'.t'V

. The slovr slugging type of D. Mature of, ni^itaiy Q^era^ionsfight in this area changed' suddenly when certain tro-ops iirere v;ithdra\m to .stg^THDrt' the l-st U.S,. Army,. Julxch was not as yet tafcen, and the town- of Linnich -was still 'VC-tiife fou&Kt UV<2J.j with American troops Ij+VU]ja LiUWiV t>V+i4. #eing XUU&iiO over, JJilUliUi^. WiVfi dominating most of it., 3foer was considerable movement- of troops, and from the Quartermaster viewpoint it is Relieved ,that because of. sudden changes in position, oqx tain supplies have been left "behind/ lost or discarded, and reo^ui sit ions for replacements may "be expected for iteiis not normally called for. The\Boer ?4ver had gone down considerably during ';.-\u25a0. the past-' lO days. .
Ui
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WcVt)

(PW4CA XUCVI4.

ri
\u25a0?* 'h

%*

Hep &yt aa& fffept^ggE

[

3y

-,

I/Sgt Wilbur P. .Taylor-. Pfc* Venio'n V/. deeper

*

Captain John

3ankus,
l

? Units and 'Indiylffla^B 'tnf.ervlcv/ed.

3-U, SUth Hiv. kriiitery
Sr-Ui "111th 3\a; 3,^9th
S-k, 2a7thE^ f '3a. 2^ Div.

jisst.

"*

S^Ui 110th X^i. Bn.

^
\u25a0.

1 CO Hqs. .ST?ry, .Artillery, SUth Div

CO i Btry." Corps
"'

co,.r &\3 flaf

1 AHl^le^.-^at'ieirjs.Cons^nderr
v .&

GO T "Salvage Co^. . '_"' r "\u25a0'.,..."\u25a0

UJi-Co, COr .Qrd. : Cq; -sUot h '.Salvage Repair. .'Ccu^

&0,. ;yi-|ik4i#f^

fb
Coliecting
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1 Lt t

3 L.ts* Stry,*
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Wtiljelfy,'

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69Uth
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ivitA
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11

9-i Field OWervation

\u25a0--'.\u25a0-

jLeport o. 11 (cont)

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.

1 It, 588jid vji Co, (Officers Sales .Store .\u25a0'\u25a0 .S-4i Office, SUth Div. Artillery \u25a0-3 ey iiCQ*s r \u0084 Supply Sgt s, 69Uth 3\A. 3 , 2 Kes-s .Sets, .; b9ilt.h. y^V, ', 2 S^>ply ICO'si 6914 th F.A.
i

1 Lt,.<s.i Co, {Salvage .Sepair) 1 It., ((Junnery Officer) r '-69UtbJ.^, \u25a0' . 'Artillery 3n, Hedical Officer Officer) 1i 1 It, S|2.nd 9i i fc'B Co, (Supply deader) 1 Kit, 52nd y,?<3:3 .Co., (Platoon deader)
1 1

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, i'aess Sgt ., 326th T.A. 3atterj r, Supply Sgt. 326 th F,A. Battery Supply Sgt/ 227 th Serv. Battery, P. A. . Mess Sgt. 227 th Serv. Battery, T.A.

69Uth?.A, \u25a0l:.Bn" 6upply Sgt, 22Uth f.A. I, Supply Sgtv. 29tn Div. Cay. Hecon. v
Cooks.,

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x

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2 Cooks, 227th Serv, Battery, 'f,A. 3 JCey TO 1 s9^ Co, -(Salvage Repair) -, 2 Supply ICO* s, sUOth C^i Salvage Repair. Co 1 S-opply Sgt, 110 t P, A, Bn,. ' ' 1 Supply .Sgt, 111t F.A., 3n. ' ' : . 1 -Hess -Hess .Sgt/llOth .F.A.'Bn.
h. h.

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\u25a0~ \u25a0~

'

J]vryone-: .has coaaented yery favorably on the ra.tiqn now "being "being the artillery the majority of the men are at>le to eat' the received. In ' B ration most, of the time. . ' Art,; CO,- Ho 3try; $txy Supply Sgt, SUth DvrJ ..,
\u25a0

.
.
,: : ; ,- '
'

3 -rations" are ,available to everyone except about 10'p vrho are . out v ith the infcintry units on O.f. ls, wiring parties, etc ? These jien.' receive the X ration. |iore baking pov/der can be used when, the xook-s are available -for baking. Usually v/e are in a position inhere baking can be permitted , (S-Usr 227 th F.^.. and lllthF.a.) . \u25a0. ...\ :
2,
r
;

. .

_\u25a0

, ,
,

"

\u25a0

*>

men \are fed a- Toot iaeai when- they come cf? the line regardless of tine, day or night. . , , . '\u25a0'. (Hess Sgt., 326 th J.a. 3try.) 3try.) .

3.

.
'\u25a0'

"
:

,'
.
'

\'
:
, .\u25a0'.[\u25a0\u25a0.

- '

.3,

C iiation

. .

,1.

This unit which is Corps F.A.. unit prefers the C ration to the X... The men operate in groups of Uor 5i each, detachment- having a one-' burner steve on which to heat their rations.
' (Kess Sgt.._, 326th. F.A. 3try.) \u25a0\u25a0' V
V : \u25a0\u0084

."

e prefer the C ration to the . X because, the. one-burner available to us, A wp.rm C ration is ' much more filling-,. ' (Supply Sgt.., Sen Tr..^ 29th Div.O ,

2.v

r T.'j

stove

is .

'

:
w

in... ciAssn

:Bs, it it
\u25a0

Clothing A. Clothing

\u25a0 25a0

\u25a0

'\u25a0; -\u25a0'\u25a0'
'
;

.
\u25a0

Boots,. 1.. Boots,. Combat

'

-.-

"[J'j
\u25a0

a.
\u25a0 \u25a0 25a0

Combat boots have..been

'

coming through and, the men are praising them

. .

\u25a0" ,

2-

\u25a0

\u25a0-;.'!

QL

yield

Observation Report

Up.- XIJcont)

The 23 widths .are, very scarce., *M have had no complaints : concerning their leaking, mbrej than the ;.ype, :III'shoe. The tariff -"table c is acceptable, and this, unit 'does not ' onsider sizes- "interchangeable"
highly, (S-U, 227th 7'X.)
"

\u25a0".".

b The combat boot leaks more than the Type IIshoe, especially at the. welt. The too is ,Ijoo. soft and does' not offer the protection of a ' capped shoe* , ,

(S-U -IHthJl^,)
c.

\u0084.

\u25a0

The combat "boot is definitely inferior -to the Type .ll shoe. absorbs v/ater. more readily, and dubbing only serves to make it (Lt. and Supply Sgt,, 2cn Tr.* 29th Div.)

It

colder.

d llany. officers 'are not buying the combat boots because they leak: and are cold despite dubbing, Furthermore /-the soft toe has; a' tendency to "crumple" after wear,* offering no protection to tlie'toe. In at tare observed, the toe of the boot has least three instances which I th,e sole, The demand for paratroop boots is strong, and come apart from is increasing because front-line officers have observed a few new pairs worn .by -officers in"rear installations.
{OJC,.'.5B2nCc&; Sales Co f> Sales 'Sifore)

>

.2,

. OyeTshoeg
\u0084

a. 'Host- of our men are equipped with this 'item. The- artillery men . standing- around' their guns suffer more from cold feet- than the infantry men who more often are" 'on "the -nove. The^r^i'llery rarely- discard anything because' they can- always throw itefts-' of equipment aboard' a . ' vehicle if the weather -does .'not -warrant wearing them-. /The :|'dpufhfoot" on the other hand puts., his, inclement .weather clothing aside when the weather is r-;ood and -is often unable to find it when he needs it. Over shoes arc not generally vorn in combat because they are heavy on;thc feet. The infantrymen, like to travel as -lightly and as fast as possible Some 'units store overshoes for mc-n in order during an. active operation. thr/fc 'they will have then ay?4l^ble when 'needed,

CS^U,' SHth .Div

Arty,) v

iC

It was observed in many units that the critical items such as over shoes were picked up and, reissued by units -e?cept those that were misnated and unservicee^ie; i+tsaates were received
at : collecting companies and a considerable jiTitl^er v;er"e mated.
./

These units are still--short a few sizes in overshoes, largely 12

and' 13, but the great majority of the' men are. equipped. They wear
them often at gun position^.
Js-U, 111th & 227 th I.*.)

c.
Approximately -90^ of this- unit is equipped with overshoes, .but/^e v are short on size 12., iTo -one- 'is complaining of any trouble with the

d,.

\u25a0

buckles. /'' (Platoon Sgt, Hen 9?r., 29th Div.)

"

'
\u25a0

\u25a0

.3 Trousers^
<r

vlpjdlv

Ipjd1tpD

a. ilost of the trousers- with the- gas flap" -on them are- still.-ooming through this cl-o thing repair trailer "with the scam at ..the .-lover portion of the fly veering off into space instead of following, the regular sefiA, '.'dn-^pany -especially after laundering or hard usage. t a hole Appears at the end of 'the ta'ek r The Sriiish v/00l QD trousers which come 'through "this tracer -f-or repair are generally inferior $9 the-.H S, type. They are not made of as strong a material., and as a result oftpn
;f

""

3.". .'*

.:/

rwy*.

/
/

$i Field Observation fieport

require repairs in'J).iaces
trousers..;
'

1T0.;..

TI"#onl

"" : / \u25a0" .\u25a0.. -"- ;; . '. '. '"\u25a0' :"'.-..\u25a0\u25a0'.'-''.\u25a0-(IJCO,' sl+Oth $; Salvage Repair. CoU \u25a0J>- :\u25a0I/hen laundered, ;t#e trousers,', wooV* OB shrink
: '

which rarely, if ever, -wear cut in the U.S\ '\u25a0' .> ' \u25a0\u25a0 ,
" ' '
\u25a0

"'

any

cases the v/aist

(S-U,
>\u25a0

lllth'3..^)
1

it is

hVces'saiy

tb- salvage tJieci;

Jebausd

to excess. ,. and -in;.. . they do riot fit

-'

U.

3uits^

1 and 2 piece

, _The_cargo pocitets in trousers are disliked "because of ; the_ difficulty of getting into""tkeii- and of extract ing itens when 'needed; I .|n this -respect the cargo pockets on E3T jackets, are nore acceptable, ;The itbn itself; is yerjrA/ell liked and stands -up well in greasy work around vehicles, (CO, Ordnance ii^J-i C'o T )

I^2

Our pechGnics prefer the one piece s-q.it over the tyro piece "because the latter twists around their "bodies when tij'ey are sprawled in awkward positions under ana arouni Vehicles. The' men would.,like to wear the H35' over the' VooJ" t)Ds, "but. a- division order prohibits it. ;

>,'

"b.

r
/
/.]
N

(s-u,

c>

wear HBTs over .the wool ODs. This quite popular with the; men "because of the additional warnth, and it: protects their' ODs .from rrease,'
Tpattalion to

iiithpji'j It is SOP* i$ this

'

:^
\u25a0\

(s-i, 227th 14J.

