From WWI veterans, in their own words

In honor of all who have sacrificed for and served with the Armed Forces of this great country — excerpts of World War I writings available through the Amenia Historical Society, transcribed by Betsy Strauss, are being shared here now. The Millerton News is running a three-part series in recognition of Veterans Day. This is the second in the series. Although their hometowns aren’t listed, Strauss confirmed the soldiers were from the Harlem Valley, the majority from Amenia.

Part II

In many letters, soldiers tried to send home a cheerful picture of conditions. But in his War Diary, Willard Joray made the day-to-day privations clear.

He wrote, “Arrived at St. Genevieve. Found the town in terrible condition, but inhabited. I am sleeping in a dirty room on the floor tonight. I understand that many spies are operating in this town.” Sept. 5, 1918 

“Heavy firing all night and today. Cold rain and the mud is ankle deep. I have wrapped my ankles and legs with burlap which helps some.” Sept. 12, 1918

“I will never forget this morning… We were all wearing our gas masks. Couldn’t see a foot ahead of me. The roads are nothing but sticks and logs laid down… Dawn finds me propped against a poplar tree and I sleep. We are all very tired and very-dirty.” Sept. 16, 1918

“Cold and dreary… I sleep on the ambulance seat… Rain, in gobs!” Sept. 29, 1918

“A letter from T tells me it’s all over — our love affair! Darn it, and I was so happy today. I don’t care what happens now. Guess it was only a war romance anyway.” Oct. 2, 1918

“Bathed today. Cooties were lusty and strong and all were doing well.” Oct. 3, 1918

Ten days before the Armistice he wrote, “Oh! What a wretched barren country. The trees have been mowed close to earth by a severe barrage and the roads are in terrible condition. We are dead tired and it’s an easy matter to fall asleep leaning against a wagon wheel. Flashes along the horizon warn us that we are to have a taste of something before long.” Nov. 1, 1918

Occasionally, deep feelings and derogatory terms were expressed, which The Millerton News does not approve of or condone but included for the sake of historical accuracy.

Local soldiers wrote of Paris, swimming in the Somme River and, some, like Milo Winchester “saw Amiens and that beautiful cathedral which Fritz seems determined to destroy. It is a shame to think that civilized people could make such destruction in such a beautiful city as it was once.” July 27, 1918

But they were, perhaps, more impressed and comforted seeing reminders of home.

Winchester said, “You remember in the Catskills last summer how pretty it was. Well, just recall that and make it more beautiful and you will have an idea of the scenery. For all the world, these mountain peaks remind me of Shokan.” Aug. 5, 1918

Joray wrote, “Such a golden dreamy day. The towering beeches are in their autumn dress. I endeavor to dream myself back to the Berkshire hills. How wonderful they must be at present.” Oct. 5, 1918

But no matter the situation nor the view, soldiers such as Clifford Reed thought often of those waiting for them to return. 

“Sunday, 2:45: that means it is a quarter of nine at home. I wonder what you are doing. Maybe you will take a spin in the Buick and go to Millbrook. I wish I could be with you, but I never mind. I sure will make up for lost time when I get home… You are continually in my thoughts, and I am praying that God will be with you until I come back to you. I know you must worry a lot, but, little Mother, I assure you that I am in good hands, and am in good spirits, as well as in good health… Your ‘soldier boy’ is well and happy.” April 1918

“I am feeling fine and all that worries me is that you are worrying about me. Don’t do it, Mother Reed. Your boy is all right. Have Pop take a cottage on one of the lakes and go there and have a good rest. He could go back and forth in the car, the same as we did a couple of years ago… My thoughts are with you all the time. How I love you all and am hoping the time when I can be with you again will soon come.” July 17, 1918

Finally, his hopeful words, “We hear good news every day now and everyone seems to think that our work ‘over here’ may soon be over and we will be on our way back to the good old U.S.A. before long… but then, what won’t I do to those old-fashioned fritters and maple syrup that mother makes and homemade sausage and pancakes won’t go so bad either.” Oct. 5, 1918 

Just over one month later, The Armistice came. 

In Part III: What happened just after the guns went silent.

Read full letters transcribed by Amenia Historical Society’s Betsy Strauss at www.ameniahs.org. Thanks to her and North East Historical Society President Ed Downey of the Downey Family Archives.