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T R A N
S C R I P
T I O N
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER
SPECIAL EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, THIRD
BATTALION, FIFTH REGIMENT
San Albino, Nicaragua.
6 February 1928.
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From: |
The Commanding Officer. |
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To: |
The Commanding Officer, Fifth
Regiment,
U.S.M.C., Managua, Nicaragua,
C.A. |
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VIA: |
The Commanding Officer, Northern
Area,
Ocotal, Nicaragua, C.A. |
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Subject: |
Report on operations, covering
period January 7, 1928 to 5
February 1928. |
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Inclosures: |
(a) Patrol report of Captain
Peard. |
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(b) Patrol report of Lt Kenyon. |
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(c) Patrol Report of Lt
MacDonald, G.N. |
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(d) Commendations in case of
Pvts Gutierrez & Carago, G.N. |
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(e) Copies of letters from
Sandino. |
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(f) Addenda to report of Major
Young. |
SATURDAY,
JANUARY 7, 1928.
1830 left Ocotal with 2nd Lt. W. F.
Brown, USMC, and Lts. D.E. Wells, GN,
and L.F. Harrington, MC, GN, 61 marines,
and 7 bull cart loads of rations etc.,
(one bull was killed when cart went over
side of cliff; cart unloaded by hand,
dropped to stream bed, hauled out,
reloaded, and proceeded) for San Albino.
SUNDAY, January 8, 1928. 0900
arrived San Fernando with above.
MONDAY, January 9, 1928. At
0650 left San Fernando with above and in
addition Lt. D.M. McDonald, Guardia
Nacional, and 16 enlisted Guardia. At
1830 reached San Pedro (the west one)
and camped.
TUESDAY JANUARY 10, 1928.
At 0100 Lt. H.N. Kenyon, USMC, with Lt.
E.H. Clark, and Marine Gunner L.
Jenkins, 72 Marines enlisted, joined
from Ocotal and camped. At 0700
left San Pedro (the west one).
About one mile of the eastern San Pedro
left train with Lt Kenyons outfit and
proceeded to arrived at San Albino about
1500. Lt Kenyon and train arrived about
2100.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11, 1928.
In obedience to order (send detachment
to meet Quilali column) went with Lt.
E.H. Clark, USMC, 70 Marines, Lt. D.M.
McDonald, GN, and Guardia Detachment,
and met Quilali Column under command of
Captain R.W. Peard, USMC, south of
Jicarito. Combined Force arrived San
Albino about 1800.
THURSDAY 12, 1928. At 1620
Lt W.F. Brown, USMC, with 8 bull carts,
15 enlisted USMC, 23 enlisted Guardia,
Dr J.L. Terrel and Cadet Ostick, GN,
arrived at San Albino, from Jicaro.
Planes reported about 100 men in fox
holes in vicinity of San Geronimo.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1928.
In afternoon group observed on ridge
across river in direction of San
Geronimo. Received order to make
demonstration towards [ p. 2 ] Chipote
on 14th, but not to try to mop up, to
make bandits draw in to Chipote, so that
planes could bomb them.
Directed Captain Peard to make
demonstration with Marines from San
Albino to leave morning of the 14th.
At 2330 left with Lt. D.M. McDonald, GN,
and Lts Wells, Ostick, Smith and
Harrington, MC, all GN, and 40 Guardia,
crossed the Jicaro river a mile or so
below camp, and by marching across
country, cowpaths, and etc., arrived on
crest of San Geronimo Ridge before
daylight of 14th. No bandits observed in
first position. Moved along ridge to
north after daylight.
SATURDAY JANUARY 14, 1928.
Mendez, one of Sandinos Jefes, and a
couple of companions rode into Guardia
position and Mendez was killed by Lt
McDonald, and his companions probably
wounded by Guardia, but escaped through
brush. One rifle, Guardia type, left by
one of the wounded bandits.
Captain R.W. Peards column, (72 Marines,
1 Howitzer platoon, and 1 Machine Gun
section) arrived crest of ridge and
joined Guardia about 1130. Bombing of
Chipote by planes observed from ridge.
Officers ho had been at Quilali did not
think that mountain observed was Chipote
(it was). Through field glasses dust
raised by machine gun fire at planes was
observed, and from sounds it appeared
that planes also encountered rifle fire
during bombing.
Returned to San Albino after completion
of bombing.
SUNDAY JANUARY 15, 1928. The
night of 15-16 January sent Lt WF Brown
with his platoon to occupy the crest of
San Geronimo ridge as an outpost.
MONDAY JANUARY 16, 1928.
1300 Captain A. Kingston with Captain
H.M. Shaw, Lt. G. Esau and 140 Marines,
16 Bullcart loads of ration, etc., and
pack mules joined from Ocotal.
Sent Lt Harry Boyle, GN, and 30 Guardia
and two bull carts to San Fernando to
get Guardia supplies from there.
TUESDAY JANUARY 17, 1928.
Getting organized.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18, 1928.
Sent Lt Esau with Lt Hunt and 78 Marines
to relieve Lt. Brown as outpost on San
Geronimo ridge.
THURSDAY JANUARY 19, 1928.
Believed San Albino to far away from
Chipote (there was a difference of
opinion as to its exact location) to
march to and launch an attack on, on the
same day and considered it better to
build up a forward rations and munitions
dump.
Went with Captain Kingstons and Lt
Kenyons company with rations for San
Geronimo ridge. Left Lt Kenyon and
company on the crest of a ridge about a
half a mile to the south east of San
Geronimo position. From this ridge
observed a group of men (through
glasses) in the vicinity of house near
dug outs on Chipote (taken by Lt Kenyons
command on 25th). The planes I believe
have reported Chipote as entirely
deserted on this date.
Suggested to Lt Kenyon that he scout
ridge to North East the following day
(20th). Returned with Captain Kingston
to San Albino. [ p. 3 ]
About midnight received an order
(9619-1230) to send strong combat
patrols to San Juan, San Lucas, Buena
Vista area (that Telpaneca would send
patrol one days march toward San Juan as
a threat).
FRIDAY JANUARY 20, 1928.
Sent Captain Peard, Lt Brown, 18
Marines, trench mortar and two machine
guns towards San Juan, in compliance
with order received last night.
Heard some firing in direction of San
Geronimo and in the evening they
signalled that they had a letter, signed
by Sandino, dated today. Sandino had
been reported, in an intelligence
report, as having been killed by the
bombing on the 14th. Firing evidently
was the fight Lt Kenyon had when he
captured the Heights of Santa Rosa (see
Lt Kenyons report). Although Lt Kenyons
first report showed no known bandit
casualties and estimated their strength
as about 30, the prisoner captured by Lt
Clark on Chipote on 26 January who, it
is believed from his examination, had
been in this fight, stated that three
bandits were killed (checks with air
report of vultures feeding on four
bodies) and five wounded including
Colonel Madriga [Fernando Maradiaga] (in
the arm), who personally fired bandit
machine gun. (One of the two captured
letters from Sandino was to Madriga
[Maradiaga]). The prisoner further
stated that bandits numbered 300 in
Santa Rosa action, but as reports of
numbers over a dozen are usually
exaggerated, the bandit force was
probably much less, although Lt Kenyons
estimate of 30, is probably too
conservative. The prisoner knew Mendez
had been killed (on 14th) and said he
had three companions (instead of two)
who were wounded.
Prisoner further stated (on 26th) that
Sandino had 50 men with him, but that he
did not know where he was. This number
seems to check with number Lt McDonald
had fight with on 28th. Another prisoner
captured in rear area, on 26th, stated
that Sandino had 900 men with him, which
shows how unaccurate unchecked rumors
are, especially from prisoners trying to
say what they think you want to hear.
The prisoner captured by Lt Clark stated
that he had no knowledge of aviators
heads having been cut and that he could
show where they were buried near where
planes fell, but this prisoner was
killed by first bandit volley in fight
Lt McDonald had on morning of 28th.
Lt McDonald with Lt Boyle and a squad of
guardia left to surprise a bandit
outpost near Montanita, but Lt McDonald
and three Guardia while approaching
outpost before daylight on the morning
of
SATURDAY JANUARY 21, 1928.
Were surprised by the bandits with a
dynamite bomb. Five bandits were
observed in light of bomb, and McDonald
with two Guardia routed bandits and
occupied position. Lt McDonald was
wounded by bomb in leg, but concealed
his injuries to avoid being placed on
sick list.
1400 left San Albino with Lt. A.T. Hunt,
USMC, and ration party, and spent night
on San Geronimo Ridge, garrisoned by Lt
Esau's company. Ration dump being built
up here. (A couple of machine guns were
sent up previously) one with Lt Esaus
command and one forwarded with Lt Kenyon
on Santa Rosa Ridge.
SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 1928.
Left San Geronimo Ridge with Lt Hunt,
USMC, and his platoon, and arrived at Lt
Kenyons headquarters on Santa Rosa Ridge
at 1130.
Accompanied Lt Kenyon on a foraging
expedition, crossing to some houses on
East Bank of Murra River, about a couple
of miles north of Chipote, [ p. 4 ] with
two squads, returning with considerable
bandit food supplies.
MONDAY JANUARY 23, 1928.
Went with Lt Kenyon, Marine Gunner
Jenkins and several squads along Santa
Rosa Ridge to about a mile south of camp
where a sentry squad was left. Returned
about a half mile, and went down a trail
in a ravine to trail along Murra river.
Followed latter trail about a quarter of
a mile to south, where an observation
post of four men were left in a house,
on a knoll which had foxholes around it.
Returned along river trail to north,
crossing Murra river to a new shack, at
the base of Chipote ridge, about a mile
north of Chipote proper. The shack was
clean and well stocked with beans, and
near a sugar cane field. Remained with
Marine Gunner Jenkins and three squads,
while Lt. Kenyon went back with a squad
or so to bring up balance of company.
At 1400 sent back message number 2, to
Commanding Officer, San Albino, to send
up trench mortar, 37 MM gun, Lt Clark
and machine guns, less four, to remain
in San Albino, grenades, rations, and
Captain Peards company if available. Lt
Esaus's company to garrison lines of
communications. As place was practically
surrounded on all sides with high ground
with good cover from close, to mid rifle
range, had men dig fox holes between
first shack and another higher up on
ridge.
While digging in, a dynamite bomb
exploded from direction of ravine North
of camp. During afternoon rifle fire was
heard from direction of observation
post, about three quarters of a mile to
South on West bank of Murra. Private
Nicholas B. Hagerman, of the observation
post, was wounded in the finger, and
Private Ben E. Ingles leading a ration
party of three men to it was wounded in
forearm. Observation post was withdrawn.
Behavior of both wounded men was
excellent. Lt Kenyon returned with
balance of company before dark and
position was further strengthened.
TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 1928.
1000 sent Lt Wadbrook (complained of
dysentery (?)) back with a squad and
message to CO San Albino, to send up
munitions, rations, and re-enforcements
asked for yesterday and in addition the
Guardia Company.
About noon Lt Clark USMC, with trench
mortar, 37 MM gun, and two machine guns
arrived.
1730 went with Lt Kenyon, Lt Clark, and
several squads to crest of ridge to
front, about 400 yards to south east
after a few trench mortar shells had
been dropped in vicinity. A shack filled
with corn was found with signs of fresh
occupancy. Returned along a trail to
East, thence across country to camp.
Found that Captain Peard and his
company, Captain Shaw and Lt Brown had
arrived.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25, 1928.
Lt McDonald with Lts Wells, Ostick, and
Smith (all GN) and Guardia arrived.
Lt Kenyon with several squads and Lt
Clark with trench mortar and machine gun
went on scouting and forraging
expedition to south, along east bank of
Murra. Directed Captain Peard to forrage
to south along West bank of Murra, and
to support Lt Kenyon if he needed it.
Major General Commandant flew over
Chipote in white striped plane, number
703, with Major Rowell, USMC.
Lt Kenyon returned in afternoon and
reported he had left Lt Clark with his
section and one squad, in one of bandit
entrenched positions (about two thirds
up mountain). [ p. 5 ]
Returned with Lt Kenyon and balance of
his company after directing Captain
Peard and Lt McDonald to follow next day
with their companies.
THURSDAY JANUARY 26, 1928.
Went with Lt Kenyon, Lt Clark, and 50
Marines, with mortar and machine gun the
remainder of the way to the crest of the
mountain. Did not see other companies
until we started back to camp. Reached a
series of shacks evidently used as
barracks about 1130, and laid out
aeroplane panels. First Sergeant George
O. Brooks, USMC, went to an adjacent
knoll, and burned a large barrack shack
with trenches around it. A bomb exploded
in it while it was burning.
Left Lt Clark with his section and one
squad on knoll, and went with Lt Kenyon
and three squads to wooded top of
mountain, and down south side to a trail
leading back to camp. Followed trail for
some distance in opposite direction, but
no signs of open ground or habitation
were seen.
Used mortar and rifle grenades on way up
to top and believe that trench mortar
was responsible (yesterday as well) for
not meeting any opposition, as freshly
killed meat, footprints leading in all
directions on hastily broken trails on
wooded top of mountain with water
knocked off leaves (there was a light
shower 1130) seemed to indicate that
bandits left only as Marine advanced).
Lt Clark captured a prisoner.
Upon return to camp, directed Captain
Peard to return to the last camp site
and forage along Chipote in that
vicinity. Guardia remained for night.
FRIDAY JANUARY 27, 1928.
Sent Lt D.E.Wells, GN, with one squad of
Guardia, back to San Albino, to look out
for Guardia property left there. Gave
him copies of march order (Message No. 1
- 27 Jan 1928), copy attached, for
distribution.
Lt. McDonald and Guardia company left
with prisoner Lt Clark captured
yesterday, to search for some buried
arms.
Lt Kenyon with several squads left on a
foraging expedition to south and west.
SATURDAY JANUARY 28, 1928.
Lt McDonald with Lt Ostick and Smith,
and 35 Guardia, routed a bandit force of
about 50, on a mountain about 5 miles
north of Chipote, in which action the
bandits left nine dead on the field. No
Guardia casualties. See Lt McDonalds
report attached.
Left Chipote with Lt Kenyons company as
per march order, at about 1000, and
arrived at Auilali [Quilali], at about
1600, and camped.
Guardia arrived about 1830.
SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 1928.
Left a pick up message. No. 1 - 29 Jan
28, for Captain Peards column to return
to San Albino, but it was lost in pick
up. Left Guardia in Quilali to rest up,
and marched for San Juan. Lost several
hours trying to find river trail, shown
on map. Trail went to a pasture and
faded out. Later learned that it began
again on other side of pasture. Finally
left on Las Cruces, but turned to West
on a side trail. Had supper at a shack
in which were a couple of copies of "The
World toMorrow", a pink publication,
edited I believe by the same Mr. Sayes,
Sayers, or Hays, who came down to
Nicaragua with Miss Woods, a social
worker. This Mr Sayes was the one Lt.
Freeman, GN, had to kick out of the
rescue boat, when he [ p. 6 ] tried to
crowd into it, ahead of women and
children, when the motor boat, bound for
Tempisque, Nicaragua, from Honduras, had
a hole stoved in its bottom, near El
Tempisque, last December.
After supper followed a poor trail to
West, and arrived at a shack, which
proved to be occupied, at about 2300,
where company camped for night.
MONDAY JANUARY 30, 1928.
Four men (one later escaped) in house
were questioned, and two of them led us
(Lt Kenyon, Lt Clark and three squads)
from midnight to about 0400, to two
shacks, where men alleged there would be
probably from 25 to 50 bandits. Shacks
were surrounded but proved to be empty.
Left shacks about 0600, and reached camp
about 0900.
Left camp at 1400 bound for San Juan,
but received drop message ordering
rendez-vouz in San Albino, as soon as
possible (8630-0850). Marched to San
Albino, arriving about 2100.
Lt Esau with his company had already
left in obedience to orders from higher
authority for Ocotal.
TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 1928.
Men getting outfitted, rested, treated
for garipati (ticks), bites, tropical
ulcers, sore feet, etc.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 1928.
Guardia returned from Quilali, reporting
all quiet in that vicinity, with people
returning to their shacks.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 2, 1928.
Captain Peards column returned,
reporting all quiet in vicinity of San
Juan. The hole reported by airforce,
stated to have been either the shallow
machine gun emplacement which was dug in
San Juan, or a pit for kitchen refuge
[refuse].
Sent Lt. Clark with Howitzer Platoon and
a machine gun section to join Lt Esau's
company, which I believed was returning
here, to go with him via Santa Clara to
garrison Jalapa.
Sent Lt. Wadbrook and three squads to
San Fernando to get pay for men not
paid.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3, 1928. Lt
Wadbrook returned with three squads and
pay. Lt Clark evidently ordered to
remain in San Fernando do guard ration
train coming here.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 1928.
Sent patrol with rations to Jicaro,
returning same date.
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 5, 1928.
Sent Captain Peard and four squads to
Quilali to observe for bandits in that
vicinity, in accordance with orders
received from higher authority.
/s/ A. Young
Major, U.S.M.C.
Commanding.
127/220/2
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