5. Jackets^ Field
"Vrhcn- "6eit are v/orn at least two pockets of the" *r-l9Uj j^acket are rondered .partially -lin^erKtiveV' .\u25a0!. Sw^est that there "be designed an' '.opening ,in the; "back^, similar to that on hunting coat's...* Such a coiipart^ \u25a0jnent. could 'be. used -for' c^W things vdthout "being an int-erference when;-. 'a jnaa flattened to- the ground.' Senorally .v/e think the IShJ jacket is oetter thaii.^the o,ld style "but -cannot compa,re with the con"bat Jacket. (SrU, 22? th JX')
a.,

;
\u25a0

I)..;. There is/ a"bsoiutely .no denand for the old type, field, jacket '.which is; the only type .we are a"ble to daW.-. Consequently, this stock is .\u25a0being carried, around at *considera"ble effort and. te no effect. The cOEibat Jacket is very' definitely preferred over . the ii-19U3
\u25a0

\u25a0/ (OIC sS2n.cL;^-i Co.

;

Store)

..

any. type jacket' that has a loose slcirt "because it cl|.aHng i a^d out of tank turrets. Combat trousers n vint.erferos .vrhen ''are. preferred "because they cone up over the jacket, streamlining %he

\u25a0cX

17 e object

'to

';
/ \u25a0

waist

(it.., Sen Sq)

".

t/

d., A few of /the mcii: in this 'unit are lining their 'li-1%3. field jackets .with anything.- they are i'a"ble to pick vpv This includes sheepskin., ra"b"bit fur, salvaged "blankets, etc., and is very satisfactory " ( Supply Sgt , Jtcn Tr , 29th. Div )
>

'6.
i

Goaty

field, Officers
}\u25a0\u25a0

a,-. Officers, praise.. the'. field.;coat ve.ry .highly., Jf-.a -similar garment -were issued to enits-ted-men, itiWbul'd; be possible/ -to do' avfay, .with the/ overcoat and raincoat , ,' lt. v ffll^itJoe jfe*tdesigned' somewhat, permitting the
.

.\u25a0

r*U-p

>\u25a0'\u25a0

~-s

Q^'i Pield, .OlDservation Bep*r^ j;To,*^l Acont)

front to "button "back b.

. *

.\

for. easier walking. (S~U SUth Dxy, Arty, and CO Hqs. BtryJ

The' officers field coat should be' substituted for the- unlisted ma^s and overpoat,. It is, however, too full and cumbersome fr action, and should be shorter ir designed *so that it could be either "buttoned or folded to the length of a inackinaw. The enlisted man 1 s overcoat is very heavy and cumbersome. Tt is only used when the men are standing around or as a cover when sleeping, / <S-H, 111th F,a,) : * , c Sales are excellent in the officers field coat, and all comments are favorable... Two types, ho we-vrer, are now being received. The newer type has no hood and is lighter in \*eight , darker in color, and is not thouf^ht to be- as. ??ood a coat as the original type The type -with the hood had the following markings* \u25a0; lifg. Code ITo. 6U9 .
raincoat,
>

;"
"

\u25a0

\u25a0*\u25a0
'

Dated' tfan.. 2S, -pii. "POP p ;

19U3

\u25a0

\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0;\u25a0,

."
rhe

'

?hil, v^li Depot Patent Ho f M 210f6

iifg. Code Ho , 63U3

aM 219506U
'

t^ioe without the hood had the x

following markings:

'\u25a0\u25a0"\u25a0':
'
-\u25a0

\u25a0.-\u25a0>

\u0084

\u25a0'\u25a0'".

Phil.

v#*C/Tent'' Specification PQpL^o. 3iii^a '\u25a0-. '

Q^i Depot

Jan/ X2,

i9Wx

'

.
>_

\'

J.

Kjfflers

A stock of I-5Q v/as s.old in the past \two days. They were the short TSn'glrsh type-, but the regular issue type .is 'much 'preferred. They axe ' ' ' . . . .' in heavy demand. i\u25a0 \u25a0

a,

('OXO 582nd Q^i Go, Sales Store)

..

b.

The muffler is a very necessary item in this outfit. Many are ijsprovised, the men using, salvaged blankets and even bright cblored civilian scarfs which they are ab^e t pick up (it Ben Tr 29th Div )

\u25a0

S.

Sweaters

a. Sweaters are a very vrelcome item, llost af the men-wea,r them under the OD shirt be.caus.e .the sweater cannot be worn as an oute^ garment of the uniform, "his practice* may increase shirt size but has not yet
,
appeared as a factor." ..

(-U, SUth

Div, /Arty.)

9. G-loves,

Qp, with, leather palm

The n>en are well., satisfied' with this glove When' it is cold "enough, a, sometiEies use it inside the leather work glove 'ammunition handler
\u25a0

a.v

(69Uth, UOth arid lUthF^u)

b,' Ye like this glove, but wbnd/er if it wauld be praGt lead. to .'.'design a light wool insert-to- a leather shell glove,

(Ren ?r. 29th Div;)

/

f,

ft

"'

"
I'
-H

QJ'i Field Observation Keport Ho. 11 (coat):

10.

Raincoats
\u25a0

/\u25a0

a.' he few -nen who are able to procure the "coverall"' type impermeable suit wear it; The' raincoat is hot long enough and also leaks .con siderably, - especially "fefter rough usage, (Lt/Hcn Tr, 39th Div..)
\u25a0

b. The raincoat is a very.jJo or seller ."because most officers. prefer the ' ; / .' i<*M coat. \u0 84'-\u25a0'\u25a0 . (OJC 582nd 'y-i Co. .Sale's 'Store)
'

c,

"You get as wet, with one on' as you do 'without it," (Asst. S~iu 227th F.A.) '. :
'
\u25a0

\u0084.

d-,,. They leak, sweat, and are too short, "but some df pieces of salvaged raincoat s for length.
\u25a0

.our men have added

(S-U, 227 th J. A.)

c,

of men -v;on !t even put them on in the rain." (l Supply Sgt,, Uoth?.A.)

"i. lot

f,

. "li;e only lousy piece of equipment T.&,) (3' vSgfs; ,

Supply
lllth

the

government

issues."

'

se'rved that most >men had this vrors.e than a poor one.
11

g."\ In spite 'of the many criticisms received on raincoats, it was oTditem, probably "because none at' all is

\r.

Underwear
\

It a. A preference is evident for the British.type v/oolen underwear. rough and, heavj?" as the U.S. typef nor dees it shrink as. much.
is not aa The U., *type always shrinks 'up high on the legs. :
(DIG sS2jnd w Co. Sales Store)
12.
Caps, -Vooi, Knit

a. During the winter i* vehicles a heavier -type covering is needed 1 for the face. It should be some^'/ha't on the style of the Jted. Cross knitted hood, leaving only, a large slit for the- eyes. Some drivers . possess this item and use" i.t extensively. . (S-k, S^th Siv. Arty; CO, Hq 3.try n U key ITCOs)

b. Some men have carefully removed the visor and inserted a piece oif cloth t?.pe or string in the hem around the edge. This permits them to tie the tape, ' under ' the -chin thereby drawing the cap further down
over the ears. 3
*

.., .

ladividmt-. aquitaaent
1
3ags r guffel

There are enough about, liovrever, ba^s that : 3 or U* men use one to store 'their extra clothing. ctiite so. "satisfied that all are not! equipped with! this .item .as 'they 'would onl?* 'collect "junlt" in them, adding to the strain on transportation. (S-U, "227th F,A>r Lt-. icn Tr; 2S.th!l)ivJ
$\u0084: All the men do not have :duf el
.\u25a0

b._ ..Only a few men have this item, but those' who lack them use boxes they manage-to procure* '- Cons;eouentlyr- when the battalion moves, it is necessary >to .throw aAvay many of. these containers' to. make room for * organisational equipment; ' . (Sr*U lllthF.A.r Lt;Ecn Tr, 29th Div.)
\u25a0\u25a0

\u25a0

*;1
fc

\u25a0

4i
,

ts B

-. fr-Mafe,^, r, 1,,'

'
\u25a0

(,

\u25a0

in

-.

?-T

'

V,j,

t\

QJtl Field Observation

lUportjP|HiSP*t}}

UliuLno 01nIU
.

2. Cover., hu^le* Sifle or Carbine

a," This' item iV'being used

."by those who ate' fortunate enough -to have one, and it is continually being improvised, " &+th Div. Arty.)

i'Sbh>

\u25a0

b. "Jhile observing, infantrymen coning out of the line, it was noted that U had ration boxW covering the Littles of their weapons, 1'had a mechanical prophylactic, 3'^ad civilian -type gloves, 1 had an empty Camel' cigarette "package, and 2 had the regular issue nuzzle cover.,.
\

The weapon, cover is 'not a goqd idea, because it would very, probably lead' to nen not cleaning -their weapons as often as they should. IHzrtheraore , artillerymen usually have an opportunity to shelter their - . pieces,. ' c#
%

L%\>. lilt3a T^)

x (Mi.,- 227 th xl.^.')1.^.')

d, The artillery use their Tifles very "infrequently, land therefore, s 6me type of weapon cover is necessary.

3 Kess G-ear
a. n r c question the end which would be acconplished by the substitution cf trr-ys for ness gear. There would be a big problem to -keep .then for.' furthermore, if..aji o-rghnization desires, properly washed 'and for tactical or other reasons, to control the issue of ness' gear and send it up with hot food, it can" do so vrith mess kits as well as frays', (S-U, SUth'Div. Arty.; CO; Hq. 3try Arty.r Sn Surgeon)

..

x.
i

in'.a nan's pocket t and" "shQ.ul.d- close -in an ensemble

G-erman. item, "(S-U, 111th P.a. 3n.)

b. The substitution of 'trays for- mess gear might be satisfactory. The knife, -fork and spoon, however, should be cut down in size to fit
similar to the

it

c; .-Tiie- present mess v'ge?s,r ' .I fine and we see no:.'. reason for changing" to V' - '\u25a0 y \u25a0' 'r Vti?ays, ; '\u25a0'/\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0.
\u25a0

(S-^, 111th F.ii. 3n.) :

tf. Pickmattoe!
\u25a0

ta.
"

Except fr those picjitfi which Gan be r6-*haniled and painted with whatever parts come in ttJbJi salvace piles, this item is evacuated. directly out of the arajf sr.ea, It is not repaired br the salvage repair coicTpanies. If K&u&titf we're available for this item as well as shovels,' intrenching -ih work of repair could be clone at the: . for collecting company, *thus facilitating immediate return -to Clas's\+l..-'iB> ' \ v , IV depot s, Collecting) (231st Qa* Co., .Salvage
1

\u25a0

5,

Tent, SheXterhalf
thgy are

'a; Unless shelteri;alves are vwiished. before

"oiher' Work on this item is -limited, Salvage Eepair Co,) . (Lt, .sUOth
b.

particles"

repaired,

get- into' the sewing, machine parts and cause traubleV Qn the hand, washing removes th Wf ten repellent ' 3for- this reason repair

the #irt

..

