Arthur K. Drake

My wish came true! A family member - a niece - of Mr. Drake has found the WWI Ambulance Corps tree on Ancestry.com and contacted me. I hope she reads this blog as it pertains to Herb's letters home from France and Allentown, Pa, as I suggested, as she might enjoy it. I think she was hoping that I had more information... but what I did have is at least interesting, if she didn't already know about his capture and his involvement with the Ambulance Corps... Everything I had was attached to his entry in the tree, so perhaps she has what she needs/wants. I do hope she responds some more so we might learn about the type of man Arthur Drake was.

1919 - May Report, all demobilized

Hooray! It's over for Herb!

1919 May Report

And here we are... Gone from France and finding our way back to American soil. Herb and his section leave France on May 7th and arrive in the US on the 19th, having sailed on the USS Rhode Island. You can read about the USS Rhode Island here. I took the following photograph from that wikipedia site.



It is fun to see Herb's handwriting on this final report... back to handwritten forms, no longer typed.

1919 - April Report

Another busy month of moving around for the 580th.

I can understand the progress until Herb mentions Romorantin.... which if I found the 'right' one, it is back south of Paris.

1919 Movies

I was curious about what films were released in 1919. You can see a list here and a list of those from 1918 here. What do you suppose these movies say about the time? I mean, right now our movies are about blowing up the world, diseases, zombies and alien invasions... What were they worried about at the end of the war?

March 3, 1919

Dearest Family,

It’s the day for writing you, but I’m blessed if I know what I am to write about.

I’ve done nothing but fool around and go to the movies since last week and I expect to keep up that schedule for some time. The Section is doing a bit more work now, having taken over some new territory. We’ve been detached from the 13th Division and attached to the 21st Army Corps, so we have to do all the work of evacuation in the territory over which the corps has jurisdiction. Fortunately this region isn’t a devastated one so we don’t have any of this civilian supply work to do. If you see, since the armistice ambulances are permitted to be used for all sorts of hauling jobs so we’re lucky we haven’t a lot of that sort of thing to do.

At last I’ve heard the first really definite news about going home. Barring accidents SSU 580 will leave for the U.S. between the 1st and the 15th of May. That’s not so soon as I had hoped for but its sooner than I had expected that probably means that I’ll be out of uniform before July 1st – with luck. So here’s hoping I have luck.

Since my last letter to you I’ve had a letter from you and one from Nelly Graham. I don’t know of just what date your letter was but it must have been around Feb. 8 or 9.

The cold weather is all gone around here and some of the trees have started budding. It continues very rainy.

I’m writing to Chas today – just a few lines to let him know I’m still alive. I haven’t written him in at least a month. I’m behind on letters to everyone but you. But honestly there’s not a blooming thing to write about. It’s like being a million miles away from the world to be here. Thank Heaven it can’t last forever.

Be sure + tell me how Harry made out.
As ever your son,
Herbert

Believe it or not this individual with his hat on all wrong and the sour look is your son. Honestly I don’t feel so mean as I look. The picture was taken in Luxembourg near Nagen.


I don' know if this is the picture Herb enclosed with the letter... But he does look sour! And he did complain of the rain at this point, didn't he? Who might have taken the photograph?

Here's a movie made in Denmark in 1918 that caught my eye - a peaceful, vegetarian civilization!

A group of the researchers from the Earth in a spaceship traveling to Mars, where, to big surprise, finds a peaceful vegetarian and pacifist civilization.

Hanging in Epinal

February 23, 1919

Darling Mother,

Since I last wrote you I have had two letters from home – those of January 26 and February 2. There’s literally nothing new around here. The weather has been quite rainy for some time and threatens to continue that way. We’re still stationed in Epinal and I expect that we are to be here for some time.

The list of Sectors to start for home up to the end of March has been given out but SSU 580 doesn’t appear on it. At any rate I’m thankful that we’re in a city instead of some two by four village where nothing ever happens except morning noon and night. Here at least there are always moving pictures and sometimes regular shows.

I’ve been wondering how Harry made out with Barrows. I do hope he gets a chance at it because I think it’s an excellent opportunity. Barrows is a pretty big man in that game.

I’ve thought several times about that proposition of moving to N.Y. as Chas suggests and if Harry comes through I think it would be a good idea. But there’s plenty of time for that later.

I hope Dad gets that extra money he’s hoping for. It certainly must be needed in these days of the H. C. of L.

You have probably seen in the papers that a new system of leaves has been inaugurated in the A.E.F. I’m pretty near due for my next leave, but don’t think I’ll take a long one. However I do expect to take one of the three days leaves in Paris. Of course I was there for a day on my other leave but one can’t see much in a day and it’s a shame to have been in France over a year without knowing Paris a little. And of course Paris wasn’t really Paris at the time because it was all dark at night because of the air raids. I don’t believe I told you that there was a raid the night I was there about 3 a.m., one of the last of the war. I woke up out of a sound sleep and was half scared to death for about five minutes till I got my bearings. Of course air raids were no new experience to me because from July 15 to August 15 they were bombing within two miles of our camp every single night and sometimes several times a night but I wasn’t expecting anything like that in Paris. That was the night of September 16th I think.

This time, if I do get to Paris, I shall trot around to Mr. Rankin’s friend with my letter of introduction that is now over eighteen months old. It may still be good.

Your loving son,
Herbert

Looking at the History Channel for what was happening on September 16th 1918 I found this about September 16, 1916, to end in September 1918:

On September 16, 1916, one month after succeeding Erich von Falkenhayn as chief of the German army’s general staff during World War I, General Paul von Hindenburg orders the construction of a heavily fortified zone running several miles behind the active front between the north coast of France and Verdun, near the border between France and Belgium.

This “semi-permanent” defense line, as Hindenburg called it, would be the last line of German defense; its aim was to brutally crush any Allied breakthrough on the Western Front in France before it could reach the Belgian or German frontier. The British referred to it as the Hindenburg Line, for its mastermind; it was known to the Germans as the Siegfried Line.

After waging exhausting and bloody battles against the Allies at Verdun and the Somme, and with the U.S edging ever closer to entering the war, Germany’s leaders looked to improve their defensive positions on the Western Front. In February 1917, the German army began a well-organized withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, a move calculated to give a period of respite before the Allies could begin their attacks again. The withdrawal reduced the length of the line the Germans had to defend by 25 miles, freeing up 13 army divisions to serve as reserve troops. On their way, German forces systematically destroyed the land they passed through, burning farmhouses, poisoning wells, mining abandoned buildings and demolishing roads.

After the withdrawal, which was completed May 5, 1917, the Hindenburg Line, considered impregnable by many on both sides of the conflict, became the German army’s stronghold. Allied troops would not breach it until the last days of September 1918, barely one month before the armistice.

Post Card

Oops, I got a bit out of order here... I guess Herb was carrying this post card around for a bit and finally sent it.

February 12, 1919
Dearest Mother,

Just finished a long move with no chance to write. I’m now in Epinal, France. The weather is fine but quite cold, the sort of weather you’re probably having. I’m feeling quite as usual – not even a cold to complain of. Letter in a day or two.

Best Love to All,
Herb

1919 - Demobilization Memos February

Herb's section doesn't get released until the third group, in May. It behooves Herb to make sure all his paperwork is in order so that his Section can leave in a timely manner.

The Cock of Verdun

Cock of Verdun

I found the insignia at the National Archives in College Park, MD. Apparently a few ideas were considered:

We have already met Herb Blake on a previous permission.

If Herb walks, we have a couple routes:



I once worked in Saint Dizier when I was working on an internship - one can see the town to the west on the map. A manufacturing town with some fine dining near by... but this was back in the 90's.

January 30, 1919

Dearest Mother + all,

The greater part of the Division left today en route for Colmar Alsace, not far from the Rhine. It included all the troops but one regiment and all the horse drawn vehicles, all of which go by train. The motor vehicles, including the Section, start by road February 4th. It will be a two days trip by road, I think and probably very interesting. It will be a cold trip, of course, because the weather is quite brisk lately, but we all have lots of clothes + blankets to wrap up in. at any rate, I should be willing to walk if necessary for the sake of getting out of the Grand Duchy.

I had a very nice letter from Aunt Birdella a few days ago in reply to one I wrote back in December I think.

Tom wrote me from Syracuse and posted me on all available news about the boys I used to know. Of course they were practically all in the Service, are yet, I suppose and we’re all out of touch. I’d like especially to know where Kimber and Morris are (they were with me at 193 Sterling Place, you know) and Steve Lee who was working in the City before he went to Plattsburgh.

Your letters of January 6th and 10th came together three days ago. Also two bundles of papers, which I was very glad to get.

