Ervin Earl Putnam's World War I Diary: Lists and Addresses

Ervin wrought peoples addresses and list of things throughout his diary.  I've compiled many of them here:

Addresses

R.G. Haberkorn
2917 Franklin Ave.
Seattle, Wash

Chas. Painter
Plano Texas
Box 371

Earl T Bailey

329. 14th St. N.E.

Wash DC

Horace T Keller

940 N 43rd St.

Plula, PA

Charles A. Bpham

3735 Ferdinand St.

Chicago, Ills.

Leo Hain

5514 Cedar Ave.

Phila.

E.R. Groff

3763 Main St.

Sittiz, Pa.

J.B. Taylor

Stoneville N.C.

C.L. Penoyer

1011 Vermont

Detroit Mich.

Oliver Mathis

Holdewills Okla.

Wm. J. Cummings

66 St. Andrew Road

E. Boston Mass.

Glenn Myers

965 Gramercy Pla.

Los Angeles Cal.

Ellis L. Delancy

Petersburg, Ind.

Samuel Porter

4430 Sumartown Ave.

Phila.

Harry Farkash

168 Lee Ave.

Bklyn. N.Y.

Bruchell Atkinson

Route #2

Charlottsville Va.

Joseph Sward

942 Henderson

Galesburg. Ills

Arthur B. Feeley

Registered at "Eloile Service Club". Paris

April 8, 1919

Guy G. Thoen

Hammond Wisconsin

Avid O. Johnson

521-7th St.

Rockford Ills.

Carl Nelson

Pelican Rapids

R. #6 Minn.

E.H. No. 31.

767 Nantes

E.H. 30

927

Rue D'Exchequer

Hotel Pavillon

Rue Faubourg

Montm artre

E.E. Putnam

School Roentgenology

Hospital Center

Amer. E.F.

A.P.O. 731

France

Reu M. Wright

Walnut Grove Mo.

Sydney Boardman

Gallup N.M.

Box 741

Lists

• Engine should show 110 volts and 12 amphers.

• Two or Three Week Trip
• Canoes, Poles, + Paddles
• 2 Bacon
• 10 tea + salt + pepper
• 10 Pork
• 12 Bread
• 1/8 lb flour
• 5# sugar
• 1 qt. Molassas
• 4# cookies
• 1/2# cr. tar.
• 1# soda
• 2 qt. Beans
• 1 qt. Peas
• 10 cans milk small
• corn meal
• Peaches
• Pears
• soap + Rowel + Razer
• Matches, Bedding
• Tent, axes. fishing tackle, Pails, Baker dishes, Rope, nails.
• List to Take Home Brest France July 15, 1919
• 2 pair shoe lases
• 1 Dublin
• 1 comb
• 1 Mirror
• 1 gas mask
• 1 pair shoes
• 1 belt
• 1 breeches wool
• 1 cap
• 1 coat wool
• Ornaments
• 4 pair socks
• 2 drawers
• 2 shirts
• 2 O.D. shirts
• 1 leggins
• 1 slickers
• X-Ray Unite
• Sept 15, '18 S.O. 254 Paragraph 23
• 10 men 2 days reserve
• From Thesis to Bazorlle France
• Armstrong E.D.
• Baborsky J.H.
• Martell Theo.
• Martin W.J.
• Penoyer Cecil
• Breese
• Dittmar W.A.
• Owen Harold
• Putnam E.E.
• Spencer W.O.
• Whittkrepp D.
• April 22, 1918
• 1 pr. shoes Russett
• 1 pr. shoes field
• 4 pr. stockings
• 6 pr. underware
• 2 Wollen shirts
• 1 O.D. Blouse
• 1 pr. O.D. Trousers
• 1 Khaki blouse
• 2 pr. Khaki trousers
• 1 Hat
• 1 Slicker
• 1 Overcoat
• 2 Ornaments
• 1 Hat Cord
• Overseas outfit
• 1/2 shelter tent
• Blue Denims
• Fatigue Cap
• 3 pr. shoe + Leggins Lace
• 1 pr. Leggins
• 1 pr. Leather Gloves
• 1 O.D. Blouse
• 1 F.A. Packet. Canteen
• 1 F.A. Belt + Axe Mess
• 1 Haversack Kit
• 1 F.A. Pouch

Ervin Earl Putnam's World War I Diary January-April 1919

The notebook he had only went through December, so he started writing where ever he could find space.  This also caused him to change the way he noted things down.  This post will cover January through April.

