Billie - Friday 30th July 1915

Dear Sarah,

Thanks for letters.  Tell Jess we are 10 miles south from number 3 (Arras) and up to the present are having a soft time.  We did 4 days in the trenches and then had 10 days in reserve so we expect to go in again about Wednesday. 

You will no doubt be pleased to hear I had a very lucky escape.  The Germans were shelling us pretty badly and a piece of shell about the size of a chestnut hit one of the pouches I carry my ammunition in, and it was a good job the pouch was full as it stopped the force of it and did no damage bar cutting the pouch but that was a detail.  I've got the piece of shell and am going to send it at the first opportunity. 

I had another large parcel from our Managing Director.  One of the Battn that relieved us has fairly caught it in the neck.  I'm sure Joe would have a grand time in London; I only wish I could have shown him round. 

I was sorry to hear about Dr Dickinson's son, it must be a great suspense for his people. 

We have been out digging twice since we came out of the trenches so you will see that on the whole we are having a soft time. 

Don't send me any more milk, cocoa or anything of that sort until I let you know.  You might send me another towel as someone has pinched mine, also if you can get me a Zobo, or small pair of bagpipes you might let me have them as we have a concert every night in the barn.  You might ask Janey to copy me some of my songs out in an exercise book.  Don't send the music as I would only lose it. 

The weather is the hottest I've ever felt it.  Fancy Gus going to school.  I'm sure he won't half be a tartar. 

Well I must close, please thank Aunt Joan for Jack's photo it is fine.  Hoping all are well. 

Your loving brother Billie

Billie - Thursday 29th July 1915

Dear Mother,

Just a line to let you know I am all right.  Thank Sarah for her letters.  I cannot understand why you were so long in hearing from me but of course for 5 days we could not write as we were on the move, but I wrote as soon as I got in the trenches.  I am hoping you are about well again. 

I had letters from John and Joe yesterday.  You should get our John's code off Billie and I will work it and tell you where we are.  I suppose Jess is away, lucky beggar. 

The weather today is scorching hot so we are all taking the sun and look in the pink of condition.  You might send a pack of cards in the next parcel.  Our section had photos taken by a French Officer and he promised to let us have some.  He said he would send them on to our officer when finished and we've spoken to our officer and he says he will look our for them for us. 

I had an aluminium ring given me by a French soldier.  They make them in the trenches out of pieces of shells.  If you put a small box in the next parcel I will send it on.  Some of the French Tommies make all their rings.  I saw a nice signet this morning but the chap wanted 2 francs for it but we told him it was too much.  You can get Uncle Tom to touch this on up a bit as the Frenchman hadn't time.  I think this is all for the present so must close. 

Hoping all are well, give my love to all.  I trust you are much better. 

Your loving son Billie. 

Cheer up - we'll soon be home.  I think a year ago today we were at Braystones as I was home for the holidays. 

John - Thursday 29th July 1915

Dear Janey,

I suppose you will have heard from Billie that we have moved at last.  We are having a very nice time so far.  Having made a nice little hut for 5 of us we have added to it and made a decent affair of it.  I wish I could have photographed it. 

I've just had Jess's letter of the 26th so you can see it has not taken long to come.  You can send my parcel now.  We can get plenty of bread, butter and eggs here (of course we buy them) I have plenty of tobacco but not many fags. 

We were out trench digging yesterday and had a fine time, we were miles behind the firing line and might have been digging down the garden for any danger there was. 

Today I have been helping to do a bit of road making.  The Colonel came along and I suggested that we should borrow a roller from the farm near to.  I was sent with an officer to try to borrow it.  It was good fun.  The officer could not speak French and the C.O. wrote down what he had to say.  Of course we did not meet the farmer first and I was afraid we should have to do without the roller.  The officer seemed surprised when I asked him if I should ask the boy where we should find the "Boss".  Of course we are not expected to have had any special education to be able to navvy.  However we met the farmer and he lent us the roller and so we were able to get on well with our roadmaking. 
It is jolly useful to be able to "parlez-vous" a little.  If the war lasts much longer I shall be able to speak French quite well.  Of course some of the people here speak Flemish but the majority speak French. 

