TRANSCRIBED FROM THE GRAND PRAIRIE NEWS SEPTEMBER 26, 1918, P. 6
Convalescent Camp No. 5
A. P. O. 767 France
It is impossible for me to write all of my Stuttgart friends, so I am writing all of them thru you.
After leaving Stuttgart, I went to Ft. Riley, Kansas to Medical Camp. Was only there six weeks until I was transferred to above company. I was very fortunate to get to come across so soon, as some of the boys stay in the states for months before they get away.
Our trip thru the states to New York port was just one grand picnic. Our Company had Pullman cars, and all of conveniences. We went thru Southern Canada. Saw some most beautiful scenery in the world in the United States (so we boys think). The Red cross were simply grand to us everywhere, and at Ravera, New York, we were given a dance in the Masonic Hall. We got our oversea equipment in New York. Had a very quiet trip over, as far as submarines were concerned. Of course, we boys were nearly all seasick. To say the least, land was a pleasant sight to all of us.
We landed in England and from this western port, we took the train across to an eastern port. England is a beautiful country. Every foot of land is utilized. ‘Twas here we began to see the “women folk” doing men’s work. All of the young men were at the front, but everywhere you see the ladies doing the work just the same. They are “crazy” over the “Yanks” and everywhere, cheered us.
One evening we marched on ship and that night, crossed the English channel to the French port. From this port, we again took the train and went to Southern France, my present location, Nantes.
Nantes is a beautiful resort on Loire river, near the Bay of Biscoy. We have a nice American camp, Base hospitals, and they are putting up our convalescent camp now. I am some 150 miles from the firing line. France is a great country. Intelligent and the nicest people you could wish for. The climate here is wonderful.
You can not imagine how much closer the American boys are over here. Brotherly love and good fellowship is much more noticeable here.
The Germans are surely in for one good “licking,’ and they are getting it now.
If any of my friends will write me I shall be glad. A letter is a “welcome visitor” here. With best regards to all.
H.S. Neel,
Convalcent Camp No 5
A.P.O. 767 France
NOTES: Henry Sidney Neel was born on April 17, 1893 and died on February 19, 1974. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Tennessee and was a dentist in Stuttgart, Arkansas before the war. He served as a Lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps during WWI. Later he served as the Mayor of Stuttgart.
TRANSCRIBED BY JORDAN HOLYFIELD
Convalescent Camp No. 5
A. P. O. 767 France
It is impossible for me to write all of my Stuttgart friends, so I am writing all of them thru you.
After leaving Stuttgart, I went to Ft. Riley, Kansas to Medical Camp. Was only there six weeks until I was transferred to above company. I was very fortunate to get to come across so soon, as some of the boys stay in the states for months before they get away.
Our trip thru the states to New York port was just one grand picnic. Our Company had Pullman cars, and all of conveniences. We went thru Southern Canada. Saw some most beautiful scenery in the world in the United States (so we boys think). The Red cross were simply grand to us everywhere, and at Ravera, New York, we were given a dance in the Masonic Hall. We got our oversea equipment in New York. Had a very quiet trip over, as far as submarines were concerned. Of course, we boys were nearly all seasick. To say the least, land was a pleasant sight to all of us.
We landed in England and from this western port, we took the train across to an eastern port. England is a beautiful country. Every foot of land is utilized. ‘Twas here we began to see the “women folk” doing men’s work. All of the young men were at the front, but everywhere you see the ladies doing the work just the same. They are “crazy” over the “Yanks” and everywhere, cheered us.
One evening we marched on ship and that night, crossed the English channel to the French port. From this port, we again took the train and went to Southern France, my present location, Nantes.
Nantes is a beautiful resort on Loire river, near the Bay of Biscoy. We have a nice American camp, Base hospitals, and they are putting up our convalescent camp now. I am some 150 miles from the firing line. France is a great country. Intelligent and the nicest people you could wish for. The climate here is wonderful.
You can not imagine how much closer the American boys are over here. Brotherly love and good fellowship is much more noticeable here.
The Germans are surely in for one good “licking,’ and they are getting it now.
If any of my friends will write me I shall be glad. A letter is a “welcome visitor” here. With best regards to all.
H.S. Neel,
Convalcent Camp No 5
A.P.O. 767 France
NOTES: Henry Sidney Neel was born on April 17, 1893 and died on February 19, 1974. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Tennessee and was a dentist in Stuttgart, Arkansas before the war. He served as a Lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps during WWI. Later he served as the Mayor of Stuttgart.
TRANSCRIBED BY JORDAN HOLYFIELD