The Diary of a Soldier

By Major L. Louis Lee

The Diary of a Soldier recounts the World War I experiences of U.S. Army Sergeant Major L. Louis Lee from the day of his embarkation to France in April 1918 to the day his troop ship docked in New York the following February.

Alternately inspiring, introspective, droll, and chilling, the Diary was written in a time and place far from the 21st century. Patriotism was more innocent. Communication with supporters at home could take weeks or months. Daily life was elemental.

Yet common themes in the Diary bind the World War I years to today: the horror of war, the way soldiers cope with severe physical and mental stress, and the anchor provided by home, family and friends. The Diary of a Soldier offers a unique portrayal of one mans daily experiences in his eras war to end all wars.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 11, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462065059

Major L. Louis Lee

L. Louis Lee was born in Boston in 1888, the son of a soldier who served in the Crimean War and the American Civil War. He joined the U.S. Army at an early age and participated in both World War I and World War II. Retiring from the Army with the rank of Major, he died in 1980.

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Contents

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

THE DIARY

OF A

SOLDIER

EPILOGUE

PREFACE

BY PAUL LEE

My father, L. Louis Lee, was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 22, 1888, the youngest of thirteen children. His mother, Amelia, had those children over a 25 year period, and my father always told me that his mother died when he was born. I gathered that she died during childbirth, but in doing genealogical research I learned that she died two years later of typhoid fever, evidently in one of epidemics which swept through Boston during those years.

In any case, he spent his early years living with a variety of older siblings. His sister Rose married Walter Dove in 1900, and during the following years, Louis lived with them in Dover, Mass. I do know that, when he was sixteen, he ran away from home and joined the U.S. Regular Army. Later he was discharged from the army for being underage. So, sometime after 1904 he reenlisted. He was awarded the medal for participating in the Mexican Border Campaign 1916-1917. His later service was with the Coast Artillery on the islands of Boston Harbor. He evidently rose rapidly through the ranks and became the highest enlisted man in the unit as Regimental Sergeant Major. He was with the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment when it was formed at Fort Munroe, Virginia in February of 1918. When World War I commenced, there wasn’t a need for Coast Artillery units with their large caliber stationary guns, and therefore the 60th CAC was converted to the much smaller, but mobile, French 155 mm howitzers, for the battlefields of Europe.

This diary chronicles my dad’s daily experiences during World War I from the time his unit prepared for the trip overseas until his return. I came across the diary around 1975 and found that the typing ink on the onion skin paper had migrated to the point that much of the material was difficult to read. It was obvious that the condition would worsen, so I embarked on a project to retype the entire diary. Nothing has been changed from the original except for some minor punctuation additions. The words are those of my father as he typed them at the end of each day.

The Diary

of a Soldier

BY L. LOUIS LEE

This diary is dedicated to my father, an old soldier who served with the English sailors at the Battle of Sevastopol during the Crimean War, in the Mormon Uprising in Utah, and in our great Civil War.

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INTRODUCTION

Like many other boys, I kept this diary as a description of my service from my departure from the United States until my return. After the diary was started, it seems that we all were warned about putting certain things into it. Since I had to fight the American officers for my own protection, many events are merely passed over where otherwise real true conditions could have been shown. For this reason, it is my sincere intention to go over this diary and insert here and there incidents that my readers may enjoy.

THE DIARY

OF A

SOLDIER

April 22, 1918

Some day of excitement and movement to be sure. We all, and that includes the entire regiment, were awakened at the gray of the morning. It was a case of hustle and bustle all of the morning—washing up, sweeping, eating breakfast, emptying out the bedsacks, to Headquarters to work. Some work in a short time, yet playing real soldier all the time.

At 12:00, having eaten sandwiches and tea, we proceeded to get together for the final march to the boat. Heavy marching order was in line, and in the course of the trip, perspiration was certainly in order as well. At least, I thought so.

It was a case of checking up after arriving at the dock, and after formalities had been done, we were given our meal ticket. Indeed yes, a ticket directing us to our bunk, and information as to the hours for dining. Also a paper with instructions regarding the manner in which to conduct ourselves.

