Hubert Ward Letter to Joseph Boyce - October 23, 1918
Transcript
October 23rd 1918. Capt. Joseph Boyce St. Louis [Missouri]. My dear Joseph I have very little time to write a letter as I am about to become embroiled in a battle, but I feel I must send you the enclosed account of German brutality as described by the special correspondent of the 'Times'. That his statements are true is beyond doubt, and I hope and pray the Allies will never have peace until the Germans are thoroughly punished, and have repaid every job and little to outraged France. The description of the sufferings of the French civilians in Lille Roubaix and Tourcoing makes my blood boil. It is true the German Army practised every low and cowardly trick against allied soldiers. On the Aisne they
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[Page 2] fired from under the white glad, at Ypres they introduced poisonous gas, later they used liquid fire; to shot after surrender, to bomb hospitals, to shell ambulance wagons, to leave our wounded to die are things to which we have become accustomed - AND for which as soldiers we could always retaliate. But it is very different with civilians, and the unspeakable crimes of the German Army in occupied France and Belgium - the robberies, the murders, and above all the deportation of the young women cry to Heaven for vengence. REVENGE, REVENGE, REVENGE should be our battle cry. The worst barbarians of fiction are better than the Hun of reality. I cannot find language to express my thoughts, for the Germans are Hounds of Hell and should be exterminated!
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[Page 3] Since August 8th we have advanced steadily and I have been continually engaged. You have no doubt read with pride the splendid deeds of the American troops. No words of mine could do justice to their bravery and endurance. From the soldiers of the United States we expected much, and they have surpassed all expectations. The Germans are still putting up a stiff fight, but utter defeat stares them in the face. Edward is still going strong with No 4 squadron R. Air Force, and Tony is well on this way to be an observer. Jim alone is at home with Mother. Frances of course is not far away and her two children Mama and Dennis are often the greater part of the day with their grandmother. The weather of late has been very wet and in consequence has made operations difficult. The thing I hate most out here is the cold and rain.
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[Page 4] I often wonder is Hell really a place of everlasting fire - if so it won’t be so bad. I dread to think if I go there I may find it a place of eternal ice, with cold liquid mud on every side - with no place to lie down, and continual snow storms. Some of this I experienced in the battle of Arras in April 1917, and if I could create a Hell for the Huns I would make the climate everlasting cold. I hope you are all well in St Louis. Please remember me to Mrs Beauregard, to whom I shall certainly write when I am 'en repos'. With best love to you and yours believe me always Your affectionate cousin Hubert Ward.
Details
| Title | Hubert Ward Letter to Joseph Boyce - October 23, 1918 |
| Creator | Ward, Hubert |
| Source | Ward, Hubert. Hubert Ward Letter to Joseph Boyce. 23 October 1918. Boyce, Joseph Collection, 1844-1913. A0161. The Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | In this letter, dated October 23, 1918, Hubert Ward wrote his cousin Joseph Boyce of St. Louis concerning German treatment of civilians and the recent Battle of Arras. |
| Subject LCSH | Great Britain. Army. British Expeditionary Force; Great Britain. Army--Cavalry; Great Britain. Army. Royal Army Medical Corps; World War, 1914-1918--Chemical warfare; World War, 1914-1918--Destruction & pillage; Arras, Battle of, Arras, France, 1917 |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| 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 | October 23, 1918 |
| Language | English |