WW1 Marine Aviator Signed Diary of 1919

[teufelhunde.ret]

As many WW1 enthusiasts know the First Marine Aeronautic Company, was the first fully equipped U.S. Aviation unit to enter the war. Lt Poague was the only aviator of this unit to die. This book was prepared by his father following his death. And it is likely the only first hand account of the activities of this unit while in the Azores. The book contains information and notes about their activities that could not be found elsewhere - nowhere! While the actually printing numbers are unknown, I doubt there were more than 6-12 copies made. This particular copy has been prepared for Mrs Poague and contains four images of Poague. I believe the word "rare" is an understatement to describe nature, content and writings. Lt. Poague was not only a Banker prior to the War - he was also a playwright. His diary and letters to his family about his duties and Azore experiences are done magnificently.

 

 

It is roughly 6" x 9" with 196+ pages, hardback no jacket, has 1/3 leather binding on spine, some very slight wear on spine, some slight tearing on front and back inner hinges, but otherwise book in very good condition, printed on thick inner paper stock. The first 147 pages are his diary. To page 184 are letters to his family and the remainder are from members to the Squadron to his family.

[teufelhunde.ret]

With initials "C.M.P" in the biography of book it lists the father of Walter Smith Poague as Charles Martin Poague and mother is Catherine W. Poague and seeing this we know the signature in front of the book is from the father Charles and is signing it to his wife Catherine! It says Walter died 11/5/1918, and on second page of book is a real photo of him! This is a very rare book, there is no publish date

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

This volume is published for distribution among a very few friends of Walters. Here is the forward for book-"The diary with exception of first few pages and all of the letters were written at Ponta del Gada Azore Islands, where he was stationed as a member of the first marine aeronautic company. His diary was written with the expectation that no other eyes than his should see it. He has therefore put into it his thoughts and feelings just as they were at the time he wrote. No better expression of his character and ambitions could be found. The letters published are only a few of those received from him.I have taken the liberty of printing several letters that his parents have received from his brother officers. As their present addresses could not in all cases be found, some of them are published without the writers permission. His personality was such that those who knew him will never forget him, but this little book with help to perpetuate his memory

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

.

[teufelhunde.ret]

One of the letters to his family...

[teufelhunde.ret]

This letter to the family was written by Gunny Ziegler (his observer - mechanic) upon his return to the states and in preparation to visit the family. He describes in great detail the circumstances of the accident. I will tell you every account that is on the web is dead wrong. The contents of the letter shall go to the new owner, as well as the other personal letters.

[cameldriver]

Congratulations. It looks like a great book, and one I had not heard of before.

Bob