Clarence J. Minick letter to Mr. Dave Teegarden - November 26, 1918
Transcript
Wontergem Belgium November 26 1918 Mr. Davie Teegarden. 822 St Paul. Kansas City [Kansas] U.S.A. Dear Dad:- This letter was supposed to of been written [November] 24th but owing to my traveling that day & yesterday, I am late with it. Well Dad now to tell you my experience over here. We left [New York] the 5th of July and arrived in Glasgow Scotland the 17th from there we crossed England to [Southampton] England & then crossed the English Channel to France and landed at [Le Havre] France from there we went to a training area near Nogent France & close to Meuse France we trained about a month and then we commenced chasing Huns. My first Battle commenced the 26th of [September] on the Verdun front. In the Forest de Argonne which you probably read about as it was about the hardest fighting which took place on the western front. My first trip up we drove the Huns back 12 days. And then were relieved by another Division. And we moved back to the rear for a rest. But our rest was short for the 1st day after our trip back. My Brigade was called to the front to fill a gap in the line we were there 4 more days and believe me we sure did some fighting. During these drives we took the villages of Vary, Monfacou, Eponville and Gesnes France. The later village was within my company sector and we had an all afternoon job getting it but finally Mr. Hun decided it was too hot for him and he left the town for us. After our two fights on this front, we were rushed to the Belgian line. We landed close to [Ypres] which is now a
Transcript
pretty much ruined City. From this vicinity we came under the command of the King of Belgium And were moved up to the front. On the 28th we were on the front lines the 31st we attacked. My Company was one of the advanced companies. And we attacked in the direction of Audenarde Belgium but could go no further as the Canal bridges had been blown up by the Huns and they held the rest of the town with machine guns. We had a 3 day stay here and both sides made it hot for each other. At this town I had my narrowest escape. A 4 in (whiz bang) shell burst within about 10 ft of me. I will tell you the story of this when I return. On the 11th of [November] every thing was still and the Huns on their way to Germany. Well since then we have been taking our time and moving towards [Brussels] Belgium But when we were within about 25 Kilometers of [Brussels] we commenced to return and now we are on our way to we don't know where. But we suppose back to France for awhile and when we hope back to the U.S.A. Well Dad How are all? How is Viola & Baby. Dad do you know I am just crazy to see them. But guess patience is all I need now. How has the weather been we have had one snow here. well Dad this letter is supposed to reach you before Xmas. If it Does I hope you all have a dandy and remember me while having it and have a good time for me. Give all my Best Regards and Best Wishes, and give Babe & Baby my Love & Kisses. Your son Clarence J Minick Capt. 361st Inf American E.F. A.P. 776 [OK Dads Xmas letter] CJ Minick
Details
| Title | Clarence J. Minick letter to Mr. Dave Teegarden - November 26, 1918 |
| Creator | Minick, Clarence J. |
| Source | Minick, Clarence J. Letter to Mr. Dave Teegarden. 26 November 1918. Clarence James Minick Collection, 1914-1943. 2000.14. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | In this letter, dated November 26, 1918, Clarence Minick wrote his father-in-law Dave Teegarden and provided him with a brief timeline of his experiences in Europe. |
| Subject LCSH | United States. Army. Infantry Regiment, 361st; United States. Army. Division, 91st |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | 2000.14 |
| 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 | November 26, 1918 |
| Language | English |