Laurance E. Bucknam
302nd Ammunition Train - 77th Division
Transcribed by Laura Goeller (Granddaughter)
Members of the 302nd Ammunition Train at
Camp Upton; Far left is Laurance Buknam,,
Glenn Prentice is in the middle and
on the far right is James Wycoff.
My grandfather, Laurence E. Bucknam writes these
letters to various family members and friends. Laurence Bucknam was
born and raised in Perry, New York in 1893. His parents were farmers,
and he had two brothers and a sister. Their names were Raymond, Kenneth
and Violet.
He enlisted in the army in March of
1918, and was stationed at Camp Upton on Long Island. He served in
Company A, 302nd Ammunitions Train. He drove ammunition
trucks over in Europe during World War I (Company A was the first to be
trained in this branch of the service). After the Armistice was signed
and the war was over; my grandfather then became the personal chauffeur
for General John “Black Jack” Pershing.
Once he returned home; he met and
married the love of his life, Hazel Marie Lee. They had three children:
Eugene, Lorraine and Calvin. He opened up his own dealership, Bucknam
Pontiac, in Palmyra, New York. His sons took over the business after
his death in February of 1970.
Laurence Bucknam was a wonderful and
loving man. He had a unique sense of humor that will always be
remembered. His children, grandchildren and many great-grandchildren
will always reminisce about his life.
Biography written by Laura Goeller
February, 2007
Camp Upton
307 – Co. M.
March 2, 1918
Dear Folks,
This being the first good chance to
write, I’ll give you all an ideal how everything is going on. After
arriving in N.Y., we were transferred to a boat across to Long Island
then on railroad rest of the way to camp. When on the boat we had the
pleasure of taking on the Statue of Liberty (ha, ha) on under Brooklyn
Bridge. Then we were good for 70 miles ride in wilderness of pine
wood. At 6 o’clock, we arrive in camp and it was a sick looking hole
to the bunch. Since that time we have been examined and vaccinated in
the arm – an back, and we were a still bunch for a day. Some of the
fellows fainted away from the effects. To-day were fitted with suits
and look like real soldiers now.
This being Saturday we have nothing to
do but eat and inspecting early in the morning. They called feed here
mess, and it is one, if you go away hungry its your fault, lots of beef
and brown gravy.
Friday they had a grade parade for Gov.
Whitman and it took hours for it to pass. There is only 37,000 soldiers
here not counting officers and mess cooks. The camp is 16 miles long
and 11 miles wide and still building everyday. 52 – YMCA’s, places of
amusement and moving picture. The weather is fine just a little cold
night, if you had any ailment just report in sick call, and you will
have one of the best doctors here in the country. Not quack.
If the people in that section don’t
believe that US is in war you want to come here and look for yourself.
That’s all is necessary. We are quarantined in until March 14. After
that we can go anywhere. I signed up in the motor division in Quarter
Master Corp., but will not kick if I do not get in that branch.
It is a good clean bunch to be with,
but we can never tell how soon we will be sorted. The last Co. M was
sent south so we have fill there places. There is lots of room here now
and may be they will called for more men.
The boys now are playing basket ball or
baseball cards, or anything for past time. I have failed to find
anything hard about it so far all though we were on our feet 14 hours
straight so that is starting in some all right. Send me one suit of
under wear like the same kind that I have been wear all winter. One
suit is pretty well gone so send it right away in a small package. I’ll
put the tag in for the right size and be sure and not get anything
heavier for they gave us 3 heavy suits for this year and next, and let
me know what the price is. They gave us 4 pair of socks for summer and
winter wear. Lots of clothes and the best kind. 2 pair of shoes, 1
pair for field work with nails in the bottom and 1 dress pair, over coat
and 4 buckles, coat for wet weather, summer and winter hats. I’ll send
lot of the clothes back as soon as I can find something to send them
in. I have got my suit, coat, shoes, rubbers, cap, shirt soft one,
helmet to send back.
They will finish clothes as fast as we
can wear them out, but if we lose them we will have to make it right,
not much danger of any stealing here in this bunch. Buy that suit at
Fred Johnson’s that is where I got the other two suits, send me one of
the paper and respond soon. With lots of love and best regards to all
my friends good-by. Address 307 – Co. M, Camp Upton, N.Y.
Laurence E. Bucknam
Camp Upton
Sun., March 10, 1918
Dear Folks,
Drop you a line and let you know
everything is all right here. Yesterday we got another needle in the
right arm. My does not feel bad, but it puts the whole system out of
order. One fellow had sort of a fit at the supper table and fell to the
floor, cutting his head on the edge of the table. He is now in the
hospital and some others from this barracks. To look at this bunch you
natural thing they were in a base hospital. It gives you cold chills, a
fever and makes bones ache all over.
I took a physic to help work it off
this morning and feeling pretty good except being stiff and sore. They
shot in one million and a half of Typhoid germs to that’s enough to make
anybody stiff.
Did you send that Union suit to the old
address, if so I’ll not get it until next week. Send me another right
away for I’ll need two suits size – 36 by 60 and get it right on the
road so I can make a change this week, but do not get anything heavier
than what I wore last winter. In couple months they will issue summer
wear but I have nothing for now so send them to the address at the
bottom of this letter. Dr. Scott has been transferred again to a
stable. I do not know how the rest of the Perry boys are, but just as
soon as we can get out I’m going to look them up. It has rained all
night and so far today. The surgeon just went through to dope the sick
one. We are inspected every day to find out if any of them are
diseased. It’s a good thing.
Give my best regards to all my friends,
with love to you all. Will write more next time, let me know what the
Union suits cost and don’t forget to send them right away, wrapped up in
strong paper and insure address on the other side.
Mr. Laurence E. Bucknam
302nd Co. D
Ammunition Train
Camp Upton
Long Island, N.Y.
Casual
Put the full address on and don’t forget
the work “Casual” in the lower part of the envelope.
Love to all.
Good-bye.
Camp Upton
March 16, 1918
Dear Folks,
This being Saturday and most the day to
myself, I will try a make a reply. It is fine weather and dust flying
and lots of the men are going to train bound for N.Y. I could get a
pass, but there is nothing up there for me so decided to let it go for
now. I sent a package this morning for Raymond of my stuff and some
thing for Glenn Lawson. They will call for his things, so leave them at
the barn. I have been transferred to the 302nd, Co. A
Ammunition train. And expect to go over within 2 weeks, unless we get
different orders. This is a new branch of service. Been here only 6
months, but will get lots of drill and instruction on trucks before
going into service. They have no truck on this side.
I can get a 48 hour leave but it’s too
short to come to Perry. It takes so much time to travel if your people
live in N.Y. It would be right handy but as it is I cannot do anything
different. But will let you all know when we get ready to start. I’m
in fine health and have gained 10 lb. of fat so do not look very sick.
I’ll make a effort of getting my picture taken, so it will give an ideal
of what a uniform is on a Bucknam (first one in our history), if there
is such a thing. I’ll make good for our sake and U.S.
I have received your pillow and two
suits of under wear with thanks and as soon as I strike the Western
Union I’ll send the money. The barracks where I first went is all clean
up and ready for the next bunch. Glenn Prentice, James Wycoff are the
same old Co. It seems funny to me; they do not get transferred. I do
not understand it. I go over and see them once in awhile to see how
they are getting along. All of the guys that cannot learn to be a real
soldier are sent south to a work camp. So if you cannot make good, that
is where you go. Lots of foreigners who cannot understand are shipped
there.
The grub and officers are fine where
I’m now and this week we will take a hike of 9 miles to a rifle range
for practice. Have lots of clothes, they even give us towels, razors
and shaving brush and you can have all you want of everything, but if
you lose any of them you have to pay for them. This morning I got a
hair cut and some tailoring on my suit for neatness is a great thing in
the army. At least it is in our company, for Co. A is suppose to be the
best company in that branch of service and we all take pride in it to
have it the best.
Don’t worry everything is fine and my
address is:
Laurence E. Bucknam
302nd Co. A
Ammunition Train
Camp Upton, N.Y.
This will be my regular always from now
on, until we cross the brimy ocean.
Lots of love to all, good-bye, remember
me to all my friends and best regards.
Members of company A, 302nd Ammunition Train at Camp Upton
Camp Upton
March 24, 1918
Dear Folks,
Will make an effort to relieve myself
of little news if you can find time to read it. Everything is going
along in good shape. This last week we have drill in the for noon and
pack stuff in afternoon. The trucks for this company are on the way
over there so it won’t be long before we will soon start. I’ll make an
effort to get a leave, but if not I will telegram to Raymond and have
him come down for there is a number of different things that I want to
do.
