These pictures show scenes of Pfc McGrath as his unit moves to and occupied Hohr, Germany, as a member of the Army of Occupation. There is a Circle A patch of the Third Army on his sleeve in the picture on the right denoting his unit’s assignment in Germany.
Once the Armistice was declared on 11 November 1918, the A.E.F. troops were still cautious of the Germans. Communist riots occurred in the major cities and general civil unrest required the Americans to be on constant guard. Sentries were posted at important sites and soldiers traveled only in pairs.
During the entire stay in Germany, weekly drills were undertaken to keep the units in combat preparedness status. Though the initial reception by the Germans was favorable, in a short time the occupation troops met with resentment. The troops were billeted in private homes and, in general, the atmosphere was friendly.
Rations for the military were much better than that which was available to the residents. Because of the French and British requirement to hold the blockade to force the Germans to sign the Peace Treaty, the German people suffered continued shortages. Therefore the homes that billeted the Americans received better food and luxuries.
Hohr was famous for the manufacture of pottery. The kilns, mainly operated by women and children, burnt many beautiful designs requested by the soldiers for steins and other souvenirs to be set home.
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