Personal Experiences in World War I

John Axsom, born in 1896, discusses his experiences during World War I. In general, he does not seem to remember much, and most memories about his experiences are told by his wife. They mention the draft allotment, the ship ride overseas, the food, and the few places he was stationed.

Frank Blackwell, born in 1886, was a blacksmith in an artillery unit during World War I. He was in charge of horseshoeing over 200 horses that were used by the battery. He speaks about the wages, the ship ride to Europe, blacksmithing, the occupation of Germany, and the armistice. Although he was rarely in the trenches or front lines, he does mention flying shells and a visit to the front lines to look around.

Alva Crider, born in 1893, was drafted into the army in the fall of 1917, and sent by rail to the East Coast to board ships bound for France. He describes life in the trenches, standing guard, sleeping, and eating. He also discusses an instance of friendly fire when a guard shot a returning soldier. After the armistice was signed, they spent a few months closer to Paris marching and training before being discharged and sent home.

Robert Hampshire, born in 1903, was in the 8th Field Artillery at the tail end of World War I. He talks about being ready to leave for the Philippines, but instead being stationed in Hawaii. After the war, he worked odd jobs in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois including the carnival and the building of the International Harvester plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He discusses the mislabeling of the nineteen twenties as "wild", and gives his opinions on presidents Hoover and Roosevelt.

Floyd Jones, born in 1891, was a member of the 27th Engineers during World War I. He speaks about building railroads and working on other construction projects while being subjected to enemy fire. He also describes his feelings of seeing wounded comrades, being in battle, and dead Germans. Finally, he discusses free time activities such as visiting other cities or gambling, and also mentions bringing home war souvenirs.

Homer Nikirk, born in 1896, was in the 18th Infantry during World War I. He was wounded several times in battle and speaks about those experiences. He describes the trenches, mustard gas, German prisoners, and the various aid groups, such as the Salvation Army.

Robert Romine, born in 1896, was a machine gunner in Company B, 123rd Machine Gun Battalion. He describes the gun, and how they would shoot and advance out of the trenches each night. He also talks about the German gas shells, weather, dead soldiers, battles, and the armistice.

Hobart Smith, born in 1897, was a member of the 67th Artillery Brigade, 42nd Rainbow Division. He enlisted in August of 1917, and talks about his enlistment, the ship ride to France, battles, gun operation, the armistice, and his pension. He tells many stories about his experiences ranging from the French girls to being gassed, and seeing wounded and dead soldiers.

Robert Utt, born in 1909, was in the 136th Heavy Field Artillery. The unit spent most their service guarding German prisoners in France. He talks about training on the artillery, riding the boat overseas, and his time at the prison camp. He describes the cold weather, lice and fleas, and the theft of supplies by the German prisoners.