Dax | 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.

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.

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.

August 18, 2018August 17, 2018

100 Years ago this week: Band Practice Every Monday and Friday

From the Journal of John Rodney Jamieson

Sunday August 18, 1918– Took nice long walk with Brundage this morning . Wrote a few letters, read and rested the balance of the day. Letters from home and Marion today.

Monday August 19– Rcd letter from Ollie Schrieber telling of his arrival in France. Walter Jessup has also been here about a month.

Tuesday August 20– (No Entry)

Wednesday August 21– Letter from Doc(?) telling of his arrival somewhere in France hope to meet soon.

Thursday August 22– Awfully hot weather. From the (?) it looks as though the water was very rough tonight.

Friday August 23– Have band practice every Monday and Friday night. Sometimes (?)

Saturday August 24– Joe, Marshall and Woolie come to the camp at midnight in a carriage.

Sunday August 18, 1918– Took nice long walk with Brundage.

I don’t have any more information about Sergeant Brundage except that In his address book Poppa wrote “M.R. Brundage, Sonora, California”

A picture of Poppa’s co-worker and friend M.R. Brundage. From official Battalion records.

August 19th and 21st, 1918

On these days Poppa noted in his journal that he had received letters from friends who were also in France. It appears that the soldiers did not specify where in France they were stationed. This is likely because the army had rules that details could not be included in letters for fear that they would fall into enemy hands.

Meanwhile, back in the states: The ‘National Pastime’ is under fire

When the United Sates entered the war in 1917 many people made sacrifices for the war effort. Men were encouraged to take work related to the war effort or to enlist in the army. Major league baseball was criticized in 1917 when team owners continued with their regular schedule. This didn’t sit well with some who felt that baseball did nothing to support the war effort. Team owners countered that, as the national pastime, baseball was keeping stateside spirits and patriotism high.

Shortly after the beginning of the 1918 season Provost Marshall General Enoch Crowder, director of the military draft, decreed that by July 1, all draft-eligible men employed in “non-essential” occupations must apply for work directly related to the war—or gamble being called into military service.

Despite pleas for leniency from baseball’s owners, Secretary of War Newton D. Baker agreed with Crowder: Life as a ballplayer was non-essential. Enlist to help stateside, or risk going to the front lines of Europe.

The team owners got a bit of a reprieve as Baker delayed the date from July 1 to September 1 and 100 years ago this week, on August 24th, 1918, allowed an exemption for those players who played in the world series.

Next Week: Joe Saves a Kid from drowning.

Sources:

“1918 All Work or Fight and No Play.” The Ballparks: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, www.thisgreatgame.com/1918-baseball-history.html. Accessed 17 Aug. 2018.

August 4, 2018August 4, 2018

100 Years Ago This Week: “Hell, Heaven or Hoboken before Christmas”

Sunday August 4, 1918– Rainy day. Spent morning in the office. A continuous game in our tent from morn to taps. From crap game to poker. Some are cleaned some have more.

Monday August 5– Heard today from examination that I did not pass professional exam.

Tuesday August 6– I am very much disappointed but not discouraged. Will try to go to training camp this winter.

Wednesday August 7– Am working every day on maps. Have more drafting room on top floor of new office but I am tired of drafting and map making.

Thursday August 8– General Pershing says “Hell, Heaven or Hoboken before Christmas”.

Friday August 9– Captain Campbell came yesterday for baggage. I had a nice visit with him and received much encouragement from him regarding my “flunk”.

Saturday August 10– Rather of a large night. Joe, Schroeder and I put on something of a party.

The Exam results arrive

Previously, During the week of July 15th, Poppa traveled to battalion headquarters in Tours France to take an exam for a commission. after completing the exam he felt his performance was “Unsatisfactory” This week Poppa received the results: “Heard today from examination that I did not pass professional exam. I am very much disappointed but not discouraged. Will try to go to training camp this winter.” It appears that Poppa had a good relationship with Captain Campbell who was part of his unit until he was transferred to training camp in mid-July. Apparently on August 9th Captain Campbell returned to Dax to pick up some of his luggage. While there they apparently discussed the fact that Poppa had not done well on his examination for commission.

Hell, Heaven or Hoboken before Christmas

Thursday August 8- General Pershing says “Hell, Heaven or Hoboken before Christmas”

General John, ‘Black Jack’ Pershing was the commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), which was the name for the American armies engaged in WWI. Sometime in 1917 he started using the rallying cry “Heaven Hell or Hoboken before Christmas”. This was interpreted to mean that, one way of the other, the war would be ended by Christmas. Although the war continued into 1918 the soldiers still used the phrase. For some reason, in his journal Poppa switched the order of the first two words.

Hoboken, New Jersey was the major debarkation point for soldiers being sent to the war in France. During 1917-18 about two million soldiers passed through Hoboken on their way to or from Europe

Meanwhile on the front lines :

Poppa was fortunate that he was stationed in Dax, France, far from the front lines. While things were quiet for him significant events happened at the front during the first full week of March 1918.

August 6, 1918- Second Battle of the Marne ends

The Second Battle of the Marne was the last major German offensive of World War I. The attack failed when an Allied counterattack, supported by several hundred tanks, overwhelmed the Germans on their right flank, inflicting severe casualties. The German defeat marked the beginning of the end of the war.

Next Week: I am getting very tired of my job

Sources:

Zautyk, Karen. “’Heaven, Hell or Hoboken’.” The Observer Online, 10 May 2017, www.theobserver.com/2017/05/heaven-hell-or-hoboken/. Accessed 3 Aug. 2018.

“Second Battle of the Marne.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 July 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_the_Marne. Accessed 3 Aug. 2018.