Title:
William Bandemer papers, 1917-1919
Collection Number:
MS 99-67
Scope and Content:
This collection spans the duration of William Bandemer's participation in World War I. The papers are divided into two series, one comprising his letters home, and the other consisting of photographs taken during the war. Within each series, the material is arranged chronologically. The correspondence begins with Bandemer's letter informing his family of his enlistment in the Army. The first folder in the collection describes life in the forts in the United States, most of which depicts Fort Devens in Massachusetts. He illustrates everyday life at the Fort, including food, lodging, training exercises, and chores. Of particular interest are two letters telling of a measles outbreak and a fire in the camp. The second folder begins with Bandemer's first letter from France. He describes the trip over from the U.S. In his correspondence, he tells of daily life, including the living conditions and the weather. He also shares his impressions of shelling and the amount of action he saw in the war, including shelling and gassing attacks. The letters also describe his frustration with receiving few letters from his family because of mail delays and include his general reactions to family news. Near the end of the war, Bandemer details the surrender of Turkey (2 Nov 1918), liberated Italian prisoners (17 Nov 1918) and his reaction to German propaganda (10 Nov 1918). Bandemer stayed in France until February 1919 and the letters provide descriptions of post-World War I France, including descriptions of towns reduced to rubble. Of particular interest are two Christmas cards designed specifically by his regiment (1 Dec and 8 Dec 1918). He details his travels through France to reach a port for departure and the ensuing trip home. Bandemer did not write two letters in the collection. One informs him of his father's death (7 Aug 1918). The other is from a family friend serving in WWI telling Bandemer's mother of his visit with William (25 Jun 1918). The final folder in the collection is a loan request made by Bandemer after the war. The photographs span all of Bandemer's involvement in the war (1917-1919). Included are two portrait photographs of him, dated 1913 and 1920. Many of the photographs are difficult to date and identify, but estimates have been made. Most of the pictures are from Camp Devens and France. One folder includes pictures of Bandemer's family in Saginaw, Michigan, taken after the war.
Author:
Bandemer, William Edward, 1897-1985
Language:
english
Type of Resource:
mixed material
Genre:
personal narrative
Digital Origin:
reformatted digital
Subject:
World War I, 1914-1918
Subject:
World War, 1914-1918 -- Personal narratives, American
Inclusive Dates:
1917-1919
Location of Originals:
Archives of Michigan
Use Restrictions:
Please contact the Archives of Michigan for permission to publish.
Access Restrictions:
Records are open to the public.
