World War I | Poppa's WWI Journal

January 5, 2019January 7, 2019

100 Years ago This Week: Leaving Langres

Background: WWI has been over for almost 2 months. It has been more than one year since my grandfather, John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’, enlisted in the United States Army’s 20th Engineers. In November, 1917 he sailed to France aboard a troop transport ship. He was assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France. On November 7, 1918 he traveled to Langres France and enrolled in Army Engineers Candidate School (A.C.S.). Here are the journal entries he wrote one hundred years ago this week.

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From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson

Sunday January 5, 1919– (No entry)

Monday January 6– (No entry)

Tuesday January 7– Having much doughboy this week. Today it is rumored that 1bn 20th men are going back to their COs who are leaving for the U.S.A.

Wednesday January 8– Today at 3 P.M. the battalion was paraded in honor of ex-pres Roosevelt whose funeral is today.

Thursday January 9– (No entry)

Friday January 10– (No entry)

Saturday January 11– Called out of first formation this A.M. Told to pack up and leave in one hour for Langres. Left L- at 4:00 P.M. Stayed in Dijon (?) until 3 A.M.

Note: Poppa made entries in his diary for almost every day since he enlisted in 1917. He was very consistent. However, during the week of January 5, 1918 he did not write anything for 4 of the seven days. It was the fewest entries of any week to this point. Is it possible that his dislike for his current situation took away his motivation to write in his journal?

Poppa had been in training at the Army’s Engineers school near Langres, France for several weeks. Almost since arriving there were rumors that the training school was closing. Some of the other soldiers in training had already left to return to their units and then, presumably, were to be sent home. This week Poppa’s turn finally arrived. On the morning of Saturday, January 11th he was told to prepare to leave in order to return to his unit in Dax, France. By 4 p.m. he was leaving and he “Stayed in Dijon (?) until 3 A.M.”

It’s sometimes difficult to decipher Poppa’s writing. Here is his a picture of his entry for January 11.

Poppa’s journal entry for January 11, 1919. Where do you think he “stayed until 3 AM”?

At first I thought he wrote that he stayed in “wagon” until 3 a.m. However, after studying the map I realized that there is a community of Dijon, France about 50 miles south of Langres. Dijon, the birthplace of dijon mustard, was used as a headquarters by the American forces during WWI and was a hub for railway transportation . I think that it’s possible he stayed in “Dijon” until 3 am when he presumably caught another train to continue on his trip.

Loading rations on a train in Dijon, France during WWI

Four days before he left the training school in Langres, on Wednesday January 8, Poppa wrote- “at 3 P.M. the battalion was paraded in honor of ex-pres Roosevelt whose funeral is today.”

Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt died on January 6th, 1919. He had served as president of the United States from 1901-1909.

Next Week: I didn’t know I had so many French friends!

Sources:

AEF IN DIJON.” The American Expeditionary Force in and around Dijon, 8 Apr. 2017, aefdijon.wordpress.com/2017/04/06/first-blog-post/. Accessed 5 Jan. 2019.

“Theodore Roosevelt.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Dec. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt. Accessed 5 Jan. 2019.

December 22, 2018December 19, 2018

100 Years Ago This Week: President Wilson Reviews the Troops on Christmas Day

Background: It is December of 1918 and WWI has been over for more than a month. John Rodney Jamieson, my grandfather, who we later called ‘Poppa’, had joined the U.S. Army’s 20th Engineers and was assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France. On November 7, 1918 he traveled to Langres France and enrolled in Army Candidate School (A.C.S.). Here are the journal entries he wrote one hundred years ago this week.

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From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson

Sunday December 22, 1918– Was going to Langres but due to rain decided to stay in camp.

Monday December 23– Weather still quite warm but wet and very muddy. I am company C.O. tomorrow -Christmas day.

Tuesday December 24– Some of the boys gave a Minstrel show at the Fort Y.M. hut on Christmas eve. Loud, witty and truly expressed some of our thoughts and emotions about this place.

