Comments on: Field Hospital No. 104 at Luzancy, 8/6/1918

By: worldwar1letters

worldwar1letters — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:52:31 +0000

Hi Mike:
Thank you for your service and also for your kind words! All the resources I have used in researching this project are listed on the Bibliography Page. Each Regiment of the 26th Division published an official unit history prior to the demobilization and discharge of the troops in April, 1919. Here is the work if you can find it: Hume, Frank M. (Col. 103rd Inf.). History of the 103rd Infantry 1917-1919. Boston: H.I. Hymans, 1919. This book is about 60 legal-sized pages with detailed history and plenty of photos including each Company in the 103rd. No doubt your grandfather and Sam Avery would have known each other and went through the same types of experiences. Please be sure to read through the site as there is much information here about what your grandfather went through and where he served.

Best Regards,
Rich

By: Mike McCarthy

Mike McCarthy — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:26:15 +0000

My grandfather was Walter P. Connolly. He was born in Prince Edward Island Canada but enlisted in the NH National Guard and was assigned to Company C 103rd Infantry Regiment. I have his discharge and it states that he participated in the battles of Xivery, Belleau Woods, and Chateau Thierry. He was discharged as a Corporal and lived with us in Somerville MA – the adopted hometown of Medal of Honor winner George Dilboy. Are there any histories of the regiment and company C? Are there any company photos ? Great website- Mike McC – Commander US Navy retired

By: Tina

Tina — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:40:24 +0000

Thank you; I did read “Recovery in the Hospitals”. I hope his injuries weren’t as bad as some images I’ve seen. He certainly keeps on the bright side of things. His family at home must have been worried sick to know he was in the hospital, and not knowing what his injuries were, etc…. But on the other hand, probably just glad to know he was still alive.

I can’t wait to see the book!! Thanks for your great work.

By: worldwar1letters

worldwar1letters — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:49:07 +0000

Hi Tina:

Thanks again for your kind words! You can read some very brief information about the various types of gases used during the Great War on the page “Recovery in the Hospitals.” Different compounds achieved different effects from asphyxiation to tissue destruction. Not sure what type of gas it was that poisoned Sam, but it may well have been a form of mustard which he ingested with contaminated food or water following the capture of Epieds.

There is indeed a book in the works called Soldier’s Mail which pulls together the material on the site. I am presently in the midst of the manuscript and will be sure to provide further information once it is at the publishing stage. Keep reading!

By: Kittybriton

Kittybriton — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:26:37 +0000

Oh Lord! Mustard gas is filthy stuff – never having been exposed to it myself I had never realized food, water, and the landscape itself could also be contaminated. I suppose you’re getting dosed with castor oil? YUCK! (not sure which is worse, symptoms or cure!) I hope you have some pretty nurses to make the experience a bit more pleasant.

By: Tina

Tina — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:22:52 +0000

I have read online some about different gasses that were used in WW1 and the effects were (putting it lightly!) horrible. Do you know what kind of gas/did they ever find out? (If I may ask?)

Also do you plan on writing a book about your Great Grandfather’s letters/experience? I would be one person who would buy it for sure. I have been reading Harry Lamins’ blog; and find Sam’s letters much more interesting.

By: worldwar1letters

worldwar1letters — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:06:19 +0000

Thanks Kit! Actually it did turn out to be Fritz after all. Sam had gas poisoning and was triaged first to an evacuation hospital and then to a couple of base hospitals where he remained for the next 2 months. Read the page “Recovery in the Hospitals” for more information on the process of triage and treatment that Sam went through. It is very likely that he was poisoned through contaminated food and/or water after the capture of Epieds. Although better off than many others, the effects of the gas would flare up and bother Sam occasionally for the rest of his life.

By: Kittybriton

Kittybriton — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:02:47 +0000

Well, it’s not good to know that you’re in hospital, but it’s good to know it wasn’t Fritz that put you there. Not sure if we’re on the same page here, but I’ve run myself into the ground once or twice just by not knowing when to stop, and with all the hoo-ha you’ve had just lately it wouldn’t surprise me if you crossed the line without noticing.