The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-08-21
Wife of Commander of Com pany D, 167th Infantry, Receives Letter Giving
 Casualties of Battle
SERGEANT LEWIS HAD
 BEEN RECOMMENDED
 FOR A COMMISSION
Looks as If They We're Picking My Best Men," Stated Capt. Edmund Bessemer Par-
 ents Excited

Much excitement was caused in Bessemer yesterday when 6 letter was received by Mrs Lacey Edmundson from Cap tain Edmundson of Company D, 167th infantry, stating that the company composed almost entirely of Bessemer boys had been badly shattered in the re cent Franco-American Aisne. Marne offensive. Captain Ed mundson stated that 25 men of his company were killed and 100 wounded, while he was badly burned by the mustard gas of the enemy and is now in a hospital in southern France.
 Among the boys Captain Ed mundson mentioned as being killed were Lieutenant Me- Graw, who was not from Besse- ! mer; Sergt. Worth Lewis, son of Mrs. T. D. Lewis, formerly of Bessemer, but now of New York; Private Carl Canoles, son of Mir and Mrs. l.. Canoles, and Private Bernie Speakes, the son of Henry Speakes of Bessemer.
 BESSEMER EXCITED
 The news spread over the city rapidly and relatives of Company D men thronged at the home of Mrs. Edmund son in an effort to ascertain whether or not their loved ones had been mentioned in the letter. and every effort is being made by them to learn from the war de- partment whetb@- their sons or husbands were wounded or filled. Many are of the opinion that the three mentioned by Captain Ednlundson were the only Bes- Bemer boys killed, the others being from other towns and transferred to Company D to bring 1t to war strength before sail ing.
 The Besselaer company has been in ac- tive service for sometime and was re. leased to go to ''Blighty." but after i2l hours rest was called back to the line driving the enemy back 10 miles before it was shot to pieces
 The letter vas an awful shock to Mrs. Edmundson. but she bore her trouble bravely. and tried not to let anyone see how she was suffering under the strain. The letter bearing the bad news re- ceived by Mrs. Edmundson was dated August 5. and is as follows:
 August 3. 1918. CAPT. EDMUNDSON'S LETTER
 Little did I think when I cable1 you July 30 that was safe and well, that we would go back in the line, bur after F hours rest we went back after the Roche. We had already been in contact with them for six days, and 1t was 2 hell on earth, although we pushed them back about 10 miles. My company is shot up very bad, 25 killed ana among them is Worth Lewis, Bernie Speakes, Carl Canoles. and others, and about 100 wounded Not many very serious-three officers, one killed tMcGraw) and two wounded tJeffery and Gamble). am sure you will see the casualty list in the press before ycu get this. Going on, the enemy having failed to stop us on Au- gust 1, they shot hundreds of mus- tard gas shells at us, which caught q few of us. including myself. I was burned on the legs and my eyes ara eaected some. the doctor says. Noth- ing serious. so I am at present in southern France in hospital Arrived here last night. left Bell and Young blood with the company, only about B left, but understand we will bs out Tor long rest and can very soon get them back together.
 T vas stunned and heart-broken over the loss; it looked as if they were picking the best ones
 Worth Hall and Dean had been rec. commended and were to be comm1s. stoned. Hall and Dean were both wounded. I suppose will be hero about 3 week and then go back to my company.
 Would certainly like to have some letters from you. but guess there will be bunch at the company when | get back. The hospital is awful nic4: give you anything you want. plenty of nurses. Will write you about the bas- tic later.
 With love to all. and kiss the chil- dren for me.
 LACEY EDMUNDSON,
 Captain 167th Inf55
 HALL WOUNDED BEFORE Werner Hali was wounded once beforc i|