World War I Blog Project

So, the exerpts from the books Eye Deep in Hell and Trench Warfare in World War I were very sad and depressing. They talked about how the men of the trenches had a life of primitive instincts, including fear, hunger, thirst and even physical extremities like loud noises and sudden flashes. It describes the trenches as very muddy with hard conditions to live in at long periods of time. Men actually drowned in this mud because it was so abundant. There wasn't much that the soldiers could do about the conditions; all they could do was hope for the best. In these conditions, some men caught was was called "trench foot." It came after spending a long time with their feet in the muddy water. It was almost like a frostbite. Later on the in the years, advancements like undercoats and sleeveless leather jerkins were made to help protect the soldiers.

The conditions worsened with nature. Rats were amoung one of the many of natures wonders that posed a threat to the soldiers. They're come from everywhere, eating dead corpses and contaminating the little food the troops had left. Other little buggers that infested the area were lice and nits. They got in the men's hair, so the barbars had to shave them bald. The conditions these men had to live in were just awful. Other things that threatened these men were the man-made weapons, like gas. It was discharged from cylinders, though it made the wind direction a particularly crucial consideration. Gas was first used in the Second Battle of Ypres on April 22nd, 1915, and the victims were a fegiment of French colonial troops. One common gas used was mustard gas.

All of these things the soldiers experienced would obviously make them have psychological problems in the end, and in most cases that is what happened. There is one recorded case that talked about a soldier who was "convulsed with a dreadful rigor like a man in epilepsy, and clawed at his mouth, moaning horribly, with blind terror in his eyes. He had to be strapped to a stretcher before he could be carried away." Many of these cases were reguarded as "shell-shock" cases. These brave men endured many terrors all for the protection of our country. They are, and always will be remembered for their outstanding courage and patriatism now and for many years to come.

Diary Entries

January 1st, 1915, 8:15 AM

Dearest Mother,
Hello from Georgia. I just arrived here by train and there is so much to see! I bought a couple of oranges for you and the kids, I'll send them in the crate today as a belated Christmas present, but it may take a while for them to make it all the way back to Maine. I've met some really fun and interesting people here in the service. Of course there are a couple of "bad apples" as you call them, but most of the guys here are friendly. One of the men in particular, Johnny Bishop, is very interesting to talk to. He lives in Portland, Maine too! And to think all this time I've never met him before and we were practically neighbors! We talked about our families and our old jobs and even about some memories from old Portland. Do you remember that little girl who used to live across the street 10 years back? Mable Arnsteen? Well I guess she is Johnny fiance. He said he is going to marry her when he gets back but he still has to ask the folks. I told him all can is good luck!
I miss you all so much and I love you very much. Please send my love to Jerry, Jefy and Martha. I will see you all later!

With Love,
Stanley



July 11th, 1915, 11:16 PM

Mother I have terrible news. Today we were attacked by a troop, and I injured my leg. It's ok, but they have to watch me for gangrene, some bad disease. But that's not the worst news. My friend, Johnny was killed in the attack. He was loading his rifle, and one of those yellow bellies came up right behind us and shot him from the back. The last thing he whispered in my ear was to write to Mable, saying "If I woulda survived this here attack, I would down right marry you! Cuz I loved ya." It was saddest thing I've ever witnessed. Today I met a nice nurse who helped me with my injured leg. She's a pretty one, and honestly I love her. She said she's engaged to be married, and I said "good, its not too late." Well, I hope all is well with everyone there. I miss you all and I hope to see you again soon.

Love,

Stanley

AUGUST 29, 1915

TO MRS. HOPKINS:

WE REGRETABLY ANNOUNCE THAT YOUR SON, STANLEY HOPKINS HAS DIED FROM GANGRENE IN THE LEG. HE WAS A GOOD SOLDIER AND DIED WITH HONOR. WHILE GETTING HIS BELONGINGS TOGETHER, WE DISCOVERED THIS FINAL NOTE.

August 27th, 1915

Mother,

Today I was thinking how much I miss you all and my srgt. Campbell told me I was going to come home! I was very excited and sad at the same time because I don't want to leave all of my new friends. But coming home is more important to me and that is what I will do. My leg is still pretty sore. Nothing is wrong with it though, so you have no need to worry. I'm going to pack my things now so tell everyone the good news! Your boy is coming home! I love you and I'll see you in a little bit!

Your, little boy,

Stanley