William Bleyer First World War correspondence collection

The author of these letters, presumably written at the same time as part of one correspondence, served in France with the 55th Brigade, 28th Infantry Division during the First World War. It is unclear if he worked with a medical detachment, but there are many references to ambulances and life-saving, even mentioning being in charge of life-saving while en route to France aboard the "Carmania." The 28th Division fought through France in many battles and participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Specific details in this correspondence mentions fighting the "Bosche," a slang for Germans, with detailed locations such as Chateau Thierry, the Church of Lucy-le-Bocage, Exermont, Varennes, Boureuilles, L'Aire River, Mont Sec, Woevre Plain, Neuville in the Argonne (Neuvilly-en-Argonne), Metz, Verdun, and the most important action described by the soldier near the Vesle River at Fismes and Fismette.

The latter locations were part of the Oise-Aisne Offensive in eastern France and are discussed in the second letter, referring to a photograph entitled "Death Valley" or "Artillery Valley."

Of interest in the descriptions are "baby tanks," "rifle grenades," armistice, artillery fire, a mention of General John J. Pershing presenting him with the Silver Star, and the railroads.