I don't know Edward, but his stunningly detailed, exceptionally well preserved statue stands proud as a testiment to his sacrifice.
The base of this statue says that Edward "Lost his life in English Channel May 24, 1918"
EDWARD GERL
EDWARD GERL, THIS CITY, IN LIST OF MISSING ON SHIP SUNK BY U-BOAT
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gerl, Wollmer Street, First Manitowoc Boy to Fall Victim to Undersea Warfare of the Enemy
WAS WITH CONTINGENT WHICH LEFT CITY IN OCTOBER FOR SERVICE
Another Manitowoc name has been added to the honor roll—"Died for His Country" and the city today mourns the loss of its first soldier victim of the U-boat in person of Edward Gerl whose name is listed among those missing following the sinking of the British steamer Moldavia in the English channel Thursday. Twelve of 53 American soldiers reported lost in the sinking of the steamer are Wisconsin boys. Edward Gerl, who was 28, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gerl, Wollmer street, this city, was with the second contingent which left here in October and was at Camp Custer for
a short time. The young man was a graduate of the Manitowoc County Training School and later was engaged in teaching in the county for two years, later taking an examination and entering the railway mail service in which he was at work when called to the colors.
Two Brothers In Service.
First intimation that the local soldier was among those missing and probably dead on the Moldavia was conveyed in Associated Press dispatches to the Herald today at 11:20 am and the family of Frank Gerl, brother, was informed of the news, and it was the son who soon after conveyed the sad intelligence to the parents at their home on the West side. The news was a terrible shock to Mr. and Mrs. Gerl who have had three of their sons respond to the call of
the colors, two of the boys having left within the past month, Richard to go to Columbus Barracks, O., and William as a member of the contingent sent to Lansing, Mich., two weeks ago to enter the Michigan College for special training as an automobile mechanic.
Overseas Three Weeks.
It was believed that Gerl was safe and in France receiving his training, because of the fact that word only recently was received from Leonard Pfeffer, another Manitowoc man who was with Gerl in North Carolina where they were assigned in camp, to the effect that he (Pfeffer) was safe in France. If Pfeffer conveyed the news from France, it is possible that the two Manitowoc boys became separated in England, Pfeffer being assigned to an earlier boat which landed him safely. Gerl was among the first of the local contingents to
leave the city and was transferred to Camp Greene, Charlotte, N.C. One of the last letters was received by his brother Frank which was dated April 4 in which it was intimated that he was soon to leave for New York to take passage for England. In a later letter to his parents, Gerl wrote on the eve of his departure from New York, stating that he was leaving in the morning. This letter was undated but was received here about three weeks ago. Judging from
the interim between that time and now, Gerl was assigned to cross the channel with the Moldavia's contingent almost immediately after he arrived in Liverpool or some other English coast port.
First Victim of U-Boat.
News of the loss of Gerl, the first Manitowoc boy to fall victim to the ruthless U-boat warfare of the enemy was a shock to the community and called forth widespread sympathy for the bereaved family. While there is a chance that Gerl may have been picked up and saved, the hope is not strong as it is feared that the men lost on the Monrovia were killed outright in the explosion. With the news of the death of another local boy in the service, the departure of the contingent of 306 to leave tonight, has added more significance and will impress more emphatically upon the community, the dangers into which they owe to stand behind the country for which their sons are ready to battle and die. Edward Gerl was popular with a large circle of friends and was a clean cut, upright young man whose memory will be cherished. Gerl was a member of Co. B, 58th U.S. Inf., Fourth division.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Saturday, May 25, 1918, Page 1
*********
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF DEATH OF EDW. GERL IS RECEIVED
Training School of Which Young Man was a Graduate to Place Gold
Star on Service Flag
Official notice of the death of Edward Gerl of this city, in the
sinking of the British steamer Moldavia in the English Channel Thursday and received from the U.S. War department Saturday afternoon. The message, the usual brisk and ? by Secretary Baker of the War department was addressed to Frank Gerl, brother of the dead man, whose name had been (rest is illegible)
News of the death of Edward Gerl had its effect upon the select men who left Saturday was a subject of comment among the boys to whom it brought realization that they might meet a like fate, but it did not dampen the spirit of the men. At the Training school tomorrow a gold star will be placed in the ? to be dedicated by the school, Mr. Gerl having been a graduate of the school. It is unknown whether Mr. Gerl's body was recovered when the Moldavia was sunk but it is ? it will be ?.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Monday, May 27, 1918, Page 1
-------------------------
The base of this statue says that Edward "Lost his life in English Channel May 24, 1918"
EDWARD GERL
EDWARD GERL, THIS CITY, IN LIST OF MISSING ON SHIP SUNK BY U-BOAT
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gerl, Wollmer Street, First Manitowoc Boy to Fall Victim to Undersea Warfare of the Enemy
WAS WITH CONTINGENT WHICH LEFT CITY IN OCTOBER FOR SERVICE
Another Manitowoc name has been added to the honor roll—"Died for His Country" and the city today mourns the loss of its first soldier victim of the U-boat in person of Edward Gerl whose name is listed among those missing following the sinking of the British steamer Moldavia in the English channel Thursday. Twelve of 53 American soldiers reported lost in the sinking of the steamer are Wisconsin boys. Edward Gerl, who was 28, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gerl, Wollmer street, this city, was with the second contingent which left here in October and was at Camp Custer for
a short time. The young man was a graduate of the Manitowoc County Training School and later was engaged in teaching in the county for two years, later taking an examination and entering the railway mail service in which he was at work when called to the colors.
