Joe - Sunday 31st October 1915

"PALS" Plougsteert

Dear Mother,

I received the parcel; everything went down grand and arrived in splendid condition.  I got it today (Sunday).  I think I have received all my parcels as I have had one every week.  The pipe is a very nice one, just the sort I wanted. 

We are just sitting about the room as it is raining hard outside.  I was on Church parade this morning.  I think it is generally held outside, but it came on to rain so hard we had it in A company's quarters in a barn.  The minister had a barrel to stand on and I just thought what a peculiar service it was.  Our batteries were shelling the German positions and we could hear the shells whizzing over, and we were inside a farmyard, so it was a bit mixed up, although we had a decent service.  Communion is held in a soldier's club.  I have been there twice. 

I had a letter from John, and I will be writing to Billie and him.  I would like to see them out here, though there is not much chance of seeing Billie.  There will be some surprises with Lord Derby's letters - if that doesn't get men I don't know what will.  This Balkan business is a bit of a set back but that will soon be well in hand.

The last day in the trenches we had four wounded out of D Coy and one S. Wales Borderer killed by one shell.  It landed right on the cookhouse, so that was rather rotten luck.  We are all in the pink, and not taking any harm; only it's rotten when it's wet.  But I always think we should not complain, when we think of what our troops went through last winter; some of their hardships will never be known. 

I was surprised to hear of the 9th Borders leaving France, no doubt a good number of troops will have to go to Serbia.  I can't understand why they are so short of men on Billie's part of the line and they have to do double duties.  Why, we have thousands of men who have never seen the trenches yet.  I think we have plenty of single chaps to finish this war, but if it comes to the push everybody will have to go. 

Well I think I have given you all the news so must close.  Hoping all are well at home. 

Your loving son Joe

John - Sunday 31st October 1915

Kemmel, NW of Messines.

Dear Janey,

I hope you are all well and that Aunt Joan is improving.  I am writing this in a farm kitchen where it is nice and warm.  I sat up in the loft until I was nearly frozen.  So I am staying here as long as I can. 

Our officer, Lieut. Hoskins, is going up the line early this week.  He is in our Company so we shall lose a good friend, whilst those up the line will gain a friend.  He has been jolly good to us while we were with him, and I should like to go up the line with him. 

It is very cold here, heaps colder than in the wood.  It is warmer sleeping in the barn though, but every day it has done nothing but rain since we came here, and it soak- through your boots no matter how good they are.  I have plenty of warm clothes so you need not worry; only the damp makes its way through everything. 

I must close now as it is dinnertime.  Hoping all at home are well. 

Love to all John. 

Billie - Friday 29th October 1915

Dear Janey,

Very many thanks for papers and letters received during the last few days.

We are still out of the front line and up to the present we are having plenty of digging &c.  The weather is bad, nothing but rain, and it has been so cold and wild too. 

I hope Aunt Joan is much better.  Thompson seems to be having a very busy time of it.  I am pleased to hear all are well and that Joe is better again. 

We go in the trenches again on Monday, so you guess we are all hoping the weather takes up before then.  We have just got a jolly coke fire burning in our dug out and we are all round it trying to get warm. 

Enclosed you will find a PC which I hope will arrive all serene.  I have ordered some more views, which I will send soon.  Father is still kept busy.  Well I think I've given you all the news. 

Hoping all are well as I am in the pink. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

Joe - Friday 29th October 1915

"Pals"

Dear Father,

I thought I would write you a few lines.  I would have written to you before but I knew you always get all the news at the weekend.  You will likely be working as hard as ever, and I hope you are none the worse for all the hard work you have done. 

I heard from home about you hearing that a number of our Regiment had been wiped out.  Well don't believe the least thing you hear because it is a hundred to one it's only a rumour.  We have been having showery weather and the trenches are a bit sloppy, but still we are comfortable.  I heard it was rumoured there was going to be a Zepp raid on Barrow and some of the men did not turn out; well I think the men would be just as safe in the shipyard as anywhere because all the bombs do not hit the object aimed at - very few do. 

A good number of our Battalion have got the sheepskin coats, ours are in the store.  I think it is rather early to start wearing them, better to wait until the weather is colder and we will feel the benefit of them. 

How is Mrs Mayne keeping?  Remember me to her.  The garden will be looking a bit desolate now, and I think you won't be getting so many eggs from our little stock.  I am writing this in the firing line and sometimes all is so quiet you can hardly realise there is a war on and then you hear someone firing, but it is hard to believe that anything serious is taking place. 

Billie seems to be having it rough, although he is in good health and that is the main thing.  The King was very near our part of the line yesterday; we sent him a guard of honour from the trenches.  I think this winter will test the Germans, they seem pretty well fed up; all their troops will have had their fill of the trenches.  Well we go out of the trenches today, so we have four days in billets. 

Well I must close, hoping this finds you and all at home in the best of health. 

Your loving son Joe

"A Plea from the trenches"

This is the text of the poem included with Joe's letter: 

Having read an English paper the writer was prompted to write the following lines and has called it

"A Plea from the trenches"

Away out in Flanders,
By compass norlwest
There's Tommies aye thousands
who're doing their best. 

There's thousands more wanted
Now where's all the boys
Who profess to be British
And the Hun do despise. 

If you'd only seen
The damage they'd done,
You'd surely be vexed. 

The more men we get
And the shorter the war,
Surely that's satisfaction
That's worth fighting for. 

For the homes of old England
come Harry and Jack,
Get the little job over
And the pack on Your back. 

We've tried to persuade you
To do your own share,
And pull at the wheel
With the boys who are there. 

Compulsion is imminent
With us you'll agree,
If you don't do a bit
For the land of the free. 

There's plenty of men there
Who've left comfort and home,
It's just as much your job
And still you lie prone. 

If the Huns come to England
And blow up our towns
Would you still shirk your duty
And stand there like clowns ?

We ask you this question
The answer is plain,
Now don't let us have to
Implore you again. 

You may play at your football
And many such games,
Still a thought about duty
Never enters your brain. 

There's nothing to fear,
Every Christian knows,
We can't escape death
When our time comes I s'pose. 

You sing Rule Britannia
And God Save the King,
Britannia won't rule
If you stop there and sing. 

Just singing the song
Won't break down the Hun,
Now take up the rifle
And join in the fun. 

Don't delay till tomorrow
It may be too late,
Come join us today,
And decide Fritz's fate. 

To be called a shirker
Is indeed a disgrace,
Come join the new army,
Have not that in your face. 

I'll detain you no longer
With this little plea,
But roll up in thousands
And do your duty. 

Joe - Thursday 28th October 1915

Ploegsteert. 

Dear Thompson,

I think it is your turn.  Perhaps you will be away when this reaches you, you put some late hours in now. 

We are in the trenches again but I think we go into billets tomorrow.  We have an extra dry place to sleep in when we go into billets.  A great many of the dug outs of course are not very dry when we have rain, but we dropped on one of the driest and we were jolly comfortable, because every night we could keep a fire burning.  We cook our own grub, rations are dished out every day, so we can cook grub to our own taste. 

John and Billie seem to be going on all right.  I think this winter will test the Germans all right, they seem pretty well fed up.  We have plenty of artillery out here now and plenty of men.  We just do four days in the trenches and four out.  I think this is for the winter.  You should see a lot of our Battn with their fir coats on, they look like a lot of Teddy Bears, but they are grand coats. 

Tell Janey yes I do like Horlicks Malted Milk tablets so they can send me some.  I am writing to Father today too; it is time I wrote to him for he never forgets any of us.  I have piles of letters to write but we don't get much time for letter writing.  I am enclosing a piece of poetry a Sergeant over our section made up, while we were in the trenches.  I think it is jolly good; he may send it to some of the papers. 

I was the first to be wounded in the Battn but I wasn't long in getting right again.  I hope your people are all well.  Captn Blair has made a good name for himself, it was hard luck on Clem Mossop who went out with him; he was soon killed after distinguishing himself. 

I have just had dinner, we fried some beef, and it was champion.  Of course there is nobody here to ask us how we like our eggs boiled.  Well I must close hoping all are well at home. 

Your affectionate brother Joe

John - Thursday 28th October 1915

Kemmel near Messines

Dear Jess,

I received the parcel safely last night with one from Billie so we are well off now.  We enjoyed the apple cake very much last night after dinner.  Billie will give you all particulars with regard to our move.  We are in a nice warm barn; it was lovely last night - we all slept like tops.  Things were very quiet; the only thing that disturbed our sleep was the rats squeaking. 

I was awfully sorry to hear that Aunt Joan was so ill and hope she will soon be better.  I shall write to her as soon as I get an opportunity.  I am feeling rather cold so I shall finish this later . 

I have just had dinner and I feel rather warmer than before.  It is a rotten day, quite the worst for the last few weeks.  We miss our little stove now.  It rained nearly all the way here yesterday but I did not get very wet, my cape kept it off my beautifully.  Well I must close now, hoping all are well and that Aunt Joan is well on the way to recovery. 

Love to all John. 

Billie - Wednesday 27th October 1916

Dear Sarah,

Very many thanks for letter, also thank Jess for her parcel.  Tell her I received it last night and the sausage was great and quite a treat from the bacon issued.  It was as fresh as though just cooked.  The apple cake and gingerbread we all enjoyed very much. 

I was pleased to hear you were doing so well on flag day and it is jolly decent of the tradesmen giving a percentage of their takings.  I hope Aunt Joan is improving, I was sorry to hear she had been so very ill. 

I don't think either John or I were billeted at the house Joe mentioned as we have never been lucky enough to get billeted in a house since we came to France in March. 

Charlie Porter is a brick enlisting and I was very pleased.  He set a good example to some on Victoria Road, but never mind they will all have to join up in a few weeks.  I'm surprised to hear they are letting some transfer as several of our chaps wished to do so when we were in England but they were not allowed.  You might thank Miss Rooke for her chocolate which I received in the parcel, it was jolly good of her.  I will drop her a card as soon as I get time. 

I was pleased to hear Stan Metcalfe is about better.  I bet he will be able to tell some tales of the Dardenelles and since John left us we could tell you some yarns that would about make your hair stand on end.  I suppose John told you all the doings of when he was with us. 

The weather is properly wintry now.  It is very cold and wet and the wind cuts through you.  We have just had some fine leather gloves issued and we are supposed to wear woolled ones underneath so you can send me the knitted ones out.  You can make me that padded waistcoat please as it will just be the very thing for out here.  Did you receive the photo P.C.s as I will send some more if the last ones got through all right?  The sauce arrived safely and was fine.  Please send me another pack of cards as we've worn the other pack you sent me right away, we cannot tell what some of them are.  Remember me to all who enquire. 

Poor Findlay Dixon, it must be terrible for his people.  There has been an awful bombardment going on today, both on our front but chiefly further up the line.  Well I think I've given you all the news up to the present so must close, hoping all are well as it leaves me in the pink. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

Billie - Friday 26th November 1915

Dear Sarah,

Very many thanks for letter, also thank all at home for parcel which arrived in splendid condition.  Ask Father to thank Mrs Mayne for the loaf, it was A1 I can assure you.  I appreciate her kindness.  I will write to her soon.  The oatmeal was great and we make fine porridge before we turn in, after being on sentry, and it fairly does warm us.  I don't know why I never thought of asking you to send it before.  You might put some in my parcels always also sugar and milk.  The meat roll was fine and comes in jolly handy as we've not had a bacon issue. 

