I have just found this fascinating blog, went through it from start to finish. The thing that most surprised me is that whilst Harry seemed to be normal working class, both his handwriting and his spelling are a far cry from what is common in those of the same station and education today. Since you appear to use the blog as a teaching tool, has this subject ever cropped up?
Anonymous said...Just found this site from the main WW1 site.( Comment on the "War Diary" site. BL) Cool to see the location that he was in daily. Keep it up:)
February 27, 2008
Anonymous said...
Are there a lot of type-o's or is it just me? I also think that this information is astounding. I hope you keep doing what your doing.
February 27, 2008
I have tried to faithfully transcribe Harry's letters, reproducing any grammatical and spelling errors. "Typos" are possible in anything I've written! BL
Thank you for the updated pictures. And Julie is spot on about the similarities with FDR's "standing photos" from early in his Presidency - definitely a delicate stance Connie has there.
My grandad Frank Hotston fought in ww2. He, with other members of his platoon, discovered a carboy [a large glass bottle] filled with overproof rum in a deserted trench, which enabled them to trade for to them some luxury items. In 1918 he was gassed and wounded and was not discharged from hospital for several years after the war ended
Harry's letters are timeless and show, even from back then, how important 'letters from home' are for members of the military. Simply wonderful site.
My late grandfather served during WWI, 84th 'Lincoln' Division, but arrived at the last days of the conflict.
USMC Vet 1974-78
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It's clear from the way Connie's leaning on the chair that standing was difficult for her.
It'd be great to see some photos of Connie, Willie, etc, when they're older, if any can be found. Maybe these can be posted later.
I'd also like to hear some thoughts from Willie about his father, maybe after we've learned Harry's fate! - 24th February 2008
Pat Tobin said...
You say that Kate helped Harry's family out after the war. I hope this does not give a hint of what may have become of Henry (Harry)...
February 24, 2008
Mushy said...
Very nice find...I don't know how the girls stood those awful boots!
February 24, 2008
Fashion! Anything to look "good". Still works the same today!
tps said...
A comment on plastic's comment "his requests, bordering on desperation, for return letters is very stark": Having been in a somewhat similar situation -- not, I hasten to add, on a front line in a horrendous battle like Harry, just sent to Kabul, Afghanistain, for a long time -- I can confirm that contact with home is a blessing, seems like a miracle. I tried not to put too much pressure on my wife, but she knew how valuable her letters and my occasional phone call were to me. I can just imagine how it was in Harry's day.
Julie said...
Yes, I can see the cerebral palsy in Connie's stance - it is as though someone has propped her up against the chair especially for the photograph. Reminiscent of the later stance forced upon FDR.
February 23, 2008
The Gray Monk said...
Thank you for sharing these extremely interesting letters and notes with the rest of us. My own grandfather served with the 36th Division in the Royal Inniskillen Fusiliers until the Somme when he was badly wounded. After recovery he was reposted to the Royal Garrison Artillery as he was no longer fit for the Infantry and served the remainder of the war in France and Flanders on a Howitzer Battery. Unfortunately he never shared any of his memories of this conflict and his letters home (He was 15 when he joined up) have not survived.
February 23, 2008
VetMichael said...
Thank you for these letters. It's so wonderful to LIVE history through them!
February 22, 2008
Blogger plastic said...
his requests, bordering on desperation, for return letters is very stark
February 22, 2008
Anonymous said...
I am gaining a better appreciation for what it's like to be away from a loved one for whatever reason, and not to be able to hop on e-mail or a cell phone and let them know what's happening. The pacing and simple humanity of the letters are a lovely lesson in appreciation.
February 23, 2008
Blogger erathwomen said...
Poor Harry, he sounds so lonely. I hope he gets some leave some time soon!
February 23, 2008
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