World War I diary of Klaas Groothuis

Collection

Identifier: collection 535

Content Description

This collection consists solely of the diary kept by Klass Groothuis during the time of his military service in World War I. The diary dates from May 29, 1918 to January 14, 1919 and is written in Dutch. No known English translation exists. Groothuis was involved in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, part of the final Allied offensive of World War I, and he mentions it in his dairy, as well as the Armistice on November 11, 1918 and the influenza pandemic.

Dates

Creation: 1918 - 1919

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open and available for researcher use.

Biographical / Historical

Born in 1898 in Loppersum, Netherlands, Klaas Groothuis immigrated to the United States in July of 1912. According to city directories, Klaas worked as a general laborer, painter, and cement worker in the few years he lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In July of 1918 he boarded a military transport ship in New York as a Private in Company C, 310th Field Signal Battalion National Army. After arriving in Liverpool, England, his company was transported to France. He died of influenza on February 17, 1919 and was buried in Germany. Eventually he was moved to Arlington National Cemetery and buried there on September 18, 1920.

Full Extent

.5 Linear Feet (1 small, square box.)

Language of Materials

Dutch; Flemish

Additional Description

Abstract

Klaas Groothuis kept this diary during his military service in World War I. Born in 1898 in Loppersum, Netherlands, Klaas immigrated to the United States in 1912, lived and worked as a laborer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and returned to Europe in 1918 to serve. His diary touches on the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, as well as the Armistice on November 11, 1918, and the influenza pandemic, which killed him in 1919. Groothuis is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His diary may be of interest to researchers comfortable with the Dutch language who are interested in the experience of Dutch immigrants, particularly those who served in World War I. The diary may also be of interest to students or academics who want to translate it as an exercise.