WWI AEF letter Co C 2nd Engineers – ‘went over the top in advance of the infantry to cut a path’

Description

WWI AEF letter sent by Pvt Chester Elmer Evans, Company C 2nd Engineers to Mother in Genoa, Illinois.

Letter is dated September 17th 1918. Chester, born October 28th 1889 in Genoa, Illinois, listed his occupation as a laborer on his registration card. He sailed to France 10th May 1918 aboard the Dwinsk with Company B Washington Barracks, Pioneer Reinforcement Draft.

Letter is in fragile condition, comes with transcription and research of Evans.

Transcription (spelling as it appears in the letter) –

                     Sept 17 – 1918 

My Dear Mother 

  I am now in my pup tent  with my Bunkie Cor. Link, he is  sewing on his service stripes which indi cates that he has put in a year  of service over here. His home is  Forreston Ill, which is located near  Rockford. WE have been talking  over old times this morning. It has  been raining and we did not go out  for drill. I was in the big Amer.  drive that took place of late. I was  attached to the Inf. while the drive  was on. I was one of the party of Ingrs  that went over the top in advance  of the Inf. We cut a path thru the  barbwire entanglement so the Inf  could advance  Believe me we give the Hun’s  what they deserve, captured a great  number of them and the rest are on  the run. At first the Huns did not  know we were over here but they sure  do now and they realize they are up  against the real thing. When we go  over the top we have an objective in  view and believe me no Boche can  stop us, The Barrage that we put  over the Gn’s say was the fiercest they  were ever in. They certainly started hunting  their holes. Many of the Huns when they  are getting the worst of it and you get  them in close fighting throw up their hands  and yell comerade. Lots of young kids  in the Ger. Army. We captured cities and  while in one I helped some real old  French Nuns carry their baggage, They  had been held as prisoners and  they cried for joy. When I reached  the City I was tired and hungry. had  nothing to eat for two days but a  couple of hard tack. By the way of thanks  they gave me fried rabbit, (?) jam  and a bottle of wine I’ll say it sure  tasted good. The French women call us  good Americans When we are on a big  drive it is hard to get chow as the mess  wagons can not follow us. We have been  having some cold rainy weather and  while on the hike we hit some bad roads  and were in about 8 in of water. We were  wet when we went over the top but  forgot about that. I am dry now and  fed good. I have not had a cold since  over here. Don’t worry about clothes, we  have plenty, Carry warm blankets, underware  shoes and stockings. Each one has a good  rain coat. When I arrived in camp I  received 8 letters which I was sure  glad to get. I would just as soon  receive mail from home as to get a  meal. Letters dated Aug. 5 – 19 – 15 – 12  and one that was written in May so you see  I am getting plenty of Mail. also received  several letters from friends at Wash- Bar  and I heard from Bertha(?) also received a  big box of candy from her. Sorry to hear  the old school house burnt down where  I spent so many happy years. Kind of  you to have picture enlarged but wish you  would of waited until I had a good one  taken. Received letter from Mrs. Boy Frank  Brown was injured but do not report it. Now Mother dear don’t worry and do not  think of me all the time. You take  good care of your self and enjoy yourself. Keep up good Cheer as you are only one  mother among millions. The Gn’s are on  the run and we are looking for it not to last  long.  Don’t think that I have forgotten you  for I think of you often. When it is all  over we will have one grand celebration. Glad to hear from dad. He writes such  a snappy good letter. Tell the kiddies  I enjoy reading their letters. Too bad K  broke his arm. Tell Auntie and Gene  hello for me. Would write but mabe one  letter fill the bill. Will send you  Ge. Cap buckle with Gott Mil Uns.  engraved on it. God with us. If the Kaiser  think God with him he will soon find  out that the Devil is. The Leiut of my  Platoon is Nochle. Soe of my pals as was  your request – Farmer – Echart, – Mack,  Serg. Smith all of my platoon. We have  a good bunch of officers, Tell Ed.  Crawford I received his letter. Well  Mother dear, I must write a couple  more letters so will have to say  Ta Ta With Lots of Love and Kisses Your Son Chester E Evans Co C 2nd Engrs A.E.F. France Love to all P.S. Tell Gold I would of liked  to of been with him to the party. Don’t worry I am O.K. seeing lots of  Country and lots of thrilling experiences. Wish you could see the big guns in  action, some 16in Believe me they wake  up the Huns The Amer. have control  of air over here. Saw one Amer. aviator  bring down 3 Boche machines