Newton, William E.
letter - handwritten

 

 

Page 1:

"William E. Newton
377 Lewis Ave.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Jan. 8, 1920
Mr. Wellington E. Gordon
Patchogue, N.Y.
Dear Sir:

Received your letter of the 5th inst. asking me for a little information about my service, and am willing to give the desired information.

On the 12th day of June, 1918 I enlisted at the Naval Base at West Sayville, Long Island.

Went to Pelham Bay Naval Training Sta. into Isolation Camp. after being there for a period of 3 weeks I was sent over to the 4th Regiment, then into the 3rd Regiment on the 22nd of September. I was sent to the Rifle Range at Peekskill, N.Y. I acquired sharpshooter just as the "Flu" broke out and as I was healthy the wanted Volunteers for Hospital Apprentices."

Page 2:

"I volunteered as an H.A. instead of becoming an Expert Rifleman.

Then on the 12th of October I came back to Pelham Bay. I caught a cold which developed int the 'flu' and finally into Pneumonia. I was sent to the Base Hospital at Pelham Bay.

I was discharged from there on Nov. 12, 1918. I was sent to the 7th Regiment until January. Then I was sent to the 9th Regiment while in these two regiments, I served in the Dispensary as the Hospital Apprentice # 2 until Feb. 24th. During that time my father was killed so I put in for my release.

I was sent aboard the U.S.S. Norther Pacific first as a Working Party after being there a month was put i the crew. Being in the Naval Reserve I was released instead of discharged with Honors. Will send my picture in about 2 weeks is that o.k.
Respectfully Yours, Wm. E. Newton"