Wednesday December 25– Went to see the President review troops about two miles from here. Saw Pres and Mrs Wilson, Gen Pershing, Col House and others of the party. Rest of the day around barracks reading and writing.

Thursday December 26– We have been given all afternoons off between Christmas and New Years. Have inspection at 1:00 and then nothing more.

Friday December 27– Had camouflage xam this morning.

Saturday December 28– Started bridging course today. Awful walk down to the place. Glad the course is only one week in length.

President Wilson’s trip to Europe

President Wilson and General John Pershing reviewed the troops in France on Christmas day 1918.

Wednesday December 25– “Went to see the President review troops about two miles from here. Saw Pres and Mrs Wilson, Gen Pershing, Col House and others of the party. ”

President Woodrow Wilson became the first American president to travel to Europe while in office. He wanted to participate in the peace conference scheduled for January, 1919 so he left America aboard the S.S. George Washington on December 4th, 1918 and arrived in Paris on December 16th. On Christmas day he reviewed the troops in Humes France which is about equidistant between Langres and Rolampont, the two communities where Poppa was located during his training. You can see a fairly high quality video (No audio) of President Wilson and General Pershing reviewing and addressing the troops and locals in this video on Youtube.

Presumably Poppa is in the crowd watching the ceremonies although I couldn’t pick him out in the video.

This is the second time that Poppa was near the president since joining the army. On October 28th, 1917 while in training near Washington D.C. he wrote “Visited Washington today. Saw National Museum, Potomac River and nearly run over by Pres Car.”

If you watch the video of the president you will see many dogs running around the soldiers. Maybe they were strays or animals “adopted” by the various soldiers. It is humorous to see that one dog, oblivious to the ceremony, was digging a hole just a few feet in front of the President while he spoke on the reviewing stand.

Next Week: Could Anything be Much Worse?

November 24, 2018November 23, 2018

100 Years ago this Week: Thanksgiving Dinner in Rolampont.

Background: It is November of 1918 and two weeks after the end of WWI. It has been more than one year since my grandfather, John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’, enlisted in the United States Army’s 20th Engineers. In November, 1917 he sailed to France aboard a troop transport ship. He was assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France. However, on November 7, 1918 he travelled to Langres France and enrolled in Army Candidate School (A.C.S.). Here are the journal entries he wrote one hundred years ago this week.

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From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson

Sunday November 24, 1918– Hung around camp today. Thought ?? might come over but has not as yet. Spent today writing letter and studying.

Monday November 25- No mail for a month. Must be lots “somewhere in France” for this soldier.

Tuesday November 26– The Y.M.C.A. has started a canteen here, the line is miles in length every night. Buy lots of cakes, keeps me from near starvation. One year in France today. Won’t be another, now.

Wednesday November 27– Mud and rain every day. Today especially bad, wet all day but work goes on just the same.

Thursday November 28– Thanksgiving dinner in Rolampont. Bought pork chops, bread, jams ole and French fried(?). Certainly got filled up with this very unique dinner.

Friday November 29– Wet feet all the time, this is an endurance test more than anything else, little to eat with poor living conditions, wet feet and much work. Can you beat that.

Saturday November 30– Two examinations and inspection today. Afternoon off. More rumors again. Hope some of them are true and this closes soon.

On Tuesday November 26th Poppa wrote that he had been in France for one full year. He had arrived on the troop ship Madawaska and until recently was living and working as a member of the 20th Engineers in Dax France. Since November 7th he had been at the A.C.S. or Candidates School, presumably working toward a commission as a Second Lieutenant.

The army worked frantically beginning in 1917 to set up this and other training schools in France. Only months after opening, with the end of the war, Poppa wrote that there are many rumors that the school will be closing soon.

Poppa has not written about the specific location of the camp where he is living and training. On November 17th he wrote that he went to Langres to look for his barracks bag. On November 28th he wrote that he went into Rolampont for Thanksgiving dinner. Records mention both of these towns as well as several others nearby as settings for the army’s training centers. The 2 communities are about 7 miles apart. Perhaps Poppa is living somewhere between the 2.

On Monday November 26th Poppa used the phrase “somewhere in France” and put it in quotes. Due to censorship soldiers were not supposed to identify their locations when writing home. Soldiers commonly used the phrase “somewhere in France” when writing home to friends and family.

According to a book called “The American Spirit” the Candidates School was in the Turenne Barracks which are located in or near Langres.

Turenne Barracks

On November 27th Poppa wrote that “The Y.M.C.A. has started a canteen here, the line is miles in length every night”. Hopefully he is exaggerating when he wrote that the YMCA hut “keeps me from near starvation”.

Throughout World War I, the YMCA provided morale and welfare services for the military. By war’s end, the YMCA, had set up 1,500 canteens in the United States and France; and 4,000 YMCA huts for recreation and religious services.

The YMCA ‘Hut’ in Langres France

Here is a video of U.S. soldiers training in Rolampont during 1917-18.

Next Week: Still Walking in Mud…With Wet Feet

Sources:

Historical report of the Chief Engineers 1917-1919. Washinton Govern,ment Printing Office. 1919

History -1900 to 1950s. “The Y: YMCA of the USA, 12 June 2018, www.ymca.net/history/1900-1950

“The American Spirit.” Google Books, books.google.com/books

Scribner’s Magazine.” Google Books, books.google.com

November 10, 2018November 9, 2018

100 Years ago this week: Armistice!

Background: It is November of 1918 and more than one year since my grandfather, John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’, enlisted in the United States Army’s 20th Engineers. In November, 1917 he sailed to France aboard a troop transport ship. He was assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France. However, on November 7, 1918 he travelled to Langres France and enrolled in Army Candidate School (A.C.S.). Here are the journal entries he wrote one hundred years ago this week.

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From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson

Sunday November 10, 1918– Spent day taking walks over county. Beautiful hills and valleys.

Monday November 11– Germany signs armistice today. Tonight guns are booming and crowds yelling. (?) (?) and organized into companies today. Assigned to Co. B. Live in a crowded barracks, much mud, poor grub, but good fellows and I expect to like it.

Tuesday November 12 – (One Year today) First day of training. Busy all the time from 5:30 a.m. until taps at 10:30. Don’t think I will hear taps many nights.

Wednesday November 13– Work very interesting, lots of it not a minute to spare all day or night. Drill, eat study and sleep.

Thursday November 14– Weather cold but A.C.S. goes on just the same. Some say the war is over but for me it has just begun and just what Sherman said it was.

Friday November 15– No waste in this mess here. I am hungry all the time , much drill and cold weather gives the appetite.

Saturday November 16– Half day Drill and (?). Inspection right after dinner, went to Rolampont spent evening at Y. lunch room and on return home.

The War Ends!

Photograph taken after reaching agreement for the armistice that ended World War I.

The Great war ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Originally celebrated annually as armistice day, we now call November 11th veterans day.

But what does it mean for Poppa?

Although the end of the war is certainly a reason to celebrate, Poppa seems reserved in his response and less than enthusiastic about the training he is beginning.

The day after the armistice Poppa writes is his first day of training and marks one year since he left the United States.

Poppa is living in Langres which is about 8 miles from to the community of Rolampont where he “spent the evening” on Saturday November 16th.

In 1918 Rolampont was the headquarters of the AEF 42nd Division.

Headquarters of the 42nd Division Rolampont, France. February 1918.

Next Week: Many Rumors About this School Closing

Sources:

Book: Organization of the American Expeditionary Forces

Book: Historical Report of the Chief Engineer

November 3, 2018November 3, 2018

100 Years ago this week: Poppa Arrives at Army Candidate School

Background: It is November of 1918 and more than one year since my grandfather, John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’, enlisted in the United States Army’s 20th Engineers. In November, 1917 he sailed to France aboard a troop transport ship. He is assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A and is based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France. Many of the soldiers around him have come down with the Spanish flu. Here are the journal entries he wrote one hundred years ago this week.

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From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson

Sunday November 3, 1918– Did not go to Pau yesterday. Rain all day nothing to do but sit by fire, read, play cards and wait for orders to pack up and go.

Monday November 4– Waited all day for final orders, none came until 5 P.M. tonight. Will probably leave tomorrow. Austria quit fighting today at 3 P.M. Hope war is over before we get to school.

Tuesday November 5– Left at 6:30 P.M. for A.C.S. The boys of our tent-all of us have been together for a year- gave me a nice pocket bill book as a parting gift.

Wednesday November 6 – Arrived in Paris about 10:00 stay at a good hotel run by the Y.M.C.A. Lost barracks bag and spent whole day in subway running from depot to depot.

Thursday November 7– Arrived at school without barracks bags. The A.T.O. promised to forward them later. Hope they reach us soon.

Friday November 8– Spent day getting settled in. Mud is about a foot deep, nothing like camp we had at Dax.

Saturday November 9– Worked all a.m. on rock pile. In p.m. we went over three miles after hay for (?) bedsack. Carried it back on my shoulder. Start (?) getting settled.

Poppa has been in France for nearly a year. He has written several times in recent weeks that he did not like his job and would prefer to do something else. He also wrote that he was being considered by his supervisors for A.C.S. which, I believe refers to ‘army candidate school’ . Based on his writings it appears that he got his wish and that it happened suddenly. He wrote that on the evening of November 5th, 1918 he said goodbye to his buddies and left for A.C.S. He arrived the next day in Paris without his luggage which apparently was lost on the trip. He stayed over night in Paris at “… a good hotel run by the Y.M.C.A.”

Does this business card advertise the hotel where Poppa stayed in Paris in 1918?

The United States army established several training schools in the Paris area during 1917-18. According to the 1919 publication “Historical Report of the Chief Engineer” the Army Engineers School was opened at Langres on October 31, 1917, and later moved to Fort St. Menge. Courses taught included bridging, camouflage, flash and sound ranging, mining, pioneering, topography and searchlight. By November 1st of 1918 400 candidates per month were being enrolled in the school.

Langres is a very old French city with a current population of about 10,000.

Although Poppa indicated that he travelled to Paris, presumably by train, He does not yet mention Langres by name. Located almost 200 miles to the east of Paris he apparently arrived there on November 7th. Was he a member of the class of 400 that was to start on November 1st?

On the battle front

WWI is near its end. Germany is now retreating as French and American troops move to re- take Sedan, France which Germany had occupied for 4 years. German emperor and King of Prussia Wilhem II abdicates.

Next Week: Armistice!

Sources:

Historical Report of the Chief Engineer, 1919: Washington Government Printing Office

Thank you to Michel Boquet for information about and for pointing out resources on US army training camps in France

October 27, 2018October 26, 2018

100 Years ago This Week: Letters are the greatest means of encouragement these days.

Background: It is October 1918 and more than one year since my grandfather, John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’, enlisted in the United States Army’s 20th Engineers. In November, 1917 he sailed to France aboard a troop transport ship. He is assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A and is based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France. Many of the soldiers around him have come down with the Spanish flu. Here are the journal entries he wrote one hundred years ago this week.

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From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson

Sunday October 27, 1918 –We had a basketball game today with “C” company. We won 16 to 10. Very stiff and tired tonight as I am not used to so much exercise.

Monday October 28– We were re-classified last week. Am afraid it will do no good but maybe, possibly, perhaps something might happen.

Tuesday October 29– British “Royal Blue Horse Guards Band” played here yesterday. Good music but not enough “Pep” for outdoor military concert.

