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Saturday, September 8, 2018

Capt. Giddens Writes of Co. K, Reflects on War, 1918

“Capt. Giddens, Formerly of Co. K, Writes to Friend Here; Tells of Honors to Men of Co. K,” ” from The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., Sept. 9, 1918

“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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