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"WITH THE COLORS"
YMCA

Camp Dix
New Jersey
Mar. 23, 1918.

Mr. W.J. Bray,
Kirksville, Mo.
My Dear Mr. Bray:
This is to let you know that my address now is Company C, instead of Recruit Detachment, that same organization, tho, 303rd Field Signal Battalion. We have a company of about 280 men, so are practically at full war strength. I think possibly a few are to be added.

Altho I shall probably transfer to the Aviation Section, if possible, this is a great Branch of the Service. We are studying, now, besides the elementary drill practice, the

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various methods and codes of Signaling and the work is very interesting. We look like a bunch of Jumping Jacks, sometimes, out practicing the Two Arm Semaphore signals, then try sending by the Wig-Wig; using only one flag. This system uses the International, or General Service Code, which is used also with the "buzzer" or field telegraph instrument. After while we will get work with the Heliograph and Flash Lanterns. Then we will have to work at night as well as day time. While we were on a hike the other day we watched a bunch laying a field line and sending messages. By the way, speaking of hiking I think we have been all over most of the South East end of New Jersey

The country immediately around the camp looks much like North Missouri, only there is much more sand and gravel, and the fences are the old genuine rail.



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"WITH THE COLORS"
YMCA

McGee is still with me and we are bunking in the same squad room.

I've been receiving the Index and enjoy every copy of it.

There are quite a few French Officers here who are giving instruction in Artillery, bomb throwing, etc. The trench construction is certainly interesting and we have quite a variety of different methods under construction here. I got some good pictures of them the other day.

Give my regards to all, and accept my thanks for the Index.
Yours in Service,
Ed N. Howell.

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