Weekly Summary No. 24
Title
Weekly Summary No. 24
Creator
United States. War Department. General staff
Identifier
WWP25412
Date
1918 November 5
Description
Secret report of the wartime strength of the United States.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
World War, 1914-1918--Statistics
World War, 1914-1918--United States
Contributor
Danna Faulds
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
Secret
WEEKLY SUMMARY
WAR DEPARTMENT
Page
Ordnance……………... 1
Quartermaster………... 2
Air Service…………….. 2
Military Aeronautics…… 3
Signal Corps ………….. 3
Chemical Warfare…….. 3
Medical………………….4
Engineer……………….. 4
Personnel……………….5
Ships…………………….5
No. 24 Statistics Branch
November 5, 1918 General Staff
ORDNANCE
Artillery
75 mm. field gun, Model 1897 -- None delivered by French in first half of October. Shipment of components to the French has fallen behind the promised rate. American production increased to five guns and 23 carriages during the week ended October 17. Several recuperators are reported as nearly complete at the Singer factory and at the Rock Island Arsenal.
155 mm. howitzers -- French deliveries continue at about 100 per month. To October 17, 34 sets of sights were completed as compared with 66 carriages.
155 mm. guns -- Desired number will probably not be obtained by June 30, 1919. United States production shows an encouraging increase with 13 guns accepted during week ended October 17.
Artillery Ammunition
Almost all important types are now in production. Weekly output still fluctuates, however, and quantity production is under way only in the case of shrapnel and 75 mm. H.E. shell. Ordnance Department estimates that November shipments overseas will amount to about 50 per cent of tonnage allotment figures for H. E. shell and 100 per cent for shrapnel.
Machine Guns
Heavy Browning -- Production again exceeded 3,000 for week ended October 17. Tripod production increased to 1,000. Shortage of spare parts and tripods, and other accessories has delayed issue to A.E.F.
Light Browning -- Production during week ended October 17 was less than average of preceding four weeks. Increase is necessary to meet needs.
Aircraft Browning -- First 200 completed and three accepted to October 18.
Small Arms and Ammunition
Rifles -- Shortage in France will be relieved by shipment of over 200,000 from arsenals and camps, which in some cases have considerable excess equipment.
Pistols and Revolvers -- Demands of A.E.F. not fully satisfied.
Ball Cartridges, cal. 30 -- Stock on hand in France over 400,000,000 rounds. Still more is desired, however, as 30 cal. light and heavy Brownings replace 8 mm. Chauchat and Hotchkiss guns now in use.
Tractors and Trailers
Overseas shipment -- 669 tractors were awaiting shipment at Newport News October 22, as compared with total shipments of less than 400 in six weeks September 1 to October 15.
Tractor production -- Progressing satisfactorily.
75 mm. field gun trailers -- 50 accepted in October; 144 needed in France at once for motorization of six 75 mm. regiments.
Tanks
3-ton (Ford) tanks -- Production on large scale is now being provided for: 700 are expected to be delivered at seaboard by January, 1919.
6-ton (light Renault) tanks -- Cable from General Pershing emphasizes need for expediting supply. By November 1, 23 had been completed in the United States.
QUARTERMASTER
Purchase of Animals Resumed
Before December 1, 18,500 draft horses and 15,000 draft mules are to be purchased in the United States for shipment to the A.E.F.
Hay Supply Adequate for November Allotment
Although current floatings of hay have been much below requirements, a sufficient amount has been freighted to make up October deficits and fill the November allotment.
Reserve Rations Overseas Greatly Increased
The extremely low overseas stock of special reserve rations increased from about 2,000,000 to over 7,000,000 during the month ended October 15.
AIR SERVICE
October Floatings Below Allotment
From October 1 to October 25 only 332 De Havilland 4 planes and 180 spare Liberty engines were floated. The allotments provided tonnage for approximately 585 planes and 1,710 engines during this period.
Production of De Havilland 4 Planes Reaches New High Record
During the week ended November 1, 299 De Havilland 4 planes were delivered as compared with the previous high record of 276. In all, 2,927 have been delivered and approximately 1,600 floated.
Over 1,000 Liberty Engines Delivered This Week
During the week ended November 1 the weekly deliveries of Liberty motors exceeded 1,000 for the first time. A total of 1,081, or over 100 more than the previous high record, was delivered as follows:
Lincoln Motor Corporation 317
Ford Motor Company 254
Packard Motor Car Company 238
General Motors Corporation 167
Nordyke-Marmon Company 105
1,081
The total deliveries to date exceed 12,600, of which approximately 4,000 have been sent overseas.
