Some Members of the 89th Spruce Squadron
Introduction
The U. S. Army Order of Battle book provides some information on the history of the Spruce units serving during the First World War. Most of the units were created at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. Once established, some of the squadrons were transferred into the forests of Washington and Oregon to work on spruce logging and road and railroad construction. Others stayed at Vancouver Barracks: (1) Some men were made part of the military presence at Vancouver, and performed military duties for the duration of the War. (2) other men built and worked at the cut-up plant where the spruce lumber was specially processed to be made into airplane parts.
This web page includes official Army information, but is enhanced by information from the excellent book Soldiers in the Woods by the late Rod Crossley (passed in 2019). Search for this book at: Amazon ABEBooks (It was formerly described at http://www.timbertimes.com, a website that is no longer working).
That exhaustive history of the Spruce Production Division includes some of the individual unit histories, including the companies to which they were assigned, and some of camps in which they were located.
Note that Army units and sub-units were often transferred as the logging and construction work was finished, or new projects started. This practice of regular relocation often makes it difficult to pinpoint the location of any one Spruce Squadron.
I have been able to provide some illustrations on this page. Many of them are included in the Google Photos album I have posted
To assist the researcher, I have added a Table of Contents which points to the listed Spruce units.
Numbering
Many Spruce units were originally numbered as “Provisional” or “Aero” squadrons (before July 1918). The Table of Contents reflects those number changes. If you do not see a particular unit, contact me , and I will try to help with your research.
Rosters
I do have a few rosters of soldiers in the Spruce units , but for the most part I cannot connect a particular soldier with a particular unit. Feel free to view the rosters that I do have on that web page. On the main Spruce Squadron web page I have provided links that point to the offerings of some of the local historical societies in the Pacific Northwest.
Regiments
There was an attempt to create official Army Regiments for administration of the Spruce operations. In the end, they were called ‘Provisional Regiments’. The 1st Provisional Regiment comprised men in the 1st through 14th Spruce Squadrons. These were the military men operating the Vancouver Barracks facility, and for the most part they were located only there. Also, this was the only unit that was organized in a manner typical of the U. S. Army. All of the other Provisional Regiments were administrative units only. The 2nd Provisional Regiment was comprised of the 15th through the 28th Spruce Squadrons, and was made up of men working on and at the Cut-Up Plant at Vancouver Barracks. This is where the spruce lumber was specially milled for use in airplane construction. The 3rd Provisional Regiment was created for a ‘Transportation Corps’ and comprised the 29th through the 31st Spruce Squadrons only. Nearly all the remaining Spruce Squadrons were involved in Logging and Construction in the field. There was an attempt to create a 4th Provisional Regiment for purposes of construction of a new special mill at Toledo, Oregon, and some units may have been so designated. Examples include the 94th Spruce and the 101st Spruce, and some units may have been so designated. Men were moved from a number of operations to Toledo for the construction project. The project was abandoned after the Armistice.
Men in Arms
Note that the first 12 Squadrons were issued rifles and were the only armed units of the Spruce Squadrons. Some of the men were issued special Winchester carbines of a unique designation, which are now a highly valued collectible.
See some additional information about these rifles
The Listing
I hope that I’ve listed all of the Spruce Squadron units, when they were formed, and their official designations.
If you are researching a particular soldier, be sure to get their First World War Army personnel records. (Not every record exists, as some were destroyed many years ago in a fire).
There is a listing of all aero units on Wikipedia, which includes Spruce Squadrons. I have some images on Google Photos of Spruce Squadrons from the First World War , some of which are related to these listings.
1st
1st Spruce This unit was originally the 407th Aero (Construction). It was formed in Nov 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 1st Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. However, this unit was sent out in 1918 with others, to help fight forest fires. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
2nd
2nd Spruce
This unit was originally the 408th Aero (Construction). It was formed in Nov 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 2nd Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks.
The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
2nd Spruce Regiment with Rifles
3rd
3rd Spruce This unit was originally the 409th Aero (Construction). It was formed in Nov 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 3rd Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. However, this unit was sent out in 1918 with others, to help fight forest fires. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in February 1919.
4th
4th Spruce This unit was originally the 410th Aero (Construction). It was formed in Nov 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 4th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
5th
5th Spruce This unit was originally the 411th Aero (Construction). It was formed in Nov 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 5th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
6th
6th Spruce This unit was originally the 412th Aero (Construction). It was formed in Nov 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 6th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
7th
7th Spruce This unit was originally the 439th Aero (Construction). It was formed in February 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 7th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
8th
8th Spruce This unit was originally the 440th Aero (Construction). It was formed in February 2918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 8th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
9th
9th Spruce This unit was originally the 441st Aero (Construction). It was formed in February 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 9th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
10th
10th Spruce This unit was originally the 442nd Aero (Construction). It was formed in February 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 10th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
11th
11th Spruce This unit was originally the 443rd Aero (Construction). It was formed in February 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 11th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
12th
12th Spruce This unit was originally the 444th Aero (Construction). It was formed in February 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 12th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as part of the 1st Provisional Regiment, the permanent, armed, military presence, and did not take part in logging-related tasks. This unit operated specifically as the Military Police (MP) unit for Vancouver Barracks. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
13th
13th Spruce This unit was originally the 601st Aero (Construction). It was formed in February 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 13th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as the Regiment Headquarters Squadron. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
14th
14th Spruce This unit was originally the 603rd Aero (Construction). It was formed in February 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 14th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as the Regiment Supply Squadron. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
15th
15th Spruce This unit was originally the 401st Aero (Construction). It was formed in November 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 15th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, working at the airplane wood plant, called the ‘cut-up plant’. This unit was demobilized in February 1919.
16th
16th Spruce This unit was originally the 402nd Aero (Construction). It was formed in November 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 16th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, working at the airplane wood plant, called the ‘cut-up plant’. This unit was demobilized in February 1919.
17th
17th Spruce This unit was originally the 403rd Aero (Construction). It was formed in November 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 17th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, working at the airplane wood plant, called the ‘cut-up plant’. This unit was demobilized in January 1919.
18th
18th Spruce This unit was originally the 404th Aero (Construction). It was formed in November 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 18th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for most of the war period, not only working at the airplane wood plant, called the ‘cut-up plant’, but also involved in the construction of the plant itself. This unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919. [note, this unit is listed in error on page 27 of Crossley’s book. The photo is of the 440th Aero, while this unit was the 404th Aero Squadron.]
19th
19th Spruce This unit was originally the 405th Aero (Construction). It was formed in November 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 19th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for most of the war period, not only working at the airplane wood plant, called the ‘cut-up plant’, but also involved in the construction of the plant itself. Along with the 137th Spruce Squadron , this unit was involved with the Monarch Mills operation in North Portland, Oregon. Due to the requirement for men to operate that newly-opened mill just across the Columbia River, members of this unit were assigned to that mill. They commuted daily to work on construction and operations at that facility. According to Crossley, there were as many as 254 men of various units, working at the mill at the time of the Armistice. This unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in February 1919.
20th
20th Spruce This unit was originally the 406th Aero (Construction). It was formed in November 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 20th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, working at the airplane wood plant, called the ‘cut-up plant’ (2nd Provisional Regiment). This unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
21st
21st Spruce This unit was originally the 1st Provisional Squadron. It was formed in March 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 21st Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, working at the airplane wood plant, called the ‘cut-up plant’ (2nd Provisional Regiment). This unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
22nd
22nd Spruce This unit was originally the 2nd Provisional Squadron. It was formed in March 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 22nd Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, working at the airplane wood plant, called the ‘cut-up plant’ (2nd Provisional Regiment). This unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
23th
23rd Spruce
This unit was originally the 3rd Provisional Squadron. It was formed in March 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 23rd Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, working at the airplane wood plant, called the ‘cut-up plant’ (2nd Provisional Regiment).
This unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
Group Photo Picture Postcard of Spruce Soldiers, 3rd Provisional Squadron, Later 23rd Spruce Squadron Harry Frank, 23rd Spruce
24th
24th Spruce This unit was originally the 4th Provisional Squadron. It was formed in March 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 24th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period. They worked at the ‘cut-up’ plant that milled specialty airplane lumber. The unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
25th
25th Spruce
This unit was originally the 5th Provisional Squadron. It was formed in March 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 25th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period. They worked at the ‘cut-up’ plant that milled specialty airplane lumber. The unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
Yard-wide photo of the 25th Spruce Squadron
26th
26th Spruce This unit was originally the 6th Provisional Squadron. It was formed in March 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 26th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, supporting mill operations in the Portland area. This support would include working at the ‘cut-up’ plant at Vancouver Barracks. The unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
27th
27th Spruce This unit was originally the 31st Provisional Squadron. It was formed in June 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 27th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period. Crossley indicates that this unit comprised the Regimental Headquarters. The unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in February 1919.