We are out of the trenches and are in the village just at the bottom of the communication trench for 8 days.  We had a fairly decent time of it in the trenches the last time; they really managed to give us a bit of a rest.  However I suppose we'll have to make up for it. 

I was sorry to hear Mother had been ill in bed again and trust she is better, also Father's cold. 

I was pleased to hear Joe had got his winter coat, some of our Battalion have got the leather ones but myself I preferred the goatskin, although they will take some keeping clean, however this is merely a detail now.  The weather is dry again but very cold, and we are expecting rain anytime again.  There has been extra activity on this front the last few days and we have had a fair number of casualties but I bet they have had more on the other side. 

Please send me another tin of that hair pomade, it is A1 for out here.  It is very good of the Spirella Co. to send me another belt.  I will write to thank them as soon as I have time.  I am about 100 on the list for leave, and as they are at present sending 6 a week, you may have some idea now that I don't stand much chance of leave before about March, if everything goes on all right.  We are in a cellar and are fairly comfortable.  Everything seems to point to the fact that we are here for some time yet.  The BIR moved back today, and they don't know where they are going to. 

Please remember me to the girls, all aunts and cousins.  Fancy Thompson giving his name in, he wants to try and get as a dispatch rider or in the Flying Corps.  Tell him whatever he does, not to join the Infantry as they are the servants for everyone. 

Well I think I have given you all the news so must close.  Hoping all are well, as I'm in the pink. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

John - Tuesday 26th October 1915

Dear Janey,

Thanks very much for letters.  We are moving from here tomorrow and my address in future is "8th Warwicks. 1st Entrenching Battn. Attached 2nd Canadian Division BEF".  Put the last part in large letters or they, my letters and parcels, may go up the line. 

I am enclosing some lace to be divided between the three aunts as a souvenir.  We are not going as near Joe as I should have liked.  I am going in charge of our advance party tomorrow morning at 7 so I am busy packing.  I shall write soon. 

Love to all John. 

Billie - Monday 25th October 1915

Dear Jess,

Many thanks for letters and home parcel which arrived in good condition.  Kindly thank Aunt Sally for the bread which came in handy when we just had biscuits issued. 

We are out of the trenches again for 8 days, although we are really in reserve in dug outs about a mile behind the line, and we are fairly comfortable.  The only thing is we have no fires here but should think they will soon be putting us some sort of arrangement in.  We had the Irish in with us last time and we had a rare time with them, they are a lot of nuts and kept us laughing with their funny sayings.  They also told us about when the Home Rule business looked so black, of the preparations they had.  Germany supplied them with rifles, bayonets and ammunition, so you see they were not half playing their cards well.  The chap who was telling me says he has still got his rifle and bayonet which he is keeping as a souvenir, and he said if the Kaiser knew that they were fighting against them he would try his best to smash them up as he thought they would not fight against them. 

I was sorry to hear Mother, Janey and Aunt Joan were not well and sincerely hope that by this time they are all much better, also Uncle Willie. 

I see the North Midland Division men who were on our left in Flanders have fairly caught it in the neck a few days ago.  They moved about the same time as we did, but to a different part of the line.  There is a rumour that we will be moving to another part of the line very soon, but do not know how true it is, but should think we will be here until Christmas; but of course I do not know, we may be moved any day.  At any rate we are quite ready for a rest and do not mind how soon it comes. 

We should have been out digging this morning but we cannot make it out - it was actually cancelled on account of it being so wet.  The officer that I was out in front of the trenches with was shot dead by a sniper the next day. 

Well I think I have given you all the news up to the present hoping that all are quite well, as it leaves me in the pink. 

Well, Cheer Oh.  Your loving brother Billie. 

P.S. Oh you might send me a small bottle of camphorated oil in case I get a cold.  I suppose Jack and Gus will be a pair of knuts now.  I'll hardly know them.  Remember me to all at school.  Did the P.C.s come through all right? 

Joe - Monday 25th October 1915

"Pals"

Dear Jess,

I received the parcel all right and everything went down grand.  I had a letter from John and he seems to be getting on all right, he said he might come across me and he thinks they are moving. 

We came in the trenches yesterday.  Please send me a pack of cards and also one of those small lamps like you sent Billie and a pair of my mittens.  It was very good of Miss Rooke to put that chocolate in the parcel.  I have several people to write to, but I'm afraid they will have to wait a while.  I don't want any shirts or socks yet.  I have my own 3 shirts and socks quite good yet, so I am taking no harm.  I was going to write to Father but I though I better reply to the parcel so I will write to Father next, but I know he always reads all the letters. 

A lot of our Battn have got those sheepskin coats.  I have not got mine yet, I would sooner wait a few weeks until the weather is a bit colder.  It rained pretty heavily yesterday but it faired up towards night.  It has been grand today, but a bit nippy. 

Don't send me any more soap; I have piles of it and it is cheap out here, but you can still send candles.  I get my washing done by a Belgian woman and it is done well, and cheaply too. 

Altogether I have a fair time of it out of the trenches.  We get good meals one of our favourites being eggs and chips and they are fine.  I have no more news at present. 

Hoping all are well. 

Your loving brother Joe

Billie - Saturday 23rd October 1915

Dear Aunt,

Very many thanks for your parcel which I received two days ago.  It just came in handy as we just had bully beef and biscuits. 

We are still in the trenches and having a rotten time of it and we will not be sorry when we come out on Sunday.  We have the RIR in with us Carson's army and they are a lot of knuts and we have a time with them when we are instructing them.  There is a rumour, that we are going back a few miles soon for a rest, and only hope this is right and comes jolly quickly as we are ready for it. 