The weather is great here but very
windy. It blows most of the time. There are 10 – 12,000 leave here for
New York every Saturday and Sunday 36 hour leave. I have to keep my arm
bandage and it’s rather stiff, but its getting along as good as can be
expected. We went to the rifle range last week and done pretty good for
the first time. Think this afternoon will go over to see Glenn Prentice
and some of the Perry boys. Have not seen Dr. Scott for 2 weeks, do not
know where he is now, but can go to headquarters and find out.
Is Violet still peeved, if so she will
have to work it off. For if she was married and lived in another
section of the Country it would be all right for me to write to her, but
as long as she lives in the same house its unnecessary to do so. For
I’m not in love with writing enough to send two letters alike in
separate envelope to same place.
Went to the show last night, it sure
was good, but those Smileage books are something like a stock company.
On the first show, pass out card and state that this card and 15 cents
will permit you to a reserve seat. The whole Smileage book is worth
about 3 – 4 good seats and then you have to pay in part cash so you can
make up your mind how much good one of those books are. Just a polite
graft in a modern way, but as far as the shows are concerned, they are
the best there is right from New York with beautiful scenery and
electrical effects. They had a peach orchard on the stage and trees all
loaded with fruit it sure did look natural. In the second act, the
orchard was in blossom and it was suppose to be in the spring of the
year, which was great. The seats are rather high, that why Smileage
book do not go far here. If Raymond and Harry come down will give them
a chance to see a real show.
How is the farmer, or otherwise the hay
seed getting along, has he thrash yet? Must be he has because there was
an awful fog here last week. You might send down a few hen’s eggs that
the Rochester laid. Send me some address of Bennett family someday.
Also, Aunt Florence. I drop them a card let them know I’m alive, yet
although, I have some cold. But you are not well here unless you have a
cold, because so much wind and salt air near the ocean. I had my
picture taken yesterday and will send one home next week if they are
good. Well will close for this time with lots of love to all. And
address my mail to:
302nd Co. A Amm. Train
Long Island
Camp Upton, N.Y.
Laurence E. Bucknam
Laurance Bucknam far left and Glenn Prentice in front of truck at Camp
Upton.
Camp Upton
March 27, 1918
Dear Folks,
Will drop a line and let you all know
everything is all right, but our days are numbered. I was talking with
the head Sergeant tonight and he said this company has orders to cut all
passes. No more, not even for New York. If I’m here for Sunday, I’ll
telegram to Raymond for him to come down. Would like to see you all
before I go, but never the less it is impossible so I will be forced to
give up that ideal. Maybe its just as well, in the long run, for a
short visit would not amount to a great deal, and would only make it
worse for me.
I received a letter from Hattie and
George Hilficker and they are going to send me a box of stuff, but tell
her not to because I’m not liable to be here. Tell her to wait until I
get located on the other side, but I thank her very much for her
kindness in which she has shown.
I was out driving the truck yesterday
and expected to have one issued to me on the other side if nothing
happens. The supply train moved tonight and their barracks look rather
sick. Nothing in them, ready for the next draft to come in. We are the
first company to be sent over because it is the first bunch of trained
men in this branch of service. We get two months of training over there
before we go into service. So there’s lot of time yet for the war to
close before we get into the harness.
I have had my picture, and will send
one along. Yes, and one to Violet if she wants it. Dr. Scott probably
took a French leave, it’s just like him, and if he did, he will get it
when he returns to camp.
Glenn Prentice is in the Signal Corp
now and he expects to go over soon. In fact that is camp talk. They
are all going before long so, there will be a lot of company on that
side the way they are going. But whatever you people do, don’t worry
because that will not do you any good, and only get you gray hair.
Everything will be all right if I can make it that way, and I will write
when I get a location and send my address.
The Colonel was here today from
Washington and inspected this division. He said Company A are the best
trained men in the field after we get through drill, so that was worth
something to have that record. We also had our over sea physical
examination yesterday and everything was all o.k. in line of disease.
So all be good until my return and I
will tell Raymond of all conditions when he comes down and send my grip
back too. Remember I’ll write, so don’t worry if you don’t get any mail
for two or three weeks. I’ll drop a line the first chance I get with
regard to all my friends and Pete. With lots of love to every one of
you and will write more next time, be good.
Laurence E. Bucknam
The pictures don’t look very good to me,
but maybe they will to you.
Camp Upton
April 2, 1918
Dear Sis,
How does that name sound to you. Sis,
it’s natural to me to call you that, but of course if you don’t like it
just say so and I will add the ter to it.
Well, if you insist upon me writing to
you, I will fool rest of the folks and address it to you. All the
difference is you will get the first chance to read it. I have sent
your last letter to Philadelphia to a lawyer and have it writing in
English so I can make it out. Expect to get the returns before long and
then I will make an effort to answer it that will be all right. Don’t
get discouraged if you have to wait awhile.
Everything is fine here even the
weather. It has been very warm here today; it makes you sweat when you
get the packs on for a hike. Last night, after dark, the entire company
went on a hike about eight miles. It was for the use of line up and to
know how to obey commands when you cannot see your officers. It’s much
cooler at night, and they all enjoy it better. Today I have had it
soft, I was Company orderly and had very little to do in which I was
well pleased of the fact because it has been so warm. I did not have to
drill, and that means work because our time is so short. We don’t
expect much Infantry drilling on the other side. It will be most car
instruction and learn how to repair and take care of your own machine.
This is right time to go because the weather is so mild, not so liable
to get seasick.
How’s the farming in that section at
the present time of the season. If the weather up there is like it is
down here, wheat, hay, beans would grow fine. We had a very little
rain, but heavy fogs from the ocean and lots of wind. The night before,
I was on guard over a horse stable that is not our duty, but because
there are so many empty barracks that have to be guarded, Company A was
called on to help out. So, I was on the job over six stables and each
stable will hold 52 horses, so I had a bunch to take care of. Raymond
took my grip, and I will send the key with this letter. My pictures are
in and you put one in my postal book and do anything you want to with
rest.
There is a new straight edge razor in
issue to me when I was in the infantry so, let papa or Raymond have it
and save the razor that Ruth gave me. I did not expect to see Ida and
Ruth come but was glad to have them here and also wish you came too.
I’m sure they saw sight worth seeing and had a good time, but I do wish
they were here on a weekday to see the drills. They can give you folks
an ideal what camp life is and conditions they found me in. So get the
news from them. Give Hattie my best regards and George for the regular
farmer’s feed which sure was enjoyed and I’ll answer the first chance I
get. I’ll soon shake hands with Statue of Liberty and bid her
farewell. Until we meet again. So when my mail shuts off you know I’m
on the way. If you answer this right away I will get it, so don’t
forget with lots of love to all and Kenneth, remember me to all my
friends and be-good.
Remain as ever,
Laurence E. Bucknam
Camp Upton
April 10, 1918
Dear Folks,
Will drop a line to let you all know
I’m still on this side, but just for a short time. Expect to get orders
most any day to pack. We did not drill any today, it’s just to get
rested up and ready for the trip. The horses and trucks were shipped
this morning and all other baggage, marked A. E. F. So, it’s a sure
good thing I saw Glenn Prentice and Regs Merrville and bid them good-bye
last Friday, and wrote you a letter the same day must be you did not get
it. But never the less I will write and let you all know and tell all
I’m allowed to go were ever we stop so don’t worry whatever you do. For
I think of you all and all my friends and will give you all the news I
can.
I received a letter from Marguerite and
she sure has the right ideal and the spirit about writing and tell her
I’ll answer it the first chance I get on this side or the other. My
cough has gone, and everyone has that until they get used to the
climate. I received your letter and address, but will have to answer
them on the other side. So don’t worry whatever you do. I’m writing
this in a hurry so you will have to excuse it this time and will write
more next time. I have seen the picture they are good. Remember to
keep one of my card picture and do whatever you want to with the rest.
Will close for this time with best regards to all my friends and lots of
love to each and every one of you, and don’t worry whatever you do, now
remember that, remain as ever.
Your Loving Son,
Laurence E. Bucknam
Camp Upton
April 14, 1918
Dear Sister,
Say the weather has been great here,
very wet and some snow. I suppose you have sleighing up there by this
time for all storms go in your direction from here, except the wind. We
keep that here to carry off the germs; it comes very handy for such.
Say did you get that short letter I sent? You will have to get used to
that kind when I arrive on the other side for you cannot write about
nothing except the weather, and it won’t take me long to tell you all
about that in a few short words. In fact, I can write it all on the
envelope and fill it up with cotton or toilet paper or anything as to
make it look fat, or I can write it in a signal code and give you
something to study out.
We have to learn that and give signal
by flags, the same as the signal corp. does. Most of our time on boat
will be spent in studying the code, it’s something the like Western
Union code so it would be easy to learn and be a telegraph operator
after you have studied this code. This is in you out with a truck and
need help you can send words by the signal to another one hundreds of
yards away. In fact, as far as one can see the other, it is very
interesting. It’s a regular schooling to a person. We have to learn it
so we can send or receive 10 words a minute. When I get back I can talk
turkey to you and you will not know what I’m saying. Here’s where I put
one over on you with your high school graduation. I would like to take
up French language to if there’s a chance.
