23 December 1918 Walcourt Belgium
[Envelope]
postmark: FIELD POST OFFICE 20 DE 18
PASSED BY FIELD CENSOR No 4590
Mrs C W Satchell
"Macclesfield"
Livingstone St
Burwood
Sydney
Australia
[Page 1]
Walcourt
Belgium
23/12/18
My dearest Mother
I have to thank you for a bonza letter dated 26th October and also for a bonza parcel which came a few days ago. The cake was simply glorious and I am very thankful for the scarf, although I had one, it was too big for me. Before I forget it thank Ron for his letter which was enclosed and I am more than thankful for Mrs Guilles kindness in taking him.
As you can see by the above we are now out of France and in a real good village. The people are kindness itself and cannot do enough for me in my billet.
[Page 2]
I have a bon little room with the top of the bed decorated with curtain or as one fellow put it a 'tent over the top'. Two days ago they knocked a small hole in the wall and put a chimney in for a stove, so I am better off than ever now. The madame has told my batman that Monsieur the officer is "tre's gentil" so I'm absolutely set. They are not the only folks who are good to me. The people at a billet of a cobber of mine are even nicer still I think. They have travelled a good deal and have a wonderful collection of post cards and I can understand a good deal of what they say. I have an open invitation to come just when I want to and needless to tell you I am not very
[Page 3]
backward especially as the daughter can play the piano. She is about the age of Sis I should say but she can't touch her for playing, not to be expected but nevertheless it is nice to be able to come to a house where you can have music.
Luck was with me a few days ago. I met a gentleman in a coffee shop and heard he was going to Brussels. I put the acid on him to take a note to Uncle Edmund or post it in Brussels. Just a short note telling him I was well and hoped to have leave there as soon as possible. (I) have applied for special leave and have hopes of going very shortly. I doubt whether I shall ever have the luck to see Paris. The fellows who left before May 31, 1915 are going very
[Page 4]
shortly to England (couple of days I think) prior to going to Australia. So June is not so far off. But don't build up hopes mother, I will cable you as soon as I can come. Seems funny to think that only a few months ago we could hardly see an end to the war, and here I am talking about coming home. Yes things must be pretty far gone when people will give up Melba concerts for a trip to South Head. Else simply knocks me into a cocked hat doesn't she, I was always right when I said I learnt all my tricks from my sister!! From all accounts too Melba is as good a singer as ever. I must hear the dame one day.
I am more than pleased to hear that Fred Lipsomb has been to see you and am glad you like him so
[Page 5]
well. I know him to be a fine fellow and a thorough gentleman. It was stiff luck he being left so close to his wife and yet so far. If poor old Reg was alive how he would laugh. Reg Hunter I refer to. He would laugh at anything Hunter, I never met his equal, and now, talk about Roy and I making a noise you just should have heard Reg in a "rough house". One night in France a 'rough house' was in progress and Hunter's voice could be heard 4 or 500 yds (yards) away. Presently the Adjutant put his head in the but and said "The C.O. desires this noise to cease". They reckon I won the VC that night for I was
[Page 6]
the only one who said "Very well, Sir". One night, that same night in fact, we carried one fellow outside and laid him on the duck boards, winter time too. This morning there was a presentation of medals to the men by Prince of Wales. He is a bonza chap I reckon got a lovely face, with a very fresh complexion. He always was very serious especially when by himself. Afterwards twenty officers of our battalion were presented to him and your humble was told he had to be one of them. Shook hands with young Ted alright and was nearly asking him for his greatcoat but thought I better wait until I make myself better known to him! Won't wash my hand for a year now!!
It is Xmax Eve today and as you know we haven't
[Page 7]
had any snow yet, wonderful weather, although it has been rather wet at times. It is the weather that has allowed such wonderful things to happen this year.
I haven't told you yet mother dear that last time I played football I had a bit of bad luck in the way of hurting my muscles in the small of my back. I can walk about OK now, no limp at all, but I have to be careful and not forget that my back is sore, I jumped across some mud the other day and pulled myself up with a jerk I can tell you. I think I twisted myself a bit, at the same time receiving a kick with
[Page 8]
a knee. I was enjoying the match thoroughly too and it is the only time I haven't been able to continue to the end of a game over here. But we won and I'm ok now.
Well mother dearest this is all this time. Tons of good luck to you this Xmastide and New Year and don't thank me for the presents I sent from England. You are worth more than I can ever give you.
Love to Dad Sis and Ron not forgetting your dear self.
