John E Baird's
WWI
Letters to Home
John E Baird
France Feb 14th 1918
Dear John and All;
Well I have been delighted all day today. I have been looking for the Lieut. Ever since I arrived in France. Today I was in the office of a certain Captain, and who should come up to me, from the side of the room, but your son, Bud. Well, we went wild with joy, just tickled pink. I took him to dinner with me. He is looking fine and dandy. I think he has a good job now. He will tell you all about it. His address is USA P.O. 702 c/o D G T Light railways Co. He will probably tell you, but thought I would give you the dope, in case his letter was lost. I do not think he is in danger; neither of us are, because we have a little the start if our legs hold out. I asked him if he needed money or anything and he did not. We only wish you and your wife, and my mother, to know that we were hobnobbing together. Had a fine trip over, bad sea two days. Once we lay twelve hours, with something about the propeller broken, the waves dashing high, and some of the wireless down. I did not miss a meal, I guess it was because I was used to riding behind you and Gus, for so long. I wish you could see the railroading here, the cars etc. I think of Denton the chief dispatcher at Lincoln, every day, when I see the trains. Hello, to Denton and Orville Andrews! I have a job picked out over here, for Pat Lyman. The coaches are first, second and third class. You get in, on one to call stations, except from platforms, when you stop. No one takes up tickets. I think you ride as far as you want to, at least no one took my ticket or showed up at all. When you travel in France, you depend entirely on yourself. The conductor blows a whistle, when he wants "Gus" to start, and then he just rides. Don't you think Pat would like that? The engineers are all side wheelers, anyway they are on the left side. On double track, you use the left track. Engines are powerful, but look like armored cars. Box cars all hold, 34 to 40 men, or 8 horses, as on each side it reads: 40 hommes, or 8 che ves. I was in Paris two days, then worked in statistical dept, at General Hdqrts., four days, and then ______________I think I think I was lucky. I was appointed Supt. Of
**This letter stops here. It is obvious there is a missing page. Author unknown as it would be on the missing page but from the next letter it can be assumed it is Jimmy Cruichshank.
***Possible second page. But apparent lines missing.
About ten days after I landed. I hope I will be able to hold it down. I have good assistants, one man writes money orders, registers and sells stamps. We load one to four cars of mail a day, (small cars). Tell Denton, I am just anxious, to not delay trains, as I ever was, of course my arm gets tired, trying to talk to the French yard masters, dispatchers etc. I think Denton ought to be French, so he could say: Jen e comprender (I do not understand). I have not learned the switchman's language in French but expect to, soon. The houses in France are surely cold and damp, I now have my coats and hat on. I love the war bread, no more white bread for me. Remember me to all the railroad boys and mail clerks and tell some of them to write. Remember me to Enslow. I am healthy and feel fine. I am glad I came, so far, so good. Tell Sam, we get $100 raise, after 4 months over here. That will make $187.33. I am living on my allowance. Well it's 9.30 so I must retire. Call up my mother.
Your Friend
James A Cruickshank
U.S.A.P.O. #712
O.K.
J.E. Baird, Jr.
Lieut. Inf. U.S.R
France, Feb'y 17th, 1918.
Have been doing so much chasing around, that I have'nt had much time to write, but here goes now. I am up at a regulating station, looking up some stuff, and ran across Jimmy Cruickshank, who is Supt. Of the Army P.O. here. I never was so surprised and glad to see any one in my life. He said he had written me some time ago, but I haven't been in Paris for a week, so I haven't had any mail. Had dinner with him here. He said he had talked with you around Christmas time. He is writing to Dad today. Them in the afternoon I saw Dick Paddock. He was very glad to see me, but didn't have much time to talk, as he was leaving. I thought that was a pretty good day's work, considering the length of time I have been here and all, and never meeting any one I knew. Am going back to Paris tomorrow. We are having a great time rounding up our stuff. Expect to start building a shop soon, and we are getting stuff together. I am crazy about the work, and anxious to get started. It sure seems good to be railroading again, and to be among railroad men. Our business manger is Colonel Perkins, who used to be Div. Supt. On the "Q" at St. Joseph, and St. Louis. All the Officers in the department are old railroad men. We will build a shop and railroad, and then operate the whole works. I am on the staff as a sort of Superintendent of Motive Power. Hope to get a promotion out of it but am not worrying any about that. Got your letter with the Quarterly and was sure glad to hear from you. Will try and write a little more regularly, but am awfully busy, so don't expect too much.
Lots of love John.
I am traveling a good deal nowadays and as thy have moved out headquarters to the G. H. Q. I do not get to Paris very often, in fact had not been there for five weeks. It is very difficult to write, as I was away from everything, and traveling with nothing but a haversack, with my toilet articles in it. The just time flies, Air raid ---The alert was sounded at 3.15 A.M. and naturally it is impossible to sleep. Just as soon as they them coming, they put u the barrage of 75's and they make more noise than the bombs. They kept it up for an hour, and then the "all clear" was given, and back to sleep again. That Blooming cannon is the one thing that gets one's goat though. The blamed thing drops a shell whenever it feels like it, and you never know, when or where to expect it. I just missed one by about two minutes, or rather two blocks. It tore a hole about 20 feet in diameter in the walk and wall, along the river. I had just passed in a Ford, on my way to the office. But then a "miss is as good as a mile".
