FRANK BROUGH Introduction - During World War I, the people in Hackensack just like all across America, would receive letters from their sons who were in the service. Being the only form of communication and information about what was going on “OVER THERE”, these letters would be censored before being sent home. The local newspapers would print them and they would reveal a lot about the young men who wrote them and the community he lived in. Here are those reports and letters from The Evening Record on Frank Brough as they reveal the soldiers sacrifice. Written by: |
1—FRANK BROUGH'S DISAPPOINTMENT: May 25, 1917 This article tells of Frank Brough's rejection from military service even though he was a college baseball coach and could run the hundred in close to 10 seconds. 2----FRANK C. BROUGH—TELLS OF BEING “SHOT FULL OF “GERMS”: January 3, 1918 This article is after Frank had continued to pursue his enlistment not taking no for an answer because of his fallen arches in his feet and he was accepted. Frank at this point in time is state side at Port Royal South Carolina receiving his inoculations. The article contains excerpts of letters he sent home to his parents in Hackensack . He sounds like a real regular guy and one that truly loved his parents. 3----FRANK BROUGH HAS –ARRIVED “OVER THERE”: April 2, 1918 Only three months after the last news article Frank Brough is reported having arrived in France safely. The article may not be accurate in claiming Frank is in France , he may be somewhere else in Europe . 4----FRANK BROUGH MEETS “BILLY” PINCE IN FRANCE: June 3, 1918 In this article we learn Frank Brough is with the Marines 82 nd Co. 6 th Regiment. He mentions men he is with and the Harry he mentions, I do not believe is Harry Doremus. The headline says he is in France but again at the end of the article after he mentions meeting the other Hackensack man Billy Pince he states “Well I am eagerly looking forward to the time when I'll read my first letter on French soil, which can't be far off now, trusting that you are as well as the ‘prodigal' is.” Frank is stating here that he is in a camp which is outside of France . Because of the sensoring of letters and particularly information on locations I believe the newspaper rather then explaining this just said he was in France . Frank uses a term “Waps” in reference to his training when they had to pick and shovel. This was a term which was used primarily for Italians who came through Ellis Island and were rejected for not having the correct paper work. The Italian immigrant would have to hang a sign on himself while standing off to the side of the line which spelled “WAPS” (Without Appropriate Papers). Growing up in Hackensack most Italians worked in the construction jobs and most of their work was with pick and shovel. The letter reveals Frank in good spirits and all is well. 5---- HACKENSACK BOY IS WOUNDED: August 8, 1918 ------Frank C. Brough, With Marines, Reported Wounded in Action July 15 This article just reports the facts no letter writing home in this article. It mentions for the first time in this article of him attending Hackensack High School . Although I found only one article on his rejection from the military in this article it says he was rejected several times. 6----FRANK C. BROUGH DIES FROM WOUNDS: August 22, 1918 -----THIRD HACKENSACK BOY TO MAKE SUPREME SACRIFICE IN FRANCE Two weeks after reporting Frank Brough was wounded the top headline reports of his death which occurred on July 23, 1918 one month before. News traveled slowly in 1918 and confirming the facts was not always easy. This article reports on Frank Brough's death with the barest of details but with a lot of personal emotion from his mom and dad. The article states that he was 24 years old when he died. If Frank Brough was 24 when he died that would mean he graduated Hackensack High School sometime around 1910-1912. His fathers comment at the end of the article reveals the strong patriotic feelings of the day. 7----CONFIRMS FRANK BROUGH'S DEATH: November 15, 1918 Brave Young Marine Had Been Proposed for Croix de Guerre. Frank C. Brough's parents Dr. and Mrs. Frank C. Brough, who lived on Court Street in Hackensack up until this article when it mentions “formerly of Court Street”, were still clinging to the hope that there was a mistake in the reporting of their sons death because of conflicting reports. Almost three months later, their slim thread of hope was put to rest with this letter which appeared in the Record. It is a very touching letter that can bring one to tears sent to Dr. and Mrs. Frank C. Brough from a Red Cross nurse who attended to his care in France at the time of his death. Let us never forget the Marines sacrifice. Written by: |