To recount in print every specific incident connected with the life of the organization, or to attempt a military biographical sketch of every battery member, would require many volumes. My soldier-comrade readers will, no doubt, recall many instances which could have been included in this volume with marked appropriateness. The selection of the material, however, has been with utmost consideration and for the expressed purpose of having the complete narrative give the non-military reader a general view of the conditions and experiences that fell to the lot of the average unit in the United States Army in service in this country and overseas. Grateful acknowledgment is due to those who aided in the verification of all material used. Many of the battery members made suggestions that have been embodied in the text. To A. Ernest Shafer, D. C., and Conrad A. Balliet, of Hazleton, Penna., belongs credit for information supplied covering periods when the author was on detached service from the battery. To Dr. Shafer acknowledgment is also due for the use of photographs from which a number of the illustrations have been reproduced. From Prof. Fred H. Bachman, C. A. C., of Hazleton, Penna., who read over the manuscript, many valuable suggestions were received. W. E. B. Hazleton, Penna., 1920. TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I. SOURCES OF THE DELTA World Events--The Nucleus--Declaration of War. U. S. Joins--Selective Service Plans. CHAPTER II. A CAMP BELCHED FORTH Selection of Camp Meade Site--Cantonment Construction Building Progresses--Home Leaving Preparations. CHAPTER III. "YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW" Officers at Fort Niagara--Assignment of Officers Barrack org.--New Soldiers Arrive. CHAPTER IV. FIRST IMPRESSIONS Description of Barracks--A Day's Routine--Getting Catalogued--Inoculations and Drills--Soldiers Arrive and Leave. CHAPTER V. LEARNING TO BE A SOLDIER First Non-Commissioned Personnel--Effects of Transfers--Schools--Hikes--Athletics--Idle Hours. CHAPTER VI. FLEETING HOURS OF LEAVE Holiday Season Approaches--Thanksgiving Feast Practice Marches--Barrack 0103--Christmas 1917. CHAPTER VII. WELL GROOMED BY DETAIL Stable Police--Inspections--Staff Changes. CHAPTER VIII. BATTERY PROGRESS Formal Retreat--Quarantine--Celebration--Rumors. Baltimore Parade--West Elkridge Hike. CHAPTER IX. FAREWELL TO CAMP MEADE Getting Ready--Advance Detail--Departure. CHAPTER X. ABOARD THE S. S. MORVADA Set-Sailing--Coastland Appears--Halifax Harbor--Convoy Assembles. CHAPTER XI. DODGING SUBMARINES Ocean Journey Starts--Transport Life--Sub Scares. Destroyers Delayed--Battle With Subs. CHAPTER XII. A ROYAL WELSH RECEPTION Barry, South Wales--Parade--His Majesty's Letter. English Rail Journey. CHAPTER XIII.