Long Level Soldier Wounded
A few days before armistice was declared between the Allies and Germany, ending the First World War, the York Gazette and Daily published a poignant letter written home by a York County soldier wounded in France.
The heading read:
“PRIVATE GEORGE SLOAT IS TWICE WOUNDED
Long Level Soldier Falls in Battle with Bullets in Leg and Arm”
George, the son of Mr. & Mrs. H. P. Sloat of Long Level, wrote the following to his sister Maggie:
“Oct. 11, 1918
Dear Sister:
I shall now try and write you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along. Well, I do not like to tell you this kind of news. I am at the present in the hospital. I have a wounded leg and hand. So I had bad luck and good luck after all. I am not feeling so bad just at present. They did not operate on me yet. I will let you know later how I am. I hope I will get better again. I had been to the front and went over the top four days, and the fifth one I was hurt.
I did not hear from home for quite awhile. I guess I was changed around too much. I wish I could get lots of mail, but I still have some old letters. I read them and I have a few pictures and look at them. I have mother’s picture with me. I wish I had papa’s and all of you. I dream of home. I dreamed the other night.
I have a real nice place here. I can lie here and look out the window at the people, but I would rather be out myself walking around, but I hope the Lord will help me to get out again. I ask him every day to help me. I did not forget what you had in your letter. Maggie, I know you are praying for me. I can see you and dear old mother praying for me. Maggie, it make me cry while I am writing you this letter. But do not think I am home sick. I do not want to get that. I am praying that the Lord will spare all our lives till we see each other again. I am going to live in hopes that the war will end, and all can come home.
I will soon have to close for this time. Tell them at home you heard from me, and always take care of mother and father. I know you look after them. I will close, hoping these lines will find you well and happy. Will close with love to all the dear ones in old U.S.A.
Your brother,
Pvt. Geo. A. Sloat
United States Army”
This letter was written 90 years ago, but very similar ones are being written right now. The war we know as World War I (1914-1918) was sometimes referred to as “the war to end all wars.” Too bad it didn’t.
Click here to read about problems a York Mayor had with soldiers in training.
Click here to read about “The Road of Remembrance,” York County’s memorial for World War I soldiers.