We have not found out yet whether we
can send our clothes to the laundry or not, if we cannot that means
Monday for wash day in camp, and that we will be out of here before
Wednesday because that’s the day our laundry comes back. I’m sick of
this hole and I guess its because we have got our minds made up to move
for so long that we are getting anxious to go some where, as long as we
get out of here. Our stuff has gone, trucks and mules last week, and we
will be there before long. Another infantry goes tonight and a bunch
came in last night from Camp Gordon; in and out all the time. Some
troops here are all right.
We had another company picture taken
and it’s pretty good considering a cloudy day. My picture is on the
right, on my knees, and Harold Maul next to me on the left. He is from
Warsaw and some piano players we are together most of the time. In the
center, in camp chairs are the head officers and the center one is
Captain Sherman. He is one fine man. The boys of that company would
follow him through hell fire and that is one thing the captains have to
do is to keep on the right side of the men that are under him. For if he
does not, his life is short over there. One of the pictures will be
sent to you. They cost $1.00 a piece and be sure to keep it.
I will close for this time. Regards to
all the neighbors, my friends and love to every one of you. Have the
farmer turn over sod for food is what we need (Ha Ha) and lots of beef
in our barracks. They use 75 – 100 lbs. of beef for each meal. See
what that means to a whole camp.
Remains as ever,
Laurence E. Bucknam
May 12, 1918
Dear Mother,
Will drop you a line and let you know
that I’m feeling fine and the weather is great, but is seems more like a
dream that I’m in Europe. I can hardly believe it. Was some sea sick
on the way over, but it was on the account of storms that rock the boat
like a cork. After the sickness it makes you feel fine and can eat most
anything. It’s a sickness that hurts no one. Saw two whales and a
number of other things which I would not dare to write for it would only
be crossed out.
Some parts of the country are years
behind and the people are peculiar, but I guess that on the account of
we don’t understand their ways. The garden looks fine. Cabbage al up,
wheat and oats are ten to twelve inches high. From the looks of thing I
should say that this country is from 6 weeks to two months advance of
New York.
We made a three-day trip and at present
feel rather tired, but will sober up by Monday all right. Have had
several little visits with French, who have served time at the front.
It is interesting to hear them tell their experience, but will not write
any of it to you for it would not do.
Have not seen anything of Perry boys
and it’s hard work to tell whether I will or not, but when I do, I’ll
let you know. Have you received the Company’s picture yet, and the
allotment that I have made? If not, let me know.
Find out if Hattie Hilficker received
my letter that I sent right after Raymond had left camp. Give her my
regards, and rest of my friends. With love to you all and don’t worry.
Write my address in full like this and write soon.
Prv. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A 302 Amm. Trn.
Amer. E. F.
Via New York
U.S.A.
May 18, 1918
Dear Folks,
This being Sunday and much to do will
make an effort to write you all. It’s cloudy this morning and without a
doubt it will rain during the day, but it makes no difference how much
it rains for it never gets muddy on the account of the sandy soil. One
week has passed by since we arrived in this camp, and have done some
hard drilling. If it continues we sure will be tough, so tough that we
can eat nails.
In regards to the war situation, I
think you get more news right to home than I do here. Papers are
published here, The New York Herald, but after you have read it you do
not know any more than before, so it does not amount to much. A person
can get an ideal the U.S. is carrying it on. They sure are backing up
the Allies and it will be the U.S. who will win. And the majority of
the fellows have the spirit to get into it, and have it over with. It
sure is the right ideal.
In the line of eats, the grub is good
and for sweets I have found the most pure candy is lump sugar. By the
box four pounds to a box cost only four franc and ten centimes in French
money. That means forty-two cents in American. That’s not so bad over
here. You can buy chocolate bars, but they are nothing like you get at
home. They have not got the taste.
I have not wrote to Raymond yet. It’s
doubtful if I get a chance so, I think its best for you people to get
together. Nothing would please me any more than to write to you all,
and all my friends, but it is useless in trying it for there is a limit
to all things. But give them all my best regards and explain to them
how it is. When I can get some cards at the YMCA will drop them one.
It’s hard enough to get paper for letters; they issue only so much each
week and if you’re there when it’s passed out your lucky. It’s a good
thing I had some tablet paper left or you people would wonder where I
was if you did not hear from me. So the only one I have wrote to are
Ruth and to home. Be sure and remember me to Raymond and Florence.
Also, to Harry and Ida. And tell them to write for their letters are
not censored so, they can say anything they want to and the Perry papers
would come in handy. I would like to see what the changes are at home
and who’s alive and who’s dead, during the last month.
At 10:30, expect to go to hear a
lecture at the Y. I went to the movies last night. They were good. If
it wasn’t for the Y, I do not know what we would do for amusement during
our spare time. They sure are appreciated over here, more so then to
home.
Well I suppose dad is right in the
harness on the Castile road every day, and if his crops were up there as
they are here you sure could get an ideal what the harvest would be.
Products seem to grow fast here; the soil being sandy and frequent
showers and hot sun seem to draw the seed right up through in a short
time.
How does Bert like it up there? Is the
place showing up to be what you thought it was? Anxious to know. Is
Mr. Tutle going to make a regular livery man, would like to know, give
him my best wishes and rest of his barn customers that are in the
office.
Don’t forget to let me know if you
received the Company picture or not. And ask Ruth if she got hers yet.
Have not seen any thing of the Perry bunch, but know right where they
are, but will not write it down. If any of you people hear from them
give Glenn and James Wycoff and the others my best wishes and tell them
I’m over here and right on the job.
Will close for this time with love to
each and every one of you and regards to all the neighborhood.
Remain as ever. Address.
Prv. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A. 302 Amm. Trn.
Amer. E. F.
Via New York
U.S.A.
May 25, 1918
Dear Folks,
Still on the job writing letters; one
every week and haven’t received any mail yet, but expect too soon. Only
one mail has arrived for the Company and that was dated April 24th,
so it takes some time for it to get here.
The warm weather hangs on, and in fact
I think it does in this section most of the year. Last night the
Company had entertainment by the boys of the train; and it sure was
enjoyed by all. Some of the boys have their musical instruments with
them. They went and got the piano from the YMCA and some real ragtime
music and comic songs. Next on the program was the lunch that included
cake, coffee, oranges and with some help the captain passed around the
cigars. Music and dancing continued until it was time for taps. It was
backed up by the officers of this Company, and to show their
appreciation the boys give them three cheers for each officer.
Will close for this time and hope this
letter will find you all in perfect health. I am feeling fine. With
love to you all, I remain as ever.
Pvt. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A. 302 Amm Trn.
Amer E. F.
Via New York
U.S.A.
June 1, 1918
Dear Folks,
Have received the Camp Upton mail and
two letters from Ruth address over here, and its time to get some more.
It comes tied up in bundles. I suppose it is easier to handle that way,
but as long as it gets here that’s all I care. I would like to see the
papers and find how everything is going in Perry. There cannot be many
there by now; the rate they are coming in over here. I suppose the
papers are full of big headlines. They are here in regards to the new
drive, but we do not get much real news. It’s all guesswork and what we
do get, we cannot tell.
Memorial Day was celebrated here in
camp and most of the large city. We had the day off, and a lecture by
the Brigadier General. A week ago the pastor of the Cornell University
spoke here at the YMCA. He sure is good. A person here sure has a
chance to hear some good speakers. Billy Sunday is at the West front so
may have a chance to hear him.
This morning the paper states that
Mother’s letters have arrived so, without a doubt you have received mine
by this time. I have sent four cards out, and as fast as I can I’ll
send them along to answer all of the addresses that I have one record.
They will have to have patience and wait.
How are Bert’s folks on the farm? Are
they making good as you expected? You might be able to tell by this
time. Give then my best regards.
So Tuttle has purchased a Cadillac.
It’s a good stunt for that’s what he needs. Who has he got for a
chauffeur? Harry has gone to work for Gibney. He would make a good one
unless he has changed since I left. Give my regards to all the
neighborhood and love to Raymond and Florence and have them write. Will
close with love to you all and write more next time.
Address:
Pvt. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A 302 Amm Trn.
Amer. E. F.
Via New York
U.S.A.
June 10, 1918
Dear Sister,
Will drop you a line this time to keep
you good natured. Everything is fine here, and hope it is the same with
you all. The weather has been great with very little rain. It sure
reminds me of Florida with sand and pine trees. Have been writing
letters to you folds for some time and hope to receive an answer before
long. I have heard from Ruth several times since my arrival in this
camp, and it seems good to get some news from home to find out how
everything is in Perry. I have visited many cities and towns since I
left, but that place suits me as well as any.
