November 25,
1918
Dear Father:
Understand that
we may write a letter today. Known as “Dads Letter” in which censorship rules
are cast aside and we are allowed to mention the place we are now located in
and also tell of the places we have been in as well as some of our experiences.
We are now on a
trip across country, southwest of Verdun, and tonight are at a small town named
Waly, in the department of Meuse.
About the first
of September we took over a sector in Alsace. Known also as the Vosges pm
account of being in the Vosges mountains. We were there for 40 days and got our
first taste of real war. It was called a quiet sector but it was quite noisy
according to my notion. We were shelled nearly every day by the enemy by large
caliber guns. We were situated in the central part of Alsace near the town of
Munster, which town was behind the enemy’s lines.
From there we
went farther north, to the Argonne sector, where the American troops were
driving the “Jerries” back at a rapid pace. We were to relieve a division there
but they had the Germans running so fast they could not catch them and we were
in chase for six days thru the muds and devastated country. The chase was thru
the Argonne forest, the towns captured enroute being Briquenuy, Grand Pre,
Authe, Chateu Therry. Apoemont, St. Pierremont, Cernay, Stonne and several
others.
Our division
assisted in the capture of Stonne and another town beyond there. We were
ordered to the Verdun sector, as there were plenty of men there to keep the
German going.
While on the
way to Verdun, the armistice went into effect and hostilities ceased. We
continued to Verdun however and got a chance to see that wonderfully fortified
town. It is a great sight to see; the town is practically ruined, due to
shelling and bombing from airplanes but never was captured. There is a town
large enough to keep a large army in, under Verdun proper.
We were out to
see the battlefields north and east of Verfun, where so many hard fought battles
were fought in 1914 and later. The ground and everything is ruined by
shellfire, even the trees being all shot down. It is a very desolate looking
stretch of country, the only thing in sight being old shell holes, lines of
trenches and barb wire entanglements. We left there 3 days ago and are now
bound southward where we are bound for or what we are to do is merely a matter
of conjecture.
Between the
Argonne Sector and the Verdun sector we spent one day at the former Village of
Montaucant, which is now in ruins. It is claimed that it was there that the
English Nurse Edith Cavell was executed and buried. This was verified by our
interpreter who is quite reliable in giving us information. In this town is
also the Crown Prince’s palace, in the tower of which he witnessed the great
battle of Verdun. About all that is left of the palace are the walls and a
concrete and steel lined shaft that stands in the middle and goes to a heighth
of 60 feet. The walls of this shaft are several feet in thickness and in here
he stood and witnessed the battle thru field glasses.
Many incidents
of interest happened in these trips that I will relate when I get back, which I
hope may be soon. The way it looks now and by reading the newspapers. I think
we will soon be started back across.
Have not seen anyone I know lately. Am feeling fine and hope all you folks are well also. I remain, Your Son, Jim
Editor’s Note: We do not have a photograph of James Sherin
Posted: February 22, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from James Sherin, Olivia Times, 12-26-1918
November 25, 1918
Dear Father:
Understand that we may write a letter today. Known as “Dads Letter” in which censorship rules are cast aside and we are allowed to mention the place we are now located in and also tell of the places we have been in as well as some of our experiences.
We are now on a trip across country, southwest of Verdun, and tonight are at a small town named Waly, in the department of Meuse.
About the first of September we took over a sector in Alsace. Known also as the Vosges pm account of being in the Vosges mountains. We were there for 40 days and got our first taste of real war. It was called a quiet sector but it was quite noisy according to my notion. We were shelled nearly every day by the enemy by large caliber guns. We were situated in the central part of Alsace near the town of Munster, which town was behind the enemy’s lines.
From there we went farther north, to the Argonne sector, where the American troops were driving the “Jerries” back at a rapid pace. We were to relieve a division there but they had the Germans running so fast they could not catch them and we were in chase for six days thru the muds and devastated country. The chase was thru the Argonne forest, the towns captured enroute being Briquenuy, Grand Pre, Authe, Chateu Therry. Apoemont, St. Pierremont, Cernay, Stonne and several others.
Our division assisted in the capture of Stonne and another town beyond there. We were ordered to the Verdun sector, as there were plenty of men there to keep the German going.
While on the way to Verdun, the armistice went into effect and hostilities ceased. We continued to Verdun however and got a chance to see that wonderfully fortified town. It is a great sight to see; the town is practically ruined, due to shelling and bombing from airplanes but never was captured. There is a town large enough to keep a large army in, under Verdun proper.
We were out to see the battlefields north and east of Verfun, where so many hard fought battles were fought in 1914 and later. The ground and everything is ruined by shellfire, even the trees being all shot down. It is a very desolate looking stretch of country, the only thing in sight being old shell holes, lines of trenches and barb wire entanglements. We left there 3 days ago and are now bound southward where we are bound for or what we are to do is merely a matter of conjecture.
