WW I Letters

The following letter was received from Clyde Loftin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Al Loftin east of town. It gives a thrilling experience of a man under fire from the Germans.

Cassville Republican
Thursday, Nov. 7, 1918

Somewhere in France

Oct. 1, 1918

Dear Grover and Latha:

A few moments ago I received your letter written the 7th of Sept. and as the shells keep me music will drop you a few lines. They are hitting awfully close, guess I will have to go into a dugout.

Well, I sure know what warfare is. I witnessed a five hour barrage the other night for the first time. Everything was lively and we had the greatest success. I had a little experience of my own the other night. I went up near the trenches. It was awfully dark and raining a little. I got to where I want to go but the corporal who went with us this time could not find the position that we wanted. A "Boche" machine gun got us spotted and opened fire on us. You should have seen me lay low while those singling bullets cut the grass all around us. Then they went to shelling the place where we were. Large shell hit so close that they knocked dirt all over us and two shrapnel bullets hit the corporal's helmet. Then we started back for our quarters and got back without getting a scratch. But don't worry while we were getting one of their shells they were getting 5 or 6 of ours.

Now, do not worry about me for I am all right and in the best of health.

Yours with love to all,
Clyde Loftin,
Bat. C. 340 F. A., A. E. F.


Cassville Republican,
Thursday, Oct. 17, 1918

Somewhere in France

Near Bordeaux, Sept. 16, 1918

Dear Brother, Grover: Received your letter tonight was certainly glad to get it and to learn that you all are enjoying good health.

Well Grover, grapes are ripe now and there is sure lots of them. The American soldiers have been trying to drink all of the wine but they can make it too fast for them.

This is sure a lively bunch I am with. We are ready to get after the Germans and we can't hardly wait for the time. Part of us have been out on a little trip. I sure saw some country. We were gone 3 days.

This country doesn't look like what I always thought it did. Of course, I haven't seen what I am going to see in the very near future. I will soon find out what warfare means. I saw in the Monett Times where you and were others that were in class 4 had been put in class 2. So I guess you will soon be seeing the world and get paid for it. Well, Grover, this is a great life over here, plenty of excitement. It would be worth lots to you. I know if I get back O.K. I will never regret my trip.

I would certainly be glad to send you some views of this country and especially of these old buildings that have stood for hundreds of years but I am not allowed to send any views of this county whatever back. I can send pictures of myself where I have white back ground.

Well, Grover, I don't know much now to write but by the time I write again I will probably know something more interesting.

Clyde Stubblefield is still with me and the other boys are here and are having a very good time. I will close. I am well and feel fine.

Your brother, Clyde Loftin,

Bat. C. 340 F. A., A. E. F.