Letters From the Front

Dated:

France 6.3.17

My Darling Wife

Your dear letters dated of 8th 13th Feby have just reached me and believe me I was so pleased to receive them as they came the morning following a battle we had in which I once more escaped with my life thank God. We lost about 200 including 9 Officers but nevertheless we gave Fritz some time not soon to be forgotten. The dead in his trenches was a sight I shall never forget. Well some time ago I mentioned having your 'photo in a small locket well sweatheart I am sending it home to you as it was the only article I had on my person when I went into the fight and I well remember my last fond look at it just before I got the word to go. I went over in charge of one half Company and I pleased to say did well. I had with me a fine bunch of boys and their display of heroism was most noticeable and praiseworthy. I lost all my Officers so now I have no original officer at all in my Company. I wont worry you by further describing the scrap it must wait until I come home. But I shall always remember March 1st. Well sweetheart you ask me if Major C is with us. No, he has never come back. Nor Capt St Geo in fact I am the senior NCO in Battalion so you can imagine the transformation caused by 6 months or so in France. I often think that God alone must be protecting me. I have had so many close calls. Just a few weeks ago Lieut C, his man and myself were in trench behind one another a shell burst wounded Lieut C killed his man and once again I missed it. Probably I have a charmed life although perhaps not a charming disposition from some points of view but so long as one little Girl is satisfied I should not worry. Do try and think how I valued the locket. Just fancy the Boys pretending to bring their Daddy home on the train. Oh if it could only be true. I often feel that should I be saved in this war I shall never leave home again on any account. How glad it makes me to hear you have received the ring I sent you and to know that you like it. Now if you think sufficient of it I certainly would get it engraved and dipped. Certainly I shall try and send one similar for Mrs. A if I can meet the same man again who cut the one I sent you. I was so glad the morning of our fight to get a letter from Rosie and a nice tin of biscuits. Everbody has been so kind to me since I came out here. In fact I think it has brought all parties together more than years at home might have done and I am so pleased it has done so. One of my Sergts wounded is now at Monyhull Hall, Kings Norton. I wonder if Mrs Jones would care to visit him. This last Crack I lost 2 fine Sergeants. I am so sorry  in fact when the Rally came and I learned they were killed I cried. I couldn't help myself because after all they are all my Brothers so to speak over here. We realize how much we depend on one another. I am so glad to learn that your face is getting so much better but I do think it is taking an awfully long time to heal. Ask Doctor please if he cannot hasten a cure along as I so want you to be better whenever I come home. So that you will be able with certain happiness to yourself to go out. How are our Dear Boys behaving. I would so much like to hear their little voices once more and have a game with them. French people don't appeal to me at all they are so awfully dirty in fact filthy. Brownie I wish so much I could cuddle to you just now. I could talk for hours. Oh you would not think I was the same Boy who left you almost 12 months ago. How much has happened in those twelve months but Deary I say, not much happiness. You Girls at home are surely having a trying time, but this is one Boy who would try and pay you back for your faithfullness and loyalty. I must close now Dearest as my news is quite absorbed but my love for you is as ever. Kiss the Boys for me and help them to think of me. All my love Deary. Your loving Husband Will.