. .....'

the tactical'" situation permits, tents are pitched; but ih the^ Sent s are used nainty majority of cases it. best. to live underground, is coysx. foxholes or a:s a wrap, to line or '

(S-U,

227 th &-ll%k'-f'.Y.'*~~
flf JB~ n'^S

r i

- flS
,

'

flf '|B
\u0084

~^h

ll^vk
\u25a0

'WfUpKVsrff

SM^F^"""

\u25a0

p TT!^

'^ T
ip

lifv-i *-^*mSI 'y Qj&'Fieid ObservafflinP JraJWfetT/fe ." IT (cont)

:"

n*-^*mSln

6., .Sjagval, Intrenching ' '\u25a0\u25a0' , .

-.;

"

if.

..' i.

i.

l.\u25a0 ,

a r !C'his item is evacuated- 07' collecting" companies', out "of tJae :army^area and 210 repair is .made../ .lev/ handles could "be fitted if they were available. (sUOth 9^ Salvage' Hep4tix ; C0,.- \u25a0; \u25a0. '.'/'
\u25a0
\u25a0

"

b^ This item is rarely used except "by men, at. tie 0 r s who ar&- with the infantry. She .Ho ,' 2- shotel and picks which are. rea4iiy available are
(

always, used to digi^n^- iiany of these couj^d easily he dispensed v/ith.

One firing "battery has turned them all in "because their experience is :
tibtat the, i'tea is not used and has "been discarded in the past..

\u25a0

>'

7r
\

Suspenders
\

; an artlllferyiiian disckrds, They dp not-us:e This is thevfirst them Vith the field- Jiag because it" is almost always aboard a Vehicle
and. is rarely car4Pied^' except / p6ssil3ly at inspection's/
(%Ai, SUth Divy Arty,.; 00,, Hq. 3tr^, and U HCO^s)

a.

h,
1

Joany nen have given their suspenders up to infa,ntrymen' who ,ask%d gave them for them. T-'hen an infant rynah offered to buy my suspenders I ' ' ' to-.'hin, \u25a0". V .\u25a0\u25a0 ':'\u25a0'\u25a0' (CO, C'3t : Corps Arty Unit) iy,
\u25a0 \u25a0

\u25a0

once formally c- This item is never used, but- the C'G- of this divisipn : o.r^qr'ed that the item be \^rorn because so^ many individuals' were discp.rding' it.."'Battalion .QO'mtia.nders- requested, however, that the order be rescinded, and, at \u25a0present the 111th ?^., has ttan in unit storage "just in case**:' The 227th does not. feel that 'the item is necessarj^, so no action is ] , . being trie on -to replenish requirements up to t/s, ..-..\u25a0. ' \u25a0\u25a0;.'" "\u25a0\u25a0'\u25a0\u25a0 Lt.,Hcn^r. 29th piv.) (S^U^. 111t h'& 827th ? .A,}
5
v

\u25a0\u25a0

\u25a0

\u25a0

...

<

'* C

Organl zat.iQnai Squipmeht

\u25a0X;. aangW Field,

iv-1937
1

do a. The field range is -.ail right without the ney/ ty^e generator , I' .. , is vrise" to reconvert because- tlie entire range
v;ould nqt not tainlr it receive the daily servicing and cleaning' which is required with the' old.
rrenorator, and- which attention keeps it in ocL worising order. 3.emember also that it is sinTplcr to supply filters- tl^an hew generators, (s^uv 227 th ?.^J

2. St6vQsy'Cox)kin, 1 Burner
a. The out fit,.'cooking, 2 burner would be more practical for artillery units,\bc cause TO .and liaison parties use them. It would definitely "s^-eed up tl>c feeding of these aori. (Asst. S^Us, 22Uth, 110th and ,lllth

'F.aVJ

I recommend that the basis of issues sue be, one per Vehicle :rather . tlmr. one per twelve mcrlv' because the normal way to carry or store these ' " "> .." .
stoves is on a vehicle. : 3n,)
,(.S~k,' 227 th I, Ay

b.

3t Cans,-; Uoter.,": 3. Gallon

Vfc have one battery-thai- has made excellent use of. an improvised 3^o gallon water! trkiler.. It is .s.ble to replace many water cans, .but we ,haVe had no trouble with the cans in use.- "' \u25a0'.\u25a0'\u25a0':\u25a0 ; '.. ',' \u25a0'-.'\u25a0 CS-U, 227th F.A.)
ay
1

'(.

"

'

- '"B^'
\u25a0

Skil' *,&k-Ak.>s-Lv,rSi..

..i

f V> v,

\u25a0

'

JL

"

i-f

\u25a0%""

/,.

>

Q^^ield
"b.

Observation Heport'l'o. 11 (doat)

w
*
*,

Shis unit is not' enthusiastic about the water- trailer idea.- -In the. 'first place it 'is often neces-s&ry to- split- the water 'up.,, and furthermore, if a trailer is hit the majority of the watdr/supply is lost, Me have : *\u25a0\u25a0-. experienced no* trouble with the present cany
l

\u25a0

*z,'

,1

"

*H* OontaAneiis, 'Rounds

ThjLs ,item is rarely, used, because almost all men are' fed at a chow
line, Even if guns are being manned in action, half a crew comes in
f.or ,tlieir_iaeal and then relieves the other group.
(S-.Us\ lSlth and- a2Jth 3\a.)

a;

%
a : ', k

'

Kits

Our two company "bar^ersV wh \u25a0freld the '^ame job in civilian life* declare that this icit Is very sat is fact or/, except -that .- some provision should be made to; sharper^ the clippers, (CO./Ord'imK Co T )

B.
a.

Stoves,

'Tent;

There were more "foreign11 stoves observed to be in use by- American ? troops than the L ,S, type. JTo specific comments on the M-19U1 were
guess-, -but so 'is this", and the
.obtainable other 'than "it v;as Oli~ I point to anything from a tiny French type, stove about 'commentator would 2 ft.'high and 10 inches^ in diameter" to van -ornate, gilded "parlor *\u25a0 nodcl.^ith curleques aftd*gingerbread all over i.t. One interesting., improvisation of an oil burning stove, vas observed in* a 'tent. of. the,can of fuel" tilused >3rd Laundry Co. at Oulpcn, Holland. by an adjustable valve' to a small French by the laundry machines fed oil type stove where the .fuel just 'dropped slovly_ and burned, without much odor, and plenty of heat. The can of fuel lasted 12 hours, ; (Sec .diagram)
1

i! 3tov

fuel

7.. Lar-t cm s t Oasol ine

$o lanterns arc authfrifced, but arc badly needed each firing flashlights arc Hot^ very satisfactory, but they Candles and ' ' " '' are "the 'only 'thin- available. \u25a0.
a,

(S~Us,

,111th ,and

F.a. Bn^)
'

.'

a.. Vcr;^ little"tcntage Is be'inr; used -in the forward sections ;of -this area. Troops are all lodged in cellars and buildings..

-\u25a0St . 252^25M511,.
a., .."The aqn, are.us^ri f this^tem -; good aJclvantagO-. "''-JTo bu#trpT&

in;the

(En... Burgeon;,, -gith J5-v:; .; a*-^) '\u25a0

buildinj^ in which they live to .-.. '. -*.\

r
"i
(

..

- ;-\u25a0; _\u25a0 .-..~..,^.

\u25a0;

/.

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,I*y

lII4#

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<$* .Field Observatioii Eeporf

Jo^^;|^||;p?|
\

."\u25a0''

10. Case Canvas,

'

Dispr.tch

oc\, This li Is rarely used , ana can, easily "be done away with The er "is.^-tr^sp^ch^'aap-'^ss-ei- (about l2" l*) is a very nuch inline .,';.' -" \u25a0\u25a0-\u25a0\u25a0"'":"\u25a0\u25a0.'\u25a0] '-\u25a0-\u25a0*: : ': :' r; ".\u25a0'"' :.*\u25a0 \u25a0\u25a0-.\u25a0.\u25a0;:, \u25a0\u25a0\u25a0.:/-\u25a0 \u25a0;\u25a0 used itcn* : \u25a0: (S-^ f Ulth and^ 22Jth' T*&.) _

a^

\u25a0

\u25a0

11. Bread Boxes

a. This it:GXi would Vcrv pro'ba^ly Vc'inisuscd in spit;e of ail. exist in^ ins truot ions.. Jurthoriaorc, the present paper "bag (either the captured G-ern&n type -or .arierican) is sorv ing very satisfactorily.
y

' "b^ s ,!J!his it'en ig not ttec.es sarj1 as the present paper '"bags -are serving well,. -' ': (s4;s^ lllt>i .and.22fth-?:^;)^ \u25a0, .' .-;" . : '\u25a0\u25a0..\' : *:- :
'
\u25a0

\u25a0

,\u25a0

\u25a0

\2:
\u25a0?

P.ouph t ,Hisaaft

fienairis ,

Burial

Type
.f

Relatively fc^ "bodies hr.ye ever re(fuired,.sopp- type of pouch for \u25a0burial and in these cases nattrcss covers were
used, Xt night "be a good idea" if a United nuriTser^ of such, an iten'rVe available at Corps or
eouivalqnt unit ceneterics for use 'bjr.difisions.- ;

(Birth Div,.' G-E Offijcer)

13
(qK,
'
\u25a0

. -D^ine;.,
\u25a0\u25a0'
.\u25a0

Cabinet s "because
'

a; : Such equipnent is not necessary -''''''\u25a0'\u25a0 :' nade.

:
\u25a0

improvisations *
''
\u25a0

\u25a0'

can -always "be "'

\u25a0

'.

:\u25a0

\u25a0

'

. /

\u25a0'\u25a0

"

\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0

'\u25a0'. -\u25a0

''

\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0'\u25a0: '.\u25a0'
\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0

;
\u25a0

'""

: rQ<juisitipned and 4.. appendix *? is a* tabulation 'of artillery units of the -^th Div. during tv four field ; months! period June-S ept caber i 914.11.. figures- li'kc .the.s e-,are- difficult , to o'otain frQq' co)uDa;t units- "because xti, soiio cases: cbaple'tQ -records are ; . ; "\u25a0\u25a0 ;. nbt/availaole, wv is thprc tine *pb asiemt)le thepi.'^ received; "by the
;
v

\u25a0

It- is to -'DC ndte^ that in field artillery, units as--uistin^aished fron sonc infantry units, the rien \u25a0;re-- issued their ..full coTaplei;rcnt"'of clothing; an^ "equipment. Generally speaking, it is acknowledged that the proliiep^^ of fie-ld- artillery in this respect are i^inor/ conpr.red with infantry Decause the artillery ,&esn*t have to lug stuff.