Paris April 2nd 1918
Well I am back in Paris again, after a month's absence and believe me I have put in some month too. Sure had a pleasant reception this morning, Fritze came over and dropped a few carloads of bombs.
A.P.O 706 APR 28 '18
I have sadly neglected you all lately, in fact I have forgotten when I wrote last. I have been pretty busy lately and there really isn't much to write about. We are about ready to start construction on our big shop and then I will be busy right. O am going up front in a day or two and build a small repair shop, and then down on the big job. It is pretty much of a job building anything over here. There are lots of little things that get lost, and you have to go out and buy what you can from the French. It has taxed my French pretty much, but I've gotten everything I started after so far. I rather hate to leave this place now. The Red Cross took over the hotel the first of the month and have made it almost like home. They've had the place repapered and cleaned up, and then put in French cooks, so it is a pretty good place to stay. There are also two young ladies to run it, and believe me , it seems good to have them around. They both play and we have concerts most every evening. O received the box with the books and flag cigarettes, and also the cake, believe me that was some cake. I happened to get through early that afternoon it came so I brought it up to the hotel, and Miss Freeman made some tea and we had a regular English four o'clock session. It hadn't dried out a bit, and was surely good. By the way you can't send anything over any more, without a requisition from me. I am pretty well fixed for the present though, so it wont bother me any. I am still chasing around quite a bit. It takes so long to get anywhere by train over here. The boss is going to me a motorcycle. I'll be able to save lots of time then. We have an American train running over most of the Lines of Communication now, with colored porters and all. It's surely pretty nice. The only trouble is the French run it, and it if usually late. However, you can always get a berth on it and that's more than you can do on any other trains in France. Well there are lots of things I could tell about, but I can't seem to get in a writing mood lately so I'll ring off and do better next time. I am having a tooth filled by a French army dentist, who is a graduate of the Uni of Penn. He has a wife and child in New Your and will be glad when the war is _____so we can all go back home. He is a dandy fellow. I have had din-
***** Obviously missing the next page
U. S. A. P. O. #706
France. June 2, /9/8
Dear Folks:-
I hope its as fine a day at home, as it is over here today. In fact, we have had beautiful weather for the last two weeks. I have almost decided that there may be some excuse, for calling this sunny France, after all. It has been a long time coming tho, and I've put in the worst six months of my young life, as far as the weather is concerned.
I am back down at G. H. Q. for the day. Finished the shop, up above and leave this afternoon for the main shop. They have most of the steel placed and I am looking forward to several months of good hard work, getting things going there. It's certainly a tough proposition, getting anything finished over here. You go along nicely, for awhile and then find something missing, or broken and then it's get out and find it, or make a new one. There is one sure thing, when this was is over, there will not be any job, that I'll be afraid to tackle. There is an old story, in the Bible,-I believe- about making bricks without straw. Well believe me, that old bird hasn't anything on little Willie. We even have to rustle the mud for some things. That' the kind of a job I like tho. When you do get thru you feel that you have done something. There is no such word as can't, in the vocabulary of the. A. E. F. I wish I could tell you of some of the things that the Engineers have done in this country, and what they have had to do it with. It would make a wonderful story.
I understand they will not accept any more packages, for France. In a way I think it is a good thing, for there is scarcely anything that we cannot obtain over here now. I even bough some summer underwear the other day, although you would never recognize it how ____ it serves the purpose. I think I have received all of the packages _______. The sox fit all right, but I am saving them for next winter. ______e now, as the car is here, and I want to get in before dark.
Paris, July 1st 1918
Just a line. I am in Paris for a day or two on my way to the front. Have been relieved along with a lot of others who were detached at the same time and ordered to duty with the First Corp. As my old outfit is in the 1st Corp, suppose I will join them. Will be glad to get into the harness again, although I suppose you will not feel the same way. Will try and write oftener as I am going into quite an active sector, and suppose you will be more or less worried, But don't for if I am going to get it, I will and if not I won't, and just now I don't feel in the mood for the former. It is beautiful here today, quite warm. I am going for a ride in the Bois de Boulagne, when it cools off a little, I am leaving most of my baggage here at the Wells Fargo Express warehouse. I have too much to lug around with me. Met several old friends here to-day. Wee are going to have a little celebration this evening sort of a home-coming. Must close now as I have an appointment with photographer. I am finally having some taken.
