Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-01-02
OUR BOYS
OUR COUNTRY'S SERVICE

in
OUR C0UNTRY'S SERVICE
The following letter has been re-
ceived by MIR. ard Mrs. George w.
Day OF Freeport. from their son,
Sergeant Guy II. Day, now in service
in France:
Somewhere in France.
October -, 1915.
Dear Folks:
1t has been long time since my
last letter; that l realize as well as
you. l trust you are not allowing
yourselves to worry as the absence of
letters does not indicate bad news by
any means. My previous letters were
all sent either from shipDoard or at
the city where we landed. Since
then We have journeyed practically
across France. The first leg Of our
journey was of about three days
duration. We travelled in little old
French cattle cars and believe me it
was some trip. Just at n beautiful
time Of the year when everything
through the country was at its best.
enjoyed the ride Immensely and
promise you many an interesting &C
count of it sometime. We detrained
at a small town in the interior and
stayed there about a week. ] with
three other non-coms were fortunate
enough to be billeted in regular
mansion. 1t seemed odd to come
clear to France to sleep in bed. At
this town we received the balance of
our equipment and then entrained
again. This time we travelled only
one day: detraining at night in the
rain and mud. At this place we got
our first taste of soldering. Out lit
tie old pup" tents wero soon pitched
in the dryest mud puddles we could
find. Early next morning we were on
the march and we hiked for three
solid days. One night just after We
had got settled for suppc. over came
a more brave than prudent Dutchnan
IN an old whale of an acceptance. He
had no more than put in his appear
ance before the receiving committee
of "Yanks" and Frogs" went up to
interview him. Things were remark
ably lively for a few minutes then the
end took place. right over CUR heads;
down he came head over heels.
didn't see the machine when it con-
nected with our little planet, pesky
group Of trees was in the way. but
Ill bet he went into the ground out of
sight. We travelled on L few days
when we encamped and went to work.
Here / received my first bunch of
mail. l have your letters I. 2 and 3
and q couple you sent to Nadsworth
arrived yesterday. 1t is almost I'M
possible to get envelopes here. That
is the principal reason why have not
got word to you sooner.
am writing this in an old French
dugout on one of the mos. famous
battlefields or hills in world. Some
time l shall tell you all about the i'm
mcnsely interesting things one sees
here every day, but at present mus,
confine myself to generalities. This
poor old hill is about as large as our
own Tories and there jsr't space
enough between shell HOES to pitch 4
shelter tent. The most strenuous
fighting took place here about year
ago and the Huns have been running
ever since. and by the way things
look now they are intending to keep
on running till they run into the sea.
Yankee pep is breaking Ger
many's back so fast that they are
more than ready to cry quits. ] be-
lieve the end to be not far distant.
This morning was talking to a
French lieutenant. have picked up
a few words of the language and en-
joy trying to talk with them. He
said the end would be inside two
months and we look for it even soon
er. However. we must not be too
optimistic. A premature peace would
be almost as bad as defeat.
You will be glad to know that am
enjoying the very best of health and
am exceedingly happy and contented.
The only disagreeable things we have
rats. 1t rains about every third day
and the pesky rats are positively
the most plentiful creatures in
France. They are very friendly and
quite harmless, however. DO you re-
member that while we were in
Brunswick part Of our company was
taken to make a Trench Motor Bat
terry? We are encamped not far
from them and the boys often come
over to see us. The first day here
say my old captain. Captain Greene
1t certainly seems good to see the
fellows again. / have not seen any of
the home boys since coming ever and
probably won't, at least for some
time. l would give anything to find
Ray S. but the chances arc slim.
| don't know as havs answered
all your questions but will try and
keep YOU better informed after this.
[ guess you will be satisfied to know
that l am we'll and happy md plan
ming on making one awful hole in
your canned stuffs when I get home.
1 have recently found n most remark
able appetite and shall show no
mercy when l get home J have ten
dered your regards to Sergt. Bishop,
and as he will censor this he may add
word Of his own if he wishes. Lots
Of love to all. Write often.
GUY.
The following letter has recently
been received by Mr.. and Mrs. Will
liam Sproule. from their son. Sergt.
William Sprouie. who is now in U. S
General Hospital No. 3, Railway. N. ).