| Scope and content |
The diary of James Redding Rives II documents his service during World War I. Diary entries begin when Rives was inducted into the Army at Camp Lee, Virginia (March 9, 1917). Topics discussed by Rives while at Camp Lee include his training as a bugler and camp activities such as drilling, hiking, gunnery and target practice, and digging trenches. From France, he discusses reactions to American soldiers by French villagers, camp conditions, cramped quarters for traveling to the front, billeting in French towns, and rumors that the United States had declared war on Mexico. While stationed at Beauval, the headquarters of General Cronkite, Rives describes nighttime artillery battles, shooting down German planes, bombings of the camp, and experiences at the front as an ambulance driver. In addition to Rives's narrative, the diary contains a camp schedule for Camp Lee, lists of letters sent from France, debts owed to Rives, addresses of French women, clippings, and photographs. |
| Access restriction | No access restrictions. |
| Cite as |
James Redding Rives II Papers (#487), Special Collections Department, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. |
| Terms of use | Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Mrs. Jeannette Rives Johnson. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Dr. Ralph Hardee Rives. |
| Biographical note | James Redding Rives, II (b. 11 June 1889 - 25 February 1972) was a local businessman and Boy Scout leader in Greenville and Enfield, North Carolina. During World War I, Private Rives was a member of the Ambulance Corps with the American Expeditionary Forces to France. Rives's company left Newport News, Va., for France aboard the USS Siboney and was convoyed part way across the Atlantic by the USS North Carolina. Upon arrival at Biscay Bay, Rives's company was transported to Bordeaux and later moved to Beauval. After a bout with pleurisy, Rives was sent to the front at Verdun. His illness forced him to a Bordeaux hospital, where he remained until after the Armistice was signed. |
