100 years ago: Even after the war came to an end, letters still trickled home

The war was over, but many local soldiers were still in Europe in the army of occupation and The Spokesman-Review reprinted many of their letters home.

From Charles W. Drury: “It was at Montdidier I was gassed. We had two gas attacks – one of six hours and the other one we wore our masks for 12 hours. I only got my eyes burned a little, and they were all right in a month.

… (After the armistice) we began the work of reoccupying Lorraine and Luxembourg. … The people here are treating us like princes … The people (of Luxembourg) go out of their way to do things for us and it is the prettiest and richest country I have ever seen. I hope it is this way all the way to the Rhine. But I suppose the people there won’t be so friendly to us as we get deeper into Germany where the feeling was most bitter toward us.”

Lt. W. Harry Olds: “I had a very interesting experience this week. I seem to be getting my share of them. Four naval officers from the hospital were invited to go out and meet the surrendering (German) navy. The day was perfect; we steamed out 10 miles and dropped anchor. About noon smoke appeared on the horizon. The visibility that day was was about eight miles. Eight (German) battle cruisers in single file escorted by as many ships of equal size of British and American navy – it was a wonderful sight. All the (German) ships had their guns covered and out of battle position. The allies had their guns trained on the enemy ships and followed them every minute ready for a false move. It was the biggest naval surrender the world has ever known. The (Germans) dropped anchor and the British fleet surrounded them. Then we all realized that the war was over indeed.”