Memoirs of a WWI Soldier

This was originally an assignment for a History of class of mine, but it
has become more than just an assignment.

This is completely of my own creation, and if such a person as the
character exists, it is merely coincidence.



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My dearest Lucille,

I apologize for not sending you correspondence sooner, the fighting in
the last month or so has increased, and there are more attacks than
when I wrote my last letter.
The German squadron that we are fighting seems to have received an
influx of new recruits, at least that is what I suspect, as they have
recently become more aggressive and are more often on the offensive.

During the brief moments of peace, I have been able to talk with some
of the English and French troops, whom we were sent here to support.
They are true patriots, dedicated to there cause for which they fight.
I don't pretend to know the feelings that they are are experiencing, but
none the less, I support them.

Several days ago during a nighttime trench raid, midway through no-
mans-land the Germans found us out and started firing on us.
Thankfully I only received a burn from a bullet grazing my arm.
However though, not everyone was as lucky. Three men from my unit
were hit, the luckiest one died instantly, from a shot to the head, the
other two however both received fatal hits, and are now in the hospital
(if you can even call it that) dying slow and painful deaths.

We recently had a severe rainstorm, the trenches have become rivers
of mud, detriment and blood, thankfully though we have nearly finished
clearing them out.

When I stop to think about the cause of this dreadful war, I'm struck by
how odd it truly is, the assassination of a man from a country that is'nt even
directly involved in this war by a man from yet another country that is'nt
directly involved either.
It seems to me, that maybe this was simply an excuse for Germany to
declare war.
Upon thinking about it, Darwin's ideas cease to be as far fetched, perhaps
we are nothing more than animals, as no civilized society would commit
the atrocities of this despicable war.

One of the few good things about where I am, is that there is a small
town, St. Lorraine, about seven or eight miles away.
Some of the French soldiers have set-up a burlesque house of sorts in
the rear trenches, though I must admit, I'm never quite able to tell if
the entertainer is a local St. Lorraine girl, or a fellow soldier dressed
as such.
Do not worry though my love, woman or man could ever hope to com-
pare to your beauty, and the thoughts of you waiting for my return are
more than enough to subdue any temptations that I may have.

I am lucky enough to be in a an area that is relatively well supplied.
Weapons and ammunition are in great supply, and while the food is quite
deplorable for the most part, we do occasionally receive real food.
Some of my fellow soldiers have set-up a sort of trade system as well,
so it is possible to obtain something good to go with most meals.

Sadly my dear Lucille, I must end this correspondence, the fighting seems
to be starting yet again, and I must tend my post.
Give my regards to all, and remember that I will love you always, and
should I meet the-end, we will met again and be together eternally in
the here-after.


Sincerely yours,
Jacob Anthony Kinsington

Post date: September the 13th 1918.

___________________________________________________________

[edit on 3/9/2007 by iori_komei]

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My dearest Lucille,

With blood I write you the today letter and my each word
contains death. I hear the bombs of German artillery
falling and lead to the territory in a cloud of dust and noise.

Hidden in a hole that I made with my hands in the sap I try
to sleep in vain. Sleep doesn't find me. I remember one
German young man that I cut him the throat trying not to
conceive us to the enemies. This was first time that I saw
the eyes of my enemy. Gather that it existed mirror between
us. In his eyes I saw you. Who I wonder German girl has been
waiting for him in Germany? Who it will cry him? Ach, Lucille…
I don't want to face the same destiny. I want to turn, ram myself
in your embrace.

Only your love I have you keep me live in a country of dead.

Yesterday, the situation was desperate; we waited for a German
assault in the dyke. Two residents from the village heard for
a potential German attack. It wetted that day and while we were
in alert, it remained no time for us to clean the trench from mud.
It stinks all the time. Finally, nothing happened. No Germans. I
tend to believe that the villages are too cautious.


One friend from Belgium that used to fight in the trenches in a
distance of forty kilometres from my own position reported to me
that it is tendency of villagers so to sleep in peace. This is what I
believe also. He was transfered here after the belgian forces
retreated and soon we became friends.

There are so many things to tell you but very little time to spare. I
barely have the strength to hold my pen. They don't feed us well
and many of us complaint for bigger rations.

Wait, I hear the sergeant waking up my comrades. In little, it will
be my line. From what I hear he orders them to take double
ammunition and lighter equipment. I fear. Here I put a full-stop
my love. Pray for me.

Always yours,
your Jacob

Post date: September the 22th 1918
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[edit on 17-3-2007 by Dragonlike]

I think the time of the event is off history...

1)
WW1 took place mostly in Europe between 1914 and 1918. Which means there is not much time left to start a diary ...

2)
Trench war is considered to be the worst psychological war in history. At the begining of war (1915) the text style would be appopriate as that you used iori, but in 1918, after all that pressure he should be more anxious, more nervous... Subsequently the writing style would not be so formal.

1)
WW1 took place mostly in Europe between 1914 and 1918. Which means there is not much time left to start a diary ...

True, but America did'nt join the war until 1918.

And it was'nt really a diary, just a letter home type thing.

2)
Trench war is considered to be the worst psychological war in history. At the begining of war (1915) the text style would be appopriate as that you used iori, but in 1918, after all that pressure he should be more anxious, more nervous... Subsequently the writing style would not be so formal.

Well it was an American writing home, and like I said, America did'nt
enter the war until the last year of it.