Downtown Huntsville Library
Memories of a WWI Ambulance Driver
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Judy Bruckner possesses a black, leather-bound album containing photographs and journal entries by a 19-year old ambulance driver named Charles C. Leonard, Judy's grandfather. This vast collection of memories allowed her to experience WW1 through Charles' eyes during his stint as a volunteer for the American Field Service organization from 1917-1919.
Charles Leonard was a fatherless 19-year-old when he “got the bug” to join the war effort in France during World War One. He knew his poor eye sight would prevent him from serving in regular military service. He volunteered as an ambulance driver for the Ambulance Field Service. Discover how he successfully enters the US Army to serve the French Infantry until April 1919.
It was rare for a serviceman to carry a camera, yet Charles captured a side of the war few people read about and he does it through the lens of a camera. Follow his journey in a speaking event presented by his granddaughter, Judy Bruckner.
Judy spent 8 years researching, transcribing letters home and a diary, as well as, repairing over 1000 photos (mostly taken by Charles) to capture his harrowing experiences at the western front during the Great War.
Join Judy as she shares her journey, his photos, and stories from his adventures from the book she compiled; Memories of a WW1 ambulance driver.