New Britain Herald Newspaper, April 29, 1918, Page 1

HERALD BEST OF ALL | LOCAL NEWSPAPERS INEW BRITAIN HERALD HERALD “ADS” EAN BETTER BUSINESS PRICE THRFE CELNTS. — NEW BRlI‘AIN CONNE(,TICUT MONDAY, APRIL 29, 1918.—TWELVE PAGES. ESTABLISHED 1876. | OUR Americans - sumes Of Y STRIKES nter B WAR CROSSES AWARDED TO ' 122 MASSACHUSETTS HEROES Signal Honer Paid Veterans of Apremont Wood Battlé During Which Enemy Shock Tiroops Were Esuted PROUDEST MOMENT IN LIFE OF COMMANDER h Peasant Women Cheer fmericans March by in Full Field Equipment—French General Com- ments om “Greatest 2udacity and Fine Spirit of Sacrificc”” uring istance With Bayonet to Hun ‘vance. b %SVith the American Army I ¥ France, April 28 (By the As Y Press.)—There was increased " Mery activity on the Toul sector today. At dawn the Germans began a heavy barrage against part of our line. This ociated artil- as accompanied by intermittent ma- ; Hine gun and rifle fire. The enemy’s activity taken mean that he is striving to keep Americans busy so they cannog sent north. The French army today paid an nmonc tribute to the United States en 122 soldier sons of Massa- usetts were decorated with the war oss for bravery displaved in recent . fighting. The ceremony which was held on a picturesque field a short distance from the front line trenches was one of the most impressive in which American soldiers have parti- cipated since their entry into war. One hundred and seventeen men from the 104th Massachusetts regi- ment, who bore the brunt of the §arman attack in the Apremont ferest on April 12, received medals, is to be ar did five men of another regiment who had perticipated in earlier fight- ing around Soisso Here and there keroes ‘were spaces Americans killed or ously. ™1t had been raining in the forenoon but the sun broke through the gray ash clouds when the 104th regiment, which also was decorated as a unit, passed in review hefore American and French generals. Ban the “Star Spangled Banner’ “Marseillaise” while the American and French flags waved proudly and déflantly within sound of the roar of German guns. Showed Greatest Audacity. The French general in conferring the decorations said of the regiment: “1t showed the greatest audacity and a fine spirit of sacrifice. Sub- jected to very violent bombardments snd attacked by large German forces, it succeeded in checking the danger- wous advance and took, of the bayonet, in a most vigorous way, prisoners and some demolished trenches from which it had fallen back at the first assault.” The few civilian spectators who witnessed the ceremony included se eral French women, residents of vil- lages near the front. They cheered fue the young Americans, wearing full equipmeit and’ helmets, marched by. Some Americans, attadied to other units, were greatly moved | when the band played the national anthem. They saw the bright new flag and realized what their com- rades had been through to merit the honors. The general commanding the American forces shook hands and spoke words of encouragement to each of the men decorated, saying it was the proudest moment of his life to be the commander of men who had done such great honor to the country. Men Who Won Decorations. Following are the men receiving (he war cross in the Massachusetts ., regiment decorated: Rev. John Des Valles. Captains George A. Roberts, in the line of representing wounded seri- Ed- (Continued On Ninth Page). the | the | at the point | with ¢ 'DOUBLE CASUALTY { Killed in Acf>n and Missing After Baitiz ¥ 121 22 TOTAL CASUmTIES 156 | | Syn t Roll Contai~: 12 Iilled and 2 { | Died of Woun« second Ldst 5 Killed, vwounds—Hart- ford O%¢ —Two cas- by the vined 156 names. Washington, ualty lists given today war department co The killed ng Ten offic: ¥ T actio numbered ed. led 1n died 10; Bt cax’ K wounds, 2; died of accidc 3 disease, causes, of 1; wounded slightly, died of ot verely, 11; missing in action, A second list contained §2 Killed in action, 4; died of dis- everely, 14; wound- ed slightly, missing in action, 1. The second list contained the names of three officers, Lieut. Norman F. Hood, died of wounds; Lieut. James J. Pacrsons, was wounded severely, and Lieut. Edgar B. Noland was re portea mi ng in action. Captain Arthur F. " among those killed