A.P.O. #710 France 3rd July 1918
At last I have something to write about. I left Paris yesterday, and reported at Corp. Hdqtrs. They had a message there from G.H.Q. saying that I had been appointed a First Lieut, of Engrs. N. A. What do you think of that? I didn't even know that I had been recommended for promotion. However I was sworn in and accepted and assigned to the 2nd Engineers who are with the 2nd division, all of which puts me back near my old outfit. Saw several of the boys I knew at the railhead, this morning. They are on their way to Paris for a parade the 4th, just a select few.
They have been in some hard fighting lately. Am at regimental headquarters now and go up to the lines this evening, with the ration train. Am sure glad to be back where there is something doing. We are right in with the Infantry, so it will be almost as good as if I was there. This is a regular Army Regt. Frank Tipton's outfit is near here, will try and find him as soon as possible. My new address will be " Co. A 2nd U. S. Engrs." Have left all my baggage at the Wells Fargo office, in Paris. Can't be bothered with it now. Had my picture taken in Paris, will send some home as soon as they are finished. Don't suppose they will be very good. I had on my one and only uniform and it is not in very good shape and as usual I needed a hair-cut. Don't seem to have much time to bother with trifles like that anymore. Must close now lots of love to all.
July 11th 1918.
I have borrowed this paper, and am sitting up against a tree, writing, with my knee for a pad. Have seen several of my old Marine friends, but am sorry to say, there are only a very few left. It sure brings the whole business home, in rather an unpleasant manner. We are supposed to be on our way back to the rest area, but have stopped for a couple of days, to do a little work. I say days, but we do all the work at night. I surely had a Glorious Fourth, slept most of the day, and put in the night putting up barbed wire, in front of the 2nd line trenches. It was sure some fireworks, although not very enjoyable. We were shelled twice, but had no casualties, Thank God. It is surprising, how small a hole one can get into when they start dropping high explosives around you. Believe me, I -- surely proud to be a member of the American Expeditionary Forces.
July 13th
Had to stop and go out on an inspection trip, then worked all night, and sleop in the morning, then another trip out in the afternoon. Out rest has been called off, for a while. This is a new line, and we can't leave until it is all fixed up, It helps a lot though, just to be back where we don't have to sleep in dugouts, and duck in every hour or so, to dodge a shell. Found a man in CO. B> who used to in the laboratory in Aurora Illinois, about the only fellow I've seen from home, Have a Corporal in my platoon, by the name of Eiekling, who has a brother in Lincoln, noticed it in censoring a letter.
France Aug 4th, 1918
Same old story, I have a lot to write about, but can't seem to get it on paper, I think I'll have to have a steno to take care of my correspondence. After meandering around the country for over a week, we have finally settled down for a short rest. At least that is what thy call it, but it is a misnomer. We are filling up the company, getting equipment and clothes, and generally getting things organized. And we sure needed it, we had the pleasure of starting off this last drive, July 18th and I would not have missed it for anything. I'll try and describe it as best I can. When I say we, I mean the division, but I'll tell about our own particular experience, which was the same as the rest of the division. We had been back entrenching the second line, after the Bosche drive was stopped. We got orders to move out about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, packed up and hiked about 4 miles, and then took motor-trucks. Rode until about 3 o'clock the following afternoon got out about and hiked until midnight. It rained nearly all night, and we didn't make camp. Got about 4 hours sleep, and then hell broke loose. It was dark when we stopped, and accidentally we flopped down along side of a battery of 210's. The attack started a 4:30 and it was sure good. Fritze held a line through the woods at his point, about 800 yards inside, and we attacked through the woods to drive him out, and we did. Our regiment followed the Infantry up to the edge of the woods on the road, and then stopped to clear the road. It was some job, trees were down across it, and pretty badly cut up by shell fire. The woods wee all cut to pieces. Trees 3 feet in diameter snapped off 10 or 15 feet above the ground. It is impossible to describe it. We cleaned that up by 3'oclock and moved up about 5 kilometers to where the Infantry were massing for another attack. They went over at 8 o'clock and we followed 10 minutes behind them. Advanced until it was too dark to see anything more, then we all stopped and dug in. Got about 2 hours sleep that night. Fritze started in shelling at daylight, with "whiz-bangs" (we had captured practilly all of his artillery the day before) it was pretty hot for a while. I got one on the parapet of my P.C., that pretty nearly buried me, but got out all right. Smas* my field glasses though. A "Whiz-bang" is just what it's name implies. It is a small rapid fire gun, and Fritze sure knows how to use them. You can hear an ordinary shell coming, and know which way to dodge it, but not a "whiz-bang". The only redeeming feature about them is it takes almost a direct hit to do any damage. I have had them light within 10 feet of me, or rather within 1 foot, and while the concussion of the air knocked me down, it did't do any hurt- but enough of that. The next morning some fresh troops came up and with the Engineers along as usual, we went over the top for the second time in 14 hours. In the excitement I left my trench coat in my P.C. We advanced to within 500 yards of a village, the Fritze occupied and dug in, and believe me, we dug. We were getting machine gun fire from three directions, and I had nothing but a bayonet and a mess tin cover, but it did the work, and I was out of sight in less time than it takes to tell it. I had some hard luck at that, got a machine gun bullet through my canteen, and did't notice it until the water had run out. Hereafter I carry two canteens, for I surely did get thirsty before I got another drink. We laid out there all day, while the artillery shelled the village, Fritze left about 4 o'clock and the Marines went in and occupied the village. The Fritze started to shell it and started a fore. Well by morning, that village was pretty much of a wreck. They also hit a tank, that had broken down just in front of us, and it caught fire. That was some fire when the ammunition caught. It sounded like a popcorn popping. Altogether it was quite a night , We were relieved the next day and that was the end of out part of the big drive. It sure has given Fritze a jolt, and it is not over yet. To go back to my trench coat, on our way out I stopped at my old P.C. and found the coat O.K., but the bars were gone from the shoulder straps and a pipe and some tobacco form the pocket, but my identification ring, which I had lost was ties in the wrist strap. What so you do about that? It sure seems good to be back where you do not have to wear a gas mask. I had a bath and some clean underwear yesterday, the first of either in over a month. I feel almost human again. We lost quite a few men and altogether with the lack of food, water and sleep we had a pretty hard time, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Here's hoping that everybody is feeling fine at home.
