November 1919, Comments

Sample Letters said...Poor Harry, it shows how desperate he was to come back. The post is really heart touching.
November 26, 2009

Linda said...
Oh dear, poor Harry must be desperate to get home - he didn't like it when Jack wrote before, but now really seems he wants him to, quoting dates and circumstances, it makes for quite a sad letter.
November 25, 2009

Sgt Sam Avery said...Hello Harry:
Sorry to hear you are still waiting for word of leave. At least you are changing scenery, what? I've been hiking since the end of things and we are told we will soon stop at our next assembly area. As it happens, we will be here waiting yet and others who came after will be going home first. Stop by for a read when you can. Regards Sam
November 22, 2009

puma_librarian said...I am finding it fascinating to read these letters. Really helps give one a feel for what was on the minds of the soldiers. I did wonder though...didn't Harry mean a tin of Pomade (rather than Pomard)...for his hair?
November 23, 2009G.
Pomade is correct - "posh" scented hair oil, suggesting that Harry is well enough to start thinking about the finer things in life, BL 

Tingey said...I THINK the last conscripts etc came home about April 1920 ....
November 19, 2009

Harry hopes that you're right. BL

Anonymous said...Any idea how many men were, like Harry, still at their posts this late after the war? On the one hand, he so obviously and rightfully longs to be home; on the other, well, at least he has a job.
November 17, 2009

Serge said...It almost feel as if Harry just got forgotten... poor guy. I have not read the book, so I'm still anxiously waiting to read the "end" of this story. Thanks.
November 17, 2009

Anonymous said...I have a copy of one letter my grandfather wrote his brother while he was serving in World War One. After reading these letters, I so wished to have been able read more letters of my grandfather's.
November 12, 2009

Sgt Sam Avery said...Hello Harry: Well as you know it's Over. We were driving until the last minute, then Peace. Something odd to try and shoot a chap and then shake his hand, what? Sorry to hear you are still where you are. As for me, a long hike awaits. Stop by for a read when you can. Regards, Sam
November 12, 2009
Sam Avery is a "doughboy" who is working a year behind Harry. For him, the war has just ended.

Gustav's great-granddaughter said...I don't know if you've heard of this or not, but: apparently the Green Howards Regimental Museum, Richmond UK, has acquired and put online 43 photos taken by a Lt. John Stanley Purvis of the trench warfare he and his men faced in 1916-1918. The website appears to be http://www.modes.org.UK/greenhowards
It's one year today since the Armistice, and Harry is still not home.
November 11, 2009
It's actually a year and a week since the Armistice in Italy and, yes, Harry's not home. The pictures referred to are great but the presentation and filing of the site is a little "difficult". To find the pictures click here, scroll down and select "people" and find J. S. Purvis in the list. BL

Anonymous said...This was great for my h/w
November 07, 2009