Portrait of Henri Montelecque, the young boy who saw the fall of Lt. Louis Bennett on August 24, 1918. Accompanied letter from Marie-Louis Plancy to Mrs. Louis Bennett, 22 July 1919 in the Bennett Collection Box 3, Folder 3.
Bennett, Lt. Louis and Captain Kelly (On Crutches) at Sheepshead Bay
Date:
1917/05/24
Description:
Captain Kelly, British Flying Corps, on crutches and Louis Bennett, Jr., West Virginia Flying Corps, holding bottle, pose for a portrait at Sheepshead Bay, May 24, 1917.
Bennett, Lt. Louis (Center) and with Fellow Pilots
Date:
ca. 1918
Description:
Officers of the West Virginia Flying Corps, including (left to right) Lieutenant Thomas Kent, Captain Louis Bennett, Jr., and Lieutenant William Frey. They are standing in front of a Curtiss JN or "Jenny" aircraft. This photograph appeared with an article regarding the W. Va. Flying Corps in the July 29, 1917 issue of the Wheeling Sunday News on page eight of part iii.
Interior of Field Hospital, German Red Cross Number 40 at Wavrin, France
Date:
ca. 1918
Description:
Postcard of interior of field hospital, German Red Cross Number 40, at Wavrin, France. This was the hospital where Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr. passed away on August 24, 1918 while his wounds were being dressed after his plane was shot down. Richard Lavril [sic] Ulffz is shown at center. Postcard came with letter from Mlle. Madelien Dallenne to Sallie Maxwell Bennett, 14 July 1919. Bennett Collection Box 3, Folder 2.
Portrait of Jarvis Offutt and Lt. Louis Bennett. At left is Jarvis Jenness Offutt of the U.S. Air Sevice, who was temporarily attached to Number 56 Aero Squadron of the R.A.F. He was killed in an accident in France, August 13, 1918. He was from Nebraska and a classmate of Bennett at Yale.
Portrait of Jarvis Offutt and Lt. Louis Bennett. At left is Jarvis Jenness Offutt of the U.S. Air Sevice, who was temporarily attached to Number 56 Aero Squadron of the R.A.F. He was killed in an accident in France, August 13, 1918. He was from Nebraska and a classmate of Bennett at Yale.
Portrait of Jarvis Offutt and Lt. Louis Bennett. At left is Jarvis Jenness Offutt of the U.S. Air Sevice, who was temporarily attached to Number 56 Aero Squadron of the R.A.F. He was killed in an accident in France, August 13, 1918. He was from Nebraska and a classmate of Bennett at Yale.
Louis Bennett, Jr. driving his car at approximately age 12. See 'Cross and Cockade Journal' vol. 21, no. 4, winter 80 (West Virginia Collection Pamphlet no. 14277) for an identification on candid portrait of Bennett in car.
Louis Bennett, Jr. driving his car at approximately age 12. See 'Cross and Cockade Journal' vol. 21, no. 4, winter 80 (West Virginia Collection Pamphlet no. 14277) for an identification on candid portrait of Bennett in car.
Louis Bennett, Jr. driving his car at approximately age 12. See 'Cross and Cockade Journal' vol. 21, no. 4, winter 80 (West Virginia Collection Pamphlet no. 14277) for an identification on candid portrait of Bennett in car.
Marguerite, Jeanne, and Suzanne on a Postcard Sent to Mrs. Louis Bennett
Date:
undated
Description:
Postcard portrait of three ladies, Marguerite, Jeanne, and Suzanne. Back of postacard reads 'Un souvenir de votre bonne visite a Ouv. Nos meilleurs respects, J. Vallee' (A souvenir of our good visit to Ouv. Our many respects, J. Vallee.) Accompanied letter from Jeanne Vallee to Mrs. Louis Bennett, 24 August 1919.
Delanny, Abbot Leon of Wavrin, Northern France, Pastor During World War I, 1914-1919
Date:
ca. 1914-1919
Description:
Postcard portrait of Abbot Leon Delannoy, of Wavrin, Northern France, Pastor during World War I, 1914-1919. Card is addressed to 'Madame Bennett, glorious Bennett's mother, affectionate remembrance.' Cure Leon Delannoy, Wavrin France sent this picture to Dora Frost a friend of Sallie Maxwell Bennett. Frost forwarded the photo to Sallie with letter 2 November 1919. Bennett Collection, Box 3, Folder 11.
