Harry C. O'Neill Diary - October 27, 1917 - September 6, 1919
Transcript
A Line A Day
Transcript
Harry C. O
Transcript
Diary of Sergt Harry C. O
Transcript
WARD
Transcript
Copyrighted 1892 BY SAMUEL WARD COMPANY, BOSTON, [Massachusetts].
Transcript
PREFATORY. YOU have neither the time nor the inclination, possibly, to keep a full diary. Suppose, however, out of the multitude of matters that crowd each day, you jot down in a line or two those most worthy of remembrance. Such a book will be of the greatest value in after years. What a record of events, incidents, joys, sorrows, successes, failures, things accomplished, things attempted. This book is designed for just such a record. It can be commenced on any day of the year, and is so printed that it is good for any five years. To illustrate how it should be used, suppose that it is begun on January 1. Under that day, in the first space, add the proper figures for the year to the date as printed. On the next day, January 2, do likewise, and so on through the year. When the year is ended begin again under January 1 for the second year, adding the appropriate figures in each of the second spaces, and so right through the remaining years.
Transcript
1917 [Saturday] [October] 27th 1917. Had Horse exercise at 10 am. inspection at 8am. Acting top Cutter today. Top Cutter on leave all day. [Sunday] [October] 28th At Rest laid on my cot all day Had fuss & tore up the tent, went to Dentist go to gas school at 1pm. Top Cutter & myself. tomorrow [Monday] [October] 29th Awful sand storm alnight last night. ice froze in my tent. Wind blowing 60 miles an hour. pay call at 1:30 pm. going to town tomorrow. [Tuesday] [October] 30th To gas school today at 1 pm. went to town last night to get paper and stamps to write home. have been without 3 days. [Wednesday] [October] 31st went to gas school at 1 pm. take the examination and questions on the gas they use in France.
Transcript
1917 [Thursday] [November] 1st got news today that I have to go to the post & through the gas house if the helmet don
Transcript
1917 [ Monday] [November] 5th [continued] Gene Mimtarff P.D. Ford. came in from [Kansas City] 5 am, went Friday without leave, brought 9 quarts of B.P.L. hid it under tent. if they get caught 2 years for them. 1917 [Tuesday] [November] 6th Top Seargeant & all. Meanies gone to [Wichita Falls] A.W.O.L. I think he will get busted on return. Start on trench digging I have drilled 10
Transcript
1917 [Friday] [November] 9th Drilled hard this morning, went out and Drilled my men on the guns that are trying for this [ms illegible: 1 wd] Examine action next week. Maby 1917 [Saturday] [November] 10th 2 preperations today. 8 & 1 oclock I [ms illegible: 2 wds] Cook-westwood [ms illegible: 1 wd] & myself and Knight taking the gunners exam. had to take all our bed ticks dump them wash & refill with clean straw. I got 1 week in camp for not enforcing orders. Gint Dehoney reported Today. been A-W-O-L 5 days. [Sunday] [November] 11th
Transcript
[Tuesday] [November] 13th The Battery went out to dig trenches again today. I was left in charge of the Battery feed & water the horses 20 men. had our first Regimental guard mount tonight at 4:30 p.m. The band play the Mount Kit Sap. Acted Drum Major. Will have it every day from now on. [Wednesday] [November] 14th
Transcript
Seargeant today Clay Cushwa & Mike Coady was busted KC Laman & John Elmoore was made Corporal, Jew Hamilton is calling me to play the guitar now. [Saturday] [November] 17
Transcript
Called out at 8:30 tonight to pile up 4 loads of wood the whole Battery sure hollowed about it. has been cold all day. about 35 above. rained all night last night. [Tuesday] [November] 20th
Transcript
[Saturday] [November] 24th - [1917]. had inspection at 8:30 then had to take all our tents clear down & let the sun shine in 6 hrs. My horse bit me on the back [Sunday] [November] 28th
Transcript
had a big Review at 1:00 am the whole Division. Mounted & Lull pack stretched shelter tents and unhitched & fed the horses. A Drill we all hate believe me. Thanksgiving [Thursday] [November] 29th
Transcript
[Monday] [December] 3rd
Transcript
up town he & Gene Miinturff, [Jim] Hamliton was Released from the Guard House today he was stuck 15 days. The Horse shoer Fred Ram was transferred to Remount station today. Gault & Billue made Mecanics Gene & harry Bazzill Busted [Saturday] [December] 8th I was busted [Thursday] & Made Mess Seargeant on sunday. am in charge of the mess hall now untill I am made tomorrow. [Sunday] [December] 9th. had a hard time today in the mess hall & kitchen. [Lieutenant] Marks told me they had me for the officers school. [Monday] [December] 10th moved in today & took full charge of things. Seargeant Thacker the mess seargeant went to 7th section.
Transcript
[Tuesday] [ December] 11th went to town today with $800.00 and payed all the battery Bills for the month of [November] and bought dishes for the Battery 250 men now. [Wednesday] [ December] 12-[1917] Drew Rations today from commissary for 205 men one week amount 1,34600. have been working all day on the hooks. [Thursday] [December] 13
Transcript
Sunday [December] 16
Transcript
[Friday] [December] 21- [1917] Am working hard to straighten things out things in the kitchen they are all balled up got new cooks today fired the other four [Saturday] [ December] 22
Transcript
[Wednesday] [December] 26 - [1917]. had a fine dinner yesterday I had a bad dream about my wife. dreamed she was staying with another man at Mats. Bill of fare fore Xmas. Turkey Celery apples & oranges oyster dressing Mince pie Bananas & Cigars oyster soup fruit Salad Cocoa & Tea cranberries fruit Cake speches by officers. The band & show troop gave a show & sang & clog dancing by girls & had a grand time all around everything alright except my wife was not here with me. [Thursday] 27
Transcript
Sunday [December] 30th
Transcript
[January] 3rd 1918 The General is giving a big Supper for the Seargeants only next [Saturday] night. guess he wants to tell us a lot of Bull. [January] 4 - 1918. Am going to gas school again the English officers are teaching us. They talk like they had a mouth full of mush. [January] 5th
Transcript
[January] 8th
Transcript
[January] 13
Transcript
[January] 18
Transcript
[January] 23
Transcript
[January] 28
Transcript
[February] 2
Transcript
[February 8, 1918] Am waiting for my furlough to go home. I think it will be here soon. Less is going with me. [February 8, 1918] Went to the avation core today & go over tonight to play for a party Clevland & I. guess we will have a good time. [February 9, 1918] we will have a big Review tomorrow & go out full pack will be inspected by General Berry & all the French officers. [February 10, 1918] will get my furlough next week I got the money from Edie today for Less & I to go home on [February 11, 1918] Every body got through the Gas house now I guess Ill get through with it soon
Transcript
[February 12, 1918] Moberly is acting chief Mcanic while Farrow is in the isolation camp he will be back soon [February 13, 1918] Gene will be out of the Guard house [Saturday] he has done 55 days this time [February 14, 1918] will Leave [Saturday] for home got my furlough alright Less is Ready he is on the oversea detail but think he can go [February 15, 1918] I passed the Exam for mess Seargeants today the school is about over I guess I am sick of schools. [February 16, 1918] I havent wrote in this book for a week went home on my furlough this date
Transcript
[February17, 1918] Reached home this morning at 9 oclock Less & I we didnt let them know we were coming home so walked in on them [February 18, 1918] Edie & I went down home today the folks sure was glad to hear from me & her they was all surprised when we walked in February 19, 1918] went back to [Kansas City] today heard when I got there they had sent for Less he went back [Monday] night hard luck. [February 20, 1918] went down & seen siss today she is looking fine. Aunt Faye is in the Hospital bab was there with siss [February 21, 1918] Mat & I went to town today & went to a show. I met Edie this evening & we went on out to Kates for supper
Transcript
[February 22, 1918] have to start home tomorrow it sure has been a short week for me Eide & I are fine now I love her more than ever. [February 23, 1918] left home this morning for camp sure hated to leave oh boy. I met siss at the Depot she was going down home [February 24, 1918] this camp sure is a hell of a place now. it is hot here I run around in my undershirt all evening. bill & I sat out in the moonlight & played [February 25, 1918] I am homesick for my pal. am awfull lonesome. I was 6 hrs late I dont know whether they will bust me or not I dont care now [February 26, 1918] They didnt bust me but gave me an awful talking. that didnt hurt me any though. took wheat fun I had that last night at home
Transcript
[February 27, 1918] am back in the old Ruts again my books are in a he-- of a shape it will take me a week to get them straight again. [February 28, 1918] I asked to be relieved of the mess Seargeants job today guess I will get my Request soon I have my books all straight [March 1, 1918] I go to the Detail Tomorrow take charge of the Signal Squad 23 men. Less hasent left yet but is going Monday I think [March 2, 1918] Signed the pay Roll today & stood muster. I am a Rookie in Ranks now. haven
Transcript
[March 4, 1918] The overseas detail has not gone yet. I started to drilling the officers Gas school today. will last a week. then we will draw our masks & go to the trenches. [March 5, 1918] [Received] a letter from my pal today. will write tonight I sure am glad I am out of the kitchen. have been out mounted in the hills with my detail Every day. [March 6, 1918] I got Cook on the gas work today & am drilling him at the Gas school. the English non com got his eyes almost put out today with Faratomatory gas. [March 7, 1918]. We had a field inspection today by the inspection General of the army. I L Brown got out of the [ms illegible: 1 wd] today he has been for 30-33-A-W-O-L. [March 8, 1918] Friday the school ended to day for this class. Another starts Monday am going to the hospital again tomorrow for my eyes
Transcript
[March 9, 1918] I havent heard from my pal for a week. am writing tonight. they Examined my eyes again today but dident tell me anything [March 10, 1918] Guess I wont get any discharge I was in a picture at the Gas school today with the English major showing all our equipment [March 11, 1918] we had a big time today we tested all kinds of Gasses & tried out liquid fire shooting it 50 yrds set the whole woods afire. Ha Ha. [March 12, 1918] I went to the Hospital again they said I could use Glasses & Get along alright, so I will stay in the Army untill its over [March 13, 1918] we get paid Saturday. I am Going to Go to Buffalo park & Do a couple of acts on the Rings there for the Battery.
Transcript
[March 14, 1918] We are going to have a big athelete meed [Saturday] at Bufflo park the whole Division is in on it. [March 15, 1918] [Received] a letter from pal today she is blue for me to come Home. but not any worse than I am to come Home.[ March 16, 1918] I have gotten over my blue spell now that I had after my furlough. So am Drilling & working hard. [March 17, 1918] I Had a big argument with the Battery Commander today. He tried to ball me about something I dident know anything about. [March 18, 1918] we went out on a hike today the B.C. hopped me again I am going to request a Reduction soon as we get to camp
Transcript
[March 19, 1918] I asked to be Reduced to a private. I will be back in Ranks tomorrow at $3000 a month. I will be glad believe me. [March 20, 1918] I was Reduced today. am assined to the Detail again as Scout No 1 as I was on the Border I [Received] a metal pencil from mother today [March 21, 1918] I went out & Rode Range all day today. sure was fun. them shells flying 200 yrds from you & whistting. My Horse Raved. [March 22, 1918] we washed Harness today. I sure worked. thats the first time I Ever Had to was Harness in the army. a buck private is fine. [March 23, 1918] Had inspection today. I marched in Ranks Ha Ha. but they cant ball me out now for Everything that Happend HaHa
Transcript
I play like I dont know a thing now they Have to tell me what to do & how to do it Ha Ha. I am trying to get a discharge HaHa they sure get mad at me now. [March 24, 1918] I am sick in bed to day. I cant get out of bed. will be alright in a day or two I hope I cant stay in bed long. [March 25, 1918] am worse today cant sit up long at a time, but have got to get up soon. The B.C. tried to send me to the Hospital nothing doing with me. [March 26, 1918] am on K.P today I asked for the job steady. Am still feeling bad but guess I can make it alright. [March 27, 1918] the Battery went out to pistol practice again today. Clevland went to the Hospital today Everybody is sick here now
Transcript
[March 28, 1918] heard from Less today he is in Fort Merritt New Jersey. I hope we will be there soon. We may leave here in two weeks. [March 29, 1918] they are getting up a show here 40 people in it out of the Regt. I guess I will be one of them we are going to [Kansas City] to play. [March 30, 1918] Bill came back from the Hosp today we are to practice tonight for the show over at the post opera House. Kit Sap is manager. [March 31, 1918] am still on K.P Hope I can stay on. Capt Salisbury asked me to transfer to E Battery & be made Signal Sergt but nothing doing I dont want any more stripes put on me for I am Having a lot of fun as a private they all laugh at me for acting like I know nothing
Transcript
[April 1, 1918] Monday Am on KP yet but they said I was to good a soldier to keep here so they got two machine guns in the Battery now & I Run one of them [April 2, 1918] [Tuesday] went out with the machine gun today it sure kicks 47 shots in 8 seconds. Some kick just 8 seconds long. it shoots 3 miles same as the Springfields [April 3, 1918] [Wednesday]. had firing today 3 inch we leave here in two weeks for France I hear the 110th Engineers is gone today D Hdq is leaving soon. [April 4, 1918] [Thursday] D Hdq cavalry left today the 138th infantry is packing up the 139th & 140th is leaving soon. [April 5, 1918] [Friday] We heard we were going to leave soon But not as soon as we Expected
Transcript
[April 6, 1918] [Saturday] am going on Stable police today for one week. I am doing my bit now as a private believe me. [April 7, 1918] Sunday. the 137th left today two train loads left I was down there when they pulled out they was sure tickled [April 8, 1918] the 139th left today. they are leaving fast. Now 4 trains a day are pulling out. the west side is almost Empty. [April 9, 1918]. the 140th left today. Div Hdq leaving tonight. the camp QMC (Quarter Master Corps) is leaving tonight with D Hdq [April 10, 1918] We get payed Monday. I hear I draw nothing so dont care whether they pay or not
Transcript
[April 11, 1918] all the camp is Roaring wanting to leave but no hopes for us I guess. We may have to stay here now at the school of fire [April 12, 1918]. the 9th field Regulars left today they loaded up their Guns on the cars & pulled out with a Roar. [April 13, 1918]. I come off of stable police today. start out to drill again Monday with the Detail. [April 14, 1918]. Went over to the school of fire today at the post to see some fellows from Decatur [Alabama]. They are officers. [April 15, 1918] Monday we fired again today I am learning wireless now am Receiver at the battery acting Scout No 1.
Transcript
[April 16, 1918] Tuesday. We sent a detail to the infantry camp today to tare down their tents they left. We heard now we wont go across will stay here 6 months. [April 17, 1918] heard today from major Miles that we will be assigned to the school of fire for 6 months if thats true we will go over in Barracks. Soon at the old post. The car line Runs there to town & it is fine so that wont be as bad as these tents but I had Rather go across as to say here anyway. [April 18, 1918] Thursday. Went out 10 miles on schout duty today & worked all day making Road maps & sketches. I swam medicine cruk on Hula my Horse. [April 19, 1918] Friday I went over to the gas school this morning and instructed in a cloud gas attack. had some fun out of the officers. [Received] a card Less is in France arrived there the 16th
Transcript
[April 20, 1918] Saturday. I go to town on provost Guard tonight thats about all were doing now. 101 men a night we Guard the inf camp 4 Regiments. [April 21, 1918] [Sunday] I went over to the old post today to see the 3rd field it came in today but it was the new third the old 3rd is in France [April 22, 1918] [Monday]. I Rehearsed with the show today we show at the Liberty Theatre Thursday night at the old post. [April 23, 1918] [Tuesday]. the Detail drilled today out to medicine park. We had some time scouting over the Mountains 16 miles. [April 24, 1918] [Wednesday]. We had our last Rehearsal today before we go on at the liberty tomorrow night it is the 129th minstrel shows
Transcript
[April 25, 1918] [Thursday]. We play at the liberty tonight hope to have a big crowd. [Received] a box of candy from Eide today she was good too [4-26-1918] Friday the show went fine we had a house full. We cleared $200.00 for the Regt fund. We go on at the Auditorium in Lawton [Saturday] [April 27, 1918] [Saturday] had full park inspection today I was on KP will be Excused at noon though to go to town parade at 3 pm [April 28, 1918] [Sunday] we had a good show last night. the four of us in the Hawaiian scene we dressed up to kill Clevland & I took the Horse with the Rosery [April 29, 1918] [Monday] the Battery went out to fire by airaplane today but dident fire the planes dident get up to Direct us.
