“Mange is on the Decline.” “Cudgels Taken Up.” “Atrocities in Verse: ‘Over the top with Rastus Brown’”. “Inoculation of 79th is Ordered.”
These and other article titles and sections and features make this issue of The Lorraine Cross, uber-scarce in any condition and not currently available even on WorldCat dot org .
This issue, in Fair condition for moderate soiling and chipping, is an indispensable item for students and historians of World War One materials. First Edition copy, 4 pp. in single-fold format, since folded again, measuring 24″ x 17″ wide and tall, respectively, when opened fully, laid now onto stiff card stock and slipped into a plastic sleeve. This item is browned, chipped along edges, soiled a bit at top of first page, tender to the touch, so handle with care, but all the text is readable.
The newspaper masthead shows that Private James M. Cain was the editor, Private Gilbert Malcolm was the Sporting Editor, Private Donald Cronin was the Circulation Manager, and Sergeant Harry F. Hossack was the Business Manager. James M. Cain penned eventual noir classics such as Mildred Pierce, Double Indemnity, and The Postman Always Rings Twice. He was born July 1st 1892 and having died October 27, 1977.
The Lorraine Cross was the house-organ of the 79th Division of the U.S. Army of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War One. It ran for a short time and cost three francs for a three-months subscription. This constituted Private Cain’s means of service, since he didn’t fight at the Front. This item is Volume 1, No. 7, published on March 20 in France, the final issue coming out two months later in May, but reporting also on the slow, steady evacuation of the Division back home.
One entire page is devoted to sporting news of a Toul Carnival featuring baseball and boxing matches, track-and-field events, and even celebrations of canine unit accomplishments. “Sanitary” Fox, pitcher for the cooks, “added snap to the game with his justly famous ‘grease ball,’” and “Sanitary” struck out 17 batters! The 79th’s boxers swept the slate in the newly established Cirque de Paris, winning every match against French opponents. Canine unit members preened and were rewarded for their service.
An extremely scarce bit of Americana.
Offered by Structure, Verses, Agency Books
$125
To purchase, contact svafinebooks@gmail.com
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