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Papers, 1918-1919

 File — Box: Small Collections Box 32, Folder: 1

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

Two diaries kept by U.S. Army Regimental Sergeant Major George S. Robbins of the 26th Division of the American Expeditionary Force during his WWI service in France, 1918-1919. Robbins used French calendars to record his diary entries, which he did in irregular intervals. The entries begin February 7, 1918 and end April 5, 1919.

Typical entries describe daily duties and repeated orders to move equipment and office, as well as battles around Seicheprey and Apremont in April 1918 and Verdun in October 1918. Robbins reports on being bombed, bombarding the enemy, lives lost on both sides, and on prisoners. Other places mentioned are Braisne, Albmant, Junigny, Soissons (a motorcycle ride), Reynil, Toul, Boucq (where Elis Janis performed Vaudeville sketches), Meaux-Bagny, Villiers, Saacy, Nantevil, Souilly, Les Monthairons, Troyon, and Rue Meufchateau where President Woodrow Wilson visited, December 25, 1918.

Also included are two special orders, a copy of the 'Conditions of Armistice' from 1918, and two tickets to the Folie-Bergere, August 1918.

Dates

  • Creation: 1918-1919

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.01 Linear Foot

Language

English