Anonymous said...She was obviously much loved.
January 29, 2010
Anonymous said... Nineteen years may not be much, but for Connie, they were very GOOD years. Many families of the era would have 'thrown away' a 'damaged' or born-out-of-wedlock child, perhaps leaving them at an orphanage; the Lamin family did not. Connie was loved and cherished, by Harry and Ethel, Kate and the young Willie; if they didn't talk about her much after her death, perhaps it was from their honest grief at losing her.
January 30, 2010
Tricia Gurnett said...It's a lovely song, and beautifully sung. Thank you for the song, and the inspiring website.
February 15, 2010
Anonymous said...Thanks for your post. This song is really fantastic. The lines are mind touching. So sweet and melodious voice. Slide pictures are nice. Thanks.
February 05, 2010
Roger O'Keeffe said...Schools don't always spot musical talent. Cf. this extract from an interview with Ken Robinson, an inspiring advocate of an education that does more to let people's creativity and other gifts develop:
"...I don't mean to say that you have to have failed at school before you can be a success, but an awful lot of people who did well after school didn't do well in school.
Paul McCartney went to school in Liverpool and, as you say, he went through the whole of his education there and nobody thought he had any musical talent. One of the other people in the same (...) music class was George Harrison, the lead guitarist of The Beatles, and he went through school as well and nobody noticed he had any talent. So (...)one teacher in Liverpool in the '50s had half The Beatles in his class and he missed it."
Google "Ken Robinson TED" for more in the same vein.
January 28, 2010
I rather like being compared to Paul McCartney. I'm sure that's not what you meant, but I'll take it anyway. BL
Diane said...I have loved listening to this song and reading this blog particularly as I had an uncle who was in the 1st world war but I never knew he existed until I started doing genealogy a few years ago. Unfortunately, he was invalided home before the end of the war and I have been unable to trace him after that. I was very happy and relieved to hear Harry arrived home safe and sound but I'll miss the blog. Thank you for all your hard work in letting us share Harry's story.
January 24, 2010
Jo said...A lovely song which works really well with the slideshow - thank you!
January 23, 2010
Parkylondon said...I turned the music down as you suggested and watched the slideshow. Nice.
I then realised that the music I could hear wasn't coming from the bedroom (i.e. my wife listening to something) but my headphones. I picked them up, put them on and had a listen. Fairly quickly I realised I nearly missed out on a really good piece of music which matches the slideshow really well. Thank you for posting this. Well done.
January 22, 2010
Tom Maher said...Be very proud of all of your work! Following Harry through civvie life would be rewarding, as we already have a good sense of the man.
Again - Thank You! St. Louis
January 21, 2010
Mecha said...Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed it because of the lovely harmony and the fact that it told a story.
January 20, 2010
Kittybriton said...A lovely gentle, tender song. As much as the letters of Harry, I think it catches the mood of the readers: "What'chu doing Harry?". Together with the video it makes the thousands of men in khaki suits a little less anonymous.
January 20, 2010
Alan said...Very, very moving with the images from the book and blog. Thanks so much for this project. Although I found it a bit late, I've enjoyed following it for the last 18 months or so.
January 20, 2010
Avey said...Excellent! I have enjoyed finding this blog and following it for the last 2 years..... thank you.
January 20, 2010
Cheryl said...Oh, it's so wonderful! Thank you for posting it!
January 19, 2010
Tim Douglass said...Well done! And a very fine way to summarize all that we have experienced vicariously through the blog. Thank you!
January 20, 2010
Anonymous said...Loved it! I am so glad Harry's home but I'll be lost without the blog!
January 19, 2010
Inverness said...I am certainly no musician but I do know what I like..and I like this. The singer does an excellent job of bringing out the feeling and meaning of the song. Thank you once again.
January 19, 2010
This set of comments is the result of a delightful session with a class of French students. Their resourceful teacher had asked me to answer their questions about Harry and his blog, in order to practise their spoken English.
We had a Skype session with a webcam and used up a valuable and enjoyable hour.
If any other school would like to repeat the exercise, don't hesitate to contact me. BL
Sarah, Doulcet and Oksana said... We are students from Lycée Lebrun in Coutances (France) who interviewed you last Friday. We want to thank you a lot for your time and for your interesting and complete answers. It was a very good experience for us. Your blog is amazing, it's a very good idea. Thanks again, Sarah, Doulcet & Oksana.
January 22, 2010
Ophélie said...Hello, I'm a student from a French school who interviewed you last week.