Between the Argonne Sector and the Verdun sector we spent one day at the former Village of Montaucant, which is now in ruins. It is claimed that it was there that the English Nurse Edith Cavell was executed and buried. This was verified by our interpreter who is quite reliable in giving us information. In this town is also the Crown Prince’s palace, in the tower of which he witnessed the great battle of Verdun. About all that is left of the palace are the walls and a concrete and steel lined shaft that stands in the middle and goes to a heighth of 60 feet. The walls of this shaft are several feet in thickness and in here he stood and witnessed the battle thru field glasses.
Many incidents of interest happened in these trips that I will relate when I get back, which I hope may be soon. The way it looks now and by reading the newspapers. I think we will soon be started back across.
Have not seen anyone I know lately. Am feeling fine and hope all you folks are well also. I remain, Your Son, Jim
Editor’s Note: We do not have a photograph of James Sherin
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Posted: February 22, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Lawrence Schafer, Olivia Times, 12-26-1918
November 25, 1895 – March 16, 1969
Somewhere in France
November 23, 1918
Dear Folks at home:
Just a line to tell you the war is over which you undoubtly already know, and I was in the last big battle with the famous 5th Division went over the top and did not even receive a scratch. Was in the trenches from the 26 of October to November the 11th.
Have marched day and night so much that I landed in the hospital a few days ago on account of my feet.
The 5th Division got a great write up from Gen. Pershing for capturing 20 towns.
I have experienced some hard knocks since I began active fighting. Hiked two days and night on one box of hard tack and slept in a water hole, on my canteen. Great life if one does not weaken.
I was transferred from the 5th Division to the 2nd Division but the day the 2nd Division left for Germany to do patrol duty, it was impossible to get my shoes on, so had to stay and go to the hospital.
Wish I could get a change of socks and other clothing as I have wore these since I started active fighting. We stopped firing on the 11th month, 11th day and 11th hour.
I have had about 500 narrow escapes, many of my comrades were killed, a few of our old Company C. men too, were in the casualty list.
Most of the patients in this hospital have been gassed and been here about two months.
A Red Cross nurse comes thru here almost every day, other wise a couple of young lads in overalls take the place of nurses in each ward.
The Government issues smoking tobacco to us and about all we do is sit around near the stove, and tell what we used to eat at home and what we will eat when we get back, and the most of us wish for pan cakes. We get better eats here than at the front and more regular. I have no trouble eating all I get and I am not on light diet either. We get white bread here and it tastes like angel food cake to me. The morning I left for the hospital my Division left on a 5 day hike for the Rhine. I could not hike much now even if they did equip me again with rifle, pack, shoes, and so forth as my toes are numb like and give me considerable pain. I do not know what my address is now, but it does no good to send one home, as I have had so many, that’s why I have received no mail over here. I take it for granted every one back home is well. They will classify the men here, and send some home, others to their Division. There are lots of rumors about when we will get home but I think it will not be before spring by the looks of the papers. Well there is no more dodging whizz bangs or going over the top and facing machine guns which helps a lot.
Its cold clear fall weather here now, no snow yet, it rained almost every day, until the armistice was signed then stopped – queer is it not?
Now that the huns are properly whipped I would like to get a discharge, and help on the farm again.
Well good by, from your very much alive son, Lawrence Schafer
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Posted: February 22, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Ben Leonard, Olivia Times, 12-26-1918
The following letter was received last week by Sol Bergstrom from Ben Leonard:
France, November 17, 1918
Dear Sol:
Sunday and have been thinking of you for some days so going to pen you a few lines at this time. Now, as the war is over we are all wondering when we can come home which I hope is soon. I was in the line the day peace was signed at 11-11 and we shook hands with the Dutch when the good hour came. Every man is happy and ready to come home. Our outfit, Sol, has seen its share of fighting. I have been over the top 5 times. We went over the top again the day before the big doings. I will not go into details and tell you any of my experiences but will do so when I return, one thing I can say is, I have been a pretty lucky man. Sol, I have been with a man who is a dandy Violin player for the past four months and what he has learned me is not slow, of course I am out of practice and can’t pull off what I have in my head. He also gave me all the five points about a band which may be of some good to me some day. Sol, I am happy the war is over, but on the other hand I hate to come back to Olivia and find my home gone. The shock to me was something terrible and I can’t realize it yet. One good mother to me and no chance to see her any more. I have not seen or heard of any of the Olivia boys for a long time except Howard and he is getting along fine.
Well, Sol, I will come to Olivia but do not think I will make it my home. I think I will take my Fiddle now and look for bigger game.
Well Sol, I hope these few lines find you in the best of health and with Gods blessing I will say good bye.
Your old Pal, Ben,
P.S. Give my regards to your wife and any one you wish.
Editor’s Note: We do not have a photograph of Ben Leonard.
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Posted: February 22, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Reinhold Jakobitz, Olivia Times, 12-26-1918
Letter from Reinhold Jakobitz, Olivia Times, 12-26-1918
October 5th, 1918
Buffalo Lake News, Buffalo Lake, Minn.
