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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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2 Imprint: American Y.M.C.A. logo On Active Service WITH THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

fellow is playing a jig on a violin. Looking around at the different bunks you see some reading some writing and others passing rumors back and forth. The stories passing back and forth would make a book that would be well worth reading.

They sneaked one over on me to-day they informed me that I would have to go to work tomorrow. I have had the prize job of the Co for the last two months and they have just found it out. I have had charge of a guard and it certainly was easy for me.

It hasn’t rained for about a week but it makes up for it in being so cold. In the morning the frost is very heavy and unless the

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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Imprint: American Y.M.C.A. logo On Active Service WITH THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

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sun shines on it all day it will still be there at night. The cold here is very penetrating and damp, and a fellow is very lucky if he hasn’t a cold. But there is one good thing we have plenty of warm clothes to wear to keep out the cold. I havn’t had any sign of a cold and I am not going to have one if I have anything to do with it.

I didn’t get the packages I expected the last mail but we are going to get mail next week and I have hopes of getting them then. I received a letter from you and Rose. I will answer the questions you asked me. I have received the Chronicle only once I have received one box of cakes

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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from Toots. I didn’t get the thanksgiving box you sent me but I guess it will come wondering in some day. I think some of the mail goes all around the world before it gets here.

Well Ma it is time for me to blow out my candle and to report the men in the hut all present. They gave me the job this week of reporting the hut and I have to stay awake untill ten o’clock and go around and see that everybody is in bed.

I will close hoping to find everybody well at home.

Love to everybody

Tee

Stamped: D. E. Rhivers, 1st Lieut E.O.R.C.

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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