11 April 1918 France
[Envelope]
postmark: FIELD POST OFFICE 12 AP 18
PASSED BY CENSOR 4590
Mrs C. W. Satchell
"Macclesfield"
Livingstone St
Burwood
Sydney
Australia
[Page 1]
France
11/4/18
My dearest mother,
It seems to me some time since I've written but to tell you the dinkum truth I've never been rushed so much in all my natural. The "bold bad Hun" is blame and may the devil torment his soul everytime he wants a sleep. He is kept us going night and day now for over a fortnight averaging perhaps 2 hrs sleep in 24 hrs and that's mostly sitting up with Revolver close handy. But I don't want to tell you of minor hardships, but the main thing is we've stopped the Blighter and proud I am dear to say that
[Page 2]
Colonial troops in which the Australians have played a great part are mainly instrumental for the check. The welcome given us by the French people on our arrival from up north was touching in one way, poor souls most of them had been flying from villages nearer the line and they told us that they were jolly glad we had come down to this part of the front. I am not boasting mother but this is a something among our fellows which seems to be lacking in the present day "Tommy".
[Page 2 continued]
At present we are billeted for a couple of days in a village where the people must have cleared out in an awful hurry. Homes which perhaps have taken a lifetime to build and furnish left without taking anything. It is nothing now to see an Australian soldier put on a "hard hitter" hat and walk down the street for a joke. Anything to give them a taste of the old life amuses them greatly. Fellows sleeping in french beds, with sheets etc and wearing "nighties" and anything else they can get, using the fires and spare spades in the cellars are having a great time. Let them have it poor devils, their life does not bring much amusement at times like this.
Just before I went into the line the other day Percy Williamson called to see me. I only had a few minutes before moving off but it was good to see him. Maurice Pearce(?) is hanging around somewhere but I can't go to look for him yet a while.
[Page 3]
I have just heard from Dick of the death of his mother. Very sad and they must feel the loss very keenly. I have dropped him a line. The birthday cake has not come yet nor the other parcels but there are lots of hopes.
I suppose you are expecting me to go on leave any day. So was I a while ago but not now. Damn Fritz again. He has no sense of humour at all.
Well mother dear this is not much of a note but it lets you know I am still blooming. Like the Rose!!!
Tons of love to all and I cabled a few days ago.
Your loving Son
Billy
XXXXXX
postmark: FIELD POST OFFICE 12 AP 18
PASSED BY CENSOR 4590
Mrs C. W. Satchell
"Macclesfield"
Livingstone St
Burwood
Sydney
Australia
[Page 1]
France
11/4/18
My dearest mother,
It seems to me some time since I've written but to tell you the dinkum truth I've never been rushed so much in all my natural. The "bold bad Hun" is blame and may the devil torment his soul everytime he wants a sleep. He is kept us going night and day now for over a fortnight averaging perhaps 2 hrs sleep in 24 hrs and that's mostly sitting up with Revolver close handy. But I don't want to tell you of minor hardships, but the main thing is we've stopped the Blighter and proud I am dear to say that
[Page 2]
Colonial troops in which the Australians have played a great part are mainly instrumental for the check. The welcome given us by the French people on our arrival from up north was touching in one way, poor souls most of them had been flying from villages nearer the line and they told us that they were jolly glad we had come down to this part of the front. I am not boasting mother but this is a something among our fellows which seems to be lacking in the present day "Tommy".
[Page 2 continued]
At present we are billeted for a couple of days in a village where the people must have cleared out in an awful hurry. Homes which perhaps have taken a lifetime to build and furnish left without taking anything. It is nothing now to see an Australian soldier put on a "hard hitter" hat and walk down the street for a joke. Anything to give them a taste of the old life amuses them greatly. Fellows sleeping in french beds, with sheets etc and wearing "nighties" and anything else they can get, using the fires and spare spades in the cellars are having a great time. Let them have it poor devils, their life does not bring much amusement at times like this.
Just before I went into the line the other day Percy Williamson called to see me. I only had a few minutes before moving off but it was good to see him. Maurice Pearce(?) is hanging around somewhere but I can't go to look for him yet a while.
[Page 3]
I have just heard from Dick of the death of his mother. Very sad and they must feel the loss very keenly. I have dropped him a line. The birthday cake has not come yet nor the other parcels but there are lots of hopes.
I suppose you are expecting me to go on leave any day. So was I a while ago but not now. Damn Fritz again. He has no sense of humour at all.
Well mother dear this is not much of a note but it lets you know I am still blooming. Like the Rose!!!
Tons of love to all and I cabled a few days ago.
Your loving Son
Billy
XXXXXX