|
This letter and the letter of 28 April 1918
describe George's first experiences at the battle front.
He does not reveal the location, due to military censorship,
but at this time the 42nd Division
was guarding a section of the front around Baccarat, Dept. Moselle.
George's discharge papers state that he was stationed in "Raucourt" from
March-May 1918. I cannot find any village by this name in the vicinity of
Baccarat, at least on modern maps. However, there is a village named
"Haraucourt", located about halfway between Nancy and Luneville--too far
west for the 42nd, but still in the American sector.
| |
|
March 5 / 1918
Dear Sister Alice,
Received your last two letters some time ago but they were lost in a
little accident that must have burried them under the ground. I got
a letter from Elizabeth and one from Clarin Smith yesterday. He
wrote about being home on a furlough and expects to get over here
soon. It seems we are first in one place and then another. It happens
we finally wound up in a pretty large town about 200 population,
including horses and cows. Our sleeping quarters are in the upper berth
of a barn above the
|
|
| |
| (page 2)
cows. The most interesting thing in this place is
the cow trough where we wash our faces. If a fellow wants to wash his
face he has to get up before the cows so he can get standing room around
the trough, when the cows and horses are through drinking, and the
fellows finish washing, the French women use it to wash clothes. The
weather has been warm so nobody minds a little thing like that. The
front has been quiet for some time o/c of the big battle on the British
front but can expect it to be real lively soon. Our regiment has
finally come together again
|
|
| |
| (page 3)
after being scattered in different places.
Our Co. has been on detached service for ovr a month and were the last
to get back to the Regiment. Probably this place will be our permanent
headquarters. Were were greeted this morning by a few Hun Aeroplanes
that flew very low but, they did not start anything, they probably
were taking a few pictures. They must have got my picture for one went
right over me and I was looking face up. Well Alice I am glad to hear
you are still the same. Helping Mama going to school, doing Red Cross
work, observing meatless days, etc. Everything is fine with
|
|
| |
| (page 4)
me but one
thing. You know that Christmas comfort kit, including my rasor and a
number of other things, are now only history. A shell hit the place
they happened to be sitting and blew them to pieces but will replace
them in a few days if I can buy such things here. It is nearly supper
time so I must close, everybody has left here but me: Alice write
often it may happen I cannot answer every letter, but will let you
know they were received. It is sometimes hard to get a chance to write
on account moving around and being away. from the Co.
With love and best wishes
Your Brother George
Lt. CaRagil [check mark]
|
|