Charles Roger Williams (1887-1941)
Following U.S. entry into World War I in April, 1917, my grandfather Charles Roger Williams enlisted in the U.S. Navy on November 1 at the age of 30. No doubt based on his skills as an electrician for the telephone company, he became a Machinist's Mate 1st Class and served at a Naval Air Station in Guipavas, a village outside of Brest, a seaport on the coast of Brittany, France. A dirigible named the Capitaine Caussin, built by the French, was housed in a hangar at Guipavas, and my grandfather was presumably involved in maintaining the electrical and mechanical operation of the dirigible. According to family lore, he may have also flown aboard the Capitaine Caussin as part of his duties. The purpose of the dirigible was to fly along the coast to watch for German submarines.
My grandfather (sometimes referred to below as CRW) kept a journal of his return voyage home at the war's end. It contains many fascinating details, of the places he visited, the people he met, and the stories he heard.
Journal of Charles R Williams 1918-1919 (Scan)
Note: The scan begins with the blank journal cover. Scroll down to see the contents. Or download to view on your computer.
On Duty at Guipavas Naval Air Station
This is where my grandfather was stationed during World War I.
A guard stands at the entrance to Guipavas Naval Air Station.
Hangar under construction at Guipavas. (photo by CRW)
My grandfather at Guipavas.
The Capitaine Caussin in the hangar at Guipavas.
A photograph from my grandfather's camera. I can't say for sure, but I think he is second from the right. They are standing in front of the nacelle (suspended cabin) of the Capitaine Caussin.
My grandfather's notes on who is in the photograph.
Capitaine Caussin emerging from hangar.
Capitaine Caussin partly clear of hangar.
Capitaine Caussin nacelle.
Just before ascension of Capitaine Caussin.
Capitaine Caussin clear of hangar.
Capitaine Caussin nacelle with 4 Navy airmen.
Capitaine Caussin ascending but engine not in use.
Interior of nacelle with Navy airmen.
View of Guipavas Naval Air Station from the air.
At Liberty
My grandfather Charles R. Williams and his fellow mates apparently were granted liberty to visit nearby towns and villages while stationed at Guipavas. These photos are all from his camera. The photos, combined with his journal, give the impression that he was curious about the world and that he enjoyed meeting people, regardless of nationality, occupation, or social status.
Many of the individual photos are dated 9-1-18. My grandfather and two of his fellow sailors, Wandrie and Hendrickson, appear to have made the most of a single day of liberty.
CRW and Hendrickson at Plabennec.
The Church at Plabennec. 9-1-18
CRW with Wandrie and Hendrickson
Hendrickson and Wandrie with unidentified man.
CRW and Wandrie and "a native cart." 9-1-18
Wandrie, CRW, and Hendrickson with Mlle. Felicie Mahieuse at Plabennec. 9-1-18
A group of U.S. and French sailors. That looks like my grandfather behind the wheel.
"A burial ground beside the Church in Plabennec." 9-1-18
CRW and Wandrie at "one of the very old worshipping stands." 9-1-18
My grandfather was aware that stone crosses like this date back at least to medieval times. They are found in churchyards and along country roads throughout Brittany. Some stones like this actually date back thousands of years to pagan times and were later "Christianized" by being carved into crosses.
"A narrow gauge train, Gousenou." 9-1-18
My grandfather is on the left. "A study of buckwheat" was his caption for this photo.
On a visit to Brittany, I learned that a popular savoury crepe called a galette is made with buckwheat.
CRW with unidentified man in unidentified location. Could this be in Brest?
A Souvenir
In 2020 I found this poster folded up amongst some old newspapers. My grandfather must have brought this back with him from France. The literal translation of the words on the poster (L'Emprunt de la Libération) is "The Liberation Loan." The purpose of this French poster and similar U.S. posters at the time was to urge citizens to buy war bonds to help finance their nation's war effort. The poster measures 31.5 in. x 44.75 in., is printed on what seems like newsprint, and is brittle with age.
More Photographs
Brest, showing port of commerce. Point of disembarkment of all troops, road to Pontenzen Barracks, Brest Air Station.
Trained pigeon men assigned to the Brest Air Station in WWI.
In his journal describing his voyage home after the war ended aboard the U.S.S. Wassaic, my grandfather mentions that the pigeon men, and their birds, were also on the vessel.
Pigeon house at Brest Air Station.
This photo of the nacelle (cabin) suspended below the Capitaine Caussin was probably taken early in the war, while the dirigible was still being operated by France. The dirigible was turned over to the U.S. Navy. At the front of the nacelle is a 47 mm anti-submarine gun.
La Vie Aérienne : a weekly review. 1919-02-27.
Capitaine Caussin
La Vie Aérienne : a weekly review. 1919-02-27.
Following the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson embarked for Europe aboard the U.S.S. George Washington.
The Capitaine Caussin flew out to meet and escort Wilson's ship as it approached the port of Brest on December 13, 1918.
These boats in full dress awaited the arrival of Wilson in Brest Harbor.
President Wilson aboard the U.S.S. George Washington.
Steamer on which President Woodrow Wilson was taken from the U.S.S. George Washington to the Port of Commerce, Brest.
U.S. troops in formation awaiting arrival of President Woodrow Wilson at Brest.
After Wilson's visit, the Capitaine Caussin was deflated, disassembled, and readied for shipment to the U.S. My grandfather was ordered to travel with the shipment. On December 31, 1918, he departed from Brest aboard the U.S.S. Wassaic. Keeping a journal of the voyage, he arrived in Newport News, Virginia, on February 7, 1919.
The "dazzle" camouflage pattern was supposed to make it harder for a submarine to target the ship. My grandfather writes in his journal that it was painted over with "war grey" during the voyage home.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos are from Naval History and Heritage Command - www.history.navy.mil