WWII U.S. Cook's Footlocker Grouping W/ Uniform & St. Clair Helmet Liner (ID'd)
This absolute time capsule of a footlocker grouping, although marked as "Sold", is, in fact, available. Due to its size, weight, and abundance of individual items, we would prefer to sell this grouping locally (Chicagoland area), however shipping domestically is an option, albeit somewhat expensive. This original WWII U.S. footlocker grouping is ID'd to Staff Sergeant Robert F. Watkins, serial number 33360378. View the Veteran's Information Section for more details regarding Watkins' life and military service as an Army cook. There are a couple pieces identified to men other than Watkins, however everything included comes just as it did when we acquired this grouping from the veteran's nephew, and we guarantee the originality of everything. The new owner will receive all that is shown (excluding the mannequin), and even some items that are not shown. We are limited in the amount of pictures we can add to the listing, so if you'd like to see anything in greater detail, feel free to contact us. Below is a general breakdown of what is included:
- Footlocker (stenclied with "S/Sgt. Robert F. Watkins, A.S.N. 33360378")
- Complete St. Clair M1 helmet liner (with Watkins' name and rank)
- A small collection of original, wartime photographs (Watkins in all)
- Cardstock stencil that was used to paint the top of the footlocker
- Letter from Robert F. Watkins to Mrs. J. W. Bennett
- Calling card
- Railway Express paper tags
- Well-used set of cook's clothing (jacket, trousers, chef's hat, and apron)
- Lesser-used set of cook's trousers and chef's hat
- Two laundry bags
- Overseas duffel bag (identified to Joe A. Blevins)
- Two canteens (one with cover and one without)
- M1926 pistol belt
- Damaged WWI gasmask
- Ankle strap portion of a pair of leather "double-buckle" boots (identified to prisoner of war John W. Sanbower, Jr., serial number 33886178)
- Rigger-made pouch constructed from a cleaning rod cover
- WWI pouch for small articles
- Small wooden first aid box (marked "tanic acid powder")
- Carlisle bandage in orange tin
- Prayer book
- New Testament
- Church of St. John token
- White-handled Schick
- Finger nail clipper
- Small mirror
- Sterling silver ID bracelet (engraved "Robert F. Watkins")
- Lot of seven music records
- 1955 calendar marked with the date of Watkins' death
- "Last meal" plate with hand-written tag from Watkins' mother
Veteran's Information
Robert Fields Watkins was born in 1911 in Virginia. He enlisted in the United States Army on April 21, 1942 at Camp Lee, Virginia. Watkins underwent training first at the School for Bakers and Cooks at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana, and then served at Fort Knox in Kentucky. He eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Watkins died on April 26, 1955. Made available to the new owner, below, are Watkins' records from the National Archives, however there is still plenty of research for the new owner to do!
