Eric Musgrove
Contributor
A few more articles on WWI mobilization and service left to go! In the second week of January 1918, a week after it formed, the new artillery company from Suwannee County was ready to go: “The Live Oak Artillery Co., immediately upon approval of the Governor, will be mustered into state service and recommended to the President for immediate federal service. The company now has a list of 100 men. “Out of this 100, about 30 have been rated as disqualified on the preliminary examination, and those rejected after muster will receive final discharge. After discharging these men, the company will need 15 additional recruits. New recruits can be signed up now and will take precedence over the men rated as disqualified. “The Coast Artillery offers a rare opportunity to young men who desire to qualify for a paying position after the war. There are four courses in the enlisted men’s division of the school, one of which qualified men for the grade of fireman, one for the grade of electrician sergeant, one for the grade of master gunner, and one for operator of wireless telegraphy. “Instruction given in this school fits the men to become good practical firemen, electricians, engineers, draughtsmen, surveyors and wireless operators.” The Coast Artillery Company mustered into the National Guard the following week: “The Coast Artillery Company recently organized by Y. O. Brown was mustered into the National Guard of the United States and of Florida at 3 p.m. last Wednesday with the following officers: Yandell O. Brown, captain; Bethel R. Rickerson, 1st lieutenant; and John W. Morgan, 2nd lieutenant. Recommendations will be made for immediate service, and as the Government has called for eight companies from Florida, it is thought that there will be no delay in the designation of this company for active service. “The Fifth Company Coast Artillery made a splendid appearance in their civilian clothes, and when they don the khaki and march away to war, we guarantee that Capt. Brown will have every reason to be proud of his company and under all circumstances.” More WWI history next week. Eric Musgrove can be reached at ericm@suwgov.org or (386) 362-0564.