B,"

,\

>

) , C;. 'Arrangpraents have "b^cn ade "both in the 2-9th D'iv. and SIZ r : Corps' to prdcurc rlore cor^ple^e data"v;hich it is planned "-to- present in the ncs:t report. -It is. .hoped th--t con,sujiipt ion figures fo> 6 nonths v:iir Dp availalDle for the" 29th Div. and also the XIX Corps, .
"
\u25a0

>

V, ..^SC?iT..tiAKEOt3B-

A?:.'
1,

yuniigfitibn^and Bath; Conpan^

1

f^r the past 5 months and conpan|r. has,- never op.ereted.^t.Ogpther to be ftohsdlidated for" the 'first- tine since, landing, at Kolscheido, G-prnany, in a civilian coal .nine where they are operating the showers and bathing facilities of a privately owned coal nine. Tlsiis v/orks out' very well indeed because the; organi'zatiotial'' -cquiprient is not being used*' and it'5,s r a ve'ry.riuch; pot 6 ?,ttractive- proposiHon jE'-or iien" 't>/take- a "oath in a ~ ' ' wart; \u25a0'buirding rather th?-n_ a -cbM', w&t mm, *t -Taudd^- : ent. -: She^fe- &-s ,an ;uxJ : stairs section of this :bat liiioupc whrere officers-' 'anel: nurses' featf' al'so -tp!!id baths in private roons, without the necessity of arranging schedules for

This

happens

.*<

j ./,

& &

c-<

Qp Field

ion Eep'o'rt Observation Bep"ort^HO|4bF\"^W

'

separate sexes,. This service is open to G-I personnel fro'n 1500 at which tine the facilities are used by the miners
\u2666

0900 to

five nonthsof operation,, this unit offered only showers to recently eossience&to e;ochange clothing. Very'little bug troops, but ' trouble was reported. The cbnpany conaandea* ftatcd that the furjig.it ion chambers were never Used until the latter part of October. Eecently they are- being used for blankets -and .the, clothing of ncn suspected to be lousy. Only trousers and shirts, wool, OP, are available for exchange., and Us ooo of each are authorized to be stocked. Eo stock of underwear or. socks was authorised to be maintained., but about 1,500 suits- of wool and 1,200 suits of cotton underwear have been 11accumulated" principally from pen who have cone to take baths with ,a 'clean pair of underwear and -leave dirty itens behind rather than go to the trouble of getting then washed, host nen who .patronized this shower point were conbat nch" and cane in wool ODs.. Very few HBTs were received here-.
2,

'/In- about

Dirty clothing is laundered and rcturncd^to shovqr point for resizing and classification. H was pointed out that almost half, of the smaller and ncdiun siaes of shirts and- trousers "lost a size or two" rduring the laundering process and nany had txD be salvaged for this reason. In one day, out of about 200 ,trousers and 200 shirts, wool, OD; which cane back the laundry, alnost half of each apount went to the salvage piles because they were too snail in size to be issued, together with-" the fact that, sweaters are being v.cm under shirks now, it is expected that many norc shirts willbe salvaged because the denarid for larger sizes nay inoroas.e. ,

3.

iron

" She capacity of this shower point is about 1500 pfer day, TSo one is chased out at any specified tir-e, so nany of the boys really "soak themselves". , During thp past three weeks,, about 3^,000 nen showered here. Of this nuiaber over 500 were suspecied of being lousy, but only ' " ''' such.' 200 actually turned 'up .

\u25a0

>

' Because of the fact that pany nen frQn "rear area" units _ took* -r' thereby advantage- of the situation and showered twice a week or so' -and received a, clean change of ODs instead of laundering their own, no individuals nor groups are permitted to exchange clothing without Since the inauguration written authorization *of their unit connanders. plan /a nore balanced stock has been tiaintained, 0% this

5,

"

6, This unit- is conposed* of nsgrbcs, but the actual issue of clean clothing to troops is-iaa&e iy white personnel fr'oc another unit. IThc reason given for this waS\ to avoid trouble when, a conbat soldier attempted '\u25a0'* to draw clothing ajftfy a d^Jficulty over slzq and availability arose. * |fyoo\thc line felt offended if-he douldn'V Fot exanplc, a nan " drr.w a proper size p^r of troUsers v/hcri the colored boy behind the counter sported agpai? just the right v/aist and 'length.

t^^sh

was concerned, .it was stated that this unit (2U head 'type SO-8). was satisfactory. However, because of 'the fact that v.cry little funigating Vas~ done, 12 or 15 hours of continuous showering; per day" this past suiraer and fall placed an except icnally hersvy -load- on the unit.. ~Xt was revealed that the fuel tanks which %tc lo.cat.ed- oycr'ea-eh wheel- of the trailer tended' to crack and split at t&e seaos because .of the twists and bumps received going ovcr^rough roads Splits- were welded three or four twines, oil lines, due tp constant vibration, split . and cracked. It was , suggested that the flexible -hose type be- substiiuWcL,-. She .trailer hitch which is at present, a soni cir,cular bar doesn't xirnit a wide turning radius for the towing .vehicle and the -ring, .has been broken, a few tines and re-welded. The' conventional triangular type would offer a larger turning radjj^'.

7. Insofar. as equipment

rt

n \

w /T=?A *JC

T4

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-*

*
t

( V f*a

If

"CI

Cs4 Pi eld- Observation Heport Ho. 11. (<sgnt)

OSi Ij * iU4*iii&!\u25a0 II
L.
1

g ' During operations in

duck boards tlic tents. At best.,, aftdr considerable 'use ft, the arch, -in which a -shower
unit has Ticon operating .is/realty :ju&dy. In winter it is "quite out" of
>tlic question to invite hen .in a tcrlt for a shower, $hey just- won't be . '
tcnptocl, and the arrant enent of /us life practical-ly all facilities' C-eruany is "bein taken advantage
offered by civilian- r4nos ' Jd; B unit hf\s detached tHrdc sroi^p-s 'of four n'en
each to ef t-hc
tovms where thqre were bathing facilities at nizics* for 'V-ths.; '^hoy 'sSipe^rvisc the operation;* purpose of up, ctvel, "but ,"of course, issue no change of clothing, '-?owvcr,
olean in'all/ .^ccpiiUT "batho'4 is
nany ucn take advantage .of 'o*nly showers ,protadn in this area 'if a aan can occasionally ftet out of the %Vac no to cone 8 or 10 nil to $he rear.
cs.
v

sunnier nontfhs; sotic sort of prefabrication

and rope arrajv-cnent to 'han clothing on is* necessary for

./This nci-'hborlne

M'Ucihs&'t-

I'Liaintainin^'thc
i

./.

**'lent . 6f' X:6x6; vehicle , a sliower unit md- at?cut

overhead and. airailal)i tx?
;' .B.
'

5. The conpanyc.bmand.er/ felt that Shq\^er units should -"be : jpart- of divisions. /^e' alsd claimed-' tj^it if a"d|vision had '
tiqc cou)Ld T?e s.avcd; individuals,;
'

an inMetcnt

tsseiia'-qi-r'dq. ?'&\u25a0%')
<$i Ifiu^dry do;

|tte;; mcH- -transpoftat ion,

and feths 'would be ndre"' readily .:?.r-:
. ,' \ :'. \u25a0..\u25a0''*"'' '*' '\u25a0\u25a0'"
/

thd'c'b^va..
V

'

;'\u25a0

: '

"be' the- platjooni that the- "basic unit should : 1.. Ihis officer they have never" "been td^etiier afe 'a cbi|!fany x>n the and aoainistraiipn. has">een a serious 'pro'ble^, wasting riuch -t|i^6V :)'p\. " ; y oss in-'e^i'c'l'o-rLcy;; ! .If the transport at iofi," and^correspondcaoe, with a .l Platoon, were tfce.^^ "basic unit it could nore easily and closely follotf. d dlvision and .easily, service it plus any separate troops in the vicinitXi,
/ as well' as' a^niisio-ration-
.itself or-'lJc atta^d'to a dlivisibn'

Sincfi'iandisfe.'
v

Relieved

Adiiiiais^^r

"frfc

X Oiily veryv f.cw indlvidT^l.TJwdlcs.--VQ^c._dtsne';'ar^/t^^

C onpeiny bundle s for unit s was thcrino s t co'nwbiv' pr'act .ic c > &nd
officers
;

o.f course bulk wor]^ for salvage and repair unit s. t

.3, .Laun<iry gaskets had never. been 'receiyed^by^t'hi^uniti;. ?'Shc- 6otv^tny

' : operated with' four pail baskets bo trowed frou '& local *^0..'\u25a0? KovJevG^,-;;
..ihey'.naa^fecd witJiout. then by usin?<f blankets and :shcl.i'erhalved: ;rto -trafls* " '' v .. ? '-'' ;' , :< ; port work,,'.' . * '.*'.'.*'..' \u25a0.'\u25a0\u25a0. \u25a0;\u25a0.: '' \u25a0';' \u25a0\u25a0".' .
k
\u25a0

'

*..

\u25a0

't.

It wasfurtHcr reported that :abo^t 5 shower heads in*'easily '"be ; :int erfer^ng itfii^v-'tlie \ l t ' added to, a laundry trailer ' for "'Jis"* '"\u25a0 r J, ' * \u26 \u25a0*\u25a0\u25a0' l/aun^cring 'process., '\u25a0"' \u25a0.\u25a0 v -" , '. "\u25a0 4. !
\u25a0

\u0084.

...

"^a

'

\u25a0

feasibility of rp~,in|)rc^ne.tin^ field jackets, trousers, shelterhalY.es,, efc. With water repellent by the laundrS r unit was deenpd
..j)ossiblcri but bblieved %% interfere v/ith the production of hashing ; It vms ,sugeostp^.' that' ChenicaT Warfare Service be -contacted wit*h a view
;\u25a0 .toward dd^raining th^^^ilability of the facilities designed to ' '
re-iiTpregnaVe gals -prob.f' clothing,' ,''>' \u25a0'\u25a0;\u25a0 . '. ". ' '

5. The

;:

wouid

>

(G0 f vl}.63r4 VvSLaun&ry' Q"o,.) .V.'

,";\u25a0?. \u2.5a0,

. :' _ Officers? , . _. .... ... .Clothing. Sale's Spore ..

\u25a0

.... t' *:'

i

\u25a0

\u25a0

'

.'
/

."^

\u0084

\u0 84\u25a0

_\u0084.

\u25a0

}\u25a0\u25a0.

