A Letter from the King

The Poplar Bluff Museum tell many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

“Soldiers of the United States, the people of the British Isles welcome you on your way to take your stand beside the Armies of many Nations now fighting in the Old World the great battle for human freedom. The Allies will gain new heart and spirit in your company. I wish that I could shake the hand of each one of you and bid you God speed on your mission, George V. April 1918.”

The above letter is from King George V of England welcoming American soldiers to his country. It is written in his own handwriting on stationary with a Windsor Castle letterhead. It was sent to Colonel Henry Phillips of Poplar Bluff by his son, Sergeant Major Marceau Phillips of the American Expeditionary Force Liverpool England.

King George V’s letter is on display in the World War I exhibit of the Kanell Hall Veterans Museum, located in the Poplar Bluff Museum. The Museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 Main Street. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.