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Thomson, Wendell B. (First World War correspondence)
2017.112.w.r
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Contributing Institution:
Center for American War Letters Archives
Title: Wendell B. Thomson First World War correspondence
Creator:
Thomson, Wendell Bretney, 1893-1979
source:
Eiswald, Jim
Identifier/Call Number: 2017.112.w.r
Physical Description:
.05 Linear feet
(2 folders)
Date (inclusive): 1917 September 8 - 1919 November 11
Abstract: This collection contains seven correspondence from PFC Wendell B. Thomson, AEF to his sister and mother during the First World
War. Also included is one letter from Sgt. Howard Welch which appears to be addressed to the husband of Thomson's sister.
Language of Material:
English
.
Container: WWI 5
Container: 3-4
Container: 1-2
This collection is open for research.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Jim Eiswald, grandson of letter/postcard recipient.
This collection is arranged by material type, author, and date.
- Series 1, Correspondence from Wendell B. Thomson
- Series 2, Other correspondence
Private First Class Wendell Bretney Thomson, American Expeditionary Force (1/25/1893 - 12/25/1979) was born in Xenia, Ohio
and grew up in Winchester. According to a biography of Thomson in the book "History of Ohio, Volume 3" by Charles B. Galbreath,
Thomson's father, Nathan Richey Thomson, was a lieutenant in Company I of the 30th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil
War. The biography states that Thomson attended the Mueller School of Business in Cincinnati in 1911. He later taught at a
rural school and was a postal clerk before enlisting on June 20, 1917 at age 24. Thomson served with the American Expeditionary
Forces in France as a Private First Class and with the United States Army Ambulance Service.
According to the biographical entry, Thomson sailed on the San Jacinto on August 7, 1917 and arrived at Saint-Nazaire France
on August 20, 1917. Among the battles he participated in were battles in French Lorraine and Mount Kemmel in Belgium. The
book notes that for his service, Thomson was awarded the French Croix-de-Guerre.
He arrived back in the United States on the USS Pueblo in March of 1919 and was honorably discharged on April 7, 1919.
Information from the donor indicates that Thomson died on Christmas day 1979 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
[Item title, Box number, Folder number], Wendell B. Thomson First World War correspondence (2017.112.w.r), Center for American
War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.
This collection contains seven letters that PFC Wendell B. Thomson wrote to his sister and mother while serving in France
during the First World War. There is also a letter from a Sergeant Howard Welch that appears to be addressed to the husband
of Thomson's sister.
The letters describe Thomson's trip to France and events and places in France. Letters of interest include a letter written
on November 11, 1918 in which Thomson writes about the end of the war. Another letter from September 5, 1917 has portions
cut out by a censor.
There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the
responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions. For further copyright information, please contact the archivist.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Correspondence -- World War, 1914-1918
World War (1914-1918) -- France
Eiswald, Jim