Just a note
which I hope reaches you still with the warmth of a good old Minnesota town in
the big U.S.A., which I once left for Uncle Sam who shall soon bring us back
again if we’re fortunate enough to be able to fight it through a few more
weeks, as the end is close at hand, and I’ll miss my guess if every road has
not an end, no matter how long it is.
Well, I would
like to take a chance going home in an aeroplane, otherwise I won’t be lonesome
for them when I do get away from their noise as they sound like shells coming
over, and you can imagine what a funny feeling it may be when there are about
100 whizzing through the air. But that’s nothing – just a trifle of the real
fireworks in this part of the battle.
I surely miss
lots of things over here, though I look forward to the Standard and those
letters which I know are on the way, and which I haven’t gotten yet, because I
have been paddling ever since I have been over here. I guess nothing will ever
catch me from the rear until I am back in the States, as the Yanks never
retreat.
I have parted
from every Minnesota pal I have had, am with strangers, but they are Yanks from
our sister states.
As I managed to
get in one of the Divisions that has been over here the longest, we are all in
hopes of having one of the first chances to take the big boat home, as it will
take some time to send us all back.
Wouldn’t mind
eating Xmas dinner at home, or at least have my feet under the table, as I know
everything is scarce and high prices, and only 2 lbs. of sugar must be just
like none or just a teaser. Something like a can of jam I got hold of a few
days ago. It wasn’t long before we had a hole in the hold, as we made sauce of
it – although it might have been plum pudding, who knows.
Then one
morning just before going over the top, some good friend who helped to hold the
lines the day before left me a fresh can of carp, which made my mouth water as
I was opening it with my bayonet, but just as I had my fork in it the command
came to go forward and I even left my fork. Just so I had my gas mask which is
supposed to be your best friend, then your rifle and ammunition. But I also
carried a blanket with all our other equipment, making a lot of extra weight,
but it sure came in handy even if we couldn’t sleep and it sure was a friend of
mine, and I made lots of friends with it just by letting loose of one end of
it. We were supposed to have overcoats like most of the men had, but it seems
ours couldn’t catch up with us but if we can’t keep warm we’ll make it mighty
warm in front of us.
I sure want to
thank the Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., K.C. and Salvation Army as they all have been a
great help; and thanks to their helpers.
The French
treat us mighty nice, They think we are American wonders, or millionaire
soldiers as they sure get what money we may happen to have as the Yank lets it
go easy.
Well I must
close wishing you all the best of health and prosperity and Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year. I am sure it will be happier than the last one. I know it has
made me so already. I am, Your
Friend, Wilbert Lamers, Co. E. 23 Inf., A.E.F., France
P.S. Thought I
would slip this in: They say the Kaiser is the only one who ever bought a round
trip ticket to Paris. But he has used the last half first, so I am waiting from
him to use the first half before I visit Paris. Paris is about the only place
of importance over here that I haven’t been to. I have been in the south,
traveling back and forth east and west, as I worked north. W.L.
Letters
Written from France Before Peace Came Predict an Early Victory
Under date of
November 6, Edward C. Lammers, who is in France, wrote a letter to the Standard
in which he says, “peace is near.” Following is the letter:
“I had a
remittance of $1.50 sent you yesterday for subscription. This may be short of
paying for a year, but I’ll be back in time to make up the deficit.
There are four
of us Fairfax lads in this camp, so we let the paper go from one to another.
The news looks good even if it is a month old.
You ought to
see the papers here; only two pages, and most of that is advertising. They are
generally two days behind time, however they tell us the peace is near.
