On July 14th, we moved to La Plessis where Able and Baker Batteries witnessed the construction
of an airfield. “Gad, how the bulldozer drew fire!” Here Jerry pasted us with unbelievable accuracy.
On reconnaissance for our next position, near Gorges, our advance parties were strafed, and as
our batteries came into position, they were severely shelled. The Heinie artillery whistled in
relentlessly. Shells kicked up dust and dirt in nearby fields, but miraculously no one was hurt. In this
position, we all encountered the heaviest and most constant shelling the Jerry had yet given us. Message
Center, the medics, and “A” Battery were special targets. An unusual number of duds came in. Later
the engineers found them filled with sawdust.
On July 28th, the Germans had enough. We lost contact with them and ended up at Cathelmais.
We did not fire during our stay here, but prepared for the chase to come. We listened avidly to news
broadcasts, put up our situation maps, cleaned our equipment and went on foot marches. Our only
enemy activity here was “Bed Check Charlie”, and the German propaganda leaflets: “Hey Kid, Why
miss all this and let that 4'er run around with your wife?” Pretty racy looking wife too!
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