World War I Collection

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

Somewhere In France Sept. 11, 1917

Dear Sis and Bro:

Rec’d the hdk’s [handkerchiefs?]and I was glad to get them because they will come in handy over here. Don’t worry about the climate or the eating because they are both fine. The climate here is just the same as home. I would like to be up on the river with you but it can’t be done I am glad Rose will be with you.

Love

W. Lingard

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

Somewhere in France

Sept. 12, 1917

Dear Ma:

Just a line to let you know that I am getting along O.K. I am taking it easy this morning so I thought I had better drop a line.

I have been visiting some of the cities and buildings around here and they certainly are interesting. Some of the places here are thousands of years old and they certainly have some history. I would like to tell you about some of the things here but I can’t. There is one thing that you know more about than we do here and that is the war. Sometimes one of the fellows receives a paper from the states and we learn something about it. We learn quite a bit about the French front from the

Somewhere In France Sept. 15, 1917

Dear Ma:

Received your letter of Aug 27, to-day and I sure was surprised to receive it. Some of the mail I receive is a month and a half old.

I have heard that some of the fellows from the regiments wrote home and told about their trip but we are not allowed to. They don’t want anybody to know what route we took on either the boat or train.

I never felt better in my life that I do right now. It is warm here now just like a Cal.

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

Somewhere In France

Sept 18th 1917

Dear Sis and Bro:

Having it easy to-day sitting around quarters. Nothing new to write about just the same thing every day. Did George get out of the draft? Am expecting that book that you spoke about whatever it is.

Love to all

W. Lingard

Censor: D E Rhivers

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

1

France Sept. 20, 1917

Everybody:

Just a line to say hello and to let you know that I am alright We are doing enough work to keep us in condition and to keep us out of mischief. We couldn’t do otherwise because we have been broke for about two weeks. We will be paid either to-morrow or Saturday. Another fellow and I have it all figured out to go into the city and buy about six dollars worth of ice cream and pastry. If I write next week and tell you that I am sick, you will know what caused it. There isn’t much chance of saving any money just as long as we stay near the big cities. Everything you buy here costs about twice as much as it did before the war