Aug. 15th 1918
Well our rest period didn't last very long. We moved up and took a quiet sector and have been doing a little work since. Will be relieved again tomorrow, and it's "where do we go from here boys" C'est La Guerre. Was awfully sorry to hear about Bob. Your letter was the first I had heard of it. Have heard since though that two other boys who were with Bob and Harry and I in New York, have been lumped off. Will try and learn the details, the first time I run across his division. They relieved us just before this last drive attack we were in, about July 10th and I haven't seen them since. It's too bad, but some of have to go and it's a marvel to me that there aren't more. I have been through places where you'd think it impossible to go, for machine gun and shell fire, and then again have seen one stray shell come over and get two or three men in a comparatively safe place. This is a very quiet part of the line, hasn't changed for 4 years, and hasn't been a shot fired since we came. Quite a little aerial activity but that doesn't bother any.
Pougne Les Eaux, 9/14 1918
Well I am sure having some vacation. This is certainly a fine place. I left the other hospital the day after I wrote you, and came back here. This is an old French watering place. The Govt. has taken over all of the hotels in the place, and converted them into hospitals. There are quite a few French families here from Paris for the summer, and they have been very nice to us, invited is in for music and everything. They have also invited is to visit them in Paris this winter. There is one family M. Berger, who is president of the company that owns the springs here, who has three of the cutest kids you ever saw. I have had some great times with them. I just got a photo of them, which I am enclosing. It isn't very good of them. They are certainly some kids. I have taught them some English, and we have great times. My French has improved so that I can get along with a conversation and even make the kids understand me. This is a dandy hospital unit from Boston. Lots of pretty nurses and everything. I found one who is a wonderful dancer, so "I don't want to get well" as the song goes. Oh by the way I had three more boils making seven all together, but I think they are all stopped now. I have talked them in to a sick leave, and am going down to Biarritze for a week or two. I wouldn't have done it but I haven't had a leave for a year and I am not passing anything like that. We have started a new drive as you know by this time. I hate to be away form the regiment but C'est La Guerre. 9/24 I sure am some letter writer but will try and finish this up and get it away. Am over at Saint Jeane De Losne getting sewer pipe for the hospital. They wouldn't give me a leave and the doctor wouldn't let me go back to the front for two weeks so they put me to work, This is a small place about fifty kilos south of Dyar. There are no Americans here but a British officer got here yesterday so I have a little company. Will be here for a week or so I guess. Harold McGlasson was in the hospital here but is gone on leave now. This is the first time I've seen him or any the boys from home, for nearly a year. There isn't much to write about. I haven't had any mail for nearly two months, I did not expect to be away from the regiment for more that two weeks, and have been afraid to have them forward it since then. I hope to get back soon though. Has Flo heard anything from the "over there League" yet? I saw in the paper where there was a bunch of them starting soon. Hope she will make it O.K. Will close now as it is time for dejeuner and I am hungry.
Lots of Love
John
Pongnes Les Eaux. Oct 22nd
Seems like I have a great time getting mail off to the states. That's usually the way the more time one has, the less inspiration. Am still loafing around the hospital, but expect to leave next week. The bridge on the left side came loose, and I have had some time getting it fixed, and put in again. I thought when I had my teeth fixed up last year, I would be in good shape for a while, but it seems not.
By the way, I attended Christian Science service Sunday. The Red Cross canteen worker here Mrs. Glavis, is a scientist and there are about twelve or fifteen of the unit men, who are also. Altogether we had about thirty. Two Readers came up from Nevers, where there is a branch of the C.S. Welfare Board, a Mr. George of Minneapolis and a girl whose name I have forgotten who is one of the Signal Corp telephone operators there.
