Gerrit S. Hyde, World War I Navy Man

Gerrit Hyde Writes

He is on a Patrol Boat in the War Zone

Utica Saturday Globe, ca. 1918

 

 

Gerrit S. Hyde

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Among the many interesting letters received from Norwich boys on the other side, none have received closer attention than those written by Gerrit S. Hyde to his mother, Mrs. Bernice Hyde.  Gerrit is on one of the big battleships patrolling the war zone and does not expect to return to America until the war is over.  Under date of June 27 he writes regarding the work of the submarines:

 

"You are right in not worrying too much about the submarines on the Atlantic coast.  The navy can successfully cope with them and really, I believe that it was a good thing that they did come over, for they have brought the war a little closer to our shores and have given a jounce to those who have considered the war a European affair, if there remains any of that tribe.

 

"I firmly believe that the war is now in the hands of the Allies.  On the sea we are supreme despite the submarines, which seem to grow fewer and fewer and which soon will be of little importance.  On the western front we can feel secure in the advantage of the Allies and I am looking continually to read that they are steadily pushing back the Germans.  The length of war depends on the strength of the front Germany is putting up.  The occasional glimpses we get behind that front are anything but startling."