Beschreibung:

WWI Pocket Diary. A manuscript diary kept by an American infantryman, E.J. Anderson of the 139th F.A. who was stationed in France and covering the last few months of WWI, comprising 14 pages, covering the signing of the armistice and witnessing President Wilson’s arrival in Brest on 13 December. Anderson describes the route from Freeport, Illinois to Cherbourg in a convoy of 55,000 soldiers. On 26 October there was “a wreck on the Etat railway hauling the 138 F.A. 20 killed and 36 injured. Bodies mangled beyond recognition.” On 7 November there was “a rumour of Germany surrendering to Wilson.” A few days later “war is over, don’t give a damn.” On 13 December President Woodrow Wilson arrived in Brest. Anderson watches the festivities and notes that the “whole city of Brest turned out for him.” On the 14 December they are “ordered to leave for home and the final entry, two days later, notes the “pleasant and calm sea, contained in a small pocket notebook, a section of cover missing but inscribed with owners name and regiment along with 'Somewhere in France', 15.5 x 10 cm (Quantity: 1)