Postcard showing destruction at Wavrin, France. Lt. Louis Bennett was buried at Wavrin, near Lille, France, where a Memorial Church was dedicated in his honor on August 24, 1919.
Bennett, Louis Waiting for 'Tryout' Next to Aircraft at Sheepshead Bay
Date:
1917/05/26
Description:
Louis Bennett, Jr. and others stand to the right of an airplane while waiting for his 'tryout.' The aircraft appears to be an early Curtiss JN ("Jenny").
Bennett, Louis' Airplane, 'After the Fall,' at Sheepshead Bay
Date:
1917/05/27
Description:
Men inspect Louis Bennett, Jr.'s airplane 'after the fall.' Photograph taken at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 27th, 1917 at Sheepshead Bay. The aircraft is a Curtiss JN-4 ("Jenny").
Candid portrait of Louis Bennett, Jr. standing in the snow in front of an icicle covered building. This photograph was found in Bennett's Royal Air Force Wallet.
Portrait of Jarvis Offutt and Lt. Louis Bennett. At left is Jarvis Jenness Offutt of the U.S. Air Sevice, who was temporarily attached to Number 56 Aero Squadron of the R.A.F. He was killed in an accident in France, August 13, 1918. He was from Nebraska and a classmate of Bennett at Yale. This photograph was found in Bennett's Royal Air Force wallet.
Jarvis Offutt (left) and Orville A Ralston (right), sitting on luggage trunks. This photograph was found in Bennett's Royal Air Force wallet. Back of photo says, 'Lou - here you have the picture Bliss took wish you had been in it. Am ferrying now with H.B [?] at American Officers Inn, London. - Jarvis
Royal Air Force Pilot Holding Louis Bennett's Dog, Ninety.
Date:
ca. 1918
Description:
See Mary Hays letter to Louis Bennett, 16 August 1918, Bennett Collection, Box 2 Folder 3. Sopwith 'Dolphin' aircraft of No. 90 Squadron in the background.
Friends of Louis Bennett Pose in front of Airplane
Date:
ca. 1918
Description:
Group of friends of Louis Bennett, Jr. stand in front of an airplane. Names listed on back are Verity, Mordaunt, Lettice Aceland, Ottilie, and Ethel Mills. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!
Louis Bennett, center, stands among friends next to airplane. Names listed on back are Ethel Mills, Mordaunt, Ottilie, and Verity. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!
Louis Bennett, Jr. shows his plane to two young ladies, identified on the back of the photo as Lettice Aceland and Ottilie. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!
![Postcard of interior of field hospital, German Red Cross Number 40, at Wavrin, France. This was the hospital where Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr. passed away on August 24, 1918 while his wounds were being dressed after his plane was shot down. Richard Lavril [sic] Ulffz is shown at center. Postcard came with letter from Mlle. Madelien Dallenne to Sallie Maxwell Bennett, 14 July 1919. Bennett Collection Box 3, Folder 2.](/thumb/001331.jpg "Interior of Field Hospital, German Red Cross Number 40 at Wavrin, France")
![Jarvis Offutt (left) and Orville A Ralston (right), sitting on luggage trunks. This photograph was found in Bennett's Royal Air Force wallet. Back of photo says, 'Lou - here you have the picture Bliss took wish you had been in it. Am ferrying now with H.B [?] at American Officers Inn, London. - Jarvis](/thumb/001364.jpg "Friends of Louis Bennett Jr")
![Blurry portrait of Agra Bennett as presented at First Coronation Court [sic] in London.](/thumb/001367.jpg "Bennett, Agra as Presented at First Coronation Court [sic], London")
![Group of friends of Louis Bennett, Jr. stand in front of an airplane. Names listed on back are Verity, Mordaunt, Lettice Aceland, Ottilie, and Ethel Mills. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!](/thumb/001378.jpg "Friends of Louis Bennett Pose in front of Airplane")
![Louis Bennett, center, stands among friends next to airplane. Names listed on back are Ethel Mills, Mordaunt, Ottilie, and Verity. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!](/thumb/001379.jpg "Bennett, Louis and Friends Next to Airplane")
![Louis Bennett, Jr. shows his plane to two young ladies, identified on the back of the photo as Lettice Aceland and Ottilie. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!](/thumb/001380.jpg "Bennett, Louis Shows His Airplane to Two Ladies")