James Kellogg Burnham Hockaday letter to Uncle Frank - January 1, 1919
Transcript
Neuerburg- Germany. January 1, 1919 My Dear Uncle Frank:- I received your most welcomed letter sometime ago, but we have been so much on the move that it has been all I could do to even get a letter off to the family now and then. By the time I get back I will have walked further than from the western coast of France to the Rhein. I have never known such
Transcript
rotten weather in my life. For five weeks straight we have never seen the sun. Today, New Year’s day, it finally came out for a little while. We have had to march in heavy rains and the roads were pretty muddy. There has been a little snow. We started our march from the town of Stenay, France, on the River Meuse. From there we went through the southern tip of Belgium, possibly you can find the little towns of Virton or Bellfontaine on a map.
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From Belgium we went through the northern part of the Duchy of Luxembourg, the towns of [Burgdorf] and [Echternach] and others. We then entered Germany, going through Bitburg then north to Prum then east to Daune. We are now back here in this little town of Neuerburg. I haven’t been to the Rhine yet, but just about twelve miles from it. I don’t believe this Division will ever go that far unless we are sent home that way. We are the reserve part of the army of occupation.
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We have passed through some very pretty country. I believe the country in Luxembourg was the prettiest I saw. I understand it is very beautiful along the Rhine and I intend to go up there when I get a chance. We are having very little trouble with the German people and the soldiers, in spite of orders are fraternizing with them all. I don’t care how many orders the G.H.Q. can issue, they will never change the American soldiers knack of winning the friendship of everyone, even in a hostile country. Much love to Aunt Jessie & Jesse. Best wishes to you Burnham.
Details
| Title | James Kellogg Burnham Hockaday letter to Uncle Frank - January 1, 1919 |
| Creator | Hockaday, James Kellogg Burnham |
| Source | Hockaday, James Kellogg Burnham Letter to Uncle Frank. 1 January 1919. James Kellogg Burnham Hockaday Collection, 1917-1924. 1986.213.50. National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | In a letter to his Uncle Frank dated January 1, 1919, Hockaday discusses the movements of his regiment through Europe while on their way to occupy Germany. Hockaday served in the 354th Infantry Regiment. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; United States. Army. Infantry regiment, 354th |
| Site Accession Number | 1986.213.50 |
| Contributing Institution | National World War I Museum and Memorial |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the National World War I Museum and Memorial: (816) 888-8100. |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | January 1, 1919 |
| Language | English |