I thank you for this moment. I think it's a very good idea to make a blog about this, I'm very interested in this. Thanks from a French student.
January 22, 2010
Captain X Hook said...hello Mr Lamin, I'm Simon a french high school student. During the interview I'm sorry I wasn't very clear. I prefer writing a comment. Thanks for all :D
January 22, 2010
Anonymous said... Just a little comment from a pupil of Lebrun. Your blog is very interesting and I have learnt many things thanks to this blog. I would like to thank you very sincerely for your patience when you told us about Harry Lamin and the WW1. Bye.
January 22, 2010
Anonymous said...
Hi, Bill. We are the French purpils, Florina and Anais, who interviewed you last week. Thanks a lot for this time whith you. Your blog is fantasic, and it's a fabulous idea.
Thanks, Florina & Anais.
January 22, 2010
Anonymous said... Hello Mr Lamin, We are Aline and Clémence, students of 1L2.
We want to thank you for your patience and your welcome. Your blog is very interesting and we hope you will successed for your futures projects.
January 22, 2010
Captain Eliott Albator said... Hey Bill! It's Eliott! Do you remenber me? Well, thanks for your blog, it's fabulous and I learn a lot with it. Bye, see you soon! =)
January 22, 2010
Anonymous said...Dear Bill, to my mind it's really important to thank you, because it's a very fascinating thing to study the subject of WW1 with a real testimony like I can do with my school (I am on the French class who made an interview with you). Thank to share this with we.
January 22, 2010
Marina said...Mister Lamin,
To start, thank you for your interview.
I think your project is very interesting not to forget the people who took part in World War 1 and not to forget their courage. Your project is admirable. Best regards from Marina.
January 22, 2010
Marion said...I'm a student from "Lycée Lebrun" in Coutances (France). Last Friday, my class interviewed you. I want to thank you for your time, and congratulations on your blog, that is a good idea.
January 22, 2010
Marion said...hello Mr Lamin !! Just a comment to tell you thanks for all. You can be proud of your project because your blog is really interesting and even if your grand-father was shy I'm sure he would be very happy to know his grandson doesn't forget his experience and contributes to inform about what happened. Bye and good luck for the future.
January 22, 2010
Laura and Jeanne said...Hello M. Lamin. It's Laura and Jeanne , students of 1L2 in Lycée Lebrun in France. Thanks for having accepted and taking time for the interview of our class. Your blog is very interesting and unusual. We're happy to know that for your Grandparents it was a Happy end. We hope that the story of your grandfather is going to be used for a documentary. We wish you good luck for the future. Goodbye.
January 22, 2010
Pauline said...Hello,Bill!! I'm a Lebrun High School student, I have studied your blog and your grandfather's letters. I appreciated very much the video conversation, it was very interesting for me. I hope your blog will carry on having a lot of success. Thank you very much !!!!
January 22, 2010
Mimi said...Thank you for letting us share in Harry's life through the war. It was very moving to read his personal letters.
February 25, 2010
Brett Hagan said...This is great man I personally think you should make this into a book it would be great!!!I would definately buy it fo sho!!!
February 17, 2010
He hasn't heard! BL
Sarah and Nick said...Wow, where to start. I began reading your blog after I read an article on CNN. I am currently deployed to Iraq and have been keeping a journal of my day to day activities...With email and SKYPE to keep connected to family there is no need to "write" home. The journal will help me pass my "memories" for my son and hopefully someday grandchildren to enjoy. I will be headed home in June to be with my family after a 6 month tour...I can't imagine what it would have been like for Harry after 16 months without leave. He is a true hero and I thank you for your dedication to his memory. May God bless you and your family. Sarah, Camp Victory, Iraq
February 07, 2010
Anne said...Wonderful. I do hope Harry and family settled down well together. Must have been a bit of adjustment for all of them. Thank you so much for the blog. Look forward to reading all the ''loose ends'' too. Amersham.
January 29, 2010
James said...I started following Harry in the summer of 2007. We had sheep and a smallholding, moved to Norway, had our son, have moved back to the UK. I've changed in that time. Nothing in comparison to how Harry and the world will have changed in the same time. I hope he manages/managaged to cope with the rest of his life. I'll be visiting the war graves at Nijmegen on my way home. Thanks for making me appreciate things more, realise how lucky I am
January 28, 2010
vintage said...Thanks for taking the time to keep the blog going like you have.
January 26, 2010
G. Tingey said...I agree with Anonymous. What happened AFTERWARDS?
What did Harry do next ......