in action. Among he slightly wounded were Lieuts. | Herbert A. Chase, James J. Flanagen, Robert Hayes, William B. Kievenaar, William H. Osborne and John P. Ratajczak. wounded names | divided as follow 5; died of wounds, ease, 3; wounded 55; Locke was First List. The first list follows: Killed in Action. Captain Arthur F. Locke; Ser- geants Edward J. Kline, Joseph Sokovich; Corporals Arthur J. Paul- son, Walla C. Winter, Jr.; Privates Francis Barnes, Alvin W. Gordon, Mike Kusmisky, David F. Lindgren, Daniel E. Murdock, Willlam J. O’Brien, Melvin I. Rice, John D. Ryan, Died of Wounds. Corporal Charles S. Blankford and Private Gregrore Pallelogus. ! Died of Disease. Corporal John Taylor; Cook Louis B. Eiswierth; Privates Orval Fike, Ivory Gamble, James C. Gardner, Jesse B. Hewitt, Romeo Nadeau, Mer- lin Proctor, Willie Simmons, Arthur J. Stevens. Died of Accident. Privates Joseph Francis Miskell and Frank Osborne. Died of Other Causes. Private John F. Cox. Severely Wounded. Corporal Wesley H. Burton; Pri- vates Max Robert Burke, Frank Do- reski, Diego Louis Corretjer, Joe Leto, Anthony Markarewicz, Stanley Miedowski, Robin Moore, Thomas H. Musker, Willlam O’Dell, Walter J. | Rouna. Slightly Wounded, Lieutenants Herbert A. Chase, ‘Jumes J. Flanagan, Robert Hayes, ‘William J. Kievenaar, Willlam H. Os- borne, John P. Ratajczak; Sergeants Ralph Bove, Howard L. Burdin, Wal- ter B. Grant, John J. Hopkins, Wil- ! fred B, Johnson, Willlam T. Knox, | Charles L. Stribel; Corporal Thomas | J. Lee; Bugler Thomas V. Prunty; Wagoner Curtis F. Banks; Clarence Anderson, George F. Bigger, Frank Crump, ‘George D'Ame James D. DePass, Austin L. Ely, | jlam A. Engli Romeo Laferiere, | Stepnen Lorenti, Edward F. Mathie- son, George Murphy, Joseph L. Rit- chie, Patrick J. Sullivan, (Continued on Ninth Page) 22. | | i | | owich, Corporal Arthur | and Private David F. Lindgren, all | this city, and Private Frank Barnes DIE AT SEICHEPREY | Sergt. Sokowwh Gorp Paulson, LISTS PUB”SHED Pus. Lmdgreflld Barnes Fall 'ALL WERE YOUNG MEN rivate Lindgren Leaves a Wifo and Infant Baby in New Britain—Soko- wich is First Non-Commissioned Officers to Fall. Four more Company fallen in actual battle, according to dispatches from General Pershing who reports that Sergeant Joel Sok- J. Paulson of of Plainville, were killed in action at the battle of Seicheprey on April 20 in which the New Britain soldiers dis- tinguished themselves for bravery I boys have ‘and during which action Captain Al fred H, Griswold, who led the boys to victory distinguished himself. Thus far it would appear that for- mer Company I of this city has been hit as hard, if not harder, than any other unit in the 102d This would also indicate that the New Britain boys have not .only been | under heavy fire on several occasions, { but also have conducted themselve | With the coolness and courage of sea- soned veterans, which they now are. Reports from the battlefront praise the morale and individual bravery of , the Connecticut men. Privates | Charles C. ! Sokowich a Seasoned Soldier. Sergeant Joel Sokowich, formerly of Company I, was the son of: Mrs B. Sokowich of 56 Willow street and is the first non-commissioned officer n either of the two local units to die on the field of honor. He enlisted in Company I about seven years ago and at the time of his death was serving his second enlistment. He saw ser= vice with Company I on the Mexican border two years ago this and was regarded as an excellent sol- dier. Before coming to New Britain, Sergeant Sokowich served a while with the United States Marine corps, the “soldiers of the sea”, and the ex- i perience he gained in that branch ol the service made him an invaluable member of Company I. An all-round soldier who knew no fear, Sergeant Sokowich was a favorite of both offi- cers and men. He was an especially skillful drill sergeant and it was he who did much of the work in break- ing in the new recruits last spring and summer. Although he was thor- oughly American, Sergeant Soko- wich was familiar with the language of his parents and this greatly in- creased his efficiency in drilling the numerous recruits who flocked to the colors but who could not understand English as well as the native born. Sergeant Sokowich was 28 years of age and besides his mother, he leaves several step-sisters. Corporal Paulson Kilied. Corporal Arthur Paulson, another non-commissioned officer of old Com- pany I, also fell at the battle of Seicheprey. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. David Paulson of 14 Smith street and besides his mothen and father, he leaves several brothers and sisters. The soldler was about 19 years of age and before joining the colors was employed at the Stanlev Works. Lindgren Leaves Wife and Baby. Private David F. Lindgren was the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Lindgren of 50 Woodland street and was one of the numerous boys yet in their early ‘teens who flocked to the re: cruiting office when the first call for soldiers for overseas service —came. Private Lindgren enlisted in Company I on June 30 of last vear, being only 17 years of age at the time. K He was attached to the headquarters com- pany of the 102d Regiment as a dis- patch courier, it being his duty to carry dispatches from the headquar- te to the officers in the and’ it is presumed that he fell w ttempting to deliver such a message mid a hail of shot and shell. When vate Lindgr ¢ from w Haven early last fall to sail for he left behind him a tearful » of a few months and to- mourns for him in this e young day there (Continued On Ninth Page) Regiment. snmmer | front line | DEMANDS PRISONERS IN RUSSIA’S HANDS Germany Threatens to Take Petrograd Unless Note Is Met. Washington, April 29.—Germany has demanded of Russia an exchange of prisoners and has threatened to take Petrograd unless Russia agrees to the terms advanced, the state de- vartment here has learned. The German government the state ing to Russia a commission of 115 members to present the German de mands. The German demand, as outlined, calls for immediate release of all Ger- man prisoners in good health; that those who are ill shall remain in Russia under care of neutral physi- cians and the Germans on their side will release only these Russian pris- oners ill or incapacitated. l}'ew Government Denounces Treaty. London, April 29.—The newest Russian government in Petrograd, ac- cording to the Aftonbladet of Copen- hagen, says an Exchange Telegraph | dispatch, has denounced the Brest- Litovsk treaty with Germany. It calls for a new treaty with Esthonia under Russian rule. An Associated Press dispatch from Stockholm Sunday reporting rumors {that former Grand Duke Alexis has been declared emperor of Russia in a counter revolution, added the new government would refuse to recog- nize the treaty with Germany. Es- thonia borders on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland and extends from the Gulf of Riga to near Petro- grad. It has been reported Emperor William was to become duke of Es- thonia and Esthonia was to be close: ly allied to Germany. TRANSPORTS COLLIDE Steamers Running Without Idghts Strike and Return to Atlantic Port for Repairs—No Lives Lost. Washington, April 29.—Two Amer- ican transports which were in colli- sion at sea several days ago have re- turned safely to an Atlantic Port the navy department anncunced today. Secretary Daniels authorized the following: “The transports which were dam- aged in a collision at sea days ago have arrived safely at an Atlantic port. The vessels were in a convoy and were running without nhghts when the accident occurred. Neither was seriously damaged but beth were ordered to return to port for repairs. No lost. A board of inquiry will be ap- pointed to make a thorough investi- gation of the accident.” LANDS SECOND AIRPLANE. Licut. Tarner Attacks Enemy, Killing Observer and Pilot, Washington, April 29.—Lieut. G. De Freest Larner, an American avia- ! tor, has brought down his second German airplane. Flying alone, he attacked the Ger- an machine, killed the observer and hot the machine down, killipg the pilot, according to word reaching Washington. in the Oise river area where he was with the French armies on His first enemy machine 1t down March 18. Hartford, for vicinity April 29.—Fore- New Britain and Rain tonight and “ast ‘department]s dispatches said, is send- | | several of several | 1680 b lives are reported | | ers convoying the liner The action took place | | Three HIP TAKING Y. M. C. A. WORKERS TO FRANCE SUNK BY SUBMARINE Fifty-seven Survivors Arrive in London — Vessel At- tacked While Convoyed by Destroyers. London, April 29.