Transcript
[April 30, 1918] [Tuesday]. We were all on Guard today the Battery the 3rd field came in today & the 7th Fa. & the 11th Field artillery [May 1, 1918] [Wednesday]. the 1st & the 9th Fa Relieved the 14th Field at the school of fire. We hear we are leaving again in 5 days now. [May 2, 1918] [Thursday]. I was on Detail at the QMC all day scraped the stoves & cleaned them that the [doughboys] left they cut out all the furloughs & passes today so guess there is something to this fuss about leaving this time I [Received] a letter from pal today the first for a week. [May 3, 1918] [Friday] heard today that we turn in the Horses [Tuesday] & leave before the first of next week but dont think so
Transcript
[May 4, 1918] Saturday Am going to medicine Park Lake Latonka to Guard for a week I hope I stay untill we get Ready to leave here. 5-5-18 Sunday. I have been fishing all day we went up Mt. Scott the Highest Mt between the Rockies & Alagamies. Caught 35 Bass. [May 6, 1918] Monday Went swimming today I am working on the bathing beach at Medicine Park it is just
Transcript
[May 9, 1918] [Thursday]. We had a General inspection this morning Gee its hard to stay in camp now. I would like to be at the park & go swimming We leave here in the morn I dont know where to. I will write home today & say good bye to all of [ms illegible: 1 wd] I sure would like to see my little pal now. [May 10, 1918] Friday left camp at 8am this morn loaded on the train & pulled out at 10. I think we will go by way of St Louis and Toledo Ohio [May 11, 1918] Saturday. I never wrote home for I dident want them to know untill we were there at camp Merritt. [May 12, 1918] Sunday Today is the day of the big concert in [Oklahoma] City but we will have it on the train I guess. Ha Ha
Transcript
The Route & large towns we passed [Fort Sill, Oklahoma] City unloaded, Chandler, [Oklahoma], [Sapulpa, Oklahoma]- Tulsa - - - Claremore [Oklahoma] Vanita - - - 11pm [Friday] night - [Seneca, Missouri] Springfield [Missouri] 7 am [Saturday] - Conway, [Missouri] Newburg [Missouri] unloaded & marched. Kalla Valley Park [Missouri] - St Louis 7 pm Unloaded & took a bath & supper at Y.M.C.A - Stayed 12 hrs - [Charleston, Illinois]- Frankfort [Indiana]- Unloaded & marched over town - Kokomo [Indiana]
Transcript
Diary of Camp Mills Long Island 45 minutes from [Broadway] New York & the camp is muddy all over & in the tents. I [Received] a letter from pal tonight first after we got in camp. it came from Doniphan. [5-13-1918] Monday We get 18 hrs passes to [New York] city the big bldgs look fine & all the sights are good but nothing like they say they are. You walk around one of the Big blds untill you are tired & cant see anything for it or others HaHa Coney Isle is Great & lots of sport. But we cant go often enough. [May 14, 1918] [Tuesday]. We only ans 2 calls a day & no drill but think we will leave here soon about 5 days. Maby less than that [May 15, 1918] [Wednesday] I went to [Manhattan] last night had lots of fun & seen lots of sights. But had rather be in old [Kansas City] at home. Was on the Borwery.
Transcript
[May 16, 1918] Thursday. We have a big inspection today & hear we are leaving tomorrow night but dont know about it E-Battery left today. [May 17, 1918] Friday. Went to [New York] City today & stayed all night seen lots of sights but not any more than is in old [Kansas City]. Except the Hudson River & the ships seen two Battle ships in the Harbor. A fellow picked me up at 32nd & Brdway in a bozier 8 & took me all over [New York] City he was just out driving some Ride. I Rode the subway & all. Went up in the Woolworth bldg. & went to Coney Island that is the place to have the fun nothing in [New York] City but business [May 18, 1918] Saturday [New York]. Went to Hempstead today & met some people. Am invited out to dinner tomorrow with the music & have some fun
Transcript
[May 19, 1918] Sunday camp Mills [New York]. We had inspection of lungs & heart today & packed barracks bags. I think we load today & leave at 3 tonight for the ships [May 20, 1918] Monday left Camp at 6 Bells got on the ferry at 9.30 loaded from the ferry onto the ships pulled out at 5.30. Everybody is tickled to death on our way now [May 21, 1918] Tuesday they gave orders for Everybody to wear life preservers at all times sleep in them we seen a whale at 9 am & a bunch of porpoise. they lined us up for boat drill & then dident have any we are headed for Halifax then straight across. the convoys pick us up there I think, we are on the Saxonia & English ship. We have 22 hundred men aboard & 80 Red cross nurses. We wrote some cards that will notify our folks that we arrived Safely overseas Maby we will make it safe
Transcript
[May 22, 1918] Wensday On the ship we are one day out of Halifax now & maby less the ship is 1200 feet long 120 feet deep & 7 stories 90 feet wide. the sea is calm & no one is sea sick yet but we will have lots of Rough sea yet the danger zone is 2 days off the Coast of Ireland they say we took all the names of all who can swim And we give lessons to the rest they will swim the Rest will go in the boats HaHa I get to swim they are betting this ship never Reaches land in New York City [May 23, 1918] Thursday We are all safe yet the band Gave a concert last night but had to play inside they wont let us Even smoke on deck after dark & no lights at all. We have to stay in the Hold most of the time but can get on deck some of the time we get to Halifax tonight they say.
Transcript
[May 24, 1918] Friday Reached Halifax at 120 am this morning. Came in through the [St Lawrence River] this place is sure cold it Rained all day to day are still in harbor at Halifax but leave at 4 pm they say we played on Deck for the officers & nurses last night some fun Friday [May 24, 1918] Left Halifax at 4 pm came out of the harbor at 530 & hit open sea we start straight across from here we have 27 ships in sight all loaded with Soldiers they say there is 9 battle ships & 5 Destroyers & several Submarine chasers going to Convoy over 27 ships it is now 7 pm. We are hitting Rough sea havent been sea sick yet but feel it coming on now. We wrote a letter in Halifax they mailed it there. We are 9 days off yet wish
Transcript
the trip was finished. Am sure tired of this tub. this is the largest bunch of troops & convoys that Ever crossed in the history of the world I can say I was in it anyway. [May 25, 1918] Saturday Nothing Happened today only the waves were a little worse than usal they say we are nearing the storm Section now. [May 26, 1918] Sunday on the ship in mid Atlantic. We Ran within A mile of an iceburg this morning at 11.30. it was about 200 feet high &
Transcript
[May 28, 1918] Tuesday the fog was so thick & Rain today that the ships had drags out & kept whistling with fog horns to find one another. they wont let us smoke or sing or Even talk loud on Deck after Dark. theres no lights whatEver on the ship. all the boats are Camaflauged all colars of paint. [May 29, 1918] Wednsey. We are in the Danger Zone now the lookouts are on the Job. the fleet of Cruisers may meet us anytime [May 30, 1918] Thursday Nothing Happened only more wind & Rain. Will be glad when we Get there. [May 31, 1918] Friday Nothing only as usal. Would like to see my pal.
Transcript
[June 1, 1918] Saturday. We met the Convoy at 430 today they came from all Directions. 14 Submarine Chasers & 4 Destroyers. all around us now [June 2, 1918] Sunday Nothing new they say we land tomorrow but dont think so we are in the Irish Sea the most dangerous place 14 days today we have been on the ship. all of us is tired out stacked in here & no privledge at all. the officers have it Soft with the nurses & booze. they all celibrate the Destroyers & Submarine chasers had a fight at 5.20 today & got a Submarine another at 6 pm. the Report was that they got 3 submarines. We were at mess. they dropped a Depth bomb & it shook the ship Everybody knowed what it was there was
Transcript
14 bombs dropped. those chasers sure can go. they travel 45 miles an hour & drop those bombs at any spud. they throw the water 50 feet high when they Explode [June 3, 1918] Monday We are in the English Channel now. A dirigible balloon was over us when I got up at 6 bells this morning & a large hydroplane at 10-20 we met another fleet going back to the [United States] for more troops. there was a bunch of chasers & a dirigible with them I sure would like to be going back if the war was over, o boy [June 4, 1918] Tuesday 7.30 seen land & Ran within a mile of it all day. through the British Isles we hit the Thames at 4.30 and at 7 oclock we ancored at Tilsbury England. the Thames is only 300 yrds wide. We ran up to the Greater Tilsbury then back and anchored the people sure cheered us.
Transcript
[June 5, 1918] Wednsey Tilsbury England pulled in to dock at 8 am unloaded & loaded on train at Tilbury England. Went 40 miles arrived there at 3 am [June 6, 1918] [Thursday] in Rest camp in camp at Winchester England. had a fine time today. lots of German prisnors. We leave here soon on across to France. Only 40 miles from here. [June 7, 1918] Friday on board ship left camp at 6 am this morning. got to South Hampton England at 8 am lay over here all day take steamer at 7 pm for France 9 hrs to cross the Channel. [June 8, 1918] Saturday In france. Loaded on boat at 7 pm. left South Hampton at 9 pm. Run all night landed La Havre France at 6 am [Saturday] morning. Went to Rest Camp for awhile [June 9, 1918] Sunday In Havre France. this is an awful camp small tents & 12 men to a tent sleep on the floor leave here tonight at 1030 for the training camp at the front.
Transcript
[June 10, 1918] Monday. they loaded us on a freight train with 4 wheels under Each car some trains here. Only 2 meals a day 2 hard tacks & a can of corn willie to two men. We almost starved & not room to lay down at all. We unloaded at Dumont France & Sable to march awhile & limber up. Arrived at this place [Trelaze] at 1.p.m. Monday night March 7 miles with packs & about starved. We are in a village in billets old barns on the Ground. We stay here awhile they lined the N.C.O.S. up at La Havre Y gave them 100 France to spend & let them go to town the privates Had to stay in Camp the N.C.O.S. Came back drunk & we left at 10.30 they could hardly walk to the train. I went swimming today [Tuesday]. [June 11, 1918] Tuesday. Had foot Drill today. 6 hrs. go swimming Every day. Whole battery we are in South Western France Andard in billets will get Horses Here.