We had our first meal this evening, and from the taste of it, I am now fully certain that the Japanese cooks had their fingers in the pie. Thought of you Rose and Bert, and wished that you too had partaken of it. Not so bad at that. Slum, rice, bread and tea.

It was back to work after supper, and the usual routine of a day to go through. Am wondering at this time just what you are all doing. We are still at the dock although it is now 9:15 p.m. having been here since 12:30 p.m. However, the expected move is to take place tomorrow.

We are on the good ship U.S.S. Siboney, and a rattling good ship is she? Well, we do hope so. We all know what became of the Titanic on her maiden voyage, and am in hopes that this one will meet with better results.

Getting along a trifle toward late evening, and being rather tired from this day’s work, guess the only thing for me to do is to try out the new affair and be satisfied with what is given me.

Was informed earlier in the evening that Weschler, sergeant of the Medical Detachment was out for a stateroom, and that we, that is Boyd and myself, would be able to share it with him. No luck evidently, for he has not shown up, and as his bunk is in about the same condition as what ours is, guess that he too has been unsuccessful. Tough luck.

* * *

April 23, 1918

Stayed in port all night, and at 8:30 this morning pulled out of Newport News, Virginia for where? That we did not know. It looks like a nice trip to be sure. The boys were all on deck watching the old familiar places which we passed and especially Fort Monroe. Good old spot. Old Soldier’s Home didn’t look bad to me either. It was the cause of deep meditation.

It did not take us long to get out of sight of land. Haven’t seen any since. The boat has started to rock. So did my stomach. Oh my yes, it is getting to look like a nice trip, by oh my stomach.

Dinner was not bad, and supper about the same. Still, one cannot expect chicken all the time(?).

Everything is drills. At 6:30 p.m. we had a boat drill. Some drill. I had the hardest time of my life to find my boat. If it is true that we only have 10 minutes to get to our boat, I should have been left behind by quite a few minutes.

All lights out with the exception of a few blue lights. It was quite hard to locate your bunk, but after one became accustomed to the conditions, it was evident that by moving slowly the men could easily manage to get to their places.

Sickness seems to be spreading. And, they have the nerve to sing The Beautiful Sea. Assistant Adjutant Robert A. Adams, C.A.C. is one of the missing with the beautiful Sea. Hope I can stick along for a few days longer.

Boyd and I were on the job today and will be again tomorrow. Sergeants Major Wilborn and Boggs are to take their turn at the wheel the next day. This will make things much more agreeable, for we can manage to take a short rest now and then.

No work tonight. No lights and am not sorry. Nothing to do now but sleep.

Guess we are going north, for the direction taken from the setting sun seems to hit about northeast. Something seems to tell me we are not going to Hoboken. Well, if it isn’t there, it will be somewhere else, so why worry.

A little music from the band helps out a little. Hope it continues as it helps pass the time away.

It has been quite a few years since I have been rocked to sleep, but from the sensation of this boat, guess I will again have that feeling. Goodnight.

* * *

April 24, 1918

My goodness Fred, did you sleep well? Some night ha? Gee but the fellow who got sick and left his meals on the floor ought to be shot. I don’t mind a fellow being sick, but he should do so in the right place and not near my bunk. It is a good thing that I am on the upper berth. You know, those three that stand one above the other.

Still moving, and the Lord only knows what is up. If we were headed for Hoboken we should have reached it before now, but nothing doing.

Meals about the same only worse. More seasickness. One battery has only 30 men not seasick. Oh, this is certainly the life, say what you fellows want about land. As yet have not lost either my dinner, supper or breakfast.

Seems to be some excitement on the boat. And my but she is rocking some. Well, what do you know about that? Life in the distance, upon my word. Just a moment. What? Part of the convoy? I guess I’ll stop working for the time being. It’s a fact. About five transports with cruisers, etc. just ahead. Guess I had better get down and finish up so that I can see something more.

This is Wilborn’s and Boggs’ day on. Wilborn is down with the dreaded disease seasickness while Boggs, well, although not really well, is not just feeling right. Boyd is supposed to have his day off, but the Colonel wanted his company for a few minutes, and so that took all the morning. T’was ever thus.

