Anonymous said... I'm rather taken with the "Guard Mounting Competition" on the 11th and 12th. \\! Can't you just see the faces of the men when they were told about THAT one?
December 12, 2008
resim said.. thanks..nice pictures
December 12, 2008
Tor Erik said...Thanks for letting us know what happened to Harry - an ordinary man serving as a soldier in the first world war. I have followed his experiences at least for a year now, and I am so pleased he got through the war unharmed. I enjoyed reading Harry's blog! Thank you for a splendid job.
December 12, 2008
G. Tingey said...I note that a "Lecture on Demobilisation" has been given. Presumably Harry and his mates are being prepared for the complicated business of returning to "civil" society, especially as they will have to get home first. There are lots of other things to do, as well.
Large areas of what had been Austria-Hungary and Imperial Germany are / will be occupied by Allied troops, for varying lengths of time. And, although "regular" troops will be used for most of this task, I don't doubt that quite a few of the conscripts will take part, for short periods, at least. Given where Harry and his mates are, there are several possible routes home, both overland to the Channel, and then back to their home depots, or even by sea from Italy - do you know if any did go home that way?It will be interesting to see what Harry has to say about this in his pre-Christmas letter(s), especially if the military censorship rule will probably have been relaxed somewhat, now hostilities are over ....
13 December 2008
Karoline said...Hey. Ive been following this blog for over a year now, and just wanted to tell you how glad I am that you made this. Earlier my teacher ruind my interests for both world wars. But this blog has made me more aware, and interested in this part of history. Thank you so much for that! I also feel like I know Harry now, its been great following him!
December 10, 2008
Sgt Sam Avery said... Hello Harry: Glad to hear you are getting along well. I'm still in the same place in France for training. We have our helmets & gas masks now and have buried the first dead from sickness. We will be here awhile yet. Stop by for a read when you have the chance.Sam
December 05, 2008
Marta Weller said...What a cheerful letter. I'm glad Harry is still doing fine. I hope he does indeed get home before too long. It's amazing he had access to a Christmas card to be able to send home.
December 05, 2008
lom said... I hope harry gets home for christmas
December 06, 2008
Anonymous said...Facinating blogg and what a clever idea. It is amazing how little he tells his family. Censorship and caution will be some reasons but I wonder about others.
December 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I started following this blog when it was mentioned on the morning news. I am so glad I did, I'm hooked. I have also learnt a few things along the way!. Thanks for all your hardwork and effort.
November 30, 2008
Roger O'Keeffe said... "Interior economy" is posh army speak for "general housekeeping", i.e. tidying up the billet area - what the US armed forces would call "policing" them - and generally improving the look of them. Whether this was done as occupational therapy imposed by authority (as was probably the case in this instance), or just some soldiers' basic human instinct to improve their living environment, or a way of dealing with stress in between periods in the line, it's amazing to see photographs of billets in rear areas even on the Western Front where little gardens were laid out, edged with stones, and planted with vegetables.From this distance, it is hard to guess whether, at this point after almost a month of peace, the daily routine as recorded in the Battalion diary was a still fairly strict regimen designed to maintain discipline in case of a resumption of hostilities, or a cover story for allowing the troops to take it easy. My guess is that there was probably a bit of both - probably largely dependent on the attitude of individuals at different levels of the chain of command (both officers and NCOs)in each battalion or company.
December 01, 2008
Roger O'Keeffe said...28th November: War Diary"Interior economy", about which a question was asked on the main blog, is the official term for "housekeeping", i.e. general tidying up ("policing" in US parlance). In this instance, it was probably programmed because the battalion was about to leave its current billets, and officers and NCOs in any self-respecting unit would make a point of handing over the billets in good, clean condition, since this is one of the issues on which a regiment's reputation would be built. The same is true, with even more force, of the condition of trenches and dugouts: you may have noticed in one of Harry's letters that some of the trenches that the battalion took over were judged to be in poor condition, and his battalion immediately set about improving them. I may be over-interpreting, but I note that on the 30th the term used is "Billets and environs were cleaned", which may be a hint that the previous lot handed them over in a condition "not quite up to our standards" - it may have been true, or was possibly just a bit of one-upmanship. Armies thrive on a sense of competition. By the way, while in normal English usage "billeting" means quartering troops in civilian homes, in British Army usage the "billets" are simply the soldiers' accommodation, whether barrack rooms or wooden huts. Similarly "the lines" means the area around the billets. Originally it meant lines of tents, but the term is now still applied even to the paved areas between accommodation blocks in the most permanent of brick-built barracks.
01 December 2008
Anonymous said...
In the Battalion War Diary for Nov. 28: "interior economy". Anybody have any ideas what THAT might be?!?
November 27, 2008
"interior economy" is the time that is given to check kit, replace shortfalls and damaged items, inspect feet, catch up with admin etc. - anything that will ensure that everything is in place for the unit to function effectively. BL
Anonymous said...Any idea what's going on with Connie? I thought she was at Harry's home with Ethel; perhaps a hospital or school of some sort? Harry's almost chatty in these letters. I'm wondering if he included Kate's letter with Jack's because he was running short of envelopes and/or stamps, or if (though I doubt this) the army limited the number of letters a soldier could send at a time.
November 25, 2008
Connie? See main blog or below. BL
Kittybriton said...I can't begin to tell you how thankful I am that you made it through Harry. And I'm sure the family are equally happy to hear your news. It would be nice if Jack can get a pipe out to you pronto, and perhaps some of your favorite baccy for Christmas?
November 26, 2008
Janell said...Thanks to Roger O'Keefe for the detailed explanation of military thinking, or lack thereof. It is becoming obvious that Harry and his battalion will be serving in some post-war capacity. By the way, does anyone know how much WWI soldiers were paid or the mechanism of payment? Meanwhile, I imagine his family is wondering why he hasn't written since Nov. 4th. I certainly am.
21 November 2008
We can now (25th Nov) see that Harry had used a precious green envelope to write to Ethel.
Pay? The standard rate was 7 shillings (£0.35 a week) less 1 1/2d (£0.015) a week "insurance" (Whoever said that the army doesn't have a sense of humour?), but the soldiers didn't always get all of their pay. Some was kept back and saved for them. From Harry's letter of 4th march 1918 "it would be better if we got paid more regular we have only drawn ten lires in a month that is equal to five shillings in English money, (25p - 70 cents! BL) so I think we shall have a bit to our credit," BL
Roger O'Keeffe said...Correction: "Band of Brothers" is by Stephen E Ambrose.
21 November 2008
Thomas Houseman said...Been following this blog for ages. Great idea/concept and storyline to boot!
November 23, 2008
Gail in Ohio, USA said...Just found this blog today and am reading through all of his letters. Almost seems unfair that I found this with hopefully only a little time left until he returns safely home. ***Crossing my fingers that it's so.*** Am amazed at how calm he sounds in his letters when so many horrors are happening around him.
November 24, 2008
Janell said...After re-reading his letter to Jack, I believe that he did send an earlier letter, with one to Ethel, "in the green envelope I sent it to Ilkeston."
November 25, 2008
Janell said...What a relief to hear from Harry. I have imagined that he was ill or injured. It seems odd that he hasn't written to his family, until now. Could some of the correspondence have been lost? Poor Harry, his letters to his brother and sister convey sheer boredom and homesickness. He and his cohorts deserve a trip to Venice, only 57 miles away, though too far, I suppose, in post-war times nearly a century ago. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Harry and the battalion.
November 25, 2008
Kathleen said...Is Connie not living with Ethel now? I notice that Harry is asking for her address and an update of her progress.
November 25, 2008
In his letter to Jack back on August 4th, Harry tells Jack that Kate was going to send Connie to a school in Liverpool. No doubt a "special" school to help with Connie's problems.
peregrinator said...I'm not sure that there is a re-enactment society for Harry's Regiment alone. But the men featured are from The Great War Society - more general. So you're probably right the leather jerkins are for artillerymen. However, the older soldier with a red neckerchief is one of the people I met in Derby at the beginning of October. He features quite a lot on their website and so it should be easy to get a name. His mate - who was in full Yorks and Lancs fig - doesn't leap out of the photos at me, however, he could be the soldier with an artilleryman looking at a boiling kettle. If so, he has the uniform that, I guess, Harry would have worn during the winter in Italy.
Great photos!
November 25, 2008
Ludimar Menezes Brasília - said... I´m from Brazil and a discovered this blog only some days ago. I would like to thank you for your idea to show to the world HARRY amazing history. Brazil 11/25/2008
November 25, 2008
Joanna said...Fascinating. I had no idea that re-enactment took place outside the British Isles ;) I've only recently discovered your site, and haven't yet had time to go back to the beginning, but will do so soon. My grandparents served in a Red X unit in Italy at this time. Most of the research I have done so far is about the battles of the Isonzo - a fascinating place to visit, if you ever get the chance. I found it extraordinary/happy/sad/etc that the border these soldiers fought over for so long is now effectively non-existent, since Slovenia joined the EU.
Best wishes, Joanna
November 21, 2008
All Blog Spots said...Thanks to Rocco for providing these and the earlier stunning photographs of the British Cemeteries. You can discuss on buzzerhut forum by free registration
November 21, 2008
Rob Langham said...Hi, i'm one of the Tommy's that were flown over for this event. There was indeed a member of the Y&L's group there representing the Regiment, personally I was representing the West Yorkshire Regiment. If you'd like to get in touch with him, let me know and i'll forward his e-mail.Regards, Rob Langham
November 22, 2008
Old Contemptibles said...I was one of the Tommy's that was there. My group The "Old Contemptibles" Great War Living History Group were there with the Great War Society. I was Badged as a Royal Welsh Fusilier other regiments we represented were the Worcesters, Royal West Kents, Yorks and Lancs, Middlesex and Royal Warwicks. The leather Jerkins were standard issue and were used by the infantry. There were over two hundred Living Historians who took part but only eight of us were British.
November 23, 2008
warhammer gold said...Good article! Good luck!
November 21, 2008
Janell said...How fascinating to see the topography of the area and the reenactment of the 1918 crossing of the Piave. Thanks to Rocco for providing these and the earlier stunning photographs of the British Cemeteries.
November 21, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following the blog too for some time. When I have nothing to do I make a point of checking in and seeing if anything new has happened.
November 19, 20
battlecry said...Very interesting article.Cheers.good luck.
November 19, 2008
Roger O'Keeffe said..."Recreational training" is army speak for sports or any other activity which gives the lads a bit of time to take things easier, while making it clear that they are still in the army! The term was still in use in the Irish Army right up to the 1980s, and it may well still be in use for those not "deployed" on operations, to use the 21st-century term. Every day had a full training programme for those not engaged in guard duty, patrols or "employed" - i.e. people like cooks, company clerks etc. In normal garrison conditions in the Irish Army (which on its establishment after independence in 1922 was largely made up of former members of the British Army - first-world-war veterans and even old regulars who had served in India), Wednesday afternoon was always programmed for recreational training, i.e. sports, just like in school. Now that Harry's Battalion has effectively reverted to peacetime conditions, you can be sure that "blanco and bullshit" will become a more prominent part of daily life for himself and his chums. This might seem unduly harsh for men who have been through what they have been through, but if you read Paul Fussell's "Band of Brothers", you will get an idea of how quickly an army can fall apart on the cessation of hostilities. In answer to Janell, you have to bear in mind that the armistice of 4/11 was just an armistice, a temporary if substantial cease-fire pending negotiation of a final settlement: the allied armies had to be kept in an operational state until it became clear that especially Germany, but also Austria had collapsed. The French and British armies would go on to take up garrison duty in Germany, and elements of the British Army would go to Russia to get involved in the war against the Bolsheviks.
20 November 2008 09:50
Roger O'Keeffe said... On reflection, as the diarist makes a distinction between recreational training in the mornings and football in the afternoons, he may be using the term to gloss over the fact that the lads were simply allowed the morning off, especially if they had an opportunity to work up a hangover the night before.
20 November 2008
Anonymous said...Yo may find this of interest http://www.john-dillon.co.uk/yorklancs/sgt__davenport.html
18 November 2008
An account of another member of the 9th Battalion. Some pictures. Unfortunately, none with Harry. BL
Janell said...Why is Harry's Battalion still in Italy, practicing on the rifle range, route marching and playing football? Very strange. And why are there no letters from Harry? Is he sick or have they been lost? I would be frantic, if I didn't know that he does return home. Janell 18 November 2008
This is the way that every army works. They are trained and organised for war. They have no mechanism to sort out what to do next. The Battalion has a thousand young men who need to be occupied and "contained". Discipline must be maintained or there could be major problems. BL
Anonymous said...This has been a most fascinating blog, and I have kept up with it very regularly here in Kansas, USA. I am struck by Harry's unwaivering civility and graciousness through it all. He must have been quite a fellow.
November 17, 2008
Daniel said...I know I am a week late, I've been away from the Blog for some time, but it was not far from my thoughts. I guess like many of your readers, When November 11th rolled around, Harry was in my thoughts. Of course it was Veterans Day in the US. I served in the National Guard as have many in my family in various branches. I want to thank you for such a wonderful resource to military history. It is invaluable to get the front line soldiers perspective in order to give us a much better feel for the events of the time. I am happy to see that Harry made it to the end of the war. Thank you for taking the time and doing the work neccessary to share with us Harry's world. I look forward to reading the remainder of his letters between armistice and his return home. Dan Fort Worth, Texas
November 18, 2008
Anonymous said...My Grandfather served with "D"COY, 9th Battalion, Yorks & Lancs from September 1914 to the end of hostilities so it is very interesting to read Harry's Blog and the War Diaries.
November 18, 2008
Doctor Pion said...My grandfather was in France for quite a long time after the war ended. Part of it he spent touring parts of the country, but many of his later letters show the frustration of being given random duties once the war was over rather than returning home so he could go back to college.
November 16, 2008
Marco said...I want to thank you for your work on your family history.
Every one of us had a grand father or great grand father fighting in WWI and in many of our houses have letters or diaries of that times, but not one of us had an outstanding idea like yours. Thank you for having honoured your grand father, and our grand fathers too, by publishing this letters and making us feel the pain of waiting for the next letter. This was a non rhetorical way of talking of the WWI while all the celebration cannot avoid rhetoric, even 90 years after the end of that cruel war, that was called "The great War" until we was obliged to count them out.
November 16, 2008
Marco said...I read this wonderful blog from Italy. I want to tell you all readers that still nowadays in any city,town, or village in my country there is a stone or a monument with the names of the soldiers who died in WWI and they are still honoured on Nov 4th, the day of Italian armistice (la Vittoria as we call it). When you'll came in Italy as tourists look out for them and have a poppy in memory of all the young boys that did not come back home as Pte Harry did. Love from Italy.
p.s. I didn't know that English army helped us to win the war. thank you Harry.
November 16, 2008
ccesnik said...I have loved the blog. I haven't commented much, but I have loved tracking Harry and I love hearing about the wonderful things that have happened to you. Who knew when we all started reading this that letters you posted would become a media sensation, generating new interest in history and tours based on Harry's experiences. Thank you for this blog. You deserve all the accolades you receive.
November 16, 2008
Marta Weller said...I have been reading Harry's letters home and the very interesting contextual comments for over a year. This has been a great, great experience. I posted a link to this Blog on my library's website and got it written up in our Berks County, PA library newsletter. I was very excited to hear/read about the forthcoming book and plan on adding it to our library's collection. Thank you again for inviting the world to share in this experience.
November 16, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following since the blog was first announced on TV. Thanks for sharing.
November 12, 2008
David said...I´ve been following this blog for a year and a half with great interest. Thank you for Your work! November 12, 2008
Lightning Rose said...Thank you for sharing these letters. I hope Harry went home and had a long and fulfilling life. Lori Boulder, Colorado
November 14, 2008
Logic Boy said...I have been following this blog. It's been quite moving. Thank you so much.
November 15, 2008
Anonymous said...I have loved reading this blog, with real messages produced with real-life timing. Thank you for imagining, creating and sustaining such a simple yet deep way of looking at the past.--karma
November 15, 2008
mr christian said... "...he served through the whole war, 1914-1918, and made it home in one piece, only to lose his wife to the Spanish influenza in 1919."I was just thinking that to myself - I hope he survives the flu !
November 13, 2008
Jain said... :-(Can we have a spoiler alert if links to outside reports (e.g. "The World") give away more detail than what is already published? I'll continue to be a devoted reader, but only of your, sorry, Harry's, own material from now on ... just in case!
November 13, 2008
Apologies if it's spoiled anything. The event to keep concealed is the time and method of Harry's journey home. To discover that story, "follow the blog!" BL
Paul B said... So pleased he made it through. Such a touching story. Well done for such an effort. Thank You
November 13, 2008
George said... Each year at Armistice Day, memories flood back to a visit I made to the Western Front some 20 years ago. The most vivid are an entry in the visitors book at Tynecot, written by two English ladies, giving the name of a soldier who was buried there and the comment, "To a father and a grandfather never known, but never forgotten." Relatives of the fallen could place an inscription on the stone of the soldier. I remember one which said, "He said 'twas his duty" and one below the Victoria Cross on a soldier's stone which simply said, "My son, my son, no reward can be too great"
Such sorrow for so many people. GLL-Norman, Oklahoma
November 13, 2008
Janell said...I am concerned that Harry has not sent a letter since November 4th. I hope he hasn't gotten sick with the flu, the 1918 epidemic that in some histories of WWI, the attrition from which, is described as a major contributor to the end of the conflict. We know from Bill's recent radio broadcast that Harry did not get home for Christmas which must have been very disappointing for him and his family. Illness might explain that, or perhaps, his battalion was just engaged in post-war activities that prolonged his stay in Italy, though that would not necessarily explain the worrisome lack of correspondence, during this otherwise peaceful time.Janell
November 13, 2008
John and Joan said...Both of us lost close relatives in WW1; one, a member of the Royal Irish Rifles, is remembered in Tyne Cot Cemetery and the other, a member of the 20th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Division) at the Vimy Memorial. Curiously they died on the same day, August 15, 1917. Thank you for this remarkable web site and blog. It has helped us bridge the decades and better understand WW1.
November 12, 2008
Anonymous said...I'm so glad he made it. Seeing the three WW1 survivors lay their wreaths yesterday moved me to tears. When Harry was writing home, they were young men, also no doubt writing home. God bless them all.
November 12, 2008
Mike said...Just heard of your blog on NPR here in the States today and it is fascinating. My great uncle fought in WWI, somewhere in the vicinity of Verdun, as he was awarded that campaign medal from the French. The stamp logo "Lest We Forget" is so appropriate, especially today (still November 11 here in the States).Thanks so much.....
November 11, 2008
Janell said...I thought of Harry on this Veterans Day, as I do every day, but with heightened Joy and Sorrow. Joy for Harry's survival and Sorrow for the soldiers who did not survive; and for the soldiers in wars to follow. I thought of my Dad's WWII service and the profound residual affects on him. Though he returned from combat without physical injury he was brooding and silent about his experience, until the day he died 35 years later. Janell Boise, Idaho
November 11, 2008
Anonymous said...It is wonderful to have the ability to have the insight to a soldiers thoughts during war. I often wonder about my uncle who was killed in Africa in 1943 during WW11. We should never forget what these brave men did for freedom
November 12, 2008
Tom Belardes said...While on the side lines with my wife, daughter and grandson, I watched my son march in the Veteran's Day Parade. I wonder if he really understands what today is all about? I have spoke to him about war and history, but I really don't think he understands the scope of humanity lost in just WW1 and WW2. I picture myself on a cold winter night with my grandson on my lap by a fire, reading your book to the family. Good show Harry! Three cheers!
November 11, 2008
Anonymous said...So glad that Harry's made it, all the marching in the Battalion's War Diary over the last few days was starting to make me nervous.....Ninety years ago in my own family: my great-grandfather was an infantry sgt. in the Kaiser's Army; he served through the whole war, 1914-1918, and made it home in one piece, only to lose his wife to the Spanish influenza in 1919. And then there was his son, my grandfather: eight years old when his father left for the war, he remembered some terrible times later in the war as a kid in Lorch, Germany, a lot of near-starvation. But my favorite story: on his thirteenth birthday, he first thought that they were ringing all the church bells in town for him --- his birthday? November 11!
November 12, 2008
Viola said...I have been reading your blog for over a year now and was so happy this morning to find Harry had made it. I look forward to hear more news on him. As we all cheer for Harry's return, we must never forget the ones who weren't as fortunate.
November 12, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following your blog for a year now and was so happy this morning to find Harry had made it. I look forward to read future news on him. As we all cheer for Harry's good fortune to have survived the war, we must never forget those who died for our freedom !!
November 12, 2008
Sgt Sam Avery said...Hello Harry:So glad to hear that you have made it through. As for me, I have a year to go and will be fighting until the very last moment... Best Regards,Sam
November 12, 2008
Shoalanda Speaks said... Today in my blog I honored the last living U.S. doughboy Frank Buckles. This era has almost completely passed, and I sincerely thank you for bringing us Harry's letters over the past months. I look forward to reading your book as soon as it's published. S.S. - Florence, Alabama, USA
November 12, 2008
Janell said...Oh, Happy Day! Harry will return to his family, as we have hoped since he left for the war. Now the question is: "HOW IS HARRY?" Have his mind and spirit survived, too? I will continue to think of him every day, until I know the outcome of his life. Then, I will remember him, until the end of mine. Janell
November 12, 2008
lom said...I am so pleased that Harry will soon be home with his family and friends, There have been times I have shed tears and worried about Harry as I have read this blog. My thoughts go out to his family and the families of those that didn’t return
November 12, 2008
Steve said... Last night I saw a BBC program and it said over 9,000,000 letters were sent a week from the front. The startling thing was they were a lot like Harrys, no one mentioned the actual war. No one discussed death or the gloom this all to prevent the people at home worrying. How magnificent for these young men to think of others when their plight was so grave.
November 12, 2008
Vicki said...I am so glad to log on and see that Harry has made it. I really feel quite weepy. It is an end of an era. Thank you so much for sharing harry;s story with us, it really has brought home the effect of war on ordinary people in a real way. It also has been a valuable lesson with all the extra information on just how many men sacrificed their lives in this conflict and how hard they suffered whilst there, even those that survived. I would imagine that the Harry that returns home is a very different man to the one that left in 1914.....
November 12, 2008
Nanny (Shirley) said...I am so glad Harry has made it, but sad for the many who didn't. On this day especially we always thinks of those who have served their countries in all wars, let us hope that someday there will be no more wars. For those of you interested - Harry's stamps are wonderful - I encourage all to buy them.
Bill - please let us know when the book will be available. I'll be following Harry until he arrives home safely - Shirley
November 11, 2008
Anonymous said...I am delighted to log on today and read your post and see how fortunate Harry was. I'll keep reading the story and like others have said, look forward to the book. Today honours so many people who unfortunately paid the ultimate sacrifice for all our freedom
November 11, 2008
Jennifer said...This blog is so interesting. Thank you for publishing this and bringing the WWI experience to modern readers. Best of luck with the book deal.
November 11, 2008
Ish said...Been following for about a year I guess, maybe a little more. Thanks for your effort in sharing this remarkable heritage.
November 11, 2008
Carrie said...Thank you so much for making these letters public. I have enjoyed following Harry's progress and am much relieved that he is going to make it out alive! I hope he doesn't catch the influenza!
November 11, 2008
Serge Boivin (Canada) said...Each year on Remembrance day I think about our soldiers... a little bit for a few moments...This year is different. I have been anxious about Harry's fate for a while, and I keep checking the blog in the hope of seeing good news come in. I keep telling myself "today is the day". While I wait to hear from Harry, I'll read about other soldiers who have fought bravely for us. Thanks again for reminding us so vividly that it is not faceless armies but people like us, our family, neighbours, and friends, who face danger each day to make the world safer.
November 11, 2008
Doctor Pion said...When I was a kid, the vets always sold red paper poppies at what by then was called the Veteran's Day parade in the US. It was much later before I learned about the war from my Grandfather, and came to appreciate its scope and impact on Europe, and the somber nature of the celebration of this day. Harry's letters fill in some of the gaps in the stories I heard, so I offer one of my Grandfather's stories (converted into the form of a letter) about the last day of the Great War to fill in some gaps in his story. You can read it on my blog. Although modified somewhat to work as a letter, much of it is verbatim from a tape recording of his story.
Thanks again for sharing your family's letters.
November 11, 2008
Eva said...As a result of following Harry's story, I read the book "All quiet on the western front" and just finished it yesterday on the airplane. While I was in tears to realize Harry made it through the war, I'm nervous about his adjusting to life after the war. How did these great men do it?? I wonder if our generation has the emotional reserves of strength the past ones have had. Harry's letters had not a hint of the whining and complaining we typically hear today when people are inconvenienced. I'm determined to use this experience as an example for me personally. Thank you so much!Eva
November 11, 2008
Suzanne Kansas, USA said...Thank you so much for this blog. I have been completely pulled in, and am glad to see Harry has lived to see the end of the War. I hope to hear soon about his life after the war and hope it was happy and long.
November 11, 2008
Anonymous said...I've just given a big cheer after reading that Harry has made it through.
November 11, 2008
Jackie said...What a relief! I am so happy for Harry and his family.
November 11, 2008
Pamela said... Yeh! for Harry. I'm so pleased to hear the news.
November 11, 2008
Mary Lou said...I have enjoyed this journey with Harry, thanks.
November 11, 2008
Mark, Bacup said...Have followed the blog for a good long time, and its good to read Harry got on ok.
November 11, 2008
Samantha said...I am so glad he made it. This has been fascinating and we should never forget those who died and continue to die defending their countries.
November 11, 2008
C Crino said...My eyes filled up with tears when I realized the date and saw your post.
All I could think of was the huge relief in so many homes. And the enormous sorrow in others. And to think it was not just this one war, but so many others.