Charles Buehler December 7, 1888 – October 9, 1918
Another sad message reached this community last Sunday when Joseph Buehler received a telegram from the War department announcing the death of his son, Charles. The message stated that Charles had been killed in action in France, between the dates of September 26 and 30. He was engaged in the field artillery. This brave soldier, who gave his all for his country, was one of the first to be taken from civilian life. At the time he was employed with his brother Joseph at Detroit, Michigan. After a period of training in camp he went to France, arriving there March 6. The frequent letters which he wrote home were always of a cheerful nature, indicating that he had no fear for his own safety, and that he was willing and proud to be one of the participants in so worthy a struggle. Besides the father and mother who mourn the loss of a most worthy son, there are three brothers: Joseph, Detroit, Mich., and Albert and Frank, both of whom are at home.
Editor’s Note: Charles Buehler is buried in France. The Fairfax Legion post is named for him and two others, Clarence Buehler and William Bruggeman.
Calmer Carlson March 10, 1891 – October 9, 1918
Calmer Carlson dies from influenza pneumonia in France.
Mrs. Carlson of Bandon township, mother of Calmer Carlson received the sad news from the War Department Friday of last week of the death of her son. According to the telegram the death occurred October 9, caused by influenza pneumonia. He was 27 years, six months, 26 days of age at the time of death. Calmer left for Camp Wadsworth, Spartansburg, S.C., July 25, last and later was transferred to France, arriving there about September 6. His family believe that he was sick all the time after arriving in France as no word was heard from him after his arrival there. While at Camp Wadsworth he wrote frequently. He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters, namely Sina Mathilda, and Marie. He is survived by a sorrowing mother, five sisters and three brothers. The sisters are: Olga, at home; Mrs. Ludvig Dahlquist, Mrs. Axel Dahlquist, Mrs. Mathew Weikle, all of Bandon; Mrs. Meiner Mork, Palmyra. The brothers are Carl and Martin, both of whom are at home and Hakkon, of Minneapolis. Calmer was one of the estimable young men of the community, and because of his kindness, honesty of purpose and manliness he held the deep respect of a large number of friends.
In my other
letter, which I wrote to you while on the transport on the way across, I stated
that I would write again after I had spent some time in France and found
something interesting to write about. I intended to write sooner but we have
been very busy during the past two months, being on duty about fourteen hours a
day, seven days a week, and until we arrived at this sector, have moved on an
average of every ten days – so you can see my time is pretty well occupied;
have practically no spare time and consequently my letter writing suffers.
For a long time,
I have been patiently waiting for a copy of the Union but as yet none has
reached me since my arrival over here. Several of the boys in my outfit tell me
that they have not received their “home paper” either for three or four months;
the reason must be that newspapers are held up in some post office, letters
being given preference. When the Bugle does arrive, it will be greatly
appreciated as I am anxious to learn what has taken place at Bird Island since
I left.
When we first
landed in France we were taken to a rest camp, where we spent a week to rest up
after the long voyage across. It looked to me as though we must have struck the
rainy season while we were at this rest camp, as it rained every day and every
night (some night all night long). Of course this was quite a change for us, as
it was quite cool and damp. We bunked on the ground in tents and things were
not as pleasant as they had been in the states; but we didn’t mind that at all
– we were glad to be in France at last after waiting anxiously so long to be
called for overseas duty.
A few days
after we arrived over here a detail from our Squadron was sent to the dock
where we landed to do some work. I walked over to the other side of the dock where
some Engineers were unloading some supplies from a boat and recognized among
them Frank Dresow. It was quite a surprise for both of us but we were very glad
to see each other, although didn’t have much time to talk. Since that time I
never saw Frank any more.
From the rest
camp we went by train to an aviation camp, where we had all the conveniences a
soldier could ask for; good barracks and a good Y.M.C.A., the latter being in
most of the places we have been stationed. Here we also had a very good baseball
diamond and we tried our hand at the national game once more in our spare time.
Occasionally we would place a couple of Frenchmen on each side to teach them
the game. They were anxious to play but you can imagine how well they were
instructed and how much they learned about the game when they couldn’t speak a
word of English and we didn’t understand French. But we all enjoyed ourselves
nevertheless.
After I had
been at this camp for about two weeks, I was transferred to Headquarters, Air
Service, First Army, of which outfit I have now been a member for three months.
