November 9, 2018
This is “Our Past Is Present” from
the Geary County Historical Society.
Today’s
story will be a little different from ones in the past. Researchers at the Museum came across some
soldiers’ letters that were reprinted in “The Junction City Republic” newspaper
in October of 1918. We thought it would
be interesting to read some of one of those letters to you today. This letter was written by SFC Harold A.
Roher with the 199th Aero Squadron, who was stationed in France.
Sergeant
Rohrer wrote: “I will start my narrative with our departure from a British
port. The trip across the channel was
entirely uneventful so far as danger was concerned; censorship regulations
forbid that I describe the transport, however. Upon our arrival at the base
port in France, the troops went to a rest camp, but Otto Haas and I were left
at the docks to guard the baggage. We
were there for two days and nights and our sole amusement was watching other
people work.
Upon leaving
the base port, we travelled inland for several days and nights upon these
French railways. It was surely some
wearisome trip. One has to ride on the
French railway to appreciate the comfort of the Katy.
The
Frenchees are very sociable and try to talk to you but to avoid international complications;
I never commit myself to anything except “oui, oui.”
We are now
at a place where one could expect to see some excitement, but the most
excitement I have seen so far was created when an announcement was made that we
would have fresh beef instead of “Corned Willie” tomorrow. Oh, it is a great life!!!
Have written
quite a volume so will have to draw to a close with best wishes for your future
happiness and prosperity and regards to my many good friends in Junction City
and vicinity.”
Signed SFC Harold
A. Roher.
And… that is today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the
Geary County Historical Society.
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