Outlook for Hispano-Suiza 180 H.P. Engines Improving
The trouble experienced in securing a satisfactory exhaust valve has been overcome and production of Hispano-Suiza 180 H.P. engines is expected to proceed without further interruption. During the week ended October 25, 75 engines were delivered, as compared with a total delivery of 82 during the previous four weeks. Total production to date is 342, of which 192 have been floated.
MILITARY AERONAUTICS
Increase of Number of Squadrons at the Front
The total number of squadrons at the front increased from 26 to 32 during the month of September.
Overseas Shipments of Aviators Below Requirements
The number of trained aviators ordered overseas continues far below the requirements.
Decrease in Number of Fliers under Instruction
The total number of men under training as aviators has fallen from approximately 9,000 in July to less than 6,000 on October 26.
SIGNAL CORPS
Field Glasses
All previous records for deliveries of field glasses were exceeded by the production of the past week: 7,779 glasses were delivered as compared with the previous weekly record of 3,355.
CHEMICAL WARFARE
4” Stokes Mortars
The first 4” Stokes mortars of American manufacture were in transit to seaboard October 31. The mortars of this caliber now in use by the American Forces in France are of British manufacture.
Horse Masks
Production of horse masks, which was discontinued for several weeks, is under way again.
Protective Suits
Manufacturing difficulties are being overcome and production is expected to begin in November.
MEDICAL
Large Increase of Overseas Hospitals
An increase of 138,000 has been authorized in the normal capacity of overseas hospitals and of 46,000 in their emergency capacity. At present the number of patients exceeds the normal capacity.
Influenza on Transports Greatly Reduced
Marked improvement in health conditions on convoys has been effected as a result of preventive measures adopted. A recent cablegram states that a transport arriving in England toward the end of October with 5,450 men had only 34 cases of influenza and two of pneumonia on board, with no deaths. Mouth and nose masks were worn day and night.
Influenza Among Troops in United States Rapidly Declining
Approx. number of Total
new cases per day Sept. 15 - Nov. 2
Influenza 1000 520,909
Pneumonia 300 52,452
These figures indicate that the epidemic has now declined to about one-tenth its maximum severity. The death rate among troops in the United States is, however, still about three times the normal.
ENGINEER
Locomotives and Cars -- Standard Gauge
Only 158 consolidation locomotives were shipped during October but indications are that 250 will be floated during the first 10 days of November. Car shipments for October were only about 2,000 against an allotment of 8420.
Locomotives and Cars -- Narrow Gauge
Recent military operations have caused a sudden demand for large shipments of narrow gauge locomotives. October and November allotments call for 311 but cannot be filled until January. Up to October 20 none had been shipped and only one was available. Car shipments during October and November will probably meet the allotments for those months of 2357.
Locomotive Cranes
Locomotive cranes are being delivered at the rate of from 15 to 20 per week. About 132 will be shipped during October and November against an allotment of 149.
PERSONNEL
Increased Proportion of Men with More than Three Months’ Service
The proportion of men in training who have had more than three months’ service has risen sharply since October 15 owing to the partial cessation of troop movements. The figures for November 1 are as follows:
In service Corresponding
Enlisted over three Per cent per cent for
Men months November 1 October 15
In Divisions in U.S. 196,712 148,126 75 53
In Depot Brigades 238,259 120,516 52 36
Replacement Troops 109,179 56,980 52 36
Strength of A.E.F. October 31
General Pershing has cabled as follows:
In American areas………………….1,764,026
In British areas…………………….. 85,679
In England…………………………. 27,672
In Italy……………………………… 5,530
In Russia………………………….. 4,689
Total, October 31……….. 1,889,596
SHIPS
More Ships for the Army
During October 405,000 DWT of additional ships were delivered to the Army as against 206,000 DWT in August and 331,000 in September. These figures do not include loaned British cargo ships of which 150,000 DWT had been delivered up to November 1.
Cargo Movement Larger
Due to energetic efforts toward the end of the month the cargo shipment for October rose to 750,000 short tons, of which 330,000 tons went forward in the last 11 days. These shipments, while larger than expected, were far short of General Pershing’s cabled requirement of 1,077,000 tons.
Influenza Under Control
Fast ships are now being loaded to full berth capacity and slow ships to 90 per cent of berth capacity.
Truck and Animal Shipment Large
Included in the month’s shipment were 8,741 motor trucks and 16,866 animals. These large shipments cut into the movement of freight cars. Only 1775 were shipped.