I can’t understand why you always get my mail in batches. I don’t write my letters on that system. But then there are plenty of incomprehensible things about the army.

For the next week at least we shan’t get any mail. The mail follows the Division Headquarters and since for a week or so we shan’t be in touch with HQ we’ll just be out of luck. All sorts of little things seem like calamities since the Armistice.

I haven’t heard from either Mr. Friedman or from Charlie in several weeks. I imagine they’re both very busy.

I heard a rumor about Herb Blake’s being married some time ago though I don’t know just where. Evidently it’s true.

It looks as if I would have a chance to go on a permission again before coming home. I’m not crazy about the idea but if the opportunity offers I shall take it. It will break the monotony for two or three weeks.

I put on my second service stripe this week, with a sincere hope that it may be the last. Two are quite enough.

The Ambulance Service has at last been recognized as being something different from the Medical Department. The insignia adopted is a white “Cock of Verdun” on a circular maroon background to be worn on the left sleeve at the shoulder somewhat as the various divisional insignia. It’s only fair to distinguish the USAAS from the hospital attendants. What with service stripes, chevrons and all my sleeves will be nearly full.

With best to all
Your affectionate son,
Herb

Ice cream in Luxembourg City

What do you suppose makes Herb say "Dearest Mother of Mine" now? Cute.

This is what I could find of the city of Luxembourg with what I hope is the bridge Herb mentions:

Photo taken from here

26 January 1919

Dearest Mother of Mine,

I wish I could tell you that I’m coming home very soon but I can’t do that until I know something definite. I’ve heard on pretty good authority that the first of the Ambulance Sections are to start back next month and regularly every month thereafter. However the first step in that direction is to be relieved from duty with a Division and that has not yet come about.

I had expected that we’d be moving back into France about this time but the move has been postponed until after the first. I’m not sure yet just where we are going but it will doubtless be some place in Alsace. I shall certainly be glad to get back into France. Yesterday completed two months for us in Luxembourg and I never want another two months like it.

On Friday I went in to the city of Luxembourg on business and spent a few hours in the city. It’s really a rather nice place. There are two parts to the town – the old and the new separated by a wide deep ravine with a little river at the bottom. The sides of the ravine are laid out into streets and parks with winding roads and all terraced. The two banks are spanned by a great stone bridge, from which one has a very pretty view of this quaint little valley. The town is very clean looking with pretty good streets and the public buildings are quite fine. Although it is the capital of the country the town isn’t much more than 30,000 or 40,000 I don’t believe. It is, of course, full of military police, but fortunately I had a pass. I saw a sign in a window “Ice Cream” so I went in and had some in spite of the fact that it was a cold day. That was the first I had seen since I was on permission.

The weather has been rather colder lately and today it is snowing. There hasn’t been quite so much rain and that is a comfort.

I’ve been trying to remember what I can of the girl to whom Tom is engaged. It isn’t much. Her name is, I think, Coleman and I think she is Catholic though I’m not at all sure of it. She comes from a very nice family quite well known in the town, I believe. As for herself she’s fair skinned + dark haired + very pretty – very nice manners. I really don’t know her at all though I’ve met her several times.

Before I come back I want to get some little presents for Marnie and Olive to bring with me, especially as I couldn’t get them anything for Christmas. I wish you’d suggest some things that you think they might like. Can’t you?

Your affectionate son,
Herb

1919 - January List of Sections

And now you know why I always knew where Herb was. I found this at the National Archives.

Bored out of his mind.... But thinking about home

Here is Nagem, Luxembourg. The town looks very pretty, but I can certainly see why it would not appeal to a 21 year old soldier. Nothing doing but those milk cows!

Photo taken from here

Olive was born in December 1904, so she would have been fourteen in 1918... right?

Olive - though date unknown

So, who is Aunt Anna? I have no idea.... is Aunt an honorary title, like for Aunt Berdella?

January 7, 1919

Dearest Mother,

Your letter of December 8th came to-day. That will give you a pretty true idea of the mail service these days. It is really worse now than it has ever been.

I had been thinking of Olive’s birthday – and Dad’s – and wondering whether Olive would be fourteen or fifteen. To save me I couldn’t decide which was right. I was quite sure she would be fourteen until I took another look at the pictures you sent me and then I decided that fifteen would be nearer the truth. I expect that I’ll scarcely know her when I get back.

