"F" Company at Arnone

by

Lieutenant John H. Dodd

The shelling was increasing, as we crawled up into town,
but it wasn't too annoying and we had time to hit the ground.
the second platoon had entered first and was set up to defend:
Co. E was supposed to be on the left past the rivers bend.

The first platoon was next advanced and placed on the second's right.
The third platoon was in reserve, but fully prepared to fight.
The captain had his C.P. in the center of Arnone
From there he sent out and set up to the rear by telephone.

But don't forget, that through all this, the Jerries fire was growing:
Eighty-eight and mortar shells, artillery fire was snowing -
Not to mention the generous spray of their rapid fire pistol
A thing of amazing rat--a-tat and a too late warning whistle.

They seemed to know the coordinates of every spot we held,
And every place to which we moved was forthwith heavily shelled.
By the time the third platoon came up, the shrapnel was so thick
Advancing through the stuff was really quite a trick.

Casualties were mounting and our aid men worked like mad
And men who where near the wounded used up all the packs we had.
Jerry was fording the river, about half way between the bridges
We threw a couple of mortar rounds that appeared to hit the spot.
If they'd stop that goddamn shelling we'd give them all we've got.

Jerry's plan was obvious and a well devised one, too
He's cutting around our left and sealing our Waterloo.
But Jerry hadn't noticed, and we praised the lord for that,
Co. E was on our left, so Jerry's plan fell flat.

By now the fire was so intense, withdrawal had to be
And so we did, but no one felt it was disgracefully.
We gathered up the wounded and moved them through the rough
One stretcher case was improvised and portaging was tough.
Then came the Battalion medics with litter bearers for the rest
And the sight of them relieved us - for we knew we'd done our best.

Arnone is just in shambles now and the booby traps are sprung
And the church is not the place it was when sacred hymns were sung.
Our own artillery is striking now where Jerrie had his day
Our allied friends, the British, are taking up the play.

I'd like to pay just tribute to the men of Co. F:
To those who read this history and to those who's ears are deaf -
You didn't hold the town Arnone, but though you were detained
You showed a gallant spirit and that spirit never waned.

The preceding poem was written by Lieutenant John H. Dodd. He was killed in action at Nijmegen, Holland.