TRANSCRIBED FROM THE CARLISLE INDEPENDENT FEBRUARY 13, 1919 P. 6
Derman, Germany,
Dec. 16, 1918
Dear Mama:
I will write you a few lines tonight to let you know that I am well and enjoying life fine. The reason I haven't written sooner is because I have been very busy and when I did have time I did not have the paper to write so you can understand the delay.
When I wrote to you last I was in southern France at a replacement camp but have since returned to my regiment. I just returned in time to start on the big hike into Germany. We have now been in Germany about two weeks and I haven't the least idea how much longer we will have to stay here but I am hoping it won't be long because I am not in love with this part of the country. The U.S.A. will sure look like heaven after staying in this country.
We are now billeted in a village, Derman, situated in a beautiful valley and the hillsides on each side are covered with grape orchards and they look beautiful on account of the way they are terraced with rock. I have a picture of the town but it isn't very good, nevertheless it will give you some idea of how the country looks.
Another boy and I are staying with a German family and we like the place fine and the old lady treats us good. Last night she gave us some jelly, butter, bread and coffee, and tonight she gave us coffee and potatoes.
We can get some good Rhine wine here but I don't guess I'll get drunk as I never have.
You ought to see the German bread. It sure is tough looking stuff and it is as heavy as lead. The old man here where we stay is the baker, I don't see how people can eat it day after day. I would like to send you a loaf for a souvenir but I can't.
Well I must close as I want to write other letters tonight.
With lots of love from your son
Roy B. Kelly
Bat. F. 149 F.A. A.E.F.
NOTES: Roy Bland Kelly was born in Carlisle, Arkansas on July 28, 1895 and died on February 19, 1947. He is buried in the Hazen Cemetery in Hazen, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as an Arkansas Cpl. serving in the 149th F.A., 42nd Division during World War I.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Derman, Germany,
Dec. 16, 1918
Dear Mama:
I will write you a few lines tonight to let you know that I am well and enjoying life fine. The reason I haven't written sooner is because I have been very busy and when I did have time I did not have the paper to write so you can understand the delay.
When I wrote to you last I was in southern France at a replacement camp but have since returned to my regiment. I just returned in time to start on the big hike into Germany. We have now been in Germany about two weeks and I haven't the least idea how much longer we will have to stay here but I am hoping it won't be long because I am not in love with this part of the country. The U.S.A. will sure look like heaven after staying in this country.
We are now billeted in a village, Derman, situated in a beautiful valley and the hillsides on each side are covered with grape orchards and they look beautiful on account of the way they are terraced with rock. I have a picture of the town but it isn't very good, nevertheless it will give you some idea of how the country looks.
Another boy and I are staying with a German family and we like the place fine and the old lady treats us good. Last night she gave us some jelly, butter, bread and coffee, and tonight she gave us coffee and potatoes.
We can get some good Rhine wine here but I don't guess I'll get drunk as I never have.
You ought to see the German bread. It sure is tough looking stuff and it is as heavy as lead. The old man here where we stay is the baker, I don't see how people can eat it day after day. I would like to send you a loaf for a souvenir but I can't.
Well I must close as I want to write other letters tonight.
With lots of love from your son
Roy B. Kelly
Bat. F. 149 F.A. A.E.F.
NOTES: Roy Bland Kelly was born in Carlisle, Arkansas on July 28, 1895 and died on February 19, 1947. He is buried in the Hazen Cemetery in Hazen, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as an Arkansas Cpl. serving in the 149th F.A., 42nd Division during World War I.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD