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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 July 29, 1917

Dear Ma:

This letter is kind of delayed because I have been kind of busy. When we went out to Reg. drill the other night we left here about six o'clock. We walked about a half a mile from camp to a big open field where there was lots of room. The Colonel and his staff stood in the center of the field so that each Co. had room to pass in front of him for review. Each Co. passed in front of him in double file and it sure looked swell to watch the six Co's coming across the field. After the review the officers said

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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that they never in there life saw a reg. do as good as us in the short time we have been training. There were officers from the navy and the Nat. Guard and they said they never saw such a bunch in their lives. We have worked as hard in the last month as most troops do in six months. We are going to have another review Mon. night and I will tell you about it later.

Love to all

Tee.

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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American Lake July 31, 1917

Everybody:

Well I guess I will be on my way to-morrow morning. We are going to New York I think but as to what part I don’t know. I don’t know how long we will stay there or anything about it I don’t think they will stop us from writing what we want while we are on train but if they should I will write as often as I can. It certainly will be a swell ride but the only thing that will be bad is the heat. There are three Co’s going to-morrow on our train. A.B. and headquarters Co. The hiadquarters Co is the Co that has charge of all automobiles etc. When I get to Coney Island I will look over the sights for you I received my warrant as a Corporal to-day and I will send it right home it would only get torn if I took it. Well I will have to close now because I have to

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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go get paid and then go for a swim which they make us do. Next day I couldn’t finish this last night. I am very busy this morning so will have to quit.

Love to everybody

Tee

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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Aug. 2, 1917

Dear Ma:

Just a line to let you know that everything is going fine on our trip. The country here certainly is beautiful. The further we go the better I like it. It is more interesting to me than most of the fellows because most of them have made this trip already. I can’t tell you where I am or where I expect to go, because I would be going against orders. I received the letter from the bunch last night and I sure wish I was there for the dinner.

I am glad Chas had that operation and is getting along alright. I hope he is up and working by now.

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
Displaying pages 31 - 35 of 123 in total