• Friday January 10, 1919:

Bois de Beleau

German Shell Dump, Chateau Thierry, Soissons Road

Avenue Des Longchamps, Bois de Belleau

• Friday February 7th, 1919:
• Going home in two weeks Cummings
• Some more Hot Dope.
• Friday March 7th, 1919:
• Hanker 13, Shirt 2, Draw. 2, Towel 1, Union suit 1, stock. 6, wool 2, 1 Outside shirt

• Tuesday April 8th, 1919:
• Leaft Paris April 8th to convoy car to Mais-Sur-Arilleir, Arrived in Bueil----- stopped 1st night at la Croix St. Leufroy. Some place

• Thursday April 10th, 1919:
• Leaft St. Leufroy at 2-April 10 for Chatres, then Oleans + Nevers

• Sunday April 13th, 1919:
• Arrived at Mais April 13, stopped all night + Sunday 
• Monday April 14th, 1919:
• Caught 11 o'clock train for Paris

I haven't been able to locate Mais Sur Arillier, so don't have a map.  We have a number of photos that we don't know exactly when they were taken, but suspect that it was in the first half of 1919 so I will include some here.

Gierres, France 1919

Ft. DeBrimont 1919

German Dougouts on the road to Brimont, 1919

Slacking

I know, I've been slacking.  Between work and summer this project got the short end of the stick.  I'll be getting back into it now and try and do a better job of getting information to you.  I just returned from trip home to see the family and have a lot of new content to share.  I'll finish Ervin Earl's World War One diary and start into all the new items, so keep an eye out!

Ervin Earl Putnam's World War I Diary-December 1918

• Sunday December 1st, 1918:
• On pass to Verdun again. Some time coming back on engine.
• Tuesday December 3rd, 1918:
• Received orders to go to Bazorilles
• Wednesday December 4th, 1918:
• Leaft Evac. H. no. 9 at 8-30 on truck for Bar-le-Duc. Took train for Toul a 1 A.M.

• Thursday December 5th, 1918:
• Arrived at Neufchateau stopped all night at the "Y" slept on chairs. No blankets.

• Friday December 6th, 1918:
• Met Lawrence Russelll in town Parade of Algerian march under Arch De Triumph
• Saturday December 7th, 1918:
• Went down to Bazoilles for a stay

• Sunday December 8th, 1918:
• Feeding with Base #60.  Good eats and a swell place to sleep. Matress, pillow + sheets. Some class for any life.
• Thursday December 12th, 1918:
• Looking at the fine officers Nothing else to do.
• Friday December 13th, 1918:
• Tried to corner the candy market but did not have quite enough francs
• Saturday December 14th, 1918:
• Made another raid on the chocolate line.
• Sunday December 15th, 1918:
• Received orders to go to Paris. Leaft Neufchateau at 4-44 p.m.
• Monday December 16th, 1918:
• Traveled all night by way of Bar-le-Duc + Chateau Theiuz. Got in Paris at 8-30 a.m.

• Tuesday December 17th, 1918:
• Saw P.Wilson + wondered around all day. Met Wood at the "y" got directions from him so will leave for the shop to-day. Outside Maillott Gate.
• Wednesday December 18th, 1918: 
• Nothing doing all day. Reported at Repair shop. Went down to Palais de Glace to see some boxing
• Good bouts.

X-Ray Repair Shop, Paris, France-1918

• Friday December 20th, 1918:
• Nothing doing as usual. Came near signing the Pay roll but missed out.

"French Camion" Paris, France

• Saturday December 21st, 1918:
• Down to Palais De Glaci Took a trip around city.

English Camion, Paris

• Sunday December 22nd, 1918:
• Stayed home all day  Rainy as usual. Saw P. Wilson at Neuilfy Hospital
• Monday December 23rd, 1918:
• Took in boxing at the Palais de Glaci in the evening. Fine boute 
• Tuesday December 24th, 1918:
• Half day holiday Rainy as the deuce. Stayed in. In charge of quarters in the evening.
• Bed Check: 



U.S. "Portable Outfit" Paris France

• Edwards
• Put. Colton
• Put. Dovast
• Put. Millar
• Sgt. Ryuson
• Sgt. Turns
• Put. Johnson
• Put. Harris
• Put. McSweeney
• Put. McDermot

• Wednesday December 25th, 1918:
• Had dinner at the hospital. Supper at "Gare St. Lazare".