You have no doubt heard lost about the First Army back in the States, of its
formation and then the different offensives which it has carried out; also the
sector which it now occupies in the line. I like my work in this organization
first rate but expect to rejoin my squadron in the field on the Air Service
front later on.
I have traveled
practically entirely over Central France and have had a good opportunity to see
quite a bit of the country. Sometimes we have traveled by rail and sometimes by
motor truck; at times while on the move we made out bunks in any empty house or
barn we could find, many of the houses being deserted owing to the inhabitants
moving out of shell fire; sometimes there were no houses so some of us slept in
the trucks and some under them.
At present we
are stationed on the edge of a very small village, practically out in the
wilderness. The village consists of a church and a few houses and two or three
stores, where hardly anything can be bought. The Y.M.C.A. has a hut here but
they only have things to sell once in a while outside of smokes. But we get
three good square meals a day here and certainly have some appetites, not being
able to eat between meals here.
The front in
this sector has been very active for some time. The heavy firing commences
bright and early in the morning and continues until late at night. A great
number of aeroplanes from this field can be seen flying over the front lines
almost every day.
I had a letter
from my brother, Clifford, about a month ago; he is in the 315th
Aero Squadron, which is stationed in England. Warren Mitchell is in another
Squadron near Clifford.
We have had
quite a bit of rainy weather this fall, but this past week has been fine. It is
rather cool here in the mornings just now and guess winter will soon be here.
When it rains here for just a short time, the ground certainly becomes muddy, a
white sticky mud that certainly beats any mud I ever experienced before.
I am getting
along fine and am very much pleased with the treatment Uncle Sam gives us.
Trusting that
this letter reaches you in the best of health, I remain,
Sincerely
yours, Corp. Ira T. Strom, Hdqrs., Air Service, 1st Army, American
E. F.
I must write a
few lines this evening as putting it off does not get anywhere.
Received two of
your letters in the last couple days of Aug. 28 and Sept. 12. This is the first
mail that I had received for nearly a month. One of the boys received 26
letters today, that ought to keep him a going for a while.
As you see, I
am doing a good deal of traveling and of course see all kinds of country. Land
where battles had raged for years is a terrible sight, all shot to pieces and
what trees are still standing are all shattered and dead.
Could you
imagine a small city like out home town build of brick or stone as these places
are, lying in ruins? All this we have left behind. The country where I am now
has not been destroyed much. Civilians are coming back again to work their land
and repair their homes. Many of them are only women and children.
The weather had
been damp and rainy a couple days ago and a little fire was a great comfort.
Can you picture a bunch of us boys lying around a camp fire in an old ruined
building talking about all the apple pie and ice cream we left in the states,
and when our appetite gets worked up beyond control we go out and rustle up
some bread, jam and spuds and with the use of our mess kits we make
french-fries that would make a Frenchman’s mouth water. The bread we toast and
soon we forget all about the luxuries at home and (only wish the war would last
a few more years.)
We have “up to
the minute news,” that is, when we see it with our own eyes, otherwise we have
the opportunity quite often to get the New York Herald and the Fast Mail, both
are daily papers and usually only a day old when we get them.
I looked up Mr.
Nihart a few days ago. He is in the signal corp. I knew he was in a signal
out-fit but did not know which one, we both happened to be billeted in the same
building at the time, a large church.
I brought my
Kodak and left it behind when we went up to the line. I suppose that is the
last I will see of it. Well it matters little as I lost everything but what I
had on.
Am getting
along fine. The boys say I am getting fat.
Must close now,
as ever, Ora Huebner, 91st Div. Hdq. troop G 2, A.P.O. 776, A.E.F.
