Memorandum from R.B. Albaugh to J.A. Laird - April 6, 1918

              In Field Service, France. April 6, 1918. From: Captain R.B. Albaugh, 12th Engineers (Ry), A.E.F. To: Lieut. Col. J.A. Laird, N.A., 12th Engrs. (Ry), A.E.F. Subject: Noteworthy work by members of Co. "A" Detachment, 12th Engrs. (Ry), during German offensive 3-21-18, to 3-25-18. 1. While all members of "A" Co. Detachment performed almost impossible tasks in the recent orderly retreat, I wish to call special attention to the work of the following men: Sgt. A.H. Rothmeyer. Sgt. Rothmeyer was left in charge of Fins Control when detachment was withdrawn at about 1 A.M. Friday March 22nd, personally going to AX 125 then in front of support infantry withdrawing water car, returning to Fins where he gathered up all remaining equipment under heavy shrapnel and gas attack, arriving safely at Quinconce in the afternoon of the 22nd. The trip to AX 125 was not ordered directly as the danger was considered very great. Upon arrival at Quinconce Sgt. Rothmeyer assisted in administration of ammunition dump and at about 1 A.M. was sent with consignment of ammunition for a forward point near Hautallins, which he delivered safely and returned to railhead with equipment. His courage and endurance were highly commendable throughout. Sgt. M. Brennan. Sgt. Brennan was in charge of Station AX 7 and Corps ammunition dump located at this point. This station was heavily shelled, the track being blown out in three places in the immediate vicinity and abandoned by British staff in charge. He issued the various classes of ammunition to limbers with the Corps Officers after all N.C.O's. and men had taken cover or retired out of shell range. He continued in charge of station until orders were received fro the 5th Army to evacuate all stations excepting AX 4, AX 3 and AX 2. All equipment, telephone etc., were removed under his direction. He was also in charge of the last crew into CY 17 and CY 18. His work was of the highest quality and his courage exceptional. Master Engr. Cuthbertson. Master Engineer Cuthbertson was sent out over line on Simplex tractor on the morning of March 22nd and assisted in maintaining the transportation uninterrupted taking charge of AX 7 station when Sgt. Brennan was sent to CY 17. On the night of March 22nd he was placed in charge of the forward working of 18 pounder ammunition to Bussu the most forward point at that time, carrying on his work very successfully. His work and conduct amid danger were highly commendable. Sgt. G.R. Vance. Sgt. Vance, night yard master at Quinconce, handled the evacuation of all equipment and power with exception of the small portion engaged in ammunition traffic on the night of March 22nd with great skill and was largely responsible for the successful delivery of 30 wagons of light ammunition to forward points, having obtained labor parties from XZ railhead officer, when British authorities had failed to provide sufficient unloading parties. His services deserve special mention.