GEORGE S. PATTON DIARIES Annotated transcripts 1919 BOX 2 FOLDER 8 (Diary 1919) Wednesday January 1 Got up at 10 A.M. Thompson brought shell case fixed for President. Viner & I called on Gen Bamford. Had our reception at 3 P.M. egg nog Tom & Jerry. Punch. had a very nice time. went to bed early. (Diary 1919) Thursday January 2 Had meeting of Drill Regs Board. (Diary 1919) Friday January 3 Order to be ready to leave on short notice. Lt. Shipe taken down with spinal meningitis. (Diary 1919) Saturday January 4 Maj. Vicks camp surgeon died. Had inspection wrote some more drill regs. (Diary 1919) Sunday January 5 Went to Bourbonne-les-Bains to see Bill Reed he has a very nice remount station, 9 Tr 3" Cav. Went to Chaumont to get uniform tried on it fitted I paid for it. Roads in very bad condition. (Diary 1919) Monday January 6 Started infantry training in "gang" attack tactics. Turned in all 59 tanks to new center. Maj. Falk came to teach us infantry. (Diary 1919) Tuesday January 7 Felt very badly and went to bed in P.M. took Rum and Bismouth and quinine. Gen Duncan & Col. Gordon Johnson called to ask if I would manuver with them Friday. (Diary 1919) Wednesday January 8 Felt much better Sent Capt. Knowles & Lt. Borland to make reconnaissance for Problem Friday. Gen Bamford called and I asked him to inspect Brigade he will on Friday at 2 P.M. Had meeting on Drill regs until 11:30 P.M. (Diary 1919) Thursday January 9 Wrote Plan for use of Tanks. Mad Reconnaisance and wrote order Got third letter from Mr. Werteg. (Diary 1919) Friday January 10 Held Manuver with G2 Tanks worked well but fog spoiled the view. Gen. Bamford inspected brigade at 2 P.M. the men looked well. 328 guns had too much grease. Arranged my papers. (Diary 1919) Saturday January 11 We had drill in the morning inspite of the heavy fog. I went riding in the P.M. and worked on drill regs in the evening. (Diary 1919) Sunday January 12 7 letters from B. In date dec 16. She says in refference to my citation and account of the Essey Bridge affair. "Georgie you are the fulfilment of all the ideals of manliness and high courage & bravery I have always held of you ever since I have known you. And I have expected more of you than any one else in the world ever has or will." I am glad she likes me. Her Birthday. (Diary 1919) Monday January 13 Nothing (Diary 1919) Tuesday January 14 Viner, Brett and myself investigated Lt. Borland. He lied to us. (Diary 1919) Wednesday January 15 Had manuver with 82 Div. Watched inft drill in P.M. men did well. Started lecture on German Tactics. Gen. Eltinge told me I was to be inspector of Mil. police 3 army Col. Grubbs said I was going home. (Diary 1919) Thursday January 16 Went to manuver with Tanks and 82 Div. Very poor for 82. Men took no interest and showed no idea of what they were doing. (Diary 1919) Friday January 17 Left at 9 A.M. with Col. Mitchell for 2" Army at Toul . Dined at Neuf Chateau with Col. Horton Gen. Bullard wants us to stay a month. (Diary 1919) Monday January 20 Wrote notes on use of Tanks for distrobution to 2" Army. Passed by Commercy and saw that 35 Div knew what to do. Dined at Commercy with Gen J. M. Johnston who appears a fool. (Diary 1919) Tuesday January 21 Had lecture & manuver for 79 it was poor. Went to Commercy with my men. Had good billet. (Diary 1919) Thursday January 23 Lecture and Demonstration for 88 both good had two tanks actually present. Sent Tanks back and returned to Toul. (Diary 1919) Friday January 24 Wrote some notes on Tanks. Dined at Nancy. Where I bought pin for B. Met Col. HENRY and gave him copy of notes. (Diary 1919) Saturday January 25 Sent men home and left at 3:00 P.M. for 6th Corps. Went by PONT-A-MOUSSON Metz and stopped for the night at Thionville. It is the cleanest town I have seen (Diary 1919) Sunday January 26 Left at 7:30 and arrived at Villerupt Hq. VI. at 8:30 A.M. Arranged for work with 5 Div. Monday & 35 Tuesday. Lunched at 5 Div P.C. at Esch with Gen Ely & Col. Kingsman. Went to 33 Div at Diekirch and stayed all night at Luxembourg. It is a very nice town as are all in Luxembourg much like America. (Diary 1919) Monday January 27 Manuver with 5 was poor due to lack of ground and to Col Peck who commanded the 11" inft which gave the show. Went to Diekirch [Dunkirk] and was billeted with mother in law of Chief of Luxembourg Army. She is a most interesting old lady. (Diary 1919) Sunday February 2 Left Bourg at 9 A.M. with Gruber, Gettis and Char. Reached Toul at 12:15. Found nothing to do. Just before starting found that I would have to go to Treves after Brigade goes home . God-Dam. Mitchell and I dined at Nancy. (Diary 1919) Wednesday February 5 Went to 314 Inft. and have poor opinion of Colonel. Went to 313 and Col Swersey (?) was very helpful. had lunch. Saw Gen Winn of 157 Brig who is a dead one. Had dinner with Gen Kuhn and Gen Hero. given by officers of Ad. Huntingtons mess Officers in billet drunk again. (Diary 1919) Thursday February 6. Went to 310 Col Herdikie he seemed interested. Saw Col. McCaskey (?) commanding 158 Brig. He is a dead one. Saw Col. Knowles 215 he is also a dead and a fool. Went by to see Lt. Col Turner at TREVERAY. (Diary 1919) Friday February 7 Returned to Bourg in heavy snow storm quite cold. Had some 1884 Sauturn for lunch it was very good but strong had head ake. Got five letters from B. (Diary 1919) Saturday February 8 Went to 5" Corps Horse Show and was asked to judge it was very cold and I had the cramps and my wound hurt like the duce. Gen Burtt was very nice. Sylvia got 3 place in jumping but was handicapped as she was smooth shod. (Diary 1919) Sunday February 9 Did nothing. (Diary 1919) Monday February 10 Went to Chaumont to give Gen. P. shelles for Mr. Wilson. Was thus present at lunch given by him to M.H. men. He talked to me of Nita and I wrote a letter advising her to enter Y.M.C.A. Wrote Gen. McAndrew about my going home. Wrote Murphy about cross. (Diary 1919) Tuesday February 11 Had dinner for all 1st brigade officers and arranged details for Book and annual tank dinner. (Diary 1919) Wednesday February 12 Inspected 303 Bn. Maj. Sherman. Fine looking bunch of men. Clothes not good 306" Brigade Col. Ware left for America. Col. Carl Boyd. Died. (Diary 1919) Friday February 14 Arrived Paris 9 A.M. went to Generals House 73 Rue de Varenne[s]. Went to Hammonds & got my Blouse also a regulation Over coat. Lunched at house. Went to church at 1:30. Went to cemetery Cars stuck on the hill. We pushed them up. Mrs. Boyd did well at funeral. I spent the evening with them, Ann sat in my lap and cried about 2 hours. Asked Gen McAndrew if I could go home he agreed. (Diary 1919) Saturday February 15 Took Ann for walk in morning. Called on Gen. Rhodes he is a fright to look at. Gen. Marshall came also. Saw Floyd Gibbons Queck and I went to the Boyds and I told stories for 3 hours and got them to laugh. Got on train at 11:30 the H.R.H had not yet arrived he was at a dance. (Diary 1919) Sunday February 16 Met Prince of Wailes and his aid Cap. Sir Claud Hamilton Couldstream Guards as they left the train. Saw Gen. R at his office. Lt. Col. Bowdich and I took the Prince to lunch with Gen. H. T. Allen 8" Corps. Saw some good fights. I rode back with Prince. A very nice fellow. Reception at Gen P's house. Dinner at 8 P.M. I had the itch (Diary 1919) Tuesday February 18 Gen. Rockenbach came down