Didn’t go down to dinner today. No indeed. Not feeling well as I might. I should say that I wasn’t really sick, but do feel rather dizzy. Oh you Million Dollar Club, and the regular crowd, Schultz, Stock, Pike, Armstrong and my own Billie, as well as good old Von and Grissel. Now at this time I wish I were with you. But it is not to be. I hope that when it is your turn to make this trip that you will fare better than I. Have not as yet been able to get a stateroom nor even a berth on one of the upper decks. However, am in hopes that things will improve before the voyage ends.

Will stop for a moment or two, and for the six hundred and sixty-sixth time go out and take air.

Something in sight. All are running to the forward deck. I guess something is up for fair now. Just heard the rumor that a convoy of some sort is up ahead. Found out that it is just a single cruiser and six transports with troops aboard. Similar to the transport we are on. They are still a great distance away at this time, but we are quite sure that they are what we think they are. Creeping up quite a good deal, and they are certainly are camouflaged to a great extent. In truth, it hardly looks what they really are.

We are now on line with them. Three in front and four in the rear. This is, of course, taking the whole of us together. The cruiser is leading the way. Still going along at a fair clip. Understand we joined this convoy about 150 miles east of the coast of New Jersey. Now have been on the water since Tuesday morning at 8:15, and it seems as if we had been on the go for about a week.

Conditions are about the same. Still sleeping in the bunk. Was in hopes that we could secure a stateroom. Just heard tonight that there were 20 staterooms on the hurricane deck. If this is so, I see where the kid himself is in for a room. Anything is better than what I have now. Beggars should not be choosers is very true, but what is the use of having such places on board and not in use?

Oh what a sick crowd this afternoon. Oh what a sick boy am I. Still, did not lose anything but my breath for a minute or two.

Still having boat, fire and I don’t know how many other drills. Hope that I will have a little Peace this nice evening. Waves are getting higher—everything more or less calm. Don’t know how long it will take for us to get over, but if my stomach should answer the question, would be in the act of landing this very minute.

This was supposed to have Freddie Boyd’s and my day off. I did as much today as I did any other day, so guess that I am the loser. Hope the other boys recover by tomorrow for I need a rest. It isn’t very pleasant to work in the stateroom office all the day while others can get a few whiffs of the nice clear air.

It is getting about time for the lights to go out for day. That means that everything will be in darkness with the exception of the blue electric lights which have been spoken about in the first part of this day’s diary.

Noticed that Fred Boyd has started his diary. It is a good thing, for now I can keep after him to write at the same time as I do, and beside have company as well. One must keep after him anyway. That is not a lie for he even has put this machine on the bum. The type sticks and whatever else is the matter with it, is his fault. You see, I have to put the blame on to somebody and why not he?

* * *

April 25, 1918

Still on board the good ship Siboney and feeling mighty fine. Not feeling the funny way I did the past two days, although the boat seems to be rolling quite badly.

Looked mighty like a storm overhead. Rained a little, and the sea seems to have become more choppy. Rumors about seeing a U.S. submarine, but I guess it was just some of the boys trying to get something started. Was awakened this morning at about 3:00 a.m., and stood the lifeboat drill. Things are coming along very nicely, and everybody seems to know just where they are to go.

Meals are about the same. Not much to it. One thing I got stung for today was a shave which cost me 25 cents. Don’t mind getting stung, but think this is going some, especially when the officers are only pay 10 cents to 15 cents for better than we get.

Worked fairly well in the forenoon, and took a little layoff this afternoon. Tired but happy. So tired that I couldn’t sleep. Did lie about in a dreamy way for a little while when one of the boys awakened me and handed me some of his chocolate candy. Believe me, never saw so many boys so hungry for sweets. Still, they are paying for it. Owing to the fact that the line to the ship’s canteen is so long and takes so much of one’s time, we don’t care to take the chances of waiting. Consequently, we pay double for the stuff. Something is going to be done about this condition, and I am sure the boys will be mighty glad.

Mud for breakfast, more of it for dinner, and a whole lot of it for supper. Still, the supper was the best, and I for one can say that I did enjoy the feast.