The weather is damp and cold although tonight it is quite a treat.  We were out in front of the line last night on a covering party for a wire party and it poured with rain the whole time, so we were glad when we were finished.  Time is fairly flying now, and we will have Christmas here before we know where we are. 

They are starting giving two men out of the Brigade leave every week for special work.  Anyone who does anything out of the ordinary while in the trenches has his name sent in and the Brigade staff choose who has to go.  Well I had been out in front with an officer and stayed for a time and another chap also had been out some night or other, and so it was touch and go who should go.  However I knew nothing about it, and the result was that they other chap had his name sent in.  From what I am told it was because they knew he came from Birmingham and they did not know where I lived and the papers had to be sent right away.  However I don't know how he has come on yet.  If I'd had a bit of luck I might have stood a good chance.  However it was hard luck and cannot be helped. 

You might thank Mother for her parcel received last night; the money belt was fine.  You can tell Sarah she can make me a padded waistcoat with sleeves in and a pocket and it will be fine.  I had a letter from Joe and he is all right again, I hope all are well again by this reaches you. 

I've been trying for the last half hour to get a fire going but the thing won't burn.  It is a job to get coke to catch, but once you get it going it is all right. 

A German came in and gave himself up to us the other day and he says that since we have taken over this part of the French they have had an awful lot of casualties, so that is something.  The rats and mice are very busy in the dug outs trying to eat our rations.  We usually put the cheese on the floor, and let them have a good feed then they leave the bread alone.  One of the Irish chaps was told to keep a sharp look out the first night they were in, and he was on sentry, so he went in his dug out and brought a candle out, and was going to put it on the parapet. 

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

Love Billie. 

Joe - Friday 22nd October 1915

"Pals"

Dear Mother,

Well, we are out of the trenches again and back in our billets for another six days.  I had a letter from Sarah the other day and I had just sent her one off.  She asked me if I wanted a padded waistcoat, well I don't want one just yet as I've never worn my jersey yet.  I will let you know as soon as I want anything.  I have still plenty of money and, if I ask for any, don't send postal orders please as they are not much use out here. 

We are having fairly decent weather here.  We've had very little rain and that is the chief point.  I'd heard about Captain Blair getting the DSC before I received Jess's letter, also a chap called Clem Mossop got the DCM and then he was killed the next day; it was hard luck because I think he would have been going on leave shortly.  Capt. Blair never went out without him. 

Capt. McCullock out of C Coy. was shot in the leg on Wednesday and we all got a shock when we heard the next morning that he had died.  I think it was through loss of blood and shock, although it was a nasty wound.  He was only young and we all liked him. 

You can send me some cigarettes now, as I've started to smoke a little, also I would like a pipe and some mild tobacco.  Thompson can choose it. 

Capt. McCullock was one of the best liked soldiers we had and we all thought he would have pulled through. 

Sid is in the pink.  I am with Billy Gill and Bob Skinner on the guns and they are both keeping fine.  I will write to Father next. 

You want to know if I see Miller (Irven) well I am half an hour's walk from where he is, because he is in the stores.  I hope Thompson likes his new work. 

I knew Father would go to work even though there was a rumour of a Zeppelin Raid that night.  I think a chap would be just as safe in the shipyard as any place, because if a chap has got to be hit, he will be wherever he goes.  I've just received Janey's letter. 

Well I've no more news at present.  Hoping this finds all at home well. 

Your loving son Joe

John - Wednesday 20th October 1915

Dear Sarah,

Thank you very much for your letter received today.  I've intended writing to you for some time but we have been very busy.  However our work here is finished and we are putting in a little time at ordinary drill &c and it is quite a change.  We shall not be here much longer I am sure. 

I received the home parcel safely everything was fine but the apple cake was most acceptable.  I had been out from 7 till 4 and had only had breakfast so you can imagine how welcome the parcel was.  The apple cake did not last long as we are all very fond of it here. 

I hope all at home are keeping well.  You will no doubt be as busy as ever.  I think everybody will have a jolly long holiday when the war is finally over, and I'm sure we shall all need it. 

I have heard that out Battn has been mentioned in despatches and also that the colonel is being decorated.  They have done some jolly good work but it is only what could be expected.  We might be going near to where Joe is next week.  I'm almost certain we are going there, so I shall look out. 

If Miller Irven is at Nieppe I can easily find them, as I know that place well, I've been there many a time. 

I must close now.  I shall be writing home soon but tell them not to worry if they don't have a letter for a day or two, because sometimes I don't get a chance to write letters for days at a time. 

Love to all. 

Your affectionate brother John. 

Billie - Monday 18th October 1915

Dear Jess,

Just a line to let you know I am still all right.  We are back in the trenches again for 8 days and up to the present we are having a very rough time of it.  What with the nights being so long and cold, and not having many men in the front line we are fairly having to do a lot of work. 

Just to give you and idea of what we are having to do under the new system (which we don't think much of up to the present, although it may turn out better than it looks), last night I was on three spells of two hours each, and then I was asked to go out in front of the wire for about a good half hour, and then today I have two spells with the periscope of two hours each, and then working parties after that.  So you can see they don't let us have much rest. 

They had the wind up in the trenches last night about the Germans laying gas pipes over into our lines.  So we went out to see if we could see anything of them, but did not see or hear anything so after half an hour we came in. 

We have had one or two very narrow squeaks while laying in front.  One bullet hit right between a Sergt's legs and mine and covered us both with dirt.  We are expecting the RIR's in tonight to give us a hand and we will not be sorry when they do come in.  The line this time is very active especially on the enemy's side; they fairly have been giving us a strafing and no mistake.  They have now a device which they use, and it throws a 2001b shell and the explosion is something terrific - we have never heard the likes of it before. 

The rats and mice in the trenches are getting worse than ever, and run all over you.

I heard yesterday that we are holding this part of the line until 4th January but I do not know how true it is, at any rate it does not look as though we will be home for Christmas.  However we must not grumble, it is all for the best. 

I had a jolly fine parcel from the shop the other day.  It is jolly good of them isn't it?  Have you heard how Joe is?  I wrote and told him to take plenty of time and have a good rest.  I also wrote to John. 

I'm pleased to hear all at home are well, I am A1.  I would have written sooner only I've had so much work to do I've not had time.  You can please send me some more vermin powder and writing paper in the next parcel.  We have just had our underpants issued. 

I see by the papers there has been another raid on London. 

Must dry up and try to get an hour's sleep; the first for 48 hours. 

Cheer Oh.  Love to all. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

Joe - Monday 18th October

"Pals"

Dear Sarah,

I received belt and parcel all safe.  It did not matter about not about not being able to get a money belt; this one is grand.  I have written to Billie twice and have had a letter from him; he seems to be having a rough time of it.  I hope he gets a rest soon. 

19th October I have received the parcel and had letters again from John and Billie.  We came out of the trenches last night and we are at headquarters, but of course very near the firing line.  The tinned pears went down grand and everything was in good condition.  We have had 3 or 4 chaps wounded today, but none I think are seriously wounded. 

I received the home letters I am writing this in a pretty dark barn and I have just discovered I'm writing all over the shop. 

I want you to line me that woollen helmet I have at home, not the knitted one, but the one that shapes like a cap.  I want it lined with something when it is shaped like a cap then it will not be irritating when I put it on.  Just line the inside when it is shaped like a cap.  I'm telling you this twice so that you won't forget. 

Well I must close as we are going to have tea.  Hope all are well at home. 

Your loving brother Joe

John - Sunday 17th October 1915

Dear Jess,

I have just had this letter from Joe and I'm sending it just to let you see he is all right again. 

I can't make out where he is, seeing they have censored it after all, but I think he is near Equingham, which is where we were for some few days when we first came out here. 

Well things are much the same here, I'm going on parade again tomorrow, having had my week of orderly Sergeant - (holiday my pals call it).  We are expecting to move from here very shortly but where to no one knows.  There are rumours we are going to Calais and I only hope it is true, still we shall not know till the time comes where it will be.  I think we shall go into Billets. 

It is getting too cold for being outside, but we are very comfortable where we are and I for one would not mind staying.  Things are fairly quiet round here just at present, but they were bad enough last week. 

I think I must close now as I have to take my washing.  You need not send me any cigarettes and just a little Waverley Tobacco and a pair of socks.  Joe's letter was censored in spite of it being in a green envelope. 

Love to all John. 

Billie - Wednesday 13th October 1915

Dear Janey and Thompson,

Very many thanks for lovely parcels.  I received both, from Mother also for letters. 

I was sorry to hear Joe has been wounded, he wrote and told me.  I only hope he gets sent to Blighty.  We are still out of the trenches but will go in on Sunday.  We had a nice little route march to be fumigated.  The best of it is the fumigator is a powerful oven arrangement fitted on a motor and could easily be brought up here, but I suppose that would be too near the firing line for some of the chaps who manage it. 

I was pleased to hear in Thompson's letter they have started the large munition works at Gretna.  It will be a sight to see them.  We were told after the advance that if everything had gone off as it should with the French on our left, we should have been over the parapet and attacking the German trenches, but it did not come off, although we had a very exciting time of it, and there was plenty of strafing from both sides. 

We are going to have some of the R.I.R. Carson's men in with us the next time for instruction so we should have a fairly easy time of it.  I have just heard that Fred Tallentire is in the RAMC attached to Carsons's so if it is this lot I may see him. 

Yes we often feel downhearted and in the dumps but we have to pull ourselves together again and forget our little troubles.  We have a lot to put up with one way and another and I can tell you this, if conscription does not come in, they will never get another voluntary army. 

You must not worry about Joe and I've just heard he is walking about so he is all right. 

I'm afraid there is no chance of me getting a leave before Christmas.  There is no doubt this is going to be a longer war than people expect. 

Our Battn has been mentioned in despatches.  We have just had 15 aeroplanes over us and it was not half a sight.  They were all new ones, American and American aviators, and they simply played with the enemy's aircraft guns. 

I was sorry to hear about the death of poor old Tommy, Pater won't half miss him. 

We have just had new suits issued.  I will send you some more cards when some of my pals get their leave soon.  I saw Hartley Jackson's photograph in the News and he looked fine.  Oh, you might send me a bottle of sauce as it helps this bacon down, one or two chaps have had it sent and it came all right. 

We have just been out practising for the attack and arrived back soaked through, and we are out digging all the afternoon. 

I hope all are well at home also all the aunts and Mr Ray and family.  I must close now. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

Joe - Wednesday 13th October 1915

Dear Mother,

I am keeping grand now and all the chaps are in the pink.  I have received quite a number of letters but the other parcel has not turned up.  We are moving from our billets this afternoon, I don't know where perhaps in the trenches.  I expect you got my letter, I also wrote to John again, he was going to try to get over to see me, but he has rather a long way to come.  I have had no word from Billie yet, but perhaps he is in the trenches again.  By the way I got May's letter and Janey's.  I have had a good number of letters so I evidently have received them all.  I expect Billie will get home soon.  We are just going to the trenches. 

14th October I've received a letter from Billie and one from Sarah and Billie Nixon also the papers.  I have also just received my other parcel and in spite of it being in a tin box, the tomatoes were a bit bruised but I think someone had been doing the Highland Fling on the box, But as luck happened all the other things were unharmed. 