WEEKLY SUMMARY
WAR DEPARTMENT
Page
Ordnance……………... 1
Quartermaster………... 2
Air Service…………….. 2
Military Aeronautics…… 3
Signal Corps ………….. 3
Chemical Warfare…….. 3
Medical………………….4
Engineer……………….. 4
Personnel……………….5
Ships…………………….5
No. 24 Statistics Branch
November 5, 1918 General Staff
ORDNANCE
Artillery
75 mm. field gun, Model 1897 -- None delivered by French in first half of October. Shipment of components to the French has fallen behind the promised rate. American production increased to five guns and 23 carriages during the week ended October 17. Several recuperators are reported as nearly complete at the Singer factory and at the Rock Island Arsenal.
155 mm. howitzers -- French deliveries continue at about 100 per month. To October 17, 34 sets of sights were completed as compared with 66 carriages.
155 mm. guns -- Desired number will probably not be obtained by June 30, 1919. United States production shows an encouraging increase with 13 guns accepted during week ended October 17.
Artillery Ammunition
Almost all important types are now in production. Weekly output still fluctuates, however, and quantity production is under way only in the case of shrapnel and 75 mm. H.E. shell. Ordnance Department estimates that November shipments overseas will amount to about 50 per cent of tonnage allotment figures for H. E. shell and 100 per cent for shrapnel.
Machine Guns
Heavy Browning -- Production again exceeded 3,000 for week ended October 17. Tripod production increased to 1,000. Shortage of spare parts and tripods, and other accessories has delayed issue to A.E.F.
Light Browning -- Production during week ended October 17 was less than average of preceding four weeks. Increase is necessary to meet needs.
Aircraft Browning -- First 200 completed and three accepted to October 18.
Small Arms and Ammunition
Rifles -- Shortage in France will be relieved by shipment of over 200,000 from arsenals and camps, which in some cases have considerable excess equipment.
Pistols and Revolvers -- Demands of A.E.F. not fully satisfied.
Ball Cartridges, cal. 30 -- Stock on hand in France over 400,000,000 rounds. Still more is desired, however, as 30 cal. light and heavy Brownings replace 8 mm. Chauchat and Hotchkiss guns now in use.
Tractors and Trailers
Overseas shipment -- 669 tractors were awaiting shipment at Newport News October 22, as compared with total shipments of less than 400 in six weeks September 1 to October 15.
Tractor production -- Progressing satisfactorily.
75 mm. field gun trailers -- 50 accepted in October; 144 needed in France at once for motorization of six 75 mm. regiments.
Tanks
3-ton (Ford) tanks -- Production on large scale is now being provided for: 700 are expected to be delivered at seaboard by January, 1919.
6-ton (light Renault) tanks -- Cable from General Pershing emphasizes need for expediting supply. By November 1, 23 had been completed in the United States.
QUARTERMASTER
Purchase of Animals Resumed
Before December 1, 18,500 draft horses and 15,000 draft mules are to be purchased in the United States for shipment to the A.E.F.
Hay Supply Adequate for November Allotment
Although current floatings of hay have been much below requirements, a sufficient amount has been freighted to make up October deficits and fill the November allotment.
Reserve Rations Overseas Greatly Increased
The extremely low overseas stock of special reserve rations increased from about 2,000,000 to over 7,000,000 during the month ended October 15.
AIR SERVICE
October Floatings Below Allotment
From October 1 to October 25 only 332 De Havilland 4 planes and 180 spare Liberty engines were floated. The allotments provided tonnage for approximately 585 planes and 1,710 engines during this period.
Production of De Havilland 4 Planes Reaches New High Record
During the week ended November 1, 299 De Havilland 4 planes were delivered as compared with the previous high record of 276. In all, 2,927 have been delivered and approximately 1,600 floated.
Over 1,000 Liberty Engines Delivered This Week
During the week ended November 1 the weekly deliveries of Liberty motors exceeded 1,000 for the first time. A total of 1,081, or over 100 more than the previous high record, was delivered as follows:
Lincoln Motor Corporation 317
Ford Motor Company 254
Packard Motor Car Company 238
General Motors Corporation 167
Nordyke-Marmon Company 105
1,081
The total deliveries to date exceed 12,600, of which approximately 4,000 have been sent overseas.