January 27, 2010
Anonymous said...The man was happy to be finally home.
January 27, 2010
Linda H-F said... Harry and Bill, Thank you. Both of you. And all your comrades - soldiers and teachers and just plain humans - who somehow help to make us all more human by sharing glimpses into your lives. I'm planning to donate some blood in your honor, Harry (I haven't much money, but perhaps that is more valuable....) and then make a trip to the San Francisco, California USA WWI veterans memorial and the Presidio cemetery.... as a thank you to both of you and all your contemporaries. Thank you, Bill, for helping this history to come alive, and to help us to share the journey with Harry and his mates all these months. This is what the passing on of History really ought to be.... My parish Church has a chalice donated at Christmas 1919 as a prayer that there will never again be another war of this magnitude.... and I will think of & pray for you both whenever it is used...Gratefully, Linda H-F, San Francisco, CA
January 24, 2010
Robin in Ohio said...Bill, Thanks for your hard work on this blog. I've enjoyed it very much and am pleased to hear that Harry arrived home safely. Please let us know more about Harry and his family. What happened after he returned from the war? Thanks, Robin in Ohio
January 25, 2010
AG said... Just back from holiday to find that Harry is home at last; squealed with glee, though now I wonder what I'll do without his semi-regular letters! (I wonder if Ethel missed the letters sometimes too, and read them in odd moments? It can be so lovely to look back on such things after it's all ended happily, can't it.) Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for publishing these -- for giving your faithful readers a glass through which to look back on the sacrifices of the Great War, and for being such a faithful curator of these precious family documents. All the best to you and yours, and I'll raise a glass this evening in Harry's memory.
January 24, 2010
Sgt Sam Avery said...Hello Harry: Glad to hear you're finally home. Long business getting back there, what? As for me, still in France and making my way to the coast at a snail pace. Stop by for a read when you can. Regards, Sam
PS. Bill, I know how you must feel at the journey's end. I'm dreading it myself, except for the fact that my own book project is still in the works as a distraction from the emotion of it all being "over." Best of luck with the loose ends. Rich
January 24, 2010
Dieter Finzen said...Bill, Thank you so much for doing this brilliant blog – besides providing great information about the individual perspective of war, your blog was THE inspiration for future “historical blogs” to come. Even though I have just started my own historical blog, I can tell how much effort you must have put into this unique project! All the best - you wrote internet history for sure!
January 24, 2010
Marcy said...When I first started reading, very soon after you started posting, I was desperate to know if Harry made it home. I didn't want to go through weeks of letters to find out he died in 1917 or something. When I got the book and found he survived, I was so pleased! but I'm also glad that I went through the weeks of letters because it's been a fantastic experience. Harry wasn't famous, he didn't become a politician or campaigner, he was just one of many soldiers who endured an awful event. Despite his modest status, to me he really is a hero. Thank you Bill and thank you Harry.
January 22, 2010
meg's mommy said...This was an amazing blog and I have so enjoyed following Harry's journey. Thank you so much for all you have done. It is much appreciated.
January 21, 2010
Gerri Patrick said...
Three cheers for Harry and three cheers for you, Bill. Thank you for sharing Harry's amazing story with us.
January 21, 2010
Anonymous said...thank you. It has been a long journey with Harry and I'm very happy he got home. Please let us know what happened of him: I hope he had some rest finally
January 20, 2010
Jason R said... An amazing journey. Yes, you could not have made up a better ending. I like how short and to the point it is. Thank you for posting this amazing project. Doing it in real-time was a wonderful idea.
January 19, 2010
Pfc Benjamin Kaplow said...
Please accept my gratitude for taking us on your journey to honor your grandfather. His letters about his WW1 experiences are now a part of history for all to read. Thank goodness you rescued them from that drawer where they were tucked away for so many years. A huge thank you for sharing them with so many of us throughout the world.
I bet you never dreamt what your future would hold as you picked up that first letter from the drawer to read. So happy Harry is home safely. Thanks for the book, too. And to top it off, I can’t get Harry’s song out of my head. I imagine it will become background music for the audio book. Keep up the good work. My very best, Florence
January 17, 2010
Elizabeth said...I cried! I am so glad that Harry is safely home at long last.
What happened next? I want know more about the family! Please give us at least a potted history of the rest of Harry's hopefully long life.
January 17, 2010
Anonymous said... As always wonderful. Added to bookmarks.
January 16, 2010
Gloria Reading said... Thank you for your fine work. I've enjoyed every word. Best wishes to you and your family.
January 17, 2010
Super Bowl 44 Live Stream said... so sweet letter
January 17, 2010
Anonymous said... Good post and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you as your information.
January 17, 2010
Todd said...I, like a lot of people checked to see if there was any new letters every morning before I went to work. My feelings are torn between happiness that Harry made it home safe and sadness that his story is over. I truly enjoyed following his story and will miss reading about his experiences. Thank You for sharing this part of your life and legacy.
Todd NC, USA
January 16, 2010
Simon said...Many thanks for the interview today. Really interesting experience.
January 15, 2010
Simon is a member of a class of French children who are using Harry's blog to practice their English. We did a "live" interview on Skype when they used their English skills to question me about Harry and the blog. Very enjoyable. BL
Gillian said...
Thank you for publishing this blog. Now to buy the book!
North Yorkshire, UK
January 15, 2010
elhaf said...Hadn't checked in in a while, and now just in time I came back. Congrats to Harry for making it home at last.
January 15, 2010
Jim said...Woo Hoo! Harry made it through. Having young kids myself I can't even begin to imagine what the release was like for him as he held his family for the first time.
Bill, sincerely, thank you for your investment in time and humanity through this journey. Lest others forget...
January 16, 2010
Tim Douglass said...Wow! I've been following Harry's story since about the second page so it is going to be a bit of a shock to the system to not have any new letters to look forward to.
You are to be commended, Bill, for the way you have honored Harry and also all the others who fought for their countries in the great war.
January 16, 2010
Anonymous said..."Say it ain't so." I began following the blog when I assigned it to a classroom of community college history students and while they are now long finished with the class, subsequent classes have also followed Harry's journey through World War I. I can remember how excited we were to find out that he survived the war--It has been a joy and pleasure to follow along. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
January 15, 2010
Two Shorten the Road said...I've really enjoyed your blog, and will miss checking in with Harry's letters.
January 15, 2010
Sheila said...I can imagine how excited Harry's family were to have him home. My earliest memory is of my father returning from World War 11. He just walked into the house. I am told that the telegram announcing his arrival was delivered the following day! Although the family knew he was on his way, they didn't know which day he would come. I wonder if Harry's family were in the same situation. I look forward to finding out what the future held for the Lamin family.
January 15, 2010
dean said...Kathryn has made an excellent point...you have brought us into your family (metaphorically speaking)...we have all taken Harry on as kind of a "surrogate grandfather in the War"; so I think we all hope to get a very comprehensive follow-up as to how "Grandpa" made out, and how that led to the very astute and creative grandson we have also come to very fond of. Dean Roosevelt, Toronto
January 15, 2010
Kathryn S said...Until I found this, I'd never really seen the point of blogs!
This has been brilliant and I'll miss checking up on Harry's progress, not knowing what was around the corner for him. I'm looking forward to hearing how he got on with the post-war period.
January 14, 2010
Jim said...Thanks, Bill - it has been a genuine pleasure to watch Harry's story unfold. Really appreciate your efforts not only in telling his story but also posting the contemporary photos, maps, and the accounts of your battlefield visits. Best wishes to you and the Lamin family. From Jim in Washington State, USA.
January 14, 2010
Roger O'Keeffe said...I'd already read the book to the end (the temptation to finish it was irresistible!), but still wanted to check in from time to time to know if he is home yet. The "here and now 90 years on" is still a powerful emotional draw.
I'm feeling a strange emptiness now, an anti-climax. What must it have been like for Harry and all his comrades, when they finally made it home? They must have felt pretty drained, and wondered what all the preceding years of hardship were for: was it worth it? Probably nostalgia for their mates, both for those that didn't make it, and for those that did survive, but most of whom they would rarely if ever see again.
Most accounts indicate that the survivors rarely said much to their families about "what it was like" - both because they wanted to shelter their families from the worst and because words couldn't adequately describe it. For many years it was only among their peers that they would open up and talk about their experiences to those who could understand.
A marvellous achievement, Bill, and a great memorial to an ordinary chap who just did what was expected of him.
And now it's time for me to head back to the Somme in early 1917, just opposite the British positions on the Ancre, where Dieter has had a more than ample baptism of fire but still has so much to go through.
