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  • Western Carolina University
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  • CantonEnterprise_1919-01-17_Vol13_No03_06

I THE ENTERPRISE. CANTON. N. C. Private **Ginger"— As Seen Through the Barbed Wire X By Sergeant Arthur Guy Empey Author of "Over the Top," "First Call," Etc. O-O-P Mr. Empey's Experiences During His Seventeen Months in the First Line Trenches of the British Army in France (Copyright, 1917. by The McClare Newspaper Syndicate) There were six of us. "Curly" Wallace was called "Curly" because he had the cutest little Delia Fox, or spit curl, as the gum-chewers call it, you ever saw. Wallace was proud of that curl, and gave It the best of attention and care. He was Scotch. "Happy" Houghton earned his nick- hame by his constant smile and happy disposition. He was English, a Londoner. "Hungry" Foxcroft really earned his title. He took special pains that our rations would not become mildewed by lying around too long in the dampness of our dugout. He was English; also from London. "Ikey" Honney, dubbed "Ikey" because in one of our theatrical attempts he took the part of "Ikey Co- henstein," and made quite a hit. English, via London. "Dick" Turpin, called "Dick" in memory of the notorious highwayman. He used to help the quartermaster sergeant, so the name was very appropriate. He was Irish, from Dublin. I was the sixth. The boys put the prefix "Yank" to my name, because I was American and hailed from the "Big Town" behind the statue of liberty. The six of us composed the crew of gun No. 2 of the th brigade machine company. We were machine gunners and our gun was the Vickers, light, 303, water-cooled. It was a rainy afternoon in June, and we were sitting in our dugout in the front-line trench, about 300 yards from the German lines. If you should ask a Tommy Atkins "What is a dugout*?" he would look at you in astonishment, and, pitying you for your apparent lack of education, would. answer, "What's a dugout? Why a dugout is a—well, a dugout's a dugout." Only being a Tommy pro tern—pro tern in my case meaning "for duration of war"—I will try to describe to the best of my ability this particular dugout. A dugout is a hole in the ground. Gets its name because it is dug out by the Royal Engineers, or R. E.'s as we call them. It is used to shelter the men in the trenches from shell fire, They also sleep in it, or try to. From our point of view, its main use Is to drain the trenches of muddy water and give us rheumatism. It also makes a good hotel for rats. These guests look upon us as intruders and complain that we overcrowd the place. Occasionally we give in to them, and take a turn in the tiench to rest ourselves. Our dugout was about twenty feet deep, or, at least, there were twenty wooden steps leading down to it. The ceiling. and walls were braced by heavy, square-cut timbers. Over the timbers in the celling sheets of corrugated iron were spread to keep the wet earth from falling in on us. The entrance was heavily sandbagged and very narrow; there was. only room for one person to leave or enter at a time. The celling was six feet high and the floor space was ten feet by six feet. Through the ceiling a six-inch square airshaft was cut. We used to take turns sleeping under this In wet weather. The timbers bracing the walls were driven full of nails to hang our equipment on. After our ammunition, belt- filling machine, equipment, rifles, etc., had been stored away, there was not much space for six men to live, not forgetting the rats. It was very dark in the dugout, and as we were only issued a candle and a half every twenty-four hours we had to economize on light. Woe betide the last man who left the candle burning! In this hotel of ours we would sit around the lonely candle and through a thick haze of tobacco smoke would recount our different experiences at various points of the line where we had been, or spin yarns about home. Sometimes we would write a letter, when we were fortunate enough to be near the candle. At other times we'd sit for an hour without saying a word, listening to a German over in the enemy's front trench playing a cornet. My, how that Boche could play! Just to make us hate the war he'd play "Su- wanee River," "Home, Sweet Home," or "Over the Waves.' The latter was my favorite. During his recital our trenches were strangely quiet. Never a shot from either ,-ide. Sometimes, when he had finished, Ikey Honney would go into the trench and play on his harmonica. As soon as we'd see that harmonica come out It was a case of "duck down low," for the Germans would be sure, when the first strains reached them, to send over "five rounds rapid." We hated that harmonica. More than once we chucked one over the top, but he'd sit down, write a letter, and In about ten days' time would receive, through the mall a little oblong package, and we'd know we were in for some more "five round rapids." We didn't blame the Germans. Still, that harmonica had Its uses. Often we would get downhearted and "fed up" with the war, and "grouse" at everything in general. Then Ikey would reach in his pocket and out would come that Instrument of torture. We would then realize there were worse things than war, and cheer up accordingly. On this particular rainy afternoon in June we were In a talkative mood. Perhaps It was due to the fact that Curly Wallace had made his "Toln- mie's cooker" do wnat It was supposed to do—make water boll In an hour and a half. A "Tomrnie's cooker" Is a spirit stove which Is very widely advertised as a suitable gift to the men In the trenches. Many were sent out, and many were thrown away. Anyway, the "cooker" lived up to its reputation for once, though a little behind its advertised schedule In making water boil. Curly passed around the result of his efforts, in the form of an ammunition tin half full of fairly good tea. We each took a good swig, lighted a cigarette—they had "come up" with the rations the night before—and settled back against the damp earthen walls of the dugout, to see who could tell the biggest lie. For a few minutes silence reigned—no one seemed to care to be the first to break in. Then Dick Turpin, turning to me, asked: "Remember Burton of A company? Think he was in the Third platoon; the fellow that was recommended for the V. C. and refused it. Got the recommendation for rescuing his platoon commander under fire." I answered in the affirmative and Dick "carried on" with: "I never could see into that affair, because they seemed to be the worst of enemies. The officer was always picking on him; used to have him 'on the crime sheet' for the least offense. Got him several days of extra pack drill, and once he clicked twenty-one days' crucifixion' —(field punishment No. 1, tied to a limber wheel two hours per day for twenty-one days). "No matter what dirty fatigue or working party came along, Burton's name was sure to head the list. "This Burton appeared to be a surly sort of a chap, kept to himself a whole lot, always brooding, didn't have many friends in the company, either. There seemed to be something on his mind. "Most of the company men said his sweetheart back in Blighty had thrown him down for some other bloke." Happy Houghton butted in: "That's the way with this world, always hammering at a fellow. Well, I know this Burton, and there's not a better mate in the world, so let that sink into your nappers." "Don't get sore, Happy," said Honney. "If you don't mind, let's have the story. I meant no offense. Just naturally curious, that's all. You can't deny that the whole affair has been quite a mystery to the brigade. Spit it out and get it off your chest." "Let's have it, Happy," we all chimed in chorus. Happy, somewhat mollified, lighted a cigarette, took two or three puffs, and started: "Well, it was this way, but don't ask any questions until I anj through. "You know Burton isn't what you'd call a prize beauty when it comes to looks. He's about five, six in height, "Damn You, I Was Going to Kill You; But I Wcn't." stocky, a trifle bowlegged and pug- nosed. To top this he has a crop of red hair and his clock—(face)—is the boarding house for every freckle in the United Kingdom. But strong! Say,- that fellow could make Samson look like a consumptive when he got started. "In Blighty, before the war, Burton and this lieutenant—his name is Huston—went to the same college. "Huston was nearly six feet high and slender. Sort of a dandy, falr- halred, lots of dough, which he never get by working; his papa wished it on him when he went west—(died). He was good-looking and had a way with the girls which made them think he was Ihe one and only. Didn't <*are much for athletics. Girls, dances and card parties were more in his line. "They were In the same class. Burton was working his way through, and consequently Huston looked down on him as a bally bounder. Among the athletes Burton was popular, Huston wasn't. "Burton was engaged—or thought he was—to a pretty fine girl by the her to see a football game at the college; he was playing on the team, so she had to sit it out alone. During this 'sitting it out,' she met Huston and the trouble started. He was dead gone on her and she liked him. so he made hay while the sun was shining. "She didn't exactly turn Ginger down, but he was no boob and saw how things were, so he eased out of the running, although it almost broke his heart; he certainly loved that girl. "This state of affairs widened the gap between Huston and Burton. They hated each other pretty fiercely, but Burton never went out of his way to show it, while Huston took every opportunity to vent his spleen. Ginger saw Betty very seldom, and when he did, she was generally accompanied by Huston. "Then the war came; Ginger immediately enlisted as a private. He could have had a commission, but did not want to take a chance of having to mix with Huston. "A few weeks after Ginger's enlistment, Huston joined too—was losing prestige in Betty's eyes by staying In mufti. He went Into the O. T. C—(officers' training corps). In seven months he received his commission and was drafted to France. Ginger had been out three months. "Before leaving, Huston proposed to Betty and was accepted. By one of j the many strange coincidences that happen in this world Huston was sent to tbe battalion and company that Ginger was in and was put in command of Ginger's platoon. Then things happened. "Ginger could hardly believe his eyes when he first saw Huston and knew he was to be his platoon commander. He knew he was in for it good and plenty. "That night Huston sent for Ginger and had a talk with him. Tried to make him believe that he harbored no animosity, detailed h'.m as mail orderly, the first act of a campaign of petty cruelty. By being mail orderly Ginger would have to handle Betty's letters to Huston and Huston's letters to her. Ginger saw through it immediately and his hate burned stronger. From that night on it was one indignity after another, just a merciless persecution, but Ginger never complained; just stored up each new act and swore vengeance. "It came to such a gass that Ginger could bear It no longer; he decided to kill Huston and only waited for a favorable opportunity to present itself. I think it was only his love for Bettv which had held him back so long; We couldn't bear the thought of her grieving for her dead lover. "One night, in the front-line trench, orders were received that after an hour's intense bombardment of the enemy's lines the company would go over the top at four-thirty the next morning. Huston was to go over with the first wave, while Ginger was in the second. Here was his chance. ■ "AH that night he crouched on the fire step, musing and brooding, nursing his revenge. He prayed to Betty to forgive him for what he was going to do. "After the bombardment the next morning over went the first wave, a line of bayonets and madly cheering men. Ginger only saw one In that crowd; his eyes never left Huston. His . finger twitched and caressed the trigger of his rifle—his long-looked-for opportunity had come. "The first wave had gone about sixty yards whets Ginger let out a curse. Huston had been hit and was down, and he saw his revenge slipping through his fingers. But no, Huston was not dead; he was trying to rise to his feet; he was up, hopping on one leg, with the blood pouring from the other. Then he fell again, but was soon sitting up bandaging his wounded leg,' using a tourniquet from his first- aid packet. "A surge of unholy joy ran through Ginger. Lifting the safety latch on his rifle, unheeding the rain of bullets which were ripping and tearing the sand-bagged parapet about him, he took deliberate aim at Huston. Then he saw a vision of Betty, dressed in black, with tear-stained eyes. With a muttered curse Ginger threw the rifle from him, climbed over the parapet and raced across No Man's-land. No act of his should bring tears to Betty's brown eyes. He would save her worthless lover and then get killed himself— it didn't matter. "Reaching Huston he hissed at him: 'Damn you, I was going to kill you, but I won't. I'll carry you back to Betty. But always remember it was the man you robbed who saved your worthless life, you despicable skunk!' "Huston murmured: 'Forgive me, Burton, but for God's sake get me out of this. I'll be killed—for God's sake, man, hurry, hurry!' " 'That's it, is it? Whine, damn you, whine! It's music to my ears, Lieutenant Huston begging a "bally bounder" for his life, and the bounder giving it to him. I would to God that Betty could see and hear you now.' "With that Ginger stooped and, by main strength, lifted Huston onto his back and staggered toward our lines. The bullets and pieces of shrapnel were cracking and 'swishing' all around. He had gone about fifty yards when a piece of shell hit his left arm just below the shoulder. Down lie went, Huston with him, but was soon up, his left arm dangling and swinging at his side. Turning to Huston, who was lying on his back, he said: 'I'm hard hit—it's your life or mine. We're only ten yards from our trench; try to make it on your own. You ought to be able to crawl in.' "But Huston answered: 'Burton, don't leave me—I am bleeding to death have, it is all yours—just save my life. Answer me, man. answer—" "'You want my jw»«wer, do you? Well, take it and daiw.. you!' With that Ginger slapped the officer in the. face; then, grabbing him by the collar with his right arm, the blood soaking his tunic from the shell wound in his left, Ginger slowly dragged Huston to the trench ;.nd fainted. A mighty cheer went up from our lines. Stretcher hearers took them both to an advanced first-aid post, and their journey to Blighty and Hetty was started. On the trip over Ginger never regained consciousness. They landed In a hospital in England and were put in beds next to each other. Ginger was taken up Into the 'pictures' (operating theater), where his arm was amputated at the shoulder. Huston's wound was slight; bullet through the calf of leg. "While Ginger was coming out of ether he told all he knew. A Bed A Red-Cross Nurse With Tear-Dimmed Eyes Was Holding His Hand. Cross nurse, with tear-dimmed eyes, was holding his hand. Occasionally she would look across at Huston in the next bed; he would slowly nod his head at each questioning glance of hers, while the red blood of shame mounted to his temples. "Then Ginger came to. He saw a beautiful vision. Thought he was dreaming. Sitting by his bed, dressed in a Red Cross nurse's uniform, was, Betty, Huston's Betty, holding his hand. Betty, with tears in her eyes, but this time tears of joy. The sweat came out on his forehead—it couldn't be true. He gasped out the one word, 'Betty!' "Stooping over, the vision kissed him on the lips and murmured, 'My Ginger, you have come back to Betty.' "Then he slept. Next morning the colonel of the hospital came to Ginger's bedside and congratulated him, telling him that he had been recommended for the V. C. Ginger refused the V. C. from the government; said he had not earned it, would not give the reasons but persisted in his refusal. They can't force you to take a V. C. "Five months later Ginger and /;et- ty were married. She cuts his meat for him now; says that all his faults were contained in his left arm. He lost that. So, you see, Ginger was somewhat of a man, after all, wasn't he, mates?" We agreed that he was. I asked Happy how he came to know these de-'f tails. He answered: "Well, Yank, Betty happens to be my sister. Gimme a fag, some one. I ain about talked out, and, anyway, we've only got a few minutes before 'stand to.' " Just then the voice of our sergeant sounded from the mouth of the dugout : "Equipment on! Stand to!" go it'was a case of turn out and mount our gun on the parapet. It was just getting dark. We would dismount It at "Stand down" in the morning. Tommy is like an owl, sleeps in the day and watches at night. It was a miserable night, rainy and chilly. The mud in the trenches in some places was up to our knees. We knew we were in for it and wished we were back in Blighty, where one can at least change his clothes when they get wet, instead of waiting for a sunny day to dry them. At. times we have been wet for a fortnight. name of Betty. She thought Burton, or 'Ginger,' as she called him, was the ; For the love of God get me In! You finest thing out One day Ginger took . can have Betty, money, anything I Earnestness Welcome. One gets very tired of chatter sometimes. And when someone comes who is thoughtful, who is earnest, who talks that he may reveal something worth while, because he has some treasure through which the world may profit, then what a difference. How the mind throws off its staleness and freshens tinder the wind that cuts, maybe, as it heals. How the soul refreshes itself, how the heart takes courage and the spirit rises to meet the message.—Exchange. Cow Known as Great Mother. Long before the birth of the gods the way was being prepared for the apotheosization of the cow. The life giving cowry-amulet, one of primitive man's earliest elixirs of life, eventually became personified as the Great Mother. In course of time the cow's maternal function in supplying milk for human children brought about her identification with the Great Mother. The moon, also, as the controller of womankind, was another of her forms. MRS.WINSLOW / SYRUP The Infanta' and Children's Regulator s Sodium Citrate—an effective regulator of trie bowels—used ire- Rhubarb— a rejuvenato^ of digestive action. Senna—a prompt, efficient vegetable cathartic. cjuetitl /with other ingredients by.leat'ned doctors in treating colic and diarrboea. Sodium Bicarbonate*—highly valuable in treating severe gastric indigestion in children. Oil of Anise, Fennel, Caraway, Coriander, Glycerine, Sugar Syrup, all of which help to make this formula