Billie - Friday 31st March 1916

Dear Janey,

Many thanks for Mother's lovely parcel received on 29th in good condition, also for letters and papers received last night.  I am sorry to say the eggs were not a success as all were broken, so I don't think I'd risk any more, excepting hard boiled ones. 

We are in the trenches again but we are being relieved tomorrow by our 7th Battalion and there is a strong rumour that this is our last time in, but we do not think so, as we have had too many of these rumours.  The weather has been very cold the last few days and we have had a lot more snow, but I'm pleased to say it is much warmer today, and nearly all the snow has cleared away - for good we hope. 

I was very pleased to know my Diary arrived all right.  The chap I sent it with is on the guns, and got married while on leave.  He arranged the wedding some weeks ago, and was on his way when they were turned back as all leaves were stopped.  Jolly hard luck was it not?  But still he has had it now s it does not matter. 

I had a letter from Jess from Liverpool she seems to be busy.  I wrote John a long letter, so he will no doubt give you all the news.  Have you heard from Joe and do you know if he received my letter I sent a few days ago?  I was pleased to hear you are going to do Thompson's work.  I feel sure you will manage all right.  I guess you will all be very busy knitting for Thompson but I trust he will not be called up yet. 

I had a very close shave yesterday whilst filling some sand bags in the doorway of a dug out when the Germans dropped a 5.9 shell on the dug out and knocked part of it in.  I got hit on the knee with a piece of wood from the dug out but that was all.  Only one chap was hit, and only slightly so we were all very lucky. 

You might thank Miss Rook for the chocolate, it is awfully good of her.  Well I suppose that Sarah will be up to the eyes in work, also Father will be kept very busy.  Well I think this is all at present so I must close.  Hoping all at home are well also the aunts, as it leaves me in the pink. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

It is a glorious day today and feels a treat to be alive. 

Joe - Tuesday 28th March 1916

Dear Mother,

I received the parcel and many thanks for same, also the 1/6 from Aunt Eliza. We are still resting and probably will be out of the trenches for a fortnight or so.  We are having very changeable weather the last few days were like Summer, and now we are having snow and rain, but no doubt we will have some fine weather soon.  A few of the chaps out of our Battalion have got back to England to work on Munitions and our leaves have started again. 

I will write to Aunt Eliza to thank her for the 1/6d.  I was pleased to hear Billie has got on the Machine Gun Section, he will have a better time than with the Company. 

I don't think our John replied to my last letter but I lose count sometimes.  Well I have no more news at present.  Hoping all at home are well. 

Your loving son Joe

Billie - Sunday 26th March 1916

Dear John,

Very many thanks for the letters received some days ago.  I was pleased to hear you are having such a good time.  Well all I say is, make the most of it. 

We are in the trenches again and having a fairly rough time of it.  I think I told you that the Germans made an attack on us some weeks ago but did not meet with much success at all.  Well we had our revenge the other night and no mistake.  We arranged to make a bombing raid on the enemy's front line some days ago, but on account of heavy snow it was abandoned so while we were out resting last time we carried it out, and met with a huge success.  Our chaps got in the trenches and Brigade orders say we accounted for 60 Germans killed without what were knocked about by the bombardment afterwards.  Our chaps went in their trenches and gave them something to remember us by.  The chaps who had not bombs had hatchets and clubs and revolvers, and you should have seen these things when it was all over.  They were going to bring 3 prisoners alive and 2 did not want to come so one got a revolver bullet and someone knocked the other's head off, so they only brought one alive - quite a youngster.  It did not last long, our chaps were only in the German trenches 81 minutes, but they must have gone mad whilst in.  However it has let them see that we can scrap with the next.  We had only 4 chaps wounded and none dangerous. 

You will be surprised to hear that Corbett stopped me through the arm while between lines.  Two of our guns went over as covering party but we were not allowed to go as only the chaps who have been on the guns since we first got them were allowed to go and then they cut one gun out at the last minute.  Of course the Germans sent the S.O.S. up, but our chaps were clear then and they started bombarding. 

You would no doubt be surprised to hear I am on the Lewis Gun, but we have a better time than the Company.  You will no doubt be surprised to hear Mr Hoskins is transport officer now, and he has made some improvements there, all have their badges and buttons polished now.  They have got a Brigade Pioneer Company now formed of chaps who have been sick a lot.  What do you think - Nipper Frear is in with his knee, and goodness knows how he managed to get in them, as he plays football for our Company's team!  They are attached to us and are back at the village where we go every 24 days for a rest. 