January 14, 2010
Roger, if you have a "strange emptiness now", it begins to explain the devastating feelings I'm experiencing. BL
colagirl said...He's home! He's home! He's actually home! I can't believe it! I'm actually tearing up a bit as I sit here....What a wonderful, wonderful journey. Thank you so much for posting this blog and letting us share Harry's life experiences. I wish you (and Harry) all the best...Dana, Illinois, USA
January 14, 2010
Kittybriton said...Welcome Home Harry. I'm so glad to read that you're home at long last after all you've been through. And for standing up to the Kaiser, thank you.
January 15, 2010
Endeavourer said...I kept "behind" with the book until late 2009 when I read to the end and was relieved to find Harry's military career was soon to end. I feel privileged to haved shared in a small part of your adventure, Bill, in the trip to Flanders in May 2008. My granddad served in the Sherwood Foresters from 1916, he went 'over the top' twice, and though he survived the Great War his life was badly damaged by it. He lived till my teens and Harry's blog has helped me understand his personal experiences with great pride - Many Thanks! David
January 15, 2010
William Watt said...Hello Bill, My dad was born 10 years after Harry and served in the Army after immigrating to the United States in 1913 from what is now Northern Ireland. He never saw any action in WW I, although his brother did, but they never talked about it. I’ve followed your blog daily and very much appreciate what you have done.Thanks, Bill
January 14, 2010
The co-ordinator said...It's been a great (true) story, everything good that blogging and the internet can bring.I look forward to your final few round-ups about the characters but then I will have a gap in my daily browsing which will be difficult to fill.
January 14, 2010
kathygnome said...
Thank you so much for sharing these for these last few years. A wonderful tribute.
January 14, 2010 dean said...I don't think you can fully appreciate how many people are much closer to their parents and grandparents because of what you have...I certainly feel much closer to my grandfather after realizing the kind of experience he also must have had. God Bless...Dean Roosevelt, Toronto
January 13, 2010
Thomas Maher said...Thank you, Sir. This has been a pleasure AND a privilege.
St. Louis
January 13, 2010
Anonymous said...Don't stop here! I want to know what happened to him after the war - where did he find work? When were his children born, and under what circumstances? Where did he die, and how? The war letters are a wonderful start; surely he had a long life ahead.
January 14, 2010
Anonymous said...
I’m delighted Harry is safely home at last, although I will miss following his story too. Please do let us know how he and his family fared in the following years. I hope they were many and happy. Thank you so much for sharing your family’s story and best wishes to you.
January 13, 2010
Felicia said...
What an amazing labor of love this blog must have been for you! I'm relieved to know that Harry finally made it home and will have a growing family (including an amazing grandson) to look forward to in the coming years.
Thank you for sharing. All the best to you.
January 13, 2010
Antje said...
I enjoyed reading the blog quietly, never posted a comment but I am glad he has made it home safely and lived a normal and happy life after his experiences. Thanks Bill for sharing this.
Devon UK
January 13, 2010
Anne Jones said...
So glad that Harry is home at last.
I shall miss checking up on him, and I hope life was good to him back in England.
NOW I can go and buy the book. I would have been too tempted to peak at the end, and I've really enjoyed reading it this way first.
Thank you Bill. . UK
January 13, 2010
Bryce said...Hi Bill, This was a wonderful story, and I'm happy that it reached such a good conclusion for Harry. Like many other readers, I will be sad to see it go, and I'll certainly miss seeing new entries appear in my RSS feed list from day to day.
All the best to you and yours. Bryce San Angelo, Texas
January 13, 2010
Marta said...
What a happy letter and such a happy conclusion. I can't wait for the epilogue with what Harry ended up doing, if he was able to and wanted to return to Trumans or if he found some other occupation. I recall he said he never wanted to be a cook after doing so for such a long time in Italy. So I'm sure he didn't do that if there wasn't an opening at his old place.
Thank you for providing this insight into a war often passed over very lightly in our United States school systems. Why, I don't know. It was a very important period of history. My grandfather fought in this war too.
I was happy to find several fiction authors devote novels and series of novels to this war and have fleshed out my understanding by reading these well researched volumes.
Thank you again. Can't wait to read how all the loose ends of your family get tied up.
Pennsylvania
USA
January 13, 2010
Felna said...I know a lot have said it all already, but thankyou again for sharing these letters. Like many I've been following this blog and Harry's fortunes. Thank you also for directing me to Dieter Finzen and his blog which does the same for the other side - it has been most enlightening.
January 13, 2010
I'm not sure that "the other side" applies. I get more and more to feel that all the ordinary soldiers were, sadly, actually on the same side. BL
Curt said...
All I can say is "Well Done!"Curt
January 13, 2010
Stefan said...
It's like saying good bye to an old friend. Strange how much I got attached to Harry. And even since it's decades ago, I'm glad he's home. Really strange! :-)
January 13, 2010
Ed Quarmby said...I've followed the blog from the very beginning and never missed a post. It's been fascinating as someone interested in history and particularly the sacrifices made by ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the First World War. Thanks for doing this. It is a fine tribute to your ancestor. Ed, in Cornwall
January 13, 2010
Sue said...Hi Bill. Thank you so much for doing this brilliant blog - I shall miss looking every day to see if there was any news of Harry. I will certainly look forward to the stories of each of the characters when you complete their histories.
At last I can read the book that has sat on the side table against my chair since it was published - it has been dusted regularly but not opened!!
Kind regards Sue
January 13, 2010
Thies said...Hi Bill, I really appreciate sharing Harrys experience with me in a way that made WW1 so personal and so much better to understand. Just an idea: Maybe from time to time, it would be great to hear "news from Harry" about what happened to him after the war. Did he find a job? How did he deal with his family? Could he get resocialised in his daily live?
How did he deal with being apart as a soldier for so many years? Regards from Berlin / Germany, Thies
January 13, 2010
Rachel said...
Thank you for sharing Harry's experience with the world. It's been an amazing ride and I'm glad he made it home safe. This has been an educational and moving experience. Best of luck to your future endeavors!
January 13, 2010
David in Canada said...Hi Bill,Thank you for the blog and the letters. I've been following since long before the war ended, and as my own father was a soldier in WWII, I've signed on to your blog every day in hopes of another letter that found Harry safe and sound. This is without a doubt the best site on the internet, period.
January 13, 2010
Jan from Australia said...
This tiny thread of history has woven a tale that has stretched across the globe. It was such a relief to know that Harry was finally safely home. I will miss my daily visits to the blog. I cannot imagine how you must feel Bill, now that it has come to its conclusion. Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication in sharing this true story with us.
You have indeed "made a difference" in the lives of many people. Thanks again. .
January 13, 2010
Mister Sill said..Hurray! A bittersweet ending. I am finally at ease knowing Harry has returned home. It occurred to me today that I have been a long time follower and nervous every time I saw that you had a new post. On the other hand, I am saddened that this has come to an end.
Thank you so much for sharing Harry's journey with all of us. It has been an amazing.
January 13, 2010
Sarah said...Thank you for sharing Harry's life with the world! I was relieved to know that he survived the war, but it was also interesting to learn about how the demobilization process occurred after the Armistice. I was surprise to see how long it took Harry to come home, and that aspect of the war tends to not be covered in much depth.
Good luck to you, Bill, in your retirement and future endeavors. I will miss following your blog, but it ends on a positive note. It's taught me so much about the human aspect of the war, and I hope that I will see more blogs like this in the future:)
January 12, 2010
Serge said...Hi Bill (and Harry... I feel I must say hi to him too),
thanks so much for this great experience. I've been following the blog for a long time now, and I kept hoping for this letter. I didn't want to know the end ahead of time, and even towards the end, there was always a remote chance that it would not conclude on a happy note.
I am a bit sad that I won't have Harry's letters to wait for, but at least we'll have a couple of more weeks of tying loose ends. I can now finally go ahead and read the whole story.
Thanks again!Toronto, Canada.
January 12, 2010
Linda said...I admit that I couldn't resist and read to the end of the book, but was amazed how emotional it was for me to read his last letter, it really felt like he was part of my family. Many many thanks for your wonderful blog, Im look forward to reading the tying up of loose ends, hopefully it will wean me off, I know it will be hard not to be checking all the time. Once again thank you for all the work you have done for us. Kind regards, happy retirement. Linda
January 12, 2010
I have read the last letter, countless times. I included it the book in a sensible way and virtually knew it by heart. Yet, when I pushed the button to post it yesterday, I'm happy to admit that I burst into tears. It was a very important moment and a very poignant letter. BL
Deirdre said...Dear Bill, What an amazing international following for your very private and public journey - thank you so much for making this part of all our histories come alive.
I'm now following Dieter...All best wishes, Deirdre
January 12, 2010
David M said...This has been a most wonderful journey. Thank you for taking us along.
