6 August 1916 France
This letter describes one of the battles around Pozières.
[Page 1]
France
6th Aug 1916
My dear Mother
Just a few lines dear letting you know that I am safe and sound. We have been right into it since 19th July but am now glad to say we are back in a town to reorganise and get reinforcements. It has been an awful time for us all but we have made a name for Australia which
[Page 2]
can never die. It is Sunday night about 9 o'clock and I can just imagine the heading in the Sydney Morning herald of Monday. It is a good thing most of the world only sees the brilliant victory, it would not do for them to see things that really take place. God I never want to see such sights as I've seen recently.
Mother dear our
[Page 3]
battalion hung to the trenches like tigers for over a week before the others charged and I mourn the loss of many lads I knew. Everything that is best in a man comes out and I have never witnessed such acts of devotion and self denial. Poor lads who had been buried by falling earth and had their nerves utterly broken sending their small bread issue and any little extra they
[Page 4]
may have possessed up to the front line for their brave "cobbers" who were still holding on. That is just one instance.
It did not fall to our battalion to partake in the glory of the charge they had to hold positions just from under an awful artillery fire which no man living can describe. They may swear mother and drink but By God they are men.
[Page 5]
I saw many Burwood boys brought down wounded and in my time off duty (very little) I would often go into the dressing station and say "thats one for Burwood so and so".
Well mother I will be making you downhearted but I don't want to do that, but I thought you would like to hear how good and brave our boys are and I am more than ever proud to be
[Page 6]
an Australian.
As to my luck dear well I thank God for his protection. I have only marched down from the danger zone today and am feeling tired. During the time in the trenches I did not lie down to sleep just sat up occasionally but am feeling pretty good but I felt I had to drop you a line, you poor dear how awful it must be for you.
[Page 7]
Let Una know mother dear that I am safe and sound and will write as soon as I can. She will understand me not writing tonight.
Later I will send you a few curios, German gas helmet amongst them and my hat which was riddled with shrapnel (luckily not on my head) and my old colours worn by me for 12 months.
[Page 8]
Well good night dear heart and let everyone know I am safe and well with tons of love and kisses to all.
Ever your loving son
Billy
XXXX
PS Read a letter from you and Elsie and Una written about 17th June and several papers.
Love
Bill
[Page 1]
France
6th Aug 1916
My dear Mother
Just a few lines dear letting you know that I am safe and sound. We have been right into it since 19th July but am now glad to say we are back in a town to reorganise and get reinforcements. It has been an awful time for us all but we have made a name for Australia which
[Page 2]
can never die. It is Sunday night about 9 o'clock and I can just imagine the heading in the Sydney Morning herald of Monday. It is a good thing most of the world only sees the brilliant victory, it would not do for them to see things that really take place. God I never want to see such sights as I've seen recently.
Mother dear our
[Page 3]
battalion hung to the trenches like tigers for over a week before the others charged and I mourn the loss of many lads I knew. Everything that is best in a man comes out and I have never witnessed such acts of devotion and self denial. Poor lads who had been buried by falling earth and had their nerves utterly broken sending their small bread issue and any little extra they
[Page 4]
may have possessed up to the front line for their brave "cobbers" who were still holding on. That is just one instance.
It did not fall to our battalion to partake in the glory of the charge they had to hold positions just from under an awful artillery fire which no man living can describe. They may swear mother and drink but By God they are men.
[Page 5]
I saw many Burwood boys brought down wounded and in my time off duty (very little) I would often go into the dressing station and say "thats one for Burwood so and so".
Well mother I will be making you downhearted but I don't want to do that, but I thought you would like to hear how good and brave our boys are and I am more than ever proud to be
[Page 6]
an Australian.
As to my luck dear well I thank God for his protection. I have only marched down from the danger zone today and am feeling tired. During the time in the trenches I did not lie down to sleep just sat up occasionally but am feeling pretty good but I felt I had to drop you a line, you poor dear how awful it must be for you.
[Page 7]
Let Una know mother dear that I am safe and sound and will write as soon as I can. She will understand me not writing tonight.
Later I will send you a few curios, German gas helmet amongst them and my hat which was riddled with shrapnel (luckily not on my head) and my old colours worn by me for 12 months.
[Page 8]
Well good night dear heart and let everyone know I am safe and well with tons of love and kisses to all.
Ever your loving son
Billy
XXXX
PS Read a letter from you and Elsie and Una written about 17th June and several papers.
Love
Bill