Tell Mr Grahame that we did not mean cigs were so cheap that he'd to stop sending Wilson them, and I think he should place a box at the end of the Terrace for "Cigs for poor Tommy".  The cigs here are not good ones but this does not matter to me. 

We came out of the trenches last night as we were only in for a few hours but I think tomorrow we go in for six days. 

I always meant to thank Dolly and Elsie for that box they bought to the station, you must thank them for me, as we are only allowed to write every other day.  The belt was all right and I will write and thank Sarah for it. 

Well I have no more news at present.  You did right to refuse the reporters who wanted my letter for the papers.  I don't want anything about me in the papers.  Syd is in the pink.  I haven't seen Miller Irven since we came over. 

Hoping all at home are well as I am feeling grand. 

I remain, you loving son Joe

John - Tuesday 12th October 1915

Dear Janey,

Thanks very much for letter also Mother's parcel.  There are only two of us to share this week as the other two are on leave.  We feel lost without them, but they will soon be back.  I am Orderly Sergeant this week so I do not go out of camp.  My pal and I had breakfast after the others had gone on parade.  I put a decent fire in the stove and in spite of the smoke I managed to cook some bacon and tomatoes, so we had a lovely breakfast, we can manage on two such meals a day.  We shall have some of the other things for tea.  We have Quaker Oats for supper every night now, we buy the oats in the Canteen - we can get almost everything now.  I had a cold coming on at the beginning of the week but hot porridge and an issue of rum put me all right again.  I have used all my quinine now. 

We had a Rugby match the other day.  We played the 5th West Ridings and had a fine game.  They came from Huddersfield and were NU players.  However we gave them a grand game even though we lost 8 points to 3.  I wish we could play the return match, but they are going in the trenches this week. 

Jem Goodall's Battn must now be some distance from here.  I sent him a P.C. asking him to come down but so far he has not come.  I am sending Joe two green envelopes.  He can send as many of these as he likes because they are not censored.  I shall send him two or three every week, then he can overcome the letter difficulty.  I know some Regts. are limited to a certain number of letters, they threatened to do so with us, but never carried it out. 

I hope Mother is keeping much better now.  Sorry to hear old Tommy (parrot) has died. 

I must close now hoping all are well.  I received Sarah's letter. 

Love to all John. 

Joe - Monday 11th October 1915

Dear John,

Thanks for letters and francs.  I have a good bit of money I fetched out with me and we have had one pay. 

Well I'm well again.  I wrote home because I would be reported a Casualty and, besides the War Office, someone would have been sure to tell them and it would have upset them more. 

You told me I could tell you where I was, but I don't think it is allowed because our Censor is so strict, but if you can mention it I can.  We are at (censored)

A funny thing- I was drawing water at a house when a girl in the house asked me if I had a brother in France, because a chap stopped at their house and it appears he was very like me, but she thought they called him Jackson.  I knew that you'd been there and Billie so I asked if she'd seen the Warwicks and she said "Yes". 

We've had our letters cut down and can only send two a week, there are complaints going in every day - why it is all red tape?  I heard the 5th Borders are to have a rest, I was talking to one of our chaps last night and he said "We are the only Territorial Division in the firing line", but I told him different and I could hardly convince him.  Why, you were in the trenches long before the 5th Border! 

When I came out of hospital I went straight to the trenches on Friday and we came out on Saturday.  We were at a little village called Bezet.  I expect Billie gets a rest soon - he will need it. 

I will take all your advice and hope for the best.  I was hit low down in the stomach by the shrapnel - it is a bad place to get his, but as luck happened it was just a scratch, and is nearly healed up.  I think the advance will commence again as soon as the fine weather begins and get the beggars finished with once and for all. 

Well, give them all the news at home s I won't be able to write for a day or two.  Wishing you the best luck. 

Your affectionate brother Joe

Joe - Sunday 10th October 1915

Machine Gun Section
8th Border Reg.
BEF

Dear Jess,

I received the parcel and letters also the papers. 

I am back again with all the chaps.  I left hospital on Friday afternoon and went into the trenches.  We were at Head Quarters so we were all right.  We came out of the trenches yesterday, so we will be in billets for 6 days now. 

I had a letter from John, it had been waiting up at the trenches; he would get my letter after held sent his off.  I was talking with Reay of Bransty, he was a great footballer, also with McLaughlin and a lot more 5th Border chaps.  I got a good many cards from John so I have plenty to be going on with and I have plenty of money so I'm not taking any harm.  I don't know how many pages were in that last letter but as I always read my letters over, a page must have been lost out.  You needn't put platoon or coy on my letters &c now, just the above address. 

Billie is no doubt near the heavy fighting, perhaps he will be among it.  You seem surprised at our quick move to the firing line and of course everyone would think we were in the big advance; we all had a good laugh about that.  We are having grand weather, a bit chilly at nights but not very cold. 

John told me I could tell him where I was at, but I don't know whether I can or not, as our censor is so strict, but he told me where he is.  I told him something in my last letter, he will probably be telling you. 

You need not send me another muffler and helmet - I have both, and it only means so much more to carry.  Everything arrived safely in the parcel, I did not get it until Friday, and I have had four letters.  I have written to Billie so I expect a letter from him anytime now.  I'm going to write to Mrs Nelson and to Peckham.  I have just received your letter and one from John containing 5 francs - it is jolly good of him. 

I hope it is only a rumour about Ike Eccles.  I don't know where Whitehaven people get all their yarns from, but Joe Cant has not been touched and Donaldson as far as I can make out was killed by a machine gun while on listening patrol.  We had a chap killed out of B Coy last Monday, we've only had two casualties and of course I got a bit of a scratch but that was nothing;, it got me a holiday for a few days and I am in the pink now. 

Well I must close.  With love to all at home.  The answer to your question is NO. 

