My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well. Since writing to you I have received 6 letters - one for Siss (April 4th) one from Kath (March 29th) one from Aunt Bessie (April 8th) one from Nell (March 31st) and two from Annie (9th and 21st of April). I was very pleased to get these letters and to hear that you are all doing well. I also got my Records and see that there had been a lot of socials etc. around there lately.
I was surprised to hear of the rumour that John Best was married, but I hope that it is true, and if it is I wish him the best of luck. I was sorry to hear that Ralph Thomas had lost his leg. I did not know he had been wounded as badly as that.
I got a letter from Mat Griffen. He is in hospital in England, wounded in the elbow, very near the same place as before. He does not expect to be laid up very long with it this time.
I went and saw Buzz Simmons about a fortnight ago. He looks well and hardly knew me. He was mending boots and says the job will do him - better than carting ammunition.
Kathleen says Mrs. Siegert wanted to know if I had heard anything of her boy George, but I have not been near his Battalion so I have not had a chance to make any enquiries. "Missing" is a very unsatisfactory return in a casualty list. I feel sorry for anyone who has their soldier laddies reported that way. If they are not reported Prisoners of War within 2 or 3 months, there is very little chance of them being heard of again. So I am very much afraid that little Georgie was killed. I see by the Record that Augie Pohler was given a great reception home. Hilda is evidently doing well too with her reciting etc. By the way I hear that she has got herself a returned soldier boy - is that so?
I am very glad I did not order a French tart for John Best if that is his game. Frank Richards and Harry Tralaggan are quite alright. Wally Arnolds is having a spell out of the line this trip, he well deserves it as he has done a lot of line work.
We got some Christmas parcels yesterday and some shirts and socks from the Australian Comfort Fund. It was rather late for Christmas parcels, but they are just as welcome. We often get tobacco, cocoa and milk etc. from the Fund.
I will close now hoping you are all well.
I remain
Your Loving Son and Brother,
Tom.
Showing posts with label casuality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label casuality. Show all posts
France; May 6, 1918
My Dear People,
Just a short note to let you know how I am getting along.
Since last writing to you I have received 9 letters - one from Sis, 2 from Uncle Dan & Aunty Ada & a photo, one from Pat Griffen, one from Hilda Taylor, 2 from Annie (Feb 26th, March 6th), one from Mum (Feb 27) & one from Dad (Feb 17th). I was glad to hear you were all doing well & very pleased to know your wheat & wool turned out so well.
We are still on our good job & doing quite well.
May 8th
I am still doing quite alright but, we have shifted out of our comfortable house & are in little bivouacs now, still things are very nice & we are all quite happy. We had some rain yesterday, but it is fine & a bit cloudy to-day.
Poor Ada Onley had bad luck losing her husband so soon. How is Mrs. Cahill getting along?
Uncle Dan tells me he had a lovely crop, the family look quite well in the photo they sent me.
By the way the Block must have had a lot of wheat on it if you got 3,400 bags, as I think someone mentioned that you had 700 bags at Ilfradale. I am not quite sure of this. That would leave 2,700 for the Block or a few bags more than I got off it & I suppose they were heavier bags than mine (some crop). I suppose Poor Will was grease & dust all over when he was reaping it. Who is his girl, now? & who does John use his bike after?
Well I must close now as I have to get the rations directly, hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom.
I heard Frank Richards was wounded (W. Arnold told me) but I do not think he got to Blighty (England).
Just a short note to let you know how I am getting along.
Since last writing to you I have received 9 letters - one from Sis, 2 from Uncle Dan & Aunty Ada & a photo, one from Pat Griffen, one from Hilda Taylor, 2 from Annie (Feb 26th, March 6th), one from Mum (Feb 27) & one from Dad (Feb 17th). I was glad to hear you were all doing well & very pleased to know your wheat & wool turned out so well.
We are still on our good job & doing quite well.
May 8th
I am still doing quite alright but, we have shifted out of our comfortable house & are in little bivouacs now, still things are very nice & we are all quite happy. We had some rain yesterday, but it is fine & a bit cloudy to-day.
