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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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always something going on. After the lectures there is either a ball game or an entertainment. There is to be a big concert and dance at the Tacoma Hotel Wed. night. It is for the benefit of our mess fund. It is to be a big society event. There are several cartoonists in the regiment and they drew a lot of posters for advertisements, and they sure were swell. I am not getting thinner I weigh two pound more than when I came here. They do not open mail. I am going to send the grip C.O.D. to-morrow, we have all our bags now so we have to get rid of our grips. It is kind of banged up some but I will wrap it up good. There are several things I want to send home. Love to all. Tee

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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Postmark: TACOMA, WASH. Jul 15 5 - PM 1917

Rainier National Park Opens June 15

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

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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American Lake July 20, 1917

Dear Ma:

We are getting near the time when we leave for another place, nobody knows when or where we are going but it will be in a few days. I hope my roll and diary ge here before we move. Don't think and worry that we are going across the water right away because we are not. There will be only there Co. move first followed by the other Co's later. The other Co's will not be ready for a while and untill they get ready and join us in our new camp we will not go to Europe. A transport will hold over two thousand men so when we move we will all move together.

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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I believe though from rumors going around that we are going to N.Y. There were several things heard around, which I can't state who it was from, that our move will be there. As I said in another letter we might go to Russia I am still of the same opinion. The officers always say whether we go to Russia or France we will do this or that but they won't say which. This will be our address when we go away if we go to Russia. I guess it will be different. Tell Tonnie the shoes got all torn to pieces.

Love Tee

note that it is the 18th Eng.

Corporal W. S. L. 18th Eng. Railway Co. B. U.S. Expeditionary Force in France c/o Adjutant General Wash. D. C.

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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[Postcard]

View of the roof garden, sixth floor, Rhodes Brothers' New Store

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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