The Historic Hempstead Plains - Nassau County Long Island.
Camp Mills - Garden City Long Island
Camp Mills events from August 20, 1917 to Oct 27th, 1917.
- August 20th, 1917 - The NewYork Fighting 69th marches out of New York City to the ferry. It arrives at Camp Mills later that day. Its first return to the Hempstead Plains since the Spanish American War. Its unit designation will be changed to the 165th.
- September 30,, 1917 - On this day, 40,000 visitors watched three brigades march for review. The 83rd Infantry Brigade, consisting of the165th Regiment (formerly NY 69th), the 166th Regiment of Ohio, and the 150th Machine Gun Battalion of Wisconsin. The 84th Infantry Brigade consisting of the 167th Regiment of Alabama, the 168th Iowa Regiment and the 151st Machine Gun Battalion of Georgia. The Artiilery Brigade, also passed in review as well.1
- October 5th, 1917 - As part of training, a practice charge was held for the 165th Regiment (former NY 69th). Probably Donovan's idea, his reputation was founded on hard training. A two mile course with appropriate obstacles was set up for the run.. Sgt James Jensen of Co. A, was the winner.1
- October 21st, 1917 - On this day, a grass fire threatens the camp. MPs and Westbury volunteer firemen successfully fought the blaze. The cause of the blaze was to be investigated.1
- October 25th,1917 -" Major Donovan lead the first battalion through the dark camp and down the silent lanes to the long train that was to take them to Montreal. And there were no crowds, there was no music. It was a journey more momentous, greater in historical importance than...." 2 Joyce Kilmer. See "Father Duffy's Story".
- October 27th, 1917 - Racial Friction breaks out between the Alabama and the NY 15th (Black regiment). See the book " A Doughboy in the Fighting 69th" By Albert M. Ettinger and his son Albert C. Ettinger. The 15TH was supported by the 165th regiment.3
Sources:
1) NY Times.
2) Father Duffy's Story - Father Duffy, C1919, Historical appendage, pg337, by Joyce Kilmer (KIA).
3) "A Doughboy in the Fighting 69th" Albert M. Ettinger
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