Made fudge for one of the boys as it was his birthday. He was seventeen years old, he was very young in his ways. So many of our boys have gone West. God help their loved ones. The hut was crowded all day, the men writing letters, playing games, and reading books. It was fine to be here. It rained all day; thank God for the rain as less damage is done then. A very heavy firing is on now. Saw more planes than ever today.
More Information
The following section provides historical context and is not part of the original diary entry.
Likely location: Noyers-Saint-Martin, Oise, France
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June 1918 was a pivotal month. American forces fought at Belleau Wood and Château-Thierry, proving themselves in fierce combat. Margaret was stationed near Noyers-Saint-Martin in the Oise department before moving as the front shifted.
Research Links for Further Study
- Watson, A. (2016). German spring offensives 1918. In 1914-1918-Online: International Encyclopedia of the First World War. Freie Universität Berlin.
- 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.
Diary of a World War I Donut Girl 