TRANSCRIBED FROM THE HOME NEWS JULY 26, 1918 P. 6
Philadelphia, Pa.,
July 19, 1918m
Mr. J. P. Wade and family,
Grays, Ark.
Dear folks:
Got papa’s letter today and feel ashamed now that I should have sent a letter like the first one I wrote. I certainly don’t need any sympathy. We get all we can eat three times a day, a good place to sleep, entertainment free every night and lots of interesting things all around during the day. And so far we haven’t done any work. It’s just like a big outing. On the information bulletin issued to recruits, they request everyone to put in all spare time studying. I’ve been putting in pretty good time.
In the last two days over 2,500 sailors and about 1,000 marines left for France. Most of the marines are mechanics from Florida.
An order came in today from the Great Lakes training school for 60 mechanics to train for aviation mechanics. The first 60 who came here are going. Campbell and I are not among them. But I wish we were for I’d sure like to get into some of those motors. We expect to go before long. Have found that the Reserve Flying Corps is in about the 5th class so it looks like our chance for ever going across is very slim unless the war is awfully long. To see 2,500 of these husky fellows leave among cheers you wouldn’t think Grmany could last long.
The aeroplane factory here on the yard finished a large plane and gave it a trial flight today. They are going to attempt a flight across the Atlantic with it. It is sure some machine, over 90 feet across and is equipped with two 12 cylinder Liberty motors. Talking about speed---she has it. It is a hydroplane and can travel on water. I’d give this months salary to fly it.
The girl in-------has written me twice and sent a box of candy. These khaki uniforms make them fall.
Am alright.
Son.
NOTES: Junius Samuel Wade was born in Augusta, Arkansas on July 7, 1897 and died on September 18, 1975. He is buried in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, Tn. He enlisted on July 8, 1918 and was discharged on July 7, 1922. He was writing to his father Junius P. Wade and family.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON
Philadelphia, Pa.,
July 19, 1918m
Mr. J. P. Wade and family,
Grays, Ark.
Dear folks:
Got papa’s letter today and feel ashamed now that I should have sent a letter like the first one I wrote. I certainly don’t need any sympathy. We get all we can eat three times a day, a good place to sleep, entertainment free every night and lots of interesting things all around during the day. And so far we haven’t done any work. It’s just like a big outing. On the information bulletin issued to recruits, they request everyone to put in all spare time studying. I’ve been putting in pretty good time.
In the last two days over 2,500 sailors and about 1,000 marines left for France. Most of the marines are mechanics from Florida.
An order came in today from the Great Lakes training school for 60 mechanics to train for aviation mechanics. The first 60 who came here are going. Campbell and I are not among them. But I wish we were for I’d sure like to get into some of those motors. We expect to go before long. Have found that the Reserve Flying Corps is in about the 5th class so it looks like our chance for ever going across is very slim unless the war is awfully long. To see 2,500 of these husky fellows leave among cheers you wouldn’t think Grmany could last long.
The aeroplane factory here on the yard finished a large plane and gave it a trial flight today. They are going to attempt a flight across the Atlantic with it. It is sure some machine, over 90 feet across and is equipped with two 12 cylinder Liberty motors. Talking about speed---she has it. It is a hydroplane and can travel on water. I’d give this months salary to fly it.
The girl in-------has written me twice and sent a box of candy. These khaki uniforms make them fall.
Am alright.
Son.
NOTES: Junius Samuel Wade was born in Augusta, Arkansas on July 7, 1897 and died on September 18, 1975. He is buried in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, Tn. He enlisted on July 8, 1918 and was discharged on July 7, 1922. He was writing to his father Junius P. Wade and family.
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON