Lot 1114

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Description:

WORLD WAR I SOLDIER'S DIARY
The diary of Corporal G. Hertford, "Headquarters Co. 304/FA Amer Exp Force", a small, leather-bound journal stamped "Addresses of Home Friends Army and Navy Diary French-English Words" on the cover, bearing within approx. 25 pages of his observant entries during his duty in France from August 10, 1918 to April 17, 1919. In small part: "...[Aug. 10, 1918] Started for the actual front. Passed many desolate towns, completely ruined. Havoc has struck France for sure. Hiked all night...[Aug. 11 & 12] Started out again...passed through Chateau Thierry. The Germans have ruined everything. Getting my first real glimpse of war it's terrible, not a house or home in any kind of shape...about 2 days away from the front...There have been terrible battles fought on this ground...Can get enough souvenirs to fill a museum...[Aug. 13] Finally arrived at the actual front...the American boys keep Fritzie pretty busy...The guns fired a terrific barrage last night. Fritzie sure is getting hell...about 9 p.m. the fun started: German shells both high explosive & gas came over had to put gas mask on for about 40 minutes, shells did no damage near us...[Aug. 17] Bombarded some again last night - no damage...Bombarding continues. Fritzie is sure getting his...Saw Lt. Beachamp's grave & the aeroplane he fell in on...Aug. 3, 1918...[Sept. 2] Aeroplane disguised as American came over and blew up one of our observation balloons great sight...[Sept. 3] A German aeroplane dropped suddenly out of the clouds & downed two more of our balloons...the air was suddenly transformed into a burning hell machine guns rattled but the Hun got away...[Sept. 6] Hun chasing has become a very popular game with the Yanks...Made our first stop in the woods - saw three of our boys' graves...Several German shells whistle over our heads as long as they keep going over well & good...[Sept. 8] Grand bombarding last night...saw several Boche flares also a battle in the sky...Boys saw in a nearby town (Bagoches) German dead piled up...[Sept. 15] We are moving again today...Passed Italian artillery and infantry on the way up [Sept. 25] Awoke about 12M the barrage has started again & what a hell [Sept. 29] Moving forward again after the Germans. They are retreating in great style - prisoners brought in between 45 & 55 years old...General Pershing was up this way yesterday & said we would not get any rest until the war is over...[Oct. 11] Started forward towards Germany again [Oct. 12] Germany has asked for peace & Pres Wilson has paved the way for them to get it. I think this war will be over in one week. We had a very familiar revellie this morning in the way of Jerry's shells...Finally one landed about 50 feet away, a direct hit on a tree...[Nov. 1] I guess we'll have peace soon. Turkey & Austria are out...Rumor has it that the Kaiser has abdicated hope it's true...[Nov. 3] Guess that rumor was just another latrine story. We will move at 1PM today going to follow Fritz...The Germans are still retreating...[Nov. 7] Moving day again...another town La Bezse. Girls 14-16 years old in the family way young girls carrying little babies one...had 8 men a day - regular routine. They sure were glad to see us...[Nov. 11] Well at least peace has come...Germany has accepted our terms...Firing ceased at 11 o'clock[Nov. 14-19] Nothing new except today we are going to move to Gaudfre everything is being turned over to the 2nd Div...[Feb. 19] Whole division reviewed by Gen Pershing saw him several times he is a great soldier...[Apr. 17] Arrived in Brest...Sail Apr. 20 Hurray...". Very good condition.

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June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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