28th
28th Spruce This unit was originally the 32nd Provisional Squadron. It was formed in June 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. It was redesignated as the 28th Spruce in July 1918. This unit served at Vancouver Barracks for the war period, as the Regimental Supply Squadron. This unit was mustered out of the Army at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
Yard-wide photo of the 28th Spruce Squadron
29th
29th Spruce This unit was originally the 425th Aero (Construction). It was formed December 1917 at Vancouver Barracks, specifically as one of the Transportation Squadrons, 3rd Regiment. This unit supported (transportation) operations in Oregon. Note that many of the men from this, and the other transportation Squadrons, spent most of their time on detached service, as they supported transportation needs in the designated areas. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 29th Spruce. This unit was demobilized in March 1919.
30th
30th Spruce This unit was originally the 426th Aero (Construction). It was formed December 1917 at Vancouver Barracks, specifically as one of the Transportation Squadrons, 3rd Regiment. This unit supported (transportation) operations in the Greys Harbor and Willapa Bay Districts of the Spruce Production Division. Note that many of the men from this, and the other transportation Squadrons, spent most of their time on detached service, as they supported transportation needs in the designated areas. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 30th Spruce. This unit was demobilized January 1919.
31st
31st Spruce This unit was originally the 429th Aero (Construction). It was formed January 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, it was sent to Aberdeen, Washington, Coats-Fordney Logging Co. Soon thereafter, in February, the unit was dissolved and the men moved to other units in that area. The Squadron was reconstituted in March at Vancouver Barracks as one of the Transportation Squadrons, 3rd Regiment. This unit became the Headquarters Squadron, supporting (transportation) operations at Vancouver Barracks. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 31st Spruce. Because of their necessary role in operations, this unit was the last Squadron demobilized, March 1, 1919.
32nd
32nd Spruce This unit was originally the 415th Aero (Construction). It was formed Dec 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. This was one of the very first units sent out into the field. In Dec 1917, the unit was moved to Majestic, Washington, Puget Sound Mill & Timber (near Joyce, Washington). In a short time, they were moved to Twin, Washington. In April 1918, men already located in Twin, Washington, were added to the unit. This unit’s location was in the Olympic Peninsula area, but this unit was not one of those moved with the many Spruce units used for the major work later in 1918 in Clallam County. See 40th Spruce as an example of that major project. It appears that the 32nd Spruce stayed in the area for the duration of the War. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 32nd Spruce. In Nov 1918, they were one of the first units to be returned to Vancouver Barracks, having been one of the first units deployed. In Jan 1919, they were demobilized at Vancouver Barracks. The Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 6 officers and 44 enlisted men.
33rd
33rd Spruce This unit was originally the 416th Aero (Construction). It was formed Dec 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. In Dec 1917, the unit was moved to Fort Lawton, Wash. In Jan 1918, they moved to to Stillwater, Wash., and worked for the Cherry Valley Logging Co. Additional troops were added, and worked at other locations for other logging companies, so eventually there were 8 separate, geographically scattered, groups associated with this Squadron. One such group worked at Sultan, Washington with the Sultan Railway & Timber Company. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 33rd Spruce. In Sep 1918 they moved to Everett, Wash. In Nov 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and in Jan 1919, were demobilized there. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 11 officers and 206 enlisted men.
34th
34th Spruce This unit was originally the 417th Aero (Construction). It was formed Dec 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. In Dec 1917, the unit was moved to Pysht, Washington, Merrill & Ring Logging Company. This location was in the Olympic Peninsula area, but this unit was not one of those moved with the many Spruce units used for the major work later in 1918 in Clallam County. See 40th Spruce as an example of that major project. It appears that the 34th Spruce stayed in the Pysht area and assisted with railroad construction until the end of the War. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 34th Spruce. In December 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, where it was demobilized in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 161 enlisted men.
35th
35th Spruce This unit was originally the 418th Aero (Construction). It was formed January 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In January, the unit was moved to Arlington, Washington, Florence Logging Company. In February, more men were added to the Squadron, being assigned to a camp near Sylvana, Washington. While the Army records indicate that the unit was moved to Arlington, Washington in March 1918, there was much coming and going, and the two towns mentioned were located closeby. According to Crossley, the March 1918 group was sent to Oso, Washington, Sultan Railway and Timber.
In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 35th Spruce. In December 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, where it was demobilized in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 125 enlisted men.
36th
36th Spruce This unit was originally the 422nd Aero (Construction). It was formed January 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In January, the unit was moved to Blyn, Washington, Snow Creek Lumber Company. Members of the unit were moved to several mills near this town. In addition, throughout 1918, this unit both received men from various other units, and had its members transferred to yet other units, according to Crossley. Quite a complex set of changes, to say the least. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 36th Spruce. In December 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, where it was demobilized in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 59 enlisted men. These low numbers are probably indicative of the fact that many men were added to, and then moved from this Squadron in 1918.
37th
37th Spruce This unit was originally the 430th Aero (Construction). It was formed January 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In January, the unit was moved to Snoqualmie Falls, Wash., Snoqualmie Lumber Company. In February 1918, this unit received members of the 432nd Aero (Construction), as it was dissolved. Over time, there were a number of troops added to, and removed from, this Squadron, according to Crossley. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 37th Spruce. In August 1918, all the personnel of this unit were integrated into a new unit, the 125th Spruce (which see). Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 7 officers and 199 enlisted men. These numbers are a bit odd, since the unit did not officially exist at the end of the War.
38th
38th Spruce The 38th Spruce Squadron was originally the 445th Aero Squadron (Construction). This group was formed in February 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to Darrington, Washington, Sound Timber Co. The camp (mentioned by the Army records as ‘Cp. Darrington’) was located high in the Cascade Mountains, along the Sauk River. During the month of July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 38th Spruce. In December 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, where it was demobilized in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 110 enlisted men.
39th
39th Spruce This unit was originally the 450th Aero (Construction), formed in February 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. The men from this unit were located at several lumber operations. For instance, men arrived in Delvan, Washington, near Sedro-Wolley, February 9, 1918, Bloedel-Donovan Lumber Company. Men from this unit were also located in Clear Lake, Washington, Clear Lake Lumber Company. Note that some of the soldiers at Clear Lake lived in railroad camp cars, rather than wooden barracks or tents. An additional group from this unit were assigned to a camp near Hamilton, Washington. Another group was located at Van Zandt, Washington, Nooksack Lumber Co. In July 1918, the unit was renamed as the 39th Spruce. As lumbering projects were completed, parts of this unit were assigned to the 99th Spruce Squadron , specifically in October 1918. Before they could be used for existing projects, the war was over. They were returned to Vancouver Barracks in December 1918 and demobilized January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 8 officers and 166 enlisted men. But note that these numbers are from the end of the War, and probably reflect the re-assignment of many men in October 1918.
40th
40th Spruce This unit was originally the 41st Provisional Squadron, formed in July 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they moved to Joyce, Washington, Siems Carry-H.S. Kerbaugh Corp. The Joyce area contained the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In July 1918, the unit was renamed as the 40th Spruce. In Jan 1919 the unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 226 enlisted men.
41st
41st Spruce This unit was originally the 43rd Provisional Squadron, formed in July 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they moved to Joyce, Washington, Siems Carry-H.S. Kerbaugh Corp. Their headquarters was at Schacht Camp 2 located on the Wheeler Ranch, near Beaver, Washington. This area was along the Sol Duc River, along with many other Siems Carry camps. The Joyce area contained the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In July 1918, the unit was renamed as the 41st Spruce. In Jan 1919 the unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 6 officers and 128 enlisted men.
42nd
42nd Spruce This unit was originally the 413th Aero (Construction), formed in December 1917, at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they moved to Aberdeen, Washington, Coats-Fordney Logging Co., Camp 6 north of Aberdeen along the Wishkah River. During the war period, other units were combined under the command of this unit. Additional re-organizations took place in 1918. The 42nd remained at this location throughout the war period. In July 1918, the unit was renamed as the 42nd Spruce. In Dec 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, and in Jan 1919, were demobilized. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 9 officers and 216 enlisted men.
43rd
43rd Spruce This unit was originally the 419th Aero (Construction), formed in March 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they moved to Lindberg, Washington, West Fork Logging Co. They remained at this location throughout the war period. Note that the town of Lindberg was destroyed in a forest fire in the summer of 1918. In July 1918, the unit was renamed as the 43rd Spruce. In Dec 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, and in Jan 1919, were demobilized. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 75 enlisted men. The Washington State Historical Society has a roster of this squadron at: Roster of 43rd Spruce Squadron . Top – TOC
44th
44th Spruce This unit was originally the 420th Aero (Construction), formed in Jan 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they moved to Hoquiam, Wash. Crossley notes that this unit was located at Humptulips, Washington, Polson Logging Co., Camp 7. In July 1918, they were renamed as the 44th Spruce. In Dec 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, and in Jan 1919, were demobilized. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 7 officers and 194 enlisted men.
45th
45th Spruce The predecessor of the 45th Spruce was the 421st Aero Squadron, a construction unit, formed in January 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In January 1918, the unit was transferred to Carlisle, Washington, Copalis Lumber Co. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 45th Spruce, while still being in place in Carlisle. In November 1918, they were returned to Vancouver Barracks. The unit was demobilized there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 11 officers and 217 enlisted men.
46th
46th Spruce This unit was originally the 423rd Aero (Construction), formed in Jan 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were moved to Bay City, Washington, Climax Logging Co. In July 1918, they were redesignated as the 46th Spruce. In Nov 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks. In Jan 1919, the unit was demobilized. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 51 enlisted men.
47th
47th Spruce This unit was originally the 427th Aero (Construction), formed in Jan 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were moved to Raymond, Washington, Willapa Bay Lumber Co. mill. Over time, the unit increased in size, and sub-units were located in at least 7 different areas near Raymond, working for different lumber companies. Some of the locations had poor mail service, and were extremely difficult to access, as there were no roads into these areas. At various times, sub-units of this Squadron were broken off and made part of other Squadrons. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 47th Spruce. In Nov 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks. In Jan 1919, the unit was demobilized. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 12 officers and 337 enlisted men. These numbers are from the end of the War, and reflect the growth of the Squadron.
48th
48th Spruce This unit was originally the 431st Aero (Construction), formed in Jan 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were moved to Aberdeen, Washington. According to Crossley, this unit was located in Alma, Washington, Saginaw Timber Co. In February 1918, the unit was broken up in the field, and the men assigned to other spruce units there. The 431st was then reconstituted at Vancouver Barracks, with new personnel, as a Transportation Unit. According to the Army material, in February 1918, the newly organized 48th Spruce was moved to Saginaw, Washington. In July 1918, they were redesignated as the 48th Spruce. In Nov 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks. In Jan 1919, the unit was demobilized. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 7 officers and 170 enlisted men. Since these figures were published after the War, I assume that they reflect the size of the reconstituted 48th Spruce unit.
49th
49th Spruce The 49th Spruce was originally the 432nd (Construction) squadron. It was formed in January 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, the central Army location for spruce activities. In the January-February timeframe, this unit was sent to work in Halmar, Washington. However, due to a dispute with the contracting company, the unit was merged with another, and was disbanded. In March 1918, the newly reformed 432nd was moved from Vancouver Barracks to a camp near Hoquiam, Washington, Airplane Spruce and Lumber Co., Deep Creek Camp C1. (These camps were quite isolated from nearby towns like Hoquiam.) While in the Hoquiam area, this unit took part in railroad construction. In July 1918, the 432nd, along with many others was re-designated, in this case as the 49th Spruce. The unit was returned to Vancouver Barracks in November 1918, and demobilized there in January 1919 (along with many other Spruce squadrons). Washington Spruce unit charts that I have from the Spruce book, indicate that the 49th had a complement of 6 officers and 160 enlisted men.
50th
50th Spruce The 50th Spruce was originally the 435th (I) (Construction) squadron. It was formed in January 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, the central Army location for spruce activities. In March 1918, this unit was moved to a camp near Hoquiam, Washington, Airplane Spruce and Lumber Co., Deep Creek Camp A1. (These camps were quite isolated from nearby towns like Hoquiam.) In July 1918, the 435th, along with many others was re-designated, in this case as the 50th Spruce. The unit was demobilized January 1919, along with many other Spruce squadrons. Washington Spruce unit charts that I have from the Spruce book, indicate that the 50th had a complement of 6 officers and 238 enlisted men.
51st
51st Spruce
The 51st Spruce Squadron was originally the 436th Aero Squadron (Construction). They were formed at Vancouver Barracks in January 1918, and in February 1918, were sent to Hoquiam, Washington. This location was part of the Grays Harbor district, which included Aberdeen, as well as Hoquiam. A great number of felled spruce logs (whole or rived) were handled by units such as this, including hauling by truck, Holt Caterpiller tractor (for extreme grades), high line (where bridges were impractical), log rafts, and railroad cars to the cut-up plant in Vancouver.
Some sub-units of this group became specialists in in transportation, including helping to build roads into the spruce stands.
Men of this unit also worked in riving operations (Riving consisted of splitting fallen logs. This process was done almost entirely by hand, with the log sections then being hauled out of remote areas.)
In May 1918, this unit was sent to Cosmopolis, Washington, another part of this District.
In July 1918, The unit was redesignated as the 51st Spruce.
In December 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were demobilized in January 1919.
Washington Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 5 officers and 114 enlisted men.
52nd
52nd Spruce The 52nd Spruce Squadron was originally the 438th Aero Squadron (Construction). They were formed at Vancouver Barracks in January 1918, and sent to Raymond, Washington, during that month, Siler Logging Co. Some men from the unit worked at the Siler mill, and stayed in barracks built at the mill. Other members of the unit were assigned to logging operations at a camp that was so remote, that it required a 9-mile walk to reach. Those men took part in logging and riving operations (Riving consisted of splitting fallen logs. This process was done almost entirely by hand, with the log sections then being hauled out of remote areas.) In July 1918, The unit was redesignated as the 52nd Spruce. In November 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were demobilized in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 8 officers and 235 enlisted men.
Spruce Soldier Carl Holmberg (52nd Spruce)
53rd
53rd Spruce
This unit was originally the 446th Aero (Construction), formed in February 1918, at Vancouver Barracks. In April 1918, they moved to Enumclaw, Washington, Warren Spruce, Camp 6A. They remained at this location throughout the war period.
In July 1918, the unit was renamed as the 53rd Spruce. In January 1919, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were demobilized there.
Washington Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 8 officers and 216 enlisted men.
The website for the Washington State Historical Society offers a booklet with the history of this squadron at:
History Booklet of the 53rd Spruce Squadron
Spruce Soldier Morris Pittard (53rd Spruce) in Vancouver
NOTE that I have a roster with photos of the 53rd Spruce personnel in my “roster” area.
54th
54th Spruce The 54th Spruce, was originally called the 448th Aero (Construction) Squadron. They were formed February 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. In the same month, they were sent to Raymond, Washington. While in that area, they took part in logging and riving operations (Riving consisted of splitting fallen logs. This process was done almost entirely by hand, with the log sections then being hauled out of remote areas.) In July 1918, The unit was redesignated as the 54th Spruce. The unit was demobilized in January 1919 at Vancouver Barracks. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 4 officers and 235 enlisted men.
55th
55th Spruce The 55th Spruce, was originally called the 449th Aero (Construction) Squadron. They were formed February 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. In the same month, they were sent to South Bend, Washington. While in that area, they took part in logging and riving operations (Riving consisted of splitting fallen logs. This process was done almost entirely by hand, with the log sections then being hauled out of remote areas.) They also built a narrow-gauge railroad along the Nasel River to help transport out the rived log sections. The railroad was completed by this unit during the summer. The isolation of this unit was typical of some in the Pacific Northwest, in that their camp could only be supplied by boat, as well as outside communication only being available by boat. The camp was built over the tidal flats, and was unreachable during low tide. In July 1918, The unit was redesignated as the 55th Spruce. In December 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, where it was demobilized in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 7 officers and 258 enlisted men.
56th
56th Spruce The 56th Spruce, was originally called the 451st Aero (Construction) Squadron. They were formed February 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. In the same month, they were sent to South Bend, Washington. While in that area, they took part in logging and riving operations (Riving consisted of splitting fallen logs. This process was done almost entirely by hand, with the log sections then being hauled out of remote areas.) In April 1918 they were moved to a camp near the tiny town of Nemah, Washington. The construction of this camp, located at the mouth of the Nemah River, was completed by this unit. This camp was only accessible by water. In July 1918, The unit was redesignated as the 56th Spruce. In December 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, where it was demobilized in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 6 officers and 291 enlisted men.
57th
57th Spruce
The 57th Spruce, was originally called the 454th Aero (Construction) Squadron. They were formed February 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. In March 1918, they were sent to Raymond, Washington. While there they took part in logging and riving operations (Riving consisted of splitting fallen logs. This process was done almost entirely by hand, with the log sections then being hauled out of remote areas.)
In July 1918, The unit was redesignated as the 57th Spruce.
In December 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, where it was demobilized in January 1919.
Washington Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 5 officers and 190 enlisted men.
Detail of Group Photo Picture of Spruce Soldiers, 57th Spruce Squadron
58th
58th Spruce
The 58th Spruce, was originally called the 459th Aero (Construction) Squadron. This group was formed in March 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were, according to Army records, transferred to Montesano, Washington.
Crossley notes that the first unit was sent to the Chehalis County Logging and Timber Company, located in both Montesano and Moxchuck. Over time, additional men from this Squadron were placed in an increasing variety of locations, finally stretching along both banks of the Chehalis River from Aberdeen to a point 9 miles east of that town.
In May 1918, The unit was moved to Aberdeen, Washington. While there, the unit was redesignated as the 58th Spruce in July 1918.
Note that this unit was forced out of its location by a fast-moving forest fire in September 1918. They moved to another camp, and continued their work.
In November 1918 the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, and was mustered out there in January 1919.
Washington Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 8 officers and 253 enlisted men.
Group Photo Picture of Spruce Soldiers, 58th Spruce Squadron
59th
59th Spruce The 59th Spruce, was originally called the 7th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in March 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to Raymond, Washington, Warren Spruce, Camp 1C. While at Raymond, the unit was redesignated as the 59th Spruce in July 1918, and were moved to Camp 1H nearby. In November 1918 the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, and was mustered out there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 6 officers and 183 enlisted men.
60th
60th Spruce The 60th Spruce, was originally called the 9th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in March 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to a camp near Hoquiam, Washington, more specifically, Airplane Spruce and Lumber, Humptulips Camp C2. While at Hoquiam, the unit was redesignated as the 60th Spruce in July 1918. In November 1918 the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, and was mustered out there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 183 enlisted men.
61st
61st Spruce The 61st Spruce, was originally called the 15th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in April 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they were transferred to Nemah, Washington, Grant Smith-Porter. This unit was constructing a railroad designed to access the spruce stands near Nemah. While located at Nemah, the unit was redesignated as the 61st Spruce in July 1918. In September 1918, they were transferred to South Bend, Washington (erroneously listed by the Army as being in Oregon). In November 1918 the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, and was mustered out there in January 1919. A member of the family has provided some history of one member of the 61st. See the: Wikitree page for Charles Murray Yates Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 150 enlisted men.
62nd
62nd Spruce The 62nd Spruce was originally designated as the 17th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in April 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they were transferred to Aberdeen, Washington, Shafer Brothers Logging Company. They took over some existing logging camps, allowing the resident units to move to newer camps nearer the spruce stands. Over time, the 62nd moved to other camps as well. For instance, in June 1918, the unit moved to Elma, Washington. During the month of July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 62nd Spruce. In September 1918, they moved to Montesano, Washington. After the Armistice, in November 1918, they were relocated to Vancouver Barracks, where they were demobilized in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 10 officers and 160 enlisted men.
63rd
63rd Spruce The 63rd Spruce Squadron was originally the 19th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in April 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to Bay City, Washington, Airplane, Spruce and Lumber Company. This unit worked at and along the Elk River Railroad line being built near the Elk River. To give an idea of the isolation of these units, at one time, they were located over 9 miles from Bay City and its post office, but there was no road. Access was usually only available by boat, and then only during high tide. During the month of July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 63rd Spruce. In December 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, where it was demobilized in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 285 enlisted men.
64th
64th Spruce
The 64th Spruce Squadron was originally the 44th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to Aberdeen, Washington, Aberdeen Lumber and Shingle Co. (mill)
During the month of July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 64th Spruce. In November 1918, the unit returned to Vancouver Barracks, where it was demobilized in January 1919.
Washington Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 9 officers and 229 enlisted men.
Group Photo Picture Postcard of Spruce Soldiers, 64th Spruce Squadron Return Address from Back of Group Photo Postcard, Showing Name of Soldier in the 64th Spruce Squadron
65th
65th Spruce The 65th Spruce, was originally called the 45th Provisional Squadron . This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they were transferred to Raymond, Washington. The unit worked there at the Willapa Lumber Company mill. Their barracks were constructed from an old hotel. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 65th Spruce Squadron In November 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 176 enlisted men.
66th
66th Spruce The 66th Spruce, was originally called the 424th Aero Squadron (construction). This group was formed in January 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to Blind Slough, Oregon, Larkin-Green Logging Company. They worked in that area, harvesting logs, and building railroads into the spruce forests. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 66th Spruce Squadron In December 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 7 officers and 170 enlisted men.
67th
67th Spruce The 67th Spruce, was originally called the 428th Aero Squadron (construction). This group was formed in January 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to Seaside, Oregon, Hammond Lumber Co. During the time this unit was here, several smaller sub-groups of this Squadron were sent to work at other mills and operations in this area. During July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 67th Spruce. According to Crossley, in late September 1918, this unit was partially broken up, its members being placed in two other Spruce Squadrons, primarily for administrative reasons. These included the 145th Spruce In December 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 6 officers and 268 enlisted men.
68th
68th Spruce The 68th Spruce, was originally called the 433rd Aero Squadron (construction). This group was formed in January 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In February 1918, they were transferred to Olney, Oregon, Western Cooperage Company. This camp was located south of Astoria. The soldiers were involved in riving operations at various camps. At one time, members of this unit were transferred to a mill operation in another part of Oregon. It was common for units to be broken up, and soldiers re-assigned to other Spruce operations. An interesting bit of history occurred at their camp near Olney. A fast-moving forest fire destroyed their camp in September, 1918. No one was hurt, but the soldiers were obliged to move to the headquarters of Western Cooperage. Only the company documents were saved from the fire. During July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 68th Spruce. In December 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 5 officers and 108 enlisted men.
69th
69th Spruce
The 69th Spruce, was originally called the 434th Aero Squadron (construction). This group was formed in January 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In February 1918, they were transferred to Clatsop, Oregon, Grant, Smith-Porter, Camp 1A (warehouse). Various sub-groups from within this Squadron were sent to other Grant, Smith-Porter operations in the area.
During July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 69th Spruce. In November 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919.
The Photo of the 69th Spruce members with a trainload of sand for rail construction Photo of the 69th Spruce members with a locomotive
Oregon Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 4 officers and 164 enlisted men.
The images below were identified by Crossley as showing members of the 69th Spruce, along with their railroad construction equipment.
70th
70th Spruce
The 70th Spruce, was originally called the 447th Aero Squadron (construction). This group was formed in February 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In February 1918, they were transferred to Tillamook, Oregon, Grant, Smith-Porter, Camp 3A. This camp was located along the Miami River, so the Army gives the location as Miami, Oregon. This unit became quite large, as more and more men were put to work on various projects. The primary work was to ‘rive’ (split) spruce trees up, and truck out the pieces to the mills for processing. In some cases, they had to build plank roads for the trucks. Apparently, the quality of the terrain did not allow any other kind of work, so this logging took place throughout the war.
During July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 70th Spruce. Crossley notes that, as part of the constant change in the construction situation, this unit had over 400 men by August, 1918, so was split up into several other Spruce squadrons.
As an example of the growing size and management difficulties, men from this unit worked at the Brighton Mill in Brighton, Oregon. Others were at Coates Driving and Boom Co., while still others worked at the Wheeler Lumber co, Wheeler, Oregon. To add to the complexity, Crossley notes that other men from this squadron worked at the Silver Spruce Lumber Co., Bay City, Oregon, as well as the Cummings-Moberly Lumber Company Mill, Garibaldi, Oregon.
In October 1918, men of this unit helped to work a nearby forest fire.
In December 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919.
Oregon Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 5 officers and 78 enlisted men. Those official records probably apply to the manpower at the end of the War. As noted above, this unit became quite large (over 400 men) and was split up in August 1918, with the soldiers being reassigned to other spruce units.
447th Camp (Forest Service Flickr Account)
71st
71st Spruce
The 71st Spruce, was originally called the 452nd Aero Squadron (construction). This group was formed in February 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In February 1918, they were transferred to Seaside, Oregon, Grant, Smith-Porter, Camp 2A. Various sub-groups from within this Squadron were sent to other Grant, Smith-Porter operations in the area.
As an aside, note that this camp was located over 8 miles from the nearest communication, with the only mail being once daily, carried by stagecoach. This situation shows how isolated these Spruce operations could be.
During July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 71st Spruce. Crossley notes that, as part of the constant change in the construction situation, this unit had 200 men removed in August 1918, who were reassigned to
the 77th Spruce
(Camp 1E) for logging (riving) operations for Warren & Scott. Some soldiers also built pole roads, and worked at the Schmidt Lumber Company sawmill. More troops were removed in September to help make up
the 148th Spruce
(Camp 1G).
In November 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in December 1918.
Oregon Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 4 officers and 150 enlisted men. Those official records probably apply to the manpower at the end of the War. As noted above, this unit was often broken up and the men reassigned to other spruce units.
Detail of group photo of the 452nd Aero Squadron with their banner
72nd
72nd Spruce The 72nd Spruce, was originally called the 456th Aero Squadron (construction). This group was formed in February 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In February 1918, they were transferred to Clatsop, Oregon, Grant, Smith-Porter Co. Units in this location worked on both logging and railroad construction activities. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 72nd Spruce Squadron. In December 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 3 officers and 77 enlisted men.
73rd
73rd Spruce The 73rd Spruce, was originally called the 457th Aero Squadron (construction). This group was formed in February 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In April 1918, the unit was sent to Youngs Falls, Oregon, to work on railroad construction. (Crossley indicates that they were in Olney, Oregon). With the railroad work complete, in July 1918, they were transferred to Clatsop, Oregon, Grant, Smith-Porter Co. This unit worked there on railroad construction activities. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 73rd Spruce Squadron. In November 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 1 officer and 96 enlisted men.
74th
74th Spruce The 74th Spruce, was originally called the 458th Aero Squadron (construction). This group was formed in February 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In March 1918, they were transferred to Clatsop, Oregon, Grant, Smith-Porter, Camp 1C. During July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 74th Spruce. In November 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 5 officers and 195 enlisted men.
75th
75th Spruce The 75th Spruce, was originally called the 8th Provisional Squadron . This group was formed in March 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they were transferred to Seaside, Oregon. Grant, Smith-Porter, Camp 2B. From this camp, they performed riving of fallen spruce logs. This process was done almost entirely by hand, with the logs being hauled out of remote areas. In May 1918, this unit was transferred to Clatsop, Oregon, Grant, Smith-Porter, Camp 1D. Work in this area included riving, log hauling, building of temporary haul roads, and working on new railroads. Many of the units in the Clatsop area, working for the Grant, Smith-Porter Company were performing similar work. In many cases the camps were located in isolated areas, with difficult access. See the information describing the 71st Spruce Squadron . Other units in the area included the 69th Spruce , the 74th Spruce , the 77th Spruce , and the 78th Spruce . During July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 75th Spruce. In December 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 171 enlisted men.
76th
76th Spruce The 76th Spruce, was originally called the 11th Provisional Squadron . It was formed at Vancouver Barracks, March 1918. In the same month, it was sent to Astoria, Oregon, Hammond Lumber Company. During its duty in Astoria, the unit worked in that company’s sawmills. According to Crossley, in September 1918, this unit (along with some others), having grown quite large, was divided into 3 Squadrons, including the 147th Squadron . This was largely an administrative matter. During July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 76th Spruce. In November 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 196 enlisted men.
77th
77th Spruce The 77th Spruce, was originally called the 13th Provisional Squadron. was formed in April 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they were transferred to Clatsop, Oregon, Grant, Smith-Porter, Camp 1E. During July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 77th Spruce. According to Crossley, in late September 1918, this Squadron was broken into two new units, primarily for administrative reasons. In December 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 346 enlisted men.
78th
78th Spruce The 78th Spruce was originally the 14th Provisional formed in April 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. Most of the spruce outfits were formed at this main facility. In the same month, they were sent to Astoria, Oregon. That is the Army information, but Crossley’s book mentions that this unit was sent to Clatsop, Oregon. They worked with Grant, Smith-Porter logging company, and were initially housed in Camp 1D. They were moved around quite a bit and often loaned to other units. They worked primarily on railroad construction (narrow gauge), operation of the same railroad, and logging of the spruce (called ‘riving’). In November 1918, they were sent back to Vancouver Barracks. In January 1919, they were disbanded and mustered out of the Army. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 94 enlisted men. These numbers reflect the final head count for this unit at the end of the War.
79th
79th Spruce
The 79th Spruce, was originally called the 437th Aero Squadron (construction). This group was formed in January 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to camps near Hoquiam, Washington, Grant Smith-Porter, and later Polson Camp 10. Personnel of this unit were shuffled around in this railroad construction area, from camp to camp. Also, some members of this Squadron became part of other Spruce units. The railroad was being built to access the spruce stands nearby.
In March 1918, the unit was back in Vancouver Barracks, for a reorganization of Squadrons. This reorganized unit was then transferred to Astoria, Oregon. In May 1918, they were moved to Waldport, Oregon, to take part in more railroad construction. By this time, the personnel in this Squadron had become quite experienced with the challenges of cutting a railroad through the virgin forests of Oregon.
While they were stationed in Waldport, in July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 79th Spruce. In December 1918, the unit was transferred to South Beach, Oregon. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks in January 1919.
Oregon Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 4 officers and 151 enlisted men.
Personnel of the 79th Spruce Squadron South Beach Oregon [book illustration]![Personnel of the 79th Spruce Squadron South Beach Oregon [book illustration]](http://swansonphotos.com/pics/spruce/79th_book.jpg)
80th
80th Spruce The 80th Spruce was originally the 453rd Aero Squadron (construction). It was formed at Vancouver Barracks in February 1918. In April 1918, the unit was moved to Toledo, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co. In late June, many of the men became part of the construction units building a new sawmill at Toledo. This mill was going to be entirely government-built, and would supplement the specialty work being done by the cut-up plant near headquarters at Vancouver Barracks. However, a number of the personnel continued to be involved back in the forest, building spruce camps, and cutting the spruce timber, near Siletz, Oregon. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 80th Spruce. In January 1919, they were transferred back to Vancouver Barracks and demobilized February 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 5 officers and 284 enlisted men.
William Edmisten, 80th Spruce (died 1919 during the influenza pandemic)
Bert Coad, 80th Spruce
81st
81st Spruce The 81st Spruce was originally the 455th Aero Squadron (construction). It was formed at Vancouver Barracks in February 1918. In February 1918, the unit was moved to Pysht, Washington, Merrill & Ring Co. They performed railroad construction while based in Pysht. While they were based in Pysht, there was contention between the Government and Merrill & Ring regarding working conditions and contract issues. In May 1918, this unit was moved to South Beach, Oregon, an uncommon move between states for Spruce units. They were moved, first, because they by this time had gained extensive railroad construction experience, and, second, to remove them from the contentious situation in Pysht, Washington. While near South Beach, they were located in camps 5C and 5D. They moved to other camps as the railroad was completed. In fact, in June 1918, they were officially located in Waldport, Oregon, again as part of the railroad construction. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 81st Spruce. After the Armistice, in December 1918, they were moved to South Beach, Oregon. In January 1919, they were transferred back to Vancouver Barracks and demobilized in that month. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 5 officers and 127 enlisted men. These figures are probably from the end of the War, and may not reflect the size of the Squadron during the construction activity. Often, men were moved between Squadrons as necessitated by the work to be done.
82nd
82nd Spruce The 82nd Spruce was originally the 16th Provisional Squadron. It was formed at Vancouver Barracks in April 1918. In the same month, the unit was moved to Toledo, Oregon, camp 3A, Wessel Creek area for Warren Spruce Corp. While there, they assisted with logging operations. In May 1918, they were moved to Yaquina, Oregon, camp 7B. At this location, it appears that this unit took part in railroad construction. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 82nd Spruce. In January 1919, they were transferred back to Vancouver Barracks and demobilized in that month. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 3 officers and 95 enlisted men.
83rd
83rd Spruce The 83rd Spruce was originally the 18th Provisional Squadron. It was formed at Vancouver Barracks in April 1918. In the same month, the unit was moved to South Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce Corp. The unit took part in railroad construction, including clearing forested land by hand for the right-of-way. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated the 83rd Spruce. As was typical, portions of this unit were moved to Yaquina to continue railroad construction, including assisting with pile driving into Yaquina Bay for a train trestle. In January 1919, the unit was transferred back to Vancouver Barracks and demobilized in that month. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit was comprised of 4 officers and 310 enlisted men.
84th
84th Spruce The 84th Spruce was originally the 20th Provisional Squadron. That unit was formed in April 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were moved to Waldport, Oregon, Warren Spruce, Camp 2B. At several locations nearby, the unit helped grade new railways, moved construction materiel and equipment, and operated heavy trucks to help bring in the huge spruce logs. In July 1918, they were redesignated as the 84th Spruce Squadron. They stayed in Waldport until January 1919, when they returned to, and were demobilized at, Vancouver Barracks. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 129 enlisted men.
86th
86th Spruce The 86th Spruce was originally the 22nd Provisional Squadron. That unit was formed in May 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were moved to South Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce, Camp 5C. The unit took part in railroad construction in this area. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 86th Spruce Squadron. In September 1918, some of the troops from this unit were moved to Yaquina for more railroad construction work. It should be understood that many of the Spruce Squadrons were broken up and assigned to different parts of the contractor projects, as needs required. The Squadron remained the in South Beach area until January 1919, when they returned to, and were demobilized at, Vancouver Barracks. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 175 enlisted men.
87th
87th Spruce The 87th Spruce was originally the 24th Provisional Squadron. That unit was formed in June 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were moved to South Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce, Camp 5D. The unit took part in railroad construction in this area. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 87th Spruce Squadron. In September 1918, they were transferred to Siemscary, Washington, Siems, Carey-H.S. Kerbaugh Co. Siemscary, (a post office specially opened for this activity), along with the town of Joyce, Washington, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In December 1918, this unit returned to Vancouver Barracks. They were demobilized there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 148 enlisted men. These unit counts are appropriate for their operations in late 1918, in Washington state. The Army information does not give the unit counts, while they were stationed in Oregon.
88th
88th Spruce The 88th Spruce was originally the 25th Provisional Squadron, established in June 1918, Vancouver Barracks (the main facility for the operations). The same month, they were moved to South Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce, Camp 5D. During their time in this area, parts of the Squadron were located in various construction camps associated with railroad construction. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as a Spruce Squadron, in this case, the 88th Spruce. In October 1918, this unit was moved to Waldport, Oregon. In December 1918, they were returned to Vancouver Barracks for demobilization. In January 1919, the unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 2 officers and 145 enlisted men.
89th
89th Spruce
The 89th Spruce was originally the 26th Provisional Squadron. It was formed in June 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, the center of the spruce activity. Most units were formed up here. In the same month, June 1918, the 26th was moved to Waldport, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co., Camp 2G. The unit took part in railroad construction, including building dams to control and divert local creeks. In July 1918, it was redesignated as a Spruce Squadron, in this case, the 89th Spruce.
The photo that accompanies this article was generously shared by a member of a soldier’s family.
In January 1919, the unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks.
Oregon Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 174 enlisted men.
Group of Spruce Soldiers, 89th Spruce Squadron
90th
90th Spruce
The 90th Spruce was originally the 27th Provisional Squadron. It was formed in June 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, the center of the spruce activity. Most units were formed up here. In the same month, June 1918, the 27th was moved to Newport, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co., Camp 7E (among others). The unit took part in railroad construction on the Yaquina Northern line. In July 1918, it was redesignated as a Spruce Squadron, in this case, the 90th Spruce.
In December 1918, the unit was returned to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919.
Oregon Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 159 enlisted men.
91st
91st Spruce The 91st Spruce was originally the 28th Provisional Squadron. It was formed in June 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, the center of the spruce activity. Most units were formed up here. In the same month, June 1918, the 28th was moved to Yaquina, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co. The unit took part in railroad construction on the Yaquina Northern line. In July 1918, it was redesignated as a Spruce Squadron, in this case, the 91st Spruce. In November 1918, the unit was transferred to Newport, Oregon. The unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks, January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 146 enlisted men.
92nd
92nd Spruce The 92nd Spruce, was originally called the 29th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in June 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to Agate Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co., Camp 7P. The unit helped in the construction of a railroad in the Yaquina Northern area (along the coast north of Agate Beach). This railroad would be used to transport the spruce logs out of the forest. It should be noted that a great deal of the railroad construction work was performed with picks and shovels using soldier labor. During July 1918, the unit was re-designated the 92nd Spruce. In November 1918, they were transferred to Newport, Oregon. By this time, the spruce operations were being closed down. In December 1918, the unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 148 enlisted men.
93rd
93rd Spruce
The 93rd Spruce, was originally called the 30th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to Newport, Oregon, and redesignated as the 93rd Spruce. Crossley indicates that they were in South Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co. The unit helped in the construction of a railroad in the Yaquina Northern area (along the coast north of Agate Beach). This railroad would be used to transport the spruce logs out of the forest. It should be noted that a great deal of the railroad construction work was performed with picks and shovels using soldier labor.
In November 1918, they were transferred to Yaquina, Oregon. In January 1919, they were demobilized at Vancouver Barracks.
Oregon Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 166 enlisted men.
Very fortunately, I was able to purchase
a set of letters and photographs by the Spruce Soldier, Tabor Trevillian
. The following images link to some of the photos, while the link above shows a spreadsheet of the letters that I have from him.
93rd Spruce Camp Tabor Trevillian, Posing Near The Spruce Camp
94th
94th Spruce The 94th Spruce, was originally called the 33rd Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were transferred to South Beach, Oregon, and redesignated as the 94th Spruce. Crossley indicates that they were in South Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co. The unit helped in the construction of a railroad in the Yaquina Northern area (along the coast north of Agate Beach). This railroad would be used to transport the spruce logs out of the forest. It should be noted that a great deal of the railroad construction work was performed with picks and shovels using soldier labor. In August, 1918, they were transferred to Toledo, Oregon, just up the river from Newport, to help build a completely new sawmill for airplane spruce lumber. The Army determined that the existing commercial saw mills could not cut lumber to airplane specifications, and as the main cut-up plant in Vancouver, Washington, was fully utilized, the decision was made to create a from-scratch mill in Toledo for these purposes. The mill was not completed by the time of the Armistice. In January 1919, they were demobilized at Vancouver Barracks. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 139 enlisted men.
95th
95th Spruce The 95th Spruce, was originally called the 34th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, the unit was transferred to Waldport, Oregon. Crossley indicates that this unit was in South Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co., Camps 2C and 2E. The unit helped in the construction of a railroad in the Yaquina Northern area (along the coast north of Agate Beach). This railroad would be used to transport the spruce logs out of the forest. It should be noted that a great deal of the railroad construction work was performed with picks and shovels using soldier labor. In July 1918, this unit was redesignated as the 95th Spruce. In August 1918, the unit was transferred to Newport, Oregon. In December 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 142 enlisted men.
96th
96th Spruce The 96th Spruce, was originally called the 36th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, the unit was transferred to South Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co. The unit helped in the construction of a railroad in the Yaquina Northern area (along the coast north of Agate Beach). This railroad would be used to transport the spruce logs out of the forest. It should be noted that a great deal of the railroad construction work was performed with picks and shovels using soldier labor. In July 1918, this unit was redesignated as the 96th Spruce. In August 1918, the unit was transferred to Lake Pleasant, Washington, and in September to Siemscary, Washington, Siems, Carey-H.S. Kerbaugh Co. They became part of the massive project to run a railway into the spruce groves that are now part of the Olympic National Park area. In January 1919, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 141 enlisted men. (Even though the group was originally in Oregon, they finished the war period working in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington.)
97th
97th Spruce The 97th Spruce, was originally called the 37th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, the unit was transferred to Newport, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co. The unit helped in the construction of a railroad in the Yaquina Northern area (along the coast north of Agate Beach). This railroad would be used to transport the spruce logs out of the forest. It should be noted that a great deal of the railroad construction work was performed with picks and shovels using soldier labor. This unit is noted as having constructed the Coal Creek trestle, entirely from logs, while located at camp 7X. In July 1918, this unit was redesignated as the 97th Spruce. In January 1919, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 135 enlisted men.
98th
98th Spruce The 98th Spruce, was originally called the 38th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, the unit was transferred to Newport, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co. The unit helped in the construction of a railroad in the Yaquina Northern area (along the coast north of Agate Beach). This railroad would be used to transport the spruce logs out of the forest. Their headquarters were located in camp 7P near Otter Rock. It should be noted that a great deal of the railroad construction work was performed with picks and shovels using soldier labor. In July 1918, this unit was redesignated as the 98th Spruce. This unit was moved around a bit, including a move in October 1918 to Waldport, Oregon, and then in December to South Beach, Oregon. In January 1919, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 140 enlisted men.
99th
99th Spruce The 99th Spruce, was originally called the 39th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, the unit was transferred to South Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co. The unit helped in the construction of railroads. In July 1918, this unit was redesignated as the 99th Spruce. This unit was moved around a bit, including a move in August 1918 to Wendling, Oregon, and then in October to Beaver Hill, Oregon. At Beaver Hill, the unit was broken up and many of the soldiers re-assigned to the 104th Spruce Squadron . In November 1918, the unit was (officially) disbanded in Beaver Hill, and the remaining soldiers merged into the 142nd Spruce . The Oregon spruce unit charts that I show on my website do not mention this unit, as it had been disbanded by the end of the war.
100th
100th Spruce The 100th Spruce, was originally called the 40th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, the unit was transferred to South Beach, Oregon, Warren Spruce Co. The unit helped with railroad construction. However, as work finished, the men were reassigned to other units, and the 100th was disbanded in South Beach during this period. In July 1918, this unit was redesignated as the 100th Spruce. The 100th was reactivated in August 1918, at Stillwater, Washington for major projects in that area. In December 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 101 enlisted men at the end of the war. Troop counts while the unit was active in Oregon are unknown.
101st
101st Spruce The 101st Spruce, was originally called the 42nd Provisional Squadron. This group was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, the unit was transferred to Toledo, Oregon, to take part in the construction of a new sawmill, much like the cut-up plant at Vancouver Barracks. In July 1918, this unit was redesignated as the 101st Spruce. In January 1919, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 207 enlisted men.
102nd
102nd Spruce
The 102nd Spruce, was originally called the 414th Aero Squadron (construction) This group was formed December 1917 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, the unit was transferred to Powers, Oregon, Smith-Powers Logging Co. Initially, this Squadron operated in both logging and railroad construction camps. In February 1918, men from this Squadron were assigned to the North Bend Mill and Lumber Co., North Bend, Oregon, for lumber mill work. Other small groups within this Squadron worked at other mills and camps. In July 1918, this unit was redesignated as the 102rd Spruce. In December 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919.
Postcard from Carl Karg, 102nd Spruce, Powers, Oregon Detail showing return address from Carl Karg, 102nd Spruce, Powers, Oregon
Spruce Soldiers of the 102nd Spruce, including Charles Lisk
Spruce Soldiers of the 102nd Spruce, with Musical Instruments
103rd
103rd Spruce The 103rd Spruce, was originally called the 35th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, the unit was transferred to Coquille, Oregon, Sitka Spruce Co. The Squadron performed mill work here, and in other nearby locations. One example is a small group assigned to Moore’s Sawmill in Bandon, Oregon. This group was housed in the Vale Hotel. Some of the men of this Squadron also worked in the forests to log the spruce. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 103rd Spruce. In December 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 6 officers and 122 enlisted men.
104th
104th Spruce The 104th Spruce, was originally called the 12th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed March 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, the unit was transferred to Carson, Washington. They worked at logging and sawmill operations. In May 1918, they were transferred to Cascade Locks, Oregon, and in June to Bridal Veil. All of these locations are very close together, and all involved mill work. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 104th Spruce. In October 1918, the unit was transferred to Joyce, Washington, Siems, Carey-H.S. Kerbaugh Co. The town of Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In December 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 2 officers and 69 enlisted men. The troop strength during their time in Oregon is unknown.
105th
105th Spruce The 105th Spruce, was originally called the 460th Aero Squadron. This group was formed December 1917 in Portland, Oregon, where they were assigned to be a Division Headquarters group. They were associated with the Headquarters in Portland throughout the war, operating as a ‘detached’ unit. They stayed in a camp downtown near the Yeon Building, which was the official Headquarters of the Spruce Production Division. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 105th Spruce. The Portland Headquarters closed January 31, 1919, and the men in this unit were moved to Vancouver Barracks. They were mustered out of the Army in February 1919, one of the last groups to be demobilized.
106th
106th Spruce The 106th Spruce, was originally called the 23rd Provisional Squadron. This group was formed June 1918 at Vancouver Barracks (Army material indicates Portland, Oregon), where they were assigned to be a Division Headquarters group. They were associated with the Headquarters in Portland throughout the war, operating as a ‘detached’ unit. Their primary task was to support all existing, ‘detached’ units in the field. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 106th Spruce. As Spruce operations closed down, they were combined with the 105th Spruce in January 1919 for administrative purposes, at the same time the 105th was moved across the river from Portland to Vancouver Barracks. They were mustered out of the Army in February 1919 as part of the 105th.
107th
107th Spruce The 107th Spruce, was originally called the 46th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they were transferred to Cosmopolis, Washington. They worked at the Grays Harbor Commercial Company mill in Cosmopolis (across from Aberdeen) for the entire war period. The unit was present in July 1918, when a major fire broke out at a storage yard near the mill, causing them to become fire fighters, as well as soldiers. The fire destroyed large amounts of airplane spruce. In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 107th Spruce. In November 1918, they were returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 203 enlisted men.
108th
108th Spruce
The 108th Spruce, was originally called the 47th Provisional Squadron. This group was formed July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they were transferred to Humptulips, Washington, H. H. & S. Lumber Company. This was a logging and milling operation about 6 miles from Lake Quinault. Over time, additional units of this Squadron were assigned to other facilities and companies in this area.
In July 1918, the unit was redesignated as the 108th Spruce, but due to administrative error, another 108th Squadron was assigned to Toledo, Oregon (the matter was quickly corrected).
In November 1918, they were returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919.
Washington Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 134 enlisted men.
109th
109th Spruce The 109th Spruce was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. This unit was not created from a ‘Provisional Squadron’, unlike earlier-formed units. In July 1918, they were sent to Toledo, Oregon. Due to an administrative error, they were initially numbered as the 108th Spruce, but this error was quickly corrected. Toledo, Oregon, just up the river from Newport, was to be home to a completely new sawmill for airplane spruce lumber, and this is just one of the Squadrons assigned to its construction. The new sawmill was nearing completion at the time of the Armistice. In January 1919, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in that month. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 127 enlisted men.
110th
110th Spruce The 110th Spruce was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. This unit was not created from a ‘Provisional Squadron’, unlike earlier-formed units. In July 1918, they were sent to Yaquina, Oregon, Warren Spruce. They worked in that area for the duration of the War, building a railroad for transportation of the spruce trees out of the remote forests. In January 1919, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in that month. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 1 officer and 74 enlisted men.
111th
111th Spruce The 111th Spruce was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. This unit was not created from a ‘Provisional Squadron’, unlike earlier-formed units. In July 1918, they were sent to Yaquina, Oregon, Warren Spruce. They worked in that area for the duration of the War, building a railroad for transportation of the spruce trees out of the remote forests. As the work progressed along the railroad line, they were moved in September 1918 to Newport, Oregon. In January 1919, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in that month. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 2 officers and 153 enlisted men.
112th
112th Spruce The 112th Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. This unit was not created from a ‘Provisional Squadron’, unlike earlier-formed units. Instead, it started out as the 10th Casual Company at the Barracks. Typically, Casual groups would be used for men not given immediate assignment. In fact, this unit, once it was formed as the 112th Spruce, was used as a ‘production inspection’ organization whose members moved from camp to camp, gathering statistics for the amounts of lumber actually processed. This type of inspection was necessary because many lumber camps did not have a military presence, and monitoring was supposed to be performed by the Secretaries of the quasi-union ‘The Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen’. According to Crossley, these military men quickly cleared up a number of labor issues, took over the duties of the Secretaries, and provided much better statistics to the Army planners. There were nearly 71,000 civilian workers on the payrolls of these camps, and the Army had promised the quasi-union that wages and working conditions would be maintained and improved for the duration. The men of this Squadron traveled all over the NorthWest, including Idaho, Montana, and Eastern Washington and Oregon, in order to manage and monitor the non-military camps. In January 1919, the unit was demobilized. Crossley indicates that this unit was made up of 125 enlisted men.
113th
113th Spruce The 113th Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. This unit was not created from a ‘Provisional Squadron’, unlike earlier-formed units. Specifically, this unit was attached to the 2nd Provisional Regiment, and became the official Engineering Squadron, in charge of repairs, maintenance, and extension of the Cut-Up Plant at Vancouver Barracks. After the Armistice, this unit was responsible for receiving and inventorying all Government property in Portland and Vancouver Barracks, as well as from the spruce camps. These men then oversaw the assembly, final sales, and removal of all equipment, and the final disassembly of the Cut-Up Plant itself. As a result, it was one of the last Spruce units demobilized in February 1919.
114th
114th Spruce The 114th Spruce was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. This unit was not created from a ‘Provisional Squadron’, unlike earlier-formed units. According to Army records, in August 1918, they were sent to Astoria, Oregon. However, Crossley indicates that this unit was sent in July to Clatsop, Oregon, Grant, Smith-Porter logging company. Similar units such as the 78th performed both logging and railroad construction along the line near there. In September 1918, some men from this unit were taken from this unit to form the new 150th Spruce . As soon as possible after the Armistice, the contractor requested the immediate removal of the Army men from their projects. Therefore, in early November 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 143 enlisted men.
115th
115th Spruce The 115th Spruce was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. This unit was not created from a ‘Provisional Squadron’, unlike earlier-formed units. In July 1918, they were sent to Joyce, Washington, Siems, Carey-H.S. Kerbaugh Co. The town of Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In October 1918, the unit was moved to Siemscary, Washington. In January 1919, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in that month. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 194 enlisted men.
116th
116th Spruce The 116th Spruce was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. This unit was not created from a ‘Provisional Squadron’, unlike earlier-formed units. In July 1918, they were sent to South Bend, Washington. This unit was constructing the North Nemah Railroad, designed to access the spruce stands near Nemah, Washington. In November 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 6 officers and 198 enlisted men.
117th
117th Spruce
The 117th Spruce was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. This unit was not created from a ‘Provisional Squadron’, unlike earlier-formed units. In July 1918, they were sent to Joyce, Washington, Siems, Carey-H.S. Kerbaugh Co. The town of Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County.
In August 1918, this unit was transferred to Lake Crescent, Washington, the intended terminus of the logging railroad. (Today, Lake Crescent is within the boundaries of Olympic National Park.) In October 1918, the unit was moved back to Joyce, Washington.
In December 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in January 1919.
Louis Pfel, Spruce Soldier of the 117th Spruce
118th
118th Spruce The 118th Spruce was formed in July 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Joyce, Washington, Siems, Carey-H.S. Kerbaugh Co. The town of Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In August 1918, this unit was transferred to Lake Crescent, Washington, the intended terminus of the logging railroad. (Today, Lake Crescent is within the boundaries of Olympic National Park.) In October 1918, the unit was moved back to Joyce, Washington. In December 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 147 enlisted men.
119th
119th Spruce
The 119th Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Joyce, Washington. Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County.
This Squadron formed a Military Police Detachment, the only unit of its type in the Spruce Production Division. This Police group was formed when it became necessary to control the soldiers enjoying their time off in the town of Port Angeles, Washington.
In August 1918, this Squadron was assigned to the lumber mill owned by the Puget Sound Mills and Timber Co., Port Angeles, Washington. In December 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in January 1919.
Washington Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 222 enlisted men.
120th
120th Spruce The 120th Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Port Angelus, Washington. However, Crossley indicates that this unit was partially formed from men taken from other units already in the field. The unit worked on construction of a new sawmill (Cut-Up Plant) at Ennis Creek, near Port Angeles, Washington, Siems, Carey-H.S. Kerbaugh Co. In November 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 98 enlisted men.
121st
121st Spruce The 121st Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Bellingham, Washington, Bloedel-Donovan Lumber Company. They worked at the lumber mill in this town. The men were housed at the Sehome Hotel. In November 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks and were demobilized there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 50 enlisted men.
122nd
122nd Spruce The 122nd Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Joyce, Washington. Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In September 1918, they were moved to Siemscary. In November 1918, they, as well as many other units in Clallam County, were moved to Port Angeles, where they waited for transportation. In December 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks, and were demobilized there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 144 enlisted men.
123rd
123rd Spruce The 123rd Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Lake Pleasant, Washington. The town of Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In September 1918, they were moved to Siemscary. In November 1918, they, as well as many other units in Clallam County, were moved to Port Angeles, where they waited for transportation. In December 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks, and were demobilized there in January 1919 Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 2 officers and 141 enlisted men.
124th
124th Spruce The 124th Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Joyce, Washington. The town of Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In September 1918, they were moved to Siemscary. In December 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks, and were demobilized there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 2 officers and 133 enlisted men.
