“Over Here” Aug. 14, 1918
Dear Friend:
Your very much
appreciated letter with the clippings from the Daily Times came today—having
been all over France. Since July 22nd I have not been with Co. “K”
so have forwarded in a letter the clippings which I assure you will be a “big
happiness” to the Wilson county men. Sorry to say at present there are only
about 15 left (in the company) of the original Co. “K”. The old members have
made good and have been transferred or promoted until very few are left. Sorry
to say several have died on the battlefield. Lt. Bissett, Private W.L. Sheets,
Private John Dewey Adams and Pat Leslie Walston in the last drive. I was on
other duty so did not carry our company in the last trip. Jim Anderson was
wounded but will recover.
My new work is with
the “II Corps Replacement Battalion,” American Expeditionary Force, so address
me that way. (There’s an air raid on so’ll have to put out the light.)
(Later) Well, the
raid was a bird, lasted over two hours—over 20 bombs being dropped in a nearby
town and also on this—three on our drill field. No soldiers hurt or killed.
My new position is
a very important one, but not just the kind I wanted, as I had prepared my men
and self for the firing line—however orders must be obeyed and as I was ordered
to the new work I am here.
My duties are one
of replacement of vacancies caused by casualties in the line from battle or any
other cause. We are handling several thousand each week at present.
This is a great
country for rich intensely cultivated lands, beautiful scenery, cities, etc.,
but I’d prefer the good old U.S.A.
The war is a great
deal worse than one can imagine unless here to see and hear.
Our outfit Co. K is
on the worse sector of the 550 mile battle line—at a place where over 200,000
men have been killed. Imagine the odors when a big shell ploughs into this
soil. Our wounded are always inoculated with an anti-tetanus serum the first
thing. Germs and millions of them are everywhere. Water is scarce and has to be
treated with bichloride of lime before being used—and—when in the front line
very little water is available. We’d get our shaving water from shell
holes—maybe the one nearest would contain a dead Hun at the bottom. I have lots
to tell you when I come back. This has been a very interesting although
dangerous “summer’s vacation abroad.”
I hated to put
“Cliff” Bissett away. His was the first grave from our regiment and I was there
Saturday and to my surprise the plat allotted to our outfit is nearly filled.
The recent and
present drives are something awful. One day there were over 120,000 shells of
all sizes passed from one side to the other. More ammunition than was used in
all the big Civil War battles in a year. Can you imagine how our ears felt and
also how sickish we felt and especially when we had to get out and bring in our
wounded and dead. Three of our men were recommended for the M.C. by the British
Colonel in charge—for their bravery in carrying our wounded to the first
dressing station through that rain of shell-fire. Tink Lamm, Johnnie Strickland
and Lt. Holder.
Our old regiment is
not the same as it used to be. Many officers and men have been transferred to
places where it is thought they will be of more service. It seems to be the
policy of this United States Army (as we are all a part of now) to change
around and not make the mistakes the British and French did in the beginning by
sending all the experienced officers into the firing line.
We are being sent
on all kinds of reorganization work and especially those of over 40 years of
age.
I thank you for the
good wishes and will today send the clippings up to the company who I know will
read everything 100 times each. We don’t get any papers at the front other than
those sent from back here.
I am 30 miles from
the company, and near a city that would rhyme with cologne, but the censor
won’t allow me to tell you. Our company is almost due northeast, five miles
from the German line and our sector is on a certain hill.
(Balance of letter is personal and not printed in the paper.)
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