Poor Ada Onley had bad luck losing her husband so soon. How is Mrs. Cahill getting along?
Uncle Dan tells me he had a lovely crop, the family look quite well in the photo they sent me.
By the way the Block must have had a lot of wheat on it if you got 3,400 bags, as I think someone mentioned that you had 700 bags at Ilfradale. I am not quite sure of this. That would leave 2,700 for the Block or a few bags more than I got off it & I suppose they were heavier bags than mine (some crop). I suppose Poor Will was grease & dust all over when he was reaping it. Who is his girl, now? & who does John use his bike after?
Well I must close now as I have to get the rations directly, hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom.
I heard Frank Richards was wounded (W. Arnold told me) but I do not think he got to Blighty (England).
Portsmouth; November 27, 1917
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know how I am getting along.
My leg is getting along very well. I go out every afternoon for a bit of a walk, & I find this "wounded soldier" business is the best "stunt" I have been on for a good while, that is, of course if the "crack" is not too hard. I was out walking the other day & I was "swinging" my leg so well that a young lady came & offered me a walking stick to help me along. I very very politely declined her nice offer. I do not know if you have heard the saying "swinging the leg, or "lead", but, it means dodging the "line" & it is a very common phrase this side of the world.
I went to a stock market the other day. Things were rather dear. Cattle, that would dress from 8 to 10 cwt were bringing from £30.0.0. to £40.0.0. Calves that we would knock on the head £2.0.0 and £3.0.0. and sheep that would dress about 70 lb £5.5.0. Meat is of course very dear & runs from 1/2d to 1/8d a lb. I saw a price list of Australian Jam in a shop window to-day. It was from 1/3½ d for plum to 1/8½ d for black currant per 27 oz. tin. Sugar is only obtainable on the card system. In the hospital we scarcely get any Jam but have plenty of bread & margarine. It is real good margarine, almost as good as butter. We have fish or sometimes an egg for breakfast & meat & vegetables & pudding for dinner & I do very well on it. I do not think Germany is at all likely to starve England out, but it may put a serious strain on us supplying some of our Allies.
I will be sent out of this hospital to another any day now. I may be sent to one of the Australian hospitals at Dartford or Harefield near London, or perhaps to some small place not far away. If it is no worse than this place it will do me.
I went to a Confirmation Service at a little Church not far from here last Sunday. There were a good many little boys & girls confirmed. When the Bishop was addressing them, asking catechism etc., he was very keen on their going to Church every Sunday at least - take note "all" boys who neglect Church.
We have not had any very cold weather yet, the winter being I think rather later than last year. It may not be so cold as last winter. I hope not anyhow. I had my "Phiz" taken the other day in my hospital "blues". I am enclosing one in this letter. It is a "Dinkum" likeness but, the blue shows up grey in the photo.
Fruit is very dear here. Grapes from 1/- to 2/- per lb. & other fruit in proportion. Apples being about the cheapest from -/4d -/6d per lb.
I saw in a Casualty list over here the other day where a C. Pohlner was wounded. I do not know if it was Charley or not but I think it was. I see they are having another go at conscription again but I bet No wins. I suppose you are busy hay-making now. I hope things are going alright home. Well I must close now. Hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son and Brother
Tom
Just a few lines to let you know how I am getting along.
My leg is getting along very well. I go out every afternoon for a bit of a walk, & I find this "wounded soldier" business is the best "stunt" I have been on for a good while, that is, of course if the "crack" is not too hard. I was out walking the other day & I was "swinging" my leg so well that a young lady came & offered me a walking stick to help me along. I very very politely declined her nice offer. I do not know if you have heard the saying "swinging the leg, or "lead", but, it means dodging the "line" & it is a very common phrase this side of the world.
I went to a stock market the other day. Things were rather dear. Cattle, that would dress from 8 to 10 cwt were bringing from £30.0.0. to £40.0.0. Calves that we would knock on the head £2.0.0 and £3.0.0. and sheep that would dress about 70 lb £5.5.0. Meat is of course very dear & runs from 1/2d to 1/8d a lb. I saw a price list of Australian Jam in a shop window to-day. It was from 1/3½ d for plum to 1/8½ d for black currant per 27 oz. tin. Sugar is only obtainable on the card system. In the hospital we scarcely get any Jam but have plenty of bread & margarine. It is real good margarine, almost as good as butter. We have fish or sometimes an egg for breakfast & meat & vegetables & pudding for dinner & I do very well on it. I do not think Germany is at all likely to starve England out, but it may put a serious strain on us supplying some of our Allies.
I will be sent out of this hospital to another any day now. I may be sent to one of the Australian hospitals at Dartford or Harefield near London, or perhaps to some small place not far away. If it is no worse than this place it will do me.
I went to a Confirmation Service at a little Church not far from here last Sunday. There were a good many little boys & girls confirmed. When the Bishop was addressing them, asking catechism etc., he was very keen on their going to Church every Sunday at least - take note "all" boys who neglect Church.
We have not had any very cold weather yet, the winter being I think rather later than last year. It may not be so cold as last winter. I hope not anyhow. I had my "Phiz" taken the other day in my hospital "blues". I am enclosing one in this letter. It is a "Dinkum" likeness but, the blue shows up grey in the photo.
Fruit is very dear here. Grapes from 1/- to 2/- per lb. & other fruit in proportion. Apples being about the cheapest from -/4d -/6d per lb.
I saw in a Casualty list over here the other day where a C. Pohlner was wounded. I do not know if it was Charley or not but I think it was. I see they are having another go at conscription again but I bet No wins. I suppose you are busy hay-making now. I hope things are going alright home. Well I must close now. Hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son and Brother
Tom
France; August 28, 1917
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well.
Since last writing I have received 4 letters - one from Annie (June 3rd) & one from Nell (June 17th), one from Mum & Annie (June 24 & 27th) & one from Mrs. Taylor. I was glad to hear you were all quite well but I am sorry Dad could not get a man for the tilling as it is rather heavy work on Will.
I saw Sgt Lackman the other day. He is quite well & wished to be remembered to you. I saw in a casualty list that Joe Statton was severely wounded. Frank Cahill showed me a letter from his mother the other day, she said she was quite well & was working somewhere near Adelaide. She said Will's girl (Ada O.) had left Beckwith's & was back in Town. I suppose Will had a real good time while she was up. Her brother is returning, he has lost his arm. Mrs. Taylor told me Len was going to marry a Miss Rielly shortly.
I suppose Jack Connors will soon be getting married now. I am sorry my little Jane is leaving the Mount as I expect she will get some other boy now. How about Paddy? Does he still try & beat Frank Richards for his girl?
Lyell Bell's Brigade are up this way somewhere, they have had a good spell in the line, but I think they are out now, but it is too far away for me to go & see him. We are going to be reviewed by some big head to-morrow & have got all our gear cleaned & polished as if we were on garrison duty.
I do not know when we are going in the line, but I think, it is nearly time we had a turn. It has been very rough & windy to-day & it rains pretty often, but soon dries up again.
Rain-soaked trenches in France
I think some of your letters have been sunk, as I did not get the one saying that Mrs. Cutts had paid the money and that you had sent her the receipt. Harry Tralaggan not been very well & is in Hospital for a few days but is getting on alright now.
Well I must close now, hoping you are all well.
I remain,
Your Loving Son and Brother,
Tom
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well.
Since last writing I have received 4 letters - one from Annie (June 3rd) & one from Nell (June 17th), one from Mum & Annie (June 24 & 27th) & one from Mrs. Taylor. I was glad to hear you were all quite well but I am sorry Dad could not get a man for the tilling as it is rather heavy work on Will.
I saw Sgt Lackman the other day. He is quite well & wished to be remembered to you. I saw in a casualty list that Joe Statton was severely wounded. Frank Cahill showed me a letter from his mother the other day, she said she was quite well & was working somewhere near Adelaide. She said Will's girl (Ada O.) had left Beckwith's & was back in Town. I suppose Will had a real good time while she was up. Her brother is returning, he has lost his arm. Mrs. Taylor told me Len was going to marry a Miss Rielly shortly.
