Sidney Towner Phelan letter to mother - November 11, 1918
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November 11, 1918 Dearest Mother The biggest day in history it's come at last. I am happy and glad but honestly I'm a bit disappointed. I would be willing to take my chances in a few more actions to see the war end on German soil with the German armies, not merely beaten as they are now but crushed as they surely would be. But they know better than
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to ever let us reach Germany proper. Once there no power on earth could avert the utter destruction of everything. Isn't this a wonderful day for Clemenceau, the only survivor of those brave and embittered men who signed at Bordeaux in 1871 the protest against the theft of Alsace and Lorraine, one of three men who voted to continue the war of 1870 when to continue was impossible. And now he is giving them terms. Why, there never was a more perfect and fitting revenge. I only hope the
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terms he gives them are as bitterly hard as those Bismarck imposed on France in 1871. There is a little celebrating going on in the town we are quartered in. Much flying of flags, blowing of horns, ringing of bells, everyone dressed up and rather elated. With the help of some dozens of civilians we have erected an arch and decorated it with a signboard of the Bosche, the flags of the sections, and flowers, chinese lanterns etc. The signboard says this U99 Nach Sedan Metz Berlin Potts.D.F. It's about four feet by three and is one of Michel's trophies. "Ain't it a grand and glorious feeling" Oh what a celebration we will have tonight. But one celebration even greater will be when we get the order to sail for home. Lots of love, Towner From S. T. Phealn S.S.U. 646 Convois B.C.M,. Par [American] E.F.
Details
| Title | Sidney Towner Phelan letter to mother - November 11, 1918 |
| Creator | Phelan, Sidney Towner |
| Source | Phelan, Sidney Towner. Letter to mother. 11 November 1918. Sidney Towner Phelan Papers, 1899-1960. A1209. Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | Sidney Towner Phelan, a St. Louis, Missouri native, wrote this letter to his Mother while serving as a volunteer ambulance driver in France during World War I. In this letter, Phelan described Armistice day celebrations in the French village he was in. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918--France; World War, 1914-1918--Armistices; Celebrations |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | A1209 |
| Contributing Institution | Missouri History Museum |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond those allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Missouri History Museum: 314-746-4510 |
| 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. Contact the Missouri History Museum's Permissions Office at 314-746-4511 to obtain written consent. |
| Date Original | September 22, 1918 |
| Language | English |