Your loving brother Joe

Bilie - Thursday 7th October 1915

Dear Jess,

Just a line to let you know I am going on all right.  I was pleased to hear you did receive all those letters I sent you.  There is no doubt that the advance is making a great difference in the postal service. 

We are out of the trenches again in reserve and tomorrow we are off to the village 3 miles behind the line for a rest which I have no doubt will include bayonet fighting and route marches with the nut tightening process. 

The weather now is very cold especially at one o'clock in the morning.  I think we are being issued with our underclothing this time out so you need only send me a pair of socks. 

We were called out last night - thought the Germans were coming again - but there was nothing doing, although they did not half give us a dusting up with all shells and rifle fire, but they did not do any very serious damage. 

Well I think I have given you all the news up to the present, so hoping all are well as it leaves me in the pink.  I have just written to Joe. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

John - Thursday 7th October 1915

Dear Jess,

I was pleased to hear that you had had word from Billie.  I have written to him twice since I came back so I expect a letter soon.  I am afraid Joe is too far away for me to visit him, but I might come across him soon because I think we shall be moving farther south as we are nearly finished here. 

My stock of iodine &c is finished.  I should like some more like the tube you sent me from Boots.  I also want some more Quinine capsules - they are most useful out here. 

I have not had much time for letter writing the last week.  We have been working till late and we spent our spare time making a stove out of a biscuit tin.  We have got it completed now and it is surprising how much heat it gives out.  We get our boots and socks dried every night now which is a great comfort.  We also manage to do a little cooking. 

I'm writing this while out with a party - it is a lovely day, quite the best we have had since I came back.  The last week has been rotten - rain every day. 

I hope Mother and all at home are well.  I expect to be with you all again soon, so cheer up. 

Joe will be all right out here, they are taking special care of all troops who are to be out here for the winter.  I expect Billie will be withdrawn from the line before long.  I am sure they all need a jolly good rest for they are fairly having a rough time.  I should like them to be down here, they would appreciate the rest more than these chaps do. 

I must close now I shall write again as soon as I can.  Have just had a letter from Joe and he is where I thought at Armentiers from what I can make out; they relieved the Canadians I think.  I received Sarah's letters and the papers all right.  I shall write to her later.  If I am right, Joe is in a very quiet part of the line to start off with, near where we were. 

Love to all John

Billie - Wednesday 6th October 1915

Dear Janey,

Very many thanks for letter received on Monday night, also home parcel received last night. 

I am pleased to say we are out of the front line and are now in reserve for 4 days making our spell of 8 days in and out.  We have had a rotten time this time, the weather and everything in general being so rotten. 

I cannot understand why you have received no letters for a week, as I wrote one every day we were out, while the big action was going on just on our left, to let you know that I was still all right.  But I think all the letters have been delayed as all the chaps are saying their people have not been receiving them for the last week.  However I hope by when this reaches you that you've received them as I wrote to Mother, Jess, Sarah and you all in the course of the week.  Let me know if you do not get them and we will make a shine about it.  I wrote to John to ask him if he received his. 

The chicken &c arrived in fine condition, and I can tell you we all enjoyed it, seeing as at the time it arrived we were on bully beef and biscuit diet.  We have now fires in the trenches so are much more comfortable.  We are in a nice little dug out at present with a coke fire going and we can have a hot drink just as we like. 

I have just had a new great coat issued, a long one, to my feet, so I want Sarah to send me about a dozen of those big hooks and eyes, so that when the trenches are wet underfoot, I can fasten it up.  Please send me some cycle tyre solution, also send more socks if you've not put any in this week's parcels, so that I will have a change and try to have these good ones washed. 

I was surprised to hear that Joe was out here, but I don't suppose they will have been amongst all this heavy fighting.  You can let me have his full address.  You need not send any more stoves now that we are allowed fires. 

Tell all at home not to get downhearted and to cheer up as we will soon be all home.  Above all do not worry.  I know you cannot help it, but you must try and I will let you have field cards if I cannot send letters. 

Kindly remember me to all my friends and thank May for her letters. 

Well cheerioh.  Love Billie. 

What do you think?  Our dog was shot the other day, as it came out in orders that all dogs had to be done away with on account of diseases.  So ours was taken while we were asleep and shot, and you ought to have heard the row all the chaps kicked up when we got to know.  We all liked him, he was such a fine little chap, and then to crown it all orders came out the next day that we could keep them, after they had gone and shot ours. 

I have just made a ring out of a German shell nose cap that burst about 10 yards from me a few weeks ago, so when I get it finished I will try and get it home.  I have also enough metal for about two more, so if I get them made I will try and let you have them home.  They may be rather small but I had to make them small, in order to get enough metal for 3.  The big one the French chap gave me I think I'd better keep for luck. 

You might send me another Golliwog out as mine has fallen in pieces. 

Love Billie. 

Joe - Tuesday 5th October 1915

PALS

Dear Janey,

We have at last got into the firing line and I have been very slightly wounded in the abdomen by a piece of shrapnel from an anti-aircraft gun.  I wrote to John yesterday and told him he could tell you if he thought it worthwhile as the wound is so slight.  The shrapnel did not stop in the wound and I was going back to the firing line after having been to the dressing station (but I had a first aid bandage on before I went to the dressing station) when the Doctor called me back and told me I'd to go to the hospital for a few days for fear there was any shrapnel in the wound, But there was none in, and I expect I will go back to the firing line in a few days. 

You can tell Mother not to be upset because it is nothing - why I walked 2 miles to a hospital and then was taken to another by motor ambulance, and I have no pain as it is only a flesh wound.  Of course I was very lucky to get off as I did.  It is very sad about young Donaldson who is killed; he was out of B Coy.  Another B Coy chap was killed yesterday. 

