Fred 53
7th E. Surrey's
12th IBD APO S/17 [12th Infantry Brigade Division Army Post Office S/17]
BEF France
7th April 1916
My Dear M & F,
Just a line or two hoping you are all quite well. I am getting on as well as can be expected. I came here last night, but don't know how long I shall stay here. Has Father been to Braintree lately? He could beat me in walking now. Roll on when I get home again. This is all for the present. Kiss the children for me. Au revoir and God bless you all.
Ever your loving son,
Fred
xxx
PS
Give my love to Grandmother, Flo and all of them. Don't feel very strong in my left leg. But think it will be alright again soon.
Fred 54
10th April 1916
My Dear M & F,
Just a line to let [you] know I am going on as well as can be expected.
This is how we are treated after fighting for our country and getting wounded. As you know I got hit in the ankle. Well I went on the march this morning for the first time and had to fall out. I could not stick it, my ankle is too weak. All that fell out had to see the doctor at 2pm and well we knew it.
It's inhuman the way we are treated. Some have been crimed for going sick. The doctor told me to get out of it and buck up. That's how a British soldier gets treated after getting wounded and returning to his base.
Shall not be sorry when I get up the line again. Instead of making life a bit comfortable for us while we are here it's like being in hell. I would rather lay down and die than go sick at this place again.
I have never shirked anything since I have been in the army – 10 months in the trenches and never been sick, but I couldn't help getting wounded. But never mind better days in store if I get through this alright. I will do my duty while this war is going on, but after I am finished soldiering.
Well I hope you are all keeping quite well. Kiss the children for me. Au revoir and God bless you all.
Ever your loving son,
Fred
xxx
Fred 55
7th E. Surrey's
12th IBD S/17
BEF France
13th April 1916
My Dear M & F,
Thanks so very much for your most welcome letter which I received yesterday. It’s the first one that has reached me for a long time. I was glad to hear that you are all keeping quite well. I am quite alright myself now.
It was my left leg not my right. I expect it's very easy for them to make a mistake.
It was raining here all day yesterday and cold with it. I expect Father is busy in the garden. Roll on when this slaughter is over, so I can get at it again.
Well I don't really know what to write, haven't got any news to tell you. Remember me to Mrs Lucking when you see her. Give my love to Grandmother, Flo and all the rest of them.
Now must close with fondest love to all. Au revoir and God bless you all.
Ever your loving son,
Fred
xxx