November 11, 2008
gaz said...I am over the moon that harry reached the end alive. this has been a fantastic journey and i am grateful to you for sharing it with us. I look forward to the next letter. All the best.
November 11, 2008
VP said...I've been reading your blog for the past year. A very mocing accont. I love the combination of personal detail with the official accounts of the same events. I've linked to your blog today as part of my own little act of remembrance. I look forward to seeing the rest of Harry's story.
November 11, 2008
Roger O'Keeffe said...Today is 11 November. In Belgium and France - for very understandable reasons - it's a public holiday, irrespective of what day of the week it is (unlike Remembrance Sunday in the UK).
But it's a working day for the European Commission, the public service of the European Union, whose founding myth is reconciliation and renunciation of war between European countries which have so often been at war with each other. As some readers may know, it was only after the second world war - the "unfinished business" of the aftermath of the first, leading to even many more millions of deaths - that this state was achieved, and less than twenty years ago that peace really broke out and those parts of the former Austro-Hungarian empire that had been left to rot behind the iron curtain could finally choose to join the Union, with the cold war at last behind them.
Rather than play down 11 November by making it an ordinary working day (supposedly "so as not to offend the Germans"), I would like to see it made into a day of reflection on what Europe collectively still needs to learn from its past, and of warning against the dangers of turning the European Union into a military alliance in which, instead of killing each other, we engage in diplomatico-military adventurism and kill other people instead.
I've been away and unable to access the blog for some time, but especially for the last few days, and particularly this morning when I had to give a talk to representatives of the Italian regions here in Brussels, I've been mentally "on the edge of my seat", wondering if Harry has made it, as if it were really today that we were talking about rather than 90 years ago. So I find it hard to explain the sense of relief and elation that he has made it, beyond observing that it's only when you get down to individual stories that it's possible to make any sense of the war.
The Italian front, and indeed Austria's involvement (apart from the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and the ultimatum to Serbia which triggered the whole orgy of industrialised killing), generally gets little attention in the English-speaking world. So it is good that Harry's extraordinary itinerary included not only the Western Front, but also the Italian one, and that this blog will make it more widely known.
Congratulations again on such a marvellous initiative, which will make the first world war meaningful to a whole new generation of young people who weren't reared on the sort of nationalist drivel that people of my generation were fed.
November 11, 2008
Rosie said...I found this blog on 11th November last year and have followed it since then - I wonder what Harry would have thought of it all? Wonderful, thankyou!
November 11, 2008
Stanley Kivell said...Thanks for sharing Harry and your family with the world.
November 10, 2008
Anonymous said...There's a new Oxford University website on the 'Great War', at www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/ww1lit/gwa that you might find of interest.
November 11, 2008
Michael said...Excactly 90 years ago the armistice treaty between Germany and the Allies was signed in Compiègne Forest, ending the Great War. An ideal moment to thank you for sharing your family's history with us. It has been a great read and I'm looking forward to the coming entries. Hopefully Harry makes it back home safely.Thanks again from Germany
November 11, 2008
Hazel said...I have been following the blog with a great deal of interest
November 10, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been enjoying this blog quite a bit. It's fascinating. Even the long pauses between letters because it gives you a sense of how distant and remote things were in that day. we didn't have live coverage form the front and email. Thank you!
November 10, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following the blog for the last six months anxiously waiting for the next letter to be posted. The war is coming to an end and I hope that Harry survives. Should this be the case, it would be a very interesting to follow Harry and family, if possible settling back into a 'normal' lifestyle.
November 11, 2008
Amanda said... What an emotional and fascinating journey you've taken us on, Bill. Thank you so much for your dedication and hard work. I feel like a member of Harry's family - waiting each day for letters and worrying when there's no news. I introduced the blog to my father and work colleagues and now Harry's very much the subject of our daily conversations! Once again, thanks for allowing us to experience history in such a unique and fascinating way. We all sincerely hope Harry makes it home safe and sound. Thinking especially about him and so many more today.
November 11, 2008
VP said...I've been reading your blog for the past year. A very moving account. I love the combination of personal detail with the official accounts of the same events. I've linked to your blog today as part of my own little act of remembrance. I look forward to seeing the rest of Harry's story.
November 11, 2008
Anonymous said...Interesting that the Battalion War Diary makes no mention of the armistace on the Western Front with Germany.
November 10, 2008
Communication certainly wasn't instant. Maybe the word hadn't got through. Maybe it wasn't part of the War Experience of the battalion so it wasn't included in the Diary. BL
The Slingerland family from Ugchelen, The Netherlands said...We have been following Harry and his letters for over a year now and we would like to thank you for sharing his letters with us.
November 10, 2008
Wibbo said...Thank you for all your hard work - it's a fascinating journey. I find Harry's letters especially poignant because my grandfather didn't come back from the war; when Grandma married again in the mid Twenties, she got rid of all his letters and mementoes apart from a few 'family group' photographs.
November 10, 2008
Anonymous said...Thank you for giving us a personal insight, not only into life on the front and in the trenches but also the nerve wracking wait of those left behind. My heart can be in my mouth on some mornings, waiting for the next letter to arrive. This surely was a pattern repeated in homes around the world. Waiting to see if your loved one had survived another day. Thank you for your time and effort invested in bringing this blog to us all.
November 10, 2008
Kevin said...Thank you for such a wonderful history of Harry and the Great War. My Great Grandfather served in the US 30th Division, 117th Infantry Regiment in France during 1917-18. By reading Harry's letters it has given me at least some insight to what my Great Grandfather endured as well. Thank you for your hard work and all your efforts needed to share Harry's story. The world survived 2 "great wars" because of the honor, sacrifice and fortitude of men just like Harry...
November 10, 2008
Lia Bowling Vancouver, BC Canada said...Thanks for all your efforts... Wonderful Blog.
November 10, 2008
St Bart's PA said...Fascinating - many thanks for all the effort you've put into this. I'm very interested to find out what happens next and whether Harry reflects on the war and his experiences.
November 10, 2008
Laura said...I started reading the blog 10 months ago - thank you so much for all your hard work. I look forward to more letters!
November 09, 2008
Jaclyn said...I have been following this blog for over one year now. In that time, I have been so nervous for Harry as he's been at the front lines of war. I am interested by how the letters that the writes to Jack and Kate differ in nature and also distort the reality of what he endures, which we get a glimpse of in the battalion's war diary. I can hardly believe that the cease fire is about to be called! Good luck, Harry!
November 09, 2008
Kev said...I've been reading this blog for a while, so glad Harry has made it as far as the armistice. Fascinating insight into a time long past.
November 09, 2008
DPUTiger said...I've been following this blog since it was mentioned on the NBC news several months ago. Thanks for doing this. I hope to have time to read it from the start soon!
November 09, 2008
Anonymous said...Hi from Memphis, TN, USA.
November 09, 2008
multisync said...Hi, I have followed Harry,s exploits since I was introduced to him by my daughter. I hope he survives the next few months and returns safely home. Congratulations, and thanks for the work you have put in to make Harry so real to us all. Best wishes with the book.
November 09, 2008
nutmeg96 said...Still reading and still enjoying the blog! USA reader
November 10, 2008
Ellison said...I've been hooked on following Harry's experiences day by day and have been in much suspense over his ultimate wartime fate. Hadn't realised that the Austrian Armistice was in advance of the German one... fingers crossed that nothing untoward takes place now it's all so close to over. Thanks for the all the work and effort that's gone into publishing this fascinating and very human soldier's perspective on WWI.
November 10, 2008
Froggy_GTF said about the post "Magnaboschi Military Cemetery": My own Great Uncle lies in Magnaboschi. A truly beautiful, tranquil and fitting place.
November 8, 2008
gorditaangel said...Greetings from, just beginning to get cold Canada!!!!
My husband is a chaplain in the Canadian Forces, and we have been following Harry's journey for almost a year now. It has been a great blessing for us to read all of Harry's letters, and to read all the other details that you add to them. We feel like we are part of his family, as if we are a long distant cousins, or just close friends waiting to see what he is experiencing in the war. We are so concerned for him, and we are hoping that he will soon come home!! So thank you for all your hard work and the time that you take to share this with us!!! I feel that we will be better people for it!!! God Bless you and your family, the McKay's.
November 08, 2008
Anonymous said...I am happy the story will continue. I peaked at the Commonwealth Graves website ealier. Thank you for sharing this. I shouldn't say I enjoyed reading. I found myself emotional when reading it.
November 08, 2008
Pamela said...I have been following the blog from Toronto, Canada since January 2008, and during that time Harry has very much endeared himself to me. His simple, loving letters home to his family are filled with his longing to see them again as well as an uncomplaining stoicism about his own, very tough, day to day existence. You can't help but marvel at how he reduces the rigour and horror of life in the trenches to phrases like, "We have had some trying jobs lately in the front lines." I've been very worried about him over the last few weeks as his battalion went into serious action- the hastily sent postcard showed the peril he was in. The suspense has been growing day by day. Now, with the war almost over, I am starting to hope that against the odds, and unlike so many others, he will make it back home after all. I'm rooting for ya, Harry!
The blog is a brilliant idea-so real that it feels like WW1 is happening today. Many thanks for making Harry live again.
Pamela, Toronto
November 08, 2008
Leisuretoad said...It has been a thrilling and educative journey back in time . I hope very much that Harry makes it home safely and that we will learn more of how he copes with civilian life again. Thank you for all your effort in bringing Harry's archive to life. I wish you every success with the book.
November 08, 2008
VioletSky said...This story has had me rivetted for a long time - sometimes fearful to look in, yet joyful for the news. Thank you for the immense effort it must have been to share all this with the world.
November 08, 2008
Andy said...Thank you so much for sharing these very private letters. My Grandfather would never talk about his experiences in the first World War - but I now have some insight it want he went through. Opening the blog is always a nerve racking moment - but who could stop once they've started.
You're bog has been of huge value to me, Many Thanks Again
November 07, 2008
Keith said...Following this blog has been a fantastic experience. Using this new(ish) technology to make an old story come alive was a great idea and it worked really well.
I was hooked from the first time I looked at the blog sometime last spring. Thank you so very much!
November 07, 2008
Fredrik Mellem said...Hi! I've been following your blog for more than a year. Amazing!
November 07, 2008
jayjay, australia said... What a fabulous journey - I hope that Harry lives to go home to his family.
November 08, 2008
Jaime said...I've been following for about a year now (after catching up on the previous posts). Thanks for the unique experience.
November 08, 2008
Bryce said...I've been following Harry for roughly a year now, after my uncle sent me the link to this blog. It's truly a fascinating story -- in some ways I feel like I've gotten to know Harry, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he makes it home ok.
November 08, 2008
Jenny72 said...Thanks for the great blog, I've beem following from the beginning. The long gaps in between letters must have been very worrying for those at home.
November 08, 2008
Sally said...It looks like Harry is going to survive! It's strange, but I feel like I got attached to the man and I've been praying that he returns home safe to his family. I'd like to know if possible what his homecoming is like and what he did the rest of this life.
November 09, 2008
Doctor Pion said...I have been following this blog for a year, and have already planned my own "contemporary" contribution. In the spirit of this blog, I will post an article at the 11th hour (EST in the US) of the 11th day of the 11th month based on an oral history from my Grandfather about his experiences that day.
November 09, 2008
Anonymous said...Looking forward to knowing if Harry makes out alright.
November 09, 2008
Edvardas Vilnius, Lithuania said...read that blog with great interest.
November 09, 2008
ADB said...It has been great following Harry's story over the past few years, will keep an eye open for continuation.
November 09, 2008
Anonymous said...I was thinking of Harry today as well as family members and all those who have fought in each and every war. I hope he comes home soon.
November 09, 2008
Tacitus Orkney said...Thank you very much for posting Harry's letters. I have been following them in real time for over a year now - it has been both moving & fascinating. The long gaps between some letters give us some insight into how hard it must have been for families to wait so long for news of their loved ones. I do hope all turns out well for Harry - will miss him when the war ends.
November 7, 2008
The war may end but Harry's story continues. Plenty of adventures to come - and more letters. BL
AWM employee said...Hi,I work for the Australian War Memorial. Very fascinating letters. Thanks for making the time to do all this.
November 06, 2008
Anonymous said...Been following Harry's story since the introduction-posts. It is extremely fascinating to read about one persons trials during this time. After a while you feel like you know Harry, and it's been more than once I've dreaded opening the blog - in fear of bad news. Hope this will end in a bookdeal, and a movie of sorts... All the best!
November 06, 2008
Florian said...Thanks for doing this blog! I can imagine it's hard work...
As a historian focussing on WWI I find it remarkable how many people became interested in the war just because of the blog. When reading some of the comments posted here I can't help but thinking of the old quote:
"War is delightful to those who have not experienced it." Greetings from Germany, Florian
November 07, 2008
Mrs. Peel said...Been reading from Texas for about a year. I love the blog and can't wait to learn the rest of the story.
November 06, 2008
jon white said...I have been following for a while now and am eager to learn of Harry's fate.
November 06, 2008
Joel said...I've been following periodically since last year (I think), and I've got you linked in my sidebar as well. It's been fascinating.
November 06, 2008
Ela said...Unfortunately I only discovered this Blog two days ago. Therefore I had a quick run through Harry's story! I'm looking forward to learn more about his postwar experiences. Greetings from Bonn, Germany!
November 06, 2008
Lizzi said...Marvellous to read what really happened to a real individual. We read about "three million deaths" - and it means very little. To read about one particular man make it so much more real.
I want to know what happens next . .
November 06, 2008
Kate said...I've been following with interest. Thanks for sharing such a fascinating collection of letters with us.
November 06, 2008
Anonymous said...Just to let you know that I have felt like I've been on of the family waiting for his letters. Anxiety continues..
November 06, 2008
Anonymous said...I left a comment one year ago or so, now I'm writing these few lines just to let you know I'm still here. Antonio
November 06, 2008
Lizzi said...Marvellous to read what really happened to a real individual. We read about "three million deaths" - and it means very little. To read about one particular man make it so much more real. I want to know what happens next . .
November 06, 2008
Kate said...I've been following with interest. Thanks for sharing such a fascinating collection of letters with us.
November 06, 2008
Anonymous said...Just to let you know that I have felt like I've been on of the family waiting for his letters. Anxiety continues..
November 06, 2008
Anonymous said...I left a comment one year ago or so, now I'm writing these few lines just to let you know I'm still here. Antonio
November 06, 2008
Will said...Nearly there. I have my fingers crossed.
November 06, 2008
Mark said...Thank you for the blog. This week I have read an account of the last living survivor of the war,now 109.(Guardian Wednesday) I have worn two poppies today: A red one to honour the soldiers, some of whom tried, when possible, to shoot at opponents' legs. Also a white one in recognition of those with the courage NOT to fight.
November 06, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following Harry's blog daily for some time now. A truly wonderful idea, and well executed.Pat
Osaka, Japan
November 06, 2008
Anonymous said...Just wanted to register my interest. I have been checking the blog fir a year or so and have been gripped by the unfolding story. In many ways it has been interesting that much of it has been quite mundane and 'normal' where a young guy like me (well not that young, I'm 32)only hears the dramatic stories and almost imagines that it was one long adventure! It has been a really unique experience following this and I will continue to follow.
November 07, 2008
Reiza said...I just wanted to say that I've been lurking for some time now and will continue to follow the story. Thank you so much for doing this. I find it fascinating.
November 07, 2008
Anonymous said...Hi yes i have been following all these letters with interest-great job-looking forward to the book
November 07, 2008
Botogol said...I have been reading
November 07, 2008
Kurt Sims said... Thank you for this blog sir, it's been a pleasure to read about the life of a common man during WWI. We hear much about the officers and the strategic level this is the first look I've ever had of a man in the trenches. I look forward to the book.
November 07, 2008
Ian said...We can never know the true horror of the events that Harry lived through, but these letters have given us an insight into how he and his family tried to come to terms with life during the great war. Thank you for sharing these very personal letters and letting us share in the emotion. I will make sure that I attend a memorial service with my son this Sunday. LEST WE FORGET !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ian from Benfleet
November 07, 2008
Anonymous said...Thank you so much for sharing these letters with the world. I look forward to "getting mail" from Harry and get a glimpse of how his family must have felt waiting for his letters.
November 05, 2008
John in Ireland said...I've been following Harry's blog and must say a thank you to yourself for the time and effort you have put in. I'm here in Ireland and a good number of Irishmen fought in the Great War and WWii but it was always kinda shunned upon for them to openly talk about it. When you think about it, Harry must have been a father figure to some of the kids that he was with. Great work "Lest We Forget"
November 05, 2008
Rebekah, Switzerland said...Many thanks for the blog, I've been checking nearly everyday since finding it about a year ago and I have told all my family about it. What a great view onto a lost world, which really is only just in our past.
November 05, 2008
Jürg from Switzerland said... I don't like reading at all...except your Blog... I'm with it since the beginning... it puts you 90 years back in time... and makes you realise how good we have it today. Thank you for sharing your private memories with us. Great Job.
November 05, 2008
AWM employee said...Hi, I work for the Australian War Memorial. Very fascinating letters. Thanks for making the time to do all this.
November 06, 2008
Anonymous said...Been following Harry's story since the introduction-posts. It is extremely fascinating to read about one persons trials during this time. After a while you feel like you know Harry, and it's been more than once I've dreaded opening the blog - in fear of bad news. Hope this will end in a bookdeal, and a movie of sorts... All the best!
November 06, 200
Patrick said...Keep up the good work, very interesting and I'm very curious about it all unfolding! Greetings from Amsterdam.
November 05, 2008
Pamela said...I have been an avid follower of Harry's blog for a while now. I can't wait to hear if Harry is safe and ready to get back home.
November 05, 2008
Anonymous said...Great blog, Thank You for sharing this with us in the USA. MAtt
November 05, 2008
Anonymous said...I've only just discovered Harry and his letters, but I await every new letter just as his family did!
November 05, 2008
Anonymous said...Bill - I've been following the story for about a year now and have been captivated and intrigued by Harry's story and life. The ending is bitter sweet to know that the war is drawing to a close as is Harry's story and knowing he's made it through (so far). Looking forward to rest of Harry's story and the book. Congratulations on your (and Harry's) success!
November 05, 2008
Anonymous said...After about a year following this amazing blog, I'm a as fascinatated as in the beginning. Harry's fate, the concept of this blog and all the comments provided me an insight into these hard times I never thought it would be possible. Thanks for the great work and all the best wishes from germany...René
November 05, 2008
Anonymous said...Thank you for all your hard work keeping this site rolling!
November 05, 2008
Mrs. Peel said...Been reading from Texas for about a year. I love the blog and can't wait to learn the rest of the story.
November 06, 2008
jon white said...I have been following for a while now and am eager to learn of Harry's fate.
November 06, 2008
Joel said...I've been following periodically since last year (I think), and I've got you linked in my sidebar as well. It's been fascinating.
November 06, 2008
Ela said...Unfortunately I only discovered this Blog two days ago. Therefore I had a quick run through Harry's story! I'm looking forward to learn more about his postwar experiences. Greetings from Bonn, Germany!
November 06, 2008
Lizzi said...Marvellous to read what really happened to a real individual. We read about "three million deaths" - and it means very little. To read about one particular man make it so much more real. I want to know what happens next . .
November 06, 2008
Kate said...I've been following with interest. Thanks for sharing such a fascinating collection of letters with us.
November 06, 2008
Anonymous said...Just to let you know that I have felt like I've been on of the family waiting for his letters. Anxiety continues..
November 06, 2008Paul Kriston, Chicago, IL said...This continues to be the best 'first person' account of history that I have ever seen. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to share this with the world. History can be and often is so politicized that we never get the feeling of what it truly was like for the general populace. Your family should be commended for electing to keep this valuable correspondence instead of cleaning the clutter.
November 05, 2008
Anonymous said...A truly wonderful blog that it has been a great pleasure to follow to closely since it's started. I've recommended it to so many people, all of whom now love it too! Congratulations on a great piece of work. I look forward to the next installment.
November 04, 2008
Diane said...I've been following Harry's story since December or January when I heard about it on a news radio report. It was the first time I'd ever read a blog. During one of the lulls in letters, I started clicking on the "next blog" button at the top of the screen and discovered a whole new world. I now have over 200 blogs in my Google Reader and about half again as many in Bloglines. I don't know whether to thank you or curse you! ;)
November 04, 2008
Paul G said...I have followed the blog since I heard the Radio 4 broadcast last year. Thankyou for bringing this to us. Fantastic.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...thanks for a wonderful blog, i have found myself worrying about harry more and more as time goes by, my heart leaps when i get the alerts knowing we will hear more from harry, i cannot imagine the torment for his family especially when it goes weeks between letters, thanks for sharing Harry's story with us, i am waiting with bated breath to find out what happens next.
November 04, 2008
Linda from Idaho, USA said...I have been following this story, sometimes with held breath, from the beginning. Please, please be safe.
November 04, 2008
Mike said...Hi. I've been following the blog since the beginning and as we approach armistice day I think it's something everyone should read.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following this blog since the beginning and hang out for each new update.Kelly from Australia
November 04, 2008
Michelle said...Harry reminds me of my own father who I lost just 4 short/long years ago. He too would leave me little notes to let me know how he was doing and how I was doing in his eyes....I will never forget the note he left me when I announced my engagement....."He never asked me for you....courage is one thing that should be a requirement in a husband. Will he ask your opinion on the tough decisions if he lacks the courage to ask me mine?" I thought about it for a few days and realized his bluntness was the one thing that kept me from making a huge mistake. Harry not only reminds me of my father but he has given me many 'pause to think' moments. Thanks.
November 04, 2008
Bryan's workshop blog said...I've been following the blog for a while, and count myself a fan. I've taught it in two workshops, and it's in our new article.
http://connect.educause.edu/Library/EDUCAUSE+Review/Web20StorytellingEmergenc/47444
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Thank you for sharing this story. I look forward to continuing my following of Harry's life. This is, in the US at least, a rather neglected area of history - not old enough to be really nostalgic and not new enough to be thought of as relevant. How wrong these views are.
November 04, 2008
Julian, 34, Guildford (3 of my great grand fathers fought in this war) said...Thanks for sharing these precious letters with us. They are unique and illustrated so vividly an ordinary soldier's life in this horrific war were so many of our relatives suffered and died. Inspiring.
November 05, 2008
David W, Memphis TN said...I started following early last year. Thank you so much for the excellent effort and presentation.
November 05, 2008
Mr.Sill said...I have been enjoying your hard work for almost a year. I get nervous with every new post in my RSS reader. Thanks getting me to learn more about WWI.
November 05, 2008
Anne in Texas said...yes, every day!
November 04, 2008
Sue said...I have followed your blog for the last 18 months and have always gone to it first for the latest news. Have enjoyed reading about your grandfather so much and like everyone else have worried about him when there has been a long gap between letters. Wish this had been around when I was at school as it makes history so much more interesting. Thank you for all your work with this - I will definitely get "his book" when it is published.
November 04, 2008
Shirley Williams said...I've found this diary a fascinating insight into the world of 90 years ago. I was in France recently and the many cemeteries of the Somme are a poignant reminder of so many young men who didn't reach the end of the war.
November 04, 2008
Lisa S / Canada said...I have been following Harry's blog for over a year and it is the first thing I go to every morning when I log on to my computer. I had no troubles imagining how his family felt going to their mail box every day hoping there would be a letter. Thank you so much for sharing Harry's letters with all of us. My great-grandfather was at Vimy Ridge and he passed away before I met him. Reading Harry's letters gave me a better understanding of what my great-grandpa had been through.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Just letting you know how much I have enjoyed this blog over the past year or so. WW1 seems to get overlooked so often here in the United States that it is refreshing and encouraging that Harry's blog can help personalize it for us.
November 04, 2008
Kittybriton said...It really is touching to see so much concern for Harry. I wonder if the troops fighting today know just how much the folks back home care about them!
Everyone seems to be asking "what will we do when the war is over?", I'm sure Harry is wondering that too. Even just reading his letters I can see that war changes a man. He has had experiences that made bonds, broke bonds, and I hope, strengthened his spirit. I will never again be able to sing It's a Long Way to Tipperary or Smile, Smile, Smile, without thinking of Harry, and the thousands who fought alongside him.
November 04, 2008
Fydaelin said...Inciteful, thought provoking, timely... ok, it's just plain awsome.Thanks for taking the time and (conciderable effort) to put this together. Remembrance day is coming around again and I can tell you that Harry and Family will be in our thoughts for a lot more than a minute's silence. Thanks for the letters
November 04, 2008
Bruce Alvarez said...I have been following Harry's story for some time. Posting the letters on the dates they were written was a brilliant idea, adding a real dimension of time and REAL suspense to the story for those who started well before the current date. You already know how much all the readers appreciate your hard work. I'm sure you could not have imagined how big the project would be worldwide when you started. I am VERY happy to read about the book deal. All of your efforts, and those that joined with war diaries, maps, photos, etc along the way, are well rewarded.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...HARRY, just say the name and thousands of people all over the world know who you mean. He has been taken to the hearts of so many people. If only the politicians in this world could come together in peace and harmony like all the people all over the world who are praying for Harry to survive and come home safetly.Thank you for your time in bringing Harry to life.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...This has been a fascinating journey so far. Hope and fear have been fighting it out as November 11 approaches; I'm a little reassured by the hint that "there's a lot of Harry's story still to unfold." Thank you very much for sharing Harry's perspective with us!
November 04, 2008
John - London UK said...My great uncle fell in Palestine during WW1, and my grandfather lost an arm and half his back in the horrific trench warfare in France. He never spoke about his experiences until shortly before he passed away in his eighties. Thank you BL for sharing Harry's story with us, and for giving so many of us, from all corners of the world, such an important insight into such a courageous, yet betrayed generation.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...I remember that at this point, as my time to leave Vietnam neared, feeling like the bullets, mortar shells, and all the rest, seemed to be larger than before and moving faster. I felt like they were looking for me in particular, just to make sure I didn't make it. The terror was absolute, but I could not let on. I am convinced that I aged at an accelerated rate and am paying for that experience even today.
Looking back, I think the problem was that after I had been in country a short while I felt I actually had little hope of making it out alive and that somehow had a calming effect. Finding myself so close to actually making it brought back hope and that was not a good thing.Good luck to Harry. I hope he makes it safe and sound in body and mind.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Been following since you started. Congrats on the books, the stamps, the honours and everything. It has been a wonderful adventure so far, and I'm looking forward to more!
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Ever since I heard about this blog, I've logged on every day. I've been wondering/worrying if he had died since no new letters where coming and then when a letter comes, I breathe a sigh of relief. Thank you Bill for bringing your grandfather 'back to life' to make people all over the world truly understand what WW1 was like for ordinary soliders and their families.
November 04, 2008
tufty said...Following others' comments, I've been reading the blog since the start and have found it compelling. Thank you for your opus. It has been a joy to follow.
November 04, 2008 Paul from Birmingham, UK said...Have been following Harry's story ever since I first heard about it ~ I can't describe it as merely a compelling read ~ I have to say I have found it to be a profound experience which has served to help me truly understand what it was like for the individual soldier and their families during the Great War. Only a few days to go ~ hope all works out well for Harry. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share in Harry's story.
November 04, 2008
Kimball Hutchinson said...Its easy to become so wrapped up in our own lives that we become oblivious to the world around us. Harry has provided a window into another life that is far removed from our own experiences. It has been quite a journey and one I doubt I will forget. My hat off to you Harry, see you in Blighty.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Like Harry's family, we've been celebrating the Austrian armistice; and like Harry's family, we'll keep praying to see him go home.
I can only imagine what it was like for the troops at the front: the football the War Diary mentions must have been only part of it. Games of all sorts, tons of letters written, probably some mementos collected or gifts for thier families, lots of photographs taken.
And I'd guess there was a lot of call for the battalion chaplains: there must have been some interesting sermons on Sunday the 3rd!, as well as many, many individual soldiers wanting to talk to them.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been reading this blog for well over a year and have found it completely fascinating. At the same time I have been typing up letters that I found when I cleared my Dad's house. They are the letters that he sent home to his Mum during WW2 whilst he was a flight mechanic near Cairo, also and perhaps more interestingly there are the letters that his Mum and his young sister sent to him (amazing that he was able to keep them all). So whilst he was enjoying life in a warm climate with no rationing, his family at home were subject to air raids, an almost direct hit on the house by a doodlebug (while they were in the air raid shelter) and severe food shortages. A rather topsy turvey war!
My Grandfather also served in WW1 in France, he was lucky in the fact that he could drive and was therefore given a driving job that saved him from being sent to the trenches. My Gran then spent two wars waiting for news...from her fiance in the first war and her son in the second.
It is very hard to imagine just how hard it was to live through two world wars, Harry's Blog is helping so many to understand.
Sue, Chelmsford UK
November 04, 2008
Ian said...Doh! Yesterday I said how much I enjoyed your site ... and forgot to say thank you for all your effort ... a big thanks, Harry would be proud of you :o)
November 04, 2008
erathwomen said...Oh no Bill, I don't want it to stop! This is an historic day in 2008, I want my history from 1918! :) Thanks so much for doing this. I'm sad that Harry won't be part of so many days of my months, but I'm so glad to know he made it. I'm teary now.
Marcy
November 04, 2008
Tracy from Manchester, England said...Thank you for sharing Harry's story and creating such a great blog. I have followed from the beginning, checking in every day and it has been a captivating journey. I wait with fingers crossed that all will be well for Harry
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...HARRY, just say the name and thousands of people all over the world know who you mean. He has been taken to the hearts of so many people. If only the politicians in this world could come together in peace and harmony like all the people all over the world who are praying for Harry to survive and come home safetly.
Thankyou for your time in bringing Harry to life.
November 04, 2008
AG said... I cannot believe how *worried* I get for Harry -- 90 years after the fact! Thanks so much for doing this. It's a marvelous project and a smart idea about what a blog might do.
November 04, 2008
nurhanne said...Thank you for sharing.
November 04, 2008
Paul from Birmingham, UK said...Have been following Harry's story ever since I first heard about it ~ I can't describe it as merely a compelling read ~ I have to say I have found it to be a profound experience which has served to help me truly understand what it was like for the individual soldier and their families during the Great War. Only a few days to go ~ hope all works out well for Harry. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share in Harry's story.
November 04, 2008
GY Wilson. said...Being a combat vet in the US Marines. I can understand some of the emotion Harry must feel at this point. being away from home is bad, but being away from home and having a chance of never seeing home agains is much worse. cleaning billets and other types of house cleaning chors are probably to keep idle hands busy, especially after what they have been through.
03 November 200
Stefan from Munich, Germany said...So glad Harry made it to the end! I was quite nervous, that something might go wrong in the last couple of days.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been so worried that he woudn't be alive at the end. I have checked here daily since I first heard of the blog on the Today Show in the US (and went back and read all the earlier postings). Kathy (USAF nurse corps vet)
November 03, 2008
Sb said...Great History - New Zealand
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Have checked the blog daily for months. So glad Harry has made it through to the armistice. Hope his regiment is safe now in Italy until the armistice on 11/11.
November 03, 2008
Ann, Atlanta, USA said...I've been following the blog since I heard about it on NBC news - not sure how long ago that was. I have enjoyed following Harry through the war. Thanks for sharing his story with us!
November 03, 2008
Linda H-F said...Awed by you & your buddies, Harry, and by the work of your grandson, Bill. You should be proud.Perhaps all of us who have been (and are being touched by your letters) your can find a way to carry your message forward. When this is over, I'm planning on visiting the WWI memorial in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and donating some blood in your honor. Maybe we can all declare a 'Harry Day' Holding you & all you love in prayer.
November 03, 2008
Vireya said...I've been a regular reader for the last 18 months or so. Thanks for doing this, it has been an interesting opportunity to see the war through the eyes of a normal man living through it, rather than through reading history books.
November 03, 2008
Sarah said..I heard about this blog after reading an article on CNN Online last year, and I've enjoyed reading ever since. This is a wonderful way to archive such fragile primary sources of such a devastating and world-changing experience. We should never forget those who served, no matter how long ago. Certainly, we Americans need to wake up to this fact.
November 03, 2008
Busby said..I check in every day...
November 03, 2008
Zoe S Wales said...Ths has been an amazing thing to follow and I've been spreading the word as much as possible this just shows exactly how much good the net can be for people to experience history in such an immeadiate way.Zoe
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I know it's only 8 days until Armistice, but I'm still worried for Harry!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have enjoyed Harry's letters, the blog, the war diary, etc. It really puts things into perspective.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've followed this blog for the past year. Have never before commented on anyone's blog but am glad to do so now. Best wishes to Harry from Washington state.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been worried about Harry recently, wondering if he will survive the war. I have been sorely tempted to search the records to find out!Lady_Branwyn, reading from a feed to LiveJournal
November 04, 2008
Sikes said...I have been following Harry from the start. It certainly looks like he will make it. No small feat. One of, if not the best blogs ever put together. I am going to have to look for something else to follow pretty soon.
November 04, 2008
Kerry said...I've been following for I think a year. Very interesting project - I only wish there had been more letters.
November 04, 2008
Brad said...I have been following Harry for at least the past 12 months and wish him well for the last few days of the war. As a result I this blog I searched the National Archives of Australia (http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/recordsearch/index.aspx) for details of my Great Grandfathers service with the AIF in ww1. While not as personal as Harry's letters I was able to view his 'official' 126 page record scanned online. This included a number of hand written letters from him and his family to the army command. Very interesting reading and I would highly recommend anyone in Australia descended from WW1 service personnel take a look. You wont be disappointed.Brad
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following Harry's blog since early last year. I check daily and hope for his safe return. My grandfather fought in France but never spoke of it. This is history at its best. BL thanks so much for sharing this. US reader
November 04, 2008
Ian Yorston said...I've been following Harry for the past year now. A tangible piece of personal history.
November 04, 2008
Tony said...I've been following Harry all the way. really enjoyed it. put a lot of friends on to it. Hope my prayers now count for 90 years ago and Harry comes through ok.
thanks for doing this tremendous blog.
.
November 04, 2008
Checotah, Oklahoma, USA said... Wow! I started checking daily about a year ago and was sure that Harry would pay the ultimate price that so many soldiers have paid for their countries. My thanks go to him and his mates (of all wars) who fought for what he believed was important.
My thanks to you, too, BL, for making this blog available. It has enriched my life.
November 04, 2008
Sgt. Sam Avery said...Hello Harry: Don't know if you got my last note, but I'm now in Neufchateau and training in trenches with the French and learning to use bayonets in hand from the British. Glad to hear you're still at it. Stop by for a read when you can.
Regards, Sam
November 04, 2008
materkb said...Keep your head down, Harry, and come home safe!
November 04, 2008
Only a few days of war to go, thank goodness.
I have followed Harry for quite some time, great to see the end of the war approaching.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Hoping the best for Harry; been following with great interest. I am US born & raised, but my Mum & all her side is from London. Granddad fought in WWII. God speed, Harry.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...hi - I've been reading since sometime last year - keep meaning to go back and read the earlier posts, but never have the free time. Congrats on the impending book btw - this has been an amazing and enlightening read for me (I knew both my great grandfathers, both of whom served in WWI from america and this gives me a bit more of an idea what the war was like to the common soldier)
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following since the Blog was featured on NBC news. I check for new content daily. I hope for the best for Harry, I know many casualties happen after a cease fire when the troops are not all aware of it. I will miss this blog when it ends. Thank you many times over for sharing Harry with us and making this time real to us all. Quite the accomplishment for an "ordinary bloke" like Harry!
November 04, 2008
Redneck Geneticist said...interested
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Thanks a lot for this great piece of history! Honour to the memory of all the soldiers on all the fronts that fought this terrible war.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said... I have been following Harrys blog for over a year as have most of my friends(we are all ex military)and we all find ourselves checking daily to see how things came out for him. You are to be commended for publishing such a pricessless piece of history in such a unique manner.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Very interesting story. My grandfather was also with the British forces in WWI, but I don't know much about his time there. Great idea to publish by date - it certainly gives an understanding of the feelings of family at home.
November 04, 2008
wkwalker said... Thank you for sharing this with us. It has been a fascinating journey.
November 04, 2008
chris d said...Thanks for the blog and the emormous ammount of work that it involved, I've enjoyed it heartily. lets hope harry gets home safe
November 04, 2008
tps said...Fantastic idea for a blog.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...This has been an amazing experience. I cannot get over the simple, understated courage of Harry. When he wrote he had been on "what we call the suicide post, but it was only at night", I could hardly believe such coolness (that was where my father got his bullet.) What men they were! Historians now say the war for most soldiers was not the poets war. But this really brings home better than any historian can the coolness and forbearance of the English common soldier in WWI.
November 04, 2008
TSmith (USA) said...Thank You for sharing this part of your pesonal history with me and all of us. It has been a very educational and emotional reading for me for the past 1 1/2 years. I'm glad you were able to experiance some of the places where Harry was and am grateful for your sharing of those experiances as well. I started each morning for the last 1 1/2 years looking for a new letter from Harry. I am sorry it is coming to an end but am grateful that Harry made it out ok.
November 04, 2008
GailH said...I have been following this blog since January and wish Harry well. I wear a poppy with pride at this time of year in memory of men like Harry. Thank you to all veterans everywhere!
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Thank you so much for sharing these letters. It really does bring history alive, and in such a new way. Sure, we could read these letters in a book, but publishing them in "real time" allows us to live the events in a way a book can never match. Cheers from Vancouver, Canada.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Finally looks as if Harry will survive, although we can't be sure for a few days yet. Fascinating story, have been following it all year.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...A fascinating and at times nail biting insight into the life of a soldier in WWI. Thank you for this blog that has made Harry a part of my life over the last few months.
November 04, 2008
Joe said... I've thoroughly enjoyed following this blog. Thank you! Joe Illinois, USA
November 04, 2008
colagirl said...I've been following this blog for a while as well. Thank you very much for posting these letters. Like others, keeping my fingers crossed.
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...Fascinating stuff! Very interesting. I have been following this blog nightly for about a year and a half. I am very interested in his thoughts especially as they are coming 90 years from the past. He feels like a very dear friend of mine.Ken Tribou Mansfield, MA
November 04, 2008
Eva said...I have been following for quite awhile now and am so grateful to be able to have had this perspective and relive some of Harry's experiences. I live in the Western United States and somehow I feel like I've had an advantage over Europeans because I get the letters on the night before they actually are due. Silly huh Eva
November 04, 2008
Anonymous said...I am anxiously awaiting the rest of the story. I have deliberately avoided going back to history books to learn what dates to expect big things, because I want to let it unfold as it did for the people involved. Thank you for sharing your family's history with us.
