TRANSCRIBED FROM THE BOONEVILLE DEMOCRAT OCTOBER 3, 1918 PP 1, 6.
September 8th, 1918.
Dear Dad:
I hope you will overlook my negligence in not writing sooner but the reason is that I have been shifting around so much since I have been in this country I have hardly had time to wash my face much less write any letters.
Am at present in South England in the best kept and neatest farming country I ever saw. It is simply wonderful how the whole country, hills, and low places included is terraced, drained and cultivated. Another peculiarity is that there are no frame building only brick and stone, and they are excellently constructed. Am not allowed to discuss the economic conditions here, but must say I was agreeably surprised at the good spirits and pluck of these people and the thrifty condition of the country after four years of war.
We are allowed no liberty at all in this country and consequently get very little opportunity to get acquainted with these people, but they impress me as being very hospitable and courteous. When we were marching from the ship to our rest camp the English women all along the road would come out and give us tea and cakes, etc. You would have to be over here some time to realize what such gifts mean. Nearly all eatables are sold under government supervision and if they give anything away they are depriving themselves.
Was very much surprised to run across two of the boys who went to Camp Pike with me–what organization they are attached. Both of them tried to get me and I never got an opportunity to thank them.
We had a rather quiet trip across, with good weather nearly all the way, not even a sight of submarines. The boys seemed very indifferent about the matter and the guards had to keep a close watch to see that they kept their life belts handy. The ship captain said ours was the craziest bunch of “bloomin’ Yanks” he ever saw and if we ever did sight a submarine some fellow would want to finish a crap game before going on deck. Still we were mighty glad to put our feet on solid ground once more. I was not seasick on the entire trip and if it were not for the crowding would have enjoyed it very much. Ben Griffey was sick as he could be the second day out but soon recovered.
Must close for the present. I wrote to Helen, Reg, and you just before I left the states. Did you get them? Tell Roll to write for news from home is the most precious thing we get.
Love to all.
Pvt. R. A. Sadler,
336 M.G. Btn. A.E.F.
NOTES: Ralph Archibald Sadler Jr. was born on November 22, 1893 at Paris, Logan County, Arkansas and died on May 16, 1963 at Booneville, Logan County. He is buried in the Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery at Booneville. His military headstone identifies him as Pvt. serving in the Postal Express Service during World War I.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
September 8th, 1918.
Dear Dad:
I hope you will overlook my negligence in not writing sooner but the reason is that I have been shifting around so much since I have been in this country I have hardly had time to wash my face much less write any letters.
Am at present in South England in the best kept and neatest farming country I ever saw. It is simply wonderful how the whole country, hills, and low places included is terraced, drained and cultivated. Another peculiarity is that there are no frame building only brick and stone, and they are excellently constructed. Am not allowed to discuss the economic conditions here, but must say I was agreeably surprised at the good spirits and pluck of these people and the thrifty condition of the country after four years of war.
We are allowed no liberty at all in this country and consequently get very little opportunity to get acquainted with these people, but they impress me as being very hospitable and courteous. When we were marching from the ship to our rest camp the English women all along the road would come out and give us tea and cakes, etc. You would have to be over here some time to realize what such gifts mean. Nearly all eatables are sold under government supervision and if they give anything away they are depriving themselves.
Was very much surprised to run across two of the boys who went to Camp Pike with me–what organization they are attached. Both of them tried to get me and I never got an opportunity to thank them.
We had a rather quiet trip across, with good weather nearly all the way, not even a sight of submarines. The boys seemed very indifferent about the matter and the guards had to keep a close watch to see that they kept their life belts handy. The ship captain said ours was the craziest bunch of “bloomin’ Yanks” he ever saw and if we ever did sight a submarine some fellow would want to finish a crap game before going on deck. Still we were mighty glad to put our feet on solid ground once more. I was not seasick on the entire trip and if it were not for the crowding would have enjoyed it very much. Ben Griffey was sick as he could be the second day out but soon recovered.
Must close for the present. I wrote to Helen, Reg, and you just before I left the states. Did you get them? Tell Roll to write for news from home is the most precious thing we get.
Love to all.
Pvt. R. A. Sadler,
336 M.G. Btn. A.E.F.
NOTES: Ralph Archibald Sadler Jr. was born on November 22, 1893 at Paris, Logan County, Arkansas and died on May 16, 1963 at Booneville, Logan County. He is buried in the Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery at Booneville. His military headstone identifies him as Pvt. serving in the Postal Express Service during World War I.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT