The soldiers were allowed to be on the streets until 9 o'clock each night. Many spent their money freely. The wine shops did a thriving business and as is usual in large crowds, the element was present that was not satisfied with sampling the large assortment of wine-vintages but indulged in Cognac. Strict disciplinary measures were immediately adopted. Several of the first offenders, none of whom, however, were from Battery D ranks, were reduced in rank at a public battalion formation on the public square.
The cognac proclivities of the few endangered the privileges of the many in having freedom to visit in the town at night. Battery punishment was inflicted at times, which constituted carrying a full pack on the back at drill formation or for a certain period after drill hours.
Toward the latter part of August steps were taken to organize a battery commander's detail. Lieut. Hugh M. Clarke took charge of the instruction work. Special instruction was started in map and road sketching, orientation and signal work. The battery in general was also put through a strenuous course in the use of the semaphore and the wigwag.
On August 21st the regiment passed in review on the large regimental drill ground, under a burning sun. The swim in the river at the close of that day was especially inviting.
While in Montmorillon Lieut. Sidney F. Bennett instituted a series of battalion and regimental setting-up exercises. Calesthenics, to the music of the regimental band, was the feature of the exercises.
The long hike to the grain field drill ground was abandoned after two weeks and the village plaza was used for drill purposes. About this time several French army sergeants were attached to the regiment and instruction in gun pit construction was started. Details were kept busy for several days digging gun pits near the regimental drill grounds, but before the job was fully completed orders came for the regiment to leave Montmorillon.
Present day reminiscences vouch for the fact that the stay in Montmorillon was most pleasant. The weather had been ideal throughout the month of August. Except for a detachment from the regiment who replaced the negro M. P.'s no guard duty was necessary in the town. During the first week of September, 1918, however, all that the boys had to compare their lots and life in Montmorillon with was Camp Meade regime. In the light of this comparison many expressed words of approval that the outfit was finally getting away from such a horrid place. Those who failed to see the good points of Montmorillon, moreover, were without knowledge of what the future held in store for the outfit in its journey through France.