. .1.. I.he s^Ad,* /S^i'eV '..snlc's^.stQra'M'^^orf;, Piv.. ,. v;as; .y..ls.'ft e^J,

'
;t

G-crmany,' oh^l'-Decei&eV,' 'ppirferily ;for the 2ssh Of:ficer-n^ohare vcr^ -frankly : rtdel .that' "he -sta fcIV that "tlie- first' priority;'t6 sVotks should %e tmdfe "kvallabiD t0
';
no.bile stores .for \s.aie. to, ,frpnt-line officers:. >.. .J
;
<**-><

Cb\^

...

1p^

\u25a0

\u25a0'*

\u25a0\u25a0*

B^*"'itt X\u25a0\u25a0

~S

'jfl liX

.!& :^|^^
/

3U. *v-v .'*.lc.S*aL*<ik*&A*^>.

i, A

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J

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*
\u25a0\u0084

w
13

\u0 84*\u25a0

\u25a0

: *

n Pflfl IB w^^^^^^ilh

\u25a0(

This store serves aVout 200 officers per day ahd stays with each cLivision about two dnys^ When qijcstiqned- regarding the efficiency of the s^les store systen. tills officer no^bllc sales stores nadc , e-vaila'blc. itens norc' (jalckiy to the- officers needine^ then than a regular supply channels sys};er r;of, roqutsitiontng a^d xcGQivin;;ttons- viaofficers on the line ; ttca$ r .the go -felt th-it-in the case^oj'critifCal would never get -.their retjuSrcccnt s "bbpstu^ :each higher' echelon would, ' ' ' ' * ' v. . , fake theirs first,.
2.

fcit^tMt
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14

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S

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9 'SUF Saw
).

*D EQUIPHSin? r^f ;^js||J) 29th DIVISION (Jufte^^iPrfl^UU Inclusive)

i

I&BLE SHOWING- CLOTHII& \u25a0!

~
'

vnm
Drawers, Cotton Jackets, Field '
\u25a0n
""

Miowz
' '

VMM
Drawers, Wool Jacket, BT IFrousc'rs,. HBT Undershirts* Cotton Laces, leggings . Leggings Shoes* service Ca^s, wool knit G-loVe s ,.'w0.01 ,, QJ> GlQves, leather unlincd Socks wool , light
s

movm
XJS9
goo

1k,66Q
1,100

Balncoats Gloves
i

Trousers, tfooi Undershirts, Vool Laces* shoes

Shirts,' Wool

3,250
1j.,200

1,000

Belt*wcT3
heavy

leather

Olqvcs, leather lined

..
-.

l.9v75 1.X75 1O9S ' 2U? 35 ;

Ifctfty
2,11$ l$W

3*300>
V:

\ .

1,221f

Handkerchiefs
Bag, "barrcick Belt,, Cartridge
'

Bolt, Pistol

,' Can', neat Cover, canteen > Pork, aoss kit Helnets, steel 13? Uner, hcl::ct ,392 Pocket, ilagazine f car "bine J&s Pole, tent, shcltcrhalf ,' 2*5U3

29 6,lpj-5 . 26 JU 212 1,173 ' 5U3 9b2

*U56
20 5,2*2

9^

Sag,;. -.field Bclty i+agazine;, BAE

210*

Blankets, U.S.
v

Cante,en'

Hoad"band-
Knife, ndss |Teckband&

Cv&i

Canteen,

kit
;

1,26
piistol

531

Pocket
Spoon

, tiaga2sine,,

Rope, tent, shcltcrhalf sG"ap,' carrying, S3 Chain, Identification

Novels, "bath

133 2$

Pouchi First-aid
Susp coders ' Towels, huck ;Axe^ handle , S3,U^Vb
1

.te.;. 137

27?

a
>

%Z
oG

::

12$

ZJI
10; U5

Axe, Intrenching

w/lxan^le

3^, carrvinc;, rocket .Bucket, canvas, IS Q.t.

Can , co rr , nne t ., 2H-^'^l w./ cover

Can, water,

. .

99

Bucket, CP, iU.'qt-.. Cah| corr , nest \u2666/ 10-gal

3~ag, water

sterilizing

. v//

cover

136 % m
1' 2

_y

3H

Can, corr., nest.,

Carrier, axo,

5 b^l I 226 picknati/ock, int, - 50 Carr-ieri 20 Cp-C| c?,nvas_, dispatcb ; i Desk, field, 'Gonpany. I*lagv Geneva, conference . J
\u25a0

w/cover

32-al

Funnel, tin, truncated ' Gogsl es red lens : Heater, iqnersion " , Kit, "barker iantcrn, electric ,' '/\u25a0\u25a0 . Lock t.,pad^

20 ;lp
Ij:

_ Mattock", pick,
,

3 16,
1

Carrier, shovel, intrench, Q,ntainGr,rd,insul.wy inserts Desk, field, _hqs. Ply, lar^c, wall, cpt Go^los, clear lens Eatcl-Qt, claw _ Iron, electric^ hand ,^ sewing Xit Lantern, kerosene
\u25a0

intrench.

5 95

5 23U '33
1 2

85 U

type

Out fit ' co okinf 1\u25a0\u25a0. "burner, 106 1 Paulin , large , \^%W jick2;iattock, intrenqhins 37 i Screen, latrine, cpt, , Shovel-, intrenching , 82 'Stone I....sharpeninli gocj^t^ .11

'II

66

iiachcttc

\u25a0.;';. ;.\u25a0.".! * 2 Typ;ewyi , rtr r w/cas c: t dr ;p,o 3'ras.sarc?, t .?*rri, s&- s 15 "\u25a0'^ Hitibons , asbestos .
'

lleni;,' Pyrauidal

cpt ,;

'

\u25a0

"- ITuTdc, flexible, -nozzle ' 'Whistle, thunder er : '\u25a0' ' \u25a0\u25a0\u25a0G-lovcs,"* protective' & icipcrneablc
\u25a0

Paul-in, snail, l^xl7T *'* '" ' , *. *,\u25a0 Pick, sa , crosscut"", 6 , biaa -'.'. ,.i::ah; Saw, Saw cro sscut"", i2. Shovel, D^handlo Shovel, long-handle ont cosiiand post r cpt " '

Opener, can, mechanical

.'

10

117

k
7

"t$
U
12 1

219

65

3661 kit, carpenter

51 3

8
2
i
\u25a0.-*

Suity 1-^pc, .i^pernealile-1^

>; \

M a^ f *S XK

HHi B I
1

\u25a0j.

!'&?*'& -^:<:.;:\u25a0 :f

*
OOIMETIAaIIOHS EUROPE DHji&R O O^ifcaTlOHS
Office of the Chief Quartermaster
iJ?O BS7

2sls

Quartermaster Field Observation

11.

Report Ko 10
S,

Equipment

give The purpose of this Field Observation Report is to proper dissemination of information collected in this Theater regarding Quartermaster equipment, supply, activities, and installations. Contained in this report are experiences of -oersonnel of all ranks and positions in the use of Quartermaster equipment. Opinions, suggestions, and recommendations published Office. herein do not necessarily have the concurrence of this This communication is forwarded as information OITLY.
I,

&3JTm&

Report A. Period of Time Covered fry This

B. Sector Prom Which

Report

Emanated
\u25a0

-5

to 1U Dec. 19UU,

Army

I'inth U.- S.

Temperature C, Existing Weather Conditions and ,5.0 3? , Occasional light precipitation,

ranged "between UO .

Ltter

determined There was D Uature of I'iUtary Operations our forces along the entire resistance "by the enemy U repeated attacks dislodged from the area west of Roer River. Although the enemy had freen side, and had good observation the river, he was dug in on
the opposite fire, She men fought m the open
points from which to direct artillery rear for-fraths, plain, frat were withdrawn occasionally to villages to the Very little counter-at.ac* chow, clean
clothes and a short rest. artillery did lay U on
ing was done fry the enemy with infantry, frutvillage, teny camouflaged concrete after our units captured an area or
extremely pill-boxes,

"immuned"

advance, P to a lot of our fire, were holding u the

E. Units and 1.

individuals Interviewed
4

Supply Personnel
Exec,,

X>iv.

to Qj-i, XIIICorps Q|-i, Supply Officer,

BUth Liv

S~U, Inf, Regt., 29th Piv.

S-U, Inf.- Regt., &|th Div,
S-U, Inf. Bn., SUth Div.
2 S-Us, Inf, 3n., 29th Div Asst. S-i-U, Inf. Regt,, 2Sth Div. CO of Serv. Co., Inf.-Hegt,, 29th Div.
3 Key flCOs., ODQJ4, SUth Div.

7 Mess Sergeants
Cooks i

3 Key JSICOs-, S~U Office, Inf. Regt.

6 KeyJTCOs,
3n. S-U Office, Inf. Bn. 7 Company Supply Sergeants

s
\u25a01,

CO, 231st Q>; Collecting Co. (Salvage) 1 Key KCO, 231st

-1

. " .

"

\u25a0i
\u25a01

Csi Field Observation Jieporf^Bf^iPiM^^P^p y |L Uti

2. Combat Personnel

CO, I'D G-roup, XIX Corps CO, TD 3n. \u25a0" Exec. Officer, Inf. Hegt , 30th Div. Begt ) 1 Surg , Inf Regt , 30th Div Asst. ttec. Officer, Inf. Regt., 30th Div.
Platoon CO, Engineer Platoon
CO', A.?, Co. CO, Inf. Co..
Co.. 3 Lts., Inf.. Co. Co., Ist Sgt., Inf. Co.,
riflemen, ,Inf Co.
Co. 31 rCOs and

. . . .
.'

... ...
.

'

3. Units

. .

.
, ,

.Corps XIII Div SUth Div

Div,. 30th Div,.

Div. 29th Div.

2nd Tank Destroyer G-roup

O"bserration Team Members

Captain John !T. 3ankus, Qj:iC T/Sgt. v/Uour ?. Taylor 3?vt Yernon ".<*. Xieeper

0.

Information, General Interest

1. On 7 December, the CO (Colonel)' of the 2nd Tank Destroyer G-roup located in the vicinity of Kolscheide, Germany, paid the Quartermaster,'ETC, a compliment, stating: "tfe never really 'hurt 1 for anything like clothing or chovr. Considering the size of the job, it's being well done. Keep the gas and ammunition rolling to us."

M S~U of an infantry regiment, 29th Divt , at Alsdorf, Germany , stated that.CJ- supplies had, all in all, arrived unusually well, and in spite of the fact that there is always criticism of rear area troops by forward units, he felt that a good job was being done,
2.

3. MMst, Jlegimental S-U remarked that it was convenient to living in cellars in tows these days and supplement kitchens, and be other facilities with stoves found on the spot, use dishes in lieu of lost mess gear, keep warm with feather quilts aUd blankets found in items were available .in war wrecked buildings, and obtain what houses. .Jt was a good thing not to be 'thrown out in the field" as he expressed it,.under canvas

XI. CIASS I
A. 3 Hat ion 1. This 3n. at present is on a 50>;B ration and types of rations are excellent.
(CO, 705 TD Bn.)
2.

