Letters From the Front

Dated:

Letter From The Front

Pte. Jack Hives of the 12th Mounted Rifles "C" Co. wrote the following letter to his sister, Mrs. Walker, of Penhold:

Dear Sister,--Just a line to let you know we are quite well. We are at present in the reserve trenches, Edmund¹ is not along with us, he had boils on his shoulder and he was sent to the transport for a few days as he wasn't able to carry his equipment.

I received your cake while at the front line trenches on Easter day, it was fine and in good shape. We were out of the trenches for seven days, but only six nights, four nights out of the six I was on working parties. The last night, which was Saturday, we did not get to our journey's end on account of shrapnel fire. I am thankful to say I didn't get hit, there was only twelve men in the party I was in, and three of the men got hit. Ivan Greene² was along with me and he got wounded in the leg. I got knocked off my feet, but was soon on them again and hit for cover. I tell you a fellow can move pretty quick when he hears shrapnel whistling over his head, the cover I got was a stone pillar belonging to a ruined house, but it served the purpose alright. Shrapnel looks like a lot of red hot cinders rolling across the road at night.

We have had lovely weather but it is raining just now because we are in the trenches. The hedges look lovely where there are any, the grass also has grown a lot the last few weeks.

You asked once if I would like a (crumb proof) shirt. I think they might be useful. Its surprising how a fellow gets hold of them.

I received a card from Mrs. Carswell at Easter. We also received a silk handkerchief each from the Greening's.

Well I will conclude hoping you are all quite well, with love to all.

I remain your loving brother,

JACK HIVES