—A party 57 American army Y. M. C. A. workers under Arthur E. Hungerford arrived in London last night. The ship on which they sailed was torpedoed ves- terday morning and sank in 12 min- minutes. s and all but three of the crew were saved. One of the ship’s officgrs told the Assoclated Press that thfe Americans had conducted themselves in admir- able manner. They were better able to do this because they had spent :}"ncst of their time aboard the ships in military drills and in dail: and rightly life boat drills. Every man knew his station and duties. War- ships were sent to the rescue and all the lifeboats were picked up within half an hour. The W el was struck amidships while proceeding in a large convoy under the protection of a number of destroyers. It was proceeding at about 10 knots in bright moonlight when struck. There was a heavy list and three minutes later the boilers blew up, extinguishing the ligh.s throughout the ship. The passengers, after being landed, were taken caré of by the Ameri Y. M. C. A. and Awerican Red Cro here. Two of the members of the grew who Jost their lives were caught be- low and went down with the ship. The third man was the ship’s baker who, after reaching his lifeboat sta- tion, went back for his money belt. The discipline on board the ship was excellent. Although the time was brief, all the boats were launched successfully. Most of the Americans bad little clothing and no baggage. Several lost their passports and all their money. The subm time of rine was not seen at the the vessel was torpedoed but the survivors told a story o1 a periscope appearing for a mo- ment in the midst of the lift boats. “It was said the periscope was seen from nearby torpedo boat de- stroyers which, however, did not dare fire for fear of hitting the life- boats” said the Rev. Charles Vick- ery, of Salina, Kas. “If the periscope did appear it was only for a brief moment. While the lifeboats were being picked up one American and one British destroyer circled the spot, dropping several depth charges.” Orissa Y. M. C. A. Ship. New York. April 29.—The vessel sunk in English waters while carry- ing 57 Y. M. C. A. workers was the British steamer Orissa of 5,436 tons gross, it was learned here today. She American Atlantic port on April 12. She was owned by the British India Steam Navigation Co., and built at Sunderland in 1897. Torpedo Grazes Stern of ¥rench Liner An Atlantic Port, April 29—A large French liner which ar here to- day tacked by a submarine when two days out from a French port. The torpedo grazed her stern and the merchantman gave battle. Cruis- joined in the fight and the U-boat fled with several sh in pursuit. British Infantry to on the battlefront. in a rolling terrain. of friendly and hostile guns.' was rather heavy the American found the trenches shallow, trenches at all. evenly divided. 2 hand, if opportunity offers. Whether the submarine was sunk was not known by any of the 28F sengers aboard the merchantman. attack took place while the pas- crs were dining at 7 p. m. 1 The seng BRING UP MORE BIG GUNS New Long Range Cannon For Bombardment of Paris Seen Pa sing Through Belginm. ‘April German Amsterdam, lang range 29.—Three new ! guns made at Dusseldorf for the bombardment of Paris, passed through Belgium last, Iriday toward France, according to the correspondent at Maastricht of Lcsl . Nouvelles. | front i tured admit the German intention ig With the American Forces in Northern France, April 28. the Associated Press.)—American troops have taken up positiong Under the French high command, in which al ranks have supreme confidence, the American forces face the enem on the line barring the Germans from Paris and Amiens, where the have been a certain number of days. A The Americans, on entering the line, found their positiong The artillery was the first on the line, enter: ing on a dark night which was made red by the continuous flashed Under a fire which in some cas What the future holds for the American forces is, on the ot unknown, but the jAmericans are confident that under thy efficient French direction; although the tasks may be difficult the; will give a good