Got a little information from a new acquaintance whom I have had the pleasure of meeting. Chief Commissary Stewart Lalonde. This evening as I was about to go to dinner, he called me to one side and told me that toward late this day or early in the morning we would be entering the danger zone. It certainly was very kind of him to have given me this dope, and being one of the first boys to know this, I appreciated all the more. Many thanks old top, and trust that more of this inside dope will be coming this way.

My but the boat is rocking, and the remarks came from Fred Boyd at the same time. We both must have felt the sensation at the same time. I guess, like Fred, I should be thinking of writing to those at home, but since we are still some few days away from our destination, guess it will be all right to do so in a day or so. Still, my thoughts are of you all dear folks, and hope at this writing that things are well at home.

Being in a new meridian, the time is being changed each day, and it seems to be shortening our sleep. If there is one thing I like besides sleep, it is more sleep. Can’t seem to get enough of it. I guess after the boat drill this evening I will hit the headrest of the standee at any early hour. Nothing new so will close.

* * *

April 26, 1918

Drill at 3:00 a.m. Oh, but it’s nice to lie in the bunk. Some cold. The sea is running high today; never saw such waves before. The boat is rocking some also—am sure that quite a few of the boys will be getting sick shortly. Funny one doesn’t get sick while sleeping, isn’t it?

Some excitement last night. About nine o’clock p.m., in making one of those zigzag courses, two of the transports collided. Both were in such bad shape that they were forced to return to the States. Don’t know the extent of the injuries, but it must have been bad enough for them to go all the way back home. This only leaves us three other transports besides our own making the trip and the cruiser North Carolina.

Was informed that before long we will be getting picked up by a number of torpedo boats. That’s nice. None of the boys are getting nervous for there has been no reason for it. We are rounding into mighty good shape in the boat drills and hardly ever get into trouble.

Gee, but I really believe that after all the trying that I have done, I am actually going to get sick. Will try and stick it out a little longer. But more air!

Some sick boy yesterday. Went on deck and stayed just as long as I could. Never saw a sight like that of today. Waves rose to a great height—looked like a number of huge mountains. One can hardly believe that a boat of this size would seem like a toy, but that is just the way that we are being thrown about. Even the others (transports) would at one time seem to be right up in the air, and the next instant would be out of sight in the great pocket caused by the wave.

At the drill this evening, got lost, and if had been real action I guess I would have been one of those among the missing.

Last night the wireless operator sent down the latest NOOS and from the report is the following:-

Boston Nationals beat Philadelphia 3-2

Boston Americans beat Philadelphia 2-0

Being a Bostonian, it made me feel good.

Some odd tidbits of the war:- A severe struggle of eight hours duration has raged toward Nangard in Santrul south of Aminus, but the French lines withstood the shock and held firm said the Central News Dispatch from the front today.

London:- Hard fighting continues along the Picardy and Flanders battle front. The War Office stated that after an all day struggle on the Ballieul Hollexes line, the Allied troops were compelled to give a little ground in the sector of Kemmel Hill. The Anglo French forces in the sector were greatly outnumbered. The battle continues around Dranoutre Kemmel and Virutralt on the French-Belgian front. The Germans gained a footing at Kemmel Hill.

Paris:- The bombardment of Paris by long range German guns have recommenced during the night. London:- The Kaiser has visited the German submarine base Zeebrugge on the Belgian coast to make an inspection of the damage done in the British raid said Central News Dispatch from Amsterdam today. London:- Additional reports emphasize the success of the raid of the British against the German submarine base on the Belgian coast.

You see that I am getting in touch with some of the latest dope of the day although many miles away from Home.

All the ships are coming along in great shape now. We have put on about 100 submarine lookouts. I am sure that with all these worthy gentlemen on the job, there is no fear of meeting old Jonah.

Went down in the mess hall last evening during a sing given, or rather brought together by Lieutenant Eley. All the songs of the little songbook which had been given to us just prior to our departure from the states, were sung and things were going along very nicely until—

A few of the white sailors on the way to swing their hammocks noticed a dusky lad had already beaten them to their place, and had swung his hammock in the place allotted to them. It didn’t take them long to notice this, and the result was a fight. If there is one thing I like besides a fight, it is a good fight. Naturally had to watch the outcome. It didn’t last long for Lieutenant Eley was right on the job, and the affair was over—so was the sing.

Got to bed at 9:00 p.m., tired but happy.

* * *

Saturday April 27, 1918

Got up this morning but didn’t feel much like a soldier—nor a sailor either. Stomach going bad. Just can’t seem to eat a thing and hungry all the time.

Got boat call at 4:00 a.m. Gee but these early hours are beginning to tell on me. Not me alone, but the men in general. The air below is getting foul also. Wish it were possible to keep the portholes open all night, but that is impossible.

My friend Sergeant Weschler being fortunate enough to have a bunk in the Infirmary on B deck has offered to let me share same with him. Have already spoken to Captain Izard and arrangements are being made to get me a cot of some sort to lie on. For tonight, I intend to sleep on the floor, same being much better than an upper berth on the deck below, where the air is getting terrible.

Immediately after breakfast put on the overcoat, hat and gloves and with a nice cane chair from the office went on deck and was able to stay out until 11:00 a.m. You may be sure I felt much better by dinner time—and as hungry as a bear. The meal, as usual, was anything but nice, but being so hungry I did away with the greater part of that which is allotted to each of us.

This afternoon had a little nap and that aided me insofar as my feelings were concerned. Have a headache but that is not unnatural for me. Came into the office but things getting slack. Just for a few minutes probably.

Supper is being served, but from the reports I believe that I will fare very well if I stay away. If I could get one good meal a day I would be satisfied.

The boat is not rolling as much as it has. Sort of easing up a little. Am mighty glad of that, for it means just so much more sickness. All told, the boys in general have held their own very nicely.

Guess we are about half way over. I am wondering at this time how much of a thrill it will give us all to put our feet on good old terra firma. Understand that it will take us about a week to regain our legs again.

Moved up to the Infirmary this afternoon late. Am going to sleep on the floor tonight and am in hopes that a cot will be given me by the morning. One thing, I shall be able to enjoy the fresh air, and I certainly need plenty of it.

Boat drill comes again at 6:00 p.m. and it is getting along toward that time, 5:30, so will close this diary for the day.

Even in closing, I am thinking of all you dear folks. Just picture what each of you are doing. Hope that you are all well and that Daddy is getting along all right. At any rate, do all you can to see that he is happy in his old age. Some Daddy, to be sure.

* * *

Sunday, April 28, 1918

Slept in the infirmary with Sergeant Weschler—some sleep—had the door open about 2 feet and as I lay on the floor (which was my bunk) I could see the angry waves surging in the sea. Slept fine all night and so soundly that both Weschler and I did not hear the alarm to abandon ship. However, we both got out in time and everything was serene. 4:05 a.m.

Ate a fair breakfast consisting of preserved pears, beans and bread. Am not drinking any of the coffee. Don’t like the looks of it.

At 8:10, news was spread that a French cruiser or torpedo boat was in front of us. We waited quite a long time and found that it was a freighter making the trip. Our convoy, the North Carolina immediately came along side of her, and at the present writing, they are going along together.

Still mighty rough and a trifle seasick. Just a dizzy feeling, but that is enough. Am sure that after I have a little dinner I will feel much better. This is Boyd’s day off and he is taking the air—am glad, for neither he nor I have had too much of it.

Got the daily press; contents reading something like this:-

Subscriptions to the 3rd Liberty Bond, as indicated by the latest figures in the hands of the Treasury Department today, were two billion, nine hundred and ninety eight thousand, three hundred fifty dollars. Good for you America, that makes us all feel mighty proud of you.

LONDON:- Kemmel Hill, a strategic height south of Ypres in Belgium has been captured by the Germans after a furious fight lasting two days. (son-of-a-gun)

LONDON:- A powerful German effort to smash thru the French-British lines along the Belgium front, in an evident attempt to pocket Ypres, all failed before the British and French soldiers’ brilliant defense according to the War Office reports today.

