Hubert Ward Letter to Joseph Boyce - May 26, 1918
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May 26th 1918. Capt. Joseph Boyce. My dear Joseph I really feel a Hun (that's the worst name I can think of) for not writing to you for such a long time. Many times I have thought of you and resolved to waste no time in writing to tell you of events I knew would interest you, but my resolutions never materialised and as the war goes on I find my correspondence grows less and less. I ask your forgiveness and now although I have not much time at my disposal I shall send you as long a letter as I can write before my "post corporal" calls for the mail. First I wish to thank you for the very kind congratulations sent in your letter of April 27th - which has just reached me to-day. (of course it was opened by the Censor).
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[Page 2] I have been very fortunate. The prayers of those at home, and of my friends across the sea have kept me safe through many a hot day. I have escaped unscratched, and I have been awarded the "Distinguished Service Order" the Military Cross and the Mons Star. Added to this I have been made acting Lieut. Colonel while in command of Cavalry Field Ambulance, so you see my reward has been "pressed down and plowing over." I tell you this in no boastful spirit, but because I know you will be pleased, and I want to let you know that I treasure the traditions and endeavour to follow the example of my heroic cousin, who fought so gallantry through the American Civil War.
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[Page 3] I cannot tell you how deeply touched I was by your words about the Huns and by your comparison of the Kaiser to his worthy ancestor [Frederick the Great]. Your words remind me of one or two sentences in Macaulays Essay on [Frederick], sentences which I think are very true of the Kaiser. "Yet the King of Prussia, the Anti-[ms illegible: 1 wd], had already fully determined to commit the great crime of violating his plighted faith, of robbing the ally whom he was bound to defend, and of plunging Europe into a long, bloody, and desolating war; and all this for no end whatever except - that he might extend his dominions, and see his name in the gazettes. He determined to assemble a great army with speed and secrecy, to invade Silesia before Maria Theresa should be apprised of his design and to add that rich province to his kingdom." The words
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[Page 4] that were so true of [Frederick the Great] in 1740 are equally true of the Kaiser in 1914. I guess I can love my fellow men and still hate the Bosch, with a hatred above every other feeling I possess. The doctrine that might is right, that treaties can be broken with impunity, that the weak are but the slaves of the strong, that the world has been created by God to be ruled by the Kaiser has too long been preached - The allies for almost four years have fought and bled rather than tolerate such blasphemy. During the struggle we have had varied fortune - we have had moments when even the stout-hearted felt uneasy, but we have had moments of delight also, and now we are absolutely confident. We know American troops are hurrying to our assistance, we know there are no better soldiers on earth and we feel certain their arrival means the doom of German methods, the annihilation of Hindenhup troops, the victory of Right ove wrong.
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[Page 5] I well remember the first time American aid was impressed upon my mind. Months ago I waited with my brigade while the infantry made an attack upon some very strong German positions. Our fellows fought magnificiently, but were held up on one flank by a small wood, and this wood had to be taken before we could advance. The fight continued all day. In the afternoon rain fell heavily, and for three days, without a moments interval torrents poured down upon the battlefield. The ground became a quagmire and further advance was impossible. My brigade was withdrawn on the third day of the battle, and we came back to a little village through which a main railway line passed. It was there I saw a train full of soldiers - young fine brave fellows. They were younger than most of our soldiers, and they wore the round hats I had seen in pictures of American soldiers.
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[Page 6] As the train approached I saw the flag of the Stars and Stripes, so I stood and waved and cheered for I knew these were the soldiers of the United States. Since then many days have passed and I have been through many battles, and every day the evidence of American aid becomes more clear, and her assistance more marked. I have now two American doctors with me - one R.G. Hamlin from Richmond, Virginia and the other Edwin J. Rose from Ironton Ohio. Hamlin is now medical officer to the Queen's [ms illegible: 1 wd], and for his good and courageous work in the recent fighting he won the Military Cross. Rose is also a fine gallant fellow, a most efficient officer, a thorough gentleman in every way. He has made himself most popular, and if ever he is called to rejoin the American Army we shall be very sorry to lose him. Of course, you have read about
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[Page 7] the recent German Offensive. They certainly had more success than I believed possible, but they were brought to a standstill before Amiens, and for six weeks they have remained quiet. At any moment we expect another big attack, but we are confident the Hun will be badly beaten. Each day brings more American troops to our assistance, and goes to neutralise the Bosch advantage in numbers. Ere this letter reaches you a decisive battle may be fought. Letters from Mother show she is pretty well altho' of course anxious about Edward and myself. Again and again and again I thank you for your words of encouragement, and your sound advice to Mother - to have courage and hope and not to be overcome by grief and gloom. Really she is wonderful, and her energy, her devotion to us all, her faithful letters her goodness her unselfishness make me think her equal was never born. Edward is doing great work in the air.
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[Page 8] I have seen him three or four times in France, and I think the life agrees with him. The British and American airmen are wonderful. They have completely chased the Hun from the sky during the day. At night, however, under cover of darkness enemy machines cross our lines and drop bombs - mostly on harmless civilians. Affairs in Scotland seem pretty bad. I am deadly sorry to see the Bishop becoming [Sinn Feiners]. I cannot understand why some Irish politicians and priests try so hard to play the German game. I hope America will not tolerate any nonsense and that President Wilson will not listen to those who with German money, and German agents have created a pro-German atmosphere in some parts of Scotland. I am very well, and I hope you
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[Page 9] are all in good health and good spirits. I still look forward to the time when this war will be over, and I shall be able to go and see you. Again I thank you for your kind congratulations, and once more I ask pardon for my long silence. With best love to you all I remain ever Your affectionate cousin Hubert Ward.
Details
| Title | Hubert Ward Letter to Joseph Boyce - May 26, 1918 |
| Creator | Ward, Hubert |
| Source | Ward, Hubert. Hubert Ward Letter to Joseph Boyce. 26 May 1918. Boyce, Joseph Collection, 1844-1913. A0161. The Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | In this letter, dated May 26, 1918, Hubert Ward wrote his cousin Joseph Boyce of St. Louis about being awarded the Distinguished Service Order, the Military Cross, and the Mons Star. Ward also stated high praise for United States' soldiers he encountered. |
| Subject LCSH | Great Britain. Army. British Expeditionary Force; Great Britain. Army--Cavalry; Great Britain. Army. Royal Army Medical Corps; Military decorations; Distinguished Service Order (Great Britain); Military Cross (Great Britain); Great Britain. Royal Commis |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; Mons Star |
| Site Accession Number | A0161 |
| Contributing Institution | Missouri History Museum |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond those allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Missouri History Museum: 314-746-4510 |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. Contact the Missouri History Museum's Permissions Office at 314-746-4511 to obtain written consent. |
| Date Original | May 26, 1918 |
| Language | English |