Dear Friends:
I have been in France for some time. Most of the boys on our transport had a touch of seasickness, but I happened to be one of the lucky ones that didn’t get sick, although it had me guessing for the first couple of days. I never did sleep as much in my life as I did on board of ship. We had to go to bed early and get up at 6:30 in the morning. We had our signal corps band with us and they played twice a day, that is, when the sea wasn’t too rough. We also had a number of boxing matches and different stunts pulled off for the past time going over. Boat drill was our real excitement, we had it about every other day. We finally sighted land, and say, you could notice the change it made on the men. The sick got well in about five minutes. After we left the boat we went to a rest camp for 24 hours, then boarded a train and rode for two days. I myself don’t like to railroad system here. The 1-2-3-class stuff gets my goat. I rode in 2nd class and that wasn’t anything to brag about, it was too crowed for long rides. Four of the coaches here are about the size of one of the C. M. & St. coaches.
We went through some very pretty country. The farmers believe in hard work here, they cut grain with a scythe and hoe the corn and potatoes. They use one horse to do the hauling and oxen for the heavy work.
We were quartered in a small village and there were a number of vacant houses which we could occupy. We did some hard training for a couple of days, then we had to instruct dough boys. We sure did some hiking here or anywhere else was 41 miles in 21 hours. The men were rather sore footed for a week, including myself, but little things like that couldn’t be stopped for. Every place or town we get to here is full of American soldiers. I should think they would be rather scarce back there. Going from one town to another we find the people very much the same. Once in a while I s=would see a frenchman home on a furlough, but very few. I wish I could speak as well of the roads in the United States as I can of these. They are all paved with rock and are about a road and a half wide. Even the roads that are not used much are paved. It sure is great for automobiles and motorcycles. Every move we made we got closer to the front. We don’t bother as much about our clothes pressing as we did at Levenworth. Our next move was by truck train to a pretty good sized town (Vignal). We were there a short time then moved to where I am now at the front. I operate a telephone switchboard and am in a dugout all the time. At night I have electric lights and in the day time use candles. A bunch of us had a little excitement the other day. When shells are falling we all go and hunt a hole. One of our boys got a little excited and not seeing a bunch ahead of him, fell over one of the others in his haste, then he wouldn’t take time to get up and run but made it to the dugout on his hands and knees. We have some funny things like this pull off here about every day. The cook says we don’t get breakfast if we won’t furnish the wood. Well we won’t be chopping wood in France very much longer. Well I must say goodbye. From the man that is looking across “no man’s land.” I am, Sincerely yours,
Private Reinhold H. Jakobitz, 6th Fld. Sig. Corps. 6th Div. A.E.F.
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Last Updated: February 22, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Carl Hurtig, Olivia Times, 12-26-1918
December 29, 1895 – January 17, 1982
The Buffalo Lake News received the following letter last week from Carl Hurtig who has been in active service in France for several months.
November 4th, 1918
Dear Mr. Foster:
You will probably be surprised to hear from me as it is such a long time since I wrote you a letter, In fact I have not written to you since I came over, although I have often intended to do so.
I have now been in France for several months, almost long enough to get my first chevron, which I will be entitled to in a few days. I rather enjoyed my trip across the pond, which did not take very long. It sure was a swell trip as we had fine weather all the way I can tell you that the soldiers who came across on the transport I came over on, were certainly fed good. We only got two meals a day but we sure got a lot to eat and as good as there was to get. I wasn’t seasick at all and enjoyed the trip but as long as I live I shall not forget the last few hours of the voyage.
After landing in France we were sent to the forests of southern France, and have been there ever since. I have not been with my company all the time, as I have been away on detached service. I have been down to the Spanish border, and have seen the Pyrenees Mountains of which I have heard so much. Then I have been in the low lands of France where the land in only five feet above sea level, and then I have gone up in the mountains where the air is rare and cold. At present I am in these mountains in central France. We are in the highest point of the Arevergere Mountains and have been here for several months. I rather enjoyed being here at first as it was then a period of nice weather, but for a month or so it has been bad weather. It has rained a lot and has been pretty cold. But this is all in the game of the American Forester in France. It is quite an experience to work among the low hanging clouds in the drizzling rain, although I have been fortunate as my work keeps me dry under roof.
For about six weeks I have been working nights. I quite like to work at night as we have two whole nights and days off each week.
I am a tall sawyer in the mill that this company is operating. It is about the only job in the army that I have liked. There is not any hard work connected with it, but one has to be keenly alert at all times. Our mill is a ten thousand capacity mill and we are setting a pace for the rest that is hard to follow. We have cut thirty-two thousand feet in ten hours, which is going some for a mill of this size. I think we ranked first or second for last month among the mills of our class. This is going some as we did not come over here for this kind of work. In fact we have one of the best forestry companies in the S. O. S.
I like it pretty well over here, but I sure will be glad when I set foot on good U.S. soil again. The French have many strange customs which seemed funny to us when we first came over but we are used to them now. I can speak French fairly well now, although I have not made a study of it. We have some fine officers in our company and they do all they can for us. Through their efforts we have always had plenty of good food. Since coming over here I have been promoted to First Class Private. Well I will close for this time, and hope this letter reaches you O.K.
Sincerely, Carl G. Hurtig, 49th Co. 2oth Engineers
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