This was the opening to my original manuscript.
Peking, China, 1930
Peking Race Track
Lady Anglers Race
Charging across the Peking Race Track field, US Marine Major Bill Rupertus flew past his opponent on the Peking Polo team.
Tightening his strong legs on his galloping horse, Laddie Boy, he rose from his saddle, threw up his right arm, and swung his mallet down at the ball with precision. Passing it Marine Captain Taylor Selden, the #1 ahead of him, who received the ball.
Despite the flurry of defenders and horses closing in on him, Selden made a back shot, passing the ball back to Rupertus, who charged forward and scored the winning goal, with seconds left in the match.*
With his his heart racing from the thrill of victory, Major Bill Rupertus grinned at Captain Selden.
Slowing to a trot, he patted Laddie Boy.
Rupertus had been in Peking since early 1929, as executive officer of the 4th Marines who guarded the American sector of the international Peking Legation.
The legation was one of the established sanctuaries for foreign nationals after the opium wars in the 1840s. In these island enclaves, the United Sates and several other countries, were allowed to live and conduct business, and each nation brought military guards for protection. The United States sent the US Marines, who became known as the “China Marines”.
This was an unusually peaceful time for the China Marines stationed in Peking. Often referred as the golden years. They could tour the ancient city, vacation at the nearby beach, and learn Mandarin.
There were several athletic pursuits available for the Marines guarding the American sector. Col. Holcomb, the commanding officer, was a huge proponent of polo and encouraged Rupertus and his senior Marines to take up polo to stay fit.
The senior Marine team had competed with the junior Marine squad in hotly contested games throughout China for months.
The fact that the seniors had achieved another win on this day proved their strength and focus, despite their age.
Polo meant more to Rupertus than just a sport; it was a sensory experience that transported him back to his youth, evoking memories of his days competing on the Marine Corps Rifle Team.
The sharp focus and the strength of his rifle, coupled with the exhilaration of aiming for the target and achieving victory.
Among the officers stationed at the Peking Legation, polo offered a much-needed break from their duties and the monotony of guard duty. However, for Rupertus, it held an even deeper significance.
His heart still ached from the devastating loss of his wife Marguerite and two children to scarlet fever, just a few months prior. The pain remained fresh and vivid in his mind. The training, camaraderie, and competitive nature of polo was a welcome distraction.
Ann Rodney (age 4) and William Rupertus, Jr. (age 14).
As the polo matches concluded, the opening of the Peking Paper Hunt season began. This called for a grand celebration at the Peking Hunt Club.
Rupertus, on his way to the men’s locker room, couldn’t resist the allure of the festivities. With a High Ball in hand, he clinked glasses with Captain Selden, savoring the moment.
Passing by the dining hall, a wave of hunger washed over him. The sight before his eyes left him ravenous, his stomach growling in response.
The tables were adorned with vibrant red tablecloths, adorned with dazzling silver dishes and platters. It resembled a feast fit for a king. A succulent carved turkey, a glistening baked ham, and a suckling pig adorned with an apple in its mouth. Covered dishes revealed a tantalizing array of corned beef hash, creamed mushrooms, succotash, Brussels sprouts with chestnuts.
And, fresh vegetable salad, assortment of buttered biscuits and rolls, accompanied by homemade cranberry jelly.
The warm aroma of pumpkin and mince pie filled the air, teasing his senses. Rupertus left the room with a satisfied smile, he’d be back.
Taking a moment to collect himself in the men’s locker room, Rupertus surveyed his reflection in the mirror. Today, a sense of purpose and joy surged through him, a stark contrast to the months of desolation he had endured since December 1929, when scarlet fever entered the Rupertus house.
While he too had been isolated, the unimaginable loss of his family lingered in his heart, an ache he knew would never truly fade.
Returning to the outdoor party, Rupertus marveled at the scene that unfolded before him. Marines, polo teams, friends, Americans and Europeans sat in Adirondack-style chairs. The Japanese officers close by.
All engrossed in deep conversations.
The patriotic melodies of the Marine regimental band resonated in the air, stirring his soul.
Rupertus Family photo. Rupertus on right, unknown gentleman on the left.
This season would hold a special place in Rupertus’s memory for three distinct reasons.
It represented a reawakening of his self-assurance and skill. He confidently navigated the field on horseback, his mallet striking the ball with accuracy, securing victories for the Marines, and himself.
Moreover, it marked a time when his Marine family rallied around him during an unforeseen personal tragedy, providing unwavering support that touched him deeply.
Rupertus Family Photo. Rupertus is standing back left.
Rupertus family photo of Rupertus, Roy Chapman Andrews, W. G Wyman, M. Margetts at the Peking Race Course, 1930.
Col. Breckenridge center, Rupertus is on the left next to him. USMC Photo.
Rupertus and the Marines stationed in China in 1930 were on the precipice of creating history and would serve together in battles not foreseen.
While an illusion of peace blanketed the atmosphere, the ever-present danger from anti foreigner Chinese, and the Japanese, served as a constant reminder of the fragile equilibrium they inhabited. They were surrounded by a sea of hostility with the drumbeat of a world war sounding in the distance.
They were destined to create a symphony of heroism and sacrifice, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of time.
*Polo scene is as reported in the 4th Marines 1930 Annual and WuWu newspaper provided by China Marine expert Dirk Haig.