January 12, 2010
legli said...Bill, I can't believe it's the end. I have followed this story from the beginning and I tried so hard to try to find out what happened before you told us but I never could. LOL What a void this will leave to so many of us. I can't wait to read the completed stories of the characters. Thanks so much for sharing a part of your life with us. Linda
January 12, 201
ger said... Thank you for a wonderful story and I was so happy he came home with only a sore throat.g.martin galway ireland
January 12, 2010
I don't think Harry got away quite so lightly - as we shall see. BL
Icarus said...Incredibly for me, after not paying a visit for some time, I come in to find the last letter of the whole saga dated 90 years ago today! You have performed a rare, valuable service in this endeavour, which must be so hard for you to stop. You deserve a rest, but I agree with the previous comment suggesting a brief description of how Harry's life progressed in Civvy Street.
January 12, 2010
Anonymous said...Amazing that poor Harry was one of the soldiers who had to stay on active service for 14 months after the war ended!! Good for us I suppose, as it extended our enjoyment following his exploits. Perhaps you can put out an epilogue of Harry's life 'post service'. Obviously not month by month, but a summary of his working life and retirement plus that of the other family members we have come to know. Thank you Bill, it has been a most eye opening experience.
January 12, 2010
The plan is to tie up all the loose ends and to account for each of the characters we've got to know over the last three years. BL
Jackie said...I knew Harry made it home in one piece because I bought the book and couldn't resist reading it to the end. Wherever he is, I hope he's 'going on all right' and I know he'd be very proud of you Bill. Thank you so much for letting us share in Harry's story. I'm going to miss you Harry.
January 12, 2010
Jim Ahrens in Minneapolis, USA said...Thank you. It's good to remember that all of these titanic world struggles are actually carried out by people like Harry -- and ourselves -- who worry about whether their job will be there when they get back, why the mail is so slow, how bored they are, and all of the other quotidian worries we all share. It was particularly good to be so intimately connected with Harry's experiences in particualr: the Great War formed our modern society in ways we are still discovering, and it's important that we be reminded of all it involved. Finally, thanks for reminding us, through Harry, of all the sacrifices made by those who fight for us, in whatever country we live. "Dulce et decorum pro patrias mortis...." ? Well, no, not really...
January 12, 2010
Joan said...I'm happy for Harry yet sad for me. I would check on a daily basis to see how he was faring. I was always afraid there would be the dreaded "official word" of his death. It's pretty amazing how much I cared what happened to this man who I never met and sadly never will. You've brought him alive again. Thanks for all your labor.
January 12, 2010
Anonymous said...Just to let you know that I have really enjoyed following the story and I am pleased with the happy ending! Good luck with the book.
January 12, 2010
Nanny (Shirley) said...So wonderful to know that Harry is finally home! Thanks to you Bill for this true labor of love. I look forward to now being able to read the book (yes - I hid it so I would not be tempted). I look forward to finding out more about all the characters and what happened to them in their lives. Again, thanks Bill for this amazing personal insight into a part of history that is being forgotten. Shirley
January 12, 2010
Anonymous said...Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey with us. The Internet has made the physical topology and related barriers mostly irrelevant (I'm posting from South Australia).
January 12, 2010
Gustav's great-granddaughter said...At last! I wonder how much warning Ethel and Willie had before Harry actually showed up.... were they waiting at the train station as he got off, or did he just knock on the door? There were probably parades and such after the war ended, but did any of the neighbors even notice this lone man walking home over a year later? It really makes me wish we had Harry's letters to Ethel to fill things out, but I also understand why she'd destroyed them.
I have a nephew on his second tour of Afghanistan; considering the family reactions during his leaves or his homecoming from the first tour, I can imagine Ethel and Willie's reactions to Harry's homecoming: Ethel would probably be quietly ecstatic, making many moments to look at him, touch him, just repeatedly comfirming that yes, he IS really home. Willie would most likely be shy, not knowing who this stranger was! Harry would probably prefer to spend quiet time with his family: he'll need time to readjust to civilian life.
Well done, Pvt. Lamin!
January 12, 2010
I don't see them waiting at the train station. I'm not sure if there would be any way for Harry to get word to Ethel. There were three railway stations in Ilkeston at the time, one was a few hundred yards from Harry's home. I picture a knock on the door and then,.... Pandemonium! BL
Dr Satori said...For you Bill, your family and all those who support this project - a hearty thanks for bringing Harry home! This is a great demonstration of a creative, educational and practical use of contemporary technology to bring history to life. I was elated to see this post. It also makes me take a moment to think of those who sacrified life and limb in war past and present. Having Harry home is certainly symbolic of how much better peace is than conflict.
