[Archive]: World War I Soldier "Report Home"

WOODRUFF, A. Allen

Published by London, Paris, 1918

About this Item

Four typed pages. Near fine with folds from mailing. A short narrative dated October 15, 1918 written by A. Allen Woodruff as a "report back home" describing his time stationed with the Navy during World War I. After a preamble remarking on his decision to write down his war experiences and the lack of letters from his family and friends, he begins his war story: "Upon reporting to the Naval commander at the port of debarkation 'somewhere in France' my original orders were completely changed and I was ordered to travel on to the supreme authorities who hold forth 'somewhere in England.'" Before his change of order he spends time in Paris where he "met about a half a dozen Yale men" he knew. One of these men introduced him to a restaurant and the owner s nieces whom he found "interesting" and "tres jolie." After describing a raunchy "ballet" and time spent at a casino he concludes "so much for Paris." Following Paris he reports for duty in London where his commanding officer is a childhood friend: "I did not stay in London very long. I was anxious to get a little nearer to the naval front, and therefore when Harold asked me where I wanted to go I chose this place." Before leaving London he does some sightseeing at Kew Gardens where he writes, "it is a favorite strolling place for the wounded Tommies and I had tea with several who had been fighting so long it seemed like their regular job." Of his job he writes, "I have been pretty busy and a great deal of energy is consumed in figuring out plans and schemes of organization . as Duty Officer in the Operations Department I get all the advance dope, and moments of excitement come much more frequently here than they did in Boston. I cannot tell you what is being done . I am a censor myself and I know the rules, so there is no use trying to give you even a tiny bit of information for you to nibble on." He concludes with "my latest news from the front is that Austria and Turkey have accepted President Wilson s programme. It s too good to be true so naturally I don t believe it." A brief but interesting narrative describing the activities of a Naval officer during World War I.

Seller Inventory # 445359

Bibliographic Details

• Title: [Archive]: World War I Soldier "Report Home"
• Publisher: London, Paris
• Publication Date: 1918
• Binding: Unbound
• Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Ephemera