France | Poppa's WWI Journal

February 23, 2019February 23, 2019

100 Year ago This Week: The show was a big success!

Background: WWI is over and the soldiers of the American Expeditionary Force are being sent home from France. My grandfather, John Rodney Jamieson, who we later called ‘Poppa’, has been in France with the 20th engineers for over a year. He was assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France. He is anxiously awaiting his orders to head home. 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 February 23, 1919– Spent day getting over it. Practicing show, writing letters and sleeping.

Monday February 24– Spent most of day getting show material in casino, rehearsing parts of show and getting ready. Big rehearsal this evening. Looks as though show will go pretty well after all.

Tuesday February 25– Band practice in A.M. The show was a big success. Everything went off very well. The (?) Engineers made the big hit. But everything was pulled off soberly, smoothly and successfully.

Wednesday February 26– Made about 1150 francs clear on the show. Tonight we had a big banquet at Hotel du Voycrgus (?). Supper was good, wine very good. Everyone had enough to feel like a million dollars but none enough to make them drunk, troublesome or disagreeable.

Thursday February 27– At last some mail came today. Two nice letters from Marion and others from home. Worked all day and part of night on some maps for Major Brookings who is leaving here tomorrow for his new job in Paris. With the H(?) Commission.

Friday February 28– Lt. Col Benedict ordered all work to stop today. Hope it means home soon. Gen. Pershing in this part of country. He may be here tomorrow. Today is my father’s birthday. Hope he enjoys the day and has many more birthdays to celebrate.

Saturday March 1– Drove to Pontenx today after tires. Gen. Pershing inspected the troops from this district this afternoon. Gave us a nice little talk and very brief inspection.

The Frolics

WWI is over and there is not much for the soldiers to do. For several days those in Poppa’s unit have been rehearsing for a show they planned to put on. He was obviously looking forward to it. It was held at the Dax casino on the evening of February 25th. Here are pictures of the 4 pages of the program:

The program cover indicates that the show was held at the Dax casino at 8:30 PM. The French at the bottom identifies the printing company and their address.

It looks like each soldier played several roles in the show. For example, Poppa’s friend named Kraft apparently appeared as ‘Eddie’ Kraft, ‘Nero’ Kraft, and the soprano ‘Katherine’ Kraft. Bon Soir means good evening.

The back of the program shows that Poppa was the “Bass Drummer”. The French statement under the heading band “Nous ne savon Pas” translates to “We don’t know” (who is in the band).

I don’t know how talented the soldier/musicians were but Poppa had some musical experience as he played trombone in his high school band and was part of the Ripon College band in 1910.

Ripon College Band 1910-11. Poppa is far left middle row.

Poppa wrote that they made 1150 francs from the show. In 1919 that was equivalent to $162 but is equal to the buying power of $2400 in 2019 dollars. Apparently that helped fund the dinner and drinks the next night at the Hotel du Voycrgus (Not clear from his handwriting if this is correct spelling of hotel).

Major Brookings Leaves Dax

Walter DuBois Brookings was Poppa’s commander. On February 27th Poppa wrote that he was leaving for Paris to work on the (illegible) commission. Paris was where the commission was held that set the terms for the defeated powers. It resulted in the Treaty of Versailles and the start of the League of Nations. Although Poppa said Brookings was going to Paris, Brookings Obituary says that after leaving France, “as a representative of Herbert Hoover he took the first shipload of relief food to the Baltic Region, landing in Libau Latvia” in March of 1919. Ten years before he was president, Herbert Hoover led the commission for Relief in Belgium. According the Wikipedia the commission’s purpose was to supply food to German occupied France and Belgium during WWI.

February 28, 1919 – Birthday of Addison Jackson Jamieson

Addison Jackson Jamieson was Poppa’s father. February 28th, 1919 was his 61st birthday. Addison died in 1943.

March 1, 1919 – General Pershing inspects troops

On March 1st Poppa wrote that General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing inspected the troops. Pershing was the general in charge of the American war effort in Europe. This is at least the third time that Poppa had crossed paths with Pershing since he enlisted. After victory in Europe Pershing returned to America a hero and some of his most ardent supporters encouraged him to run as a candidate for president of the United States. Pershing had little enthusiasm but agreed. He was not nominated by either party.

Next Week: Made THE purchase in Paris!

Sources:

Thanks to Michel Boquet for finding the “Frolics Program”

January 19, 2019January 18, 2019

100 Years Ago This Week: Back to work

Background: WWI has been over for more than 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. He has been in France since September of 1917. He was assigned to the headquarters unit of Company A based at a camp set up inside a bull ring in Dax, France. 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 19, 1919– No Entry

Monday January 20– Started work today, making table survey of present narrow gauge track in place at abandoned 1st. Co. operation. 2nd Co. (Det) ? is now at this camp while 1st Co is at Pontex helping to get out the burned timber there that the U.S. has on its hands.

Tuesday January 21– Finished up the outside work this A.M. Started the map this P.M. Am to go back to my old job, relieving the fellow now at it. Not much to do it appears but I would much prefer more work on an outside job.

Wednesday January 22– The river is again very high, not as high as last spring but it may reach that point soon. Gave us shorter hours today – eight hours is now the official times of labor.

Thursday January 23– About 40 M.P.s are now located here. They are to be stationed here permanently, at present eat with us but will later have their own mess. Y.M.C.A. concert tonight at Y. Two girls with Red who has been here several times before. One girl sings very well, The other a dancer who makes one think himself at a cabaret show somewhere. Had a little dance afterwards.

Friday January 24– More mail today. Did not expect any so soon so this was a pleasant surprise.

Saturday January 25– Not a thing to do all day. Spent all my time in office writing letters, reading, etc. Will probably have several of these kind of day.

On January 20, 1919 Poppa started writing in a new pocket diary. The title on the front is “Agenda” and it is printed in French, suggesting that, unlike the journals he used for 1917 and 1918, he acquired this journal in France.

Poppa’s Journals. For some reason he used one labeled ‘1913’ for the year 1917, and one printed in France for 1919.

Peace Conference

The Paris Peace Conference started on January 18, 1919 in Versaille, France. It was held to negotiate peace treaties which ended WWI.

The Burned Area

After leaving Engineers Training School Poppa has re-joined his unit in Dax, France. Throughout France the American Expeditionary Force (A.E.F.) was beginning the massive logistical effort of returning its soldiers to America. Camps were closed or consolidated and soldiers moved to new temporary locations until they could be sent home. As a result Poppa’s camp in Dax is now home to the M.P.s (military police ?) and the 2nd Company. Poppa wrote that the 1st Co, which was the original unit in this camp, has been sent to the ‘burned area’ in Pontenx (often misspelled Pontex) to help with clean up.

The burned area refers to the remains of a forest fire that occurred in early September, 1918. The fire was intentionally started by local residents who were unhappy with the sale of the forest to the Canadian and U.S. militaries. The fires they started would eventually burn 30,000 acres and 180,000 trees as well as three camps set up by the Canadian armed forces and some small French villages. Local residents, Canadian soldiers and American military personnel worked to extinguish the fire. Despite their best efforts the fire continued until it reached the shore of Gastes-Parentis Lake were it burned itself out. (per Michel Boquet)

Some of the burned timber could still be salvaged and used if milled soon. However, if left untouched, by the spring it would no longer have value. So the French Government asked for the American and Canadian forces to help clean the burn area before they returned to North America.

This picture, from U.S. Government Archives is labelled “American Sawmill in Potenx April 1918.

New railroad tracks were run to the burned area, new barracks, headquarters and ‘Y’ huts were built. Several of the lumber mills that had been set up around France were moved to the burned area and used in the salvage operation which continued through the winter of 1918-19. At one point it became the largest lumber mill in Europe and produced more than half a million board feet of lumber per day.

Therefore, with their services no longer needed for the war effort, the soldiers of Poppa’s unit were sent to the burn area. Poppa, as part of the Company A headquarters staff remained in Dax, for the time being.

The Y.M.C.A

On January 23rd Poppa attended a concert at the YMCA. “Two Girls with Red” performed.

When the U.S. declared war in 1917 the military was inexperienced with meeting the needs of a large army. The Red Cross provided nurses and ambulances and the YMCA stepped in to meet the social and emotional needs. YMCA huts manned by volunteers were put up all over France.

YMCA ‘Huts’ sprung up all aver France during WWI.

Next Week: We Expect to Give Another Show

Sources:

American Lumberman, Chicago . April 5, 1919

Email from Michel Boquet, 10 December 2018

January 12, 2019January 11, 2019

100 Years Ago This Week: I didn’t know I had so many French friends!

Background: WWI has been over for 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 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 12, 1919– Arrived in Lyon at 8:00 AM but R.T.O. & M.P. would not allow us to stay over one day. Left for Bordeaux at 11:00 AM. Train’s crowded, no sleep last night. Pretty scenery around Lyons as train travels along Rhone River. Record- Oct 10 letter reached me as I left engrs camp yesterday. Note -we’re much surprised to get our certificates yesterday as we left school three weeks before close. Could not go to Paris as it is closed to A.E.F. at present. Couldn’t make my purchase I had planned so much on making in either Paris or Lyon

Monday January 13– Rode all night on crowded train but had seat. Arrived in Dax at 10:30. Heard that order just came to the effect (?) that 20th will stay over about three months on road repair work. Everyone disappointed. I am glad to get back to the old bunch.

Tuesday January 14– Tom and I are living in a little tent by ourselves. He arrived about a week in advance of me. I didn’t know I had so many French friends until I got back here.

Wednesday January 15– This is the day we were supposed to start for home. I am glad to be here however and the time will be spent in a good camp at least.

January 16 17-18, 19– Heard the Hanger was reported missing. Doing nothing but resting, writing, and reading. Five officers in the Hospital —— (9).

On Saturday January 11th, while in engineers training school near Langres, France, Poppa was ordered to re-join his unit in Dax. By the end of the day he had left the training school in Langes and traveled to Dijon. From there he took a train to Lyon, France.

Lyon was formed in ancient times at the spot where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet. Lyon is the country’s third largest city and currently has a population of about half a million.

From his journal entry it appears that Poppa wanted to see the sights of Lyon “but R.T.O. & M.P. would not allow us to stay over one day.” R.T.O. may refer refer to railway transport officer? M.P. could stand for ‘Military Police’? From Lyon trains took him to Bordeaux and then back to his unit based in Dax.

Poppa said that he could not make the purchase that he planned. He couldn’t make the ‘purchase’ in Paris as he had hoped because that city was closed to Members of the American Expeditionary Forces (U.S. Soldiers). Apparently, for at least a time after the end of the war soldiers were not allowed to go to Paris on leave.

He has not yet specified what he plans to purchase but I believe that he wants to buy an engagement ring for Marion Clarkson Brown.

In previous journal entries he had mentioned a fellow soldier named Hanger. What does Poppa mean when he says that “Hanger was reported missing”?

Meanwhile, back in America

On January 16th, 1919 the 36th and final state approved prohibition making it possible to ratify the 18th amendment to the constitution. That meant that prohibition would go into effect in one year (January 17th, 1920). Local governments could choose to implement prohibition earlier. Poppa had been in training camp in Washington D.C. on November 1st, 1917 when prohibition was implemented there.

Next week: Back to Work

Sources:

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Lyon.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 6 July 2018, www.britannica.com/place/Lyon-France. Accessed 9 Jan. 2019.

December 8, 2018December 19, 2018

100 Years Ago This Week: If one can live through this school they can live through anything.

Background: It is December of 1918 and WWI has been over for almost a month. 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 December 8, 1918– Walked to Langres today. Found barracks bag awaiting us at station. Just like a lost friend at last found. Packed some things on my back. Balance will be sent tomorrow.

Monday December 9– Every few days some of the fellows are notified that their old outfits are booked . They are sent to them in time to go back with them.

Tuesday December 10– Weather has been quite warm but wet and sloppy for past two weeks. If one can live through this school they can live through anything.

Wednesday December 11– Nothing special today. Rain, mud, drill work and study. But not half as bad as it sounds.

Thursday December 12– Kraft has “lucky night” cleaning up about 2750 francs.

Friday December 13– Another unlucky day. Heard that first bn of (?) is liable to start for home soon. Now to try and get back.

Saturday December 14– Supper at the same old place in Rolampont. Rather of a wild night for the boys. Mail today.

Found Luggage!

“Sunday December 8, 1918- Walked to Langres today. Found barracks bag awaiting us at station. Just like a lost friend at last found. Packed some things on my back. Balance will be sent tomorrow.”

Poppa arrived at training school in early November but his belongings which were in his barracks bag did not. Over one month later he was finally reunited with his bag. He must have had a rather large bag because he carried only some of his possessions on his back as he walked from the station in Langres back to his camp. He wrote that he expected the rest of his things to be delivered the next day.

WWI era soldiers with their barracks bags.

Gambling Luck?

“Thursday December 12- Kraft has “lucky night” cleaning up about 2750 francs.”

Poppa did not say how Kraft ‘cleaned up’ but it was presumably a gambling activity that netted him 2750 francs. According to historicalstatistics.org 2750 French francs would be worth about $488 in 1918 dollars. Seems like big stakes considering that Poppa often mentions that money was tight.

Kraft was apparently another soldier in training school with Poppa. In his journal Poppa listed the address for E.B. Kraft as “Aberdeen, Washington”. Aberdeen has a long history of logging and currently claims to be the “Lumber capital of the World”. Like Poppa, many of the soldiers he served with were associated in some way with the lumber business as civilians.

This is a page from Poppa’s journal on which he wrote some addresses. His gambler friend E. B. Kraft is the last one on this page.

Is this the grave marker for the soldier who was in training with Poppa? Apparently the grave is in Massachusetts but the information on the stone seems correct. It says he was from the state of Washington and that he was in the 20th Engineers during WWI. According to the stone Kraft had the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Does that mean he did receive the commission for which he was training in France with Poppa?

Grave marker for Edward B. Kraft located in Northfield Massachusetts

Going out for dinner

“Saturday December 14- Supper at the same old place in Rolampont. “

Poppa previously mentioned that he often went to the YMCA “hut” for meals. Is that what he meant by the “same old place in Rolampont” or is there a restaurant the he frequented?

This pass was found in the back of Poppa’s 1918 journal. Is this the permission he needed to go out to dinner in Rolampont on December 14th?

Terms of the Armistice

The war has been over for about a month. As part of the armistice the German Government was told that the American military would occupy Germany. On December 13th as Poppa is feeling unlucky but hoping to be sent home soon some sections of the U.S. Army crossed the Rhine River and entered Germany to begin the occupation.

Next Week: Drilling in Rain and Mud

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 17, 2018November 17, 2018

100 Years ago This week: Many rumors about this school closing

Background: It is November of 1918 and one week 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 17, 1918– Spent forenoon taking bath and writing letters. In afternoon went to Langres to infantry school trying to locate (?). Was unable to find mine but enjoyed the day anyway.

Monday November 18– Much work but it is interesting but very hard. Have to be on the job every minute.

Tuesday November 19– Many rumors about this school closing and everyone anxious to see it close. The work goes on just the same all day.

Wednesday November 20– Our instructor taken sick so today we have been having different ones. Several fellows sick with bad colds. Some just sick of this place.

Thursday November 21– Good morning M. Candidate with your chances just as slim as mine —etc. Very appropriate song and expresses the thoughts of everyone.

Friday November 22– Had live grenade practice today . One poor fellow had misfortune to pick a defective one which went off in his hands. Blew off both hands and injured him otherwise. (?) …very, very good.

Saturday November 23– ??

(?) .Had good supper in Rolampont tonight. ? buying stuff…(?)

Poppa spent nearly a year with the 20th Engineers in Dax France. His work there involved drawing blue prints and planning wood structures needed by the soldiers. He complained several times in his journal that he was tired of that type of work and applied to go to A.C.S. Apparently, this is ‘Army Candidate School’ where he could earn an officer’s commission upon completing some classes such as bridging, camouflage, flash and sound ranging, mining, pioneering, topography and searchlight.

However, he has been at the school in Langres, France only 10 days and already appears to be regretting his decision to enroll. In his journal he complains about the lack of food and the living conditions which are worse than what he experienced in Dax. The war has been over for a week, and there are rumors that some soliders are returning home. Wet weather and the loss of his luggage on the way to camp has added to his misery.

Mr. Zip Zip Zip

On November 21st Poppa writes “Good morning Mr. Candidate with you chances just as slim as mine… etc” . He implies that this is a song lyric.

One popular song in 1918 was Mr Zip Zip Zip which included the lyrics:

Good morning, Mister Zip-Zip-Zip,
With your hair cut just as short as mine,

It appears that Poppa adapted the lyrics from this popular song of the time to apply to his own situation when he wrote:

Good morning Mr. Candidate,

with you chances just as slim as mine…

Live Grenade Practice

On November 22nd Poppa wrote that he had live grenade practice and told about a poor fellow who had a defective grenade go off in his hands and was seriously injured. Poppa does not write that he experienced this incident or if it happened previously.

In another soldier’s journal Phillip H. English wrote of a grenade training accident that happened at Langres in January of 1918, prior to Poppa’s arrival. It’s possible that Poppa is referring to this prior accident in his own journal.

Here is a Youtube video about the types of hand grenades used in WWI:

Next Week: Thanksgiving dinner in Rolampont.

Sources:

World War I Diary of Philip H. English (*D 570.3 26th E64 Vol. 1)

“Good Morning Mr. Zip-Zip-Zip!” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Nov. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Morning_Mr._Zip-Zip-Zip! Accessed 16 Nov. 2018.

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.

Poster designed by N. McMein, 1918, “One of the Thousand Y.M.C.A. Girls in France.” 1986.3051.04. Recto. | After conservation treatment.

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.

October 6, 2018October 6, 2018

100 Years ago this week: We … would rather go to the front and help make them surrender.

Background: It has now been over one year since Poppa joined 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, 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 6, 1918– Report came today that “Central Powers” have asked for armistice to discuss peace terms according to Pres. Wilson’s provisions.

Monday October 7– More peace news today. We would all like to go home but would rather go to the front and help make them surrender. Payday today.

Tuesday October 8– We now have a basketball court inside of the arena. The ground is very smooth and hard making a good place.

Wednesday October 9– Today was mail day bringing me twelve letters.

Thursday October 10– Spend the day staking out the new warehouse in the station yard. We need this building very much to handle our supplies.

Friday October 11– Joe applies for another transfer. Marshalls “across the street girl” polished the door knob only six times today.

Saturday October 12– Have made a big map showing front. My job is to move the pins each day as advance keeps on going.

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Optimism about the War

On October 6th and 7th Poppa wrote that there was talk of peace. He might be referring to the fact that on October 4th President Wilson received a request from the Germans asking for an armistice discussion based on his 14 points. Apparently the Germans approached the American president instead of the British and French who they had been fighting since 1914 because they felt they would get more favorable treatment from Wilson. The 14 points refer to a set of principles of peace that Woodrow Wilson outlined in a speech in January of 1918.

Is Poppa smiling in this picture because there is talk of peace?

Tuesday October 8

“We now have a basketball court inside of the arena. The ground is very smooth and hard making a good place.”

When Poppa’s unit arrived in Dax France in late 1917 they were provided with a bullfighting arena to use as their headquarters. Although Bullfighting is popular in Spain the Dax arena is the only one in France. Apparently, because they are only 30 miles from the Spanish border Dax residents were influenced enough by the Spanish culture to build an arena.

Meanwhile, on the Front lines: Corporal Alvin York

Although Poppa would likely not know about it yet October 8, 1918 was the date of a legendary event. During a battle on this date Alvin York was part of a group of American soldiers sent to attack a German machine gun position. After his superiors were killed York was placed in command. He continued to fight. When it was over he had singlehandedly killed at least 25 German soldiers and captured 132 more.

His heroics were depicted in the Oscar winning 1941 film “Sergeant York” starring Gary Cooper.

Next Week: Who am I working for?

Sources:

“The History Place – World War I Timeline – 1918 – A Fateful Ending.” The History Place – World War II in Europe Timeline, www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/firstworldwar/index-1918.html. Accessed 5 Oct. 2018.

“Sgt. Alvin York Kills 25 German Soldiers.” OnThisDay.com, On This Day, www.onthisday.com/photos/sgt-alvin-york-kills-25-german-soldiers. Accessed 6 Oct. 2018.

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.