George Rehn letter to Mother - December 25, 1918
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[American Y.M.C.A. letterhead] Christmas Day 1918 [Chatellon-Sur-Cher]: France Dear Mother! Though there is not much to write about, I will try to gather enough together to form a letter. To begin with we are having one of the finest days since arriving in France, the Christmas Spirit, and the sun shining its brightest making it such. Thanks to the Y.M.C.A. we were all given a Xmas Box this morning, containing chocolates and cigarrettes. We have a tree in the Y. and I want to tell you it helps wonderfully in increasing the spirit. Seems funny though to promenade up and
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[page 2] [American Y.M.C.A. letterhead] down the road and not see a tree in any of the houses. I suppose though they have other ways of showing or celebrating the event. One of the things they are doing mostly to-day is going to church, their being a continuous procession to and from the different masses. I attended a very interesting service this morning delivered by a chaplain who is a Colonel and has been in the Service some twenty years or more. To night we expect to have quite a show, in the Y. put on by members of the different companies some of whom are very good.
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[page 3] [American Y.M.C.A. letterhead] I was tickled to death to receive Elsies letter of the 29th and note that all is well. I seems to me though that there are still a few letters missing as the last I received being dated. [November] 30th and the one previous [October] 18th, which is a lapse of almost six weeks, and I know that one of you have written during that time. Am glad to note that some of my pictures came out very well, especially that of me in my suit of Greens. If I get the chance I am going to have one snapped of my self in my sea going clothes. I also note that Ernie has again got into commun-
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[page 4] [American Y.M.C.A. letterhead] ication with Kate and that he still retains his Bakership. I hope I have the pleasure of enjoying the contents of the Christmas Box, Dad and Elsie were packing at the time the letter was written (Do you get this?) Well it is now about four oclock, and have a little more news now than I had before noon. To begin with our dinner was good, consisting of steak mashed potatoes, cream gravy, bread and PUMPKIN PIE. also more chocolate candy. I have had so much of
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[page 5] [American Y.M.C.A. letterhead] sweets today that my stomach is beginning to sour. I must not forget to mention that the Y. distributed free, hot cocoa. This afternoon we attended a Rugby game between two companies of our Regiment which was played in good style, ending in a tie game, and was another factor in helping to make the day seem more like Christmas. Tomorrow our platoon goes on Police Duty. Friday we Drill a half a day, and Saturday we go on Guard Duty, that with
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[page 6] [American Y.M.C.A. letterhead] Sunday following makes it a very easy week, only Drilling two and one half days. Still if it continues to rain the way it has, I think drilling will be stopped indefinitely as the surrounding country is becoming flooded. After a fine start the day is ending rather rotten. It is now snowing heavily after raining a great part of the afternoon. But you know we needed the snow to make a perfect Xmas. It is now time to chow again But I dont think Ill go as I have enough for today, unless I
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[page 7] [American Y.M.C.A. letterhead] go to my billet and eat some chocolate, cookies, and canned milk I have hidden there which will make a nice light lunch. I am glad I have that as I just heard that stew bread and coffee was due me and if there is any thing I hate it is beef stew or slum as we call it, and should in my opinion be abolished from the menu. Lets see it is now about five-thirty here, which makes it about twelve o
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[page 8] [American Y.M.C.A. letterhead] ing while Dad carves the Goose. Or are you all at Whitey watching the kid cut up? I suppose you had a tree this year as usual as I know you always insisted in having one when I was home. Taken in all, I hope your christmas was enjoyed as much as nine which must have been the case as you have not this darned frog lingo to contend with (Compree) Ive never placed much faith in what I heard concerning our next mover, but their is a strong rumor
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[page 9] [American Y.M.C.A. letterhead] to stand by for embarkation between the 5th and 15th of January, which means that we should be in the States by at least the 1st of February. Now dont take above dope seriously as it is not anthemic but just a strong rumor. We
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[page 10] so I will close hoping you are well and happy. Give my best to Dad and the
Details
| Title | George Rehn letter to Mother - December 25, 1918 |
| Creator | Rehn, George |
| Source | Rehn, George. Letter to Mother. 25 December 1918. George H. Rehn Collection. 1982.279. The National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Description | George Rehn sent this letter to his mother on December 25, 1918. George discussed his Christmas day activities in France, letters he received from home, and various upcoming plans. George Rehn was part of the 63rd Guard Unit, 13th Marine Regiment. Rehn served in France from November 1918 to July 1919 as part of Company B, 9th SEP Battalion. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; United States. Marine Corps--1910-1920.; Christmas; World War, 1914-1918--War work--Y.M.C.A. |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; United States. Marine Corps. Regiment, 13th |
| Site Accession Number | 1982.279 |
| 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 | December 25, 1918 |
| Language | English |