When the United States finally entered the World War One conflict, the military had to play "catch up" and try to get a war machine in place quickly. There were inevitable shortages of military issue, from guns to clothing, as suppliers worked overtime to fill large government orders. The following information, reflecting this state of affairs, appears in The History of the 89th Division
1917-1918-1919
By George H. English, Jr.
Published by The War Society of the 89th Division, 1920
Page 27-28
CLOTHING
Uniforms were not forthcoming. "Very well," said
General Wood to his
supply officers, "Go out and buy blue denim overalls for them." These
would
all look alike and would cover the body, which, essentially, is all
that any
uniform can do. There were no rifles. "Very well," said General Wood,
"Let
them whittle rifles out of wood." These would do for them to learn
the manual
of arms, and to get the knack of coming to a halt with a "one, two,"
and a
"one, two, three"
And so presently comical blue denim columns began
to wind over the hills;
many an officer, used to better things, had to make violent efforts
to
suppress a titter when a ludicrous sentry in campaign hat and with
overalls
turned up a mile at the bottom, came solemnly to a present with a wooden
gun.
Comical, ludicrous, you say? Well, only at first sight. When that officer
came in actual contact with these men and began to command them, there
came
an appreciation of what lay under the uncouth exterior. ...
(courtesy Jefferson Saunders) |