Last Updated: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Willard Lammers, Fairfax Standard, 5 Dec 1918
March 1, 1892 – February 8, 1948
France, October 22, 1918
Friend Editor and Folks at Home:
Just a note which I hope reaches you still with the warmth of a good old Minnesota town in the big U.S.A., which I once left for Uncle Sam who shall soon bring us back again if we’re fortunate enough to be able to fight it through a few more weeks, as the end is close at hand, and I’ll miss my guess if every road has not an end, no matter how long it is.
Well, I would like to take a chance going home in an aeroplane, otherwise I won’t be lonesome for them when I do get away from their noise as they sound like shells coming over, and you can imagine what a funny feeling it may be when there are about 100 whizzing through the air. But that’s nothing – just a trifle of the real fireworks in this part of the battle.
I surely miss lots of things over here, though I look forward to the Standard and those letters which I know are on the way, and which I haven’t gotten yet, because I have been paddling ever since I have been over here. I guess nothing will ever catch me from the rear until I am back in the States, as the Yanks never retreat.
I have parted from every Minnesota pal I have had, am with strangers, but they are Yanks from our sister states.
As I managed to get in one of the Divisions that has been over here the longest, we are all in hopes of having one of the first chances to take the big boat home, as it will take some time to send us all back.
Wouldn’t mind eating Xmas dinner at home, or at least have my feet under the table, as I know everything is scarce and high prices, and only 2 lbs. of sugar must be just like none or just a teaser. Something like a can of jam I got hold of a few days ago. It wasn’t long before we had a hole in the hold, as we made sauce of it – although it might have been plum pudding, who knows.
Then one morning just before going over the top, some good friend who helped to hold the lines the day before left me a fresh can of carp, which made my mouth water as I was opening it with my bayonet, but just as I had my fork in it the command came to go forward and I even left my fork. Just so I had my gas mask which is supposed to be your best friend, then your rifle and ammunition. But I also carried a blanket with all our other equipment, making a lot of extra weight, but it sure came in handy even if we couldn’t sleep and it sure was a friend of mine, and I made lots of friends with it just by letting loose of one end of it. We were supposed to have overcoats like most of the men had, but it seems ours couldn’t catch up with us but if we can’t keep warm we’ll make it mighty warm in front of us.
I sure want to thank the Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., K.C. and Salvation Army as they all have been a great help; and thanks to their helpers.
The French treat us mighty nice, They think we are American wonders, or millionaire soldiers as they sure get what money we may happen to have as the Yank lets it go easy.
Well I must close wishing you all the best of health and prosperity and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am sure it will be happier than the last one. I know it has made me so already. I am, Your Friend, Wilbert Lamers, Co. E. 23 Inf., A.E.F., France
P.S. Thought I would slip this in: They say the Kaiser is the only one who ever bought a round trip ticket to Paris. But he has used the last half first, so I am waiting from him to use the first half before I visit Paris. Paris is about the only place of importance over here that I haven’t been to. I have been in the south, traveling back and forth east and west, as I worked north. W.L.
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Posted: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Ed Lammers, Fairfax Standard, 12-5-1918
Letters Written from France Before Peace Came Predict an Early Victory
Under date of November 6, Edward C. Lammers, who is in France, wrote a letter to the Standard in which he says, “peace is near.” Following is the letter:
“I had a remittance of $1.50 sent you yesterday for subscription. This may be short of paying for a year, but I’ll be back in time to make up the deficit.
There are four of us Fairfax lads in this camp, so we let the paper go from one to another. The news looks good even if it is a month old.
You ought to see the papers here; only two pages, and most of that is advertising. They are generally two days behind time, however they tell us the peace is near.
Wishing for a sudden finish.
I am, Very truly yours, Ed. C. Lammers”
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Last Updated: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Charles Buehler and Calmer Carlson Give Their All in Service of Country, Fairfax Standard, 12-5-1918
December 7, 1888 – October 9, 1918
Another sad message reached this community last Sunday when Joseph Buehler received a telegram from the War department announcing the death of his son, Charles.
The message stated that Charles had been killed in action in France, between the dates of September 26 and 30. He was engaged in the field artillery.
