17 October 1918 France
This letter brings news of the award of the Military Cross
[Envelope]
postmark: FIELD POST OFFICE [blur]
PASSED BY CENSOR 4590
Mrs C. W. Satchell
"Macclesfield"
Livingstone St
Burwood
Sydney
Australia
[Page 1]
France
17/10/18
My dearest mother
I shall start this letter tonight but it remains to be seen how far I'll get with it.
Well dear first of all let me wish you one and all a very happy Xmas and New Year. I think I shall be home for the next, let's hope so.
I received your ever welcome letter about four or five days ago, and was glad to hear the news of Burwood etc and also to know that Ron was getting over the measles. Hope it doesn't spread. Cheerful! I have told Sis all about the breaking up of the battalion and that I am now in the 18th. Hard luck if you like eh? Our brothers in Australia should be proud of themselves. Last night I received another shock, perhaps though a little more pleasant. We were about
[Page 2]
to take our seats at mess when the Colonel said "Sit here Satchell" and pointed to the chair on his right. I thought to myself what in the devil is this but he soon released me. "Before starting dinner Gentlemen I want to read to you something that has just been received." A list of names followed, mine last. Hang me mother they have given your bounder son a Military Cross. To tell you the truth I've done nothing that has not been my job, yet the official report of it sounds alright, flowery language did it I think. The men did the work, perhaps I was responsible, yet mine was nothing without theirs. I hope they get something out of it. I shall enclose the official report later on. As for the decoration itself mother I don't care a hang, for every man that you see decorated there are half a dozen or more as
[Page 3]
least equally deserving with none at all, but for your sakes I am glad, you have something to show that I am not all together a waster and was not one who hunted for cushy jobs. Before this I had nothing to show outwardly that I had ever been in action, anyone can wear service stripes and "As". Well I reckon I have spoken quite long enough about myself. Has Fred Lipscomb been to see you or Basil. Another officer is returning to Australia whom I worked with and I've asked him to go along. Lt Bill Andrew is his name. Bill for short his initials are W.P.C. He will tell you some tales about how we carried on when poor old Reg Hunter was with us. This is all for tonight mother dear, it is late now, so nightie! nightie!!
I have an hour before lunch so must finish this letter off now. Yes, dear old Sis seems quite
[Page 4]
pleased with everything in general. I don't know Arthur Wheeler, but his sister Marjorie is a very nice girl indeed, so if you can judge by that, I reckon Sis is home and a bit.
Isn't the war news great. Makes you smile some eh? What a hard but wonderful year 1918 has been. I have just heard of the capture of Lille, Ostend, Courtrai etc. You will also be pleased to hear that the Australians are now resting. I notice you mention in your letter that you have heard that we were resting in August. By George! were we! That is news. The dates mentioned for my M.C. were the 8th 9th and 11th August, so you can guess preparations were in full swing.
Yesterday it was a beautiful day so I was lucky enough to get a horse and go for a good ride. France is a beautiful
[Page 5]
country away from the war zone, and I tied my hat on my shoulders and imagined I was away back in Scone on little Blossom. On one or two nice little stretches of field the horse was willing, so had a gallop or two. So you can see my early training on horseback has stuck to me. At times I feel as if I would love the country life again, with a little home of my own and daily healthy toil. One thing certain I don't think I can stick an office after this war.
Well mother dearest I must finish off now. Have been asked to referee a football match this afternoon between two other battalions, so must oblige I suppose.
Tons of love to dear old Sis, Ron and Dad, good luck to the new business. All that is best for your dear self and love
From
Your loving Son
Billy
XXXX
postmark: FIELD POST OFFICE [blur]
PASSED BY CENSOR 4590
Mrs C. W. Satchell
"Macclesfield"
Livingstone St
Burwood
Sydney
Australia
[Page 1]
France
17/10/18
My dearest mother
I shall start this letter tonight but it remains to be seen how far I'll get with it.
Well dear first of all let me wish you one and all a very happy Xmas and New Year. I think I shall be home for the next, let's hope so.
I received your ever welcome letter about four or five days ago, and was glad to hear the news of Burwood etc and also to know that Ron was getting over the measles. Hope it doesn't spread. Cheerful! I have told Sis all about the breaking up of the battalion and that I am now in the 18th. Hard luck if you like eh? Our brothers in Australia should be proud of themselves. Last night I received another shock, perhaps though a little more pleasant. We were about
[Page 2]
to take our seats at mess when the Colonel said "Sit here Satchell" and pointed to the chair on his right. I thought to myself what in the devil is this but he soon released me. "Before starting dinner Gentlemen I want to read to you something that has just been received." A list of names followed, mine last. Hang me mother they have given your bounder son a Military Cross. To tell you the truth I've done nothing that has not been my job, yet the official report of it sounds alright, flowery language did it I think. The men did the work, perhaps I was responsible, yet mine was nothing without theirs. I hope they get something out of it. I shall enclose the official report later on. As for the decoration itself mother I don't care a hang, for every man that you see decorated there are half a dozen or more as
[Page 3]
least equally deserving with none at all, but for your sakes I am glad, you have something to show that I am not all together a waster and was not one who hunted for cushy jobs. Before this I had nothing to show outwardly that I had ever been in action, anyone can wear service stripes and "As". Well I reckon I have spoken quite long enough about myself. Has Fred Lipscomb been to see you or Basil. Another officer is returning to Australia whom I worked with and I've asked him to go along. Lt Bill Andrew is his name. Bill for short his initials are W.P.C. He will tell you some tales about how we carried on when poor old Reg Hunter was with us. This is all for tonight mother dear, it is late now, so nightie! nightie!!
I have an hour before lunch so must finish this letter off now. Yes, dear old Sis seems quite
[Page 4]
pleased with everything in general. I don't know Arthur Wheeler, but his sister Marjorie is a very nice girl indeed, so if you can judge by that, I reckon Sis is home and a bit.
Isn't the war news great. Makes you smile some eh? What a hard but wonderful year 1918 has been. I have just heard of the capture of Lille, Ostend, Courtrai etc. You will also be pleased to hear that the Australians are now resting. I notice you mention in your letter that you have heard that we were resting in August. By George! were we! That is news. The dates mentioned for my M.C. were the 8th 9th and 11th August, so you can guess preparations were in full swing.
Yesterday it was a beautiful day so I was lucky enough to get a horse and go for a good ride. France is a beautiful
[Page 5]
country away from the war zone, and I tied my hat on my shoulders and imagined I was away back in Scone on little Blossom. On one or two nice little stretches of field the horse was willing, so had a gallop or two. So you can see my early training on horseback has stuck to me. At times I feel as if I would love the country life again, with a little home of my own and daily healthy toil. One thing certain I don't think I can stick an office after this war.
Well mother dearest I must finish off now. Have been asked to referee a football match this afternoon between two other battalions, so must oblige I suppose.
Tons of love to dear old Sis, Ron and Dad, good luck to the new business. All that is best for your dear self and love
From
Your loving Son
Billy
XXXX