TRANSCRIBED FROM THE DAILY ARKANSAS GAZETTE AUGUST 3, 1918 P. 4
We are all feeling fine, and would advise anyone desiring to get in a good branch of the service to try this out.
Upon your arrival here, you are sent to what is called the "Receiving Ship," which is not a ship but a dormitory. We use nothing but navy terms, that's why its called a ship. You are held there one month, during which you are taught how to drill. The marine drill is used. And you are started along the road to discipline. Great attention is paid to your aptitude and the officers watch each man closely and if, in their judgement, he is not qualified to be an officer he is discharged. You spend very little time studying in this ship. Most of the time is spent in getting you in good physical condition. You then pass on to the Main ship, which is still not a ship, and there the real studying begins. We study (and learn it too, not like a college course) Gunnery, Radio, Engines, Fundamental Navy Service, Navigation, Electricity, Rigging, Theory of Flight. In other words, when you finish here, all we have to learn is how to fly. The course at the Main ship lasts eight weeks. . We are then sent to a flying school, where, if successful, we receive our wings and a commission as ensign. Forget to tell you, we get up at 5:45 a.m. and are on the go until 9:55 p.m., getting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. off, during which time we must take a shower and do many other things.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Robert M. Williams. He was born on February 25, 1891 in Washington, Arkansas and died on January, 12, 1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is buried in the Oakland and Fraternal Cemetery in Little Rock. He was employed by the Southern Trust Company of Little Rock when he enlisted. He was described as being of medium height and build with gray eyes and light brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
We are all feeling fine, and would advise anyone desiring to get in a good branch of the service to try this out.
Upon your arrival here, you are sent to what is called the "Receiving Ship," which is not a ship but a dormitory. We use nothing but navy terms, that's why its called a ship. You are held there one month, during which you are taught how to drill. The marine drill is used. And you are started along the road to discipline. Great attention is paid to your aptitude and the officers watch each man closely and if, in their judgement, he is not qualified to be an officer he is discharged. You spend very little time studying in this ship. Most of the time is spent in getting you in good physical condition. You then pass on to the Main ship, which is still not a ship, and there the real studying begins. We study (and learn it too, not like a college course) Gunnery, Radio, Engines, Fundamental Navy Service, Navigation, Electricity, Rigging, Theory of Flight. In other words, when you finish here, all we have to learn is how to fly. The course at the Main ship lasts eight weeks. . We are then sent to a flying school, where, if successful, we receive our wings and a commission as ensign. Forget to tell you, we get up at 5:45 a.m. and are on the go until 9:55 p.m., getting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. off, during which time we must take a shower and do many other things.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Robert M. Williams. He was born on February 25, 1891 in Washington, Arkansas and died on January, 12, 1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is buried in the Oakland and Fraternal Cemetery in Little Rock. He was employed by the Southern Trust Company of Little Rock when he enlisted. He was described as being of medium height and build with gray eyes and light brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT