|
T R A N
S C R I P
T I O N
HEADQUARTERS,
FIRST BATTALION, FIFTH REGIMENT, SECOND
BRIGADE, U.S.M.C.
MANAGUA, NICARAGUA. 30 MAY 1928.
FROM: Captain
Gilbert D. Hatfield, U.S. Marine Corps.
To:
The Commanding General, Second Brigade,
U.S. Marines, Managua, Nicaragua.
 Subject: Patrol.
1. In obedience to your orders dated 12
May, 1928, a patrol consisting of
myself, twelve enlisted marines and one
hospital corpsman cleared by truck for
Boaco at 0920, 15 May, 1928, and arrived
there at 1515 the same date. Had to wait
until 1200 the following day in order to
obtain the services of a reliable guide.
Cleared Boaco on foot at 1415, 14 May.
2. Reached my objective, Caño Blanco on
north side of the Rio Grande at 0930, 19
May and found all quiet, with no
indication that Sandino or any other
bandido had ever been in the vicinity.
Remained there until 1600, 20 May and
then commenced my return journey over
name trail. During my stay at this place
I sent native runners up and down the
river and to Cerro Musun, a tentative
second objective. The latter place is
some thirty miles from Caño Blanco over
almost impassable mountains. Due to the
general quietness of the entire section,
and the fact that it had been raining
for two days, I deemed it inadvisable to
attempt the trip there and back, for
fear the patrol would get caught in the
rainy season proper and have great
difficulty in returning to Managua. The
only rumor of Sandino was to the effect
that he had recently been in the
northeastern part of Prinsapolca, but I
seriously doubt the truth of this
statement. Reached Boaco on return
journey at 1600 24 May, and cleared for
Managua mounted at 1200 28 May, arrived
Tipi Tapa 0400 29 May. Left patrol and
mounts there until evening, when they
return to Managua.
3. The trail traversed was along the
Southeastern edge of the mountain range
which reaches the Rio Grande about
Paigua. The entire route is mountainous,
a great part of it through heavy jungle
land, which abounds in wild game, foul
and snakes. It is sparsely populated,
but houses and clearings are numerous
enough that chickens, turkeys,
tortillers, bananas, native sugar and
cheese are always available, and can be
purchased at reasonable prices. The
natives encountered all seem to be quiet
and hard working and very friendly,
though most of them had never seen a
marine before.
4. The total distanced marched was
approximately one hundred and fifty
miles over high and steep mountains,
part of the trail being muddy and
slippery, and for two days it rained
continuously, yet not one man fell out
nor was there a single case of sickness.
Ticks were the greatest hardship, but
only one man has so far developed the
usual ulcer.
5. From my experience on this trip I have
come to the following conclusions:
 [p.
2]
(a) That pack animals are indispensable for any patrol
of more than three days duration.
(b) That dry beans are not desirable as part of the
ration, due to the length of time
required for their cooking and danger of
being burned.
(c) That when pack animals are taken, each member of
the patrol should be equipped with a
hammock, poncho and mosquito net.
(d) That the Thompson Sub-Machine Gun with drums and
clips is an ideal weapon for patrol work
and that each patrol should carry a
large proportion of them.
(e) That The Browning Automatic Rifle is neither
desirable nor necessary with small
patrols, because its greater range over
the Thompson does not counterbalance its
greater weight, and liability of
malfunctioning.
(f) That one or two specially trained rifle grenadiers
should a company each patrol and that a
goodly number of both rifle and hand
grenades be carried.
6. It is requested that Harold S. Chandler,
Pharmacist's Mate 3rd Class, U.S. Navy,
be commended for his valuable assistance
on this patrol. He carried a rifle and
ammunition, in addition to his medical
outfit, performed guard duty and his
share of the work around camp, just as a
marine would do, but was always on the
alert in his medical duties, of which he
is thoroughly conversant, And twice
daily put all men through a catechism as
to their health. In other words he
attempted to, and succeeded in,
preventing sickness rather than waiting
for it to appear, and I attribute the
present excellent physical condition of
the members of the patrol, in great part
to his efforts in their behalf.
/S/ Gilbert D. Hatfield.
-----------------------------
Copy to:
CO. Fifth Regiment.
Camp Commander, Campo de Marte
RG127/204/3
|