On a little trip with a truck last week
drove into Bordeaux. It is a good sized city and parts of it remind me
of Buffalo. The streets are narrow and most of the buildings are four
or five stories high, constructed of stone. The YMCA has a fine place
for U.S. troops and is a good place to spend Sundays. The streetcars
are of smaller type and operate by women mostly. I saw a number of
young girls, but most of them were dressed in black; mourning over
relatives who have been at the front. But from actions they take it all
in good part for it was done to save their country. Age and beauty has
no choice for everybody works here on this side. Wages are somewhat low
comparing them with America.
I received a first grade conduct pass
this morning which entitles me to visit neighboring places when not on
duty. Second grade conduct permits one just around the camp; third
grade conduct allows one just around the regimental area. That means
around the barracks. It takes so many months of good behavior to get
from third class to second, and it’s the same way to get from second to
first. Every man has a chance to show what’s in him over here; it sure
is a good thing. You can get an ideal what kind of a life some of the
follows have been in the habit of living. I hope to always be in first
grade conduct as long as I am in the army. In fact, I’m sure of it, as
far as behavior is concerned, if you are brought up that way it is easy
to stay that way, if you want to.
We have the gas mask and shrapnel
helmet. The mask is a funny piece of construction and has to learn to
put it on in six seconds. So it requires some practice. We handle
different kinds of ammunition; such as gas shells, tear shell, shrapnel
and various other kinds for artillery use.
Will close this time and hope to hear
from you soon, let me know if you have received the allotment yet.
Also, the Company pictures. Give my regards to all the neighborhood and
love to Raymond and Florence and the same to you all. Write soon.
Pvt. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A 302 Amm Trn.
Amer. E. F.
Via New York
U.S.A.
June 22, 1918
Dear Folks,
Will drop you a line this time. I
wrote to Raymond last week, and I will drop a letter every chance I get
either to you or Raymond. At least one a week, so don’t worry. Last
night about ninety of our Company, in Packard trucks, drove to Bordeaux
and had a feed at the YMCA then to the theatre – a real burlesque show –
the first one I have seen since I left home. Went in at nine o’clock
and it was over at twelve. We returned home at two o’clock in the
morning. Rather late hours, but as it happens I have the day off for
rest. Some of the boys were quite happy on the return, that French wind
and cognac puts the life in them. I enjoyed it very much, I went mostly
for the curiosity of knowing and seeing what kind of shows they have
here. The attendance was small; the place had five balconies. There
were 45 French dolls in the play. The show was all Greek to us because
we could not understand French, but even at that some of the scenes and
singing was good. Two comedians sang one song in English. Outside of
that I can tell you nothing more about the show. That’s something to go
to a show and cannot tell anything about it. We were just like
dummies. I guess they knew Company A was present all right for they
made enough noise, but that can be expected when a bunch of rookies get
together. They surely enjoyed it all right and stand ready to go at the
next chance. It’s a treat to get out like that and they all appreciated
it, I’m sure even the officer's. It breaks up the monotony of camp life
and gives them all something to talk about and to remember.
Just a glance at this morning paper
shows that 1,841 more have been captured by the Italians. They are
doing good work. 3,000 were captured and 89 officers a week ago, but
without a doubt you get all such news in the papers so I will not write
much of that stuff. We get it here, right after the drive has been
made, by wire from the radio station. Yesterday I was out at the
artillery range and the ground is all blown up. Holes large enough to
jump into and hide and most of them are perfectly round as a basin and
about three or four feet in depth, 6-8 feet around accordingly to size
of the shell. One could pick up enough old shells in a day for a big
week’s wages.
Received a letter from Raymond and
found Harry has gone to camp. It may be hard on Ida, but I do think it
is a good thing for him. It’s where it will either make a man or a bum
of him. It will make a man of him there, but if he came over here, he
sure will be a bum for there are to many temptations here for you all
know that it does not take much to lead him. I sure hope he does not
come over, just for his own good. When you write, give him my regards
also to Ida, and send his address to me. I’ll write him a line. Give
my regards to all the neighborhood. Also to Hattie and George, all the
Bennett people, Smedley’s and to all my friends where ever you meet
them. Give my love to Raymond and Florence and will write later. How
is Violet and Frank making out? Don’t forget to remember me to the
Holland folds. Will close for this time with love to you all also -..-
to you all, if you do not know what the dots and dashes are? I’ll leave
it to Ruth’s address.
Pvt. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A 302 Amm Trn.
Amer. E. F.
Via New York
U.S.A
June 28, 1918
Dear Sister and Folks,
Received your letters and was glad to
get them for it was the first I have heard from home. It sure did seen
good. The weather has been fine here and no thunder or lightning such
as you told me about, very little rain for the past three weeks. In
fact, the rainy season is not yet, when it comes it lasts for weeks at a
time.
This morning, I am not doing much, only
trying to get ready for my little trip. I did not think I would have
time to write you, but I knew if I did not write now it would be hard
work to tell when I would get a chance again to drop a line. A detail
from our Company is going after some Packard trucks and will meet the
rest of the Company in another place.
I dropped Ruth a line last night and
told her to let you folds know about it. I owe her a letter so I wrote
to her. I wrote to you last Sunday. It’s going to make four – five day
trip because now we are only four hours ride from Spain and not very far
from Italy. That is why it is so warm here. I will write when we get
located again so don’t worry. My address remains the same.
Have seen Floyd Raleigh once, some time
ago. I have not seen any real friends from Perry, but expect to on this
next trip. Will let you know all about it next time I write. Must be
Perry is pretty well cleaned out of young folks the way they are drawing
them. They sure are growing in every here all right, by the thousands.
Seven to eight boats at a time and from three to 15,000 on a boat.
That sure must have been some storm you
had. Ruth spoke about it in her letter. We get the thunder part of it,
but not the rain. Yesterday they had a barrage of fire. That’s where
the artillery fires from all sides to one point in the center. All you
can see is a cloud of dirt in the air. That is the kind of practice
they have on the range they use for shelling villages. Airplanes over
head set the range for fire. U.S. sure has a system and everything is
done by that way. System and moral is what wins the battles. At
present there are 150 horses on a line up for drill ready to go to the
field. They are about 50 feet from me now, if that line up went through
Perry it would cause some curiosity, but as it is here I do not look up
from writing because I see so much of it here every day. You must bear
in mine that the horses have to be trained as well as the men for if
they weren’t you could not manage them at the front. Horses in
artillery must be used to gunfire and other things that take place.
Well, Violet send my regard to Stella.
Also to Frank and his folks. Sorry I did not get the candy for it would
come in handy. Have mother take care of my insurance with the money she
received. My bank book is at the bank. They will take care of it.
Sure was pleased to hear that dad like the farm and hope crops will turn
out good. Remember me to Bert’s folks. Kenneth sure must be some
weeder all right. It’s a good way to spend the summer vacation.
I’ll close for this time and hope this
will find you all in perfect health. Remember me to Bennett’s, White’s
Kennedy, Mole’s, Clevenger, Hilficker’s and to all the farm force. In
fact to all my friends with love to you all.
Remain as ever,
Pvt. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A 302 Amm Trn.
Amer. E. F.
Via New York
U.S.A.
July 21, 1918
Dear Folks,
Will drop a line and let you know that
I’m O.K. and hope this letter will find you all the same.
After three nights and two days travel,
we landed at our destination in a section which was once occupied by the
Germans in 1914. Some of the villages are a mass of ruin and not a
living soul around. Without a doubt you all have seen pictures of such
places by this time. It sure is a sight and a sorrowful one to see such
large buildings lay lake a stone pile. There is one large church near
here with the tower partly shot off and large shell holes in the sides,
but the people still hold meetings in that ruined structure. Some of
the towns were shelled by the French in order to get the German snipers
out, which many were quartered in the towers or other hiding places.
It’s interesting to hear some of the French tell their stories when the
German’s were around here. They took all livestock and eatables that
they could find and left them to starve. And the way the young and old
were used and slaughtered is a fright. There is a young girl that I
know hid in a cellar for 19 days out of 21, which was the length of time
they occupied this section. To see and to hear what’s in this section
most any person could make up a real book of great interest if they went
into details. But on my part will not say much because I would rather
you get my letters than have them destroyed by the censor.
We live with the French people in
billets and it’s good to live somewhere besides in camp. A billet is
composed of a house and barn, all in one. We occupy what some call the
upper story or otherwise the hay mall. At night when we go to rest,
everything is peaceful and wake up by a new model alarm clock of a long
bawl from a cow or a few cheerful notes from a rooster.
After a person has lived in the army
for a while, he can graduate as a first class tramp. He can live on any
thing or in any place and feel right to home. It sure is some life the
kind you never forget. There are some kickers in the Company, but you
know how that is anywhere. Some people would kick if their legs were
cut off. I’m satisfied, so that’s all I care and hope the rest are.