Outlook for Hispano-Suiza 180 H.P. Engines Improving
The trouble experienced in securing a satisfactory exhaust valve has been overcome and production of Hispano-Suiza 180 H.P. engines is expected to proceed without further interruption. During the week ended October 25, 75 engines were delivered, as compared with a total delivery of 82 during the previous four weeks. Total production to date is 342, of which 192 have been floated.
MILITARY AERONAUTICS
Increase of Number of Squadrons at the Front
The total number of squadrons at the front increased from 26 to 32 during the month of September.
Overseas Shipments of Aviators Below Requirements
The number of trained aviators ordered overseas continues far below the requirements.
Decrease in Number of Fliers under Instruction
The total number of men under training as aviators has fallen from approximately 9,000 in July to less than 6,000 on October 26.
SIGNAL CORPS
Field Glasses
All previous records for deliveries of field glasses were exceeded by the production of the past week: 7,779 glasses were delivered as compared with the previous weekly record of 3,355.
CHEMICAL WARFARE
4” Stokes Mortars
The first 4” Stokes mortars of American manufacture were in transit to seaboard October 31. The mortars of this caliber now in use by the American Forces in France are of British manufacture.
Horse Masks
Production of horse masks, which was discontinued for several weeks, is under way again.
Protective Suits
Manufacturing difficulties are being overcome and production is expected to begin in November.
MEDICAL
Large Increase of Overseas Hospitals
An increase of 138,000 has been authorized in the normal capacity of overseas hospitals and of 46,000 in their emergency capacity. At present the number of patients exceeds the normal capacity.
Influenza on Transports Greatly Reduced
Marked improvement in health conditions on convoys has been effected as a result of preventive measures adopted. A recent cablegram states that a transport arriving in England toward the end of October with 5,450 men had only 34 cases of influenza and two of pneumonia on board, with no deaths. Mouth and nose masks were worn day and night.
Influenza Among Troops in United States Rapidly Declining
Approx. number of Total
new cases per day Sept. 15 - Nov. 2
Influenza 1000 520,909
Pneumonia 300 52,452
These figures indicate that the epidemic has now declined to about one-tenth its maximum severity. The death rate among troops in the United States is, however, still about three times the normal.
ENGINEER
Locomotives and Cars -- Standard Gauge
Only 158 consolidation locomotives were shipped during October but indications are that 250 will be floated during the first 10 days of November. Car shipments for October were only about 2,000 against an allotment of 8420.
Locomotives and Cars -- Narrow Gauge
Recent military operations have caused a sudden demand for large shipments of narrow gauge locomotives. October and November allotments call for 311 but cannot be filled until January. Up to October 20 none had been shipped and only one was available. Car shipments during October and November will probably meet the allotments for those months of 2357.
Locomotive Cranes
Locomotive cranes are being delivered at the rate of from 15 to 20 per week. About 132 will be shipped during October and November against an allotment of 149.
PERSONNEL
Increased Proportion of Men with More than Three Months’ Service
The proportion of men in training who have had more than three months’ service has risen sharply since October 15 owing to the partial cessation of troop movements. The figures for November 1 are as follows:
In service Corresponding
Enlisted over three Per cent per cent for
Men months November 1 October 15
In Divisions in U.S. 196,712 148,126 75 53
In Depot Brigades 238,259 120,516 52 36
Replacement Troops 109,179 56,980 52 36
Strength of A.E.F. October 31
General Pershing has cabled as follows:
In American areas………………….1,764,026
In British areas…………………….. 85,679
In England…………………………. 27,672
In Italy……………………………… 5,530
In Russia………………………….. 4,689
Total, October 31……….. 1,889,596
SHIPS
More Ships for the Army
During October 405,000 DWT of additional ships were delivered to the Army as against 206,000 DWT in August and 331,000 in September. These figures do not include loaned British cargo ships of which 150,000 DWT had been delivered up to November 1.
Cargo Movement Larger
Due to energetic efforts toward the end of the month the cargo shipment for October rose to 750,000 short tons, of which 330,000 tons went forward in the last 11 days. These shipments, while larger than expected, were far short of General Pershing’s cabled requirement of 1,077,000 tons.
Influenza Under Control
Fast ships are now being loaded to full berth capacity and slow ships to 90 per cent of berth capacity.
Truck and Animal Shipment Large
Included in the month’s shipment were 8,741 motor trucks and 16,866 animals. These large shipments cut into the movement of freight cars. Only 1775 were shipped.
Original Format
Report
Files
Collection
Citation
United States. War Department. General staff, “Weekly Summary No. 24,” 1918 November 5, WWP25412, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.