Primary Source Analysis Post #2, Zenos R. Miller World War 1 Diaries 2 (Picture 31)

What do I notice? What do you wonder?

I thing that stands out from the source I picked was how Zenos talks about that U-boats from Germany and how they would be protected by their destroyers. The reason why I picked this part from the source is how Zenos and his unit need to across the Atlantic ocean in order to fight against Germany in the first world war. I wonder if Zenos or some of his friends in his unit, wore they scared of crossing the Atlantic ocean because of the U-boats might sink their ship without warning. I think it would have been scary to cross the ocean because of the threat of U-boats.

Source: Website:https://transcription.si.edu/view/17875/NASM-NASM-9A16128-065_066

The source is from Zenos Miller diary entries and some fellow prisoners. Zenos was a pilot for the United States Air Service for WW 1. His dairy began from Jan. 1, 1918 to Dec. 25, 1918, the part that I pick was on March 3-4, 1918. During this time, he talks about the U-boat and how the destroyers are doing to protect him and his unit from the threat during the crossing to Europe.

Sunday, March 3, 1918

Up betimes. Wakened by Old Bulsheivks Steward at 5AM. Officers-of-day for the 152nd squdrn. Wakened men at 5.30. Men very dopy for first part of morning. Had trouble getting place cleaned up until I bawled out the N.C.O. Inspecting party pleased with our section of ship. O.D. congratulate each other and the mess orderlies after inspecting cavalcade passes.

San Maj. Rice the insignia he asked for. His Aide returned our answer by my messenger. Breech of military ettiquette for which he caught it from the Major.

Afternoon uneventful except that a stiff sea blew up. Poor weather for the U-boats.

Concert in Evening in which 27th orchestra takes part. I played the first selection with mandolin out of tune

63

Monday, March 4, 1918

[[written above the diary date]] Lieut. [[strikethrough]] Z.R. Miller [[/strikethrough]] Pierce came out of his cabin when the depth bomb was discharged and said "Watzat? Watzat?" Stewart said, "Oh Sir, They are pulling up the anchor sir!" [[written above the diary date]]

Met "Her" this morning, A.N.C., by name Miss Pulse. She wanted to walk so I taught her how to walk on deck before lunch. Convoy of 4 American destroyers met us early this morning. Their manoeuvres caused much interest by all on board. Each flew an American flag which gladened our eyes. "Her" again made an appearance just after one Destroyer had discharged a "depth bomb" several miles to our stern. Whether they got a Sub or not I don't know "Her" makes a rather interesting companion I wish I had met her earlier. "Apple green at Sunset" The old ship has been twisting and turning all day as though possessed. [[I. margin]] Fred Norton develops a very distinctive Submarine costume for U boat zone. [[/I.margin]]

Context:

During the time of the dairy, it was the last year of World War 1 and the United States enter the war. The U-boats threat was dangerous toward the United States to send soldiers to Europe to fight against Germany. How the destroyers were important in protecting the ships carrying the soldiers to Europe. It is also interesting of how some of the soldiers are scared to cross the ocean because of the U-boat threat on the United States. https://maryklann.wixsite.com/hist110/post/module-14-world-war-i

Conclusion:

The reason why this source is important to understand American history by seeing the view from a soldier from WW 1, how him and his unit cross the ocean with the U-boat threat. It also show how some of the units are scared from the U-boat. It talks about the threat that the U-boat opposes on United States to transport their soldiers to Europe in order fight Germany in the First World War.

Discussion Question:

Is would you have the courage to cross the ocean, even though their is a U-boat that may sink your ship when you try to cross the ocean?