A Doctor in France, 1917-1919: The Diary of Harold Barclay

A seasoned physician and former Spanish‑American War medic, Harold Barclay trades his New York comforts for a commission in the American Expeditionary Forces. His diary opens with the bustling scramble at Roosevelt Hospital, the clatter of trucks on Pier 60, and the nervous excitement of young officers and enlisted men preparing for their first overseas deployment. Through his meticulous notes on uniforms, equipment, and the mix of college‑educated volunteers, readers feel the palpable mix of duty and uncertainty that marked the early days of America’s entry into the Great War.

Once in France, Barclay’s entries blend vivid battlefield observations with his enduring love of music and the countryside. He records the stark contrast between the shattered villages around Château‑Thierry and the simple pleasures of shared meals, music, and camaraderie among the troops. His thoughtful reflections reveal a doctor striving to heal both bodies and spirits amid the chaos of a world at war.