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
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