At the front

Two letters written on the same day with a slightly different emphasis.

June 2/6/1917

Dear Jack

Very pleased to receive a letter from you and to hear you are going on all right. We have had a very rough time lately the Germans were only about 40yds away from us, we had a very trying time for the first, but I dont care so long that I keep alright. It will be a good job when the war is over. Ethel tells me they are alright at home but Willie as got a cough. Hope will soon be better. I hear Connie has started school and that she likes it. I hope that she gets on alright. I have not received a letter from Kate yet but expect one any time. this is my address 32507 9th Batt York and Lancs, C Company, 11 platoon in B.E.F. France. I think I am going in for a Lewis Gunner. (Internet link) I dont know yet I will let you know next time I write we are having a bit of a practice this last day or two we have been out of the trenches. We get plenty of tobacco but little bread out here. Write to me when you receive this letter and let me know all you can. I am glad to receive a letter.

With Best Love

from Harry

2nd June 1917

Dear Kate,

I received your letter. I am pleased to hear you are going on alright they all seem to be getting on all right at home which is something to be thankful for. The weather here is lovely and we have had to fine time this last fortnight. We are still out of the trenches but we might go back anytime. Jack has wrote me telling me he has had to leave his lodging and go to the vicarage – I hope he gets on all right. Write soon and let me know how you are getting on. Jack has sent me some sardines and chicken paste which is all right here and it works the bread and butter down. I am glad Connie is going on alright at school I don’t think it will do her any harm. They tell me Willie and Connie keep very good friends which I am glad to hear.

With best

love from

Harry




3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I heard about your blog on Rhod Shrap's Up All Night programme on Radio Five. It is indeed an excellent idea and I shall be following Harry's letters with interest. Well done.

Anonymous said...

I find it really amusing how Harry and my Grandpa talk in exactly the same way when they write in letters, but I suppose that is how they were taught!

I am really enjoying reading these letters as well I think it is a great idea. I took history as one of my standard grades so this really interests me, we have been studying the Second World War, but this is still great to read!

Were any of your family in the Second World War? If they were did they write letters like this and were the letters preserved?

If they were I think you should defiantly post them to, that would be really interesting as well!

Keep it up!
Rachel
x

Anonymous said...

Newland is definately in Hull, UK. It is at thr coener of Cottingham Road and Beverly Road. (According to Google Maps)