I'm pleased to hear Mother is improving.  I hope she will soon be quite well enough to get downstairs. 

I wrote to our Billie before I left the Base.  I expect he is a good way from here.  I hear they are not in the trenches yet but don't know how true it is.  I don't know when I shall join them; we will be here for 6 weeks at least; we are at Poperinghe.  I think he will get a leave before long. 

I will write again soon.  There is no need to worry about me as I am all right.  By the way please send me a pair of socks by return, I need them now, also some toothpaste.  Don't send any more English notes out here as they are not easily changed. 

I must close now.  Love to all at home.  John. 

Billie - Tuesday 27th July 1915

Dear Jess,

Many thanks for letter of last night also thank Janey for parcel and letter which I also received last night. 

We are out of the trenches again.  This time we were very lucky we only had two knocked out and both of them the last day we were in.  These are very funny trenches not like the English.  We are dug in whereas the English trenches are built up off the ground with sand bags.  It is funny being in these as there is practically no rifle fire, but shells we get in dozens all day long but am pleased to say the French who are behind with their 75 guns give them more than they can send back.  These guns are fine - you will no doubt have heard or read of them.  They are the finest guns I have ever seen, it is a treat to see them dropping the shells on the German trenches at night. 

We are billeted in a nice barn and we can bivouac in the orchard if the weather is hot.  We have a fine platoon officer now.  When we came out of the trenches the other night he saw we were all right and had somewhere decent to sleep, before he turned in himself.  In the barn they had booked for our platoon there was not room for us all but he soon found us another place. 

I am pleased to hear Mother is improving and hope she will soon be about again. 

I was surprised to hear John had been put into a new Battn.  If that is so he will not join us again, but of course it may only be for a time.  I am sorry to hear Joe has not been sent home to make munitions. 

The weather is very changeable some days scorching hot and the rest pouring with rain.  However we are quite used to it now.  I am trying to get a ring that the French soldiers make out of the nose caps of German shells. 

Thanks for the photograph it is all right.  Well I think this is all the news so must close, hoping all are well as it leaves me in the pink. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

John - Saturday 24th July 1915

38 2353 C Company
8th Warwicks,
Attached 1st Battn
BEF

Dear Jess,

I received the parcel all right yesterday.  We have not left the Base yet, but we expect to move either tomorrow or Monday.  You did not get my address quite right.  The above address must be copied exactly and I will receive my letters &c all right. 

I have not received my promotion yet but I shall have 3 stripes before we move off.  I shall write to Birmingham as soon as it comes out in orders. 

I had a PC from Billie today, they seem to do a lot of marching.  I hear they are going to be used like us.  You might send me some more quinine capsules, like the ones you sent before as they are jolly useful.  Thanks for the photos they are splendid especially the group. 

I hope you have decent weather for your holiday.  I must close now as I'm busy getting ready to move.  Hoping Mother is improving. 

Love to all John

Billie - Friday 23rd July 1915

Dear Sarah,

Many thanks for the letter received last night.  I was pleased to hear that Mother was a little better and hope she is up and out.  She ought to go away for a holiday it would do her good.  Father should have had a few day's rest.  I hope our Joe will be sent back to make munitions.  I was sorry to hear that Mrs Huggins had no word of Jack and I'm afraid it is all up with him or she would have heard of him before now, also to hear of Dr Dickinson's son. 

John seems to be having a good time of it down at the base; he would be pleased to meet all the chaps from home.  You can tell whoever told you that we were most likely to go to India that it is all rot.  We get rumours every day in fact every hour about going to India, the Dardanelles, England &c, but you can take this from me we are here until the end of the war whichever way it goes. 

It is like the rumour that we were working in the harvest fields road-making &c while all the time we were on our way to one of the worst parts of the line.  We had an awful time in the trenches last night, in fact ever since we came in.  It rained nearly all day yesterday and last night it came down in torrents.  I was on sentry from 11 to 1 and 1 to 3 and got soaked and the trench was over the boot tops in water and mud.  It was about the worst time we have ever had. 

They have been shelling us pretty heavily today all day but am pleased to say nothing worth speaking of happened.  Remember me to all my friends and the aunts and all the girls.  Tell them I often think of them but cannot write to them all.  Well I think this is all for the present so must close now. 

Hoping Mother is much better and all are well at home as it leaves me in the pink. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

P.S. Oh don't send me any more Nestle's milk, cocoa or Oxo until I let you know.  We cannot cook anything in these trenches and we have had an issue of Nestles, but you can still send tinned fruit and teacakes.  I wrote to Father this morning so he will give you all the news. 

Billie. 

Billie - Friday 23rd July 1915

Dear Father,

Just a line to let you know we are still going strong.  You will no doubt be surprised to know we are in the French line now, not far from one of the important points they have been scrapping over lately.  The French were jolly pleased when we relieved them.  We are the only British troops that have been anywhere near here and the first to do any fighting here. 

The trenches we are in were captured from the Germans by the French in June.  You ought to see some of the dug-outs in some of the other companies; they are like ship's bunks underground with steps leading down to them.  They are really fine but from all accounts not very clean, but this is merely a detail with the Germans.  The weather has been rotten since we have been here, raining the whole time. 

Last night it was awful and I was on guard, it was pouring and was so dark.  We could not see the barbed wire.  Everything was fairly quiet excepting for a few shells and one or two snipers who were a bit busy but they got more than they wanted.  We were wet through by about 3 this morning and the trenches with not having any floor boards are knee deep in mud and water.  It is jolly cheerful I can tell you!  We are not allowed any fires and all cooking is done by our cooks about 2 miles back so by the time we get it, it is stone cold. 

However this is just by the way and we must not mind it these times.  This place is nearly destitute.  Our John is at the Base and he will not join us till we want a draft as we are up to strength again. 

Well Dad, I suppose you are working as hard as ever.  I only wish I could slip over and see you for a few days.  We are not going to India; there are always wild rumours going about. 

Well I think this is all.  Hoping all are well as I am in the pink. 

Your affectionate son Billie. 

Billie - Thursday 22nd July 1915

Dear Janey,

Many thanks for the letter received a few weeks ago, also thank Mother for the parcel received 2 days ago. 

You would no doubt be surprised at not hearing from me for a few days but never be alarmed in cases like this.  We had the post stopped for over a week and were only allowed to send field postcards. 
We have moved again and are now in amongst the French.  We are the first British troops to be out here at all.  We relieved the French last night and they were pleased when we came into the trenches.  The enemy are just about 150 yards away.  These trenches we are in were taken from the Germans about the middle of June and I should think they will have some more taken from them before very long. 

The French people in this district are very poor and you can scarcely buy anything in the village.  We are not very far away from the part of the French line where all the heavy fighting has been going on.  We were once in the trenches where cousin Joe was wounded. 

So sorry to hear that Mother has been so ill and hope that she has a good rest and will soon be all right again.  I was pleased to hear that Joe is going on all right and is still in England.  How is our John getting on?  I've not had any letters from him lately. 

You might thank Mrs Mayne and Willie for the cake and cigarettes - it was jolly kind of them.  I will send them cards as soon as we can get some.  We have four days' post coming in tonight so I will get some news in that. 

The dug-outs here are awful little wee places.  You've got to pack yourself up to get in them at all and they are wretched for sleeping in. 

I think this is all for the present.  Don't send me anything in the clothing line until I let you know.  You might send me a camphor bag as this one is done for.  Hope you get the flags I'm enclosing.  Hoping that all at home are well also all at Greenwell House, Catherine St and George Street are well.  Kindly remember me to Thompson's father ... is keeping fit. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

Billie - Wednesday 21st July 1915

Dear Mother,

So sorry to hear you have been so ill but hope by this card reaches you that you are much better.  We have been unable to send any post for a week or more as we have been on the move.  We are off to the trenches tonight so will write a letter tomorrow in the trenches.  We have not had a minute to spare.  Many thanks, for parcel received yesterday.  Don't send any more socks or shirts as we have had an issue. 

Hoping that you are much better and that all at home are in the pink. 

Your loving son Billie. 

John - Sunday 18th July 1915

Dear Janey,

I received the parcel safely also Jess's letter and P.O.  It did not take them long to come. 

We are going up the line sometime this week.  They have made a Battn. out of these reinforcements to go up for trench digging but not to go in the trenches and they have included us.  Of course it will be a bit rotten but it will be better than staying here.  We have no idea where or when we go.  I expect we shall be some miles behind the lines so there is no need for Mother to worry about me.  I hear that our lot are going on this job too so it's just as broad as it's long. 

I hope that Mother is going on all right, she must not worry about us, she must go away for a holiday - it would do her no end of good.  I think you are quite right in suggesting it. 

My new address will be 9th Platoon, C Company, 1 Battn 48th (Sout Mid) Division at present 18th Camp Havre.  I shall let you know when we move, so you needn't send me any more parcels until I send you word definitely.  I've not heard anything of my parcel from School so I expect it's "gone west". 

I expect to hear that Mother is heaps better and out of bed next time you write us.  It upsets us very much out here to think she is ill.  I don't know when I shall see Billie again but I hope it will not be long until I'm with all the boys again - you can rest assured that he is having a good time, I would give anything to be back with them all again. 

The officer in charge of us here is one of our Company officers who had been home wounded (lucky beggar) so you see there is one redeeming feature in it. 

Fancy the Mill men going on strike, they should send them all out here and they would soon give anything to get back, I know, same with the Welsh colliers.  I must close now for the present I shall let you know when we are moving. 

Love to all at home John

Billie - Saturday 17th July 1915

Dear Janey,

Many thanks for letters received during this last week.  We have been up at ----------- for a week.  We are now back at the place where we had a rest.  We only came here this morning and are off tonight.


You can tell our John from me that we are not haymaking and roadmaking and we only wish we were for a time.  I will write a letter as soon as I get time.  I hope Mother is better by this card reaches you.
 
Love to all Billie. 

John - Wednesday 14th July 1915

Le Havre

Dear Mother,

I was awfully sorry to hear that you are not better yet.  You must not worry about us out here. 
Billie is not in the trenches again and there is a rumour that they are going to be kept in reserve now that Kitchener's Army is out.  I can't say how long we shall be here.  A number of officers came out this week, and went up the line yesterday so it looks as if we are here for some time yet.  I am quite fit and ready to go back anytime. 

I received Sarah's letter and P.O., also your parcel.  I can't understand how it is my letters and parcels all go up the line.  They evidently do not notice the Base Address.  I had a parcel sent from School, by train and so far I have heard nothing about it.  I had a parcel from my class at school; it had been up to Rouen. 

I'm having a good time here parading the sick every morning so I'm all right while here.  I went on parade once but did not see the joke of going through all the training again.  I don't mind going back to the line but I do mind doing all the drill over again.  I saw the Sergt Major who gave me this job.  I have a nice time now.  We give the cooks an occasional tip and get some very decent grub. I can get a pass into town occasionally. 

I hear all leaves have been stopped up the line, still that is nothing fresh.  I got rid of the Game all right.  I bought some special soap in town and had a good bath with it.  No, I don't want anything in the clothes line at present but I'll let you know as soon as I do; only in my parcel please send me some three Nuns tobacco and matches.  Billie will no doubt dispose of the contents of my parcel that reach him.  I am quite all right and shall not mind going up the line anytime.  You must not worry about us and get knocked up.  I hope you are quite better now.  If we are staying here long I'm writing up for leave. 

Love to all at home John. 

Billie - 10th July 1915

Dear Jess,

Many thanks for the parcel which I received this morning.  Sorry to hear mater is not well and hope by now she is much better. 

