This interview is with one of the few remaining survivors of World War 1. Harry Michelson, travelled to Europe in 1917 after the United States entered the war. He was interviewed at his home in Florida. At the time of the interview he was 96 years old. (Photograph used with kind permission of The Imperial War Museum)
Harry,
how did you become involved in the Great War?
I had volunteered for the Army in 1918. What were your duties?
I passed an examination to become a Warrant Officer in late 1918. My duties were as the
chief secretary for the Commanding General of our unit. There was much work —
business and social — which kept me busy.
Did you have any expectations as to what Europe would be like?
I have always been a great reader. I had read many books on Europe: novels, histories, my
studies at school ... I always hoped to see England - London, Shakespeare country, the
home of Thomas Hardy, 10 Downing Street ... and Paris! My eyes would lighten when I think
of it. Who would not wish to see Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame!
Do you remember anything about the trip to Europe?
I travelled on a ship called the U.S.S. President Grant. It took us about 21 or 22 days to
get across the Atlantic. The ship was a passenger ship, not made for transporting a lot of
soldiers. We were four to a cabin. But it was a comfortable trip, although I was seasick
about half of the voyage! Our only danger was from free-floating bombs in the wide sea
from New York to the tip of Africa. Our destination was the port of Brest.
Did you have any contact with the French people?
I had very little contact with civilians [people who are not in the Army], and did not
speak French well enough to have a conversation.
Did you sense their feelings about the war?
I felt that everyone was glad the war was over. The war had been a disaster. The ruin of
property, of lives ... dreams torn to pieces ... I think the French people thought
‘Thank God — no more bombs, no more fear. Peace and quiet...’. I never
sensed any anger towards the Generals or politicians (who had run the war), but I know how
I would have felt. I would have taken a bunch of the Generals of all the armies and sent
them to Siberia!
How were you looked upon being an American in France?
The ‘Soldat American’ was looked upon as a saviour! Most of us were kind and
gentle, especially to the children — but there were some bad soldiers who did not
behave well. I suppose there always are ...
Was President Wilson of the United States, popular in Europe?
The answer to that is a great and magnificent yes! He was regarded as a Messiah, a hero, a
saviour ... When he visited the cities of France many people went to their knees as he
passed in his carriage. I felt so proud that America had produced a man with such high
ideals. It was a fantastic month or so when he arrived. All Americans almost became gods!
Do you have any special memories from that time?
I could not begin to tell you how many memories I have ¾ but
one remains in my mind and will remain there until the day I die. I was in Paris with a
friend on a three-day pass. We heard that President Wilson and Clemenceau [the French
leader] would be driven down the Champs Elysee in Paris and that a very famous event would
take place. On this day the crowds were amazing ... I had never seen such a mass of
humanity, even on New Year’s Eve in New York! We made our way through the crowd and
managed with a struggle, to get about 20 feet from the Etoile. In the middle of the Etoile
were about four large links which made up a chain. This stopped traffic from entering that
space. I found out that since 1871 no one had passed through the Etoile. This was in
memory of the loss of the provinces of Alsace-Lorraine in the war of 1871. President
Wilson was supposed to cut the last piece of metal and break the chains — the French
had got their beloved Alsace-Lorraine back!
It must have been a very moving moment ...
Yes, an Army band played, and there were cheers ... the noise was tremendous. When the
carriage with Wilson and Clemenceau arrived I had to put my hands over my ears! Well, my
heart stood still as I watched. The band played the French national anthem and the crowd
began to sing ... Smilingly, President Wilson walked towards the chain. He hit it gently
with a hammer and it fell to the ground (most of it had been cut for him). One could hear
the metal as it touched the pavement. That sound remains in my ears. Wilson returned to
his carriage, waved his high hat and smiled — that was a moment to remember!