An Unusual Role
R.E. Lee, Traveling Through France as a Lady
Utica Saturday Globe, April 1919
Robert E. Lee
1895 - 1964
Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]: Not one of the gallant lads who has gone from Norwich to engage in the great world war has done his part more bravely or with more spirit than Robert Lee, son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Lee, who had his full share of strenuous experiences while in the front lines. Since the armistice was signed and active hostilities have been halted, "Bob" has been filling in the interim until he shall be permitted to return home touring the various divisions in France with a troupe of entertainers. The party travel largely by automobile except for long jumps in their circuit. They put on a musical comedy called Mademoiselle Juliette and "Bob" is the Mademoiselle.
A few days after he joined the company at Stigney the lieutenant in charge of the troupe took him to a nearby city and outfitted him with a complete wardrobe including silk gowns and stockings and slippers, picture hats and all the accessories to a charming stage appearance. Everywhere the play is put on it makes a big hit and "Bob" is finding the work very interesting, but it is evident that like many more of the lads who are being detained on foreign soil he is longing for a look at the old home and the sight of the familiar faces, from which he has been separated for more than a year. In the midst of his merry making he cannot forget the terrible days in the trenches and the hardships he and his fellows experienced. In one part of the program he sings Mother Machree, and he writes how vividly it brings to his mind at each appearance the picture of his own home and starts the longing to be there.
The troupe puts on one or two performances daily in the places they visit. They are planning to play Obeumont, where Gen Pershing's head quarters were located, and then would go to Paris for a three days' stand, affording them another chance to see the gay town. In one town where they played, "Bob" ran across Jim Hannon and they ate dinner together. He wished all could come over and enjoy the show. In an official communication, from the headquarters of the First Army Corps, Lieut. Col. H.M. Kelly extends his congratulations to the members of the troupe for their excellent and successful entertainment. He appreciates the difficulties under which they have labored, but believes the success they have attained should at least partly reward them for their efforts. The spirit and enthusiasm displayed by the troupe in giving entertainments to their brothers in arms is typical of the fine spirit and enthusiasm for which the First Corps is noted.
In his last letter, "Bob" expressed the hope that he might start for home not later than April, rumors having reached him that plans were being laid to start him and his associates for America during the month.
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Robert E. Lee Returns Home
Norwich Sun, August 9, 1919
Robert E. Lee arrived at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Lee, of Gold street, on Friday evening, after nearly two years' absence in the service. Mr. Lee enlisted from Pittsburgh, where he was then employed, in September, 1917. He was trained at Camp Leeve and was sent overseas from that mobilization camp. He was in active service at the front for over eight months.
Following the signing of the armistice, Private Lee was transferred to an entertainment company composed of doughboys of his division and has toured practically every American army camp in France and several of the occupation camps of Germany as well. Many Norwich friends will be glad to welcome him home again.
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