Fritzy comes over and makes us a daily
visit; then the Allies return it. That is the way it goes most of the
time. This morning two groups of Allies planes went over, 7 in one
group and 9 in the other. It looks like a flock of geese going south to
me. Fritzy has not done much damage with planes lately because as soon
as they are spotted the anti-aircraft guns are on the job. They fire
high explosives and light puffs of smoke are seen to locate how near
they are firing on him so, they can set a range according to reports.
They have pretty good luck in bringing them down. I have not seen any
drop yet, but without a doubt will have a chance sometime. The ideal
firing on them as soon as they are seen is to keep them so high up that
they cannot take any pictures of places or to be able to locate anything
that is going on behind the lines. It’s one fine ideal all right.
Glenn Prentise is not far from here,
but chances are slim of one getting to see him. So if you hear anything
from him let me know. We can see part of the Alps Mountains from here
and by going over the hill at night can see the rockets go in the air to
light up the battlefield to prevent a surprise attack. Also, with field
glasses, can see the wire entanglement and trenches. This is a very
quiet sector, not much doing. We do not expect to hang around here very
long. Still on the job doing detail work with trucks and hauling some
ammunition. It’s hard to tell where our next jump will be, but we sure
have seen some beautiful countries.
Well, it’s time I shut off and will
write next week. I owe Hattie a letter. Also, Ida give them my best
regards. Sorry that Harry had to go but feel sure it is the best thing
for him. I doubt if he will have a chance to see sunny France, but do
know he would enjoy it. Don’t forget to remember him to me. I’ll write
him the first chance I get.
Yesterday the dispatcher news was
15,000 captured and 100 cannons. The U.S. are giving them a dose of
their own medicine. It looks very much as if Fritzy would have to throw
up before long, and the sooner the better to suit me and thousands of
others. Early this morning, the old guns were barking loud but at
present it is very quiet. I did not know they were even firing; so you
see that I sleep as sound as ever. They will have to rattle the old
time on the roof before I wake up.
Give my regards to Ray and Florence, to
the White’s also to the neighborhood and all my friends, Bennet’s,
Smedley’s, Helen Thayer’s family and don’t forget to have the farmer
thrash his pumpkins and dry the seed. I will close for this time with
love to each one of you.
Remain as ever yours,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A, 302 Amm Trn.
Amer. E. F.
Via New York
U.S.A.
July 29, 1918
Dear Folks,
Received your letter and papers dated
June 18 and found that you have been addressing them wrong. Be sure and
put on the right one or I will not receive them. You had Company D
instead of Company A on this last letter, but it happens that Company D
is here with us otherwise I would not have got it. Sure was pleased to
get them, I will have a few hours of enjoyment reading from the
States. Ruth sent a bunch of Perry papers just a few days ago, so I
will have plenty of news for a while. They are rather old, dated in
April, and it is now in July, but even at that; they answer the purpose.
*** sure is great on that line of dope,
his censor must be good to censor that letter that you sent. The entire
letter could be put in two paragraphs. The rest was dope. The kind you
could read all day and not know anything. The best news that I found is
the part describing France is the items that J.A. Jones puts in. They
are good. At present time it is dark and rainy, only nine o’clock in
the morning. I’m writing this letter on a board across my knees with a
candle on one end to furnish light. We have had frequent showers for
two days and the mud is getting deep off from the hard roads. A person
needs chains on in order to walk on this stuff. I do not blame the
French people for wearing wooden shoes. They can use them for canoes
around here.
Last night was a big night for the
French, on the account of a French priest’ return back to his church
after being four years in Germany as a prisoner. What he tells sure was
interesting about Germany. First place, he took eight men’s places when
he was captured because the 8 men had families and he knew they would
starve if they took the men. So he offered himself and he was taken as
a prisoner. And the rejoicing part of it was that the eight men and
their families are all alive, in which he sacrificed himself for were at
the church to meet him. That sure was a happy meeting. He said the
bread that he got a day, he would not eat and he cried more that a baby
every day. He said no one knows what he went through and suffered, and
he is so glad that the Americans are here to help out in this war. He
said that he would guarantee a victory in a short time. He is going to
talk again today. The church bells are now ringing, and if the people
in the States could hear a man like that talk from real experience they
would pay most any price. In Perry, you people hear nothing but real
fakers go around talking from what they hear in order to get a
reputation for themselves.
Ruth spoke about a young officer, there
in Perry, who was telling his experience. You can make up your mind,
but there’s a yellow stick in him somewhere or he would not be in the
States preaching. There’s enough over here to do, if he was any good.
The candle is getting short so I will
have to close before long. Glad to hear you have received another
check. Also, the milk receipts were good, hope they will continue. I
wrote to Raymond and have him send me a pen, for my fountain pen is
pretty well shot. Don’t forget it; also, send some ink pills in the
envelope or in papers you send. Put two or three pills in every letter
for they are of great need. I will try and get a pen here if I can, in
the next town, but you go to Abbotts store and tell him it’s for a
Moore’s non-leakable pen. Get a gold point pen and put in your next
letter. I’m feeling fine and sure hope you all are too. I hope Violet
will pass her Regents. If she needs any help just jump on a steamer and
come over. Hee-hee. I will write more when I get a pen. I do not like
to write with a pencil so, hurry it along. Will close with love to you
all and Dad write soon.
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
302 Amm. Trn.
***Omitted by the cencor.
July 31, 1918
Dear Brother & Family,
Just received your letter of July 2. I
sent you one dated July 28. Will admit that I have not written very
many letters to you because I figure that I would write home every week
if possible and you could get the news from there. As soon as we get
into real action I will not have much time to write, but will try an
answer all that you send. I just was relieved of guard so will spend
this time answering your last letter.
For the last two nights, Fritzy has
been over in his bombing plane and keeping us awake. If he does not cut
it out there will be some thing doing. It’s easy to tell whether it’s a
bombing plane or a scout plane because a bombing plane is heavy loaded
and the motor has a loud rumbling purr and a scout plane has a steady
purr. They come over about 11 o’clock when it is star light, and they
sound just as if they were right on the roof, but you cannot see them
unless you have night glasses like they use at the anti-aircraft gun
station. They keep a continuous fire on them so they will not come down
low over the villages, but even at that they run the risk and shoot
down, drop their load on them and beat it. Some of the bombs weigh
anywhere from 500 to 1,000 pounds and when they hit the ground, take it
from me, it sure makes mother earth tremble. At least the one did last
night, and it was four miles from here. At 3:30 o’clock this morning,
they started firing on this sector. I was on guard at that time and the
bark of the guns was plainly heard. This guard here is an airplane
guard, when any one is in sight the guard has to notify the bugler and
he calls attention and if it looks like a raid we are called to arms;
ready for action. They do not bother here a great deal because there
are no ammunition dumps or railroad stations here, and that seems to be
what they are after. Two bunches of Allied planes, 6 in a bunch, went
over this morning returning from the Germany lines. Without a doubt,
they had a little raid on Fritzy. We have not done much driving for the
past few days expect to move most any time and do not know where. I
don’t for we never know where we are going until we arrive at our
destination. This time we will go over land instead of railroad, which
will make it more pleasant for us. I went down to the burg yesterday
and had some teeth treated. Also bought a new fountain pen, Waterman’s,
which cost 30 franc. That’s about $5.50 in American. It is the best I
could find. I have not gotten used to it yet, but it sure writes fine.
Don’t forget to send a pen point and some ink pills in your next
letter. It’s hard to get fountain pen ink here. Put it in a cloth of
some kind so it will not stain your writing.
You sure must be doing some driving all
right, but this is the time for the rush in car business at the barn.
Give my regards to Mr. Tuttle and glad to hear that you like him.
Remember me to the folks at home. With love to you all and Florence,
suppose Gordon is on the job by this time. Remember me to all the barn
force, Peters, Rolluh and rest of the set. Sure hope this letter will
find you all in good health for I’m enjoying it every day. Will close
for this time and expect to hear from you soon.
As every your loving brother,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
302 Amm Trn.
August 9, 1918
Postcard
Dear Folks and All,
Will drop a line to let you all know
that I’m in fine health and hope you all are the same. We have been on
the road for the past ten days, and have not had the chance to send much
mail. Will send a letter when we arrive at our destination so, don’t
worry if you do not get mail right away. For the last two nights we
have slept in pup tens.
As every yours,
Laurence E. Bucknam
August 9, 1918
Postcard
Dear Brother,
Just a line to let you know I’m o.k.
and hope you all are the same. Writing this in a pup tent. This is
real outdoor life, take it from me. Will write you more about it
later. If I had the Cadillac here now it would not take such an awful
while to drive to the big city. Received the last letter from mother
dated June 23.