Transcript
[June 12, 1918] Wednsey Andard France. Foot drill again the overseas Detail Came today Crocker Cushwa Sibold & Shrock Byars the rest will come in a week. [June 13, 1918] [Thursday]. Throtyear Ed Phelps & Murphy are transferred to a Casulaty Camp with the mumps. [ms illegible: 1 wd] has something in my Billet think it is the German measles. [June 14, 1918] Friday. Same old thing havent heard from home since we left Camp Mills. Am looking for a letter they take Burnham to the jug today [June 15, 1918] Saturday Had inspection this morning as usal on Saturday I hear that we get our Guns next week dont know when we get the Horses. [June 16, 1918] Sunday We unloaded the Guns today & sent 45 men 150 miles to get the Horses & lead them back will have Mounted Drill
Transcript
[June 17, 1918] Monday. havent heard from Home yet we can get a 12 hr pass to go to [Angers] France about 12 miles from here a big town. 20000 [June 18, 1918] Tuesday. We are having a fine time here the detail that went after the horses hasent came back yet a Detail went to bring the Material up this morning we heard they took 3,000 German prisoners yesterday we hear all the front line news in 3 hrs after it happens we are only 150 miles from the front. We expect to go to the front in 5 weeks. I dont know why I cant get any mail haven
Transcript
All thru Regiments get French 75 Guns the 128th 129th & 130th they are more complicated than the American 3 inch pull & more Reliable & 3000 yrds more Range [June 19, 1918] [Wednesday]. they Brought the material Back last night we started Drilling on them Guns this morning they sure are different from our 3 inch Guns [June 20, 1918] Thursday. Nothing New only drill Every day on the Guns the Horses havent came back yet. [June 21, 1918] Friday I went to Angers France today on a 12 hr pass sure is some burg had a good time [June 22, 1918] Saturday We got a bunch of mail today but none for me Less & the Rest of the overseas Detail came the 18th got here at night
Transcript
[June 23, 1918] Sunday Clevland I & Red went & played at a French wedding last night sure had a fine time lots of wine to drink [June 24, 1918] Monday got payed this Evening at 630 p.m. there will be lots of Drunks tonight I guess wine is cheap 2 francs a quart [June 25, 1918] Tuesday I have been sick today I won 100 frances playing poker last night am going to Angers again [received] a letter from home [June 26, 1918] [Wednesday] Am writing home again today [received] a letter from mother & one from pal mailed the 12th of May some late news HaHa. [June 27, 1918] Thursday. Nothing new only we [received] the Gas Masks today the Captain told me to begin drilling the battery Monday in Guns
Transcript
[June 28, 1918] Friday We [received] 19 Horses today the Rest isent here yet they may not come for a month [June 29, 1918] Saturday Am Going to Angers tomorrow Less & I to see the town [June 30, 1918] Sunday Went to Angers had some time but couldnt talk to any one [July 1, 1918] Monday We started Gass drill they have a big doings here the fourth all the people of France [July 2, 1918] Tuesday All the Horses of France is to be sold to the army the fourth of July here I think
Transcript
[July 3, 1918] Wednsey. I [Received] a letter from pal today the 2nd one Ive got am getting along fine this is sure a fine place to be in [July 4, 1918] Thursday. Went to Corna today & then the Regiment had a big picnic at the chateau it sure was a fine place a castle with 204 Rooms. A prince lived there before the war & I was in the Harem. We had dinner in the Dining Room & had the whole place all day. [July 5, 1918] Friday. Cook leaves for Gass school tomorrow for 2 weeks. We will Leave here soon for the firing line. [July 6, 1918] Saturday We have orders to leave tomorrow at 6 p.m. for some camp 40 miles from the front.
Transcript
[July 7, 1918] Sunday. I went swimming today at the Lake Beakawa 5 miles from here & stayed all day came in at 430 & packed up to leave [July 8, 1918] Monday We left Andard at 8 oclock this morning loaded our Material last night. Arrived at [Trelaze] at 930 left there at 6 oclock pm passed through Lesforges [La Possonni
Transcript
[July 11, 1918] Thursday. We drill all day here 9 hrs a day. dont have much Rest drill all day Sat & have inspection on Sunday. [July 12, 1918] Friday. Nothing new. Only lots of work. We have fine barracks here & cots. good Eats & Expect to be at the front in 6 weeks. [July 13, 1918] Saturday. Less is to be transferred to Regimental Headquarters as Radio operator. he and Sanders. I am still working as Gass N.C.O. [July 14, 1918] Sunday. Had inspection at 10.30 & have the Rest of the day to Run around the bunck is all happy & well. [July 15, 1918] Monday. Drilled all day
Transcript
[July 16, 1918] Nothing new only Drill [July 17, 1918] [Wednesday] Drill Gass Masks [July 18, 1918] [Thursday] Drill all day [July 19, 1918] Friday Drill [July 20, 1918] [Saturday] drill.
Transcript
[July 21, 1918] Sunday Have inspection on Sunday now work all day Sat [July 22, 1918] Monday drill [July 23, 1918] Tuesday The 50 men that went off after the Horses Returned today they Have been buying Horses all over France [July 24, 1918] [Wednesday] drill [July 25, 1918] [Thursday] Gass drill all day
Transcript
[July 26, 1918] Friday Start firing today we take up a position & stay there for a week I hear we leave here the 9th of [August] for the front. [July 27, 1918] [Saturday] Have been in position all day & night we Have the Gass alarm about Every 4 hrs & have to wear the masks 1 hour [July 28, 1918] Sunday Still out in Dugouts but we are having lots of fun we are firing about 4,000 Rounds in 24 hrs almost steady [July 29, 1918] Monday Are still out fired into a little French village & killed 2 people the 130th Fa they had the wrong aiming point [July 30, 1918] [Tuesday] We came in today go through the Gass attacks now then to the front. I want to go & see what its like at the front
Transcript
[July 31, 1918] [Wednesday] We stay out here on the Range untill Friday I guess we will leave soon for the front. [August 1, 1918] [Thursday] Are still firing I have a pup tent & dont do anything but post the Gass sentinals & watch the men in a Gass attack. [August 2, 1918] [Friday] We came in at 3 oclock today & went through the Gass house havent heard from home for 2 weeks. [August 3, 1918] [Saturday] Was made a Corporal today am Going to be a Sergeant again if I can & I think I can soon. [August 4, 1918] Sunday We to [Guer] France & then to Rennes today had a good time would like to know what my pal is doing today
Transcript
[August 5, 1918] Monday 1 year ago today we were called out it doesent seem like I have been away a year but I sure am lonesome without my little pal. [August 6, 1918] Tuesday We came out to fire for 3 days & nights again yesterday at 3 oclock will stay out here in pup tents for 3 days. I hear we leave this week for the front. I cant hear from home I guess they have forgot me by now, I go up to the front 2 days ahead of the Battery. I am anxious to get up there & Have it over. [August 7, 1918] [Wednesday]. Nothing But Drill [August 8, 1918] Thursday Nothing But Drill
Transcript
[August 9, 1918] Friday Nothing But Drill Havent [Received] a letter from Edie mailed to France yet all of them were mailed to Camp Mills [August 10, 1918] Saturday. Full pack inspection today Mounted we go out on the field & have while we are firing. Sunday [August 11, 1918] Went to [Rennes] today am a noncom now & can get a pass anytime. [August 12, 1918] Monday. We leave here Saturday night for the front. We have a full pack inspection every night at Retreat now. [August 13, 1918] Tuesday the Gass instructions are over now I have nothing to do but stall around
Transcript
[August 14, 1918] Wednsey. I guess Edie has forgot me I have quit writing untill I get a letter. Mother said she was writing every day but think she is just kidding [August 15, 1918] Thursday. We have everything packed and ready to leave Saturday our Barrack Bags have been stored we only take one change of clothes & our Blanket Roll from here. 2 Blankets 1 pr pants 1 shirt 1 Blouse 2 pr Hob nail shoes 2 pr drawers 2 under shirts 3 pr socks 1 shelter half pins and pde Rope shooving outfit comb 1 pr leggings overcoat slicker cap steel Helmet that
Transcript
[August 16, 1918] Friday. Leave here tomorrow night I dont know what time we are all Ready to leave [August 17, 1918] Saturday. We started ton load at 4 pm & leave here at 9-8. the trains pull out exatley on time Each 2 hrs apart. [August 18, 1918] Sunday left Coetquidan at 9-8 we are sure passing through some pretty country. The towns as we came Bond sur Hushing- La Loupe Chartres- Sortre- Ramboullet- [La Verriere]- [Trappes]- army camp English St Cyr- We passed the monument of St Cyr on the St Cyr lake Versailles we are within 4 miles of Paris Souvgry- Tonnerre- Columbre. Courban Brit Camp- Bricon- Chaumont- Toulipion-
Transcript
[Saulxures]- this town is sure a fine one unloaded we stay here a while then march over land to our position we can hear the Big Guns Roar plain airplanes fly over us [August 20, 1918] Tuesday unloaded at [Saulxures] at 8 oclock this morning. We cant get out on the streets in daylight airplanes are over us all the time [August 21, 1918] [Wednesday] Nothing only sleep & stay in Billets [August 22, 1918] Thursday. Nothing today leave here tomorrow night. [August 23, 1918] Friday left here at 8 oclock tonight & traveled all night we will arrive at a little town & stay all day then go into position tonight
Transcript
[August 24, 1918] Saturday. We left here tonight at 8am & will travel 8 kilometers in sight of the Germans. this town is Kruft France. [August 25, 1918] Sunday. Arrived safe in position the Road was Bombarded by the Germans this morning & 2 men in our supply killed we got through lucky [August 26, 1918] Monday they Bombarded us this evening at 4 pm. We sure Ran in holes them shells make a fellow think of all his Bad deeds. We are in 2 miles of the Germans & about 1 mile from their infantry our lines and theirs are only 40 yrds apart. We fired on them today at 4 pm. everybody was glad to start they have shelled us 3 or 4 times now we are getting used to it they havent found us exately yet they come in 50 yrds of us with about 50 shells. Oh boy
Transcript
[August 27, 1918] Tuesday We are firing every time the Germans fire now about every hour they shell our position & all the Roads leading to us. [August 28, 1918] [Wednesday]. I went out today & picked 2
Transcript
position in the valley me Bob Farrow- Harry Bazzill Potts-Penning & Westwood started 10 minutes ahead of the Battery about half way to the position they opened fire on the Road where we were we Ran under a clay bank but they were coming from 3 directions so I thought we were all six gone. it was dark and Raining we had to hold hands to find the Road shrimp lost his helmet then they began to shoot Gass shells we had to put on our masks & couldnt see nothing. I had them put on masks but kept mine off I knowed I could tell when I got enough so I led them down the Road I Ran into a cloud of Chlorine it knocked me down like a hammer hit me but I got my mask on in time
Transcript
to keep from getting gassed we finally Reached camp, but had 2 more Gass attacks before morning. I left camp to Report to Cap Serman at Headquarters at 730. this morn walked 12 miles with my pack left the bat under shell fire had to get under a bank twice on the way 2 horses was killed 100 yrds from me [September 1, 1918] Sunday. left Kruft at noon yesterday for Langres to school. went to [Cornimont] in truck slept allnight on Depot plaza in the Rain Left [Cornimont] at 520 this morning went to [Remiremont] layed over 6 hrs went to Epinal layed over 4 hrs then to Jussey layed over untill 1130 then to Langres at 830 am Monday Reported to school caught He--. We can just get on a train & Ride any place we have a great time stopping over in every town & see France
Transcript
[September 2, 1918] Monday At school dont know much about this place yet we Refused to go to school today we haft to sleep awhile after that trip Ha Ha. [September 3, 1918] Tuesday. Started to drill today they sure drill a fellow but I know all this stuff [September 4, 1918] Wednsay Same old Stuff have about 4 Lectures Each day [September 5, 1918] Thursday. Nothig Only drill [September 6, 1918] Friday Had night maneuvers last night untill 12 oclock Leave tomorrow for front again.
Transcript
[September 7, 1918] Saturday Had exam this morning left school at 1 pm. Am stopping in a few towns & have a good time. Can Ride any train free. [September 8, 1918] Sunday. Went from Langres to Angers. then to Toul then to Deotkemont to Naney & St. Nichlous then Joined the Battery on Tuesday. [September 10, 1918] Tuesday Sure had some fun on the trip. I would have gone to Paris but I Ran out of money HaHa [September 11, 1918] [Wednesday]. left this place at 8 pm. Went to naney then stayed all night in the woods near there but left there in the evening [September 12, 1918] Thursday left Naney last night at 8 pm traveled all night arrived in the woods in hiding at 8 am
Transcript
The Battery 4 Guns & 58 men leave here today sometime for the front & go into position the Rest of the Battery is into Billets in the Rear here. We have been hearing the Big Guns allnight they keep up a steady Roar. this is a Rough place they say. I guess someone will Be lost this trip sure. An Enemy plane & a French had a fight Right over us & the Frenchman fell within 100 yrds of us lead the German fell & Guns Captain Captured him I seen a German plane in Naney on expedation there they had Just Brought him down 3 machine Gun Bullets in his Left side he was dead then [September 13, 1918] Friday The whole Battery Left last night for I dont know where they made the drive here & captured 14000 prisoners
Transcript
they dident need us so we go to some other sector I think we go to Toul. We are in some woods again we move allnight then go into woods at daylight we cant even smoke the airplanes are thick all the time I think we leave here again tonight & travel all night [September 14, 1918] Saturday traveled allnight again last night will move again tongith we are close to Toul now. [September 15, 1918] Sunday. Had inspection way out here in these woods today can hear the big Guns Roar all day & night [September 16, 1918] Monday. We will lay here for 2 or 3 days I think we Received the Highest of praise from general Pershing for Living &marching
Transcript
[September 17, 1918] Tuesday. Camped at Meuse Woods at St Germaine near void France we are headed for verdon I think we have 72 kilometeors to go yet [September 18, 1918] [Wednesday]. leave here again tonight for some more woods. the boys sure are sick of marching we have been across France twice now. [September 19, 1918] Thursday. Stayed all day at commerce in the woods will make our last hike tonight & be at the Verdon front. [September 20, 1918] Friday Arrived here at 330 last night will leave here tonight Just 58 men & the firing battery for the position [September 21, 1918] Saturday We came into position this morning at 7 oclock will be Ready to fire tonight
Transcript
[September 22, 1918] Sunday. the Germans shelled us all night Gass was thick several time but we only had it 40 minutes they kept me up allnight [September 23, 1918] Monday. We are all fine now Ready to give the Germans hell. they fired on us Just enough to make us mad. [September 24, 1918] Tuesday 8 am firing on us again. I dont know when we begin firing the 26th I think we get a lot of Gass here 3 shells out of 5 are gass. [September 25, 1918] [Wednesday] they gave us an hour Bombardment at 530 this morning hit a amunation dump at E Bat 100 yrds from us & killed Corp Cantonie [September 26, 1918] Thursday We started firing this morning at 320 we fire for 9 hours the French & Big Guns started at 1131
Transcript
there is about 600 Batteries in these woods & all of them is firing at once. We move up at 9 am across the infantry trenches they go over the top. this drive Reaches from the English Channel to the swiss border. they sure are giving them Hell today & I hope they keep it up for a week [September 27, 1918] Friday the drive yesterday drove them back 9 kilometeors we are following the infantry Right up 1/2 mile in the Rear. We pass dead boys in piles & lots of Huns too. the 35th Div is almost wrecked now. all killed only about 400 dough boys left to a Regiment, the dutch are using Machine guns altogether on the boys. Saturday [September 28, 1918] We are on the march again we were shelled on the Road killed Mayfield & Newton lost an Arm
Transcript
It sure is a sight to walk in the dressing stations those machine Guns Just cut a man into we are
Transcript
[October 1, 1918] Tuesday. Everything ok at 10 am. shells are coming Regular though. We got another new Gun last night we have 3 now working [October 2, 1918] [Wednesday]. got news today that Sergt Ford was dead that
Transcript
the 35th Division [Received] special praise from General pershing for driving the Germans out of places they said couldnt be took we will get 6 weeks Rest now. [October 6, 1918] Sunday I am slightly Gassed myself Can hardly breathe had to drop out on the march last night came up this morning [October 7, 1918] Monday Commence the same old camp stuff Call this a rest Camp 900 calls a day cant even sleep at night [October 8, 1918] Tuesday Nothing new I have been in bed all day the gass is working now it takes 2 or 3 days 40 men sick in bat. [October 13, 1918] Sunday there is only 44 men left here sick the Battery left yesterday & left us here
Transcript
with the combat train we are waiting for trucks to take us out all marked quarters cant walk. I dont know how long we will be here have been in this town 1 week on our way to the front again this town is Signeunlles [Seigneulles] 9 kilos from Bar-Le-Duc. France a big town. No passes. [October 14, 1918] Monday. Left Signeulles [Seigneulles] 44 of us in trucks to Catch up with the Battery they are 40 kils ahead of us [October 15, 1918] Tuesday Caught up with the Battery last night & the Battery pulled out at 12 oclock & left us again will stay here a while [October 16, 1918] [Wednesday] We have a good place here plenty to eat for 3 days dont know when we leave.
Transcript
[October 17, 1918] Thursday [Received] orders for all of us that
Transcript
[October 18, 1918] Friday. We wet to Rupt instead of Renicourt. stayed there untill they took us up to the Battery. I dont know how far they are ahead. [October 19, 1918] Saturday. Left Rupt last night at 8 pm traveled untill I gave out walking with our packs K.C. Lanham & me fell out & went to bed beside the Road. [October 20, 1918] Sunday. We got up & traveled 22 kilometeors with out anything to eat Reached the Echaloun at 2 pm Sunday. Went up to the Batery position at 4 pm. [October 21, 1918] Monday. The Battery Commander was looking for me no Gass N.C.O. with the Battery. I have lots of work here to fix things up for Gass. [October 22, 1918] Tuesday. Got things allright Major Miles sent for me to report to 1st Battilion H.D.Q: Part 1st Btln Gass N.C.O. in charge of 3 Batteries now & Btn H.D. quarters.
