March 27, 1918 - All quiet on Don Martin's front, but the battle raged at Cambrai

Don Martin diary entry for Wednesday, March 27, 1918:

Went around to the Toul front with [Edwin L.]James, the noisy young man from the [New York] Times who has just arrived.

This 'noisy young man' was Don Martin's auto partner on many coming day trips to the front. Edwin James joined the New York Times in 1915 and become Managing Editor from 1932 to his death in 1951.
Nothing going on. Am more and more convinced this whole outfit, with exception of some of the special men, are merely police reporters. James is as blasé as if he has been a war correspondent all his life. Riding was very cold. Got back at 7 and had dinner at the Club.

Interest here and everywhere centers in the big offensive against the British. Germans still advancing. Is a terrible thing. I believe they will be stopped though. Whole war hanging in balance now and Americans are getting into safe sectors while French going North to save Paris! I passed over 2000 motor trucks today with French reinforcements. No letters from home yet.

Weather clear and pleasant but very cold.

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October 14, 1918: Don Martin’s funeral service in Paris

A funeral service for Don Martin was held in Paris on Sunday, October 13, 1918, at the American Church, rue de Berri. The New York Herald published this report on Monday, October 14, 1918. MANY FRIENDS AT CHURCH SERVICE FOR DON MARTIN Simplicity and Sincerity of Character of “Herald” Writer, Theme of Dr. Goodrich’s Sermon Funeral services for Don Martin were held yesterday afternoon in the American Church in the rue de Berri. They were simple and impressive. Before the pulpit rested the coffin, over which was spread the American flag. Floral offerings were arranged around it. Flat against the wall behind the pulpit were two American flags and the tricolor, and on either side were standards of these two emblems. Uniforms of the United States army predominated in the gathering of 200 persons composed of friends Mr. Martin had known for years at home and friends he had made in Fr...

Welcome to Don Martin blog on Armistice Centennial Day

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