The 9th Trench Mortar Battalion, C.A.C. was organized and formed in November of 1918 at Camp Nichols, Louisiana. The Battalion never left Camp Nichols as the war had ended the same month they were formed. In just over a month of existance the 9th was demobilized in December 1918 at Camp Nichols. But should the war have lasted throughout the wither of 1918-19, they would have been sent to France to be used in the planned Spring Offensive of 1919.

Camp Nichols, Louisana was a temporary National Guard Camp, located in New Orleans on privately owned property used by Louisiana National Guard. It was a station of the Coast Defenses of New Orleans (South Atlantic Coast Artillery District). The Camp contained an area of about 202 acres. Stationed at the camp were the 141st Field Artillery a component of the 39th Division, who were mobilizing for overseas duty. Being that Camp Nichols was an station of the Coast Defenses of New Orleans the following Coast Artillery Companies were stationed there: 1st, 3d, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, & 15th Companies. As noted above the 9th Trench Mortar Battalion was formed and demobilized there. Additionaly stationed at Camp Nichols was the 4th Battalion, U. S. Guards.

Pvt. Fred Butenhoff, Battery B

Thom Butenhoff's grandfather was a member of the short lived 9th Trench Mortar Battalion. Thom related about his grandfather; "Honestly, I know very little about my Grandfather as he died in 1936, eleven years before I was born.  However, his name was FRED BUTENHOFF, and on the postcard he preceded his name with "Pvt."  I don't think he ever attained any higher rank.  He lived in Milwaukee WI.  My Dad saved the flag that was draped over his Father's coffin when he died, and I inherited that upon my own Father's death.  It's quite vibrant and beautiful after all these years, and I am proud to have it.  My Father served in the Army Air Corps in WWII, and I am a Viet Nam vet myself. "

Post card from Pvt. Fred Butenhoff at Camp Nichols, New Orleans, Louisiana. By the looks of it Pvt. Butenhoff was very good artist and must have had some time on his hands.