The shirts arrived and will be quite a change for me tomorrow (Sunday) when I put it on, considering that all that was left of my other one I had to fasten together as best I could.  However we cannot help these little things, also the socks have come in jolly handy as I was wanting a pair. 

You'll be pleased to hear that we are still at the same place although rumour has it that we move on Monday but hope we are staying longer.  Many thanks for the photos they are great.  I've just been in for a coffee at the Frenchman's and they all think they are "tres bon".  You are quite right in your guess where we are (La Bassee) a few miles behind the firing line and whilst here we are having some very heavy training sometimes out from 4 am till 2 p.m. without anything to eat. 

Pleased to say all the grub arrived safely, and the tomatoes were a treat.  I'm surprised to hear you've got another cat.  Well I think this is all at present.  Hoping all are well.  Leaves have started again but they are sending less now.  Please send me some more envelopes.  Ask Father to thank J. Mayne for fags, it was very good of him. 

Love to all Billie. 

Billie - 9th July 1915

Dear Mater,

Many thanks for parcel received on the 7th.  The potted herrings were grand.  Sorry to hear you were not up to the mark but hope by now that you are quite well.  We are still at the same place and I don't know when we will go back to the trenches.  We are training very hard now to get some of the stiffness of the trench life off us.  We've been up at 4 a.m. three mornings this week and not got back until 2 p.m. and I can tell you we had had enough and were just about famished as we got nothing to eat. 

We were inspected by Lord Kitchener, Prince of Wales and a few other knuts.  It was rather a long job but we did not mind the waiting as it was a fine day.  We will be out on manoeuvres all tomorrow night. 

Kindly thank Aunt Eliza for her P.O. - yes we can get them changed and thank Jennie for her letter.  Have you received all my letters as I've written a lot lately 4 home in the last 7 days so hope you have got them?  You might try and guess where we are and I'll tell you if you're right.  We are about 8 miles behind the firing line so we have got rid of the guns for a bit, so our nerves are getting a rest. 
How is John getting on, I've not heard from him for sometime?  We have a fine time at this Frenchman's.  Bunny and I have been to dinner a few times and we get a good bust up.  I'm in his place now writing this and Bunny is jawing away to him.  We are just going to have a cup of coffee and jolly fine it is. 

Well I think this is all the news so must close.  Hoping Mother, Father and all at home are well also all the aunts as it leaves me in the pink.  Send me a shirt by return as I have just got a bit of one wrapped round me. 

Love Billie. 

P.S. I forgot to tell Jess about Blighty.  Well it is like this.  When a man is wounded his name is entered on a form and there are three forms it could be entered on:

* A is too dangerous to be moved. 
* B is for England - hence Blighty. 
* C is to be kept in France. 

Billie. 

John - 8th July 1915

Havre

Dear Jess,

I am awfully sorry to hear that Mother is not well and hope by this that she is better.  She must just cheer up and not worry so much - I think that is the reason for her being ill. 

There is no prospect of going up the line yet, in fact they say we shall be here most likely another month.  I proposed to Billie that she should come here for her holiday so you can come as well if you like.  It is a jolly decent place this, I have got a permanent job, taking chaps down to the Dentist.  I have been down seven times since I came here.  Of course when you come I shall get a permanent pass, which means that I shall be able to go down everyday.  If Billie and you could only come for a few weeks it would be lovely. 

The latest news of my Battn. is they are working near La Bassee; that is why we are not joining them just yet.  I had a letter from Billie yesterday and he told me all his adventures. 

I had a pleasant surprise in town this morning.  I saw a party of officers and was surprised to see Bert Bennett, Marley (St Bees) Stan Wilson (Dentist) and about a dozen more 5th Border chaps.  Of course we had a decent chat.  They are just staying here until tomorrow and then going to Rouen.  They were all pleased to see me but not half so pleased as I was to see them.  Their huts are just about a hundred yards from my tent so I'm going to see them again tonight in town.  They all look extremely well, and so they ought after such a long holiday in England.  They must be short of officers in the 5th Border if they need 14 reinforcements.  Ewbank's brother was there as well.  I have not had my last week's parcel which you sent me word you'd sent off.  I suppose it will have gone up the line as several of my letters did. 

