11 September 1916 Flanders
PASSED FIELD CENSOR 3519
[Envelope]
Postmark: FIELD POST OFFICE 13 SP 16
11th Sept 1916
Congrats on Anniversary
(Wedding Day)
Mr C. W. Satchell
"Macclesfield"
Livingstone St
Burwood
Sydney
Australia
[Page 1]
Flanders
11th Sept 1916
My dear Dad
I couldn't let today go without a line or two to you. This is the anniversary of your wedding day and I hope may more such days will follow, only I want to be able to be at home for the others if possible. I think I said that last year but it wasn't to be, anyrate watch for me next time.
I am writing this in what remains of a room of a house in a deserted city. To stand out in the street and look at what was once beautiful work and architecture almost makes a fellow cry. As far as I can make out in most places it is nothing but wanton destruction. I suppose Roy has told you that Auntie Sisie told him last time he was there that she hears from Uncle Edmund
[Page 2]
through some Insurance Coy that he is well (About every 3 months). It is good news isn't it? I don't suppose he is allowed to write.
There has been great news for all since July 1 hasn't there, from every front. It seems to have cheered the world up, its a good thing they can only see the bright side. I wonder do they ever think of the poor mothers hearts which are almost breaking. During the heavy fighting lately I took one of our boys back to a gully for a bit of a rest, he was terribly shaken with the shelling and could hardly walk. Arm in arm we went and got there alright but it was awful to see him jump when one of our guns fired even. Well I left him to carry water back to the front line, thinking he was safe at last. But there were some medical stores to come up (been forgotten) a little later, and he
[Page 3]
also having left a German helmet behind at the firing line which he had got for his sweetheart, volunteered to carry these stores. Anyrate poor brave lad got about half way when a shrapnell pellet went through his heart.
I say I'll be giving you the blues and I don't want to do that, but I know you like to hear of little incidents in which I've been concerned, there's not many I can mention in a letter.
What a great little chap Ron must be now. I can't place him running messages and going to school, though I often try. Let me see he is six now I think, that's right only had one birthday while I've been away.
Well Dad I must turn it up now and get on with another letter. Give my love to Mother and the best of luck to you both for years to come.
Your loving son
Billy