The War is Over
November 9, 1918: Got mine today, but just a shot of gas and guess it won’t amount to much1. But I am going back they say. Hope I don’t have to stay long.
Nov. 11: The War is Over. The Armistice was signed at 11 A.M. this morning. They sure are celebrating. The old bells in the church were rung for the first time in four years. Well, that’s that, another job done. Guess we can go back to Old Boul Mich now. But Bert why couldn’t you have waited just a few days more! I can’t forget you old boy. You were left where you fell. Guess you would want to stay there.2
Nov. 18: Now while I am resting I will have time to write. I can remember of one instance while going thru some trenches I looked into one dug out and saw what looked to be a soldier with his rifle aimed at me. I called to him but no answer, so lighting a match I looked in, saw an American with his bayonet stuck in thru the throat of a German and the point stuck in a rafter of the dug out. The dough-boy was shot thru the head.
Nov. 23: To Verdun today took in the whole town from the underground fortress to the ruins of the Cathedral.
Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Day. Guess I have a lot to be thankful for. I am still alive. Met some nurses from Chi today. Had some time with them. They’re good scouts. Kinson and I took a walk with two of them. A walk is all we took, thank you.
Dec. 7: Left for my furlough today. We are bound for Aix-les-Bains. Arrived at Aix-les-Bains Dec. 12 and have a nice room at the Hotel Astoria, but I don’t expect to use it much. Have a few thousand Francs I want to get rid of.
Dec. 14: Rode around the beautiful lake today. Visited the Notre Dame3
and had a wonderful time. I am going to have some time while here. Watch your step old boy. Met some of the boys from the Artillery and we put on a real party. Got back to my room at five in the morning after.
Dec. 15: Got up at two and started out again for another party. Am told there are going to be some ladies at this one. Oh boy.
Dec. 16: Yes there were ladies, no not ladies, women. But I kept my head, also my good resolutions. Guess I can keep it always after what happened yesterday. Oh, oh, oh what a time was had by all.
Dec. 20: And so the days passed, just wild days. The lid kicked clean off. But all things must come to an end and we are leaving here tonight.
Dec. 23: Arrived at Co. Hdqtrs where I found 39 letters waiting for me so I will be kept busy for some time now answering them.
Dec. 24: Mother’s birthday
Dec. 25: Just another day, that’s all.
Dec. 27: Left Brabant4 at 10 A.M. and arrived in Stenay France at 10:30 P.M. Sure it rained, why not. We are billeted in a school.