There is still no news about demobilization. We haven’t moved so far from Nagem, Luxembourg though there is a rumor around that we are to go back into France with the Division. I put no faith in rumors anymore.

All chances of seeing Mr. Rankin’s friend in Paris are over. Several extra companies of Mr. P’s have been assigned there and it is as much of your life is worth to set foot there without special authority. Since one can’t get the special authority, chances are pretty slim. One man in the section went there on permission to stay with his brother who is connected with the Red Cross. He was picked up as his leave ended and given ten days with a prisoner’s working squad near Paris while his case was being investigated. He got back here finally but has no more desire to visit Paris. So I think the day I had in Paris on my way back from permission will have to suffice me.

This last week I have had a card from Mrs. Nial + one from Aunt Anna and a letter from Nellie Graham. Also one package of 4th class. Printed rather used to come in pretty well but now when we need it so badly it’s even more irregular than the first class matter. Still, it does come eventually and is very, very welcome when it arrives. Time hangs pretty heavy on everyone’s hands around here, though the natives appear to be used to it. Where they get the ambition to stick it year in and year out I don’t know. I suppose the habit grows on them.

I’m in my usual good health – not even a cold to complain of. The weather continues bad – very bad. There has been just one halfway decent day since Thanksgiving. And there isn’t another blessed thing to write about.

Best love to you all
Your affectionate son,
Herb

Herb's Christmas Eve

Poor Herb - no Christmas package and feeling really low.

I have decided Marnie is Margaret, Herb's youngest sister.

This would be 'Marnie' and Herb in 1953 at Christmas

And this is Christmas 1959 - Harry with his back to us, Dorothy - Herb's second wife on the left - Ruth - Harry's wife - and Nellie Jane and Olive at the head of the holiday table.

On Christmas Eve, what Nellie Jane and Oliver are reading at home and Herb is writing in Luxembourg. Taken from Newspapers.com

Christmas Eve

Dearest Mother + Dad,
How I wish I might have been with you to-night, even for a few hours. But one can’t bridge thirty-five hundred miles except in imagination so I must be content with that.

Who is trimming Marnie’s Christmas tree, thereby taking my job away from me? And where are you putting it? In the same place? This afternoon while I was out for a walk I met a man bringing home whole load of small Christmas trees in a cart drawn by one ox and two milch cows. The poor cows don’t get much rest around here. Many of the peasants have to use them to do their plowing and carting nowadays.

Dec. 26th

My intentions were good night before last but after I started I got to feeling so low in spirits that I couldn’t go on. Lord I was homesick. I wasn’t the only one, either. So the evening ended by we non coms playing cards to keep our minds off our troubles.

Christmas wasn’t a howling success either. We had a good dinner but that doesn’t make a Christmas. At first we were to have turkey but the turkey didn’t arrive so we bought a pig from one of the peasants and half of it made a good dinner for the whole section. With it we had fried potatoes, canned peas, and apple sauce and for dessert apple pie, cheese, nuts + raisins.

The day before Christmas a box came for the Section from the Red Cross. In it was a phonograph with twenty records and a raft of cigarettes. In addition everyone had chocolate + tobacco from the Y.M.C.A. Some six or seven of the boys had received their Christmas packages. The rest are presumably hanging around in some base port. However it’s forbidden to criticize the government or it’s servants any way. They can’t prevent one from thinking, though.

Nothing new occurs. I expect that we’ll move to some other town in Luxembourg, further south, in a few days, but where we’ll go from there I have no slightest idea.

The papers have no news except long detailed descriptions of what the President + Mrs. Wilson wear, eat, visit and talk about day by day. That sort of thing may be interesting to both French and Americans at present in Paris but there’s only one interesting topic amongst Americans in the armies of occupation: That is “when do we get out of here?”

The weather has been colder lately and there was a fall of three or four inches of snow for Christmas.

The rest of the news is that I am well and as happy probably as could be reasonably expected.

And, oh yes, I got those socks you sent me. That’s a good scheme + might be pushed further.

With best love to all,
Your affectionate son,
Herb

Such good information about The French Army Division Herb is stationed with

I had to look up the Rainbow Division (I have attached a link below):

On April 6, 1917, the United States Congress declared war on the German Empire and entered the Great War. In the rush to mobilize troops, individual states competed with each other for the honor to be the first to send their National Guard units into combat. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker authorized the organization of a Division made up of National Guard units from 26 different states and the District of Columbia. Douglas MacArthur, who at the time was a Major working at the office of the Secretary of War, is credited with saying “The 42nd Division stretches like a Rainbow from one end of America to the other.” MacArthur was instrumental in the formation of the Division and was appointed its Chief of Staff and promoted to Colonel.The 42nd (Rainbow) Division was activated in August 1917 and was assembled at Camp Mills in Long Island NY. Its four infantry regiments were respectively 165th (formerly New York’s 69th); 166th (formerly Ohio’s 4th); 167th (formerly Alabama’s 4th); and 168th (formerly Iowa’s 3rd). War strength of 27,000 was present when the Division paraded for Secretary of War Baker on September 26, 1917. The Division arrived in France in November and December of 1917 and trained in Eastern France until mid-February 1918.

What do you suppose Harry has done now that he needs to be fixed up? My goodness. What do we do with that boy?

Poor Herb, waiting for his Christmas package! 

December 20 [1918]

Dear Mother,

I was beginning to think the mail man had deserted me until I got your letter of November 26^th day before yesterday.

So far we’re still in Boxhorn, Luxembourg but I rather expect that we shall move within a week. Where to I don’t know. Otherwise things are exactly the same, except that for two days it has snowed instead of rained.

I was glad to hear that Tom got home at last and to know that he can get around. It seems to me that I must have told you he was engaged to a girl in Syracuse. I know her slightly and I think she is very nice. She seems from a good family not rich but fairly well off.

I was surprised to hear that Ralph Weed is married though I knew of course that he was engaged. I know his wife very well – she was a stenographer in the advertising department when I was there. She’s a very fine girl.

This is for Dad – I’ve read that article about the Marne in the Post and I must say it’s a scream. I don’t believe it was intended for comedy but that’s what it is – low comedy at that. No one should be allowed to write such stuff. From the author’s point of view the war may have been a pink tea affair but she must have seen things from a peculiar angle.

I thought I had told you what happened to Lieutenant Allen but it’s evident I didn’t. he went into the medical service – first aid work with the rainbow division. I think he is probably in Germany with the Rainbow Division.

I had a letter from Mr. Friedman several days ago. He sent me a money order + told me to get myself a Christmas dinner in Paris. (Paris is two days journey from here, by the way.) He also wanted to know when I would be back, says he needs me badly. I wish I could tell him.

I’m quite sure I told you once about our Division – but then you may never have gotten the letter. At any rate it’s the 13^th and is one of the best Divisions the French have. It is part of the 21^st Army Corps, a crack corps, and at present is with the 5^th Army. From June 15^th to October 22^nd or there abouts we were with Gouraud’s army, the 4^th, which broke up the German attack on Rheims + Chalons July 15^th. The Section was working then at Suippes about half way between Reims + Chalons. Two regiments of the 13^th are Chasseurs (the Blue Devils, you know) and the other two are infantry. Three of the regiments wear the Military Medal fourragère (that’s the colored rope green and yellow twisted over the left shoulder) and the other one has the Croix de Guerre fourragère. The Military Medal fourragère is the next highest honor a regiment can have. It is surpassed only by the Legion of Honor fourragère which is worn only by the Foreign Legion. Before the war Foch commanded the 13th and early in the war he commanded the 21^st Corps.

I was hoping that troops would be demobilized according to length of Foreign Service but I read in the “Stars and Stripes” about a lot of ground service aviation men being sent back from England nine days after their arrival. There are also wild articles about a large part of the American army remaining here for perhaps two years but I scarcely think they’ll attempt that. I don’t believe it would be wise.

With Christmas only five days away only three Christmas packages have arrived in the section so far but a great deal can happen in five days so I haven’t begun to worry yet.

There’s only one thing I have to say about Harry at this time and that is go to Dr. Marsh and have himself fixed up if that’s the only way out. I can readily believe that that weighs heavily on his mind and it would be better to get it attended to in some way. Don’t you think so?

With best love to you all and a happy new year.

Your affectionate son,

Herb

Taken from here

Herb is still in Boxhorn

I have had difficulty figuring out the name of the town in Germany Herb references, but I think he use the French name for Mainz, Germany. I can't be certain.

I can't even find Hinkley on Google maps; not even an eyeball search near Utica!

Could this photo have been taken while Herb was wondering thru the countryside?

If Harry has been accepted to Cornell, why would that be poor luck? I am dying to know what was going on for him all the while.

December 11 [1918]

Dearest Mother,
As long as we stay in this village I’m afraid I’ll have to confine my letters to a plain statement that I am well. Nothing has happened here in the past hundred years. There is absolutely nothing to do from one weeks end to the other. Nearly every day there are a few sick men to be moved enough to keep two or three cars moving – and that is all. When it isn’t raining too hard I go out in the afternoon for a four or five mile walk cross-country. That’s only three or four times a week because on the other days it pours rain. In between it drizzles. I don’t believe there’s a worse climate anywhere in the world.

The last Post I got – three or four days ago was for October 19. Probably October 26th will be here in a few days and I can read that article about the Battle of the Marne that Dad wanted me to see.

Yesterday’s French newspaper said our Army Corps – the 21st French – is to go into M??, Germany, but we have no orders about it. It seems so funny to read in the paper of where one is going because up to about three weeks ago no information on troops movements could be given. The best information we’ve had from headquarters was to the effect that we’d probably be here two or three months, so I don’t know which to believe. For myself, I’d rather go than stay here, because this is certainly the dullest place I’ve ever seen. Hinkley, that little place near Utica where I worked in the summer of 1916 was lively compared to this.

The days are very short now. Even at half past three one can’t see to read. We have supper at four thirty so that leaves a long, long evening. Some one [sic} ought to set up a moving picture theater here. I’d patronize it regularly for one.

Be sure and keep me posted as to how Harry makes out. He’s been playing in hard luck, poor kid.

With best love to you all.
Your affectionate son,
Herb

Herb visiting Clervaux

December 10th

Dear Mother,
This is the town about three miles away. It gives a good idea of the country. It’s still raining.
With love,
Herb

Hanging in Boxhorn, Luxembourg

I don't know anything about Harry attending Cornell.

Can you imagine being one of the 'peasants' Herb talks about? Criticizing them for 'swiping most anything not tied down'? I can't imagine the deprivation these people have suffered during the many years of war. Makes me think of refugees fleeing civil war in current times. An awful existence.

Here we see the route that Herb has taken to get to this point:

December 4^th [1918]

Dearest Mother,

There have been two letters from the family this past week and the mail is now beginning to come in quite regularly as the lines of communication become established.

We are still in the same little village in Luxembourg and it is insufferably dull. How I do wish I could get back to work. Of course there is very little to do here. There are no longer wounded to carry and not very many sick.

We had a very nice dinner Thanksgiving day roast chicken, hashed browned potatoes, sweet crackers, apple pie and cocoa. The crackers and cocoa were donated by the Red Cross at Sedan where the Lieutenant had been to get some spare parts. Getting the chicken and the apples was quite a job. These people here didn’t want to sell at first, because they say money is of little use to them, but they nearly fell over themselves trying to trade for coffee. There has been practically no coffee here since the war; what there was cost about seven dollars a pound. Naturally these peasants couldn’t pay it, so they’ve had to make a substitute out of roasted barley. And so far about five pounds of coffee we got eleven nice chickens – cheap enough.

The Red Cross also donated a sweater and a pair of socks all around.

It continues to rain here practically all the time. However the priest in whose house three of us are staying keeps a good fire for us. I’m feeling quite fit as usual.

All the peasants do all day long is sit around the fire – and go to church about four times a day. The church going doesn’t do them much good seemingly because they’d swipe most anything not tied down.

While we’re settled down here I’m trying to catch up on my correspondence. For the last two months we had moved so much that I wrote to no one but you and Karolyn and I owe a good many letters.

In your last letter was Tom’s address. I must write him this week. I’m very glad to hear the old boy is getting along nicely.

My congratulations to Harry on getting in at Cornell. I suppose that will keep him right on regardless of the Armistice. I hope so because I think it will be a good thing for him

I think I wished you all a Merry Christmas in the last letter. Well it will be my last away from you all, I hope.

Your affectionate son,

Herb.

And here is a Google map view of Boxhorn. My goodness, wouldn't it be wonderful if I could find the priest's house using Google maps? My goodness technology can be a wonderful thing.

