Company K at the border — ‘Sing, fellows, sing!’
This is the latest in a series of posts about the deployment of National Guard Company K of Glens Falls during the Mexican border conflict of 1916.
The 134 members of Company K were solemn as the train pulled out of the Glens Falls Delaware and Hudson railroad station in Glens Falls at 8:48 a.m. June 25, 1919, headed for deployment in the Mexican border conflict, according to a Post-Star reporter that rode along with the company as far as Troy.
“Sing, fellows, sing!” commanded Lieut. Walsh, and the soldiers broke into a half-hearted rendition of “It’s Long Way to Tipperary.”
“There was no attempt to carry on an air, no effort to harmonize, simply reciting in a sing song manner the words which were familiar to all, but it served to divert their minds and soon again they had command of themselves,” The Post-Star reported on June 26, 1916.
Soldiers were in an upbeat mood by the time the train passed through Fort Edward and Private Harold Norton came up with parody lyrics to the tune.
“It’s a long way down to the border, it’s a long way to go.
“It’s a long way down to the border, down to old Mexico.
“Good-bye old Glens Falls, farewell Union Square.
“It’s a long way down to the border, but watch us get there.”
Shortly after departing Glens Falls, Captain Robert Hall distributed written rules of conduct:
“Be careful of the water you drink.”
“Don’t throw food on the ground to attract flies.”
“On the march don’t drink water from your canteen until after the second halt, nor eat food except at mess.”
“Don’t put milk or beer in your canteen.”
“Don’t wear dirty clothes. Look neat.”
“Bathe every day if possible.”
“Take proper care of your rifles.”
“Get your mess kit free from grease by rinsing in hot water.”
“If you lose your equipment, you will have to pay for it.”
“Wear your hat on straight and well down in front.”
“Don’t wear neck ties showing at the neck or flowers and toothbrushes on your hat.”
“Air your bedding each day when weather permits.”
“If you don’t know what to do, ask your squad leader.”
Click here to read the most recent previous post in the series.
