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Walter S Lingard World War I Letters, 1917-1919

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Several letters written by Corporal Walter S. Lingard to his family while at basic training, and then later, from France. Lingard served with the 18th Engineers during World War I. The 18th was one of the first units sent to France after the US entered the war, and was primarily a support group for soldiers who were on their way to the front. The 18th Engineers built docks, warehouses and storage yards in Bordeaux, and assisted with a variety of construction projects. In his letters home Lingard describes doing guard duty, working on pick and shovel brigades, painting signs, and guarding prisoners of war.

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American Lake June 28, 1917.

Dear Ma:

Received your letter and paper last night. I never had the Sunday Ex. but we can get them every day, two days late. Last night it rained like the dickens and our tent stretched and came half down and we had to go out and fix it. It is raining now and everything is so wet we don't have to drill.

The day we got up here I went to the Dr. and had my boil lanced, and I havn't had any more since then.

The way we understand things now we don't go to France for quite a while. I think we are going to leave here in about six weeks or so for a camp back

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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east. We are going to this camp to get it ready for the conscript army. The regiment was sworn into National service yesterday. Half the fellows up here have colds from this weather hot one day and raining the next. It hasn't bothered me at all. I never felt better in my life. There is one thing I would like you to make, one of those canvas rolls to put my small things in. They have flaps in to put a razor, brush, clothes brush, tooth brush, sewing kits etc. they keep all your things together. No more news now will drop a line to morrow.

With love Tee.

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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American Lake. June 29, 1917

Dear Ma:

Received your letter last night. Have time to answer it to-day because we are not drilling it is raining to hard. Hard change of a wood brigade yesterday in the rain, the wood we had was to wet. Had to go out in the forest and hunt up dry wood. They are digging a drainage system today to drain off the rain water. I don't have to do any of that. Never mind sending fruit because I can get it up here. Our mail is sent to the top Sergents tent and the Corporal of each tent gets the mail there. I think I told you I would get my picture taken, just as soon as I get my coat which is at the tailor's getting fixed.

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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We have a new top sergeant to-day they broke the other one and a lot more officers. I don't know what they will do with me. I thought I would know to-day but I won't know untill after the first. As it is now I am over cival (civil) eng. surveyors and all kinds of professions. Ask Charlie if he remembers Archie Butler from north Berkeley he is in the next tent from me.

There are two other fellows from Berk. in Co B. No more news today will drop a line to-morrow.

Love to all

Tee

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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July 5, 1917

Postmark: Lake City, Minn. Aug 5 4 - PM 1917

Mrs. W. T. Lingard 1334 Addison St., Berkeley, Cal.

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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