Remain as ever,
Laurence E. Bucknam
August 11, 1918
Dear Folks and All,
Will make an effort to write you a
letter on this new model writing desk which is a green, mossy log. We
are camping in the woods and sure is real outdoor life. This is one
beautiful Sunday morn and a grand place to spend it: very quiet and
peaceful. There was no barking of guns last night that could be heard
around here. Must be they took a night off for a change. We do not
expect to stay here very long. Will soon pack up and move on to the
next place. We are here and there and all over from now on, which gives
us a chance to see the country and to see what’s going on.
The paper reports here look good and
hope the Allies will give them a run for their lives. During our past
trip, we drove through many shell torn villages which were nothing but a
mass of ruin and the people have all moved out. They sure looked
desolate all right, and the farther north we go the more such places we
sill see. Without a doubt you people have all ready seen such places in
moving pictures, but I had rather see the original. I suppose the
paper, in the States, are full of war news from the last big drives
which have taken place just recently. When you send any more paper send
the comic section and picture parts. They are very interesting over
here. The news does not amount to so much unless it is some thing
besides war news. We get enough of that here. General Pershing was
near here yesterday and his statement is “Hell, Heaven or Hoboken by
Christmas” and which it will be is hard to tell, but hope it is Hoboken.
Airplanes are circling over head. They
sound like a buzz saw. They have a machine gun on them and every once
in a while they open up and fire for practice. Glenn had a regular
piece in the paper, but there was not much news in it. His Company is
traveling in the same direction as we are and without a doubt will have
a chance to see him later on. Will let you know when I do. I located
his Company two weeks ago, but failed to find him or James Wycoff but
hope to in the near future. It sure would seem good to talk with some
one from your own hometown.
How is dad getting along on the farm
and are the crops looking as good as expected? How are Bert and his
family getting along? Give them my best regards. That was a peculiar
incident about *** in the ***. I probably heard all about it when ***
if so I will let you know about it. I would like to find out what there
is to it.
Will close for I’m getting hump back
from sitting on this log. So long, give my regards to all my friends.
Remember me to Whites folks also the people in Holland and don’t forget
the Bents people. I guess that’s all this time. With love to each one
of you.
I remain as ever,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
302 Amm Trn
***Omitted by Censor
August 19, 1918
Dear Brother Kenneth,
Since I have wrote to Violet couple of
times, I will make you out an answer of some kind. Also, to rest of the
family and hope this letter will find you all in perfect health. I’m
feeling fine and right on the job every day driving a truck like the P.K.
Company drives, except a new model built army style. It has run two
thousands miles so you can tell it’s not very old. Well at present we
are in a busy sector. Lots doing every night and during the day its
rather quiet, do not hear so much barking of big guns. Expect to be
here for some time at any rate until we are relieved.
Fritzy is very careless about shooting
here. He does not care who he hits. Well there’s only one thing to do
that is if he does not quit playing so rough. I’m going to get out of
the game. Ha, Ha. Wouldn’t you? We have a beautiful sky light in our
room. If there was only a few window light in to keep the rain out it
would be o.k, but as it is Fritzy did not finish his job, he just simply
knocked one half of the rood in and called it a job. We are very
pleased to get the half that is left, for there are a few buildings
left. Most of them are nothing but a huge stone pile. As long as you
can hear the shells whistle that’s o.k. When they come over very quiet
and burst in the air you want to get your little tin hat on or get in a
dug out, in a hurry. The first one came over this morning at 5 o’clock;
I’m not in a habit of getting up so early. I will have to send a little
note to Fritz and have him hold off or postpone it for two hours later;
it breaks up my night rest. Without a doubt you know how I enjoy my
morning sleep, and how easy it is for me to get up. Ha, Ha. The sky is
all colors at night. It some times looks as if the whole world was on
fire.
I’m short on ink so will not write much
until I get more. Don’t forget to send ink pills in every envelope or
letter you send. Glad to hear the stock and crops are good on the
farm. Hope they will continue. Give my regards to all my friends.
Also, to Mr. Russell and daughter. Love to all Raymond’s folks and love
to you all and hope to hear from you soon.
I remain as ever,
Wag. Laurence e. Bucknam
302 Amm. Trn.
August 23, 1918
Dear Sister,
Your mail has arrived after being laid
up for six weeks for some reason or another. Mail service has been real
poor, but as long as it has started coming again its all right. Sorry
to hear of Lloyd Pike’s accident, but he is lucky to get out of it as he
did. For the past two days I have been driving the Packard down to the
place where he was hurt. I very heavy thing took place there and from
the looks of it a person would think so.
I was at the wheel for 26 hours at one
stretch so I feel rather tired to write much. They have been doing some
heavy firing so it required lots of hauling, but never the less we will
back them up with the goods so as to keep the Dutch on a run. We have
had many thrilling experiences lately and would like to tell you all
about it, but it would not do. Some time in the future, I can tell you
all about it. Will write more when we go back to the rest camp. As it
is now, the more sleep you can get the better off you are, for one can
never tell when you go out just when you will return. And it sure is no
place for one to go to sleep on the job, for you might wake up and find
yourself in Berlin and I do not care about going there until it has been
considered safe. If you should be caught out, at day break, its best to
jump off from the car and pile for a dug out until dark and then move
one. A truck is a great target to fire either from over head or from
Fritzy artillery. When you go up to the front just keep cool and trust
in God and you will come out all right. It sure does scare some of the
boys when the shells break on all sides and machine guns over head.
Some of the drivers push the old cars along some, but they can’t hurry
me any. The guy at the wheel has the say. It makes no difference what
the Non Com says and that’s where the driver can get his goat, and that
suits me of course.
Glad to hear you have got a rise and
you would get another from me if I was home – a different kind. Ha,Ha.
I received the papers, also the Record and letter from Mrs. and Mrs.
White. Will answer soon as possible. Yes, Ernest Dye and I are great
friends. He appears to be a fine lad. Will close for this time and
hope you all are enjoying good health, like myself and don’t worry for
every thing is o.k. with me. Give my regards to Raymond and folks and
all my friends who so ever they might be and forget to have dad thrash
his pumpkins and send over the seeds. With love and kisses to you all.
I remain as ever,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
302 Amm. Trn.
August 25, 1918
Dear Folks,
Not much doing this afternoon so will
make an effort to answer some of your mail I just received, it’s the
first that I have had in about six weeks and it sure did look good.
Also received the Record and have read every thing, even the
advertisements and know it all by heart. Reading matter is very scarce
here in the woods so that’s what makes it look so good. I have
subscribed for the Stars and Stripes for myself also, to send home. We
are not allowed any papers here while at the front, but will receive
them every week at the rest camp. We are not supposed to have time to
read while in active service, but take it from me, I’ll find time for
reading if anything in that line comes from home. They handed the money
back for subscriptions that were to be sent home. Sorry to say, but do
not know the reason. Sure would like to have you people get it so you
could get the news from what’s going on this side of the pond.
Ruth sent a bunch of Buffalo papers;
also the Herald containing the letters you had put in and it seems funny
to read that stuff now because its so long ago. I saw Quentin
Roosevelt’s picture on the front page of the Buffalo paper in his
plane. You can see the original if you were here with me. He was
buried right where he dropped and his plane is over his grave. Now that
is the fact over here, all aviators are planted right where they fall
and a little cross put up with the name and date on. Also, some times
parts of the machines are put on the grave, it’s a common sight in this
section of the country to look across the fields and see wooden crosses
dotted in the fields of wheat or hay. Last week I drove the truck for
some distance along the Marne River on a special detail. It’s along the
Marne front where so many hard battles took place and it sure will be a
noticed place in history. Chateau Thierry, Reims and Soissons also
noted cities, which the American troops have won through hard
struggles. Would like to tell you more about such places, which I have
visited during the past few days. I’m afraid the censor would not stand
for it. It sure seems funny to look at the different maps that are in
the papers of the battlefront. All of those places seem like home to me
now. When I was home and would look at the maps of the battlefront it
was all Greek to me then, but now its different. Marne River flows
through very beautiful country right in a valley like you see on the
road to Dansville. It’s about the size of the Genesee River. It’s deep
but not very rapid.
Don’t worry about me receiving your
mail for I think I’m getting the most of it. I receive papers right
along either from you or Ruth. I have two copies of the Record at the
present time and hope they will continue right along.
Glad to hear that Mrs. William Waite
was elected as a delegate for Wyoming County and sure think that she is
a worthy person for the position. Remember me to Mr. and Mrs. Waite,
also to her sister, Mrs. McGrown. Have had many a pleasant chat with
them on different trips and would like to drive for them this summer.
It’s a truck instead of a touring car this year. I think I have said
enough for this time so will bring this letter to a close. Ernest Dye
is trying to get on the same truck with me, but Top Sergeant don’t like
the ideal. I guess he thinks we would raise the devil when out on
special details. I have wrote a letter to Violet also to Kenneth and
will answer Raymond’s shortly. He sure must be doing some driving this
year all right. When you receive any allotment let me know and tell the
amount. Did you receive the silk handkerchief that I sent some time
ago? Let me know when you do, there was one for mother and one for
Violet. Sure hope you will get them both just for a little token from
France. Received a letter for Mr. and Mrs. White and will try and
answer them shortly. Give them my best regards. Don’t forget to send
ink pills along with your letters that I’m in need of very much. Also a
pen for my fountain pen is broken. Well that’s all for this time with
regards to Bert’s folks, Pete Cooligan, Vern Reichard and family, B.F.