I don't know whether I will get back with the old outfit or not I heard the other day that the entire regiment had been wiped out, in this last drive but don't know how true it is. I surely hope not. It surely makes me feel pretty bad, to think of the way I have been loafing around back here while they have been getting shot up. It's sure been hell up there, the last month, from all I hear from the men, who have come in to the hospital. I sure hope it will all be over, before long. Heinie is sure on the run now, but I'm afraid it is still going to cost a lot to get him out entirely.
Had a good time on my birthday. Worked until 2 a.m. dressing wounds on a new batch of patients, that came in at 5 o'clock. I am getting to be pretty clever, even assist in operations now. The staff here is short handed owing to about half of them being down with the Spanish flu, so I have a regular job. Do all the dressings on two floors of the big ward. It's funny, I wear a frock and rubber gloves, and all and have a nurse and an orderly to help. The patients all think I am an M.D. I pulled a good one the other day, prescribed for a Captain doctor who is a patient here, and got away with it. I told Major Rockwell, the Rockwell the Ward Surgeon, who by the way is certainly a Prince, and he sprung it at the Medical Officers' mess. The Colonel (commandant) always calls me Doc now, and inquires about my patients. Pretty good for an Engineer, n'est pas? I've sure had some varied experiences in this Army.
I received two letters from you (**from Florence) from New York. The pictures are sure good. What's the matter with Dad, trying to reduce, or are the rations too light for him? Well I must ring of and hit the hay. Those are the only two letters I have had in two months, they had been up to the regt company and returned to the C.P.O. marked "not known". I'm afraid by that, that the outfit must have been pretty well shot up.
With the " Army of Occupation"
Reisdorf, Luxembourg, Nov. 28th, 1918
Dear Dad and All:
Well I am back with the old outfit again, and on my way to the Rhine. I am in "B" company this time, instead of "A" but in the same old regiment, at least. Had a great time getting back. Was in the replacement camp for ten days after I left the hospital, and it took me nearly a week to find the regiment, after I left there. Was in Paris, the 11th when the armistice was signed. It sure was a wild celebration. Beat anything I ever saw in the States. Was with Harold McGlasson and we had some time I joined the regiment the 16th and the next day we started on the hike to the Rhine. It's been some hike so far. We crossed a corner of Belgium, and through the center of Luxembourg. We are in a little village just across the river Sauer, from Germany, now. Have been here for several days, and do not go on until the 1st of December, so as to give the Boshe time to clear out. The censorship has been lifted so I can tell all about this dope now. We have received a wonderful reception all along the march so far. The towns are all decorated with flags and pine trees and every town with a band has it out to lead the procession. American flags were rather scarce, so they made them. Most of the makers had rather a hazy idea as to the number of stars and stripes but every one knew what they were intended for. At one town in Belgium, Etalle, I was billeted with some rather well to do people. We also had out officer's mess there. It was cold when I got in and I asked them if they had plenty of wood so I could have a fire in my room (most of them speak French, so we have no trouble on that score) and the lady of the house replied that they had anything for "Les Americains", if it hadn't been for them the Belgians would have starved. Then to cap the climax she made waffles for breakfast. Can you imagine it! I'll have to admit, I made rather a pig of myself, but who wouldn't have, under the circumstances? It was the first waffle iron I knew existed outside of the U.S. We have been well received in Luxembourg too. The Boshe have been running over the place, for four years and while they have had no active participation in the war they are mighty glad to be rid of them. I expect our troubles will commence when we cross the border and get into Germany. Our company has been with the advance guard so far but I think we will be relieved and drop back with the regiment when we start again. I am having quite a time picking up my German again. It's quite difficult after a year or so among the French. I had the same trouble with French at first was eternally working in German words and now it is just the opposite. However if we stay quite a time in Germany I suppose I'll be able to speak German. As to when we will get home it is hard to say? Some say we'll be among the first back because we were first over. Others, that we will stay in Germany until peace is completed. C'est la Guerre. It doesn't matter much to me now the hard part is over and it is more or less a question of a few months only. However when I do get home I am going to loaf for a while and eat. You had better start right now and prepare. I don't care what it is so long as it doesn't come out of a can. I have put in most of my time on this hike thinking about different combinations such as biscuits and maple syrup, real bacon and eggs, waffles etc. Oh Boy, it sure is " a great and glorious feeling". Think it over and see what you can do to help a poor hobo to something to eat. Must close now with lots of love to all. John
Rec'd Dec. 25th 1918
Sinzig Germany, Dec 10th 1918.