Ever your loving Son
Billy
XXXXX
postmark: FIELD POST OFFICE 20 DE 18
PASSED BY FIELD CENSOR No 4590
Mrs C W Satchell
"Macclesfield"
Livingstone St
Burwood
Sydney
Australia
[Page 1]
Walcourt
Belgium
23/12/18
My dearest Mother
I have to thank you for a bonza letter dated 26th October and also for a bonza parcel which came a few days ago. The cake was simply glorious and I am very thankful for the scarf, although I had one, it was too big for me. Before I forget it thank Ron for his letter which was enclosed and I am more than thankful for Mrs Guilles kindness in taking him.
As you can see by the above we are now out of France and in a real good village. The people are kindness itself and cannot do enough for me in my billet.
[Page 2]
I have a bon little room with the top of the bed decorated with curtain or as one fellow put it a 'tent over the top'. Two days ago they knocked a small hole in the wall and put a chimney in for a stove, so I am better off than ever now. The madame has told my batman that Monsieur the officer is "tre's gentil" so I'm absolutely set. They are not the only folks who are good to me. The people at a billet of a cobber of mine are even nicer still I think. They have travelled a good deal and have a wonderful collection of post cards and I can understand a good deal of what they say. I have an open invitation to come just when I want to and needless to tell you I am not very
[Page 3]
backward especially as the daughter can play the piano. She is about the age of Sis I should say but she can't touch her for playing, not to be expected but nevertheless it is nice to be able to come to a house where you can have music.
Luck was with me a few days ago. I met a gentleman in a coffee shop and heard he was going to Brussels. I put the acid on him to take a note to Uncle Edmund or post it in Brussels. Just a short note telling him I was well and hoped to have leave there as soon as possible. (I) have applied for special leave and have hopes of going very shortly. I doubt whether I shall ever have the luck to see Paris. The fellows who left before May 31, 1915 are going very
[Page 4]
shortly to England (couple of days I think) prior to going to Australia. So June is not so far off. But don't build up hopes mother, I will cable you as soon as I can come. Seems funny to think that only a few months ago we could hardly see an end to the war, and here I am talking about coming home. Yes things must be pretty far gone when people will give up Melba concerts for a trip to South Head. Else simply knocks me into a cocked hat doesn't she, I was always right when I said I learnt all my tricks from my sister!! From all accounts too Melba is as good a singer as ever. I must hear the dame one day.
I am more than pleased to hear that Fred Lipsomb has been to see you and am glad you like him so
[Page 5]
well. I know him to be a fine fellow and a thorough gentleman. It was stiff luck he being left so close to his wife and yet so far. If poor old Reg was alive how he would laugh. Reg Hunter I refer to. He would laugh at anything Hunter, I never met his equal, and now, talk about Roy and I making a noise you just should have heard Reg in a "rough house". One night in France a 'rough house' was in progress and Hunter's voice could be heard 4 or 500 yds (yards) away. Presently the Adjutant put his head in the but and said "The C.O. desires this noise to cease". They reckon I won the VC that night for I was
[Page 6]
the only one who said "Very well, Sir". One night, that same night in fact, we carried one fellow outside and laid him on the duck boards, winter time too. This morning there was a presentation of medals to the men by Prince of Wales. He is a bonza chap I reckon got a lovely face, with a very fresh complexion. He always was very serious especially when by himself. Afterwards twenty officers of our battalion were presented to him and your humble was told he had to be one of them. Shook hands with young Ted alright and was nearly asking him for his greatcoat but thought I better wait until I make myself better known to him! Won't wash my hand for a year now!!
It is Xmax Eve today and as you know we haven't
[Page 7]
had any snow yet, wonderful weather, although it has been rather wet at times. It is the weather that has allowed such wonderful things to happen this year.
I haven't told you yet mother dear that last time I played football I had a bit of bad luck in the way of hurting my muscles in the small of my back. I can walk about OK now, no limp at all, but I have to be careful and not forget that my back is sore, I jumped across some mud the other day and pulled myself up with a jerk I can tell you. I think I twisted myself a bit, at the same time receiving a kick with
[Page 8]
a knee. I was enjoying the match thoroughly too and it is the only time I haven't been able to continue to the end of a game over here. But we won and I'm ok now.
Well mother dearest this is all this time. Tons of good luck to you this Xmastide and New Year and don't thank me for the presents I sent from England. You are worth more than I can ever give you.
Love to Dad Sis and Ron not forgetting your dear self.
Ever your loving Son
Billy
XXXXX