• Thursday December 26th, 1918:
• Had half day off went down to Boul Des Italiens to Art Galerie. Some place.

• Friday December 27th, 1918:
• Rainy as the duece half holiday stayed in quarters.
• Saturday December 28th, 1918:
• Down to the Invalids and Napoleans tomb. To Champs Elysies Theartre in evening.

• Sunday December 29th, 1918:
• Cummings phophesies that we'll be home in six weeks. S-O-M-E ------.

X-Ray Camions Paris Dec. 1918

Ervin Earl Putnam's World War I Diary-November 1918

• Sunday November 3rd, 1918:
• In Verdun again. Still shooting the place up.

• Thursday November 7th, 1918:
• Peace rumors start. Envoys from Germany over to Foc H.
• Friday November 8th, 1918:
• Given till Monday noon to sign terms.
• Sunday November 10th, 1918:
• German plane flies over camp with lights on.
• Monday November 11th, 1918:
• Armistice signed with Germany. Hostilities cease at 11-a.m.
• Tuesday November 12th, 1918:
• Cold + clear
• Wednesday November 13th, 1918:
• Great Weather, finish since Sept. Moved X-Ray Room to operating room. Shipped one machine to the 42nd Div. Germany.
• Thursday November 14th, 1918:
• Fixed up new room everything going fine. One patient today.
• Friday November 15th, 1918:
• Put up stove. Best room in the operating Building.
• Saturday November 16th, 1918:
• Commissary opened bought up chocolate + candy + cigarettes
• Sunday November 17th, 1918:
• Nothing unusual.
• Monday November 18th, 1918:
• Put in another stock of candy.
• Tuesday November 19th, 1918:
• Wash day.
• Wednesday November 20th, 1918: Verdum, France
• On pass to Verdum had a great time.
• Thursday November 21st, 1918: Triacourt, France and Bar le Duc, France
• Went to Triacourt + Bar le Duc on the truck.

• Friday November 22nd, 1918:
• New boarder comes to the tent making 4.
• Saturday November 23rd, 1918:
• Bill went to Verdun. Some walk. Caught train at Beausel.
• Sunday November 24th, 1918:
• Fathers Day wrote home nothing unusual happening

Had a few more names listed at the end of the month.

Bradly L. Thompson

24 Terry Ave. W. Detroit

Lew Townley

Ann Arbour Mich.

So, this month represents the end of the war. I find it interesting that he noted that the cease fire would occur at 11 am. Now that I read this the 11th hour or the 11th day of the 11th month has a bit more meaning.

Ervin Earl Putnam's World War I Diary-October 1918

• Tuesday October 1st, 1918:
• Bringing wounded in off the front. Some bunch.
• Wednesday October 2nd, 1918:
• Loafed all day. Called out at 10 p.m.
• Thursday October 3rd, 1918:
• Arrived at E.H. No. 9 at Taubecaut 11-30 p.m. Worst dump yet.

I haven't been able to locate Taubecaut, but suspect it is somewhere between Souilly and Verdun.

• Friday October 4th, 1918:
• Shaged stretchers all night. Continue 4 all night tonight.
• Saturday. October 5th, 1918:
• Another drive started. Patients coming in fast.
• Sunday October 6th, 1918:
• Doing x-Ray worked at last. Nothing doing. Helped load an ambulance train.
• Monday October 7th, 1918:
• In Danbeciut. In first time all shot up by the Huns. Not win a "Y" at this H.

Cannot locate this city either, once again suspect it is around Souilly.

• Tuesday October 8th, 1918: Sorilly, France
• Took a trip to Sorilly by truck.

• Wednesday October 9th, 1918:
• Nothing doing in the pay line. All the towns have been knocked to pieces by shells.
• Thursday October 10th, 1918:
• Still working nights. Fair. Busy as hell
• Friday October 11th, 1918:
• Still so. Rain
• Saturday October 12th, 1918:
• Busy as usual. Rain. Nothing doing.
• Sunday October 13th, 1918:
• Drive still continues in the Aigonne.

• Monday October 14th, 1918:
• Busy night + day. Rain.
• Tuesday October 15th, 1918:
• Paid today. 371 francs. Rain.
• Wednesday October 16th, 1918: Vaubrecourt
• In to Vaubrecourt. Rain

I'm not convinced of this location, it could be Vaubecout.