While we were there this last time the General put a cup up for football - best Company in the Brigade and we are going very strong.  First of all the Battalions all play inter-Company matches league, and the top of the league represents the Battalion and A Company is top of our Battalion so we are going very strong.  The top of the league represents the Battalion and we are top - 11 goals for and 0 against as we have not lost a match as yet and we are supposed to be hot favourites.  We beat the crack team 3:0.  I play centre. 

I was surprised to hear that you were getting married but perhaps you are right and I only hope I will be able to be home to be best man, but I do not know how it is to be managed.  I am pleased to say everything points to use being relieved and we will not be sorry. 

This is all the news I have at present, hoping you are well also Billie and all at home.  So cheer oh! 

Your loving brother Billie. 

Old Bunny wishes to be remembered to you, he is still plodding along trying to get his papers signed.  Let me know how you are getting on when you've time.  They say Tich is in an asylum but I'm not certain if it's true.  All your pals wish to be remembered to you.  Sergeant Wilkinson was shot by a sniper this morning. 

Billie - Sunday 26th March 1916

Dear Mater,

Very many thanks for the parcel received in splendid condition a few days ago.  We are back in the trenches again; they do say for our last 8 days but do not know how true it is, but things do look like a move at present.  The weather here is about the funniest I have ever experienced.  While out we had jolly fine weather up to the last night and then it turned very cold and the day we came in it snowed something awful and settled on the ground quite 7 inches thick.  But it is nearly all cleared away now as we have had some more rain and it has cleared it all away but it has left the trenches in a nice mess.  However we are quite used to the wet by now. 

I received a P.O. from the committee of the Gift Sale and I want you to thank them very much for their kindness in not forgetting me in spite of the fact that I was in the Warwicks not the Borders. 

Well things are pretty much the same as usual and I have not much news this time so must close.  Is Joe on his way down here or are they settled in some new trenches?  I am writing to John tonight so he can give you all the news I have missed out.  I had a letter from Jess from Liverpool and she seems to be having a busy time of it.  Oh all leaves are stopped again.  I think they don't intend giving some of us a leave at all.  Hoping all are well as it leaves me in the pink so cheer oh. 

Your loving son Billie. 

Joe - Monday 20th March 1916

Dear Mother,

I received parcel and thanks for same. 

We are out of the trenches and well behind the firing line, we are near to Billie, well I won't say near, perhaps about 30 miles but we might land nearer to him when we go in the trenches.  I think we will be out another week or two.  We are a lucky division so far, and we have had a grand rest, I got the 7/4d from the patriotic sale all right and I will write and thank them for it.  I don't think it's any good John writing about leave.  I should have had my leave long since when I was drawn, but I will have to wait another month at least because "A" Company goes this week, but with a bit of luck I should manage for the events.  Anyhow I will see what I can do. 

I will write to thank Aunt Eliza and Jennie.  If Thompson has to go tell him not to join an Infantry; the RGA is all right but the Army Pay Corps is much better paid I think.  I had a letter from Billie he seems to be getting on all right.  Our Billie will get a surprise if we land to relieve them.  Please send me some handkerchiefs. 

I will now draw to a close.  Hope you are all well. 

Love to all Joe

Billie - Wednesday 15th March 1916

Dear Sarah,

Very many thanks for lovely parcel which arrived in splendid condition last night.  Also thank Janey for letter which I was pleased to receive last night also. 

We are still in the trenches having a fairly decent time of it these last few days.  The weather for the last three days has been a treat almost like Summer, so you may guess we quite enjoyed it.  This is our last night in of this 8 days and tomorrow we go back for 8 days' rest.  I think the Germans have been changed opposite to us, as these last few days they have been shouting over to us and generally swanking. 

I had to leave this letter and go out of our shelter with the gun, so I will now try to finish it.  Well we are out of the trenches again and back resting, and up to the present we are having a jolly decent time.  The weather these last few days has been scorching hot, and the scenery just around this village is a treat to see.  The fields and orchards are yellow with daffodils - in fact I have never seen so many before.  I have also heard there are heaps of violets but have not come across any yet.  We are playing a football competition here for a cup given by our General.  We have played one match and won 5:0.  I managed to get a couple of goals.  We play again today a very hot team so only hope we are as lucky today.  The football team is excused all parades so you may guess we are having a fairly decent time of it. 

