"Harry's Flanders" Battlefield Tour

A fantastic, emotional journey. Below is slideshow of some of the photographs from Day 1. Click on the image for access to the full set of albums for the trip. You'll need to unblock "pop-ups" to get to the albums. When the album "Day 1" loads click on "View Album", then "Harry's Public Gallery" to access "Day 2", "Day 3" and other Harry pictures. There are several hundred photographs and so it may take a day or two to caption each one. Many thanks to David McGovern who has contributed a huge proportion of the photographs.

Letter to Jack, 21st May 1918

May 21th 1918

32507/ 9th Batt York & Lancs
C Company
12 Platoon L.G.S.
I.E.F.

Dear Jack
I have received your letter and books alright. The small book is very handy as it does not take up much room. I thank you very much for sending them. I have just had a letter from Kate and she is getting on alright. We are still in the same place only it is a bit warmer this time up, and not so quiet, but I am going on alright. You will see that we have a Y.M. up here but it is only a very small one. If you dont get a letter from me every week, keep writing as it is very hard at times to get letters away. I did not see any processions at Easter as we were in an out of the way place but there would be plenty no doubt. They go to church at all times here. I have seen them going at five in the morning and bells ringing at three. Every body here seems to go to church regular. we see soom strange sights out here, but the scenery is very pretty. I guess Willie would fancy himself when writing to you. I will write again as soon as possible. I am please that you are both getting on alright and keeping well.

With best love
Harry

The scans show that Harry's reference to the Y.M. is, of course the Y.M.C.A. One of the comments gives a link to a website about the Y.M.C.A. in WW1. It is a U.S. site but may be of interest. BL

Click on the image to enlarge

Click on the image to enlarge

Letter to Jack, 8th May 1918

May 8th 1918

32507/ 9th Batt Y & Lancs Reg
C Company
12 Platoon L.G.S.
I.E.F.

Dear Jack

I have just received two letters and small packett I was very pleased with them. I hope you got my letters asking for a book or two, if so will you send them on as soon as possible. I have had a letter from Ilkeston they are all getting on as well as can be expected, which I was very pleased to hear. I think Connie and Willie will miss grandad but they will soon forget. We have had a lot of rain here lately, but when the sun does shine it is very hot, things in the gardens and fields are looking very well, you can see small bunches of grapes forming on some of the vines already and I have seen one or two lemons on the trees, it must be fine to have a summer out here and see all the fruit ripen. I was very pleased that Mr Leverton was at dad's funeral it was very good of him. I think I will write a few lines to him.

With best love to you both
Harry

Stunning photographs from Rocco Chiarolanza

This is an example of the photographs produced by Rocco of the Military Cemeteries on the Asiago Plateau. I think that it is a stunning and evocative picture. (Click on the picture to enlarge.) Link to Rocco's Pictures.

LUX PERPETUA LUCEAT EIS (Let light perpetual shine upon them)

Thankfully, Blogger has removed the block on posting, so that normal service can be resumed.