Description:

WORLD WAR I SOLDIER'S LETTER GROUP
A group of 14 A.Ls.S. of Private Grover C. Pirie of Williamstown, VT, who started his Army career with Co. B Reg. 302 and served overseas from July, 1918 to May, 1919. The letters are written in both pencil and pen on various types of letterhead, each to his brother in Graniteville, VT. Pirie opens and closes his correspondence at Camp Devers in Mass., in small part: ‘[June 3, 1918]…I think some of us us can get out on our pass on Sunday…I have heard that some German prisoners were taken to this Camp, those that were captured from U-boats near Atlantic coast…[June, 22, 1918]…They are giving out our overcoats, blouses, underwear…etc. We will get revolvers later…These supplies are for overseas. We have all got helmets and gas masks…The new machine guns, the Browning of the latest model, have been received in camp…Most of the firing is going to be at night…Those that are physically unfit for overseas duty will be transferred back to the Depot Brigade...'. Two more letters from Camp Devers describe Pirie's experiences there training, doing K.P. and the like. He then voyages to Europe: ‘[July 1918]…I am at Sea, we expect to land in England soon…I was terribly sea [next line cut-out by censor]…I don't think anyone enjoyed this trip…[‘Somewhere at Sea]…I am awful sick…I haven't eaten a square meal on board yet…'. Pirie eventually arrives and writes from ‘Somewhere in France, July 21, 1918': ‘…I went to a band concert tonight given by Belgian Soldiers, it was fine. We marched through a part of the city to a large garage which was large enough to hold 10 co…[July 31, 1918]…We can't tell where we are or describe the place, so I can't write an interesting letter…I have drank French wine, it costs 36 cents a quart…matches, tobacco and cigarettes are very scarce here…[Aug. 24, 1918]…I have been transferred to C. Co. 147th M.G. Brigade and am now an expert machine gunman. I like here better…and will soon be in the front line…[Dierdorf, Germany March 16, 1919]…Attached to A. Co. 64th Infy. 7th Division, went to the front twice…then transferred to Headquarters Co. a few days before Armistice was signed. Went over the top with A. Co. 64 Infy. to hell, captured some machine guns nests [?], and was in all their fighting at the time. I was at Martincourt France about 35 kilometers from Nancy when the Armistice was signed…One night about ten o'clock a building in which some gasoline was stored caught on fire, lighting up the whole town. I thought the Germans would shell the town, but they didn't. We stayed in this town about 8 days then we went to the front and stayed about two months…The next town we stayed in was Villers-Haye…left…transferred to A. Co. 121st M. G. Brig., 32 Division and arrived here in Dierdorf…I am billeted in a house…and like here better…Saturday there was a review and inspection of the 32nd Division by General Pershing…[April 9, 1919]…I was attached to Co. A. 64 Infy 4 Division…The Germans send over some shells occasionally…I helped to put up barbed wire entanglements on the front line and went out in no man's land after the Germans. I had many experiences while on this front…'. Regrettably, Pirie does not elaborate on his experiences. His correspondence ends where it began with a letter from Camp Devers, May 19, 1919: ‘…I will soon get my discharge from the Army…I am going to send my gas mask and helmet and some other things to you to keep for me until I come home…'. Overall very good condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

November 30, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000