This brave soldier, who gave his all for his country, was one of the first to be taken from civilian life. At the time he was employed with his brother Joseph at Detroit, Michigan. After a period of training in camp he went to France, arriving there March 6. The frequent letters which he wrote home were always of a cheerful nature, indicating that he had no fear for his own safety, and that he was willing and proud to be one of the participants in so worthy a struggle.
Besides the father and mother who mourn the loss of a most worthy son, there are three brothers: Joseph, Detroit, Mich., and Albert and Frank, both of whom are at home.
Editor’s Note: Charles Buehler is buried in France. The Fairfax Legion post is named for him and two others, Clarence Buehler and William Bruggeman.
March 10, 1891 – October 9, 1918
Calmer Carlson dies from influenza pneumonia in France.
Mrs. Carlson of Bandon township, mother of Calmer Carlson received the sad news from the War Department Friday of last week of the death of her son.
According to the telegram the death occurred October 9, caused by influenza pneumonia. He was 27 years, six months, 26 days of age at the time of death.
Calmer left for Camp Wadsworth, Spartansburg, S.C., July 25, last and later was transferred to France, arriving there about September 6. His family believe that he was sick all the time after arriving in France as no word was heard from him after his arrival there. While at Camp Wadsworth he wrote frequently.
He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters, namely Sina Mathilda, and Marie. He is survived by a sorrowing mother, five sisters and three brothers. The sisters are: Olga, at home; Mrs. Ludvig Dahlquist, Mrs. Axel Dahlquist, Mrs. Mathew Weikle, all of Bandon; Mrs. Meiner Mork, Palmyra. The brothers are Carl and Martin, both of whom are at home and Hakkon, of Minneapolis. Calmer was one of the estimable young men of the community, and because of his kindness, honesty of purpose and manliness he held the deep respect of a large number of friends.
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Posted: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Ira Strom, Bird Island Union, 12-5-1918
January 9, 1891 – March 3, 1945
Somewhere in France, October 31st, 1918
Mr. H. C. Sherwood, Bird Island, Minn.
Dear Friend Herb,
In my other letter, which I wrote to you while on the transport on the way across, I stated that I would write again after I had spent some time in France and found something interesting to write about. I intended to write sooner but we have been very busy during the past two months, being on duty about fourteen hours a day, seven days a week, and until we arrived at this sector, have moved on an average of every ten days – so you can see my time is pretty well occupied; have practically no spare time and consequently my letter writing suffers.
For a long time, I have been patiently waiting for a copy of the Union but as yet none has reached me since my arrival over here. Several of the boys in my outfit tell me that they have not received their “home paper” either for three or four months; the reason must be that newspapers are held up in some post office, letters being given preference. When the Bugle does arrive, it will be greatly appreciated as I am anxious to learn what has taken place at Bird Island since I left.
When we first landed in France we were taken to a rest camp, where we spent a week to rest up after the long voyage across. It looked to me as though we must have struck the rainy season while we were at this rest camp, as it rained every day and every night (some night all night long). Of course this was quite a change for us, as it was quite cool and damp. We bunked on the ground in tents and things were not as pleasant as they had been in the states; but we didn’t mind that at all – we were glad to be in France at last after waiting anxiously so long to be called for overseas duty.
A few days after we arrived over here a detail from our Squadron was sent to the dock where we landed to do some work. I walked over to the other side of the dock where some Engineers were unloading some supplies from a boat and recognized among them Frank Dresow. It was quite a surprise for both of us but we were very glad to see each other, although didn’t have much time to talk. Since that time I never saw Frank any more.
From the rest camp we went by train to an aviation camp, where we had all the conveniences a soldier could ask for; good barracks and a good Y.M.C.A., the latter being in most of the places we have been stationed. Here we also had a very good baseball diamond and we tried our hand at the national game once more in our spare time. Occasionally we would place a couple of Frenchmen on each side to teach them the game. They were anxious to play but you can imagine how well they were instructed and how much they learned about the game when they couldn’t speak a word of English and we didn’t understand French. But we all enjoyed ourselves nevertheless.
