TRANSCRIBED FROM THE OSCEOLA TIMES OCTOBER 5, 1917
Dear Papa:
I am writing on a tablet that came in a Red Cross comfort kit. The ladies have given us all sweaters and mufflers and a little kit containing everything imaginable.
I have written so many farewell letters that I am almost ashamed to write, but you know we never know until 10 minutes before we go on board ship when we sail. For the last few days we have been kept in constant expectation of sailing. Our things are all packed and we are not allowed to go out of calling distance of the barracks. I don’t think we will be here long.
We have the best equipment of any squadrons that has left this country, our flying clothes alone, for the 150 men, cost the government $37,000. Everything is of the best and is fur lined--pants and shoes and all. I never saw such fine things. We will be warm this winter anyway.
I don’t want you all to worry about me, papa. I am big and ugly enough to look after myself anywhere, and I have a dandy bunch of friends here. I don’t know whether I will ever leave the service or not. It’s a great life. We are going over on a passenger ship, the Carmania, and we are going first class, as cadet officers. I guess there is class to us.
Papa I want you to write often and I want you to buy me a pair of first lieutenant’s bars to wear on my shoulders when I get my commission. I could easily buy them myself, but I want to wear a pair give me by my father. I think they would bring me luck. Heaven knows, I have been lucky so far, if it only holds. Our officers are the finest men I ever met and treat us like a gentleman expects to be treated.
Goodby, papa, and good luck. I hope to bring honor to your name, and if I don’t, I’ll pass out trying. This is a wonderful adventure and a wonderful opportunity and I am making the most of it.
Your affectionate son,
McGavock
NOTES: John McGavock Grider was writing from Italy to his father W. H. Grider of Grider Station in Mississippi County, Arkansas. Grider was born on May 18, 1892 in Mississippi County and died on June 18, 1918. As an American pilot serving with the British he was credited with shooting down four enemy planes. He was shot down on June 18, 1918 over France. His death was confirmed by the Germans, but his body was never recovered. In 1926, a pilot friend published a book based on a diary kept by Grider, entitled War Birds: A Diary of an Unknown Aviator.
TRANSCRIBED BY JORDAN HOLYFIELD
Dear Papa:
I am writing on a tablet that came in a Red Cross comfort kit. The ladies have given us all sweaters and mufflers and a little kit containing everything imaginable.
I have written so many farewell letters that I am almost ashamed to write, but you know we never know until 10 minutes before we go on board ship when we sail. For the last few days we have been kept in constant expectation of sailing. Our things are all packed and we are not allowed to go out of calling distance of the barracks. I don’t think we will be here long.
We have the best equipment of any squadrons that has left this country, our flying clothes alone, for the 150 men, cost the government $37,000. Everything is of the best and is fur lined--pants and shoes and all. I never saw such fine things. We will be warm this winter anyway.
I don’t want you all to worry about me, papa. I am big and ugly enough to look after myself anywhere, and I have a dandy bunch of friends here. I don’t know whether I will ever leave the service or not. It’s a great life. We are going over on a passenger ship, the Carmania, and we are going first class, as cadet officers. I guess there is class to us.
Papa I want you to write often and I want you to buy me a pair of first lieutenant’s bars to wear on my shoulders when I get my commission. I could easily buy them myself, but I want to wear a pair give me by my father. I think they would bring me luck. Heaven knows, I have been lucky so far, if it only holds. Our officers are the finest men I ever met and treat us like a gentleman expects to be treated.
Goodby, papa, and good luck. I hope to bring honor to your name, and if I don’t, I’ll pass out trying. This is a wonderful adventure and a wonderful opportunity and I am making the most of it.
Your affectionate son,
McGavock
NOTES: John McGavock Grider was writing from Italy to his father W. H. Grider of Grider Station in Mississippi County, Arkansas. Grider was born on May 18, 1892 in Mississippi County and died on June 18, 1918. As an American pilot serving with the British he was credited with shooting down four enemy planes. He was shot down on June 18, 1918 over France. His death was confirmed by the Germans, but his body was never recovered. In 1926, a pilot friend published a book based on a diary kept by Grider, entitled War Birds: A Diary of an Unknown Aviator.
TRANSCRIBED BY JORDAN HOLYFIELD