World War I Letters 1918

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
170 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Special Collections Public Services & Reference Staff
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred citation:

World War I Letters, 1918, in The Joseph M. Bruccoli Great War Collection, Accession #10875-al, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Summary

Language:
English
Abstract:
The collection contains a facsimile of the letter King George V sent to all United States soldiers; and a letter from "Ray" to his sister, enquiring about people and things at home, and mentioning his experiences in France.
Preferred citation:

World War I Letters, 1918, in The Joseph M. Bruccoli Great War Collection, Accession #10875-al, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This addition to the Joseph M. Bruccoli Great War Collection consists of two letters, one a facsimile of the letter, April 1918, King George V of Great Britain sent to all United States soldiers, with envelope, welcoming them to the British Isles as they travelled to fight in France, and an original letter from an American Expeditionary Forces soldier to his sister. The facsimile letter from King George V was received by Robert R. Thompson, 321st Infantry, Company A, formerly of Oneco, Manatee County, Florida. The original three page letter, December 7, 1918, written on American Red Cross stationery, was from "Ray" [Hyeres Islands], off the southern coast of France, to his sister. He mentions seeing citrus fruits and palm trees in southern France, his experience dodging Whizz-bangs (German field-gun shells), preparing for disembarkation, and asks questions about life back in Oneco, [Florida].

Acquisition information:
These letters were given to the University of Virginia Library by Paula Dillman, The Book Loft, Flat Rock, North Carolina, on August 18, 1995.
Physical description:
2 items