05 Dec 1918
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 16 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Mount Airy News
Location
Mount Airy, North Carolina, United States of America
Date
Dec 05, 1918
Page
1
Dr. Alex F. Jones writes home from a rest camp in France describing England’s farms and roads, American sacrifice, and the war effort. He notes trains, stone farms, and vivid scenes of civilian contribution, ambulance drivers, and pride in serving his country. He mentions receiving Mount Airy News and letters from Virginians.
Egbert H. Jones writes from a French village in October 1918 about current camp life and hearing big guns. He notes advancing troops, hopes to return home soon, and describes experiences at the front including encounters with German positions and American girls seen at a show.
Chester McGee writes from somewhere in France dated September 27 to his father Thos McGee of Pinnacle. He states he is well and enjoying life, though in the front lines with heavy artillery. he says the guns have not reached him yet and asks to be remembered in prayers.
R B Midkiff writes from somewhere in France to Mrs J W Midkiff, saying he is well and not sick, expects to send a souvenir, notes they are resting out of the line and may be home for Christmas, urges his mother not to worry, and reflects on mothers with sons in the war and the hope the conflict will end.
The writer recalls a dangerous mission turned feast as hundreds of French women and children greeted them with joy. They shared hot coffee and wine after days of hunger, a guard posted while others ate, and the narrator bragging of souvenirs including a Bowie knife and an automatic pistol. He signs Villa and sends love to Mount Airy, North Carolina.
A dated October 27 1918 note from Early F Gentry writing from an unspecified location near Dobson to his mother describes good health slow days of rest and meals and a plan to return home soon He mentions helping a French girl and receiving a letter from a friend named Garl noting his continued well being.
A wartime letter from Grady Stone to his mother Mrs M E Stone in Round bk ae Cuan describes steady progress toward health and safety in France. He notes good meals warm clothing and reassurance that Uncle is looked after and he is doing well.
Sergt Sephas Lewis writes from France to his sister describing repeated front line assaults since Sept 24, encounters with enemy trenches and casualties including a fallen friend, disarming captives, and a patrol mission toward a nearby town. He mentions a grim sight of German cremation pits and urges not to nerves.
A. W. Tilley writes from a wartime camp dated November 6, 1918 to a friend at Park Mountain. He recalls breaking the Hindenburg line and capturing thousands of prisoners, says he was uninjured though many comrades were hurt or killed, and expresses hope the war will end soon with return home.
A letter from J. G. Burgess of Mount Airy to his father recounts the September 29, World War I assault on the Hindenburg line in France. He notes American troops advancing with confidence, chasing retreating Germans, and a high number of missing soldiers after the engagement.
President Wilson spoke to a joint session outlining his plan to attend the peace conference and detailing government roles in postwar reconstruction. He praised the military, discussed readjustment, urged women’s suffrage and action on the Columbian treaty, and announced plans to travel overseas.
London reports that upon reaching European waters President Wilson will be escorted to Brest by American ships and a large armada. Nine battleships may rendezvous about 100 miles off Brest with 24 destroyers joining the reception. Britain and France have not been formally asked to assist.
London dispatch reports the German government launching an investigation into Belgian crimes including deportations of workers, theft of Belgian machinery, and the executions of Edith Cavell and Captain Fryatt. Named suspects include General von Sauberweig, General Baron Kurt von Manteuffel, and Barven der Lancken, Brussels officials at the time.
London reports Prime Minister Lloyd George in New Castle arguing Germany must pay war costs up to its capacity and face punishment for crimes against humanity. He presses for impartial investigation and accountability for submarine warfare and humane treatment of prisoners.
General Pershing designates an early convoy home totaling 3 461 officers and 79 665 men. Included are the 30th 76th and 78th divisions with other artillery and corps troops. December brings home about 150 000 men as demobilization accelerates using ships and old battleships for transport.
London reports discuss plans to bring former Emperor William of Germany to justice. The Times says if one culprit must be singled, William is the chief offender, though not the only one to be tried. It argues punishment should not be avoided to shield him or to preserve dignity.
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