France
20th September, 1917
Dearest Mother, Father and sisters
I am currently writing to you from a small shelter on the front line called a ‘dugout’. They are not very nice places at all but provide shelter from the torrent of rain that we are currently suffering through right now, and the shells of course. That being said there is already around 5 centimetres gathering on the floor, pretty soon even the duckboards will be useless. The men’s spirits have been rather low lately because its been raining for the last 3 days and the latrine overflowed after the last lot stationed here didn’t empty it. Now the whole section stinks. The food however has been better then usual as they managed to stop the rats getting into it, a stark contrast …show more content…
Not much but it sounds better than Private Ernest Wood. The knitting that you have been sending me has been of great use for the cold nights and even colder rainy days but it seems I misplaced one of my fingerless gloves. The lads and I had a laugh at me walking around in just one but better than nothing right? I expect we will be stationed on the front for another week until we are relieved. Command has been sending out squadrons to cut the wire in no mans land to clear a path and that only comes before an offensive so I expect one soon. Tom from down the road was hit yesterday in one of the squads and he didn’t make it so could you please inform Mr. and Mrs. Smith before they receive the official letter. The boys and I had his funeral the day before last. Maybe he’s in a better place now, he always hated it here.
Anyways I will try not to exasperate the censor too much should he read this letter but I feel as if I should tell you that there have been rumours of a push very soon and I am afraid the 49th will be called up to participate. We will most likely be fighting alongside the Tommies to push the Hun back. These battles are never easy and I pray that this war will end soon so I am able to come home to my family. With Gods grace may I be able to return home
20th September, 1917
Dearest Mother, Father and sisters
I am currently writing to you from a small shelter on the front line called a ‘dugout’. They are not very nice places at all but provide shelter from the torrent of rain that we are currently suffering through right now, and the shells of course. That being said there is already around 5 centimetres gathering on the floor, pretty soon even the duckboards will be useless. The men’s spirits have been rather low lately because its been raining for the last 3 days and the latrine overflowed after the last lot stationed here didn’t empty it. Now the whole section stinks. The food however has been better then usual as they managed to stop the rats getting into it, a stark contrast …show more content…
Not much but it sounds better than Private Ernest Wood. The knitting that you have been sending me has been of great use for the cold nights and even colder rainy days but it seems I misplaced one of my fingerless gloves. The lads and I had a laugh at me walking around in just one but better than nothing right? I expect we will be stationed on the front for another week until we are relieved. Command has been sending out squadrons to cut the wire in no mans land to clear a path and that only comes before an offensive so I expect one soon. Tom from down the road was hit yesterday in one of the squads and he didn’t make it so could you please inform Mr. and Mrs. Smith before they receive the official letter. The boys and I had his funeral the day before last. Maybe he’s in a better place now, he always hated it here.
Anyways I will try not to exasperate the censor too much should he read this letter but I feel as if I should tell you that there have been rumours of a push very soon and I am afraid the 49th will be called up to participate. We will most likely be fighting alongside the Tommies to push the Hun back. These battles are never easy and I pray that this war will end soon so I am able to come home to my family. With Gods grace may I be able to return home