and decorated 8 men 6 from 301 Bn. and 2 From 304 Brig. Capt. Knowles made Major. Lts. Morrison, Gibbs, Sewell, Nevins Sledge made Capts. Gettis & Taylor 1st Lts. Maj. Davis very mad at not getting Lt. Col. I wrote letter which Viner indorsed again recommending Maj. Davis. (Diary 1919) Wednesday February 19 305 Brigade Col. H. E. Mitchell left this morning. I sent my blue clothes with Maj. Knowles. (Diary 1919) Thursday February 20 Nothing. (Diary 1919) Friday February 21 Less than nothing. Order out that horses may not be taken except after 3 months quarentien. Request to go home with brigade disapproved by Lt. Col. Obrien. Worked on lecture Tactics of the war. (Diary 1919) Saturday February 22 Went to Chaumont about going Home. No one there. Heard that Gen. McAndrew would return at 8 P.M. Telephoned him he said I could go but that Mitchell would Stay I told him Mitchell had already gone and he said it was o.k. anyhow. Wired B. (Diary 1919) Sunday February 23 Inspection of all Property to be taken home the rest to be turned in. Went to Bar sur Aube to see G5 1st Army about tank training Saw Col Watkins who gave me a letter and some pictures to take to his wife. Heard definately that I was to return to the U.S. Heard dogs not allowed on boat. (Diary 1919) Monday February 24 Wrote letters to Gene. Summerall, Burtt, Brewater, Conner, Harbord. Lt. Cols. Collins Reed Shallenberger Gen. Nolan. Gen. P. Chief of S.T.C. Gen Rockey. Finer, Grant. Sewall & I went to Boussieres to Madame De L'HORMES for a fair well dinner. Had two punctures on trip and had to put in new tubes. (Diary 1919) Tuesday February 25 Finished Packing and got out Train order. Hope this is my last night at Bourg. Gave Maj. L. K. Davis black check on Morgan-HARJES to close my account. Had my hair cut so I will look neat when I land. Will have to be up at 4:45 A.M. (Diary 1919) Wednesday February 26 Got word at 4 A.M. that train would not be in until 8 A.M. Notified battalions. Train got in at 11 A.M. Neval very bad. Got loaded and left at 1:45 P.M. Two cars jumped track and it took 3 hours to put them on. Fed men. Got to Langres at 6 P.M. put on second coach. 30 officers 1470 men 37 baggage cars 36 American one French 2 2nd class coaches for officers. (Diary 1919) Thursday February 27 On train all day Two men missed train. Passed Lyons every thing nice men very well behaved. Food good made men keep buttoned up and neat. Ate sandwitches and had a nice time weather fine and rather clear. (Diary 1919) Friday February 28 Arrived Marseilles at 12:30 P.M. met at once by R.T.O. who told us just what to do. Found that we were to sail on S.S. Patria next day. Held vermin and I.G. inspection of men at once finishing at 8 P.M. Adjutants worked on rolls all night I went to bed at 4:30 A.M. and got up at 6:00 A.M. (Diary 1919) Saturday March 1 Went to Boat with Lt. Bowes & Simmons at 7:45 Went over entire boat and found it very clean and well appointed. Quarters for men excellent Mix up on state rooms I lost mine to Mr. Moore a Mason 33% Supposed to sail at 6 P.M. failed to do so account of strike of crew. Tried to get MESS Sgt. Allenby on board but could not do it account pasport. (Diary 1919) Sunday March 2 Captain told me we would know at noon when we could sail. Put one man on shore fever 103%. Arranged bed space for men and had a lot of bother account of worthless officers. Food for men good. Maj. Thurman Rear Maj. Benson front Capt. Zinc 2" Class Capt. Morrison Police Capt. Gruber mess Maj. Brett S.C. Lt. Will G. Robinson Athletics Lt. Simmons surgeon (Diary 1919) Monday March 3 Had a good deal of difficulty getting men straightened out in quarters on account lack of cards for men when they loaded. Maj. Thurman did excellent work. [*Thurman?