50> 10~irwl ration. Both

ITo hot meals a.re served to front -line troops

of this unit during Too many men and much equipment have been lost in this
operations.

manner. (Inf; 3n. 29th Div,)

~2

Qi. field. Obs ervat ion Xep ort^?oTw^ conlf

H fc isr

Although a division order exists that all men "be fed at least one hot meal per day, the conditions are so "hot" in certain areas that the men won't come but of "foxholes to eat hot chow, as any movement seems to draw fire. However, the regiment has, on occasion, "baked cake, doughnuts, etc. and supplemented operational rations in" this manner "by distributing such pastries with X rations. The demand for condiments, and "baking ingredients such as salt, sugar, baking powder, and lard ...is always greater than the availability. The problem of being able to feed the men a good hot ration when they come out of the' lines was again brought, up. Usually, the movement to the rear was made on short notice and the time involved only a couple or three days. Units save and hoard what they can to prepare for an opportunity to feed a
good meal, M the regimental dump, it was observed that "tailgate" distribution was being made
Class I directly from regimental vehicle to company vehicle.
(Inf. Eegt. SUth Div.)

3.

U. Some type of B ration is fed this regiment whenever possible. Units on operational' rations are usually withdrawn from the line very suddenly for U^ hours or so rest, and all attempts possible are made to give these is made to carry men their first real good meal. Ordinarily an attemptreally outrrdo thembattalion, The
cooks sufficient 3 rations to feed a back, and would like to satisfy
selves to feed the boys who have come the craving for more pies, -cakes, cookies and such pastries, but lard,
flour, and especially baking powder are not available
in the quantities desired.
(Inf. Eegt, 29th Div.)

3. C Eat ion

1. . Some new menus were received

during the, latter part of August and early September, and went over big,.
(CO, 705 TD 3n.)
2.' This ration is used more than the nKn when the position
stabilises,

(S-U. Inf. Hegt. 29th Div.)

C. D Eat ion
1. This ration is used purely as a supplement to C and X rations, but
never as a ration ,
(Qjt'S, SUth Div.; -5-U, Inf.. Eegt,, 29th Div.; S~U, Inf, 3n., 29th Div.;
and- CO, 705 TD 3n.)
D. X Ration

1,

The breakfast meal is far more popular than the other two meals,
During action, this ration is preferred because it is the most con venient to carry on the. person. Usually, four meals aye eaten "by aost
men. The box is used quite extensively for heating coffee when fuel
tablets are not available.
(S-U, Inf, Eegt. 29th Div.')

The IC ration is preferred over the C during combat because of its

convenience. A ratio of. 9Q c/i> K-rations to ltyo C rations is used under
The lemon, powder is be lag used by cooks in baking
"such circumstances. The bouillon powder \u0084in the X ration is sometimes used as a.
pastries.

2.

seasoning
3,

for neat,

\u0084

10-in-l Ration

1,

Thi-s ration is extremely popular,- This unit usually operates split 'flap into platoons, and even, sections , iiany of the field ranees

iH&J kL if t4^ f*y

Qjpi Field Observation Report JJo, 10

fe

skiuua Lj

(cont)

have not been in operation for 3 or k months, and are stored in^Uornandy. The one-burner stoves, supplemented by ranges and stoves -found in "buildings (or tho ether way around) have apparently produced excellent neals fron 10-in-l rations by groups of U-to 12 individuals. These people would rather eat this way, than in a regular chow line. Two neals ration, per* day are usually cooked, the third one consisting of aKor C meal, third or D "bar, and often cany of these individuals do not eat a ITo complaint was expressed as to insufficiency in the 10-in-l. --'hsn exclusively this unit operated in Brittany/, 10-in-l rations were, eaten for about two months. All the crackers in this ration were not consumed.
and A couple of extra cases arc always kept at the battalion aid station' snacks '-Drtoared for individuals treated. (CO, 705 TD Bn.) This ration is primarily used for snail "groups such as special units ' A.T, companies and the like. . ' Tt, 2Qth Div.)' (&-U\ Inf. Ee .' "' 2.
t

problem- of feeding gun crews which sometimes They were broken up and
could not easily be fed a hot B ration meal. cook their own meals during daylight hours "(CO of A,T. Co,, SUth Div.)

3. This ration solved the

J 1.

."Supplements

to- Operational

Hat ions to' the 10-in-l ration.

Bread and, 'coffee arc- desired supplements (CO, 7Q5 TD 3n.)

X rations by sandwiches made out brought forward' during darkness together with
ration meats v/hich are This arrangement boosts morale
tremendously, hot coffee, if possible. Operational rations are supplemented in some cases by fresh veal from
cattle killed as a result of recent action T
(S~U. Inf. Segt, 2Qth Div.)

2. This regipent supplements

of^

regiment usually "donates* supplemental coffee and extra D the battalion aid stations. ?he Chaplain acts' as ration cook and serves hot coffee, chocolate, and cigarettes, if possible, to
patients.
(S~U, Inf. Eegt. S.Uth Div.) .

3. This

bars'to;

the^

HI,

CI&SS IX and IT
A.

CL0THI1I&
1. Shoes

the a. Type 'ill shoes and, combat boo^s are more comfortable than "ready to Shoes should be issued
shoe, but not as waterproof Type II many of
wear" with 'waterproof ing or dubbing already applied, because so. a.pply the dubbing or have
no time to. do the men either don't (CO, 705 TD 3n.)

They, have only b. Very few shoes of front-line soldiers are repaired. xt the one 'pair, with an available pair at unit supply for exchange.^ sol.a:,er ,_ is not practical to attempt to repair shoes for a front-line and also because ho of the rapid changes -he; makes- %n position^ transportation may be a casualty 'and consequently nuch effort, iixe and '' ' ' ' . is vasted. -.-- . .
\u25a0

because*

(S-U-, Hsth Inf. 23th Div.).

-U
r~\

JilllL^

-- *i-aM?

($*

Field O"bservation

Report

lsoft99tll l Q96tt&H&-

\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0#

c. The sane complaint about combat boots has' "been received as for the they leak more than the Type 11. The repair of shoes Type 111 shoe for the frrint-l'ine troops is not practical.

(S-U,:ll6th

Inf.,

29th- Div.)
.

n.or new Type -111 shoes,

d.* Men who have Type IIshoes will not turn then in for combat boots

\u25a0

(S~k, Inf.. 3n. 29th. Div,)

c. Type 111 shoes are still not popular due to reversed leather uppers
This division was
leaking. All sorts of dubbing is "being improvised. epuipped with combat "boots "before it landed on the continent.
(Qfc, Skth Div.j Supply Sgt,, Inf. Co. SUth Div.)

f, Since "being committed a fey weeks ago shoes- -for front-line units have The ncn for whom they not been repaired "because it was not practical, repaired move a"bout so much, casualties arc numerous and a are to "be tremendous, amount of overhead is involved t furthermore, thc x men have It is..also believed that a repaired to have another pair in. the meantime. shoe leaks more readily than a new one. Div.) (Div. Cp 5 S-UV Inf. Begt., BUth 2. Overshoes

a. Very few cases of trench foot have "been, reported in this regiment. 11 cases came from a battalion which was in an exceptionally wet and muddy area-, jjvery nan- with trench foot in this regiment is questioned Invariably by the Exec/ Officer in an effort to ascertain the cause. did; not have overshoes, these individuals (CO, Segtll, Has. Co, j 3Gth Div.)

3 Sweaters
a. Practically all men except recent replacements have this item; which can be termed as a "lifesaver" during the present weather.

(S-U, 115 th

tnf

29th DivJ

All except replacements are equipped* ments had them but :had to turn them in*
(S~U, Il6th Inf. 3n f , 29th Div.)

b.

On leaving the States replace

c. This divisifn was equipped vdth them on landing. (Cgk, BUth Div.)
U. G-loves
G-loves, wooX OP with leather palm do not stand up under heavy work The leather work glove by itself is too cold to: handle aocmnition^ etc.
c,

(CO, 705 TD 3n, )

b. Gloves 'cannot be used during an operation because bulky to fire with.

( S-U , Inf ;3n t 29th Diy )

they are too

Some men are wearing heavy leather gloves over wool OP gloves. Leather palm gloves are preferred over the old type wool OD gloves; (CO, Inf. Co., gUth Div.) c.
palm are very good when kept dry. have a .tendency to leave. wet things around in foxholes when moving^ and many have been picked up fo'r_ processing and re*-issue f (S-U,- Inf. Eegt* -Sltth DiV>)
d,

Gloves

r wool, OD with

leathe^

lien

>

_X

y^^^fcM-NH**-^
tyi Field Observation Heport Ho, 10 (cont)

"5, Jacket, Field

a. The combat jacket is a' highly prised item in this unit, Even wounded men refuse to' allow medics to remove it.. .If necessary to do so, the individual vehemently states that- "he had "better get that jacket back . "before he leaves. 11
(GO, 705 TD BnJ
b, ,In the Brest campaign, the old style field jacket, "because "of its light color, offered a target to the enemy at rdsift , and nost all troops The reversed it. however, as they "became dirty, the problem lessened. color of the jacket H-19U3 is satisfactory,

(S-U, 116 th Xnf 29th Tiv.)

\u25a0.

c. This division likes- the field jacket, 1.~r9U3, (QjM, Hhth Div.) d.

-5

ii-19U3 type field jacket is preferred by this (S-U,. Inf Sn. 29th Div..)
The

unit,

6. . Haihc'>'.t s
a. The raincoat is r,oo short pockets ship water, and the garment leaks. (CO, 705 TD 3n, and S_U, Inf. Hegt. 29th Div.)

fr

7- Ponchos'
a. About one third Of this unit had received a poncho-cape arrangement while under the conafind of the' Third Individuals in open vehicles They s\ig* driving in closed vehicles. used this nuch more "^han those gested this item be *aade longer on its sides and that some sort of arrangement be added to fasten it to the body, thus preventing it from blowing "up and out (CO, 705 2D 3n.)

o,

Suits, H-jT, 1 piece and 2 piece

1

a. This suit is woyst only by service troops. 1.7hile this unit- was with the Third &rmy an ar&y order forbade the 'wearing of HB^s near the front lines.

(CO,

705'

TD'Bn.)

b. This suit is. not -worn

the division on the front line, as a- matter of fact, it is only Worn when 0I)s arc not availab+e. Service troops do wear them occasionally over the OPs. (S-U, 13,6 th laf 25th JHv.; CO, .^nf , Co. SUth Piv ? )

c.

A division order prohibits men (with the exception .of nechanics)

,

from wearing this item. (QJ:i, SUth Div,)

Si Soc^ s
a-v About three dozen pairs are kept in stock at the battp.lion aid station for issue to individuals coming through in need of socks. I'iany stragglers from other units take advantage of this "service". (CO, 705 TD -BnO
b. Ken prefer the English type sock because of heavy (S-U. Inf..Bn. 29th Div.)

weight and warmth

r-D

<

\u25a0

QJI Field
c.