I must close now as I want to enclose a letter which I want you to send to Joe. 

Love to all John. 

John - Tuesday 6th July 1915

Base Details,
18th Camp, Havre.

Dear Janey & Thompson,

Thank you both for your letters and the enclosed.  I fairly did have a stock to read on Sunday.  I am pleased to say I am all right now and hope to go up the line sometime this week.  Of course we don't know definitely that we shall got this week.  In fact there is a rumour that we are staying here for another few weeks.  I hear that our lot are busy hay- and road-making so they will not require our services for that if true.  They have moved further south so I was told to La Bassee by one of our Lieuts. who came to take us up. 

The weather here is simply scorching, heaps warmer than I have ever experienced it in England.  It will be jolly hot travelling especially seeing it will take us about 48 hours to get to our new destination.  I am expecting to get a leave fairly soon, there are not many who have got more than 5 years service in with the Batt.  When I get mine I think Billie will get his.  Of course they might consider that I have had enough leave down here but it was not my fault that I am here. 

I've had one of my teeth filled but I want a few front ones filling, the dentist said I should have them done soon but he could not do them for me.  Perhaps I shall get them done when my leave comes. 

I must close now as it is time for Parade.  Hoping all are well. 

Love to all John. 

Billie - Sunday 4th July 1915

Dear Mater,

Many thanks for the letters, parcels and papers which I received.  I expect you will have heard from John by this.  I think he must have been moved to England. 

We are having a pretty good time here resting although we have 8 hours' drill every day and they have arranged for a route march every day at the hottest part of the day and each time we have been out yet our officer has got lost and kept us out about 2 hours after our time; but still this is merely a detail but it is not very nice.  Pleased to hear all received the picture P.C.s. 

We are just going to see the Frenchman again; he is a fine sport and gives us lettuce every night for supper.  I would not mind having a few War Loans as I think they are all right. 

We have not had a change of underclothing for 5 weeks.  You might send me a pair of fairly thin socks now, also one of my cotton shirts, as mine is out getting the perspiration dried out of it, and have to wear my jersey until it dries.  It is one of those white cotton ones with black stripes, at least it was but you ought to see it now - all torn and as black as can be.  I dare not wash it or it would fall in bits, and we don't know when we will get a change.  Don't send me a new one, but be sure it is a thin one. 

The heat is too awful for words.  I like the notepaper you sent last it comes in handy.  We have an easy day today; church parade at 3 service in a field, and then we are finished. 

Well I think I've given you all the news so must close.  Hoping all at home are quite well as it leaves me in the pink. 

Your loving son Billie. 

Billie - Friday 2nd July 1915

Dear Jess,

Many thanks to Sarah and yourself for the lovely parcels which arrived in splendid condition.  We are still out of the trenches resting although we are employed all day long bayonet fighting &c.  We paraded at 7.30 this morning for a bath and we have just got back 10.30. 

The weather has been very changeable here, hot and wet.  We had the bath 10 yards from the shaft of a coal pit and the bath belonged to the company.  It was a fine bath and we enjoyed it.  We expect to be moved up anytime now.  Pleased to hear all are well and hope you are still so.  We are going to see the Frenchman again.  We had a concert out in the other night and they would have me to sing, so I gave them the song "Until". 

Sorry to hear John's wound is not healing well, but you can rest assured it is not a poisoned bullet, as they don't use them in machine guns. 

Well I think this is all at present.  Thank Aunt Sally for her letter and tell her I'll write as soon as I've time.  You were right in guessing our position on the line, but we were further up and nearer to Hill 60 than you thought, before we made our first move.  All leaves have been stopped so I am afraid that there is no chance at all. 

Hoping all are well, as I'm still in the pink. 

Your loving brother Billie.