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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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[postcard] Postmark: Tacoma, Wash. Military Jul 20 10 AM

Everybody:

Nothing new at all just the same old thing. Don't believe reports about us coming to Palo Alto, it is the N. Guard that are going there. Will send the grip to-morrow. Love Tee.

Lingard Family 1334 Addison St. Berkeley Cal.

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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American Lake July 24, 1917

Dear Ma:

All we have is ideas about when we are going to leave. There is nothing definite at all but we do know it will be soon. As I said before we will leave before the rest of the Reg. because they are recruiting one hundred more men. Some of the fellows got their discharge on account of sickness. We need more men to do kitchen work, the privates are doing that now, and a bunch more in different lines. They will have to train all these men so wherever we go we will stay a while to get ready. They will not send us accross the waters untill we are thoroughly trained and ready to stand

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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the weather conditions. It was foolish talk to say that we would be in France in six weeks or two months because we would not be able to do any thing when we got there. They want the U.S. troops to be in perfect condition to be able to ward off any sickness or fever. I never felt better in my life than I do now, we go to bed early and get up early. The tents are furled so that you are sleeping out in the open air so that when you get up in the morning you feel fine. The 18th Reg. is the 8th the only thing is they changed the number. I will still be Corp. in the 18th.

Love to All

Tee

Tell Allie I am going to send her a postal

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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American flag in left corner

[imprint:] Army and Navy Young Men's Christian Association

American Lake July 26, 1917

Dear Ma!

Just a line to-night because I havn't any time. We had a great drill to-day will tell you about it tomorrow night when I will have lots of time. I am sending a photo to-night of the Co. Read the circular inside and you will understand what it is about. Will have to stop now because the bugle is sounding taps. I am almost positive now that we will leave Mon. the 30th for N. York

With love

Tee

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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American Flag in left corner

July 29, 1917 Postmark: TACOMA, WASH. Jul 30 1917

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

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
Displaying pages 26 - 30 of 123 in total