Owen Krueger letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley - April 11, 1919
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Berlin April 11 – [1919] Dear Dr. [Henry Milton] Whelpley: When America entered the war our slogan was “On to Berlin,” a few of us passed the Army of occupation at Coblentz and reached our goal. Was transferred February 26th from the base hospital at Savenoy France to this city as a member of the surgical staff of the American Military Mission. Where your welcome letter and journal were forwarded to me. Thanks for same – they were greatly appreciated. My new duties consist of visiting some of the large prison camps in Germany, to see if the Russian prisoners are receiving the proper surgical treatment and to [ms illegible: 1 wd] with the german surgeon in charge relative to their care. Spent some weeks at a large hospital camp near Mescheve, a quaint little city situated in a lovely valley, surrounded by beautiful mountains, in the heart of Westphalia.
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[page 2] Think Sal Smith Russel has it in mind he wrote that charming play “Peaceful Valley.” Parts of this beautiful city have been badly wrecked by cannon and rifle fire. Many streets are still barricaded with barbed wire entanglement and stones. The city is under martial law, 3 inch cannon and machine guns are placed around all government buildings and the Presidents residence. Machine guns, mounted upon trucks manned by german soldiers parole the streets all the time ready to quell any new outbreak. Large posters cover the city. Some appeal to the laborers to remain at work, others ask the mothers to prevent their sons joining the Sparticus and to stand by the new Government, another begs the people to follow the teachings for [Woodrow] Wilson and not [Vladimir] Lenin. There seems to be a strong under current of unrest. The streets are crowded with people all during the day, who seem to be wandering aimlessly about. They present a neat appearance. There is no question but that the middle and lower classes have suffered greatly for food during the past 2 years. Their aenamic condition and gaunt forms, plainly tell the story. The present food allowance for an adult per week is, black bread 4 pounds, which is made of rye meal, neaize and Rohlroba, potatoes 5 pounds, meat including the bone 250 gramme, fats 80 gramme,
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[page 3] Children under 4 years of age receive 1 liter of milk per week. Coffee is made from “nitabaga” a spices of Turnip, which are cut into small pieces and toasted, the finished product looks like the real article - but tastes different. Meal, milk, bread and potatoes are not obtainable without tickets, fats are extremely scarce and are sorely needed. Butter when obtainable is quoted at 32 marks per pound, eggs 1 mark 60 phu each. The business people place all their hope in America. They fear France and England desire to crush them buy and all recovery and trust President [Woodrow] Wilson will see to it that their fiscal obligations will be within their power to fulfill in the course of time. They seem to realize that they will be compelled to pay dearly for the atrocities they have committed. Many ask why does the whole world hate Germany? Why? I cannot tell them my reason, for we are in a hostile country, nearly 400 miles from our troops at Coblentz and depend solely upon our uniforms for protection. I leave tomorrow to visit the hospital at Comnitz ui Saxony. If I return home by way of St. Louis shall be pleased to look you up and detail a few of my experiences. My work has been intensely interesting ever since I landed. Am enclosing a few cards showing some of the destruction wrought during the recent Sparticus uprising. With all good wishes, I am, Fraternally Captain Owen Krueger M.C.
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American Military Mission Berlin Germany A.P.O. 946 via headquarters 3rd Army Coblentz.
Details
Title | Owen Krueger letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley - April 11, 1919 |
Creator | Krueger, Owen |
Source | Krueger, Owen. Letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley. 11 April 1919. Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley Collection, 1826-1929. A1737. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
Description | Owen Krueger sent this letter to Dr. Henry Milton Whelpley. Dr. Whelpley was the dean of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and editor of the Meyer Brothers Druggist magazine. Krueger wrote that he was a member of the surgical staff of the American Military Mission serving in Germany. He described his experiences in Germany as well as the plight of the German people. This letter was written on Hotel Aslon letterhead. |
Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--Occupied territories |
Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
Site Accession Number | A1737 |
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 | April 11, 1919 |
Language | English |