TRANSCRIBED FROM THE STAR PROGRESS SEPTEMBER 27, 1918 P. 4
Many, many things have happened since those days all ending with the most important, the war. There isn’t much of interest a soldier can write home. My division took an inportant part in the Allied offensive which began on July 18 and we had more excitement in a week than we had had before in months. We have been in the trenches for over six months, but this is the first chance we have had to take the initiative. No words can describe the sensations of chasing the Boche across the country he had had just occupied, of defeating him time after time, always moving forward and occupying new positions. Fighting was mighty lively sometimes and artillery fire was always intense. We all had our narrow escapes and hair-raising experiences. I have had a few myself and will never forget them. The boys showed up wonderful; it is almost impossible to believe the extent of their efficiency and effectiveness in action. I have learned much of the qualities of my fellow man since I have been at the front.
There is nothing pretty about war or a soldier’s life over here. This war is to kill and a man sometimes loses all human feelings. One thing is certain, killing is too good for the Boche; it is too humane in comparison with their aims and methods. It probably sounds bad to you, but I hope something will be invented to make them suffer more than mere killing.
At the present moment we are taking a much needed rest and preparing for the next session with the enemy. I hope the war will end this year so we can spend Christmas at least, at home. I for one, have had enough war, but I suppose the faster we dig into them the quicker we will get home.
I would like to have you give my sincerest regards and rememberances to my old sweethearts, friends and relations in Berryville and the hope that I may see them again very soon.
Assuring you of my deepest appreciation of your letter and hoping to receive another, I am
Sincerely yours,
LINLEY R. CRAWFORD.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Linley Roy Crawford. He was born on June 13, 1890 in Kirksville, Missouri and died on November 10, 1969 in Santa Anna, California. He is buried in the Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Anna. His family lived in Prairie, Carroll County, Arkansas by 1900. He was described as being tall and of medium build with gray eyes and dark brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Many, many things have happened since those days all ending with the most important, the war. There isn’t much of interest a soldier can write home. My division took an inportant part in the Allied offensive which began on July 18 and we had more excitement in a week than we had had before in months. We have been in the trenches for over six months, but this is the first chance we have had to take the initiative. No words can describe the sensations of chasing the Boche across the country he had had just occupied, of defeating him time after time, always moving forward and occupying new positions. Fighting was mighty lively sometimes and artillery fire was always intense. We all had our narrow escapes and hair-raising experiences. I have had a few myself and will never forget them. The boys showed up wonderful; it is almost impossible to believe the extent of their efficiency and effectiveness in action. I have learned much of the qualities of my fellow man since I have been at the front.
There is nothing pretty about war or a soldier’s life over here. This war is to kill and a man sometimes loses all human feelings. One thing is certain, killing is too good for the Boche; it is too humane in comparison with their aims and methods. It probably sounds bad to you, but I hope something will be invented to make them suffer more than mere killing.
At the present moment we are taking a much needed rest and preparing for the next session with the enemy. I hope the war will end this year so we can spend Christmas at least, at home. I for one, have had enough war, but I suppose the faster we dig into them the quicker we will get home.
I would like to have you give my sincerest regards and rememberances to my old sweethearts, friends and relations in Berryville and the hope that I may see them again very soon.
Assuring you of my deepest appreciation of your letter and hoping to receive another, I am
Sincerely yours,
LINLEY R. CRAWFORD.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Linley Roy Crawford. He was born on June 13, 1890 in Kirksville, Missouri and died on November 10, 1969 in Santa Anna, California. He is buried in the Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Anna. His family lived in Prairie, Carroll County, Arkansas by 1900. He was described as being tall and of medium build with gray eyes and dark brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT