The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1919-01-03
Soldiers S Letters
France, Sunday, Dec. S, 191


Dear Mother:
| Well, the war is over, and won,
! which we are all glad Of, and the next
thing is getting back. Rumors are
to the effect that we will leave soon,
and hope we will be sailing home
ward, as have got enough of France,
! for the present time, at least Of
course, haven't seen the best of
France; as matter of fact, our
pleasure trips are scarce. A person
would hardly realize he was in the
same country now, since the hostili-
ties have ceased.
Experience has been great. Will
now go into details:
Left Camp Meade Saturday, July
9Th, about 7.15 p. NJ, arrived at New
York following Sunday a. m. Left
Hoboken 8th, about 6.25 p. M, on
the largest transport in the world, S.
S. Leviathan, formerly German liner
! Vatefland, (sent you picture); ap-
proximately 1900 people on board,
same as being in city, although not
much excitement crossing the ocean.
Landed at Brest, France, July 18th,
about II a. m. Debarked about 11.30
p. M, and hiked few miles to a
camp, after which we travelled from
place to place in box cars. Part of
the time forty men in a small car.
One stretch of it 1 remember was
three days and nights. 1t was all
new and everybody went thru with
flying colors We also had plenty of
hiking; it all helps to make a good
soldier
OF course. we didn't travel all the
time. We were at Vaux for FEW
weeks training. also at Areeilles,an
several other places.
Anyway, we went over the top on
Sept. 26th, at Argonne. Next place
in line was st. Mihiel, sector from
there to Verdun. at which place our
Division was holding a vital spot
when hostilities ceased. Surely was
hard fighting.
Near where we are now is where
so many German soldiers lost their
lives in 1914, and since trying to
capture Verdun. A great sight to
look over where there has been SO
much hard fighting, and see what de-
struction there has been. One can
hardly explain how it looks; every
town shot to pieces. Where we are
now, not a single house is left but
what hasn't been ruined; looks more
like dump pile than town.
am living in a dug-out at present,
candles are very valuable; ! am well
and making out as well as could be
expected. and will be home just as
soon as l possibly can. Hope every
body is well and happy. A person
surety naygut something to be thank
full for. getting through war like
we have had, without being killed. 1
hardly know how it could happen.
My chances at times were very mar
row. Ny Lieutenant was knocked off
within a few feet of me. He certain
ly was a fine fellow, and was pitt
full sight. I was platoon sergeant,
and had charge of it, and he was
commanding officer. That left me
with the platoon Cos men) which I
proceeded with until the following
day, when another one of our officers
joined us.
have worked hard and have done
my part, 1 think; however. 1 have
nothing to regret. The Maryland
boys have done great fighting, as well
as others, and no one has anything
to regret in regard to the way in
which they did their work.
Received Johns letter, also Ruth's,
and Mabels. Will write them when
get chance. Love to all.
Sgt. ROY J. RHODES,
Co. C, 3O4th F. S. B., A. E. F, France.
Mr.. Samuel E. Hubbr d, of the
s. E. Hubbard Hardware Co., this
city, has received the following let
ter from Mr.. Brice G.. Wall, former
employe Of the Company, who is now
with the 313th Infantry, in France:
France, December 3, 1913.
Deaf Mr. Hubbard:
Guess you think have forgotten
you, but I have not. by long way. l