Letters From Oregon Boys in France 1917-1918 by Various

Author:Various [Various]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781782890546
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Lucknow Books
Published: 2013-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

XXI

Miss Roxanna Shroyer, Tudor Arms Apartments, received the following letter from her brother, James R. Shroyer, 13th Regiment Engineers, Railway.

Somewhere in France.

Since leaving Liverpool have been very much on the move. I will not be able to name places or go into much detail. You, no doubt read in the papers of the reception in London. The crowds went wild. The King and the Queen were there. I was not there at the time. We being the advance agents were there the morning before and fixed it up with George. Our detachment of 34 men then went to an English port and out to a large rest camp, a fine place and clean. Spent from 2:30 to 6:00 soaking in a bath; stayed there two days till rest of regiment came along. We boarded a captured German boat for France; arrived at French port at dawn. The people all came running to the water front and cheered, but we were not allowed to answer. We worked all day until nine in the evening unloading boats and loading train. We marched to the train, but could have no lights on account of danger of Zeps, which were at large looking for Americans, either in England or France; had a tiresome ride in these funny trains; were met at the station by a French band and crowds of people. We marched to the barracks amid much chatter and funny music. Saw a real air battle yesterday and two today and it was some sight to see five officers' machines going for each other.

The places about here look as natural as could be expected and, though the Germans were here, there is no evidence, but about a couple hours' walk will take one to some old trenches and ruins.

Had a big parade yesterday, also inspection and review by a high jinx French General, who had lost an arm and leg in the early part of the war. He had Spalding's Jewelry Shop skinned a mile for decorations.

Sweets are very high here on account of tax. No white bread or cakes; am going to do some washing so will stop awhile.

Have just returned from a sixty-five mile trip around the front and have seen some wonderful things, but will have to refrain from writing about them, as the censor forbids. The last letter I wrote September 18 I was in the French hospital, but now I am feeling fine; had a great time making my nurses understand; had to talk with my hands; suppose you read in the papers that our regiment was the first of Americans to put the Grand Old Flag on the front. We received quite a write-up in Paris edition of New York Herald and Chicago Tribune. Quite some honor for a bunch of rookies. Sunday three of us took a stroll about the famous Argonne forest and had a fine trip. We stopped at a funny house and the obliging French women cooked us a fine meal. Egg-omelette, French fried potatoes, bread, etc.

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