Observ^Fon

Report ITo .-

lOlftiflj Il^ff|iJI la" If M L

i-

Ken prefer the cushion sole socks, (CO, Inf. Co,, SUth Div.)

d.-. British ,haW arranged

type socks are liked because of their weight. This division to get socks laundered "in "bulk"" on a 21+ hour basis,. 'Dirty and wet socks are brought in daily to the truckhcad,. and clean,- dry ones exchanged on a "sock for sock" basis, Of course, size doesn*t enter "glance" method, but at present about into the picture except by the U.OOO socks are so exchanged daily, and the nunber is. increasing*

C^'l, SUth Div.)

This outfit has "picked up" a washing machine locally, and while the
are eating operational rations, the Cooks operate the washing machine,
men keeping the boys supplied with clean socks da4ly. In off moments, this
washing crew launders web equipment, etc, in order that such items .nay
be immediately available. About five more outfits have also "picked up"
locally*
washing machines
c.

(Inf. Co. Supply Sgt.)

10. Mufflers

a. This item is in demand in this unit. Most of these nen are in vehicles a good part of the tine and do not nove about as much as an infp.ntryx.ian,. .-.*. .. (CO,- 705 TD Bn,)
'

b. Hen who do not have mufflers improvise then fron salvage blankets, towels, and use civilian type scarfs that they are able to pick up. (inf, Co. CO, SUth Div.
A nuch needed item, iiany inprovisations were noted fron OD
towels to nore gaily colored civilian types'.
(CO of A.T. Co.)

c, d,

A denand exists for

\u25a0

(<#\u25a0;, SUth DivJ

tins iten, because nany

ij.Tprovisat ions are noted.

.\u25a0

8.. IHDIVimaL BQ^Sl'Mg

X, Facks

a. This company is equipped with the new. type p?wck and it is liked very nuch; however, it is used as a storage bag during an operation and is left in the conpany area; Hone of the nen in this conpany carries a pack into conbat; All that is carried arc three packages of X rations, and a ninioun of toilet articles which are stuffed into the pockets of the H-19U3 field jacket, (Supply Sgt., Inf. Co. SUth Piv.)
b, A pack; is rarely wor-n during an assault, but the practice enforced; ITo set SO? is enforced;

vp.ries. vp.ries.

(S-U, Inf. Hcgt. BUth P^-v.)

P^-v.)
2.

Bags, Sleeping, Wool

a.

Ihese bags are very v/ell liked f (S~U, lloth Inf. 29th Pivi)
\u25a0

b,.

A very vrclcome item, The (S-U, Inf aegt, BUth Div;)

nen's feet seen to

get

cold first,

'

3.
a.

-Bags, Duffel
"bag

All duffel bags are 'stored in Jlormandy; however, one duffel

-.7-T

per

1ULIwVI^PHHBb v

Qf-1 Field Observation Beport

No, lO.(cont)

or five nen has "been nadc available ,i sonc of their, "belongings, (CO, 705 2P 3n J This uit. arrived on the continent with duffel "bags. has then scored' within about'' 15 niles,
b,

Sach regiment

(Q#, SUth Div.)

\u25a0

U
a.

on 3a Carrying , Anuuni ti

The new type pack; is "being. used ye ry sat i s fact ory f0 r this purp.o se (S-U, Il6th Inf, 29th Div.)

. ,

to carry annunit-ion, out

is not

.5*

Carrier, G-rcnadc,
\u25a0

3-? oc^ci:

away and the a. Since the I'noyeljby" of using the canteen cover has
died "belts, buttonholes and
GI has found it. pood" practice' t'<r liook grenades in necessary. elsewhere on hi's person,' this itca is not believed
to be This item would be. ju^st something -else- to hook onto the "belt. It is
strapped to to be noted that the web pocket for carbine
clips is seen the stock nore and more rather than hooked, to the belt. However, canteen
grenades, covers arc still hdoked on belts for the purpose of carrying

(S-U., U6th Inf, 29th .Div.,) ground they b. This, iten would clutter up'the belt, and when i4en hit the \u25a0want to gd as close to it as possible without having anything interfering^ (S-U Inf, Regt. SUth Div.)
c. A pouch
grenades,

least four siE&lar to the canteen cover, that would hold at pouch arc the would be nore suitable, Individual pockets
in

not "desired, (CO, Inf. Co,

29th Div.)

,'"f,i

Rifle "and Carbine ' 6. Cover, Muzzle,'"if * '""'"' ' ' ' ' .m
1iiui
'\u25a0

.'

1">"i-1

'\u25a0'

'\u25a0

The najordty of rifles and carbines

are encased in canvas covers because they were 'rarely used and covers offer sonc protection,
(CO, 705 TD Bn.)

a,

$1 b. This iten so ens unnecessary as it would only be another iten the _ would "discard". The improvisations used
now (X ration boxes, transsatisfactory for those who
parent inserts, rubber prophylactics) are feel 'the need
for such protection for their a.rns T

(S-U, 115 th Inf. 29th Div.)

7.

gent:, ShQlterhalf

\u25a0

a, 'in nost cases the sheltcrhalf is used to v/rqp around the individual in foxholes. It is pitched in sonic cases, but nore often used as a ground sheet or. as., a supplement to ' the blanlcefc,- or. to cover foxholes. * (S~U, U6th Inf. 29th Div.) '\u25a0-.'
1

..

\u25a0

ground b. This iten is rarely,' if ever," pitched, I*t is used as a

sheet, to wrap up in, or roof the foxhole. . (S^-U, Inf,,segt. SUth Div.)

\u25a0\u25a0 \u25a0

\u25a0*

T . . .. a. The finest piece of eauipnent the. Qi. issues. :Commander r 2 .platoon leaders, Ist Sgt, (SOk, Inf. Bn. 2_9th Div,.; ~Co. ' " . \u25a0' 12 riflenen,) .'* . . \u25a0..-"..\u25a0 .
\u25a0

8. Shovel20202020202\u 5a \u 5a \u 5a \u 5a \u 5a \u 5a0>-' \uT025a ,

".

Intrenching ''
:
\u25a0

\u25a0

*' .MMfflff^
\u25a0

and

\u25a0

\u25a0

\u25a0

.-.

-8

9. Mess G-ear

IMPI .Cirim Wf?

-

\u25a0

QJI Field Observat ion Report ITo. 10 (cont)

\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0ttr

b.. This itcn is very important and is giving excellent performance. The- story is told of several men who passed through a battalion aid station holding their shovels in, their hands and not allowing, even the medic to take then away from then,. (S-U, Inf. Regt, SUth Div.)
\u25a0

en. If they had to "be without one,; c. lien will not "be without this it the rifle or the intrenching., tool, they would rather do away with their rifle. . (CO, Inf. Co. SUth Div.)

a. The idea of substituting trays for ness gear is not favored as this unit always operated in "broken groups of men, and ness gear was often
used for cooking. (CO, 705 TD Bn.)

The tray idea would work for infantry troops who usually can be fed in a chow line.
At present the ness gear is kept in the kitchens in wo;odcn "boxes 'and delivered with hot chow or placed in the chow line,, as
the" case nay "be. If the individual keeps his ness gear with him the
only place he can properly wash it is at the kitchen. The G-ernan knife
everyone who
can secure one. and fork combination is carried
"b,

The kitchen trucks are already overloaded

with equipment and additional personnel would be needed to care for the trays. The personal
attention needed to keep such equipment clean would not be given by the

c.
KPs,

(Asst. Exec, Officer, 115 th Inf.

29th Divr )

wou^d be a good idea, because men lose or discard gear, "and when they are pulled out of the lines for a rest they have
ness nothing to eat 3 rations fron. It is felt that
the kitchen personnel
could take care of the
trays.
(S-U, Inf. 3n. 29th Piv.J Co t 03; 2 platoon leaders j 3 ness Sgts,)

d.
Issuing of trays

c. Kess gear is not carried into combat, When

hot food is taken to the front, nen often eat in shifts so that it is unnecessary to carry
a large amount of ness gear* After eating, each individual washes the
ness kit in water heated over an innersion hca,ter.. "his system works Srays could probably well"and fewer ness-
kits have to be transported. easily substituted, :
be (Supply Sgt. Inf. Co. SUth Div.)

10* Suspenders
a. Suspenders were 'continually being improvised from slashed packs,
This became so common a prftpticc that the CG- formally ordered the-
practice stopped. Suspenders are needed to support the Xoad carried
by the belt.
3&il nen especially want this iten f uany officers have-
given their suspenders to such men.
11 . .Snaps. -on Pockets of Web Equipment a t Sone of the snaps on flaps on- pouches of rifle belts, covers,
shovel, intrenching, carbine pouches first aid kit pouches and canteen covers
open- and are cut o^t>' 'The snap 9. freeze when constantly exposed
fail to/ to rain and mud, and. cannot be opened readily, Under certain conditions when the snaps stick,., men are -ordered- to cut the
flaps cff_ (Inf.. Co., Bkth Divr< 2 companies of llothlnf'. 29th Div.)

such b t .. A salvage, collecting oonpany" was asked .about the frequency fabric salvagp because of snaps, being pulled fron items' coning through fran amount" of such ITo figures were readily available, but there was

of^ tlie^

QJ'I Held Observation ifqftfrrtTb .* ]& frefcirt)'

!\u25a0 tl

equipment "being salvaged. An inspection of two in-fantry companies revealed only a: few pockets, canteen covers, and covers -for shovel, intrenching, with' torn snaps. "|t is not "believed that the problem is. especially serious,, but a nore definite study lias "been arranged for in the 231st r Co', .(salvage collecting) opera-ting in the XIX Corps. J.i

c. oaG^riZATioiM ;ex&TOjTO
1,. Bange, Field,
a,.

i^X'9s7

rust

Iron stock' pots and range cabinet s are. not satisfactory '

(S-U, Inf. Ba, 2sth Div,)

because they

b. The Class 11. & IV Section has set

f

up a repair section for field ranges. AH salvaged units are' repaired- fron cannibalized parts.. '*' (Div. Qjt-i, BUth Div.)

2..

Stoves,

Cooking, One

3urner

This itera is usqd extensively and is very v/ell liked. 4 complaint has been nade about the flaiae cup burning out frequently, However, snail funnels arc spot welded in place cf burned-out cups v/ith good results. Several, other cooking utensils are carried on vehicles, and recently "light housekeeping" has been set up in'cellars and hones in snail towns in G-ernany, el'ininating the ' need- for "cne burner stoves temporarily., (GO, 705 T2 ,3n.) \u25a0'.

a.

\u25a0

3 . Containers , Round, . Insulated

a, The insulated container's rust very easily, This is prcbably due to the fact that the containers' are old and- worn. All of "the insulated con "" tainers'need replacing "badly, She porcelain tyoe inserts arc '
very good, ' '

(HessSgt.,

333rd Inf. SUth Div.)