Rollak, Mr. Schwin, Mr. Tuttle and all my old friends at the barn. Also
to Mrs. Clevenger, Bennet’s folks also to those who I have not mentioned
with love to you all and Raymond’s folks.
I remain as ever your loving son,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A 302 Amm Trn
Amer. E. F.
Via New York
U.S.A.
August 31, 1918
Dear Sister and Folks,
Just received your letter and was mighty
glad to hear from you all. I have not wrote but a very little during
the past month on the account of being on the road most of the time, and
its hard to tell just how long we will be here in this camp. It hinders
mail service when one is on the move so much of the time so don’t worry
when you do not hear from me, for no news is good news. I will write as
often as possible whereever I be and be sure that you folks do the same,
for mail is the only thing that we have to look forward to. I’m feeling
fine as ever and hope you all are enjoying good health.
Glad to hear that I have become an uncle
for the second time and congratulate them for their success and hope
Florence will continue in getting along nicely. I wrote Raymond a
letter just a short time ago and sure hope he will receive it. Well,
Sis, I suppose you were jumping right up and down when you saw Frank
driving in, and I believe I would now if I had that box of chocolates.
Save the box I’ll smell of that when I return. It probably was one of
those boxes that are in the Greeks, 25 or 50-cent size. He could not
afford any thing over that, without going busted. Ha, Ha. I guess I’m
right. The picture was very good and was glad that you sent it, if you
have any other pictures sent them along too. Without a doubt you know
what the traffic is to Silver Lake on Pioneer day, it’s the same here
only worse. Instead of going to a picnic they’re going to the front and
not only one day out of a year. It’s every day in the year.
Harry wrote a fine letter and sure think
the army will make a man out of him, or a fool. It’s one or the other.
I’ll keep on a look out for him if he comes over, but have a little
faith in ever seeing him. You could drop the whole town of Perry here
and I doubt if I would ever see any body that I know. When you write to
him give him my address and tell him to write and I will answer. Don’t
forget not to do that.
Give all Holland folks my best regards
also to all my friends at home. By the time this letter reaches you
I’ll add another year to my age. It does not seem possible that the
summer is so near gone.
James and Glenn are also in active
service. Maybe that’s why they do not hear from them. Some nights you
can hear nothing but a continuous thunder and flashes of artillery fire
all night long, and its our job to feed the guns so it means work.
Will close for this time and be sure to
send some ink pills in your letters. With love and best wishes to you
all. Also to Raymond’s folks.
I remain as every your loving son,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
September 11, 1918
Dear Folks and All,
Received your letter Number one and was
mighty glad to hear that you have finally got the handkerchief. They
are rather pretty at that. I thought I would try and send them just to
see if they would let them go through. I found a one pound shell on the
battle front which did not go off so I pulled it apart and threw the
powder away, took the fuse off the end and with a red hot iron touch it
off. Also fired the charge off on end of the cap and polished it with
sandpaper so it will make one fine souvenir to send home. After a while
I will get in good with the captain and send it, but will be hard to
tell if you people will get it or not. It won’t do any harm to try. If
you do get it let me know and I will tell you where I picked it up. You
can take it to the jewelers and have my name and date, where it’s from,
the battle that took place there, engraved on it. Sure will make a
mighty nice present, don’t you say. Some of the boys are taking a two
franc piece, pound the edge all around, then bore the center out; it
makes a good silver ring. Oh there are more than one way to get or to
make souvenirs of France.
Just about one half a hour ago, Fritzy
located an ammunitions dump and a near village where American troops are
living so he sent over half a dozen of 155 shells or the 95 pounders.
One struck near the highway so the concussion of the shell and shrapnel
that in it wiped a French touring car from the road in pieces, and
killed three. The others were seriously wounded. One was an American
captain. The rest were French officers. The accident took place very
near here about the distance from the house to the barn. Some of the
boys have gone down to see it. I just came up that road a short time
before with the truck and it’s the first chance I have had to answer
your letter so I thought I would not go down. Such things are very
frequent up here and to tell the truth about it I would not walk very
far to see such things unless it is to go and help out. We could hear
the shells whistle away, most true saying about them is, as long as you
can hear them whistle your safe. Because if you cannot hear them and if
they strike very near you or if they do hit near you, the best thing to
do is to fall flat to the ground so the shrapnel and explosion will not
tear you to pieces.
Glad to hear that I have a successor
going by my name and hope they are getting along nicely. Give them my
love also to Raymond. I received Mr. and Mrs. White’s letter and was
glad to hear from them. Will answer it in the near future. I suppose
dad has nearly all the crops in by this time and sure hope they will
turn out big receipts. Don’t forget when I write that I mean these
letters for him as well as the rest. That’s why I always start my
letters “Dear Folks”. Give Bert’s family my best regards also to Mrs.
Clevenger and rest of the neighborhood and the Bennett’s people, also to
all my friends at the barn. I hope this letter will find you all
enjoying the best of health like myself. Send some ink pills with your
letters also, the papers. I received the Record o.k. right along. Will
close with love to all. Good-bye.
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A. 302 Amm Trn.
Amer. E. F.
France
September 14, 1918
Dear Sister and All,
I suppose by the time this letter
reaches you, your vacation days will be over and hope you enjoyed them.
Well, the difference between your vacation and mine is I spend mine
abroad and you spent yours in the States. The worst part of it is it
looks as if I’m going to spend the winter here. But never the less will
have to make the best of it so let her come.
Have not seen any Perry boys yet except
Frank Hicks and Will Riley. Its been some time since I have seen them,
about two months and is hard to tell when I will see them again.
Received mothers letter the one with the ink pills and pen. Was mighty
glad to get it, all though I have not put the pen in yet, but will do it
soon for I can make good use of it. Mother was inquiring about if I had
a car yet or not, the Company has 17 Nash Quad cars and 3 Packard’s and
expect about 14 more Quad cars soon. And as it happens they gave me a
Packard to drive and thankful to get it, one Packard is for rations, one
for gasoline and the other one I have is for baggage and the company
luggage. Also for the Officer’s stuff. And I go out on Ammunitions
details if a rush order comes in.
Well here it is a day later, will try
and finish this letter and get it off before the mail box is torn down,
because we expect to move back of the lines for a rest. Will be mighty
glad to get it, for some times we have to work day and night. It all
depends how much firing the artillery does, so a rest will come in handy
just now. For a month or six weeks, we will have to over haul the
trucks and get every thing for the next drive. Ernest Dye has been put
on with me as an assistant chauffeur. He went to the Top Sergeant and
asked for the place and for once he did do a favor. About two weeks ago,
I was notified that Ernest had been assigned to me. Was glad of it for
I think he is a pretty good chat. I’m now using the new pen and it
works pretty good. I just put the pen in this morning and about to
finish this letter when I was called out on a detail for some rations
for the Company and now it is nearly dark. So will have to draw it to a
close.
Can tell you a few facts about driving
in Flanders mud when I return. One night, just lately, I had the truck
in a shell hole and it took one car pulling and two in back pushing so
you can get an ideal what driving is like over here. It’s a common
thing to get stuck here. It rains nearly every day so the shell holes
are full of water and cannot tell just how deep the pit is and roads are
very narrow which makes it hard going. Will tell you more about my
experience later. When you write tell me about the allotment. How much
you received, let me know if you have received the insurance policy
papers.
Give my regards to Mr. Russell and
daughter. I wish he was over here just for him to see how this war is
being carried on. Give my regards and love to all my friends. Love to
you all.
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A, 302 Amm Trn.
Amer. E. F.
France
October 4, 1918
Dear Mother and Folks,
Received your last letter and was glad
to know that every thing is all o.k. in Perry. The weather here has
been cold and rainy so most of the boys are coughing. At this time of
the year even at home one would have a cold so it can be expected over
here. We are still at the front and expect to stay for a while. Any
way as long as the Dutchman keeps on a run, without a doubt you can tell
how things are going by the looks of the papers, and I sure hope the
good work will continue and get this pesky war over.
It keeps us busy now chasing the Huns
so do not have much time for writing, but do not worry if you do not
hear from me right along for I’m o.k. and feeling good as one could
expect for being out in all kinds of weather. Last week the Company
issued us wool lined vest, hip boots and an oil skin raincoat. Also,
wear a steel hat so we are well protected for rainy weather. Its mighty
good thing we have such an outfit other wise there would be lots of
sickness. One has got to have good clothes to stand this weather; rainy
and cold for the past six weeks which makes it mighty unpleasant to be
out in.
