TRANSCRIBED FROM THE BENTON COURIER February 6, 1919 P. 6
France:
Mr. J. S. Grant. Benton, Ark.
Dear Friend:
Received yours of Nov. 25th (today,) and sure feel better after reading your "newsy" letter. Yes, you had the right "hunch" when you thought the Marines would be in the army of occupation, for we have been going some since the armistice was signed. We were pretty well advanced, and in easy hearing distance and already had the "dope" as to when firing would cease, so we heard the last shots fired in our sector. Have been across part of France, Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany. Crossed the Rhine in the dark and it was raining some. Am now only 18 kilometers from Roblenz. We are billeted in a little town of about 600 population. The people treat us fine, but we have to go armed all the time. Have had a very nice Christmas; the girls had a Christmas tree here in the office and I helped the girls decorate one at the house where I sleep. Have a warm room and sleep with another Sergeant. If we have to stay in this country for a while, I don't think we could find a better place than this. Have had some "snops" cognac beer and wine.
We have had snow here for the last three days and it is sleeting now. This is quite different to what I expected to find in Germany, for people as a general thing say to h--l with the Kaiser and call us friends. Sure had a welcome in Belgium, the people called us their saviors, and nothing was to good for us. I was one of the first Americans to land in Arlon, Belgium, for I was riding in a Ford and was ahead of the advance guard, was presented with a big bouquet of flowers tied with the national colors. This is quite different to the life we had at the front, for we had no fires at night and could not even smoke or the Boche would down an egg on us. Well have just been down to "chow" and now feel better. Had hash, tomatoes, coffee, and bread. We get fairly good eats now but have had my share of "mokey meat" and hard tack.
Am sorry "Cheese" had such hard luck. Perhaps things will be better next time. We see some fine country over here, also many strange sights. Saw a wagon load of plows, shovels, etc., this morning with nothing but a big dog pulling it.
I suppose you are of the fact that we are in the 2nd division and have been at most all fronts. The Germans have a high regard for the Marines, and say they are good soldiers. Received two Couriers and a letter from Nellie so have bokoo news. Am still working in the Q.M. department and am kept pretty busy drawing rations and forage for our outfit. Have seen Gordon Holiman several times for he is in this division. We have very few opportunities of seeing any men in other divisions. Am getting rather anxious to get back home for I have seen all the foreign countries I care to see.
Hope the “flu” is finished and that you are in good health. As a general thing health is good over here. Well old Top for there is very little news so I will have to call this day.
Best wishes to all
Junior A. G. Hockersmith, Sergt.
Hd. 6th M.G.B., A.E.F.
NOTES: Alfred Gann Hockersmith was born in Benton, Arkansas on August 15, 1891 and died on January 25, 1969. He is buried in the Smith-Rosemont Cemetery in Benton, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
France:
Mr. J. S. Grant. Benton, Ark.
Dear Friend:
Received yours of Nov. 25th (today,) and sure feel better after reading your "newsy" letter. Yes, you had the right "hunch" when you thought the Marines would be in the army of occupation, for we have been going some since the armistice was signed. We were pretty well advanced, and in easy hearing distance and already had the "dope" as to when firing would cease, so we heard the last shots fired in our sector. Have been across part of France, Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany. Crossed the Rhine in the dark and it was raining some. Am now only 18 kilometers from Roblenz. We are billeted in a little town of about 600 population. The people treat us fine, but we have to go armed all the time. Have had a very nice Christmas; the girls had a Christmas tree here in the office and I helped the girls decorate one at the house where I sleep. Have a warm room and sleep with another Sergeant. If we have to stay in this country for a while, I don't think we could find a better place than this. Have had some "snops" cognac beer and wine.
We have had snow here for the last three days and it is sleeting now. This is quite different to what I expected to find in Germany, for people as a general thing say to h--l with the Kaiser and call us friends. Sure had a welcome in Belgium, the people called us their saviors, and nothing was to good for us. I was one of the first Americans to land in Arlon, Belgium, for I was riding in a Ford and was ahead of the advance guard, was presented with a big bouquet of flowers tied with the national colors. This is quite different to the life we had at the front, for we had no fires at night and could not even smoke or the Boche would down an egg on us. Well have just been down to "chow" and now feel better. Had hash, tomatoes, coffee, and bread. We get fairly good eats now but have had my share of "mokey meat" and hard tack.
Am sorry "Cheese" had such hard luck. Perhaps things will be better next time. We see some fine country over here, also many strange sights. Saw a wagon load of plows, shovels, etc., this morning with nothing but a big dog pulling it.
I suppose you are of the fact that we are in the 2nd division and have been at most all fronts. The Germans have a high regard for the Marines, and say they are good soldiers. Received two Couriers and a letter from Nellie so have bokoo news. Am still working in the Q.M. department and am kept pretty busy drawing rations and forage for our outfit. Have seen Gordon Holiman several times for he is in this division. We have very few opportunities of seeing any men in other divisions. Am getting rather anxious to get back home for I have seen all the foreign countries I care to see.
Hope the “flu” is finished and that you are in good health. As a general thing health is good over here. Well old Top for there is very little news so I will have to call this day.
Best wishes to all
Junior A. G. Hockersmith, Sergt.
Hd. 6th M.G.B., A.E.F.
NOTES: Alfred Gann Hockersmith was born in Benton, Arkansas on August 15, 1891 and died on January 25, 1969. He is buried in the Smith-Rosemont Cemetery in Benton, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD