Carson Dale and twin brother Jarvis Dale were born in 1888 to William and Almira Dale. Carson served in World War I but as a part of England's 1/6 Gloucestershire Regiment. Carson left for England after an exchange of words with his father and an undisclosed dispute with the local sheriff. Under the guise of being Canadian, he joined the 1/6 Regiment and after months of drilling he was sent to France for combat. Through letters home to his sister Carrie, Carson details his longing to fight and eventually change of attitude once seeing the horrors of war. On July 23, 1916, in the Battle of Somme, Carson was killed by a shrapnel bullet from an exploding bomb.
Accessioned and processed by Derek Sower, Special Collections Intern, in June 2014.
Included with the collection were photocopies of a revolutionary pension application Thomas Banister submitted in 1833 for military service provided in 1777. These photocopies are kept in the donor file.
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Collection is open to all researchers.
Dale Family Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
This collection contains letters, 1915-1916, primarily from Carson Dale to his sister, Carrie Dale, detailing his time serving in the English Army during World War I. Additional letters were sent to Carrie from Britsh soldiers who served with Carson detailing his well-being and his death. Other materials include military records and published sources relating to the service of both Carson J. Dale and his brother Jarvis Dale (1888-1952), who served with the 1st Mississippi Infantry. Among them are a booklet titled "The Invasion of Texas: First Mississippi Infantry, History of 1/6th Gloucestershire Regiment in the Battle of the Somme", and a certificate of service in the Gloucestershire Regiment, as well as 2001 newsletter articles on Jarvis Dale.
Furthermore there are recent prints of World War I photo portraits of Jarvis Dale and possibly Carson Dale and a photograph of Javis Dale's headstone.
Private Stanley Cole describes himself as Carson's best chum and writes in response to family concerns for Caron's well-being. Stanley tries to assure the family that he will keep Carson straight and he is in good hands. According to Cole, Caron is enjoying England but is not getting the true English experience as one would in more peaceful times.
Carson explains the trails of camp by describing details like the 30 mile marches with 70 pounds of equipment on their backs. He mentions that he is complimented by his captain for being tough but has to get over his nervousness. In response to his captain, he explains that he's done a lot of hard work and that his father made him that way due to frequently screaming at his at the top of his lungs. Carson begins to explain the reason for moving to England but the rest of the pages from the letter were not included with the rest of the collection.
Carson, stationed at Bristol, writes that he advises several Americans wanting to enlist in the English Army to stay out of the war unless they wanted a hard life. The Americans listened to the advice and headed back to the states. Carson adds that he is growing tired of camp life and is sick of being moved around the country. He is anxious to see combat and if the chance doesn't come soon he will desert the army. In an attempt to avoid desertion, Carson asks his sister to send proof of his American citizenship so that he can be discharged. It is not an attempt to avoid being sent to the front but avoid more of camp life. In addition, Carson mentions his dislike for England, the inter-racial marriages, and describes the pictures enclosed with the letter. The pictures mentioned by Caron were not included with the collection.
The envelope did not contain any items but a letter with the same date is a part of the collection.
Carson is late in responding to Blondie's letter due to insufficient funds for purchasing stamps. In this letter Carson informs Blondie that he is to leave for the slaughterhouse that is France and fears that he may not return. He expresses his concern for the family, desires to see them again, and wishes them well as it may be his last letter.
Stanley writes to inform Carrie that he has not left to fight in France due to his age. Carson has already left for France and due to being best chums he is hoping to see Carson soon. He will let her know if something were to happen to Carson but will be praying for his safe return. He adds that the people of England are hopeful that the war will be over by the end of spring.
Carson writes from France where he has been stationed for about 3 weeks. He is ill and though the type of illness is unstated, he can barely speak louder than a whisper. His responses to letters have been delayed due to insufficient funds for purchasing paper and stamps. There is also a shift in his attitude about warfare due to the things he has seen, which have given Carson reasons to think more about religion. Some details of time in the trenches are given and the sights have left him with no appetite. Lastly, Carson mentions that it will be his last letter until he leaves the trenches.
Carson writes due to not hearing from Carrie in a long time and is concerned about the meaning behind the lack of contact. He is uncertain of the reasons and wonders if he included too much about the war in his previous letters. He sends his regards to the family, his desire to them but is also uncertain if or when that will happen.
Carson tells his family he is anxious for the war to be over and wishes he could send more money to aid the family. He informs them that he has saved very little due to spending most of his earnings in England. Carson notes that he is living a better life in France than the one he lived in England. He also adds that he has been thinking about the passing of their mother and asks Carrie to warn Jarvis not to stray like he had. It is also noted that if he is to fall in battle that she and their dad will have his earnings as he is doubtful that he will make it home.
Lance-corporal Freeman is writing to Miss Dale to inform her of the death of Jimmy (Carson). Jimmy was struck in the head by a shrapnel bullet from an exploding bomb while making a charge on the German trenches. Freeman goes into more detail of Jimmy's demeanor and compliments Jimmy for always doing his share of the work. This letter contained its mailing envelope. Lance-corporal Freeman is the only one whose letters refer to Carson as Jimmy.
Freeman is delayed in writing but informs Miss Dale that he will answer all of her questions that he can. He mentions that Jimmy (Carson) had a premonition that he would meet his end prior to the attack and up to the end his last thoughts were of her. Freeman notes that no soldier met his fate in a braver manner. In addition, Freeman addresses Miss Dale's concern for Jimmy's way of life and he assures her that one could lead a cleaner life than that of Jimmy's. He concludes with describing the recovery and burial of Jimmy as well as stating he will have any personal items shipped home.
Official letter informing Miss Dale of the death of Carson. Additional information includes the shipping of any personal affects.
This item is a telegram to Miss Carrie Dale informing her of the death of Carson Dale on July 23rd, 1916.
The article informs the Wiggins community that Carson was killed in action on July 23rd near Rouin, France. The article details Carson leaving for England aboard a ship carrying mules in May of 1915 and that of his death as told by John Freeman. There is no date for the article but it states the telegram (Item 2) was received a week prior to its writing.
Addressed to Carrie Dale in regards to the loss of Carson Dale. The certificate states Carson was killed in action in France on July 23, 1916. It is signed by the president, chairman, and secretary of the Gloucestershire territorial force association.
This booklet contains a detailed overview of the First Mississippi. Included are pictures and rosters of those who served in companies A through M, machine gun company, and supply company. Other information includes leisure activities, field day, rifle team, and various poems/songs. Jarvis Dale was Artificer in Company D.
Service photograph of Carson Dale and is identified as Carson based off military dress matching that worn by the 1/6th Gloucestershire. The photograph is not the original.