World War I

Arlie’s letters home

11 February 1918

Dear Friend,

     I have received several letters last week one of them written in January, but as yet no package has come.  It has been one transfer after another since I came to France.  This has been one reason my letters are delayed.

     All of my crowd at Gov. I - N.Y. came over unattached so we are scattered around to the different camps – If possible I will get a nice souvenir and send it soon.  I have not been outside but one time (then I could not get any presents) since Dec 9th. The Christmas I spent was rather dull on Hospital Train #50.  We were on a siding for 12 days in a little French village with nothing to see, no where to go, dull.  Well it was dull.  Our officers on the train were kind and good to us, but we had nowhere to wash our clothes and nowhere to bathe.

     I have a French aviator friend.  He comes in to see me, and brought me a piece of one of the German zeps he brought down.  He is one eyed and one ear gone – was shot down – now he is an Instructor.  Use this address –

Yours truly,

      Private T.A.B.

Med Dept. Hospital Camp #17 AEF

Adv Med Supply Depot

Dijon, FR

13 November 1917

Dear Friend,

Business is brief with a lot of moving but I am located for a few days at least - Anyway I am tired of traveling for once.  It is a little cool here and winter is fast-approaching.  This part of France is a little damp - in fact - is nearly as bad as England for rain.

There are eleven of us now of my former comrades on Gov. I - N.Y., there are a lot of Americans here from all parts of the U.S.A. and there are some fine chaps here.

This country is very rich in gothic architecture and ancient history, old wine and beautiful women - all so curious customs from U.S. people’s ways.  I am in a hurry so will close with the best of wishes and regards - give me all the news and direct letters as follows - below.

Yours truly,

      Private T.A.B.

Med Dept. Hospital Camp #14 AEF

3rd Aviation Instruction Camp

Issoudun, FR

undated, circa 1917

My Dear Friend,

…The boys here are as nice now as at home - and they are the same here as at home and the army is like the world, no one crowd all alike…All are busy here, and every day is a big day on sick call here.  And our department is very busy…

I hope to hear from you soon as it was a long wait.  But I am all there with the patience — Tell me of the people and the news — Tell me who’s doing the most raising hell!…Tell me who is courting?  Who’s trying to marry…

Best wishes,

      Private T.A.B.

Med Dept. Hospital Camp #14 AEF

3rd Aviation Instruction Camp

Issoudun, FR

20 November 1940

Dear,

I am surprised - 3 children, one wife, 1 white bull - by all are contented and make no move to write me…

I am getting better, ok…Soon I will know whether or not I will be able to work, again…

”Mon Cher” I want my cheap horn rim spectacles, and a book of stamps also, post cards!

I want to hear from all of you - tell the children to write.

Yours,

T.A.B.

U.S. Hospital

Roanoke, VA, USA

1 December 1940 - 2:30 pm

Dear,

I am expecting to go to staff on Wednesday morning, then some decision will be made of my case…

There is so many things I wish to say to you, but you remember my last letter. I got the package ok. Dear, I hope you have got on ok with the children on guiding their little feet, you must cultivate firmness -

When I go before the staff they will pass, I have asked for a discharge, so let us hope we can meet soon!

I am in the receiving ward, yet about 20 of the boys in, I expect over a thousand here. So many poor old broken down men who have nowhere to go. Tell the children to pray for them.

Love,

T.A.B.

U.S. Hospital

Roanoke, VA, USA