I received a letter from Laurence Smith
also one from Harry Adams. Every thing is all o.k. with them, also I
have one from Hattie and George, one from Mr. Rollak. So you can see
that it occupies most of my spare time writing, but will try and answer
all I can so inform the folks to have patience, will answer them some
time.
This morning it seems like Sunday.
Very quite, no shell fire. Something must have took place last night
and to my ideal they must have made a long distance drive or preparing
for one. Sounds funny not to hear the barking of the big guns.
Well this is a short letter will try
and write more next time. I received the Perry Record right along and
it sure brings the news right from home into No Mans Land and I’m glad
to get it. A picture man was around taking pictures of this shell torn
country two days ago. You probably will see it printed in some of the
papers. Will close for this time with love and best wishes to all the
neighborhood. Also to all my friends and Ray’s folks.
I remain as ever yours,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A 302 Amm Trn.
Amer E F
France
October 10, 1918
Dear Sister and All,
Received your most welcome letter and
will make an effort to answer it. Every thing seems to be ok here with
me and hope it continues. The weather here sure is not like it is to
home according to reports that I received. They say it has been very
dry in the Old Burg, and it rains here most of the time. Two days ago
we had a regular hail storm and it sure reminds one that the worst is
yet to come.
I was up near the lines last night and
it seems real tame, not much firing. You can see by the papers how
things are going. It sure looks good here, and if the good works
continues the war will soon finish. If I receive one of those knives I
will reply to the address regardless as to who it is, black or white,
makes no difference to me. Send one of your pictures I would like to
see if they look any thing like the object, which posed for it.
I received a letter from George K. Page
some time ago so I suppose I will have to answer it just to let him know
that I have heard from him. I will send a clipping from the Stars and
Stripes, which will give you all a good ideal, what kind of work I have
been doing and the ups and downs about it. It will save me lots of
writing and trouble of explaining it so you can show it to others and
give them all a good ideal how my time is spent.
These are rather short letters, but
some time in the near future will write more. Ask Ida what I said in
her letter about you. I received the Record right along and enjoy it
greatly. Give my best regards to all my friends and with love to all
you folks and Raymond’s people.
I remain as ever,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A, 302 Amm Trn
Amer Ex Forces
France
October 14, 1918
Dear Folks,
Received your letter dated Sept. 8 and
was glad to know every thing is ok at home and according to reports farm
crops are fine this year, and hope dad is well pleased with his first
year experience. We have moved again since I wrote you last, still
going forward. The Dutch are on a run and yanks right after them. I
suppose the headlines in the papers are some sized about the peace
proposals of the Germans.
Reynard must be in love with the
Telephone Company to go back on the job. Give her my best regards also
to Mary Bly next time you see them. Just received a bundle of papers
also the Record. Sorry to hear the news about Fred Redfield’s accident,
but such things will happen some times. Enclosed you will find a
clipping from the Stars and Stripes which tells about a certain outfit
being trapped by Germans. We are now camped near that place and the
hillsides are dotted with wooden crosses over the dead in different
places.
There’s one American and one German
plane near here. The German plane is in pieces and I have some of the
parts, a piece of aluminum from the crankcase, which I am going to make
a watch charm out of it. You will find enclosed a tag to be pasted on
the box. Get the box from the Red Cross and be sure it’s the right size
and correct weight. Send me one fountain pen, Waterman’s the best. You
can get three boxes of ink pills like you sent before. One flashlight
of small size, nickel plate, one extra battery, one extra bulb. Make up
rest of the box in Hershey Chocolate Almond bars. Send it out before
November 20th, so you better star it right out soon as you
receive this letter.
Every thing is ok with me and hope you
all are enjoying perfect health. Will close with best regards to all my
friends and love to all you folks and Ray’s family.
I remain as ever,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A 302 Amm Trn
Amer. Ex Forces
U.S.A.
October 21, 1918
Dear Sister and Folks,
I received your letter last night; also
one from mother and Raymond. Was pleased to hear from you all. Letters
from home are always greatly appreciated by any American soldier when so
far away from home.
The piece that you sent about the Crown
Prince was good, and without a doubt there is a lot of truth in it from
the way things are going over here. You get more news there than we do
here in regards to the war situation. But even at that, there are many
things that would be of great interest to you all if we were allowed to
write whatever we wanted to, but are hindered by the conditions.
Censorship is for our own safety.
I’m feeling good as ever and sure hope
that this letter will find you all in perfect health. Mighty sorry to
hear of so much sickness caused from that new disease. It sure must be
a bad one all right. Sorry to hear about the death of Fred Faning and
Mrs. Arwin. Some thing must have struck the old berg, being so many
accidents during the past few weeks.
I think its best for you to learn
French language instead of Spanish for it will be used far more that any
other language after the war. I received the ink pills in mother’s
letter and have my insurance paid up. Also, always let me know what
allotment you received and how much; I like to know. I received the
Record right along which keeps me well posted on home welfare as well as
out side news. I would like to b e home long enough to put those guys
wise about going into the tank service. They would be far better off if
they would join airplane branch.
I sent a long letter to all the folks
so I will make this a short one. Give my regards to Mr. Russell and
daughter, and to all the neighborhood and all my friends. Hope it has
dried up so dad can get the crops in. Good thing that they aren’t over
here for it rains most of the time. I will close for this time with
love to all of you and Ray’s folks.
I remain as ever,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A., 302 Amm Trn.
Amer. Ex. Forces
+France
Dated some time in December
First 4 pages are either missing or
taken by the Censors
I will make this a regular
letter this time for I know the past few letters have been short and
sweet. Will try and write more this time.
Last night, as usual, I spent the
evening on the front and it rained hard all night and the roads were
somewhat slippery, but such small trifles as weather and road conditions
cannot stop us from taking rations up to feed Larry. And as long as he
insists upon having some of U.S. scrap iron he will most heartily get
it. If they like the six inch pills in which we take up to the front, I
see no other way out of it but what we will have to continue hauling.
While I was waiting for my turn to load
up, a little ways from the ammunition dump was an orchard of large size,
under the shade of the tree were about 150 – two man tanks which had
just returned from a trip over the top. They had guards over them. I
came in contact with one of them and enjoyed a very friendly chat with
him in regards to the operations of the tanks and what success they have
had with them. It was very interesting to know just what part they take
in this Great War. I would like to tell you all about it, but I guess
its best not to. Some time in the future I can let you all know about
them. As a rule they make the break over the trenches, struggle their
way to the wire entanglement and make way for the infantry to follow.
It’s great to know the ways and how this war is being carried on.
I sent my X-mas order in last week and
hope you will receive it for they are necessary articles. The pen that
you sent is not much good. The points are bum. That’s why I asked for
another new fountain pen.
Well I will call this a letter and draw
it to a close. Inside you will find a piece of cloth from a German
airplane that I took off the tail and a sliver of wood from the
propeller, just for a token. With best regards to all my friends and
love to every member of the family and Raymond’s folks. And best wishes
to all the old barn friends such as Tuttle, Rollak, Schwind, Dell Clark,
White’s people. Also to those I have not mentioned. Best wishes to
all.
I remain as ever your loving son,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A. 302 Amm Trn
Amer. Ex. Forces
France
December 10, 1918
Company F
Dear Sister and All,
Will make an effort to answer your letter, which I
received some time ago. Today it is raining as usual, but do not mind
it much as we did when we were at the front. Now have pretty good
sleeping quarters and no more night work, which seems mighty good to all
the boys knowing that we can go to bed and get full nights sleep. What
we are most anxious for at present is the order to pull for the shore.
The job is done and now for the USA is the dope. We hear all kinds of
rumors but nothing that one can put any faith in. Never the less its
just a matter of time and it seems mighty long.
Yesterday I took a bath and it was a
great surprise too, for it was the first one since October 15th
that’s going some I’ll say. Just stop to think I lost all of my dear
little pets called the Cooties. Every night the boys would read their
shirts looking for the new comers so, they can get a good night sleep.
For the past two weeks I have
been attached to the M.T.O. and enjoyed a real good time. The trucks
have been turned in so that means close order drill from now on.
Sorry to hear that Raymond had the flu,
but mighty glad that he is getting along nicely. Sure hope that the
rest of you will not catch it. Perry must have had some blow out over
the Armistice. It was very tame on the front at that time. I was in
Sommauthe when it took place. I owe a number of letters to difference
ones, but will wait until I return and answer them in person. I’m
feeling fine and hope you all are. Glad to hear that Mrs. Sherman wrote
you, give them all the aid that’s possible. Give my regards to Mrs.
Clevenger, Mr. Russell and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Dell White and
family. Also to Bert’s folks and all my friends. Received the pictures
of Kenneth. They were very good. With love to you all.
I remain as ever,
Wag. Laurence E. Bucknam
Co. A 302 Amm Trn
Amer Ex. Forces
France