The 2nd letter, which is really the predecessor to the one I just covered, from Avon Dale Babb to his friend Miss Margaret has come into clearer view!
It reveals a deeper relationship between him and Miss Margaret Francis (we now know her full name!). She appears to be his “girl back home”. The letter attests to his firsthand view of death and destruction, though he can barely mention it due to the censors that will read every word. You can see his frustration at not being able to tell her something that he really wants to express. This letter is far more real and gritty than the one he writes in November. According to military records he enlisted on 14 Apr 1917. He served overseas from Jan 29, 1918 to Jul 26, 1919. 4 days after his return to the United States he was to be discharged on 30 Jul 1919, 1 year, 6 months and a day after his enlistment.
I should note that he did not go on to marry Miss Margaret Francis. About 8 years later he married Frances E Bresehars, the woman that would become his only wife. I will also note that the paper trail of Avon Dale Babb is exceedingly rare! Very few people leave such remarkable paper trails. The personal letters are so exceedingly rare that I can count them on one hand. These two letters are truly exceptional!
The Letter Reads
The letter reads:
Somewhere in France,
May 15, 1918
Dear Margaret,
I received your letter yesterday and was glad to get it, as you perhaps know. I have of course not heard from you for a long time, and I am glad you decide to write again.
I am sorry you were sick. Even with a pretty nurse, to be ill is not as pleasant.
You promised to send me some pictures of yourself, did you not miss Margaret? I would be very glad to get them, if you could be so kind. I thought of writing you but as I had received no letter from you, I waited.
Yes miss Margaret, your brother has nothing on me. I’ve been over sometime now and
besides, I saw and heard the Big Drive, beginning on March 21, last. Many will remember last March and April. I, of course, can say nothing, as it would only be torn or cut out.
The “Big Drive” he was referring to is likely the German Spring Offensive, also known as the Kaiserschlacht or Ludendorff Offensive. This was a series of German attacks along the Western Front during World War I, which began on March 21, 191812.
The offensive started with Operation Michael, which targeted the British Fifth Army and the right wing of the British Third Army1. The Germans launched a massive artillery bombardment, the largest of the war, covering an area of 150 square miles1. This offensive created a significant crisis for the Allies and marked one of the most intense periods of fighting during the war23.
We prepare the machines or go on various errands over the lines in flying weather and have suffered heavily at times. We were particularly unlucky today. As one can not mention names, or particulars until the official casualty list comes out, I can say nothing, tho my tale would perhaps create interest, if one likes to hear of death.
We have moved a number of times and not all to the advantage of personal comfort or conveniences. We sleep for a time on the ground in a tent that offered very little protection against the heavy rains. My blanket and clothing are drying fast in the good
weather we now enjoy.
It is splendid here today. Slightly hazy but not so bad as to obscure visibility. (I saw five German planes come over at about 22,000 feet, just after dinner today.) This weather is just the kind that causes that reckless feeling, affecting all, (but in different manners). Some decide to get married, some play hookey from school, and some get the wandering feeling in their blood. I have those feelings, tho in various degrees. They all led to bad results. As to the first feeling, my experience does not give me the right to judge, and as to the last two, army discipline does not take account. In fact it frowns on all three, and – – – well you can guess can’t you?
Ah! As the Saturday evening post says, “The glorious women of France.” They deserve a letter <illegible>
a letter to themselves so I’ll not profane this letter by their descript time. Would you like me to give my opinions and well let’s say descriptions?
Flowers bloom everywhere around now. Fields are dotted with the daisys of France.
In the distances (all directions) nestle little French villages —— a group of red tiled, white walled houses, under the sheltering brow of a small hill making one think of peace and home but the roar or flash of artillery at times soon recalls one.
Well good-bye and good luck,
Sgt. Avon Dale Babb
22nd Aero Sqdn
American E. F.
Care of 49th Sqdn. R.A.F. “
Supporting Documentation
Partial Source List:
WW1 Era Letter Written By Presumed U.S. Pilot in the 22nd Aero Squadron – Soldiers and their units – The Great War (1914-1918) Forum (greatwarforum.org)