How I was hit - one of our aeroplanes was over the German lines signalling to our artillery and the German anti-aircraft guns were firing at it, and I was standing at the entrance to our Machine Gun pit when a piece of shell must have dropped from the air, hit the parapet and then struck me.  Well it's a good job nothing more serious. 

I have had a nice time in hospital, I was wounded about 3.30 yesterday afternoon and I was brought to this hospital about 7 p.m. last night.  Of course I am knocking about the ward.  It is a French school.  There are only 4 patients in my ward including myself, the other three are suffering from ordinary complaints; none of them are wounded. 

We were jolly comfortable in our billets.  You can send me some of that stuff you send the boys from Boots - I think you said it is called "Vermin in the trenches" - and some carbolic soap.  If I go back to the same billet I am going to send my clothes out to be washed by a Belgian woman.  We go to her house for coffee and refreshments and it is just like a home.  We set to work one night and fried some eggs, they were 2 1/2 d each and she only charged 1/2 d each for butter to fry them and it is over 2/1 a pound. 

You can please send some writing paper but perhaps there is some in the parcel I guess you have sent off, and I will get it when I get back.  We were only allowed to write 6 letters a section up to yesterday and then we were told we could all write every day.  I have sent two letters home and a field card since I came to France so I hope you received them. 

Sid is keeping fit and all our chaps are well as far as I know.  I was helping to bury a horse last Sunday morning and we went to the trenches in the afternoon.  We first left Whitehaven on a Sunday, and we returned from leave on a Sunday and we left England on a Sunday so I think we will remember the 7th day. 

The hospital I am in is about 5 miles from the firing line - did you follow what I put in my last letter - it was Billie (N) told me in the train.  I will be writing letters in French next.  We are only 20 minutes walk from the 5th Borders and quite a few of them have visited our billets.  Ted Gill was up, but I didn't see him, but I don't know him much. 

Well I must close hoping all at home are well. 

Your loving brother Joe

Billie - Sunday 3rd October 1915

Dear Janey,

Very many thanks for letters from all and parcels received the last few days. 

We are back in the trenches again and having a fairly rough time of it.  We have had some reinforcements sent up.  The weather is very cold now, although it has been dry and frosty, so it is much better than the wet.  You will no doubt have had some very good news through the last few days.  I think the French are fairly giving them it in the neck. 

Have you heard from Joe yet whether he has left England or not?  Let me know as soon as you get news. 

We are in the trenches for 8 days this time, and then we'll have 8 days out.  We have not had the expected attack as yet, but hope to be sooner or later.  We have started making fires now so it is much more comfortable now. 

How are you all keeping at home?  I am pleased to say my cold is quite better now and I am once more in the pink.  I had a short letter from my firm saying they were sending me 200 fags the parcel would follow that.  We have not had time for letter writing this time in, so excuse short letter - will give you all news when I get out. 

Oh the chap who was wounded in my dug out is in England.  He was lucky in being sent over; he is having a fine time of it in Kent.  Lucky Beggar! 

Well I must close, hoping all are well at home. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

Joe - Friday 1st October 1915

Dear Mother,

You would no doubt be surprised at our quick move near to the firing line.  I am only about 12 miles off John, but it will be impossible to see him unless we get moved nearer.  Billie of course is at another part of the line.  I think he will be getting a rest anytime now. 

We were out for a very short route march yesterday morning and we met MR McNaughton (Bandmaster) out of the 5th Border - they are quite close to us.  We could see quite plainly shells bursting all around one of our aeroplanes - it was a grand sight but the aeroplane was too high for the Germans, most of the shells went wide. 

I expect you got my letter and field card, only 24 letters for each platoon can be allowed each day and the censor is much stricter than ever John's or Billie's were, but I think it is only for a start.  You need not send me an air pillow as I would never use it.  You can send the belt and watch cover anytime. 

One platoon of our Coy has been in the trenches and we may be going in the reserve anytime now.  We have plenty of rain but we are quite comfortable in our billets, and we have had an easy time of it since we came out here; all we have done is two short route marches.  There are plenty of Canadians where we are and they are decent chaps. 

I will write to Billie when my turn comes again, he will be ready for a rest and he needs one.  The 5th Borders are talking about a rest and Billie has been in much longer than them.  A few of our Coy were in the first line, and they all came out safe and sound; it's a fairly quiet part of the line here.  Our billets are very close to the reserve trenches, just at the top of the street the trenches start. 

I still have plenty of cash left so don't be sending me any.  I will let you know if I want any.  You need not send me any socks or shirts I have plenty that will last a few weeks, and we will do our own washing.  I reckon we can wash clothes as clean as some of the people here could, as it is a poor like place where we are and we are only allowed to go so far down the street.  There are a few small shops where we go for Coffee, it's all coffee here of course; we get tea at meal times, but apart from that I have not seen tea here yet. 

Well I have no more news so must close.  Hoping all at home are well. 

Your loving son Joe. 

John - Friday 1st October 1915

Dear Jess,

I received Mother's parcel safely tonight and was glad to find the candles.  It is quite dark now at 6.30 and we are burning quite a lot. 

The weather seems to be changing now and is heaps more wintry.  It was lovely today but awfully cold this morning and tonight.  I am writing this in the Mess we have rigged up a stove and it answers the purpose A1. 

I am writing to Joe tonight seeing he has come out.  I am anxious to find out which part of the country he is in.  I should think he is at the Boulogne Rest Camp; that is where he would come from Folkestone. 

I think we are staying here for another month or two so you need not worry about me; I shall be all right.  I shall keep a good look out to see if I can come across Joe.  I've not heard from Billie since I came back.  I sent him a letter by one of the chaps who went up the line. 

I must close now hoping all are well. 

Love to all John.