After I had been at this camp for about two weeks, I was transferred to Headquarters, Air Service, First Army, of which outfit I have now been a member for three months. You have no doubt heard lost about the First Army back in the States, of its formation and then the different offensives which it has carried out; also the sector which it now occupies in the line. I like my work in this organization first rate but expect to rejoin my squadron in the field on the Air Service front later on.
I have traveled practically entirely over Central France and have had a good opportunity to see quite a bit of the country. Sometimes we have traveled by rail and sometimes by motor truck; at times while on the move we made out bunks in any empty house or barn we could find, many of the houses being deserted owing to the inhabitants moving out of shell fire; sometimes there were no houses so some of us slept in the trucks and some under them.
At present we are stationed on the edge of a very small village, practically out in the wilderness. The village consists of a church and a few houses and two or three stores, where hardly anything can be bought. The Y.M.C.A. has a hut here but they only have things to sell once in a while outside of smokes. But we get three good square meals a day here and certainly have some appetites, not being able to eat between meals here.
The front in this sector has been very active for some time. The heavy firing commences bright and early in the morning and continues until late at night. A great number of aeroplanes from this field can be seen flying over the front lines almost every day.
I had a letter from my brother, Clifford, about a month ago; he is in the 315th Aero Squadron, which is stationed in England. Warren Mitchell is in another Squadron near Clifford.
We have had quite a bit of rainy weather this fall, but this past week has been fine. It is rather cool here in the mornings just now and guess winter will soon be here. When it rains here for just a short time, the ground certainly becomes muddy, a white sticky mud that certainly beats any mud I ever experienced before.
I am getting along fine and am very much pleased with the treatment Uncle Sam gives us.
Trusting that this letter reaches you in the best of health, I remain,
Sincerely yours, Corp. Ira T. Strom, Hdqrs., Air Service, 1st Army, American E. F.
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Posted: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Ora Huebner, Bird Island Union, 12-5-1918
Somewhere in Belgium, Oct. 26, 1918
Dear sister and all:
I must write a few lines this evening as putting it off does not get anywhere.
Received two of your letters in the last couple days of Aug. 28 and Sept. 12. This is the first mail that I had received for nearly a month. One of the boys received 26 letters today, that ought to keep him a going for a while.
As you see, I am doing a good deal of traveling and of course see all kinds of country. Land where battles had raged for years is a terrible sight, all shot to pieces and what trees are still standing are all shattered and dead.
Could you imagine a small city like out home town build of brick or stone as these places are, lying in ruins? All this we have left behind. The country where I am now has not been destroyed much. Civilians are coming back again to work their land and repair their homes. Many of them are only women and children.
The weather had been damp and rainy a couple days ago and a little fire was a great comfort. Can you picture a bunch of us boys lying around a camp fire in an old ruined building talking about all the apple pie and ice cream we left in the states, and when our appetite gets worked up beyond control we go out and rustle up some bread, jam and spuds and with the use of our mess kits we make french-fries that would make a Frenchman’s mouth water. The bread we toast and soon we forget all about the luxuries at home and (only wish the war would last a few more years.)
We have “up to the minute news,” that is, when we see it with our own eyes, otherwise we have the opportunity quite often to get the New York Herald and the Fast Mail, both are daily papers and usually only a day old when we get them.
I looked up Mr. Nihart a few days ago. He is in the signal corp. I knew he was in a signal out-fit but did not know which one, we both happened to be billeted in the same building at the time, a large church.
I brought my Kodak and left it behind when we went up to the line. I suppose that is the last I will see of it. Well it matters little as I lost everything but what I had on.
Am getting along fine. The boys say I am getting fat.
Must close now, as ever, Ora Huebner, 91st Div. Hdq. troop G 2, A.P.O. 776, A.E.F.
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