A fine day. Boxing match in the hut, and the band from a town came and gave the French a little tune at the courthouse. Then to our hut. We had a crush house and a fine game if I was to judge.
Col. Soten was there, and I had the honor of serving him coffee and pie, also baked him three pies and a dozen donuts. He is a fine man. Maj. Tomkins was here also.
More Information
The following section provides historical context and is not part of the original diary entry.
Likely location: Bure / Meuse department, France
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December 1917 brought harsh winter conditions to northeastern France. Margaret celebrated Christmas at Bure in the Meuse department, providing holiday cheer to soldiers far from home during their first winter overseas.
Research Links for Further Study
- Library of Congress. (n.d.). The American Expeditionary Forces. Library of Congress Digital Collections.
- Boissoneault, L. (2017, April 12). The women who fried donuts and dodged bombs on the front lines of WWI. Smithsonian Magazine.
- Cantwell, C. (n.d.). Doughboys & doughnut girls: The Salvation Army and WWI. National WWI Museum and Memorial.
Diary of a World War I Donut Girl 