Two Brothers In Service.
First intimation that the local soldier was among those missing and probably dead on the Moldavia was conveyed in Associated Press dispatches to the Herald today at 11:20 am and the family of Frank Gerl, brother, was informed of the news, and it was the son who soon after conveyed the sad intelligence to the parents at their home on the West side. The news was a terrible shock to Mr. and Mrs. Gerl who have had three of their sons respond to the call of
the colors, two of the boys having left within the past month, Richard to go to Columbus Barracks, O., and William as a member of the contingent sent to Lansing, Mich., two weeks ago to enter the Michigan College for special training as an automobile mechanic.
Overseas Three Weeks.
It was believed that Gerl was safe and in France receiving his training, because of the fact that word only recently was received from Leonard Pfeffer, another Manitowoc man who was with Gerl in North Carolina where they were assigned in camp, to the effect that he (Pfeffer) was safe in France. If Pfeffer conveyed the news from France, it is possible that the two Manitowoc boys became separated in England, Pfeffer being assigned to an earlier boat which landed him safely. Gerl was among the first of the local contingents to
leave the city and was transferred to Camp Greene, Charlotte, N.C. One of the last letters was received by his brother Frank which was dated April 4 in which it was intimated that he was soon to leave for New York to take passage for England. In a later letter to his parents, Gerl wrote on the eve of his departure from New York, stating that he was leaving in the morning. This letter was undated but was received here about three weeks ago. Judging from
the interim between that time and now, Gerl was assigned to cross the channel with the Moldavia's contingent almost immediately after he arrived in Liverpool or some other English coast port.
First Victim of U-Boat.
News of the loss of Gerl, the first Manitowoc boy to fall victim to the ruthless U-boat warfare of the enemy was a shock to the community and called forth widespread sympathy for the bereaved family. While there is a chance that Gerl may have been picked up and saved, the hope is not strong as it is feared that the men lost on the Monrovia were killed outright in the explosion. With the news of the death of another local boy in the service, the departure of the contingent of 306 to leave tonight, has added more significance and will impress more emphatically upon the community, the dangers into which they owe to stand behind the country for which their sons are ready to battle and die. Edward Gerl was popular with a large circle of friends and was a clean cut, upright young man whose memory will be cherished. Gerl was a member of Co. B, 58th U.S. Inf., Fourth division.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Saturday, May 25, 1918, Page 1
*********
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF DEATH OF EDW. GERL IS RECEIVED
Training School of Which Young Man was a Graduate to Place Gold
Star on Service Flag
Official notice of the death of Edward Gerl of this city, in the
sinking of the British steamer Moldavia in the English Channel Thursday and received from the U.S. War department Saturday afternoon. The message, the usual brisk and ? by Secretary Baker of the War department was addressed to Frank Gerl, brother of the dead man, whose name had been (rest is illegible)
News of the death of Edward Gerl had its effect upon the select men who left Saturday was a subject of comment among the boys to whom it brought realization that they might meet a like fate, but it did not dampen the spirit of the men. At the Training school tomorrow a gold star will be placed in the ? to be dedicated by the school, Mr. Gerl having been a graduate of the school. It is unknown whether Mr. Gerl's body was recovered when the Moldavia was sunk but it is ? it will be ?.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Monday, May 27, 1918, Page 1
-------------------------
I don't know Edward, but his stunningly detailed, exceptionally well preserved statue stands proud as a testiment to his sacrifice.
The base of this statue says that Edward "Lost his life in English Channel May 24, 1918"
EDWARD GERL
EDWARD GERL, THIS CITY, IN LIST OF MISSING ON SHIP SUNK BY U-BOAT
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gerl, Wollmer Street, First Manitowoc Boy to Fall Victim to Undersea Warfare of the Enemy
WAS WITH CONTINGENT WHICH LEFT CITY IN OCTOBER FOR SERVICE
Another Manitowoc name has been added to the honor roll—"Died for His Country" and the city today mourns the loss of its first soldier victim of the U-boat in person of Edward Gerl whose name is listed among those missing following the sinking of the British steamer Moldavia in the English channel Thursday. Twelve of 53 American soldiers reported lost in the sinking of the steamer are Wisconsin boys. Edward Gerl, who was 28, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gerl, Wollmer street, this city, was with the second contingent which left here in October and was at Camp Custer for
a short time. The young man was a graduate of the Manitowoc County Training School and later was engaged in teaching in the county for two years, later taking an examination and entering the railway mail service in which he was at work when called to the colors.
Two Brothers In Service.
First intimation that the local soldier was among those missing and probably dead on the Moldavia was conveyed in Associated Press dispatches to the Herald today at 11:20 am and the family of Frank Gerl, brother, was informed of the news, and it was the son who soon after conveyed the sad intelligence to the parents at their home on the West side. The news was a terrible shock to Mr. and Mrs. Gerl who have had three of their sons respond to the call of
the colors, two of the boys having left within the past month, Richard to go to Columbus Barracks, O., and William as a member of the contingent sent to Lansing, Mich., two weeks ago to enter the Michigan College for special training as an automobile mechanic.
Overseas Three Weeks.
It was believed that Gerl was safe and in France receiving his training, because of the fact that word only recently was received from Leonard Pfeffer, another Manitowoc man who was with Gerl in North Carolina where they were assigned in camp, to the effect that he (Pfeffer) was safe in France. If Pfeffer conveyed the news from France, it is possible that the two Manitowoc boys became separated in England, Pfeffer being assigned to an earlier boat which landed him safely. Gerl was among the first of the local contingents to
leave the city and was transferred to Camp Greene, Charlotte, N.C. One of the last letters was received by his brother Frank which was dated April 4 in which it was intimated that he was soon to leave for New York to take passage for England. In a later letter to his parents, Gerl wrote on the eve of his departure from New York, stating that he was leaving in the morning. This letter was undated but was received here about three weeks ago. Judging from
the interim between that time and now, Gerl was assigned to cross the channel with the Moldavia's contingent almost immediately after he arrived in Liverpool or some other English coast port.
First Victim of U-Boat.
News of the loss of Gerl, the first Manitowoc boy to fall victim to the ruthless U-boat warfare of the enemy was a shock to the community and called forth widespread sympathy for the bereaved family. While there is a chance that Gerl may have been picked up and saved, the hope is not strong as it is feared that the men lost on the Monrovia were killed outright in the explosion. With the news of the death of another local boy in the service, the departure of the contingent of 306 to leave tonight, has added more significance and will impress more emphatically upon the community, the dangers into which they owe to stand behind the country for which their sons are ready to battle and die. Edward Gerl was popular with a large circle of friends and was a clean cut, upright young man whose memory will be cherished. Gerl was a member of Co. B, 58th U.S. Inf., Fourth division.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Saturday, May 25, 1918, Page 1
*********
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF DEATH OF EDW. GERL IS RECEIVED
Training School of Which Young Man was a Graduate to Place Gold
Star on Service Flag
Official notice of the death of Edward Gerl of this city, in the
sinking of the British steamer Moldavia in the English Channel Thursday and received from the U.S. War department Saturday afternoon. The message, the usual brisk and ? by Secretary Baker of the War department was addressed to Frank Gerl, brother of the dead man, whose name had been (rest is illegible)
News of the death of Edward Gerl had its effect upon the select men who left Saturday was a subject of comment among the boys to whom it brought realization that they might meet a like fate, but it did not dampen the spirit of the men. At the Training school tomorrow a gold star will be placed in the ? to be dedicated by the school, Mr. Gerl having been a graduate of the school. It is unknown whether Mr. Gerl's body was recovered when the Moldavia was sunk but it is ? it will be ?.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Monday, May 27, 1918, Page 1
-------------------------
The base of this statue says that Edward "Lost his life in English Channel May 24, 1918"
EDWARD GERL
EDWARD GERL, THIS CITY, IN LIST OF MISSING ON SHIP SUNK BY U-BOAT
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gerl, Wollmer Street, First Manitowoc Boy to Fall Victim to Undersea Warfare of the Enemy
WAS WITH CONTINGENT WHICH LEFT CITY IN OCTOBER FOR SERVICE
Another Manitowoc name has been added to the honor roll—"Died for His Country" and the city today mourns the loss of its first soldier victim of the U-boat in person of Edward Gerl whose name is listed among those missing following the sinking of the British steamer Moldavia in the English channel Thursday. Twelve of 53 American soldiers reported lost in the sinking of the steamer are Wisconsin boys. Edward Gerl, who was 28, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gerl, Wollmer street, this city, was with the second contingent which left here in October and was at Camp Custer for
a short time. The young man was a graduate of the Manitowoc County Training School and later was engaged in teaching in the county for two years, later taking an examination and entering the railway mail service in which he was at work when called to the colors.
Two Brothers In Service.
First intimation that the local soldier was among those missing and probably dead on the Moldavia was conveyed in Associated Press dispatches to the Herald today at 11:20 am and the family of Frank Gerl, brother, was informed of the news, and it was the son who soon after conveyed the sad intelligence to the parents at their home on the West side. The news was a terrible shock to Mr. and Mrs. Gerl who have had three of their sons respond to the call of
the colors, two of the boys having left within the past month, Richard to go to Columbus Barracks, O., and William as a member of the contingent sent to Lansing, Mich., two weeks ago to enter the Michigan College for special training as an automobile mechanic.
Overseas Three Weeks.
It was believed that Gerl was safe and in France receiving his training, because of the fact that word only recently was received from Leonard Pfeffer, another Manitowoc man who was with Gerl in North Carolina where they were assigned in camp, to the effect that he (Pfeffer) was safe in France. If Pfeffer conveyed the news from France, it is possible that the two Manitowoc boys became separated in England, Pfeffer being assigned to an earlier boat which landed him safely. Gerl was among the first of the local contingents to
leave the city and was transferred to Camp Greene, Charlotte, N.C. One of the last letters was received by his brother Frank which was dated April 4 in which it was intimated that he was soon to leave for New York to take passage for England. In a later letter to his parents, Gerl wrote on the eve of his departure from New York, stating that he was leaving in the morning. This letter was undated but was received here about three weeks ago. Judging from
the interim between that time and now, Gerl was assigned to cross the channel with the Moldavia's contingent almost immediately after he arrived in Liverpool or some other English coast port.
First Victim of U-Boat.
News of the loss of Gerl, the first Manitowoc boy to fall victim to the ruthless U-boat warfare of the enemy was a shock to the community and called forth widespread sympathy for the bereaved family. While there is a chance that Gerl may have been picked up and saved, the hope is not strong as it is feared that the men lost on the Monrovia were killed outright in the explosion. With the news of the death of another local boy in the service, the departure of the contingent of 306 to leave tonight, has added more significance and will impress more emphatically upon the community, the dangers into which they owe to stand behind the country for which their sons are ready to battle and die. Edward Gerl was popular with a large circle of friends and was a clean cut, upright young man whose memory will be cherished. Gerl was a member of Co. B, 58th U.S. Inf., Fourth division.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Saturday, May 25, 1918, Page 1
*********
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF DEATH OF EDW. GERL IS RECEIVED
Training School of Which Young Man was a Graduate to Place Gold
Star on Service Flag
Official notice of the death of Edward Gerl of this city, in the
sinking of the British steamer Moldavia in the English Channel Thursday and received from the U.S. War department Saturday afternoon. The message, the usual brisk and ? by Secretary Baker of the War department was addressed to Frank Gerl, brother of the dead man, whose name had been (rest is illegible)
News of the death of Edward Gerl had its effect upon the select men who left Saturday was a subject of comment among the boys to whom it brought realization that they might meet a like fate, but it did not dampen the spirit of the men. At the Training school tomorrow a gold star will be placed in the ? to be dedicated by the school, Mr. Gerl having been a graduate of the school. It is unknown whether Mr. Gerl's body was recovered when the Moldavia was sunk but it is ? it will be ?.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Monday, May 27, 1918, Page 1
-------------------------
Gravesite Details
Edward also has a second memorial page, from a cemetery in France on Find a Grave: #55952927
Family Members
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