Wednesday October 30– Another nice bunch of mail today. Letters are the one big event and greatest means of encouragement these days.

Thursday October 31 – News came this P.M. (Unofficial) that Turkey quits. Hope so. Entertainment by American girls at the new ‘Y’ tonight. Guess we will all be there.

Friday November 1– Good news today. Major B______ told me he would send in my name for me in answer to a telegram for two men for Engineers Army candidate school.

Saturday November 2– Expect to go to Pau with Captain Elam for weekend this P.M. returning Monday morning.

Tuesday October 29– British “Royal Blue Horse Guards Band” played here yesterday. Good music but not enough “Pep” for outdoor military concert.

The Royal Regiment of Horse Guards (The Blues) (RHG) was part of the British Army. It was formed in 1650 and its coat of arms was blue. The regiment served in many wars including WWI.

Thursday October 31 – Entertainment by American girls at the new ‘Y’ tonight Guess we will all be there.

During WWI the YMCA was a different organization than we think of today. According to The History of the YMCA in WWI the ‘Y’ provided 90% of the welfare services available to the military both at home and overseas. The Red Cross and USO were not yet the organizations we think of today and when American needed to quickly build an army to fight overseas the YMCA also mobilized. During the ‘Great War’ 35,000 YMCA volunteers worked to meet the welfare of our forces overseas. Of the men and women working with the YMCA there were 286 casualties during the war.

Saturday November 2– Expect to go to Pau with Captain Elam for weekend this P.M. returning Monday morning.

Pau is a city in southwestern France, set along the Pyrenees mountains’ northern edge approximately 50 miles from the Spanish border. Pau is about 55 miles from Dax where Poppa’s company is located. Poppa didn’t say whether the trip to Pau would be for work or pleasure.

Meanwhile, on the front lines

The war was nearing its end. The Germans and allies lack men and resources and the civilians were protesting the war. The head of the German Navy decided to stage a major naval battle against the British. However, on October 29, 1918 German sailors refused their orders to attack the British and began a revolt which began the German Revolution. On October 30th Turkey signed an armistice with the Allies.

On the Home Front

During the last week of October, 1918 21,000 Americans died from the Spanish Flu epidemic.

Next Week: Poppa Arrives at Army Candidate School

October 13, 2018October 13, 2018

100 Years ago This Week: Who am I working for?

Background: It has now been over one year since my grandfather John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’ enlisted in the United States Army’s 20th Engineers. In November, 1917 he sailed to France aboard a troop transport ship. He is assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A and is based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France. Many of the soldiers around him have come down with the Spanish flu. Here are the journal entries he wrote one hundred years ago this week.

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From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson

Sunday October 13, 1918– Gave first band concert in veranda of arena today. Many papers and magazines in mail today. Report that central Powers have accepted (?) peace plans.

Monday October 14– Peace news more quiet today. Nearly everyone thinks it is still part of game to save German Gov. from ruin.

Tuesday October 15– Drafting, raining, graveling- applied for another transfer today. Last week Joe took a 24 hour trip for—– for the colonel. Hard day war (?) for some people.

Wednesday October 16 – I wish I could put down here the song(?), no noise, the women cry as they push their little wheel barrows down the street past the office every morning selling fish.

Thursday October 17– Rain continuous from early morning. Still raining tonight at 8:41. Casey (?) calls on us tonight driving Lt Colonel Kelley with many interesting tales from the front.

Friday October 18– Who am I working for was my cry. Whereupon the matter was settled and again it was much better for me. Four rush jobs. From four different men.

Saturday October 19– The Y.M.C.A. up town was opened tonight . Will be nice place after while. Y.M.C.A. at rear of cafe does not sound very well.

“Who am I working for?”

