[WWI] What's your favorite OT memoir?

[Marc Flake]

When I first joined the list, I went back and read as many of the 
previous Digests as I could -- mainly because I didn't want to make a 
faux paux and ask a question that had already been asked 100 times. 
(That's how I learned about the Voss Cowl, Jasta 5 and other 
controversies.)  But one thing that still stands out in my memory were 
the "real time" postings of Edmund Genet's diary while he was with the 
Lafayette Escadrille. (for a biography see: 
http://www.wwi-models.org/misc/Genet/index.html).

The Diary entries run from Digest 180 (4 July 1916) to 499 (16 April 
1917).  There was more sitting aroung grounded due to bad weather and 
trips to Paris than there were missions over the front.  It wasn't 
exciting reading, but it really helped me imagine being at the front in 
France as an airman.  If you read the diaries and find yourself 
wondering what Gertie looked like, do yourself a favor and don't try to 
find her picture.


The entries were taken from a book which may still be available: 
AN AMERICAN FOR LAFAYETTE: THE DIARIES OF E.C.C. GENET,
LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE, Editied by  Walt Brown, Jr,
with an introduction by Dale L. Walker. University Press of Virginia,
Charlottesville, North Carolina, 1981.

Marc Flake