125th
125th Spruce The 125th Spruce was formed in August 1918 from members of the 37th Spruce (which see). The 125th has an interesting history. While most of the new units created late in the summer of 1918 were sent to the Olympic Peninsula, (such as the 128th Spruce .), the 125th was created ‘in the field’ by detaching men from another unit. These men were already in place at Eagle Gorge, Washington, Page Lumber Company. The official information from the Army states that the unit was formed at Vancouver Barracks in August 1918. In November 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and in Jan 1919, were demobilized there. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 157 enlisted men.
126th
126th Spruce The 126th Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Joyce, Washington. The town of Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In January 1919, the unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 132 enlisted men.
127th
127th Spruce The 127th Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Joyce, Washington. The town of Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In January 1919, the unit was demobilized at Vancouver Barracks. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 135 enlisted men.
128th
128th Spruce The 128th Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Joyce, Washington. Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In December 1918, the unit was moved to Siemscarey, Washington. The unit was demobilized in January 1919 at Vancouver Barracks. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 150 enlisted men.
129th
129th Spruce The 129th Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Timber, Oregon, Nehalem River Lumber Company. They took part in major logging operations there. In December 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks, and was demobilized in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 2 officers and 38 enlisted men.
130th
130th Spruce
The 130th Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Seattle, Washington, to work at the Schwager Nettleton Mill Company. According to Crossley, their barracks were the New Richmond Hotel. Due to the distance to the mill, the men were transported to work by truck.
In December 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks, where they were demobilized in January 1919.
Washington Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 2 officers and 64 enlisted men.
Some Men of the 130th Spruce
131st
131st Spruce The 131st Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Falls City, Oregon, Falls City Lumber and Logging Company. In October 1918, the unit was moved to Dallas, Oregon, and disbanded, many of the men being reassigned to the 99th Spruce .
132nd
132nd Spruce The 132nd Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Skykomish, Washington, Columbia Valley Lumber Company. In October 1918, the unit was scheduled to be disbanded at Skykomish for reassignment in Clallam County. Instead, in November, the disbanded personnel were sent to Vancouver for reassignment at Beaver Hill, Oregon.
133rd
133rd Spruce The 133rd Spruce was formed in August 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Knappton, Washington, Brix Brothers Logging Company. This location was directly across the Columbia River from Astoria, Oregon, so the unit was assigned to that state, assigned to the Clatsop District. In December 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks, where they were demobilized in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 1 officer and 26 enlisted men.
134th
134th Spruce
The 134th Spruce was formed in September 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Tillamook, Oregon. This new unit was combined with others in the area. Their primary work was to operate lumber mills.
In October 1918, members of this unit took part in fighting a forest fire nearby.
In November 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks, where they were demobilized in January 1919.
Oregon Spruce unit charts
that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 53 enlisted men.
135th
135th Spruce According to Crossley, in late September 1918, the 135th Spruce unit was broken up into two Spruce Squadrons, primarily for administrative reasons. According to the Army material, the 135th Spruce was formed September 1918, at Garibaldi, Oregon. Again, according to Crossley, the Squadron took over units operating at Brighton, Wheeler, Garibaldi, and Bay City, Oregon. It appears that, due to the unit split-up, various detachments were involved in lumber activities, including a large group working at a lumber mill of the Cumming-Moberly Mill Co. In addition, some of the troops from this Squadron were working at the Wheeler Lumber Co. at Cochran. The unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks in December 1918, and mustered out at that location in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 4 officers and 63 enlisted men.
136th
136th Spruce The 136th Spruce was formed in September 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Joyce, Washington. Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. The unit was demobilized in January 1919 at Vancouver Barracks. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 5 officers and 181 enlisted men.
137th
137th Spruce
The 137th Spruce was formed in Port Orchard, Washington in August 1918. They were assigned to Belfair, Washington, but when the intended logging facility was found to be unsanitary by the Army inspectors, the unit became available for re-assignment. Due to the requirement for men to operate a newly-opened mill in North Portland, Oregon, this unit was reformed in September 1918 at Vancouver Barracks, and commuted daily to work on construction at the Monarch Mills, North Portland. Note that this mill was located across the river from Vancouver Barracks. According to Crossley, there were as many as 254 men of various units, including
the 19th Spruce Squadron
, working at the mill at the time of the Armistice.
The Army material indicates that the Squadron was officially moved to North Portland, Oregon in October 1918. In December 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919.
Group Photo of Non-Commissioned Officers of the 137th Spruce
138th
138th Spruce The 138th Spruce was formed in September 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Joyce, Washington. Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. The unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks in December 1918 and were demobilized there in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 2 officers and 88 enlisted men.
139th
139th Spruce The 139th Spruce was formed in September 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to North Bend, Oregon, C. A. Smith Lumber and Manufacturing Company. While assigned to the lumber mill there, organizationally this unit became the main Squadron in the Coos Bay area, absorbing the men from several other units. The unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks in December 1918 and were demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 8 officers and 121 enlisted men. Crossley indicates that as many as 10 officers and 240 enlisted men were assigned to this Squadron at the end of the War.
140th
140th Spruce The 140th Spruce was formed in September 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Joyce, Washington. Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. The unit was demobilized in January 1919 at Vancouver Barracks. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 132 enlisted men.
141st
141st Spruce The 141st Spruce was formed in October 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month, they were transferred to Port Gamble and Port Ludlow, Washington, Puget Mills Co. In December 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website seem to be in error, mentioning the ‘41st’ Spruce more than once. Given the location of the extra ‘41’ in the chart, it is probable that this unit had 5 officers and 81 enlisted men.
142nd
142nd Spruce The 142nd Spruce was formed in September 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. In the same month they were sent to Beaver Hill, Oregon. They took part in railroad construction in this area. Men from other Spruce units were assigned to this Squadron while it was located in Beaver Hill. Such units included the 99th Spruce . The unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks in November 1918 and were demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 7 officers and 351 enlisted men.
143rd
143rd Spruce The 143rd Spruce was formed in September 1918 in Joyce, Washington. Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. The unit was demobilized in January 1919 at Vancouver Barracks. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website seem to be in error, mentioning the ‘43rd’ Spruce more than once. Given the location of the extra ‘43’ in the chart, it is probable that this unit had 2 officers and 148 enlisted men.
144th
144th Spruce The 144th Spruce was formed in September 1918 at Vancouver Barracks. This unit was not created from a ‘Provisional Squadron’, unlike earlier-formed units. Also in Septmber 1918, they were transferred to Joyce, Washington, Siems, Carey-H.S. Kerbaugh Co. The town of Joyce, as well as a post office specially opened at Siemscary, were the main centers of operation of a major railroad construction project to reach the huge stands of spruce near the area currently bounded by Olympic National Park. This project involved over 3,000 soldiers located at many camps within Clallam County. In December 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Washington Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 135 enlisted men.
145th
145th Spruce The 145th Spruce was formed in September 1918 in Seaside, Oregon, H. E. Nobel Lumber Co. It appears that they worked at the Warrenton Mill. Note that this unit was formed from men assigned from other units, including the 67th Spruce . The unit was transferred to Vancouver Barracks in November 1918 and were demobilized there in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 143 enlisted men.
146th
146th Spruce The 146th Spruce was formed in Astoria, Oregon, in September 1918. This unit was formed from troops split from previously-operating squadrons. Thus, it was never a ‘Provisional Squadron’ as were so many others. They were assigned to the Oregon-Pacific Mill & Lumber Company, as well as the Astoria Box Company. Both of these companies ran large lumber mills. In November 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 113 enlisted men.
147th
147th Spruce The 147th Spruce was formed in Warrenton, Oregon, in September 1918. It was created out of the 76th Spruce , due to that unit’s large size. This unit worked at the Hammond Lumber Company mill. In November 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 2 officers and 159 enlisted men.
148th
148th Spruce The 148th Spruce was formed in Clatsop, Oregon, in September 1918, Grant, Smith-Porter. It was created out of the 71st Spruce , which see. In November 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 76 enlisted men.
149th
149th Spruce The 149th Spruce was formed September 1918 at Garibaldi, Oregon. In same month, as part of the split-up of the 135th Spruce , they moved to Wheeler, Oregon, Wheeler Lumber Co. Thus, they were never part of a ‘Provisional Squadron’ like so many others were. In November 1918, the unit was moved to Vancouver Barracks for demobilization, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 6 officers and 229 enlisted men.
150th
150th Spruce The 150th Spruce was formed in Astoria, Oregon, in September 1918. This unit was formed from troops split from the 114th Spruce , which see. Actually, they were located at Crown-Willamette Paper Company operations located near Astoria. In November 1918, they returned to Vancouver Barracks, and were mustered out of the Army in January 1919. Oregon Spruce unit charts that I show on my website indicate that this unit had 3 officers and 95 enlisted men.
Table of Contents
See also:
Spruce Squadrons (149)
Provisional Spruce Squadrons (45)
Aero Squadrons (61)
More Links
General Spruce Squadron Information
WWI Information (including Bob’s WW I Books)
Copyright © 1999-2024 Robert Swanson
Modified: Sat 23 Mar 2024 12:24:36 PM CDT
Technical Information
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