Poppa seems to be increasingly unhappy with the type of work that he has been doing as a soldier. He has mentioned that he has helped design and install telephone lines, buildings, and roads. However, on October 15th he wrote that he once again requested a transfer and on October 16th he expressed frustration with his work. Apparently 4 different superiors were directing him to do four different things

Rumors of peace

Although unhappy with his own role in the army It appears that Poppa and the other soldiers are excited about the possibility that the war will be over soon. The war has been going better for the American/English/French forces. The Germans continue to retreat on October 13th and 14th. The Americans and their allies have advanced.

October 17th – Driving Lieut Col Kelley (Kelly?)

I can find no reference to a Lieut. Col. Kelley in the 20th engineers. However in the book called the History of the Twentieth Engineers Lieut. Col. Kelly (spelled without the second ‘e’) is listed as officer in charge of ‘Technical Equipment and Operation Supplies’. The book also indicates that one-half of Company A was “…known also as the Third Detachment, Tenth engineers and as “The Kelly Outfit” consisted of about 130 men…. The Detachment built a camp at Bellevue, near Pontenx, (known as “Kellyville in recognition of the energetic commanding officer).”

Pontenx is a community about 60 miles north of Poppa’s camp. In 1918 it had a population of about 1700.

A Us army photo of the Pontenx sawmill 1918. Presumably this is located in the camp of Lieut. Col Kelly.

Next Week: The Spanish “Flu” is very prevalent around here now

Sources:

Twentieth Engineers France 1917-1918-1919, Dimm and sons Prinitng Co. Portland, Oregon.

September 8, 2018September 8, 2018

100 Years Ago This Week: I Have Asked for a New Job

Background: In September of 1917 My grandfather, John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’, enlisted in the United States Army’s 20th Engineers whose primary purpose was to mill lumber and build the wooden structures needed by the soldiers. In November he sailed to France aboard a troop transport ship. He is assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A and is based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France. Many of the soldiers around him have come down with the Spanish flu. Here are the journal entries he wrote one hundred years ago this week.

From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson

Sunday September 8, 1918– A quiet day. Writing letters, reading, etc

Monday September 9– The tennis court is very popular. We play tennis, sometimes baseball but something for exercise every evening. Much needed after days confinement in office.

Tuesday September 10– News today that sec Baker has again arrived in France. Perhaps to see the big offensive of the American army which must start soon. Our front has been quiet for some time now.

Wednesday September 11– Have asked for a new job. Am tired of maps, tracings, and blueprints.

Thursday September 12– The American offensive started today. The townspeople are much excited tonight over the first report of the success.

Friday September 13– This is supposed to be an unlucky day but not so for the “Armie Americane” with their 13,000 prisoners.

Saturday September 14– An aeroplane flew over very low today giving a little demonstration of turning and diving.

Success on the western front

Three of Poppa’s entries this week refer to the progress of the war. On September 10th he noted that secretary of war Baker had arrived in France. In a previous journal entry for October 31st, 1917 Poppa wrote that Secretary Baker had visited their headquarters. Is it possible that Poppa, a lowly private in the US army, had the chance to meet the secretary of war?

Newton D. Baker served as secretary of war from 1916 until 1921. Baker, of Cleveland Ohio, supported Wilson at the 1912 Democratic National Convention. Supporting a candidate in the election gets you a position in the presidential cabinet later? Things haven’t changed.

September 12, 1918 – “The American offensive started today. The townspeople are much excited tonight over the first report of the success.”

The battle of St. Mihiel began when the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) attacked the southernmost portion of the Western Front in France at St. Mihiel. This was the first operation of the Americans as an independent army. The offensive was supported by 1,476 Allied aircraft used as part of a coordinated air-ground attack. It was the largest air force ever assembled for a single operation, consisting of 366 observation airplanes, 323 day bombers, 91 night bombers, and 701 pursuits. Also on hand were 15 US and six French balloon companies.

According to Wikipedia this photo is labelled: Battle of St. Mihiel-American Engineers returning from the front

Within 36 hours, the Americans take 15,000 prisoners and capture over 400 pieces of artillery as the Germans withdraw.

It was the first and only offensive launched solely by the United States Army in World War I.

The fighting was depicted in the 1927 film Wings.

Next Week: Marion. She is the true girl alright!

Sources:

2 2000 By, Walter J. Boyne, et al. “ // .” Air Force Magazine, www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2000/February%202000/0200mihiel.aspx. Accessed 8 Sept. 2018.

“U.S. Launches Saint-Mihiel Offensive.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-launches-saint-mihiel-offensive. Accessed 8 Sept. 2018.

“Battle of Saint-Mihiel.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Sept. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Saint-Mihiel. Accessed 8 Sept. 2018.

September 1, 2018August 29, 2018

100 Years ago this week: we should have much better eats now

Background: In September of 1917 My grandfather, John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’, enlisted in the United States Army’s 20th Engineers whose primary purpose was to mill lumber and build the wooden structures needed by the soldiers. In November he sailed to France aboard a troop transport ship. He is assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A and is based inside a bull ring in Dax, France. Many of the soldiers around him have come down with the Spanish flu. Here are the journal entries he wrote one hundred years ago this week.

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Sunday September 1, 1918– The medics left our mess today for their own new mess hall. We should have much better eats now. Pumpkin pie for dinner today.

Monday September 2– “Labor Day” all are laboring too. Some nice mail today is the most interesting thing to write about.

Tuesday September 3– Were issued tobacco for Sept. at 12:30 this morn but was all gone at 1:00 Great sport playing poker with Bull Durham.

Wednesday September 4– Joe sells tickets on the world series. Eighteen of us out of twenty drew blanks but Joe says it was perfectly on the square.

Thursday September 5– The tennis courts are being used very extensively. The courts are good. The Y.M. C.A. have furnished the equipment and we enjoy it.

Friday September 6– We have remodeled the tent fixing up the floor sides and frame. Will have a much more comfortable place this winter.

Saturday September 7– Payday and Mail day. Two of the letters were from Marion. The very best yet.

Mess Hall

Sunday September 1, 1918– The medics left our mess today for their own new mess hall.

Labor Day

Monday September 2– “Labor Day” all are laboring too. Some nice mail today is the most interesting thing to write about.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. So it was a pretty well established holiday by the time Poppa celebrated it in France in 1918.

Tobacco Rations

Tuesday September 3– Were issued tobacco for Sept. at 12:30 this morn but was all gone at 1:00 Great sport playing poker with Bull Durham.

Prior to World War I pipe smoking was more popular among American men than cigarettes and any type of smoking was considered “unlady like”. When the United States entered the war in 1917 tobacco companies saw an opportunity and marketed cigarettes to the soldiers as an escape and morale booster. Cigarettes became so popular that they were used as a form of currency among soldiers.

Back home in America as women began filling jobs that became available as men joined the military they also began to take up smoking. Campaigns were initiated to provide tobacco to the troops over seas. The American Tobacco company of Durham started a program that allowed any American citizen or organization to provide a soldier with a gift box of 2 packages of Lucky Strike cigarettes, 3 packages of Bull Durham tobacco, 3 books of Bull Durham cigarette papers, 1 tin Tuxedo tobacco, and 4 books of Tuxedo brand cigarette papers for less than retail price. When it was determined that not enough tobacco was getting to the troops through these contributions the American tobacco company took their products off the market and contracted directly with the U.S. government to provide tobacco to our soldiers.

For soldiers, tobacco was seen not only as an item of comfort but also as a battlefield necessity. Contemporary studies supposedly demonstrated that soldiers could go an additional two hours between meals if they smoked, the tobacco serving as an appetite suppressant.

Poppa did not specify whether his tobacco ‘issue’ came directly from the army or if was a provided by private parties.

The World Series of 1918

Wednesday September 4– Joe sells tickets on the world series. Eighteen of us out of twenty drew blanks but Joe says it was perfectly on the square.

In 1918 The world series was played between September 5th and 11th. The Boston Red Sox defeated the Chicago Cubs in 6 games.

The World War I “Work or Fight” order forced the premature end of the regular season on September 1, and 1918 is the only World Series to be played entirely in September.

The rushed timing of things was due to the obligation of players drafted into the military to leave their teams and go to war.

According to Wikipedia the 1918 World Series marked the first time “The Star Spangled Banner” was performed at a major leaguegame. During the seventh-inning stretch of Game 1, the band began playing the song because the country was involved in World War I. The song would be named the national anthem of the United States in 193

.The winning pitcher of Game 1 was Babe Ruth, who pitched a shutout.

Next Week: I Have Asked for a New Job

August 25, 2018August 25, 2018

100 years ago this week: Joe saves a kid from drowning

Background: In September of 1917 My grandfather, John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’, enlisted in the United States Army’s 20th Engineers whose primary purpose was to mill lumber and build the wooden structures needed by the soldiers. In November he sailed to France aboard a troop transport ship. He is assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A which is based inside a bull ring in Dax, France. Many of the soldiers around him have come down with the Spanish flu. Here are the journal entries he wrote one hundred years ago this week.

From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson

Sunday August 25, 1918– Had talk with Chaplin this morning. Baseball game in the afternoon. Game of tennis this evening. Has been a very good day.

Monday August 26– “Blue Monday”. A dark rainy day. Everyone’s spirits about as bright as the day is.

Tuesday August 27– Joe is taken to the hospital today for two days treatment.

Wednesday August 28– Today while lying in bed in hospital Joe sees a kid drowning in river. He jumped through side of tent over to and into the river saving the kid from drowning. We made a “ Croix de guerre” out of piece of old copper and presented it to him in a “mock” formation. At 9:00 P.M.

Thursday August 29- (No entry)

Friday August 30– Canadians have invited us to a picture show at their camp tonight to see some American pictures.

Saturday August 31–The allied armies are racing for the Rhine Each one driving at germans ahead of it.

A Child is saved from drowning

On Tuesday August 27th Poppa noted that a soldier friend named Joe was taken to the hospital for two days of treatment. He doesn’t say what he is bring treated for but many soldiers on both sides of the conflict have been sickened by the Spanish flu. Possibly that is Joe’s situation.

The next day Poppa wrote in his journal that Joe saved a child from drowning in the river. “ He jumped through side of tent over to and into the river saving the kid from drowning.”

“We made a “ Croix de guerre” out of piece of old copper and presented it to him in a “mock” formation. At 9:00 P.M.”

A “Croix de guerre” is a French medal of honor presented to soldiers who distinguish themselves in battle.

The french medal of honor known as the Croix de Guerre

Here is an article about the event from the battalion newspaper.

This article mentions that Joe was presented with the D.S.O. The only military abbreviation I could find for DSO is “Distinguished Service Order” However, this is a British military honor awarded to British soldiers who distinguish themselves in battle so it may not be what is referred to in the article.

The article quotes ‘Messergent Bandage‘. I believe they might be referring to another of Poppa’s soldier colleagues M.R. Brundage .

I don’t have a picture of Joe Neiswanger. However, In the address section of his 1918 journal Poppa has this entry: Joe Neiswanger, Brookville PA. The April 5th, 1950 edition of the Tyrone (PA) Daily Herald newspaper states that Joseph Neiswanger, of Brookville, was a ‘veteran leader’ and past commander of the American Legion post.

Here is a picture of a grave marker for a Joseph Neiswanger who died in Brookville, PA in 1962. He was born the same year as Poppa. Do you think it is the same person?

Next Week: We should have much better eats now!

Sources:

Boquet, Michel, email July 16, 2018

“Croix De Guerre.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Aug. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croix_de_Guerre. Accessed 24 Aug. 2018.