40 and 8 Boxcars

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

One interesting point I hear in recent years is that the WW I soldier had a scheduled "in the line time" of 5 days per assignment and then rotated out. The impression that I had had for sixty years was they were put into the mess and stayed their for long periods. The use of the 40 & 8s was the chosen troop movement whenever possible. Like all military experiences the 40 & 8 attained somewhat "good feeling" as a long remembered experience once alive and happily back in the States a number of years later. 

Oakie G Ford
IRONTON, OH

 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org 
To: NW Mailing List 
Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2005 7:52 AM
Subject: 40 and 8 Boxcars


Jerry Kay, et. al.,

Does anyone know of a resource giving the current status of all of the original "Merci" (40 Hommes/Chevaux) boxcars?

Although I have often read these cars were called "forty and eights" by the doughboys, I assume it meant 40 men or 8 horses.

Albert Burckard

---------Original Message ----- 
  From: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org 
  To: NW Mailing List 
  Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2005 12:44 AM
  Subject: Unique U.S. Rail History


  Virginia's 40&8 car is located at the Virginia War Museum in Newport News.  It is the featured item in an exhibit called "Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation".



  This exhibit commemorates the role of the Hampton Roads region of Southeast Virginia during World Wars I and II as a center of activity for numerous paramilitary organizations and as a hub for the movement of millions of troops. The focal point of the exhibit is the railway boxcar that houses it; one of the finest remaining examples of a "Merci" Train boxcar (40/8) - one "Merci" boxcar was given to each of the States of the Union after World War One to show appreciation of American sacrifices in an effort to help protect France from the Central Powers. It was rededicated after World War Two. 



  Jerry Kay




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