To Dr. Heyman Wreford,
The Firs, Denmark Road, Exeter, Devon, 29th Casualty Clearing Station, B. E. F., Germany,
March 10th 1919.
Dear Sir,
“While at Etaples a few weeks ago, your booklet, ‘A Message from God,’ given me, and my notice directed to your enquiry about Privat J. Ong.
“I was with the 49th Field Ambulance at the time of Ong’s death, and am able to give you the information you desire. I would have written long before this, but the day after 1 received the booklet we left for Calais to go from there to Germany. We have, since arriving here, been busy on account of influenza, but as, we are less busy now I am taking advantage of a little quiet time to write to you.
“Possibly someone else has seen your inquiry and has written, too, but here are the facts as I know them. Joe, as he was known by everybody, was carrying, with three other stretcher-bearers, a wounded man during the ‘stunt’ on August 7th at Bucquay. Another wounded man was walking behind the party. Joe and another Christian man, named Johnston, were the rear bearers. A shell burst behind them, killing them and the walking case instantly. Another bearer named Perkins died from his wounds at a C.C.S. the same day, while Travis, the fourth, was wounded in the leg and eventually got to England.
“Their comrades buried Joe and Johnston with the dead patient near some trees just off the road. The patient on the stretcher, I believe, escaped further injury. I think Perkins must be the comrade of the ‘bivvy’ whom Joe mentioned as having given himself to Christ. Travis wrote to me some time after from Weymouth, and by his letter I gather he has been helped and changed by his experience and by his contact with his Christian comrades.
“Joe Ong was a fine fellow. He was respected, and, I think I can say, loved by practically all in the ambulance. He always had a cheery word. His friendship was a help to the believers, and his conduct and example were a purifying influence among his comrades. He had the reputation for being courageous and calm at his duty while under fire.
“Even before I joined the 49th Field Ambulance I heard about Joe Ong from a Sergeant-Major, who inquired where: 1 was going when I had alighted at a railway station while on my way to the ambulance. This was Sergeant-Major Lille’, and he told me Joe was trying to start a branch of the S.C.A. in the ambulance. It was cheering to get news that such a man would be there in my new surroundings with whom I could have fellowship. The branch was started and we had our meetings when we could get together, and they were really helpful times.
“It was a sad day when I lost Joe, and the whole Ambulance seemed full of regret that Joe’ should have been killed.
“Owing to an attack of influenza I left the Ambulance at Le Ouesnoy in December, while it was on the way to Belgium. I got to Rouen and later to Etaples, from whence I was sent to the 29th C.C.S., which was at that time near Bapaume. I was attached temporarily to a stationary hospital beyond Doullens, and later on went to Calais to get the train to rejoin my C.C.S. in Germany. It was while at Etaples, on my way to Calais, that your booklet was given to me at the close of the meeting by a comrade who happened to ask about my unit. I am very happy if I have been of any service to you, and if you desire further information about our late friend I shall be pleased to tell you what I know.
“We are in Bonn, and I believe the S.C.A. is preparing to start a hut there. I hope so, for it is the best and most spiritual association of any for soldiers that I know. I don’t know how long I shall be here, but am expecting demobilization in a few weeks.” With best wishes for you and your work,
“I am,”
“Yours in Christ, “Fred G. Woodhatch, “Cpl. R.A.M.C.”
Thank God there were thousands like dear Ong in the Army, and eternity will declare what they were able to do for Christ among their comrades.