Have been in Germany now for ten days, and am beginning to like it pretty well. Am gradually picking up German again, think I'll be all right as soon as I find a dictionary. The people are treating us fine and seem glad to see us. I mean by that, that they are not sullen or surly in their manner and do every thing they can for us. I have been detached from the regiment with half of the company for the last five days, guarding tunnels and bridges along the railway in advance of the division. As thy come up I am relieved and move on. Have a special train and am dong things in style. We got here yesterday so expect to be relieved in a day or two and rejoin the regiment. This is a beautiful part of the country through the mountains along the river Ahr which flows in the Rhine here. Rode over to the Rhine yesterday. Am sure glad we didn't have to fight our way this far. This is the famous Rhine wine district. Every hillside is covered with vineyards. They are built in terraces. It must have required years of hard work to fix them up. But I think labor is cheap here. Have not heard anything about when we will get home, but hope it will not be long. I have asked for a commission in the regular army. That doesn't mean that I'll get it or that I'll take it if I should. I am merely putting an anchor to hold while I look around and see what's dong when I get back. Just got a bunch of mail from A CO. dated Sept 23rd. It is mail they held while I was in the hospital. Most of it in response to the appeal in the Star for every one to write to Lieut. Baird. By the way I finally got those pictures I had taken in Paris they are fairly good but I left them in my trunk so cannot send any home at present. Had a letter from Flo Nov. 3rd, said she was working hard, enclosed one from Uncle Charlie. Must close now as lunch is ready.
Sinzig Germany, Dec 18th 1918
Dear Flo:
Well old kid, did you think I'd forgotten you entirely? Well I haven't as a matter of fact you are the only one in the bunch who writes regularly, and I am ashamed of myself for not writing oftener. I know that Mother forwards the letters she receives but even so you want some of your own and so I'll try to do better in the future. I am having sort of a letter writing bee now. I am just beginning to round up mail that has come for me since I went to the hospital, and it's all getting here slow but sure. I suppose you know by this time that Gary passed on. I can't make myself realize it. Had a letter from Marion yesterday telling about it. He died October 14th at Camp Taylor of pneumonia following the"flu". He was attending the Artillery officers school. And would have graduated in two more weeks. It's a shame he had to do. Marion sent a picture of herself and the baby. She is an awfully sweet kiddie, Marion says she has Gary's temper and eyes. I haven't had anything hit me like this for a long time. It's almost like losing a member of the family. Have been back with the regiment for a month now, but am in a different company. I was in Paris on the 11th and it sure was a wild place. Had all the election celebrations beaten I ever saw. I finally caught up with the regiment the 16th and the next day we started in out hike to Germany as part of the Army of Occupation. We came through a part of Belgium and Luxembourg. Our company was part of the advance guard until we reached the border. It was a regular triumphal procession especially in Belgium. The country is very hilly and I for one was mighty glad we came peacefully instead of having to fight out way through. We crossed the border Dec. 1st and on the 3rd our company was detached, to go ahead and guard the railroads. The Allies are occupying all the territory on the right bank of the Rhine and for 10 kilometers on the left bank. You have heard of the beautiful Rhine valley well it certainly is. This town is about half way between Coblenz and Bonn. We have a dandy billet in some wealthy Bosch's home, who has moved out. Steam heat, electric lights, bath and everything. Joke: I make a trip over the line in my special train every four days and distribute rations, and that's the extent of labors. Pretty soft, n'est pas? I am learning German all over again well Hon I must close now. Wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope to see you all in a few months. Lots of love John Jan 19th, 1919 Lieut. John E Baird, Jr., Co B 2nd U.S Engrs. A. P.O. 710 American Expeditionary Forces.
Sinzig Germany, Dec 25th 1918
Merry Christmas! No? Well it ought to be. I have a hunch that I'll be home this time next year. It makes me feel like a veteran when I think of celebrating 2nd anniversaries over here. This is quite a little different from last year. We are billeted in a beautiful home here with all the modern conveniences. Had a small Christmas tree, and a dandy dinner with the men. It was impossible to get turkey or cranberries, but we made out pretty well without them. Had steak and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy stewed tomatoes with macaroni, chocolate cake, apple turnovers, bread butter and coffee, not so bad. The mess Sergt. sort of strained himself and is proud as a peacock over the result. The men are all stuffed to capacity and I anticipate some glowing descriptions when I censor tomorrow's mail. Believe me the average soldier lives to eat. Just recd yours of the 23rd of Sept. and one from Marion telling of Gary's death. It seems a shame that so many of the bouts had to go without a chance to in a shot over here you don't think much of death or injury, because you get more or less of a fun for your money. I enjoyed t-time at the ____________________ worked pretty hard the last three weeks I was there. Haven't received my Christmas box yet. But they are coming in pretty fast now. If it's full of sox and sweaters, I'll never speak to your again. The only thing I want is candy. I can get everything else I need over here. Frederick must be some Buster I imagine Trude will have her hands full with him. Harold McGlasson was in the same hospital with me. So we saw quite a bit of each other. He left for a sick leave shortly before I did and I saw him again in Paris. We celebrated the Armistice together. It seems so strange. He is the only person either from home of training camp that I have seen since I left the school at Valreas. That was the first and only school I attended over here. You'll sure need all the resources of the cellar when I get home to fill me up. Although at present time, just finished dinner. I am almost uncomfortable, However it lacks the home touch, It snowed last night, The first of the year so we have a "white Christmas" after all. It has been fine, not a bit cold, but quite a little rain. The natives say it is very unusual at this time of year. It is certainly beautiful.
