The United States did not enter World War I until April of 1917, but it was not unusual for Americans to go to Canada and enlist before President Woodrow Wilson finally signed the United States up to fight. I do not know my grandfather's motivation, but he lived in an era that followed on the heels of Theodore Roosevelt's presidency and Roosevelt was a man who talked up his bully wars and his patriotisms. "Honor" -- which required a person to do for others or for his country what he might prefer not to do -- was something taken seriously and held dear.
My grandfather committed suicide in 1945.
The article:
[Cincinnati]
Times-Star
March 5, 1915
CINCINNATI
MAN IS TO
FIGHT WITH
CANADIANS
Commission received
By Capt. H. C. Eustis
His Offer of Enlistment
Accepted by British
Troops May Be Moved to War
Zone in Near Future
Word was received in Cincinnati
Friday that H.C. Eustis, former lieutenant of Troop C. Ohio National Guard, has
received his commission as a captain in the Canadian forces enlisted for
service in the European war. Captain Eustis left Cincinnati
several months ago and went to Ottawa
where he tendered his services to the English government. He was assigned to
the Canadian Mounted Rifles and his commission is dated from January 1, 1915. His company is attached to the Fifth regiment of the Mounted
rifles and it is understood that the force will be moved to England
within a short time.
George Eustis, the broker, was in receipt of a letter Friday
from Captain Eustis, but at the time it was written he had not been notified
about his commission and was still doubtful about the future movement of the troops.
A dispatch from Ottawa,
however, carries Captain Eustis's name among the American officers who have
been accepted by the English government for service in the great struggle.
Other American officers mentioned are Major Charles W. Stewart, late first lieutenant
of the Fifth Cavalry, U.S.A.,
who is now serving in charge of the remounts on transport to England
from St. John, N.B., and Captain
Herbert W. McBride, late of the Indiana National guard, who is detailed to
musketry instructor at Kingston, Ont., of the Thirty-Eighth battalion of the
Canadian Expeditionary force.
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