There is a gap in the letters. This is certainly due to Harry being granted leave back to England.
In general, ordinary soldiers could expect to get around two weeks home leave each year. Harry has definately not had leave since he arrived in Italy in late 1917. I suspect, but have no firm evidence that he had leave in August 1917 from Flanders. There was a gap in his letters for that month. I think that he would have made some sort of comment in his letters if he hadn't had leave for around 20 months!
I do have evidence of this summer's leave and will be publishing it in due course. Currently then, we can assume that Harry is home with his family.
It's quite possible to order just "Harry" sheet, but the philatelists tell me that as far as a collector is concerned, a "broken" set will have little or no value. The 6 sheets that are available would make up a complete set and, potentially, be more valuable . BL
Harry Goes on Leave, September 1918 & Postage Stamps!
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13 comments:
Congratulations to Harry: I hope he has/had a wonderful time on leave!
How absolutely splendid! You must be so proud!
Marcy
Excellent! I was thinking that it will be two months to Armistice, and that it would be useless for Harry to go back to battle, but then I realized that, 90 years ago, they didn't know the Armistice was just a short time away. Though I'm sure they were hoping, as was the entire world. The stamps are not only a great honour for Harry, but for your family as well. The ordinary soldiers are the ones who win the wars, and this is a fine tribute.
I think this is such a fitting tribute - well done, Harry!
I love reading these letters, they put the perspective on this war from the viewpoint of the average man.
Like everyone who keeps coming back to the blog, I love the letters and this entire experience. I am so excited about the stamps. That is one of the coolest things I have ever heard of and I feel like we (the blog community) are all a part of it. It's a fitting tribute and I wish the States would do something similar.
Congratulations! I love this blog and all about ww1 and ww2. These historys never be forget.
Sorry my bad english, my native language is brasilian portuguese...
Thanks
I gave a cheer when I read Harry had been granted leave. I'm delighted he'll be heading home to see Ethel, Willie & the family.
That's great news about the stamps too. It's a wonderful tribute to Harry.
Jackie
So glad Harry has some leave at last.
I check everyday for a letter just like his family did, what joy for them to see him instead of the postman.
Keep up the good work and enjoy your well deserved holiday
Mavis
It's good to hear that Harry is getting some well-earned leave. I hope to hear that he has (had) a good leave.
I like the design of the stamps, and once again, Harry makes the whole horrible mess so much more human; no longer just numbers and geography.
Perhaps someday we really will see the end to war that his generation believed they were fighting for.
Absolutely awesome!! Great idea, the stamps!
very nice journal.. i love your writings very addicting!
How do we buy these stamps if we live in Alaska and just want them for our collections?
Hello Harry,
So glad to hear about you finally getting some leave. Good news also about the stamps. Right now I'm waiting to head home from the Mexican border, will be heading Over There shortly. Stop by for a read if you have the chance.
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