November 04, 2008
Brian Jones said...My Dad was wounded in WW1 at Ypres in Belgium. I have traced his story somewhat but your day to day letters have given further insight. Dad was wounded early in the war but stayed through to the end. Thanks, Brian Jones Ladner, BC Canada
November 04, 2008
Cate from Seattle said...I've been following this blog almost since the beginning and still find it fascinating! It's a rare treat to get such a personal insight into the life of a soldier. Thank you!
November 04, 2008
ghertz said...I'm a reader from the US (Michigan). I have been reading this blog since June or July 2007. I saw a reference to it somewhere, I think CNN's web page and have been hooked ever since. I know more about WWII than WWI, and this is a great way to learn more about WWI. I am also glad you kept the technical diary information separate from the main dialogue. I like the "human" story but am not as interested in troup movements or the type of weapsons they had. I have always liked to see old letters from wartime and this is a wonderful way to share Harry's. I know it has been a long process for you and i'm sure there were days you didn't feel like adding a post, but out here we are quite greatful for it.
November 04, 2008
JoK said...Hoping Harry keeps safe as his war hopefully comes towards a peaceful and safe end. I realise that he will now be part of the clean up and then the long slow return through France to England.I have been an avid reader of Harry's news since June 07 and never miss checking it daily. Grateful thanks that he is hopefully safe. Thanks for sharing your family history with us all, it has been gratefully received. Jo in Wgtn NZ.
November 04, 2008
HeavyLight said...Thanks for publishing Harry's letters, it's been a fascinating read. Best of luck with the book.November 04, 2008
Jacky said...I only discovered Harry's blog a couple of month's back but was immediately hooked. It is touching and real and I wish we could all have been there to welcome him home - surely he will make it back safe now. Bless him, and all those who had to endure this tragic war. When he does come home, will you please give us some information on what he did with the rest of his life? Thanks SO much for a truly wonderful site, I'm going to miss it very much.
November 04, 2008
lom said...Not long now Harry, you will soon be with loved ones
November 04, 2008
Tricia said...Having grown to know Harry and his family as 'friends', the people who live down the road, I'm watching and worrying as the war comes to an end. We cannot be complacent yet too much can happen, and did, in the last few minutes of an event.If he survives the war it would be good to know if he survives the peace.Thanks for this blog
November 04, 2008
Anon said...Great idea - please keep it up
November 04, 2008
annelize said...I'm going to miss Harry when the war is over. This has been a fascinating blog.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Great blog, great perpective. Have been following for about a year. Helen Australia
November 03, 2008
tmw said... hey there... thanks for making this blog!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've been following Harry for a year now. Thanks for all your work. Richard
November 03, 2008
Lynda said...I love Harry's story. But I am really worried that he wont make it back to England and his family. Fingers crossed for him, so very near the end but who knows with him being in Italy. Very real to me, even if it was 90 years ago. My great grandfather made it back, but the war changed him. How did they get through it all, amazes me. Will definately buy the book, for me and for my 2 teenage sons to read. They will learn a great from Harry! Kind regards and thank you for this site. Lynda, Devon
November 03, 2008
Ann P said... I've been following this blog for almost a year. I try to imagine my own relatives and how they must of felt so far away from home and thier families and never knowing if they wold see them all again. Terrible times.Thank you so much for all your time and trouble bringing Harrys letters to us. I feel very moved when I read them Ann
November 03, 2008
Sutta said...I've been following since about January maybe. It might have even been longer than that! I can't believe it's almost over!
November 03, 2008
Lisa E said...I have been following Harry's blog since January this year and hoping, like everyone else, that he got through the war okay. I have visited Flanders but found it difficult to connect with the history there because it is now so peaceful. It is through accounts like these that the war can be brought back into reality for modern people and for this I thank you so much. A fantastic idea and thoroughly gripping, I'll almost be sorry when it's over! I will be attending the 90th anniversary of the Armistice in Whitehall next week and I will certainly be thinking of Harry and all his comrades that gave so much in that horrible war.
Thank you.
November 03, 2008
Aurora said...Such a short time to go now. I am hoping and willing Harry to make it home safely, and that the telegram boy wont be walking to his front door bearing tragic news. My father, as a little boy, remembered the telegram boy visiting almost every other house in the road and then one terrible day he knocked on their front door. Thank you so much for this very moving blog.
November 03, 2008
Wild Trout said...An 18 month anthem of hope for today's youth. Thank you for your efforts.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've been following Harry's story for over a year from Virginia, Washington DC, and now in North Carolina... best of luck Harry!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've been following Harry's story for over a year from Virginia, Washington DC, and now in North Carolina... best of luck Harry!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said... Excellent blog, many thanks.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said... What a great way to relive history. I've been following this blog for about a year now and have really enjoyed using it to learn more about The Great War. Thanks for doing this. Your grandfather would be proud!
November 03, 2008
Linda said...have been following the blog for about a year, and like everyone else have been keeping my fingers crossed for Harry. Thank you for sharing this with us all
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said... I can't believe it's nearly all over; a luxury we have that the guys involved did not!!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
I have been watching the site with great anticipation hoping Harry suvives the war
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
Thank you very much for all your efforts with this blog. 90 years after WW 1 we're hoping Harry once reached his home safely.
Today let's think about all the soldiers all over the world, fighting useless battles, risking their lifes. Like Harry they all want to make it home safely to kiss their friends and families.
Give peace a serious chance!
Greetings from Bavaria.
November 03, 2008
Sunny said...History didn't interest me much in school, but your presentation in this blog has got me paying attention. Thank you for your wonderful job. I'm really enjoying learning about the war from Harry's letters.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've been following Harry's blog for quite some time now and am glad to see that he is doing so well close to the end. Thanks for sharing this amazing insight with us all.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've been following this blog for a while now, if something were to happen to Harry during the war I think i'll be very upset. Keep up the good work.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been checking on Harry for the past year or so. My great uncle was a veteran of the war. Thank you for sharing. Murfreesboro, TN USA
November 03, 2008
Sara said...Following Harry's progress from Los Angeles, CA. Your blog has made WWI seem so current, especially given the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan. Thank you.
November 03, 2008
Anne Jones. England said...I've been following this blog for some time now, and like everyone else, hope that Harry makes it safely home.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...my american history class and I have been following your story since March, 2008. What a great thing you have done, pulling this all together. Thanks so much, all of us are enjoying Harry's adventures and are hoping we lives to see the end.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Great Blog. Have been reading for about a year. Thinking of my Grandfather who was in France during this same time.Jackson in Texas
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Best wishes to Harry and his extended family. I've follwed the blog with interest because Harry was brought up in the same locality as my Grandfather, so I can hear the local accent I read the letters. My Grandfather was one of the underage boy soldiers - happily he came back. Hope Harry comes home soon too, and survives the difficult winter and 'flu epidemic of 1918/19.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Thanks for all the time you've put into this. It's been amazing to really get a feel for how long the gaps between letters must have felt for relatives back home.
November 03, 2008
joan said..Thank you so much for sharing Harrys letters with us.This blog is excellant!
November 03, 2008
John R said...6 Great Uncles on my Dad's side (from Yorkshire) and my Mum's Dad (New Zealand) were survivors of the Great War. I have followed your blog from the beginning and have found it an amazing portrait of history as seen from the foot soldier's perspective. I now live in the USA, where this crevasse in history is seemingly treated as a mere footnote. I am reminded of the saying (and I paraphrase) "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it." Thank you for all your hard work and good luck with your future endeavours, especially the book in which I am very interested and am looking forward to seeing more information about it here.John Monticello, MN USA
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I too, like all before, check for a letter from Harry every morning, and when we haven't heard for a while have to check in the evening as well. I have mixed feelings, so happy that it looks like he has made it and sadness that this fantastic blog will be over, but will only be content when I hear that he is home surrounded by his family and having a cup of tea in the back kitchen. Thank you so much for all your hard work - I look forward to reading the book.
Kind regards Linda
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Hello - girl from Norway here. Saw a tip about this blog on the Internet, and have followed it since. The details gives a stunning insight to the war, as it was.
November 03, 2008
Fee, Edinburgh said... Been following for a while now, checking daily for news. Made pinning on the Poppy just a little more poignant this year.
Thanks for sharing such a personal story.Lest we forget ...
November 03, 2008
Jake said...Many thanks for the blog, I've been following it avidly since I heard about it on Radio 4. It makes the reality of war much more personal and I hope Harry makes(/made) it home safely!
November 03, 2008
June said...I also have been reading for about a year and have been fascinated by Harry's story. Your posting of his letter and the entire BLOG contents has been a wonderful way to revitalize and humanize a war that is "old history" to so many.Hope Harry makes it home to his family!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have followed this from almost the beginning, and have read widely about the 1st WW because of it.How these men retained their sanity amidst so much horror eludes me.
History tells us that Harrys life in the immediate future won't be a bed of roses either. Excellent work Bill.
Paul - NZ
November 03, 2008
todd helmkamp said...I am a bit surprised at how much I have grown attached to the people from this story! Thanks for publishing about your family history!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said... I've been reading since I heard about the blog earlier this year on a television program here in the US. It's just a marvelous way to connect to these events 90 years ago. Bravo!
November 03, 2008
Vern in Montana said.. I have been following Harry for over a year now and have become quite fond of him and his family in England - The armistic is coming and I have th horrible feelign that Harry will be the last man killed on the Italian front. I certainly hope not.
November 03, 2008
Jennifer said...I have been reading this for quite some time. I saw it online one day and was hooked. Thank you. It's interesting and I look for new entries everyday.
November 03, 2008
Rebecca and Chris said...I have been following Harry's journey for a long time and have been getting more and more nervous as November 11 approaches, wondering what is going to happen.
Thanks for sharing this amazing story!
November 03, 2008
Sarah Goodyear said...I have been following for several months now, since I heard about it on NPR in the US. I have to say, I have been counting down to Armistice Day for weeks now.
November 03, 2008
double i said...This blog has been my first stop on the internet every morning for the past year plus. Thank you very much for the postings.Brooklyn, New York
November 03, 2008
Saharafrog said...My stomach tightens up each time I see a new letter posted. I'm always in fear that it will be an official letter, and not one from Harry.
--SF
November 03, 2008
jc said...I've been following this blog for over a year, after being alerted to it by a colleague (a history teacher). I'm going to miss Harry's letters and history.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I won't relax until Harry is home safe and sound with his family. Only another week until it's all over. I'll really miss reading his letters. Thank you for an amazing blog. Jackie
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have followed the blog for almost a year, it has been most interresting!/Jesper
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I am an English girl in my twenties who is fascinated by the First World War and I have followed this blog from the start, finding it to be a moving and unique insight into the lives of those who lived through the Great War.
This blog has been a fascinating look into the life of an ordinary soldier in a war I little understand. This one man's life has inspired me to read up on this war and to learn more about the overall picture. Thank you so much for sharing. It is with much hope that I'll get to read about how Harry gets home and what his life is like after the war.Thanks again for putting the effort into this.
November 03, 2008
Simon, North Wales said...I have followed this account for nearly a year now and found it very informative. I have felt closer to understanding the fears and feelings of the rank and file soldier through this terrible conflict than through my reading in other accounts of the great war.
My only hope is that Harry survives the next few days as he rightly deserved.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've been following the blog since it was mentioned in the newspaper in january. Very exciting!Greetings from Lars W. - Oslo, Norway.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
Thanks for a great (and so personal) blog I have been following the blog with great interest, and sometimes dread, since January 2008. We're getting so close to the end. I hope we continue to get positive news.
Thanks! Serge Boivin (Canada)
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Because you asked...A silent reader who was pulled into this experience from my very first visit. For many months I've begun every day checking on Harry's progress. I thank you so much for sharing this portion of your family hitory with us...from Boston, MA USA.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...We are sitting on the edge of our seats. Harry, please make it home. The Traub Family, West Dundee IL
November 03, 2008
Andrew Lamin said... I have been following this for a long while, my Grandfather (Private Jack Lamin, Field Artillery) never told any of us anything about his war experiences, so I have taken a close interest in how someone from the same area faced that most apocalyptic time.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Like many I have loved reading this blog. Thank you Bill. It looks like he will make it..
How long Bill would it have taken this letter to reach home? Would it have arrived after the 11th November?
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Thanks for the blog, followed with great interest.Josh from Alberta, Canada
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Many thanks for an amazing blog. My 13 yr old son is totally fascinated by it.
I hope Harry is able to come home and be embraced by his family.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said... I've been following this since mid 2007 - the idea of posting on the day has been brilliant. When will we learn that violence never wins? Good luck with the book. In Peace.
November 03, 2008
Jo Allen said...well done Bill, your a fantastic person for sharing your Grandfather's letters, hope Harry makes it home safely. It's been an emotional journey.Jo
November 03, 2008
Mimi said...I have found this so interesting. I love history and first hand accounts. I just wish this was available when we studied World War 1 with my children. They always ask, has Harry posted a letter? I will be buying the book so we can read it when we study WW1 again:) Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of your family.