the very best that medical skill can devise. If it were possible to imDrove this formula it would be done regardless of the fact that a bottle of Mrs. Winslow's Syrup now costs twice as much tci make as any other similar preparation. Yet it costs you no wore than ordinary baby laxatives. At all Druggists ANGLO-AMERICAN DRUG CO., 215-217 Fulton Street, N.Y. Getierut Selling Agenfg: Harold F. Ritckie *C«., Inc. New York Toronto, Canada de Monty's Devious Ways. Mrs. Wajmp—Where did Mrs. Style get, hfi* new hat? Mrs. Blase—That's a problem. She bought it with the money which her husband burrowed from her uncle, who had w>n it in a poker game from her brother, to whom she had loaned it. shortly after her mother had taken it from her father's pockets and given It to her fc.t a birthday present.—New York Globe, Tot) Much Sympathy. SI Oates--.lust like (his dinged well to go dry the next day after the town did.—ChicKgo Daily News. Daily Thought. Charity Itself consists in acting justly and faithfully in whatever office* business and employment a person If engaged.—Swedenborg. When Baby la Teething GBOVH'S BAItY BOWHL MHDIOINH will Correct the Stomach fi-nd Bowel troubles. Perfectly harmless. See dlre.Kions on the bottle. A man may feel his oats and still lack horse sense. Out of Father's Hands. "I'd like to get that son of mine to spade up the yard." "Well, why don't you direct him to do it?" "I don't know if T have a right to without consulting his scout commissioner."—St. Louis Globe-Democrat. "When you have decided to get rid of worms or Tapeworm, use "Dead Shot," Dr. Peery's Vermifuge. One dose will expel them. Adv. The light of happiness is often shut out by the shadow of suspicion. To keep clean and healthy tak<* Doctor Pierce's Pleasant Pellets. They regulate liver, bowels and stomach. Adv. Gabriel will play the last trump in the game of life. A guilty conscience needs ho accuser. WEAK KIDNEYS MEAN A WEAK BODY When ydu're fifty ^ your body begins to creak a little at the hinges. Motion is more slow and deliberate. "Not so young as I used to be" is a frequent and unwelcome thovght. Certain bodily functions upon which good health and good spirits so much depend, are impaired. The weak spot is generally the bladder. Unpleasant symptoms show themselves. Painful and annoying complications in othei organs arise. This is particularly true with elderly people. If you only know how, this trouble can be obviated. For over 200 years GOLD MEDAL Haarlem Oil has been relieving the inconvenience and pain due to advancing years. It is a standard, old-time home remedy, and needs no introduction. It is now put up in odorless, tasteless capsules. These are easier and more pleasant to take than the oil in bottles. Each capsule contains about one dose of five drops. Take them just like you would any pill, with a small swallow of water. Th'ev soak into the system and throw off the poisons which are making you old before your time. Tbey will quickly relieve those stiffened joints, that backache, rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica, gall stones, gravel, "brick dust," etc. They are an effective remedy for all diseases of the bladder, kidney, liver, stomach and allied organs. GOLD MEDAL Haarlem Oil Capsules cleanse the kidneys and purify the blood. They frequently ward off attacks of the dangerous and fatal diseases of the kidneys. They have a beneficial effect, and often completely cure the diseases of the bodily organs, allied with the bladder and kidneys. If you are troubled with soreness across the loins or with "simple" aches ind pains in the back take warning, it may be the preliminary indications of some dreadful malady which can be warded off or cured if taken in time. Go to your druggist today ant! get a box of GOLD MEDAL Haarlem Oii Capsules. Money refunded if they do not help you. Three sizes. GOLD MEDAL ar»» the pure, original imported Haarlem Oil Capsules. Accept No Substitutes.—Adv.

The Canton Enterprise (19??–1971) was published in Canton, North Carolina by the Canton Publishing Company. Its preceding title was The Canton Observer (circa 1900-), and succeeding title was The Enterprise (1971-1996).

• Creator
  • Unknown
• Format
  • Publications (documents)
• Type
  • Text
• Date
  • Date original: 1919-01-17
  • Date digitized: 2020-10-27
• Extent
  • Dimension: 21.25" x 15.25"
  • Pages: 8 pages
• Subject - Topic
  • Canton (N.C.) -- Newspapers
• Location
  • Canton (N.C.)
  • Haywood County (N.C.)
  • North Carolina, Western
• Source institution
  • Western Carolina University
• Source Collection
  • Canton Area Historical Museum
• Identifier
  • CantonEnterprise_1919-01-17_Vol13_No03
• Repository
  • Canton Area Historical Museum