You will no doubt be pleased to hear that leaves have started again but they are only sending 2 a week per company, so if they do not increase them it will be quite 13 weeks before I get home.  We had a glorious bath yesterday and a clean change so you need only send me some socks occasionally now.  Kindly thank Mater for the lovely parcel containing socks &c which arrived in fine order. 

Well I suppose Jess and John will both be busy now with one thing and another.  Tell Mother to draw out some of my money and buy them whatever they want.  I was pleased to hear you had decided to accept the post offered you.  I feel sure you will do well.  I was also pleased to learn that Janey is going to do Thompson's work.  I am sure she will be able to manage it all right.  You might let me know when he is called up and what he is put in.  I think it is a downright shame that the government should not keep their pledge and I think it should be seen into. 

Well I think this is all the news at present so must close.  Hoping all are well at home also at Greenwell House, George St and Catherine St. as it leaves me in the pink.  Oh kindly thank Aunt Eliza for the money in the parcel just received it came in handy. 

Cheer oh, Your loving brother Billie

Joe - Tuesday 14th March 1916

Dear Mother,

You will probably have heard before now that we are on the move.  We are moving to the South of France.  We have had two day's march and we have been staying at a village for three days.  I think we move tomorrow.  We will probably be taking over trenches somewhere near where Billie is.  I would like to come across him. 

You can spend the same amount on John's present as I told you for Jess; please see my orders are carried out, and tell Jess it is not too much.  I have just received a parcel from Sarah, and thank her for same; it was a good parcel.  I got a surprise where I heard Mrs Bewsher was dead; a good number of Whitehaven people have died lately. 

When we first landed in this village the French people at some of the farms would hardly let our chaps sleep in their barns because some of them were half full of unthreshed wheat and corn.  Of course we wouldn't have harmed it much but it appears some troops had left the places dirty.  We go up to a farmhouse where some of our Machine Gun Section are billeted and the old man and woman will do anything for US.  We are getting chips tonight at no cost to us. 

Well I must close if I want to catch the post.  I was glad to hear Sarah had taken that post; it won't be such hard work.  Well I must close. 

I remain, Your loving son Joe

Billie - Monday 13th March 1916

Dear Janey,

Very many thanks for letter received, also for the two home parcels which I received in splendid condition. 

We are back in the trenches again and are having it fairly rough.  We have had some terrible snowstorms these last few days, and the ground is 2 to 3 ft deep all round.  You will no doubt be surprised to hear I have been put on the Machine Gun Section - the Lewis Gun.  Bunny has been on sometime now, so I had a course the last time out and I am now on.  It is much better than the company as you do not have half the work to do and have a much better time all round.  When we are out for our rest the last few days, the guns have done nothing but rest, while the company have to provide working parties, so you see it is much better on the guns.  When we are in the trenches we do not have to do two or three men's work on the guns and up to the present I have had a decent time.  In future my address will be Lewis Gun Section, A Company &c. 

You will no doubt know that all leaves are stopped indefinitely while the German offensive is being carried on.  However I suppose I will get one sooner or later but do not think I will get home for Easter. 

I suppose Sarah will have got back.  You might let me know what she intends doing.  Does Thompson know when he will be called up?  I hope it won't be for some time yet.  Have you decided what you are going to do?  Have you heard if Joe has finished his rest yet - I wrote to him two days ago.  Has John come back from his bombing course, as I must write to him or he will be thinking I have forgotten him?  We have heaps of rumours about being relieved but I suppose one of these days we will be relieved when we least expect it. 

14th March 1916

I had to leave this as we could not have a light where we were.  We have been congratulated by the General of our Corps on the way we have held the line and generally frightened the enemy.  We are transferred now out of the 3rd and into the 4th and seeing they are up in Flanders we may get a rest very soon.  We have just had a glorious supper, one of the chaps in the team had some bacon sent, so we had it fried about 1 this morning - I never enjoyed anything better. 

Well I think this is all the news up to the present.  Hoping Mother, Father, Sarah, Jess, John, Thompson, Joe and not forgetting yourself are all quite well as it leaves me in the pink.  Kindest regards to all the aunts and Mr Ray. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

I am turning in at 12 for 6 hours sleep, a thing we never had in the company. 

