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McConnell with four of the original members of the Lafayette Escadrille
Listen to "Pack Up Your Troubles" Requires RealAudio Player |
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9 January, Pau
James McConnell begins flight training in Pau, located in southwestern France. He complains of having no time to himself. He mentions the arrival at Pau of Lawrence Rumsey and awaiting the arrival of Willis Bradley Haviland. He ends the letter happy that he and Marcelle had time together in Paris. |
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2 March, Pau
McConnell discusses the training efforts at the Ecole D'Aviation Militaire. No rules for perfection requires longer training time. Lawrence Rumsey has disappeared. Many Americans have deserted. He also comments on his unseemly conduct on his last day in Paris. Listen to "How Ya Gonna Keep Em Down on the Farm?" Requires RealAudio Player |
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6 May, Luxeuil
The thermal baths are running short on natural water. McConnell mentions his attendance of funerals. He mentions in the letter: Elliot Christopher Cowdin, Norman Prince, Victor Chapman, and Kiffin Yates Rockwell. Furthermore, there is a description of the beautiful "Rosa" who serves beer in a cafe. |
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3 June, Bar de Meuse
McConnell informs Paul Rockwell that he has left Luxeuil. He has recently asked to go on a mission. He mentions Raoul Victor Lufbery, Bert Hall, Elliot C. Cowdin, Norman Prince, and Victor Chapman departed on a mission to fight the Germans. McConnell describes his first aerial combat with a German: damage to his machine and a landing in a field "where everyone smashes". |
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McConnell with his airplane; note the emblem of the Hotfoot Society on the
fuselage.
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13 June, Luxeuil
James McConnell relates an event where he is looking for a German sighted over Vaux. Describes the view of Verdun through the clouds. Mentions Kiffin Yates Rockwell, Walter Lovell, Paul A. Rockwell, and Betty Baldwin. Listen to "Over There" Requires RealAudio Player |
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26 June, Paris
Kiffin Yates Rockwell, Horace C. Balsley, Charles C. Johnson, Victor Chapman, and James R. McConnell made the rank of sergeant today. McConnell mentions the loss of Victor Chapman will deter prospective volunteers from entering the army. |
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McConnell (right) with Kiffin Rockwell
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25 July, Escadrille Number 124
Walter H. Page, editor of World's Work, wants an article about American aviators to run under McConnell's name. Boys in the trenches are bearing the brunt of the war. Only four machines of the Escadrille are in commission. McConnell explains thoughts of American aviators going back. |
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4 September, Vitry Le Francois
McConnell's back has not improved very much. The Escadrille is leaving Bar le Meuse and he will rejoin them in Paris. McConnell asks Paul not to notify their "young lady friends" of his arrival in Paris. James also mentions news of training pilots in Newport News, Virginia who claim to have fought in France. Comments about Marcelle Guerin and her Russian "beau". Sends greetings to Kiffin Yates Rockwell, Paul's brother. |
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15 November, Escadrille Number 124
He is located in a very misty and rainy climate. He has not received a "machine" yet. Mentions that many old friends have gone since he was last at the front. The Germans have been dropping bombs on clear nights. |
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7 December, Luxeuil
McConnell comments on Paul Rockwell's wedding. He mentions seeing Marcelle there. He informs her that he is moving to a point on the line nearer to Paris. |
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| McConnell as best man at Paul Rockwell's wedding
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11 December, Escadrille Number 124
McConnell writes that he is honored to have been asked to be a witness at Paul's wedding. He has only flown once since his return to the Escadrille. |
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26 December, Luxeuil
James thanks Marcelle for her Christmas gift of a cigarette case. He also received a cigarette case from Paul A. Rockwell. Witty description of "salvation army" formed by Victor Lufbery and 'Skipper'-- "It ended by Luff holding a wash basin and I shooting holes in it with a revolver." |
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