LONDON:- With the Germans in possession of Kemmel Hill on the Flanders front, the whole Allied positions in Belgium have been put in peril. Fighting of the fiercest nature continues along the Flanders front, and fresh engagements have developed opposite Amiens on the Picardy front. A violent struggle was in progress and in the neighborhood of Dranoutre and the Ypres Comines Canal.

Still, the best news to me was that the Red Sox beat Philly 4-1. Naturally the Braves should have lost to the Phillies by the same score exactly.

Dinner time, so will discontinue for the present.

Dinner eaten, but didn’t think any too much of it—pork chops (?), peas-gravy, sweet potatoes, coffee and bread. Glad when the meal was over. Received my cot to sleep on and had it sent to the infirmary.

Plenty of trials on today for smoking in restricted parts of the ship, having matches in their possession, gambling, etc. There was a raid today. Caught six of them in a very short while. Things are certainly booming for the U.S., especially if the men get any kind of a fine.

Still on our way, and should judge that we are a trifle over the ½ way mark. Hope it won’t take very long for the trip to be nearing the end. It is becoming quite a strain for us all. Am hopeful that if we do ever get there, that we won’t return for some time as I am afraid that I won’t be able to stand the home trip as well as the going over.

Have been told that the reason we are not making as great speed as we should is due to the fact that the cruiser has but enough coal to go over and return, and by speeding up, means just so much more coal used on the trip, which they really cannot afford. One does hear such funny stories. I imagine that a week from tonight we will be on good old terra firma. At any rate, there is no harm in hoping.

Speaking of various things in the office, we drifted back to the States—especially a week ago tonight. I can well recall the day for it was really our farewell day with our many friends who called on us. Also the many sad partings. It seems good to look back to those few hours, and as soon as they appeared before us, so did they vanish. In my heart, I only wish the old war was over and that I was back home on the little farm in Dover. No matter how things might be in the future, the old saying still stands: - There is no place like home.

Services were held this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. for the officers. Have not been able to learn whether or not there has been any for the enlisted men. At such a time as this, it would be more fitting to have given the men the services which the officers had, not that they need it any more, but the fact that it brings them nearer God would make us all feel better. We all need it, and a visit to the little services would indeed do me a world of good. You see dear sister Rose, I am thinking of home again. Don’t believe that I am exactly blue, but still would like to steal a peep at you all at home. But this feeling must not continue, for this is not the time to be feeling blue nor to think wholly of those at home.

The 60th band under the direction of Band Leader Caugher gave a great selection this afternoon for the boys as is the regular custom, and from the applause given to him, I am sure it made a hit with the boys. It is too bad that we haven’t a place for recreation. The Y.M.C.A. representative with us has a stereopticon machine with moving pictures along with him, but on account of the lack of seating space, or even a place in which to show his wares, the show has been busted.

It is too bad we are unable to take advantage of his good intentions. Another one of the inefficiencies of this boat. All we get to do is eat (?), sleep (?) and work. We are getting to find out that the latter is the hardest thing to do when one is hungry and sleepy all the time. Well, enough of these hard knocks—by the time I get over there, I’m sure this grand old boat will surely get her share of them.

Boat drill again at 6:00 p.m. It is getting time for the first mess (we have three of them) so will have to close. You will notice that I said MESS, and believe me, it is.

* * *

April 29, 1918

Still on our journey, and a mighty tiresome one at that. Nothing to see but water, water, and then some more water. I hope this trip will soon be ended.

We have been changing our course quite a few times of late, and were it not that we could see our direction from the sun as it sets, I am sure that we would not know where we are going.

Something was up today. We suddenly made a quick turn to the south while the cruiser North Carolina put on steam, and away she went. She evidently saw something and was bent on seeing what it was. Our boat took the landing position which shows that it must be there. It has been a few hours since the cruiser has been gone, and now we can see her steaming back to us. Nobody knows what was the matter, and although a number of questions are being asked one another, we are all at a loss to understand what and why the movement was made.

Daily news by wireless just come in, and the following items were contained:

WITH THE BRITISH ARMY IN FRANCE:-

British stop German drive in Flanders. Furious fighting puts Hun in position to rest. French have taken Locre. Allied troops continue to