Billie - Friday 10th March 1916

Dear Sarah,

Very many thanks for your letter, also thank Mater for the two parcels which I received in splendid condition just before we came into the trenches. 

We are back in our own line again and are having a fairly decent time of it; if only the weather was better, things would be greatly improved.  We have had nothing but snow for a fortnight and the ground is quite thick.  The worst of it is, some days a thaw sets in and the trenches get flooded out, and we have to go up at nights and pump it out, and nearly every night we either have very hard frost or snow, so you may guess it is not very pleasant standing above your knees in water trying to pump water out whilst it is freezing so hard. 

There is a strong rumour that we are being relieved after this spell in, so we only hope it is correct, as we have had quite our share of winter trench warfare.  All leaves have been stopped throughout the British Army and we all think it is a shame.  We all read Tennant's speech in the House of Lords and you should have heard the remarks.  He wants to come out here and do 12 months, and then have his leave stopped, just when he could see it in sight, and then see how he would like that. 

We have been kept fairly busy these last few days so you must excuse my not writing before.  Our John seems to be having a decent time.  I must write to him if I get time tomorrow.  I suppose Jess will be busy now her time is getting so short.  You can draw some of my money out of the Bank and get her just what she would like from me.  I don't suppose there is much chance of me getting home by then, but still there is no saying.  I was pleased to hear Joe is still resting.  He will think I've forgotten him but I will write in a day or two. 

Did you call at Philip Road (Peckham)?  I'm sure they would be pleased to see you. 

I had a letter from the Manager and his wife yesterday, and he told me he is the only one left out of the old staff and he wants to know if I would like some more fags.  You might ask Mother to send me a copying pencil in the next parcel.  Well I think this is all the news.  Hoping all are well as it leaves me in the pink.  Kindest regards to the aunts &c.  Hoping to see you soon. 

Your loving brother Billie. 

Joe - Tuesday 7th March 1916

Dear Jess,

I received parcel and letter and thanks for same. 

We are still back at the rest camp but we might move at any time.  I got a surprise when I knew John was going to be married also.  I wish I could just drop lucky and manage to get on leave and Billie also.  I had a letter from F. Wilkinson, he is near Alexandria and having a fairly decent time; he thinks he will be going to Salonika.  He was resting at Mudron for a month.  Well our leave is still stopped, but it might start anytime again, let's hope so.  I have had no word from Billie; he will not have time for letter writing. 

You will feel a bit strange leaving school.  National will be short of teachers.  I think a few of these single chaps should be called before the married men.  There are too many of these appeals being listened to, a few of the chaps want packing right out here.  I sent Sarah a letter I hope she got it.  Well I have no more news so must close.  Hope this finds all at home well. 

With love to all Joe

Billie - Sunday 5th March 1916

Dear Mater,

Just a line to let you know I am going on all right.  We are out of the trenches and in the village in reserve.  The weather is awful; the last 8 days in we had 2 or 3 ft of snow and then heavy rain, which flooded the trenches.  Yesterday the weather turned very cold again and we had another foot of snow and hard frost.  I had a letter and some fags from the director, and he asked if he could send me anything. 

I was pleased to hear all were well at home.  Jess will no doubt have left school now, and will be having a very busy time.  I was greatly surprised to hear our John is thinking of getting married.  I have no idea when I will be home on leave now, as all leaves are stopped indefinitely, and do not show any signs of starting as yet.  I think we will be going back to our own part of the line next time in, and we will not be sorry.  I am pleased to see by the papers that they have livened the slackers up. 

The weather today is fine but cold.  You need not send me a shirt, but you can send me another pair of socks please as the weather does play havoc with our foot gear.  I had a letter from Sarah and she seems to be having a good time at Letchworth and London.  I hope she called at Peckham, they would be pleased to see here.  I suppose it will not be long before Thompson is called up, and I think it is a great shame that the married men should be called up while there are so many sheltering under their so called stars.  I only hope he is not called up, and then Janey won't have to turn out to work, nevertheless I admire her for her pluck. 

I suppose Pater will still be as busy as ever, and I'm sure he will feel ready for a rest.  Well I think this is all the news so must close.  Hoping all are well as it leaves me in the pink. 

With love to you all, your affectionate son Billie.  Cheer oh.