Transcript
[October 23, 1918] [Wednesday]. Have been to all 4 spaces today The mess Seargeant went to Verdun today to buy some candy & Cigaretts for us boys its only 2 1/2 miles from here some town they say larger than Angers was I hear we get 7 days leave soon. We have a fine place here. Mess hall & kitchen in a large dugout. fine place for shells. [October 24, 1918] Thursday. Nothing new only we put over a barrage every few nights on fritz he hasent shelled us at all yet but guess he will begin soon. I have to build 4 gass proof Dugouts A-B-C Batterys & 1st Btn Hdqts. for Gass attacks. I have to Get some Mcanics to do the work I haven
Transcript
[October 26, 1918] Saturday. [Halloween] night isent far away we were planning on Going over and turn the Kaisers Latrene over HaHa and turn over a few dugouts some fun we will have believe me. I sure would like to be home for the fun. I could have lots of fun Just staying at home with my Mimi. [October 27, 1918] Sunday. dident do anything today only lay around & sleep. first real Holiday we have had for quite a while. [October 28, 1918] Monday. fritz fired on the 130th 140th & Regimental hdqts last night with mustard gass. We Never got any of it. [October 29, 1918] Tuesday. Nothing doing last night the French Forts put over a barrage the French captured a little town over here.
Transcript
[October 30, 1918] [Wednesday]. the Huns gave Everybody around us a fit last night, but we have never been fired on yet they Havent found us I guess. [October 31, 1918] Thursday. We fire in the morning at 330 for 5 hours on the Germans. they are out in the open now. We fire on them with Shrapnel. [November 1, 1918] Friday We fired untill 830 this morning they Gave us 30 minutes of Lachamatory [lachrymatory] gas at 9 oclock last night but we were all ready. [November 2, 1918] Saturday. Nothing New but every day work I start a Gas proof dugout Monday. they are using lots of Gas here in this place. [November 3, 1918] Sunday. I hear 2 of our Guns go up in the front line trenches to lean up machine Gun nests I am one to go. it will be open war too
Transcript
[November 4, 1918] Monday. Starteed the dugout today have to dig it 8 feet deep it will take a week to make it Gas proof. [November 5, 1918] Tuesday. I heard today that the 81st Division relieved our infantry and was going to make a drive right away. [November 6, 1918] [Wednesday]. Am getting along fine on the dugout finish it Friday maby havent heard from home for 2 weeks. [November 7, 1918] Thursday. Am drilling on semaphore with the detail to go up on that trip to the front with the Guns we take 40 extra horses. [November 8, 1918] Friday rained all day Cant work on the dugout we are living fine here the dutch cant find us.
Transcript
[November 9, 1918] Saturday the Bat Commander woke us up at 4 am this morning told us to roll full packs & get ready to go to the front, it sure was a surprise the 81st went over the top without artillery and were getting shot to pieces with German Guns. We left here at 1030 am and pulled out for the line stayed on the road untill dark and pulled in 800 yards from our lines. The mud was hub deep horses went down to their bellies we went into action, in a swamp the Germans shelled us all the time. We sure dug in that mud the hole was knee deep with water but the shells made you glad to stand or lay in it we dident sleep any at 6 oclock we opened up with a barrage then Hell broke loose over there
Transcript
[November 10, 1918] Sunday we dident have a very good Sunday here Hard Tack & Bully Beef mud knee deep and shells to dodge but we fired on Just the same the infantry advanced and took Maranville and Aubryeoust then we quit and rested awhile [November 10, 1918] Monday We fired this morning all the guns the Allies I think opened up on them at 9.25 sharp we [Received] order to Cease firing at 11am [November 12, 1918] Tuesday peace sure is great no shells or Maching Guns Not a sound we pull out of here at 8 am and go back to our old position it looked like a 4th of July along the front line trenches all last night, both sides were sending up rockets and star shells as fast as the could
Transcript
I went up to where our infantry was in the trenches they were sitting on top hollowing back and forth at the Germans. we fired our last shot at 10.46 at 1045 a shell light in 30 yards of the 4th piece a piece hit the spokes. I sure though they would get us before that 15 minutes weas up but at 11 sharp all Guns Ceased firing and not another sound only the trucks and hauling the dead and wounded by us. it sure was slaughter before we got there [November 13, 1918] [Wednesday]. Nothing New the old life at the front. Only no shells to hear or Guns Roaring. the Huns are vacating. [November 14, 1918] Thursday. We polised up all the Camp today & began getting ready for moving
Transcript
[November 15, 1918] Friday We moved over to the supply Co 4 kilometeors today and they say we stay here untill we entrain for Germany. [November 16, 1918] Saturday. the officers say we are Going to Germany to do guard Duty untill the war is finished [November 17, 1918] Sunday We moved to the picket Line today they move us every day I dont know where we go from here Maby home. Ha Ha [November 18, 1918] Monday this place sure is a H--- of a place now after being up on the front and doing nothing but dodging shells. [November 19, 1918] Tuesday. We Have to Roll our entire Packs every day and March 1 hour Rain day now and answer one hundred calls a day
Transcript
[November 20, 1918] [Wednesday]. We hear every day we are leaving for the coast at Bordeaux to train untill time to go home. Maby to Germany. [November 21, 1918] Thursday. had full pack inspection then bunk fatigue all evening it sure feels good to get off once in a while. [November 22, 1918] Friday. Heard today that we are to be at the port of Embarcation on the 9th of [December] Sergt Gilmore Came back from Hosp today [November 23, 1918] Saturday. had regular inspection as usal on Saturday. they sure Raised Cane. We couldnt suit them. [November 24, 1918] Sunday. Nothing to day only fatigue Call. Revelry 1 hour later too 7 oclock. Retreat at 4 pm
Transcript
[November 25, 1918] Monday inspection on the Bunks. Nothing all day then only I made a vase out of a 75 shell sure some work. [November 26, 1918] Tuesday took a 9 kilometeor Hike today with full pack sure was some tired Guys and mad too [November 27, 1918] [Wednesday]. Cannoneers marched to dugny to clean the Guns and Caissons, I went to somme due and got lost walked 22 kilos [November 28, 1918] Thursday Clevland and I walked to P.C. Toulon, to get the guitar for the Banquet at Btn Hdqrs tonight Major Miles gave it to the officers. [November 29, 1918] Friday Rained all day we went to Take bathes today at Hdqrs. the entire Battery.
Transcript
[November 30, 1918] Saturday. Had Bunk inspection then I got a pass and walked over the Hills to Fort Travennes. [December 1, 1918] Sunday got a pass and left here at 2 am was gone all day. Brown pufflemyre Craft Rose and myself went to Fort Travennes Fort De vaux went through them. then to the German trenches found lots of German dead on top of the ground never were buried. You kick a shoe and there would be a foot in it. they were killed in 1916 in the Verdun drive. Just bones left where they fell. I got some buttons from their clothes. it sure was a sight those Bones. [December 2, 1918] Monday full pack inspection at 10 am then Rest the cannoeers went to dugny to clean matearial again.