account of themsalves and strike the Boche a blo MEN ON PICARDY LIN attle Positions Am'd Rain of Steel-Fourth German Army fensive Against Allies in Flanders on Front of 17 Miles FOUR MORE C0. IMEN Tremendous Bombardment by Huns Forces Send up S O S Signals for Artillery Support---Belgians on Yse Front Also Under Intensive Attack (B gunners took up the positions o the French batteries and completed the work of digging in. Lines Raked With Shrapnel. When the infantry moved in, the firing was just as intensel In some places, our troops, after passing through villages, wer raked now and then with shrapnel. In several instances the while in other cases there were ng By this time the positions have been improve greatly and the shellholés connected. The American lines genera ly are about 200 to 400 'yards apart and the high ground is abo: It should be understood that this sector is not especially acti compared with others to the north although it is more active thi those the Americans have previously faced. is heavy and intermittent, the German shells whi The rxrtxlluy firi i over i lines into towns in certain rear areas. There has not been a raid on either side of the line for se eral days but at night the patrols are active, Americans approacl ing close to the enemy lines. gun and rifle fire indicate where out enemy patrolling parties. All during the nights rapid machin the American bullets are keepin March Out in Dark. The march from the billet bases to the line was very impref sive. Many units started off Spangled Banner,” close was the band, ments. icans, marching as if on parade, the enemy lines. with played by regimental bands, in their ears. At one place the tune must have the gun flashes being reflected on the i The constant roar of artille the strain of the “S recahed the German lines, y was deafening as thel Am disappeared down the roads pa American batteries which were sending many shells into t The training period for the American troops lasted a few da after which they movedyup to within sound of the guns, Thej they rested while awaiting orders to go into battle, at the san time giving the last touches to their equipment. Many an infan man curled up in his blankets under the stars, the more lucky ha ing beds of straw in houses or barns. All appeared unmindful of their hardships. same. The officers fared about During the movement the number of men reporting sick h| been extraordinarily small. men apparently put off making The doctors say that in many cases ¢ such reports because they fea they mlght be sent to the hospital and lose their chance ofl takil part in the great battle. For a few days before the troops went into the trencf\es t] officers took energetic measures to suppress false and vicious i ports regarding the progress of the battle. The Americans belie now nothing unless officially reported. Announcement that American troops had entered the all line in Picardy, east of Amiens, was made by the Paris war off§ last Wednesday night. The Germans that day attacked the Briti French and Amercans along a long front from north of the Som to below Castel. Particularly stubborn fighting occurred aroi Hangard from which the French were driven but part of wh they regained Friday. A Paris dispatch Thursday announced that more .than ¢ wounded Americans had reached Paris hospitals from the batf front. Germans Renew Offensive With Object of Smashmg Allled Barrier to Ypr ‘With the British Army in France, April 29 (By The Associated Press). —The fourth German army this morning heavily attacked the Allied in Flanders, Prisoners cap- to attempt to capture Ypres. - Severe fighting is reported in the French and British areas. The attack extended over a front of about 17 miles. The Belgians on the Yser front also are reported to have been at- tacked. Infantry Calls for Artillery Aid. London, April 29.—The British | troops around Ypr | after dawn this morning ! sent S O S signals for artillenyy supy telegraphs Reuter’s correspgndes | British headquarters in France. though no definite report aflg.n try attack in this region hag ported, the correspondent u.d_ tremendous German bombard point to certainty of a G tempt to advance. k An intense bombardmen$ fro r0 tillery is in progress from a2 (Continued On Eleveunt] 1 3