Herb has made it to Luxembourg

Well, I have been asleep at the wheel again.... I thought I had posted all the letters, but alas, I had only made it through the 19th of November. So, we continue our journey with Herb the following week:

November 27 [1918]

Dearest Family,

Today finds me in a small town in northern Luxembourg. I can’t say that I like it very much though I have a nice comfortable room in the village priest’s house. After the wonderful welcome we had every where in Belgium this country is sort of an anti-climax. In Belgium, the people couldn’t do enough for us. Even the smallest villages had some attempt at decoration in honor of the advancing troops and all the people were only too glad to take us into their houses. In the towns there were regular celebrations and being with the advance guard division we came in for them all. All the Belgians in the country through which we passed spoke French and were very friendly to the French troops whom they look upon as their deliverer. Here in Luxembourg things are quite different. The common language is German though a few speak French. That of course leaves me out of it because I have no German at all and am quite helpless. The usual sentiment, too, is pro-German. The government is pro-Ally because that is good policy or the people have to accept us but they don’t do it because they like us overly well. Any way they are suspicious of all soldiers on general principles because the Germans used to steal from them. The priest speaks French with a German accent and is nice to us from motives of policy but I strongly suspect him of being pro-German. However he keeps fire in all our rooms so I shouldn’t be too harsh on him I suppose.

During all our trip through Belgium the weather was wonderful. It just was cold, to be sure, below freezing point most of the time but clear and bracing. Just like the good winter weather home, in fact and a great relief after the rain and dampness in France. Just as soon as we truck Luxembourg that changed and we have had three days of very disagreeable rainy weather. The country is very pretty, mountainous and well wooded. The roads are wonderful though the frequently almost double back on themselves in winding around through the steep hills.

There have been several deliveries of mail this past week but no letters from you or Karolyn. I had one letter from Nellie Graham and one from Mr. Friedman. Mrs. Friedman is working in Washington on the Labor Board now. They have a baby son but Mrs. F didn’t say when it was born. His name is Francis Lee.

There is no news about what is going to happen to us. Perhaps we shall find out before long. With best love,
Your affectionate son + brother
Herb.





I wonder who the priest was. I wonder if one could ever know/find out.

What a wonderful vision - of people welcoming the troops. I suppose we have seen it imagined in plenty of movies.

I am reading a book right now in which the father comes home from WW1 shell shocked. I wonder if Herb ever suffered from shell shock.

Herb Gets Another Promotion

Looks like some men were a little out of line. I wonder if Herb had a hard time when he took Louis Springer's rank.



and we find him later, here:



I wonder if they ever saw each other again, after the war.

Herb doesn't have Cooties

Herb has made it to Epense, Marne.

October 17, 1918

Dear Mother,

This slip that I am enclosing gives you the right to send me my Christmas package – 9 x 4 x 3 inches. The slip is to be pasted on the package and serves as address. I haven’t any idea what to ask you to send in it. At any rate don’t send a book because they can be sent just like magazines and it would be a shame to waste the space.

We’re out of the zone of activity – came out yesterday, and I can’t say I’m a bit sorry. Today I had my first bath in a month and it surely felt good. After you’ve gone dirty for a month it’s hard to imagine anything that feels better than a bath and clean clothes.

As usual we’re in a small village – that’s to be expected. However, it’s a bit cleaner than the average run hereabouts. The reason why we’ve gotten one of the best villages hereabouts is that we’ve been travelling along with the Division Headquarters and they, of course, must have the best going. In fact, the General himself is in the house that’s on the same lot as our camouflaged so we have to cut out all unnecessary noise and nearly break our arms saluting every time we go in and out. However, there is a French Y.M.C.A. run by an American who came over here a month or two ago from some small burg up near Saranac Lake. He’s given us some magazines and there are moving pictures nearly every day. Of course, they’re not the kind that are shown in the Griswold, but one can’t be particular over here.

The rainy season started several days ago and I imagine we’ve seen the last of the sun until next April. It isn’t cold, of course, but it’s horribly damp. So, today, I took the opportunity of putting on my woolen underwear and it feels very welcome. I shouldn’t have waited until now, but of course, when we were up above we had no extra baggage with us. Practically everyone in the Section got cooties from living in the old German dugouts. Strange to say, I didn’t. of course no one around here will believe me when I say I haven’t them, but if I have any they’re some variety that doesn’t bite and there isn’t any such animal. However a bath or two and clean clothes usually knocks them, so the boys ought to be through scratching shortly.

I didn’t intend this for a regular letter but only a note to go with the package slip because they must be sent at once, so I’ll write again in two or three days.

Your affectionate son,
Herb.

I thought I'd include some photos of Herb so we can all remember what he looks like, the cutie-pie.