Transcript
[December 3, 1918] Tuesday. We have full pack inspection every day now. I was busted today for missing full pack the day I went to Dead Mans Hill [December 4, 1918] [Wednesday]. I am a buck private again that
Transcript
[December 8, 1918] Sunday. We had church today in the Billet Leut Frasur is a preacher. I got Extra duty for missing Reville [December 9, 1918] Monday. Am sick today marked quarters. I sure wish I was at home where my pal could docter me. [December 10, 1918] Tuesday the Battery made up a Diary today clear back to the day we were called out. they used my Book to get some of the dates [December 11, 1918] [Wednesday] We got the Electric light plant today they called me to start it I am going to Run it [December 12, 1918] Thursday They put a fellow from A Battery on the other shift today I am on 24 hrs the off 24 hrs. dont ans any calls
Transcript
[December 13, 1918] Friday. We have keen lights now everything is light up like day in these woods it was so dark as pitch before. [December 14, 1918] Saturday. Am on duty tonight I will write a long letter to pal and mother. I haven
Transcript
[December 18, 1918] Wednsay. We [received] the horses today American horses too oh boy they sure look good to what we have been using. [December 19, 1918] Thursday. We are drilling hard on our show to have a good program Xmas we are decorating the mess hall with miseltoe. [December 20, 1918] Friday the mess Hall is one of our old stables boxed in and tables put in it but it is better than nothing [December 21, 1918] Saturday We put on a show at Belkupt tonight for the 37th Engineers they have been having moving picture and inviting us down [December 22, 1918] Sunday the Engineers were sure pleased with our show. Clevland - Red and I play at Regimental Hdq- tonight officers party and supper
Transcript
[December 23, 1918] Monday We Bought New guitars the Captain bought them for us in Nany out of the Battery fund. [December 24, 1918] Tuesday oh boy they sure have got some feed for tomorrow pie imagine it (pie) havent had any all ths war. [December 25, 1918] [Wednesday]. I dident get any dinner today I am mad as Hell- w played at C Battery then to A. then B. When we were through they were all through eating our Cooks though we would eat at B lot so dident save us an thing B battery thought we would eat before we played there so there you are finish Eats every place so I dident have must Xmas, that what a fellow gets trying to show the others a good time
Transcript
[December 26, 1918] Thursday We are getting up a minstrel in C Battery now for C Bat only we will have a YMCA tour over France I think over it. [December 27, 1918] Friday the boys went to Bar-Le-Duc today to see about stuff for the show. Make up and soon I couldnt go the lights need me. [December 28, 1918] Saturday. I am making a little airplane for pass time now, out of shell Brass and old meess pans some fun if I make it [December 29, 1918] Sunday I made the plane alright sold it for 25 Franks 5 minutes after I finished it to Leut Jones. [December 30, 1918] Monday the Battery went on a hike today. Mounted Just a shot one though
Transcript
[December 31, 1918] Tuesday We play again tonight at Regimental Head quarters for the Colonels. supper he is gibing for the Regimental officers [January 1, 1919] [Wednesday]. this is the first of another year in the Army we are talking all the time of going home but we haven
Transcript
[January 4, 1919] Saturday. [Received] My box from pal today it was late for Xmas but it sure was fine that box was worth a million to me. [January 5, 1919] Sunday. Am playing Cards today I sure was glad to get those Cards in my Xmas package they will pass the time away. [January 6, 1919] Monday. the Captain is going on his furlough tomorrow Leut Stromburg will be in charge of the battery a Guy we all hate [January 7, 1919] Tuesday. the Battery goes on Mounted hike , the minstrel Rehearsed last night, I am to sing a Solo. I
Transcript
[January 9, 1919] Thursday. We are getting along fine now I hear we leave this place soon but guess it is all stuff like the Rest of it [January 10, 1919] Friday Went to Verdun today to get some light bills and supplys. I had a good time at the Y.M.C.A. [January 11, 1919] Saturday. the 37th Engineers left Bebrupt today. I hear we leave soon. Next Sunday we are the only troops left here [January 12, 1919] Sunday I [Received] orders to have the plant ready to turn in next Saturday at noon so guess we are leaving [January 13, 1919] Monday We gave a show in P.C. Moscow last night for the Regiment.
Transcript
[January 14, 1919] Tuesday. we [received] orders today to be ready to move on 24 hour notice. We are going straight home they say [January 15, 1919] [Wednesday]. 60 days from today I will be home with my pal. We are packing up and getting ready to leave sure is a happy bunch [January 16, 1919] Thursday All ready to leave tore the light plant up today but got orders to run untill we pull out of here. [January 17, 1919] Friday orders to leave Sunday at 7 am. Oh boy am sure glad to get started. All the guys are bustled up and happy [January 18, 1919] Saturday the order to leave Sunday was Recended last night you should see this trench now all Hard and everything
Transcript
[January 19, 1919] Sunday. We have been getting ready to leave, but the Battery comm told us we would be here 30 days yet. [January 20, 1919] Monday. [Received] orders again today to leave here Tuesday morning dont know yet whither to believe it or not. [January 21, 1919] Tuesday leave here in the morning all ready to believe. We all think we are on our way home toot sweet now. [January 22, 1919] [Wednesday]. left Here today left the light plant couldnt bring it along. We passed through Haudinville [Haudainville] Dieuy-Villiers-tilly-Gibralter all night - [January 23, 1919] Thursday Gary loisey Ciulley stay here awhile I think
Transcript
[January 24, 1919] Friday. Nothing to do here but get rid of these cooties. No drills [January 25, 1919] Saturday inspection as usal on [Saturday] I have a keen room here Leather bed 4 feet thick. I rent it a franc a night [January 26, 1919] Sunday played the Guitars today for the officers in their Billets [January 27, 1919] Monday. I go to another school the 30th I hear motor school. I guess I get to stay over here 6 months [January 28, 1919] Tuesday I am going to Bar Le Duc on pass today I leave tomorrow 4 men go to the M.P.S. for 6 months
Transcript
[January 29, 1919] [Wednesday]. leave here for Brigade Head quarters then on the train to school. Red Satill is going with me. [January 30, 1919] Thursday. I left camp at 9 am this morning walked to Bar-Le-Duc. took the train at 3 p.m. arrived at Toul at 9-30. p.m. [January 31, 1919] Friday. Left Toul this morning at 940 went through Chaumont. Langres slept on the train all night almost Froze to death [February 1, 1919] Saturday still on the train. Went through Dijon I.S. - sur-tille and stay on train again tonight [February 2, 1919] Sunday arrived at Decize at 9 am this morning. had inspection at 10 am. I am going to town tonight.
Transcript
[February 3, 1919] Monday Went to town last night this is a big place. I start to study today I think this is going to be a good school. [February 4, 1919] Tuesday. Nothing but school. [February 15, 1919] Saturday left school today to Join the Battery. Am going through Paris on my way back. it is on my way. [February 16, 1919] Sunday Arrived in Paris today at 715 A.M. went up town. 5 guys from the 79th Division and myself. [February 17, 1919] Monday AM still in Paris. seen the [Eiffel Tower] that sure is some tower too leave here tonight I think if we get started
Transcript
[February 18, 1919] Tuesday left Paris at 8 am for Naney we are going to stop there too for awhile. [February 19, 1919] [Wednesday]. Stoped at Naney over tuesday Arrived at Commerey at 10 am today stay here tonight and tak a truck at 730 am for the Bat in the morning. [February 20, 1919] Thursday dident get up in time to catch the truck took a train for Bar-Le-Duc at 9 am this morning arrived at the battery at 130 pm- sure had some trip believe me. Went through Commerey toul New Chateau [Issor] Teil Nevers then to Deeize coming back Nevers Paris Naney Commerey bar Le Duc- I want to go back for the 6 weeks mechanical course if I can
Transcript
[February 21, 1919] Friday the Battery had turned in all their Horses and Guns nothing left but our packs now. I think we are on our way home. [February 22, 1919] Saturday General Pershing and the Prince of Wales viewed the Division the 17th he told them the 35th was on its way home. [February 23, 1919] Sunday. I put in for 5 more weeks of school I want to take the settleen welding course. I think I will get to go. [February 24, 1919] Monday. We have foot drill every day full pack inspection every other and a long hike with packs on our backs. [February 25, 1919] Tuesday. the Colonel inspected us today then we took a 5 kilo Hike full pack
Transcript
[February 26, 1919] [Wednesday]. I got permission to go to school but have to wait for orders to elave from Regimental Headquarters. [February 27, 1919] Thursday. We leave here next week for La-Mans the 35 Div Sails in April about the 15th they say. [February 28, 1919] Friday. I went to bar Le Duc on pass today, dident have much time to Run around though. [March 1, 1919] Saturday. Wrote 7 letters today to everybody I could think of to write to havent heard from any one for a long time [March 2, 1919] Sunday. got orders to leave today but the battery leaves Thursday at 8 am for La Mans guess I will go with them to there
Transcript
[March 3, 1919] Monday I sure will be glad to leave here foot drill every day and carry packs 70 lbs to some load to carry around [March 4, 1919] Tuesday. Nothing only foot drill I think we sail Earlier than we thought we would but I dont know. [March 5, 1919] [Wednesday]. took a Hike to tronville where we entrain. We leave here at 6 am tomorrow load at 8 am pull out at 10.46 [March 6, 1919] Thursday We left Ciuly at 6 am got to tronville at 745 left there at 11 am the boys sure was glad to leave for anywhere. [March 7, 1919] Friday On the train we like to froze last night riding in box cars Nothing only the floor to sleep on
Transcript
[March 8, 1919] Saturday Arrived at Connerre France at 11 am this morning we walk 18 kilometeors and carry packs after riding this train for 2 days the officers took us to the wrong place we could have rode 1 Kilo from where we go 5 Batteries go in one big Chateau. it is the large Chateau belonging to Lillian Russell an American that married a frog. this sure is a swell place. 105 rooms lots of marble floors to sleep on too pretty soft the towne we passed through Cosne- Laloupe [La Loupe]- St. Germaine Bourges- Vierzon - Minnetore old Castle there 135 eyars old. Connerre- Belle at 11-15 [Saturday] arrived at the Chateau at 815 at night layed down and slept without any covers sure was cold
Transcript
[March 9, 1919] Sunday. got us up at 6 am this morning and worked us all day. the General Had our Colonel up on the Carpet for Marching us 18 Kilos [March 10, 1919] Monday We drill 8 hrs a day here lots of work the closer we get to home the worse it gets inspection every day for cooties [March 11, 1919] Tuesday We have to lay out our packs and blankets all day cant even sit down only on the floor [March 12, 1919] [Wednesday] father Tierman told me today that we sailed the 10th of April I sure hope we do sial that Early [3-13-1919] Thursday drill all day went to take bathes today at Bonnietable [Bonnetable] 6 kilos from here.