*] Boat very steady and comfortable. Sea perfectly quiet and weather warm. (Diary 1919) Tuesday March 4 Reached Gibraltar at 8:30 let most of officers and 150 men go on shore. Lot of Bum boats came and sold brandy men got drunk and we had pretty bad time. Found over 40 qts on board. Some officers arranged to go to Tangier on [*illegible*] boat. (Diary 1919) Thursday March 6 Let 172 men go on shore and got very nearvous for fear that they would not come back. All returned 3 men got mumps. We left Gibraltar at 7 P.M. I hope nothing stops us until we get in. Hardly any young officers can be trusted to obey orders. (Diary 1919) Friday March 7 Weather very rough and nearly all the men sick. I had to leave the table at noon and was sick but got up at 3:30 and inspected the ship about half the men were able to eat supper. I was very nearvous and tired when we left Gibraltar and drank a quart of claret for supper this I think upset my stomach. Also I got up too late for breakfast and ate candy instead. (Diary 1919) Saturday February 8 Weather fine and bright. Had fire drill that is boat drill at 2:30. The crowding is such that in case of a real alarm there would be trouble. Saw soldier eating a huge sandwitch at 9 A.M. Asked him if he had had breakfast he said yes but not yesterday. Got Wireless that one man had been left at Gibraltar. Felt strange not to have to write B a letter daily. (Diary 1919) Sunday March 9 Very calm and hot I had a long talk with a Mr. Moore who is a Chief Maison 33% and a very nice old fellow. I told him a lot about universal service and he seemed to like the idea. It is almost too warm and close. (Diary 1919) Monday March 10 Boat Drill men kick on food in 3 class but believe it due to fact that they are not hungry as they do no work. Rainy and rougher some men sick. Y.M.C.A. gave an entertainment which was quite good. I have a soar throat 4 cases of mumps on the ship. (Diary 1919) Tuesday March 11 A very calm day and we make good speed. Maj. Brett is finishing checking the men. I washed my hair and took a cold in the head. Had tea (Port) with the captain and quite a nice talk. (Diary 1919) Wednesday March 12 Passed a steamer and a sailing schooner Ships crew had Boat drill a very poor looking outfit...mostly niggers & lascars. Have quite a cold in my head. Found worms in the beans of the men. (Diary 1919) Thursday March 13 Very rough all morning but calmer in P.M. Saw one sailing Brig closely reefed and rolling heavily Felt very worthless all day until 4:30 when I did some exercises and climed a stay on the smoke stack this made me feel better. Talked to a correspondent of Scientific American in the evening. (Diary 1919) Friday March 14 Boat drill. Weather calmer and rain. rumor that we land Sunday night. Maison had a meeting to which Capt. Deschelles and I were envited. Mr.or Judge Moore 33% made some sort of a speech which was most interesting. (Diary 1919) Saturday March 15 Weather fine. I ate less breakfast and did not feel sleepy. Mens meat full of worms so we had to stop it. Some of men were mad. Menu had been. Meat-maceroni, bread, coffee & jam or marmelaid. Men to have dinner early. I would like to know what is in the future and where I will be ordered. This will be the 10" time I have had to start fresh. Reach N. Y. Sunday night late. (Diary 1919) Sunday March 16 All work on reports completed at noon. Passed fire Island light ship at 3:30 P.M. Ambrose Channel at 6 P.M. Capt Murray came on board with instructions. Lt. Longstreth got leave to see sick mother (14 days) The end of a perfect war. Fini. Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.