2nd Corps School, Chattillon Sur Seine, France
Well I am back again in France, attending school. Left Germany the 26th of Dec. Had three days in Nancy and got my uniform that I had ordered last August. It's a good thing they saved it for me, as my old one was about all to pieces, I had worn it every day since last October 1917. Went to Paris the 31st , and spent New Year's eve there. Had an excellent dinner. Came down here the 1st in time to start school on the 2nd. It seems rather foolish to be attending school, now that the was is over, bit this is only my second, and some of the boys have gone to three or four, so I have no kick coming. I sure hated to leave my steam heat in Sinzig though. Paris sure looked good, with most of the lights on, and they are removing the sand bags and other protection from the statues and buildings, so one can see a little more of things. Had a talk with a Major, who was formerly in our regiment, and is now at G.H.Q He said he didn't see how we could get home before the first of June. There is also some talk of sending troops to Russia. Can you imagine truing to learn that language? Haven't received my Christmas box yet, but am having my mail forwarded, so ought to get it soon. Suppose you all had a merry Christmas. Hope we can all be home together next year, and celebrate right. Will close now and get to bed, as they worked us pretty hard "teaching is how to put up barbed wire" Lots of love John recd Jan 28th.
Lieut. John E Baird, Jr., B Co. 2nd U. S. Engrs. A.P.O. # 710
Engers, Germany, Feb 8th 1919
___ am back on the Rhine again, after a month of school (?) Get away with nothing more than having charges preferred against me for being A.W.O.L. but as there were some 480 others in the same fix, and they can't prove it on us, I think they will be dropped. They sent us down on a special train and everyone left as soon as we hit France? They got even on the way back tho, sent us on a special train of box-cars, with no heat. Gee how I love my country. We have a new saying over here now "If the war didn't get you the Armist--- will" and it is about true. Awfully sorry to hear about May Paddock. I saw Harold McGlasson in Paris Nov 11th so I guess he wasn't wounded the second time. ---- the Christmas package about the middle of the month. It was forwarded down from the regiment. --- --- some fruit cake. I recd the other package yesterday, so I suppose Edna Perrin is over here, but I haven't heard from her, I'll go down and see her when I know where she is. We can get 3 day passes to Paris most any time. I have put in for a 14 day pass for Nice for around Easter. Haven't had on since I have been in France, but as far as that goes I haven't needed one so far. That trip to the hospital was a regular vacation. Awfully sorry Hazel didn't get to come over, form her letter I guess she feels pretty bad about it too. She lined me up tight for not writing, but I think I write as often as the rest of you. Read yours of Dec 9th, Jan 10th-20th today. Hazel's Jan 19th yesterday, the first since Oct 28th. I know I do better than that. Flo is the only one in the bunch that writes every week bless her heart, and I only write her once in a blue moon. Don't believe we will get home much before Oct., the way the peace conference is horsing around. They are sending back the N.G divisions first. More politics. The same old story. Regular Army does all the fighting and cleaning up, and the N.G gets all the credit and the gravy. I almost get peeved some time I am working pretty hard now building a big steel mess hall for the 9th Inf. In the next town up the river. It was designed for a Boshe aeroplane hanger, but with the addition of a wooden kitchen in works fine. The whole regiment is busy on construction work. Got another bunch of old mail today, that's been following me around ever since I went to the hospital, two from you an done from Beth Hyde, and 6 or 8 others of the "I saw your picture in the paper set". I'll have to get a stenographer for an orderly I guess I don't have much time to write, I am on the job all day and by the time I get my mail censored and my requisition for material fixed up, I am ready for bed. It has been fairly cold the last week, but It is more like the States, clear and sharp. In France, the temperature didn't get so low but it was so damp one felt it more. The natives say spring begins around the 1st of March, so I thinks we will not have much winter. Well I must close now write as often as you can, lots of love to all. John
Engers, Germany, Feb 8th 1919
Yours recd, was sure sorry to see it was from the States, instead of over here. Have been expecting to hear of you around any day, and the Colonel had promised a three-day leave to Paris, whenever I wanted it. C'est la Armistice. I suppose Ed is over, as I have recd the package from home that she brought over, but no word from her. I was in Paris Dec 31st on my way to school, and inquired at Red Cross Hdqs for you both, but no sign. Didn't know Ed was coming with the Y. M. Hope to hear from her soon: I am awfully disappointed to think you aren't coming. Had planned several things. We can get 14 day passes everytime out time comes in the Company ( about every 9 weeks) and three days leave to Paris most any time. It's sure tough lick. Spent all of January in school, learning how to dig trenches and put up barbed wire, sure was interesting, not. They had a special train from Coblenz, but nearly everyone got off at Nancy and went to Paris. As a result we all had charges preferred against us, for being A.W.O.L. but I believe the charges were dropped. I sprained my thumb pretty badly the firs week and wasn't able to write, so got out of all the a paper work, I thot they'd hold me over for the next course but they didn't, They shipped us back here in box-cars 48 hour trip and sure cold. I saw Dick Guthrie in Coblenz Monday. He has been with the 17th Field Artillery. In the 1st div. I have seen him several times at various places. He is at Army Hdqrs now, on this Army Educational Scheme. It has been getting pretty cold here the last two or three days. I am putting up some steel mess halls, for the infantry in the town below here, and it's sure cold work. I walk both ways twice a day , 12 kilometers altogether. I am so fat I can hardly wobble so I decide to exercise It doesn't seem to do any good tho? It just makes me more hungry and naturally I eat more. We have a dandy cook (German) for our mess. My billet isn't quite as good here as the one I had in Sinzi but I still have steam heat.