November 03, 2008
melissa said...I've been following for a while now - Oh, I'm nervous for Harry Many thanks for working so hard to bring this to us. It's a fascinating read!
November 03, 2008
Jennifer said...I have loved reading about Harry! Thank you for bringing this gem of history tous.
November 03, 2008
Chris said...fascinating stuff! Hope all is well for Harry now--I am reminded of my mother's cousin who survived WWII and was killed by a landmine before he left the desert!
Chris, Canada
November 03, 2008
Marilyn said...It seems significant that Harry was able to mention several strategic facts in his Nov 4 letter. Was the censor becoming more relaxed?
Have followed Harry's progress with great interest.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said... What a fantastic experience this has been - it shows all the emotions that would have been felt by everyone at the time.Thank you .
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've followed the blog since june 07 and I've been gripped. It's fascinating stuff, brings the war to life. I'm 23 and couldn't imagine what lads of the same age went through and what sacrifices they made. I'm not sure my generation are made of the same stuff! Thanks for the blog, very well done. Dave, Wirral
November 03, 2008
Tolomere said...This has been one of the most fascinating things that the Net has ever been used for, and I have been following this for over a year, hoping that Harry makes it back home to his loved ones safe and sound (at least as sound as one who experienced WWI could be).
It is with a profound sense of both joy and sadness that I see the approach of November 11th... joy for Harry's survival, sadness that we are nearing the end of his tale in WWI.Thank you for this most amazing journey!
November 03, 2008
shooter said...My fathers uncle was killed in action in France on this date, Hope Harry fairs better
November 03, 2008
mattg said...Recently picked this up again so saying hi. Heart is in my mouth thinking about the next week.See Michael Palin's 'Last Day of WW1' documentary:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00fg9hw/Timewatch_The_Last_Day_of_World_War_One/
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said... Hi, I've been following this blog since months and I am happy to see that Harry has made it safe until now. Thanks for the effort, your blog is unique in the internet as it links history to new media in a thrilling manner.
Best wishes from Munich and thank you again Stefan
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I'm reading the letters of Harry with great interest since I've heard about in the ARD-TV in Germany. I wish and hope, that Harry will manage to return back home safely and healthy. I'm of opinion that Harry's letters are an important lecture for german kids in school - so we hope for the proposed book. "Thank you!" from germany for this great and fascinating blog!
November 03, 2008
Marc Bernard said...I've been following for quite a while, from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Fascinating stuff. Thanks for doing this.
November 03, 2008
richard booth said...
love this site - been following for the last year from Canada. just a few more days...
November 03, 2008
Robin from McLean, VA USA said...Thanks for taking so much time to provide us with this blog. It has been a real treat to read!
November 03, 2008
ConnecticutYankee said...Thank you so much for sharing this, it has been fascinating. Will we be following Harry until he returns home?
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Reading this account has been a fascinating journey. Thank you for bringing it to us. My grandfather was with the Canadian Corp on the Western Front, and this brought that experience home for me. I find myself ferventing wishing for Harry's safe deliverance from that war as if it were happening now.
Godspeed Harry, whatever your fate was in this life.
November 03, 2008
Mantelli said...I've been following Harry's adventures from St. Louis, Missouri. My father was only a year too young to go along with the troops, but told me many stories of slightly older peers. This is a fascinating story. I hope Harry makes it through the rest of the war! Thank you for making this blog possible!
November 03, 2008
Fiona said...What a brilliant journey you've taken us on! No doubt we're all keeping fingers crossed that Harry makes it through to 11th safely as well as making it home ok!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I am hoping that Harry survives this war. He feels like a member of my own family now.
November 03, 2008
richard booth said...I find it interesting that although these events have long since transpired, there are thousands of people checking this site daily to find out what will happen to Harry. It's almost like Harry is living in a past, yet, current, state of indeterminacy. It reminds me a bit of Schrodinger's cat mind-experiment.richard in Ontario, Canada
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
Each day I check in... as the war draws to its conclusion I hope each time as I log in Harry is very much alive and well
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have looked everyday to see if there has been a letter from Harry and then, with a sigh of relief, read the news quietly pleased that there has not been a telegram. But the times when there was no news for weeks were hard to bear - what must the family at home have felt?
Thank you for your sharing your family's experiences in such a unique and informative way. Good luck for the future.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
A fantastic way to tell us about the experiences of a WW1 soldier. Thank you so much Bill for all of your hard work!
November 03, 2008
Claire said...I've been following for a year, from Canada. I am hoping that everything turns out OK for Harry....
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...This blog is SO AMAZING. I live in Ontario and we follow it with great interest and hope only the best.My 15 year old daughter also very fascinated and always checks in too!!
November 03, 2008
The co-ordinator said...Fantastic reading.One of the first links I've checked every day for more than a year I think. What will I do when the war is over?!
November 03, 2008
cowsandplows said...I've been reading this blog for than a year, and I am so grateful that Harry has made it! While I know that the war is not over yet, I want to see Harry live on to ripe old age. To see such carnage, the waste of so much life, and survive is miraculous. A week to go until the Armistice! What will happen next?
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Just posting to give you a count.
November 03, 2008
mark b said...Outstanding recollection of turbulent historical events. The anticipation of 11/11/1918 and reading of Harry's reaction to it is exciting.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have so enjoyed keeping up with all of Harry's letters. Thanks so much for posting these letters!
November 03, 2008
Robert said...I have only been following Harry for the last half year, but still there were a few times that I checked and rechecked the blog even though I knew there would be no update. Let's hope that Harry makes it hone safely and let's be thankful for the wonders of modern day communications, with all your loved ones at our fingertips.
Many thanks for this experience!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said... A fascinating blog, which I've been hooked on for about 12 months.The horrors of war, as far as Harry describes them at all, are so understated... I'm hoping he is safe now! I'm really looking forward to the book coming out. Thank you for the blog.
November 03, 2008
Matthew C said...I've been following Harry's blog for some months. He is clearly a master of understatement and one inevitably wonders what horros are behind the comment 'we have had some trying times'. Only another week to get through Harry!November 03, 200
8Yke Timmerman said...Thank you for letting us follow Harry's experiences during the Great War. I have been following it ever since a documentary was shown on TV about it here in Canada.Even though the war is almost at the end, I would like to continue to hear about Harry and his family.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've followed this blog from Qc, Canada. Thank you for your hard work.
November 03, 2008
I live in Bulwell Nottingham very close to Awsworth, so I know where he is coming from, My family remained miners and farmers in the 2nd world war, not sure about the first, check this blog daily and cant understand why my workmates don't seem interested, It has awoken something in me and I have also read that birdsong book you mentioned earlier. Come on Harry
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said... I've been following this blog since 2007 and I am hooked. My dad was a soldier (English 8th army) in WWII, and while I came along many years after he came home, Harry's blog has given me the chance to feel what it may have been like to wait for those letters from a loved one, and the sense of never knowing.Thank you BL, this is without a doubt one of the best sites on the internet, period.David in Moose Jaw, SK, Canada
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I read this blog every morning I enter work, it has become part of my morning routine...truly amazing job you have done with this.
November 03, 2008
Debbie said...I've been following Harry's blog from Stow, Ohio for about a year and a half. What a novel concept for a blog - absolutely fantastic. I am still holding my breath wondering if Harry makes it through with the end so near. But as others have said, one never really knows what can happen and when. THANK YOU for this blog: the hard work is represents and the dedication you have shown.
November 03, 2008
Sockbug said...Reading Harry's words from Houston, Texas! Thanks!
November 03, 2008
Laura said... Congrats on a great way to create interest in Harry's life and history.
November 03, 2008
Debs said...Like so many others i have been following this for so long and have experienced the despair of no posts and the joy when once again Harry's letters are received.its the first site that I check when I log onto my PC each day.
Good Luck Harry!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following this blog since February, when I heard about it on NPR. My father was born in October 1918--his war service came during the Second World War and Korea. He died Nov. 11, 1983, coincidentally, on Armistice Day.
What I find most interesting about this blog is how it has linked generations, and how it has brought together people from all over the world. I can't say I've personally met anyone who has responded to this blog, but I feel a kinship with each of you, because we were all rooting for Harry.
This was a brilliant idea, Mr. Lamin, and I want to thank you once again for sharing your grandfather's letters with the world. The called it the War to End All Wars...I hope one day that dream can be realized. I suspect Harry would, too.
Cecilia in Michigan.
November 03, 2008
Bell said...I can't remember if I ever commented before (I think I did at the beggining of the year, when I started following the blog). Anyway, this is in response to your request- I've been following Harry, and am quite eager for its conclusion.
I'm a nineteen-year-old university student from Argentina (Literature and Linguistics), and I've been following the blog absolutely enthralled. I've come to care for Harry the same way I care for my friends, and hope things will be allright for him.
Thank you for sharing his story with us, and good luck with the book.
November 03, 2008
Albert said...Thanks for sharing Harry's correspondence!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...By now I am following Harrys live for more than a year - and everytime I am checking the blog I hope that ther will be a new letter and he is still 'alive'. Thank you.
Janina
(Muenster/Germany)
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Very thrilling to get here. I've been following the blog form Madrid, Spain. It's great to learn actual stories from the protagonist himself. Really, great blog!
November 03, 2008
Manuel said...It's very significant that Harry never showed any ambition nor desire to win the war, he just kept on writing, letter after letter, the same words: "I hope the war is finished..."
Congratulations and all the best for Harry from Asturias, Spain.
November 03, 2008
Duncan said...I've been following this blog via RSS. My grandfather fought at the Somme and Ypres with the Royal Engineers. Saw a very interesting programme on UK TV last weekend about the last day of the war and how some units were still being sent into attack right until the last few minutes before the armistice. Tragic and pointless.
November 03, 2008
erathwomen said...I'm nervously excited for Harry but also feel a bit sad that this is coming to an end. I'll miss waiting for the next installment and I'll miss knowing how Harry is. I feel a bit teary today, knowing the end is so close. How proud you must be to know how stalwart he was and what a good soldier he was. Even if he doesn't make it home, you know he fought hard for his country.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Greetings from Oregon, USA. I'm following Harry's journey and hoping he returns home safely. I've also been wondering why we never learn anything from the horrors of war.
November 03, 2008
C Crino said...I keep looking at the date and counting down to next week. Sort of holding my breath.I always remember seeing a gravestone in the American cemetery in France of someone from my hometown. His date of death was 10 November 1918.
My best wishes to old Harry!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have certainly enjoyed reading this blog and hope that the cease fire with Austria means Harry is out of danger.
November 03, 2008
Rklawton said...Let's not forget that the British went on to fight the Red Army during the Russian Civil War.
Also let's not forget the great flu pandemic soon to follow. Global deaths from this event matched those of the war.The threat of early demise has not passed.
Robert
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said... I've been following from Connecticut, USA. Always very interesting, thanks for sharing all this with us.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Watching and waiting from the Canadian prairies.
November 03, 2008
Chris Breman said... I've followed Harry's blog with great interest. The way you presented his story makes history come alive - thank you very much for sharing!
November 03, 2008
El Dude said...Been following for some time now from Charlotte, NC. Wonderful job letting in on his life during this time. Thank you!
November 03, 2008
Sarah said...
I've been following this blog since January. I've really enjoyed following the progress of the war with Harry. It's made it all much more real than anything else ever could.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
I have always believed that Harry lived through this mess and went on to have a regular life after this war was over. It seems that this possibility is a lot closer to being a reality as of this last letter and the actions in theatre.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
Thank you for such a fascinating and personal insight into your family history. What a wonderful and generous contribution you have made to those of us who have followed Harry's story, whether it be for school, research or personal interest. I hope there may be many more posts and that we may follow Harry's safe return home.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
Thank you. This has been a very interesting experience. I hope you will continue to follow Harry through to the end.
November 03, 2008
Nicola said...
Have been following Harrry's journey for ages now and am hopeful for him. I have been fascinated by WW1 for a long time so to follow events through a soldier's own experiences and feeling the nervousness as I look every day to see if there's any more news leaves me full of admiration for those who lived through it.
November 03, 2008
Cheryl said...
Following from Plainfield IL. Love this blog.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
I found this blog by chance when reading the BBC news web site. My great-grandfather, also from Cornwall, had tried to join the Army, but was too young and unable to fight in WWI. So, when I read about this blog, I was immediately drawn to it. Thank you for sharing your family's story with the world. (Annie from Indianapolis, Indiana, USA)
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
I have been following Harry since the beginning, now we are reaching the end I am on tenderhooks to find out whether he survived and please went on to have a happy life!!
November 03, 2008
LB said...
Been following the blog from Illinois, USA... love it. It gives a much more emotional feel to the war then you'd ever get out of a history book.
November 03, 2008
wtfree3 said...
Most excellent news on the armistice today with the Austrians. Looks like Harry might make it. This has been a wonderful thing to follow. I wish safety for all those who serve their countries, when they call, in uniform. Your efforts and sacrifices are appreciated.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
I've been following this blog since the summer from Ontario, Canada. Thank you so much!