Transcript
[March 14, 1919] Friday We start having the evening to ourselves now drill in the morning and off all afternoon to wash clothes and clean up. [March 15, 1919] Saturday. had regular inspection today I went to Bonnietable [Bonnetable] on pass am going to Lamans tomorrow I think. [March 16, 1919] Sunday. went and played at the Y.M.C.A. today we had a good time too danced and had supper. [March 17, 1919] Monday. St
Transcript
[March 19, 1919] [Wednesday] General berry spoke to the regiment today on the Argonne battle and what we will do on the way home [March 20, 1919] Thursday Govenor [Hanly] of Indiana spoke to us today on the war in General and what the folks will do with us [March 21, 1919] Friday Red and I joined the M.P.S. today for six months I intend to go home with my Seargeants stripes on as I started out theres no chance in this battery now so I am going to stay untill I do get them and I want Frank to get home first to see what happens if it doesent turn out right I will stay over I think and make me a home to live in peace away from my pal.
Transcript
[March 22, 1919] Saturday We had our last inspection today I hear the Battery sails to 5th leaves here the 2nd Ill be starting on six months more here. [March 23, 1919] Sunday Red & I leave here tomorrow for the M-P-Core. I dont know where we go yet but think it is near La-Mans. [March 24, 1919] Monday. Left the Battery today at 9 am. took the train at 2 pm. arrived at La-Mans & stayed all night leave here tomorrow. [March 25, 1919] Tuesday. Left La-Mans at 8 am. went to Pargne Leveque. the MP Company we Joined is there. Arrived there at 1 pm. [March 26, 1919] [Wednesday]. We have no Revelle or drill here Nothing to do only draw new clothes out & out we get all new clothes
Transcript
[March 27, 1919] Thursday. the Company gets 17 motor cycles & 2 trucks & one touring car. I am going to ride a motor cycle. [March 28, 1919] Friday they got 3 motors with side cars today. I am to ride a Solo and carry dispatches to Headquarters [March 29, 1919] Saturday. We had a show at the Y.M.C.A. last night a bunch of Y.M.C.A. actors from Lamans [March 30, 1919] Sunday I got a side car today to haul the officers around untill we get the new cars [March 31, 1919] Monday I took Leut Morris to La-Mans last night & went to a show stayed all night.
Transcript
[April 1, 1919] Tuesday. I go to La-Mans every day the Leuts give me mony to eat & go to shows & tell me to meet them at a certain time [April 2, 1919] [Wednesday]. We leave here tuesday I dont know where we go. the new Cycles Come tomorrow I think we may go to the belgium Camp. [April 3, 1919] Thursday. the Big Bug inspected us today to let us go. I hear we go to Belgium or Italy I hope we do. I want to see this country [April 4, 1919] Friday I went to Chartres today 150 kilometeors sure was some trip. I had a good time to believe me. [April 5, 1919] Saturday We got the machines today 10 more they are all new Harleys some more Joy riding.
Transcript
[April 5, 1919] Sunday. A big show in La-Mans tonight Leut & I are going and stay all night. I am to have a good time. From [April 6, 1919] untill [May 13, 1919] nothing but driving around We leave here tomorrow for Brussells Belgium. I think it is going to be a good town Next to Paris in Europe. Bueo Mdmsells there. I am still to drive up there. A good time I think. [May 14, 1919] [Wednesday]. Left La-Mans at 515 on the Road to Brussells [May 15, 1919] We are passing through the best part of France. I Havent seen a nicer Country than this
Transcript
[May 16, 1919] Friday Arrived in Dunkirk at 1230 today will be in Brussells tomorrow. they say it is the little parts of Europe. [May 17, 1919] Saturday Arrived at Brussells Belgium at 3 oclock this morning it is larger than K.C. and all the Cafe
Transcript
[August] 15th Friday [1919] Nothing happened only lots of Excitement during the fast 4 months the Company left Brussells 2 months ago me and 11 men was left here all the Americans in town 1 captain we sure have some time comation rations 190 francs 15 days for room and Eats. that
Transcript
the towns we cam through from Antwerp Belgium to Brest Antwerp 230, - 15-19. Mons. 6.00 pm. Arras 700 - - - [Amiens] 800 - - - Neuchatel
Transcript
I am ready to go home now although I am coming back if I can get a Job out of New York. soon for I think it is better to be loved than to love as Edie does herself. I left a little girl that sure though more of me than any one Else I know and I
Transcript
I am going home then see what Edie says. if she wants to live with me alright if she dont back to Belgium for me in the merchant marines I will live with her and always be the same old Harry Easy, but I can never love her the same, unless she has changed a lot from when I was here last I have a Job in [Brussels] Belgium at 1100 franks a month with the [Cadillac] auto agency there & a contract for 2 years I can cross with the merchant marines free. [August 22, 1919] Friday We are Making 14 knots per hour we will be in New York next thursday. I am over my sea sickness now [August 23, 1919] Saturday. We are all fine now. we have a string band abord now the ship commander gave them to us have some time and times goes fast
Transcript
[August 24, 1919] Sunday. Nothing Only more water they say we wont reach New York untill Friday now [August 25, 1919] Monday. I am getting anxious now near to home. I want to get there & see whether I go back to belgium or not [August 26, 1919] Tuesday We passed 3 ships today they were slower than ours the Henry Mallory passed us though [August 27, 1919] [Wednesday]. We passed the Henry Mallory at 12 noon today they passed us then Broke down. [August 28, 1919] Thursday. Nothing but more storms we had a go done last night am over the sea sickness now feeling good
Transcript
[August 29, 1919] Friday Seen land at 6 pm today the Sandy Hook. we passed Coney Island at 7 pm ancored at 8 pm in the East River [August 30, 1919] Saturday unloaded at pier 4 at 9 am the red cross give us a good feed, on a ferry then to Jersey City then on train to Camp Merritt Arrived there at 7 pm went through the De Cootie station at ten o clock Sat night they say we leave here soon [August 31, 1919] Sunday We bust up the Company today for different states. I will be home for my birthday Maby if they hurry us up a bit [September 1, 1919] We leave here [Wednesday] dont know what camp yet
Transcript
[September 2, 1919] Tuesday. busted up the Company today we go clear to camp Taylor Louisville Kentucky to be discharged [September 3, 1919] [Wednesday] left camp Merritt [New Jersey] at noon 12 pm on Line Cars Pullmans. I guess I will be home by Sunday am going to walk in on them. [September 4, 1919] Thursday. the towns we passed through. Jersey City [New Jersey]
Transcript
[September 5, 1919] Friday Arrived here last night they put us through the exam today & payed us off leave here tonight for home tomorrow is my birthday I hope I am home in time to celebrate it I am going through St Louis will be there [Saturday] morn at 7 am & in [Kansas City] at 6 tomorrow Eve [September 6, 1919] Saturday My birthday am 25 years old today will be home in two hours.
Transcript
[newspaper clipping]Thomas H. Barry The list Major General Barry
Transcript
[newspaper clipping] TO MY SON
Transcript
mother was sick so you [ms illegible: 1 wd] I am going to work alo I am sure sick of working but mean to stick as long as you are away. I have not see Mrs Melcan since you were here. And you wont shoot Frank because if you should you just as well come back & give me one simply because I do not think what happened all Franks fault. He will be punished [ms illegible: 1 wd] for all the wrong he [ms illegible: 1 wd] done the same as I have been.
Transcript
[newspaper clipping] DANFORD [drawing of Lieutenant Colonel Robert M. Danford.]
Transcript
[photograph] furlough [February, 20 1918]
Transcript
[photograph] Unloaded at Doniphan [September 28, 1917] [photograph] arrived at Camp Doniphan [Oklahoma] [September 28, 1917] Bat C 129th Fa. 35th Div
Details
| Title | Harry C. O'Neill Diary - October 27, 1917 - September 6, 1919 |
| Creator | O'Neill, Harry C. |
| Source | O'Neill, Harry C. Harry C. O'Neill Diary. 27 October 1917 - 6 September 1919. Harry C. O'Neill Collection, 1917-1919. 2003.35. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | Harry C. O'Neill wrote this detailed account of his experiences in Battery C, 129th Field Artillery during World War I. The diary spans from O'Neill's training at Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma in 1917 to his service overseas in France in 1918, which includes accounts of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, to his return home to Kansas City, Missouri in September of 1919. |
| Subject LCSH | United States. Army. Field Artillery Battalion, 129th; United States. Army. Division, 35th; Fort Sill (Okla.); Mustard gas; United States. Army. Camp Doniphan (Okla.); World War, 1914-1918--Chemical warfare; |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; Meuse-Argonne Offensive |
| Site Accession Number | 2003.35 |
| 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 | October 27, 1917-September 6, 1919 |
| Language | English |