Engers, Germany, Feb 27th 1919
Yours rec'd., Mail service is improving this way now but I guess it is pretty well balled up, going back. Had a letter from Flo today of Feb 13th. Have a new job now. Finished up my construction job the first of the week, and they put me in charge of the motor transportation of the regiment, and believe me it's some hob. Have 9 Fords, 14 motorcycles, 6 Packard three-ton trucks and 40 German trucks of our own and 18 big Packards from the Ammunition train to keep going. You can get some idea of the work we are doing when I say they are all on the go all the time. The Boshe trucks are a nuisance. They have steel tired wheels (no rubber in Germany at all) and just naturally jolt to pieces. It keeps me on the jump getting spare parts to keep them all mobbing. I have to beg borrow or steal wherever I can. It will take an act of Congress to get me out of debt, when I get thru. I still have my camera, and will get some pictures, when I get time. I have quite a few and will send some home, as soon as I can fix them up. I sent in a short list of the Citations the Division has rec'd. The Engrs. Have some more which were not included in the book. There was some dope in the paper yesterday about going home. The N.G. and the N.A. go home first in the order of their arrival in France. They take up all the transports, to July 1st, and then perhaps they will start the regulars back. Personally I do not believe we'll get started much before Oct. or even later. Can't understand why Ed Perrin does not write. Will try and learn from the Y.M.C.A. hdqrs in Paris where she is. Am glad Flo is so happy in N.Y. I think it would be a good thing if Mother would go in to N.Y. for a month or two and just be real lazy for a change. Am feeling fine only I am too fat. I got those pictures when I was in Paris on my way to school. Don't think Mother will like them tho. The fist ones I had taken were no good, and I sat for some more in October and I had let my mustache grow. However I'll send them anyway, must close now and get to bed. Love John
Men listed in the letters.
Lancaster County, Nebraska
WW1 Veterans Who Fought For Us
IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO SERVED
HONOR ROLL
BIOGRAPHIES
http://www.rootsweb.com/~nelancas/wwi/index.html
58d - Lieutenant John E. BAIRD, Jr. - Lincoln, NE. Born Wymore, NE Oct.5, 1892. Son of Manel and John E. Baird. Entered the service 1917. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant June 14, 1918. Active service to France. Also with Army of Occupation. (Pictured above)
154g - JAMES A. CRUICKSHANK - LINCOLN, NE. Born Clay County, Neb., Sept. 11. 1875. Son of Sofia and Peter Cruicksbank. Entered the service Dec. 1911. Mail Service. Twenty years in mail service in Lincoln, Neb. Went to France Dec., 1911. Superintendent of Bordeaux Terminal.
81d - Lieutenant Harold E. McGlasson - Lincoln, NE. Born Walker, IA, Aug. 9, 1896. Son of Jennie and Charles McGlasson. Entered the service May 14, 1917. 102nd Infantry, 26th Division. Service in France from Aug. 26, 1917.
COLONEL RICHARD BOLLES PADDOCK - LINCOLN, NEBRASKA. Born at Ft. McKinley, Wyo. Son of Captain Bolles Paddock and Grace Pershing Paddock. Graduated West Point, June, 1914. C. A. C. On Mexican border with Signal Corps. Went to France with First Expeditionary Forces in May, 1917. Served on several fronts. Gassed once. Wounded once. Given French War Cross. Returned to U. S. A., Oct., 1918. Student at University of Nebraska.
54c - Captain Frank B. TIPTON, Jr. Lincoln, NE. Born Seward, NE., Sept.6, 1890. Son of Harriet & Frank B. Tipton Sr. Graduate of the University of Nebraska. Field Artillery Corps. Active service in St. Mithiel and Meuse Argonne drives.
Go back to :
The Family Scrapbook home page
The Baird Family page
last update 10/19/04