Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1918-09-20
Letter From Reddick
In the Field Somewhere in France.
Aug. s, 1918.

In the f1e1Q somewhere III rIdHCS'
Aug. 8, 1918.
Dear Friend J. E.
One year ago today l received my or
ders to proceed to--Upon my re-
turn to Wabeno | will have an interest
ing story to relateof what my experien-
ces have been during that year.
| have learned from several that
there has been a rumor about home
that I have been captured. | hasten to
quell that idea. am still very much I'm
the ring" l have learned of how
forcibly this war has been brought
home to Wabeno. My vocabulary is
lacking when l try to express my SYM
oathy for those who must suffer in
such an hour of trial The one conci-
lation is the fact that these men were
wounded or died on the field of honor
doing their best to make the world
fit place for free men to live in.
have not been in any drive" lately
but many points of interest pass with
the day that prevents the war from be-
coming monotonous. | recall that one
time | went to wrecked farm house
which l took over as my aid post be-
cause of the cellar accommodations.
That night shell struck the roof,
burst on the ceiling of the first floor
and the nose cap came into the cellar.
The next day | was busy building sand
bag barracades A few days later
was inspecting the front line on my re-
turn and after | had arrived at point
about as far from my aid post as from
the drug store to the stationI saw some
shells beginning to fall on 'my house. J"
Needless to say l waited until that
bosche battery was through.
Instances of humorous turn are al
ways occurring. For short rest we
were accustomed to move back to viii
lage about 2 miles behind the line. We
had been in this wrecked village sever
al times. The water supply had always
been good.
The occasion | write of was con-
versation between the commanding Of
ficer and the mess waiter.
c. O.-"Waiter this water appears to
be dirty what is the trouble?''
W.-"We get the water from different
well, SIR"
C. O.-Why did you changer
W.-"The first well has been struck
by shell, sir. -
Reason enough eh?
The commanding officer and medical
officer were riding one day about 5 miles
behind the line.
C. OIL think we will 60 down that
road"
M. Dwell sir, don't believe it
advisable at present"
C. O.-"Why?"
M. OF saw shell burst in the mid
die of it moment ago sir. | believe
she" is after the rail head near by"
We waited until the bosche battery was
through JD6H TOUG uOWH Vic IOou dha
saw a shell hole large enough to admit
a team of horses.
We are now behind the line resting.
| guess the general thought that after
7 months in the line few days out
would do US no harm We are In
very nice village untouched by the
war. We havegood billets the weather
is ideal and the people very pleasant
although it is a drawback that we can
not speak their language | am acquir-
ing quite practice among the civil
population. Puts me in mind of home
except / must take aninterpreter about
with me Very fortunately / found q
sergeant in the regiment who speaks
good French.
| receive many welcome letters tell
ing me of what is being done by the
people and it is very encouraging. At