Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 85, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 January 1919 — LETTERS FROM OUR SOLDIERS [ARTICLE]

LETTERS FROM OUR SOLDIERS

More Letters From Ambulancd Driver Vera C. Davisson. Mr. and Mrs. 'Harvey Davisson have received more letters recent* ly from their son, Vern, in France, which The Democrat is permittee! to publish:

December 8, 1918. French Army. Dear Father and Mother:— I received you letter a few days ago containing the two checks, one for >lO and one for >2O. Certainly glad to get it and thank you immenaely. I would have written you sooner but I am on detached service with the French cavalry for a few days. We are far ahead of our infantry and my section is on the way to Dusseldorf or • Cologne in Germany. We are just now very close to the border of Gormany. Passed through Brussels, the capital of Belgium, a few days ago. We were there two days. It id a beautiful city, almost like Paris. When we go through a town it is like a circus day, everyone lined up to see the troops, cheering and such receptions never beard of before. Every house, store and street is crowded to the utmost, throwing flowers and waving flags over the passing troops and dt/s great It’s this way through every town we pass in Belgium. I saw the Third army Belgians pass ®n review through Liege, led by the Kinff and Queen of Belgium on horse hack, and such demonstrations that took flace would be impossible to describe. was the only American there and they carried me arbund on their shoulders through the crowd I guess there was no less (than a million or two thfere to see the Belgian troops pass. The Belgian civilians treat us like kings. Dec. 6, 1918. I will commence to write a little more, as we have been traveling so much 1 have no time to write. Well,.at just 3:10 p. m. today we crossed the German border with the French 41dt shock troops, led by military music, and a great patriotic and victorious feeling, highly spirited, but such receptions as we got through ail the towns of Brussels, Liege and up to the border are over instantly on Grossing, no flags, no cheering, no nothing. Everyone looks at us but without even a smile. They take off their hats to us. First its like pulling teeth for them. We treat them humanely; they are our servants now. Ha, ha. ‘ In a few days we will be across the Rhine, being with the infantry can only make a short run each day, but we are getting there strong. We hope the lighting is all over, and I believe it is, but no chances are being taken. I will begin and tell you of some of the battles and different sectors we have been in since here, St. Quen« tin, Nancy, Luneville, Mt. Kemmel, Westantre, Cote 57, Villers Cottreta, Chony, Oulchy le Chateau, Chateau Thierry sector. Velse, Soissons, Chemin des Dames, Ypres, Amiens', Verdun sector, Vosges Mt. sector, Routers, West Koseheck, Andenarde, Compiegne—that’s all I can think of at present and I have some work to do. I just received your letter stating the sad news of the death of Lonnie Davisson, my cousin, and it was a sad message to me. Owing to the fact that the 41st French army is Chosen for an occupation army, I have not the least idea when I can come home, but hope soon. Will close with love, your son, VERN C. DAVISSON. , Germany, Europe, ' Aix les Chapelle. Dear Father and Mother: — I hope this letter finds you all O. K. lam feeling fine and having a good time, as good as can be expected over here amlong people who would like to cut us to pieces, but they are scared to make a crooked move, because when we leave camp we all carry pistols, bayonets or rifles and when civilians don’t salute an officer off goes his hat with a slap or a smash o nthe side of the head. It’s funny, but true, they are getting some of their own medicine back. We are going to eat .Xmas dinner either in Cologne or Dusseldorf on the other side of the Rhine. I understand we might have to stay here six months or a year longer, but I hope not. We are attached to one of the best divisions in the French army, the 41st attacking inf antry, therefore we were chosen to help make up the occupation armies to stay in Germany until everything is cleared up and peace re-established. We don’t know how long it will take. The 91st American division paradeyl in this town two days ago, and they certainly look fine. They are back at Audenarde. I don’t know whether or not they are coming to the Rhine, but hardly think SO. I will write postal cards as I gfc. the chance of each town we go through. Did you get the second pictures I enclosed in a letter to you ofthe little tanks and German prisoners? I have not seen Duvall for a long time. He left the section when we were at Roulers in Belgium. He went to the base, camp, I guess. I received the money you sent and it came in very handy. Thanks, much. I see President Wilson and wife leave Washington to come to France. He will sure get some reception. WiH close now, Your loving son, VERN C. DAVISSON.