IS BOSSING THE HUNS

Fred Broadie writes from France that he is busy keeping the Huns busy.  Thinks he will spend the winter keeping German prisoners on the job.

St. Sulpice, France, Dec. 19, 1918.

Dear Folks,

How's everyone? I am still O.K. I have moved to another camp and am settled down for the winter now, only ten miles from Bordeaux. How is the weather back home? It hasn't frozen here. The grass is just as green as it is in June at home. The flowers are still in bloom in the gardens. It does nothing but rain here. If it wasn't for the rain we wouldn't have to wear any extra clothing. We don't dare to step out without a raincoat.

I am the only Clay county boy left in my company. I don't know where the rest are. Now we are called the P.W.E. Co., which means prisoner of war escort. We guard the German prisoners at night and in the daytime they are taken out to work on the railroads, putting up buildings, and anything that is to be done. All we have to do is see that they do not escape, and you couldn't run them away. There are quite a number of young boys among them. I don't know anything about coming back, but expect to be there within six months. I hope it will be sooner. I haven't received any of the papers you sent. If I were you I would quit sending them. It is almost five weeks since I have received any letters.

I hope you folks will all enjoy your Christmas. I am going to celebrate the best I can.

How are the folks near Spencer? Remember me to all of them. What's the news back home? Have you heard anything about the rest of the boys that are in the army?

How are C.J. Tripps? Tell them hello.

I hope this will find you all well.

FRED W. BROADIE,
P.W.E., 220 Co.
A.P.O. 705, A.E.F.


 

~ source: Ruthven Free Press, Ruthven, Palo Alto, Iowa, Wednesday, Jan 8, 1919

~ transcribed by a volunteer for Iowa Old Press http://iowaoldpress.com