I suppose Jack Connors will soon be getting married now. I am sorry my little Jane is leaving the Mount as I expect she will get some other boy now. How about Paddy? Does he still try & beat Frank Richards for his girl?
Lyell Bell's Brigade are up this way somewhere, they have had a good spell in the line, but I think they are out now, but it is too far away for me to go & see him. We are going to be reviewed by some big head to-morrow & have got all our gear cleaned & polished as if we were on garrison duty.
I do not know when we are going in the line, but I think, it is nearly time we had a turn. It has been very rough & windy to-day & it rains pretty often, but soon dries up again.
Rain-soaked trenches in France
I think some of your letters have been sunk, as I did not get the one saying that Mrs. Cutts had paid the money and that you had sent her the receipt. Harry Tralaggan not been very well & is in Hospital for a few days but is getting on alright now.
Well I must close now, hoping you are all well.
I remain,
Your Loving Son and Brother,
Tom
France; August 3, 1917
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well.
I got two letters to-day, one from Annie & Mum (May 27th & 28th) & one from Kath (May 29th) & was glad to hear you were doing alright & had had plenty of rain. Your letters from 1st to 27th May are evidently down with Davy Jones. I was glad to hear Mrs. Cutts was paying the £10.0.0 into Elders alright, but the Military are undoubtedly slow with my C.D.P.
Since last writing to you we have shifted a long way. We had a long ride in a train & a little march of about 5 miles to finish up. We are now billeted in a stable at a big farm-house. We are still a good way behind the line.
I saw Bert Lilley again the other day. He is attached to Brigade Headquarters as a runner, his job is to take messages to the Battalions & he does not have to go right in the line, so unless he is very unlucky he should get through alright. They are camped about 3 miles from us, so I will see Mat & Mick & the other lads if we do not move too soon.
It has been very wet since we came here & things are pretty sloppy. The crops here are nearly ripe & are the heaviest I have seen in France. I saw Noel Tiver the other day. He is in the Light Trench Masters & is quite well. I suppose Sis & George are quite a staid, steady couple by this time. I hear there is some likelihood of Charlie getting married & all living at Glen Dare. Yours Truly tips some stormy weather if that goes on for long.
I saw in a Casualty list where poor old Jack O'Reilly is missing. Bert Lilley tells me he does not hear so regularly from Mt. Bryan since I left, but he got a parcel from Annie a little while ago. I do not know when we are going in the line again, but I wish we would go in & make a splash & be done with it before the winter comes on.
Well I must close now hoping you are all quite well & getting along alright.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom.
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well.
I got two letters to-day, one from Annie & Mum (May 27th & 28th) & one from Kath (May 29th) & was glad to hear you were doing alright & had had plenty of rain. Your letters from 1st to 27th May are evidently down with Davy Jones. I was glad to hear Mrs. Cutts was paying the £10.0.0 into Elders alright, but the Military are undoubtedly slow with my C.D.P.
Since last writing to you we have shifted a long way. We had a long ride in a train & a little march of about 5 miles to finish up. We are now billeted in a stable at a big farm-house. We are still a good way behind the line.
I saw Bert Lilley again the other day. He is attached to Brigade Headquarters as a runner, his job is to take messages to the Battalions & he does not have to go right in the line, so unless he is very unlucky he should get through alright. They are camped about 3 miles from us, so I will see Mat & Mick & the other lads if we do not move too soon.
It has been very wet since we came here & things are pretty sloppy. The crops here are nearly ripe & are the heaviest I have seen in France. I saw Noel Tiver the other day. He is in the Light Trench Masters & is quite well. I suppose Sis & George are quite a staid, steady couple by this time. I hear there is some likelihood of Charlie getting married & all living at Glen Dare. Yours Truly tips some stormy weather if that goes on for long.
I saw in a Casualty list where poor old Jack O'Reilly is missing. Bert Lilley tells me he does not hear so regularly from Mt. Bryan since I left, but he got a parcel from Annie a little while ago. I do not know when we are going in the line again, but I wish we would go in & make a splash & be done with it before the winter comes on.
Well I must close now hoping you are all quite well & getting along alright.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom.
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