• Monday October 21st, 1918:
• Y.M. Opened up. Bought cigarettes + some jam.
• Tuesday October 22nd, 1918: Verdun, France
• Up to Verdun, five shells landed while there. Some place. Vaubecourt

Section of trench, North of Verdun-1918

Downed Biplane, Verdun, France

Downed Biplane, Verdun, France

• Wednesday October 23rd, 1918:
• Air raid last night. Knocked the windows out of X-Ray Room. Getting close.
• Thursday October 24th, 1918:
• Nothing doing

At the end of the month, Ervin referenced some postcards labeled views of Brest from the Thompson Illustragraph Co. Petersburg, VA.

• #7127 Camp View
• 7175 Camp Port Brest
• 7132 Napolens Barraks
• 7172 Brest Harbor

He also had another address: Roy C. Parker, Dallas Txas. 1915-1917 Commerse St. c/o Dallas Oakland Sales Co.

Ervin Earl Putnam's World War 1 Diary-September 1918

• Sunday September 1st, 1918:
• Nothing doing first fair meal for an age.  Another bunch picked out. Leave tomorrow.
• Monday September 2nd, 1918: Labor Day
• Lecture in the A.M. half holiday.
• Tuesday September 3rd, 1918:
• Cleaned up the streets of Thesis France. some job

• Wednesday September 4th, 1918:
• Lecture and drill. Bunk with Jim Martin
• Thursday September 5th, 1918:
• Same as usual. "Corned Willie" for 3 meals.
• Friday September 6th, 1918:
• Rain, bunk fatigue all day. First rain since arriving in France.  Corned Willie for 3 meals
• Saturday September 7th, 1918:
• Still raining. Army holiday. all the time Corned Willie for 3 meals and we are still alive.
• Sunday September 8th, 1918:
• And still the rain keeps up. Corned Horse again for 3 meals.
• Monday September 9th, 1918:
• Lecture and drill. Rain a little in p.m. The horse again appears.
• Tuesday September 10th, 1918:
• Raining, no reveille.  Water under and over everything.  Nearly up to the top of my tick. Red Horse as usual.
• Wednesday September 11th, 1918:
• Still raining no reveille. Corned mush + syrup for breakfast. No lecture. Red Horse for dinner + Supper.
• Thursday September 12th, 1918:
• Nothing doing
• Friday September 13th, 1918:
• Detail work
• Saturday September 14th, 1918:
• Nothing doing
• Sunday September 15th, 1918:
• Leaft camp at 6 p.m. For Bazoiller Sur Meuse (Voyer)
• Monday September 16th, 1918: Langres, France
• Still traveling, change cars at Langres at 4-41 p.m.

• Tuesday September 17th, 1918:
• From Langres to Bazoilles Sur Meuse. Arrived at 8-30 A.M.

• Wednesday September 18th, 1918:
• Started in at school this a.m. Lecture in L'Aster Engine.

Hospital Center A.P.O. 731, Bazoilles Sur Meuse, France 1918-1919
Bases Num 42, 81, 18, 46

• Thursday September 19th, 1918:
• Continued to-day. No excitement.
• Friday September 20th, 1918:
• Air raid on Neufchateau last night no damage.
• Saturday September 21st, 1918:
• Half Holiday Nothing doing
• Sunday September 22nd, 1918: Neufchateau, France
• Walked to Neufchateau. Best town yet. Two planes collide + burn on the Hill.

• Monday September 23rd, 1918:
• Getting time to move again. Work hurried up so we will be ready.
• Tuesday September 24th, 1918:
• Nothing doing
• Wednesday September 25th, 1918:
• First reveille + exercises since leaving Thesee
• Thursday September 26th, 1918:
• Old bunch from Army Med. school arrive in camp.
• Friday September 27th, 1918:
• Changed barracks. Much better quarters. Signed the payroll.
• Saturday September 28th, 1918:
• Inspection. First mess by ourselves. Have my doubts as to the outcome.
• Sunday September 29th, 1918:
• Left for Souilly at 6-15 A.M. for re-assignment, missed train wait till 5-43 p.m. At Neufchateau. Had a great feed at Red Cross Hut.  Free
• Monday September 30th, 1918: Souilly, France
• Some Trip. Arrived at Souilly 12-30 p.m.

So, Ervin moved across France this month.  The thing that caught my attention the most was his complaints about Corned Willie, Corned Horse, Horse, and Red Horse. I believe all of this is the same dish, that represents a common complaint of World War I soldiers.  Funny thing is I love Corned Beef! Check out this Corned Willie Recipe i found.