November 03, 2008
Sara McGrail said...
Holding my breath to see how Harry does next week ...
November 03, 2008
marybindc said...
I'm following from Washington, DC!
November 03, 2008
Christina Hidek said...
I always look forward to reading this blog. Thanks for your efforts!
November 03, 2008
Christina Hidek said...
I always look forward to reading this blog. Thanks for your efforts!
November 03, 2008
Ken said...
I have been following Harry from Wisconsin, USA. Outstanding!
November 03, 2008
Murr said...
thanks for this blog
November 03, 2008
Mark said...
Well let's hope he gets home safe...I wonder what happens afterwards (if he gets home ok!) It would be really interesting to have a postscript page with details of his life post war, what he did for a living, his immediate family, where he lived, when / how old he was when he dies etc. It seems we know so much of him over the past few years but know nothing yet of his "future" Thanks for all the efforts to bring this history to life... Mark (Hope you enjoyed your RTW trip Bill!)
November 03, 2008
Curtis, Kirkwood Missouri, USA said...
I've been following the story since I heard an mention of Harry's blog on a BBC broadcast. I majored in History while in college and find this to be an exceptional way to bring his story, in his own words, to an age he could not fathom and to people who would not have heard his story any other way.
I hope the next week is an easy one for Harry and we find out the rest of his story.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
Been following for a while now, always glad to hear when Harry's 'going on alright'. It's hard to imagine what Harry and the others must have been feeling at this time but the tone of this latest letter certainly speaks volumes.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
I'm a Canadian living in Raleigh, NC USA. I've been following since near the beginning. I am worried about Harry. He's so close but it's not over yet.
November 03, 2008
smlg.ca said...
Reader here from Toronto, Canada via RSS.
November 03, 2008
Dave said...
Thank you so much for bringing Harry to us. I have been following it from Franklin, MA USA ever since I discovered it about 8 months ago. This is a beautiful example of what the Internet was conceived for: to foster interest in a place and time somewhat forgotten, to unite people from around the globe, to educate us, to touch our emotions.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
This has been incredibly informative to me. Both my grandfathers were in "The Great War" and even though they are American (one was a Swedish immigrant), I still found this an exciting read. I never realized there was this type of fighting in Italy, as well. I have checked the blog each day for over a year now. I am a Technology Director in a school district in Illinois and I made sure to share this with our classes. I also sent the links to my mother and aunt as well as the rest of the family.
Thank you for the blog.
Mike Swanson
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
An excellent idea for a blog.
November 03, 2008
Ilkeston Cam said...
Been following the blog since it was featured on TV and living close to Awsworth has added an extra interest as Harry was a "local" lad.
I often wonder whether Harry knew my granddad who was born in 1887, ten years before Harry, but was a baker in Awsworth in 1901. There are a few pictures of the village including one of the school Harry attended on my website at http://www.ilkcam.com/2003/030629/Awsworth.html.
November 03, 2008
Parkylondon said...
I just wanted to add my comments to the 50 or so above. Thanks for doing this for us - it's been a very moving and yet entertaining series of posts over the past months. I only hope that he wasn't one of the unlucky ones who copped it after the ceasefire. One keeps ones fingers crossed.
November 03, 2008
Wolfram & Hart said...
I follow your / Harry's blog from Budapest, Hungary since (almost) the beginning. Thank you.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
I have been following this blog for the past 18 months. Please let us know what happens to Harry and the rest of his family after the war. Thanks for all your hard work in maintaining this interesting blog.
Cheryl in Claremore, Oklahoma USA
November 03, 2008
dc said...
Great reading about Harry from Atlanta, USA. Since the war is soon over, I'd glad he made it! I hope you will be able to supply some biographical details of what happens to Harry after the war.
November 03, 2008
Tony from USA said...
Through the last several months I have looked forward to Harry's letters. It a rare, fascinating insight. You have honored your family by posting them.
November 03, 2008
HRH King Lerxst said...
I've followed Harry almost from the start, I find his accounts fascinating.
November 03, 2008
Jim Ahrens said...
I've still got my fingers crossed! I've been following for the last yyear or so from the US, and won't be completely happy until Harry is back in Blighty: so much can still happen......
November 03, 2008 Colleen From Canada said...I have been following Harry's letters since January 2008 and am responding to your request today to make a short comment to indicate interest, (I don't know how to use a blog so I found this email address on your website instead). I have been checking in each morning and it has been an absolutely wonderful journey to be part of. I will be sad when the letters stop coming but I am only hoping that Harry made it home all right after the armistice. It has certainly given me more of an understanding of the events of WW1 and what the soldiers went through. A wonderful idea! And thank you for sharing such personal memoirs with the world! This has been an excellent example of how the digital age and the internet can foster understanding, learning and global awarness! Bravo!
November 03, 2008
Saint Lemur said...I'm still nervous. The Great War has only another week to run -- but then there was the intervention in the Russian Civil War.
November 03, 2008
jacksonj04 said...An excellent blog I've been following since day one - fantastic.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've been following this blog for quite some time now and find it really fascinating to "experience" it a bit from a soldiers point of view.
Being from Flanders myself - not so far from where the battles took place - I visited a lot of the graveyards and other remnants of the war here. In a way this helped me to kind of picture Harry's experiences when he was "over here".
I felt a bit relieved when he was leaving Flanders for Italy and it is good to see he made it this far alright.November the 11th is closing in ...
Stay low for another week Harry!
November 03, 2008
Nancy said...
I've been following Harry's journey for a long time now. I'm hoping he'll survive to come home and be embraced by his family...
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Just started reading this recently but am finding it very interesting. Thanks!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following this since the beginning. What a wonderful way of showing the true history of the horrors of war. All too often the common fighting man is overlooked. This has been a wonderful insight in to Harry's life, and I await the end with baited breath. I, for one, will be buying the book when it comes out. Many thanks for sharing this with as all.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Hope you get home soon Harry. I have been with you all the way, and have shed many tears on your behalf.
November 03, 2008
Pat Tobin said...Yes I found it 'unusual' that Harry mentioned his friend. Perhaps Kitchen was wounded and was unable to write. I would have thought that he would have given Jack his address before now, when he was home on leave a short time ago, so that in the event of very bad news Kitchens family would have had a personal caller with some report. Is it possible that Harry, being able to read and write might have been a letter writer for others? What was literacy like among soldiers of that time?
November 03, 2008
Louise said...I've been following via the feed onto LiveJournal.
November 03, 2008
Sara said...I've been following this blog for quite a long time now, never commented before but since you requested :-)
November 03, 2008
Knut (Hamburg, Germany) said...I've been following this blog for almost a year now. I appreciate your effort to let us live through the tension and fears of those waiting at home for their loved ones.Rest assured: It works!
Now please, bring him home safely ...
November 03, 2008
Klaus said...thanks for all the work so far - great to have long term blogs to follow!
November 03, 2008
CannibalRabbit said...I have been following along since close to the beginning. Here I am now keeping my fingers crossed for Harry for the next week, and the 'flu epidemic that follows.
November 03, 2008
I think that the 'flu epidemic was earlier in the year. Harry and the war diary have commented on it. BL
Brian S said...I've been following Harry for many months. This blog is quite unique. Well done, and keep it up!
November 03, 2008
Daniel Polónia said...Following from Ovar, Portugal (one of the "sad participants" in this cruel war)Best Regards,Daniel
November 03, 2008
Rocco said...The starving Austrian Army runs back living ruins. Harry's hope is almost realized. In the meantime, at the same date, still on the Asiago Plateau, you can find this, just to tell us how our destiny may be cruel:
Private Sidney William Baylis + 3 nov. 1918 - age 21
GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT
“we miss him most
who loved him best
always in our thoughts
mother(My joy for Harry is great anyway!!)
November 03, 2008
What a horrible reminder that the fighting went on right to the end. I watched a BBC Timewatch programme last night where some of the U.S. forces in France were committed to an attack on the morning of the armistice, the senior officers knowing that the war would end in a few hours. Grotesque. BL
Anonymous said...I think I can understand the battalion's War Diary entry, with that simple quiet factual statement of the cease-fire on the Austrian front: words really can't describe the feeling. Satisfaction? Joy? Sorrow for lost comrades? Exhaustion, exhilaration, longing for home? All this and much more.
Remember too that Harry won't be home just yet: occupation of captured areas and the long talks about war reparations are ahead.
November 03, 2008
Eadwacer said... Outstanding job. Would make a good book. Too bad it's ending -- well, OK, happy there's no more death and destruction, but you know what I mean. Someone should offer walking tours.
November 03, 2008
The book's on the way. See the post for the 17th October! BL
ToJe said...I have been reading this blog with great interest. Having read "All Quiet on the Western Front", Jack's letters (and the War Diary) have been very helpful in showing the "other side". Keep on doing this great work!
November 03, 2008
TheFabulousJourney said...This was an amazing blog. Thanks for posting it!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following Harry's story for a year now I love it It makes the war so much more alive then the history books. I am glad I can read about it wouldn't like to live through it. It was a very brave generation both the soldiers and the ones left at home
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Thanks for sharing, one man's experiences among millions puts things into perspective in a unique way.
Kristian from Norway
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been reading Harry's blog from the beginning. I am reduced to tears to hear that he is safe today.
My own grandfather fought in France in WW1. His 1 year old son died, and was buried, while he was away. He also had two older daughters. There was never a word of condemnation for this from either he or my grandmother.
He went on to volunteer for the home guard during WW2, and suppported my mother through her service in the ATS.
May God bless all who have or will fight for this country. We will remember them!!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...My interest in WWI started when I lived in Verdun, France as a teenager.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I've been following your blog for over a year now with great interest. Thank you very much for sharing this.
Andreas from Germany
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following Harry's experiences for months, I hope he makes it home safe.
Greetings from Siebe, The Netherlands.
November 03, 2008
Lori said...Thank you for posting all of Harry's letters. I've been in great suspense regarding Harry's fate. My fiance asks me every now and then "if my WWI soldier is still alive."
Lori Baltimore, MD
November 03, 2008
Claire Foss said...I've been reading Harry's letters via RSS - an amazing account, absolutely brilliant.
November 03, 2008
Jonathan Lee said...Thank goodness Harry made it. I had checked on the commonwealth war graves web site and couldn't find Harry but it didn't stop me from worrying particularly as I knew he was involved in fighting up until the Austrian armistice.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have been following this blog from Charlotte, NC USA, it's brilliant.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Ths is a great blog. I'm following all of Harry's steps.
November 03, 2008
Parcival said...Well, I already assumed that Harry is going to survive this war when he was moved to Italy, but after these events I take it almost for granted - though one can never be completely sure.November 03, 2008
Claymore said...I've been following from a syndicated feed on LiveJournal.
4 November - he was fighting with Austrians, but the ceasefire with Austria was on the same day.
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...Been following the blog for quite some time now, sometimes shivering as I thought of the experiences Harry's lines most likely hide. I got a collection of german newspapers from my great-grandmother. Interesting to see the propaganda from the other side...
November 03, 2008
Ian said...Thank God he made it :o)
Have learned something new today that the Austrian Armistice was so far in front of the German one. I was all geared up for willing Harry through for another 8 days!
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I don't think the mention of a Pal is so astonishing. Self preservation in that mad house must have been the way to survive mentally, only at the end can he acknowledge a friend. Harry was certainly tough to maintain this, I have nothing but admiration for him.
November 03, 2008
kathz said...I've been following this blog for quite a while now - congratulations on the work that has gone into it.
November 03, 2008
Janell said...I have followed Harry and the battalion from here in Boise, Idaho, USA for months, as they fought their war in France and Italy. Each day, I would enter their location into Google Earth and try to imagine what it was like to be there, endlessly walking, fighting and resting, wondering when it would all end. The hardships and dangers he and his fellow soldiers experienced are unimaginable today. Comraderie is probably what got them through. I anxiously await the Harry Stamps and I will be one of the first to order the book, when it becomes available. Today, I am thinking good thoughts about Harry and imagining that he is really hopeful for the first time in two years. But, he is still a long way from home, with much more to do. Godspeed, Harry........
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...As a student of history I found this blog and Harry's account of the Great War very interesting. His lively remarks give a great impression of how it felt being a soldier in these times. In addition, the idea to publish his letters the same day he wrote them 90 years ago put me as a reader into the same position as his relatives and gave me a good feeling for their situation. Thank you very much!
November 03, 2008
waylon said...Nov. 4, 1918? Interesting in that 7 days from that point, the cease fire went into effect (Nov. 11, 1918). Are we reaching a conclusion to Harry's experiences?
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...
A fascinating account which has made it all very real - exciting and sad - I've been hooked!
Thank you
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...I have followed this blog with great interest. Hope the best for Harry.
Thomas from Denmark
November 03, 2008
Anonymous said...After the 'over the top' feel of the postcard a few days back, I wondered, but this is fantastic news.
November 03, 2008