'\u0084

b,- Bxtreiie satisfaction with 'this iten is reported except that washers
get lost easily and, replacements for the Inserts and container arc

difficult to get,
(c;i, &|.th Piv.,] Sr-U, Inf. Eegt., Si+th Div.)

U. Lanterns, &ascli,nc
This is a. very popular and nuch needed ite:.i for CPs, especially under the present situation where quarters. and installp.ticns .are located in "bellars and, dugouts.
S.-U, Inf. Begt, SUth. Div.)
(S TU, Inf. Sn.
a.
extensively during operations- in cellars to be. lighted 2U hours a day. ?Ps have (q>l, SUth DivJ

, bi(

This iten is used

where

v5 Case, Canvas,

Dispatch

a. The use of this case 'Qy this battalion is nostly for the carrying cf jiaps, records,. personal stationery, grenades, and sometimes used as a toilet article kit. .Approximately 10 or 12 arc being used in each corrpajiy in this, battalion. Allpersonnel who could obtain a dispatch ' , case- got one, .-'.

\u25a0 \u25a0

(20 individuals of Inf/3n.)

b.

3?his item is used I>y officers and a few key non-rcons to carry naps and documents as well as *such things as personal stationery. (qpi, Sl+th DivJ

K'Jra Ifb

'"
ij.

(\u25ba

*
QjM Field

6"bservation

Beport $o. 1G (cont)

since they were not practical

- This unit has turned in all packbcards during the fast ,no.ving situation, .
(S-U, Inf.- 3n. 29th Div.)

a4a 4

"b. This division does not use packboards not warrant their use.
(Supply Sgt..,' Inf.,Co, SUth Div.)
c.

as the present situation does

This iten has been used "only once during an experiment in the States. However, a need for this -item was expressed in a current situation where two platoons of infantry were hand-carrying supplies 1800 yards to a "battalion on the -front which, it was impossible to reach by other neans-. ; ' (S~k, Inf. Kegt. SUth Div.)
'

?
a.

Pryiiig Cabinets

"buildings are ordinarily available for such purposes,

need for this it-en has not "been experienced.

Inasnuch as

(S-U, Il6th Inf. 29th Div.)

8. Bread 3oxes

put a. The issue of "bread "boxes does net seen feasible. They would be and to nany unauthorized uses and would "be another iten to transport the maintain. The expendable type "bag swh as 'the one being used .Although units --re required to return Thread present tine is preferable. bags, sone organizations retain the sacks
for breaking down rations and use in kitchens.

IV..

qsj3sM'&stt ACgITITISS

& 9fe SHarJ^aticri '& Bath

The

Conpany

and Bath units in this Corps dc not carry stocks of authorized to clothing itens with then t instead, the divisions fcave carry a 20^ stock of all clothing and individual "equipment f Tncn when units are pulled out "of the line for a rest, 'they Can inncdiat'cly bo "bathed, re-clothed and ro~equipped to. the extent that stock is available. Punigation .obao'bers arc^ein^ used for .the first tine "because sone nen cellars of captured are "becouing lousy due to sleeping in nuUdin ; (tec r Officer to Q^ f ZIII Corps.; and occupied towns,

i:s^and

B. Q^l Laundry
l^vundry Very little individual service as such- is "being rendered "by $+ oulk by conpanios in .this Corps, Usually, clothinfT is laundered in cenpany bundles, and /in s one cases
reginental "bundles, However, the speed'v/ith. which 'itens arc laundered and returned*
to units inportant than getting the. sane iten back to an individual. Ccr/bat troops' do' not care -whose pants .'they, get back as long as they are clean and a reasonable fit. (Exec, Officer to <#i* XII Corps) J

is^nore

a 0. tyi Ooppany ., Iftfnt ry

g pivi ipp.

a discussion of the duties of the Q^i conpw platoon declared its nane shruld be changed to a "supply platoon and additional ratings included on the T/C- He brought. up the of fact that this was not an ordinary "labor" .crew, but consisted storing and issuing . : trained specialists charged with receiving,

The division <#I,

during

-11

t!fi^
uim

r \u25a0

Q4 yield

Observation

\u25a0 W ****iyy^ Keport 3STo. 10 Acotftj

are* ting

able to assign only tc be a big tiling, and they issues, etc. thisjob, who 'has- charge of all records, requisitions, to get additional was nade that the division night b.e able The cave *v* help'fron sone of the units attached to it for supply, gone in tnc i. back with the ronark, '"you canU expect to win a tell you appeal to the your players are hurt, and niddle of the gme tfcr*> spectators for volunteer r'epiacenents."

Approximately 6,000 attached troops IZ-rV, and 111 supplies. Cl-ss I getserved, naming the. total about .20,000. Spare parts business was to a private

suction

. y.

D , Salvage
'

>

LuSitioS arc" received,

pJrtation

is Amy, and irhat ever is _ Very xittl., if an,, weekly at the truckhead apportioned out and dr^wn point at tnc truckstock as such. is naintainedv "The salv^c collecting rear for sortie. trucking it to: the head.also sorts salvage instead of operating a However, the auount <* salvage coning in does not warranty trans*
lp yard as yet. Handling it in this nanner saves considerable order to
collecting themore, this and labor. coi^any, in and Iv depot nearoy, Class' ll nafce stock iDnediately available tc the terroos wher., is operating- a -reconditioninf: section in a forner corner up, umor during the past two weeks-, the following itens were cleaned put into stoc*: repairs performed, painted' up if necessary/

Truckhead. near the Class I XZX Corps operates a Glr.es 11-IY depottotalling about 20,000 troops^ ftSp corps troops (65 unite consolidated to

available

~svx

\ steel ;,....' .V.. V.'V 326 ea/ , 'intrenching ...,...,.. 8. ;ea Shovels n ea*>.....-. 35 ea ,.. r 395 ca. Poles, tent, shelter half r
Eeloets,

..
re
\u26 6

Pins, tent, shelter half jaoat Cans, jaoat Lanterns. \u0084,.,..... , , Cups } canteen
\u0 84

...

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M
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356

ea. ea > S3
ca. 3T ca

pair c. now It was also noted that during the past r^cnth, about TOO turned by the collecting conpany, overshoes passed thresh this sane could not do uscCv- -:, : divisions because they f were all snatt
sizes and (Sizes 7, 8 and some 9 s.)

in^

2 Salvage operations are continuing within divisiens.. Ooaprjiy^p.xy get "first crack" at salveo sergeants andre giental S.Us are sure tc they evacuate suv^;c to _ TDilcs for inuediate re-issue to troops before processed She- SUth Div., during the preceding two
week pew,>
the, Tear. they ost mated about zOY Wt.s over 30 truckloads of salvage of which evacuated innediately issuable, and therefore withdrawn before ocine ' .. . . tc the truckhead,
w:iicn ; (near field area in the vicinity of lioslar, Germany, other t-n the been occupied a^d fought over oy several units ton) loaded with salvage haa oeen referred to. Over 12 trucks (2| a heavy action brought in dwing the past 1U days, There had been and equipment, not during this tine,. Host Of t>iis salvage was clot hinheavy: for the of casualties, but "extra" stuff that was too' i$ and heavy to lug during the excltencnt e*d strain of close being sorted m a gooa is interesting to note* that this, salvage was ens which coula be siz-ed restaurant in'Alsdorf, Germany -and the it forner 6rocer/ immediately issued were carried across the street to a regimental supply d#:.*as store, '(conplete with shelvingl) where the grocery counter. located and issuing itexis to conpans.es over the

3. One

Infantry Beglaent

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'

29th J3JV. was encased in policing .nc oa- ..c^ oulicn)

re.^en. ..
dou^boy

i^

oS"

action-.

r-12-r

k.

Q^; Field Observation

E.

Report jJo."10 (corild

111 1 |J

T/S

21 Items

See .Appendix "A*. This fora is being used to get each nan's size, even from replacements as soon as, they arrive. Generally, the theory is to equip the vnan very lightly and with only one conplete uniform, but have available at the regimental supply dump all the remainder of his clothe It is believed that
if ing as authorized by the table of allowances. fact that there is surely
a fresh tl>e individual has confidence in the uniform and another pair of shoes for him when he wants it, he'll not salvage an iten still wearable, and no "anticipated demand" will be requisitioned. Three men are borrowed, one from each
battalion, to help It is claimed that although there
set up and maintain this system. will be an increased burden on the regimental S-U organization in storing, maintaining transporting and issuing this stock, the effort waste, handling and short supply situations, especially willoffset the when casualties occur and the personal rolls have to be picked up, separated, and items processed before they can become available for
re-issue. This officer states that the company organization (supply
sergeant) is doing a i<iagnificent job as is, and the tendency is for
the S-U to assume more of the burden,. Insofar as making the company commander "responsible* for the details of supply, it has beccst? practically an impossibility. He is usually farther forward, has
other pressing duties, and besides, casualties of company grade officers in
the unit have been about 200^. When possible to pull a unit out of the line for a batji and wrest"_, it usually is done on very short notice, and there is no time to requisition f? needs, because by the time the needs are filled, the unit is back on the line. If stock is available given when needed, the change of clothing is effected, the man bathed, dirty The increased. a2U hour rest and his morale and effectiveness clothing is then sorted by the S-U staff and what is serviceable is put back into the stock, while the unserviceable things ? to the rear.. Any items needed are requisitioned and also placed in stock ready for the men when they* re pulled out again.

503381 Li. LITTI3JOHIT

Distribution;

i-iajor General, U.S..4, Chief Q,uarteroaster

OQj-Kr

.,...,

OCK&i, Com Z T Q}% First US Array ..,.,.... Q# Third US Army <#i Seventh US Army Qjti ITinth US Army T $1 Sixth US Army Group tyi Twelfth US Amy Group Q#i Adv Sec Cora 2one T ;SEIS Tean Captains
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individual . Qlothing each individual

Size and
and is authorized. quantity needed will lie
lie square. filled in square.

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1... Clothing on the Indiv,
Belt,- we"b, waist Dravmrs, cotton

Eh

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vr/liner
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Socks, light, wool

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Tfcu,scrs, wool OD wo 01

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Undershirt wool or cotton (If Leggings ((If mdiv, has

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arctic arctic

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1 PP r
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Grloves., wool 0^ 0^

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Belt, cart , pistol or BAB " Bag, canvas, field w/scraps' & suspenders per Officer . Gui Gui

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Packet, :first aid

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Trousers, H3T
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Trousers, wool 01) 1 pr U* Blanket Eoll CJo nane on this rcll).|

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Blanket s or blankets w/ 'Bag, sleeping Tent* shelter half "vr r. _y vJ X t5 O pins and roDes
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tegs I Authorized & Re{ quired \%o "be. possess oh of m ,IVI \u25baals

Halazone .Tablets SuTfadiasine Tablets Insecticide Povrder

1 mi 1 pkt 1 can

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