New Hampshire in WWI: The Supreme Sacrifice

Posted on 17 October, 2018 by Janice Brown

I had a conversation recently with a man who had researched World War One for six months and put together an exhibition about local men involved. Briefly we discussed the term “supreme sacrifice,” as I mentioned that I thought his number of WWI deaths was rather low. His retort was that only those who made the “supreme sacrifice” were included in his count.

I was a bit aghast, but the researcher was a veteran, so I was not about to diss him.  I let it go.  Perhaps that is what they are teaching the “boys” these days–that they must die in battle, in a burning flash of glory, down with the ship, and all that, in order to count as having made the “supreme sacrifice.” Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Benton

Posted on 16 October, 2018 by Janice Brown

Benton Town Hall with veteran monuments and U.S. flag.

When the United States entered WWI, the town of Benton New Hampshire had about 200 residents (219 in 1910, 177 by 1920).  Of these at least four men went into military service. One would not return home alive. When the war ended, the Town of Benton wanted to commemorate those who participated in several wars, War of 1812, Mexican War and World War I. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Holderness

Posted on 14 October, 2018 by Janice Brown

Holderness NH Veteran Monument, located next to the town’s public library.

Holderness in Grafton Co. New Hampshire has been, from it’s beginning, a farming community. Today its population swells during the summer months when vacationers and tourists arrive to enjoy the water views, cool breezes and boating or swimming.  When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the town’s population was about 925 people.  Of those at least 19 of Holderness’ youth went into military service.  Two of these men would make the ultimate sacrifice and not return home. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Hollis

Posted on 13 October, 2018 by Janice Brown

Pre WWI Hollis Town Common.

The town of Hollis New Hampshire sent 43 men to service during World War I. The residents who remained at home did their part too–participating in the Red Cross, raising funds for War bonds, demonstrating thrift in the kitchens and obedient to the meatless and wheatless days.  When the war ended, it was a difficult transition back to normalcy. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Farmington

Posted on 12 October, 2018 by Janice Brown

“Keep ’em smiling!” Help War Camp Community Service poster. Created by the U.S. War Department, 1918. National Archives on Flickr.

On April 6, 1917 the U.S. formally entered the First World War. The Farmington (NH) News newspaper that was published the same day seemed quiet tame for headlines, except for page 4 where “DANGER FROM GERMAN INVASION” explained why New Hampshire should be concerned about an enemy attack. By August of 1917 the news was full of recruitment articles and indoctrination war stories. A letter to the women of New Hampshire requested 500 knitted outfits–a sleeveless sweater, a muffler and a pair of wristlets to be sent to the men of the battleship “New Hampshire.” The residents of Farmington “did their bit” to support the troops, and to follow the food and good restrictions placed on them in order to supply the war with same. Liberty bond drives were held, and Red Cross fund raising begun.

At least 82 men left to serve in various branches of the military, on land, sea and air. Of those two would never return alive to their home town–Clarence Leroy Perkins and Maurice P. Potvin. Continue reading →

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