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

10 comments:

Ian Eiloart said...

What's a y.m.?

Unknown said...

YMCA
http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/ymca.htm

Anonymous said...

No letters to Kate for a while. Have these been lost or has he not written to her for a while?

Anonymous said...

I think these been lost.

Pamsie said...

Indeed, we haven't seen any letters to Kate for a while.
Wonder what happened.

Kittybriton said...

Are there any clues about what the books were? It would be interesting to know what Harry is reading in his spare time.

Anonymous said...

It really isn't a very good reflection on the Army leaders of the time, that Harry has had to ask his civilian brother to find him books on Lewis gun operations and how to be an NCO! Anybody have any ideas WHY the Army didn't or couldn't supply such necessary books to the troops?

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing this with us. publishing the post on the dates of the letters is a great idea!

Anonymous said...

very interesting...

Anonymous said...

Have been following Harry's letters for quite a few months. This is real history, am very worried about his fate. Will continue to check this blog.