January 12, 2010
Joan said...I'm happy for Harry yet sad for me. I would check on a daily basis to see how he was faring. I was always afraid there would be the dreaded "official word" of his death. It's pretty amazing how much I cared what happened to this man who I never met and sadly never will. You've brought him alive again. Thanks for all your labor.
January 12, 2010
Sandy Cosgrove said...Hi Bill, I started reading the blog after I saw a story about it on the Today show. I’ve kept my fingers crossed all along hoping Harry would make it home safe and sound. I have nothing but admiration for him and all the others who have fought to preserve our freedoms. I’m so thankful he made it! I will certainly miss checking the blog every few days for news. I do look forward to reading a recap on your family members; I feel like I know them already! Thank you for sharing your family’s story with us.
Regards
Sandy Cosgrove
Indianapolis, IN
USAInverness
January 12, 2010
Michael MacIsaac said...Bill, I want to thank you for this look back in history. A look back at your own personal family history. It was evident from the first day I started reading in 2006 that this was a labour of love and deep devotion. I will certainly buy the book now and keep an eye open for the final posts tying up the loose ends. Perhaps the best Blog on the Net and a #1 account of an incredible journey.Thanks again
Michael MacIsaac,Inverness, Nova Scotia
January 11, 2010
Helene said...Thank you Bill for the wonderful account of your grandfathers journey. We all are glad to hear that Harry made it home safe. Looking forward to the last few blogs that will tie up loose ends.
Congratulations from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
January 11, 2010
Anonymous said...
Thank You so much, I shared this with the children here in Stratford (Canada) in history class, I have followed the blog for quite a while!! While it is sad it is finished, so happy Harry made it home safely. Thank you so much for sharing it was wonderful, take care.
January 12, 2010
Suelle said...This has been one of the most unique ideas for a blog I have ever seen. It was just like being a part of your family back during the war. Thank you so much for doing this, it was wonderful.
January 12, 2010
Mecha said...I will miss all of you! Thanks for sharing all of this with me. Are you sure you don't have any other relatives with letters...diaries...pictures of their cats...anything?
Good blessings to you and yours! Mecha
January 12, 2010
Mrs. Johnson, Teacher-Librarian said...
How wonderful to read this final letter bearing good news, and what a relief to know Harry made it home at last. I'm looking forward to learning anything more about him and his family that you can share with us. Thank-you, Bill, for creating this Blog (the best use of a blog format I've ever heard of!) and giving us a very personal view into an ordinary soldier's experiences during a momentous period of history.~ Lesley in Canada
January 12, 2010
Kenneth Nall said...Bill First off, I am glad that Harry finally made it home after his long wait. Second I wish to express great appreciation for the time that you have spent over the last years on this blog. All the letters and then the further research you added to it has made this a great piece of history. Now that Harry is home I shall get the book and also keep checking in to see what else may come out of this. Thank you for sharing this part of your family history.
January 11, 2010
sykes said...Good for Harry! Let us know what became of them. And... thanks to you Bill!
January 11, 2010
Johann said...Thanks for all your hard work Bill - an excellent idea for a blog and an amazing journey too. Now I really must buy the book. All the best, Johann Tasker
January 11, 2010
Alan Bailward said...Fantastic and very enjoyable. I've posted my few quick thoughts over at http://ufies.org/archives/2010/01/11/ww1-experiences-of-an-english-soldier-the-last-letter.html Short story though is thank you for the fantastic look into a world that none of us will ever (hopefully) know and is fantastic and fascinating.
January 11, 2010
Anonymous said...Congratulations and Thank You for sharing this amazing journey with us. It's a relief that Harry got home safe after all this time!Mike, CT, USA
January 11, 2010
Vireya said...Thank you, Bill. It's been a fascinating journey. I'm also amazed that Harry didn't get home until such a long time after the "end" of the war.Happy retirement to you.
January 11, 2010
Mattg says...So pleased Harry's home safe.
We're Harry. Harry's us.- Matt
January 11, 2010
Anonymous said...I'm going to miss checking on Harry every week to see what was going on. It was entertaining learning of the past and how things were. Thank you for posting this.
January 11, 2010
Cheryl said...Hi Bill- Your blog has really been wonderful to follow along with for the past two years. Harry's life has certainly touched mine, thank you for taking on this wonderful project.
It has made me much more interested in the daily lives of people in my family tree. Thank you for that.Cheryl
January 11, 2010
smlg.ca said...Congratulations on the completion of this wonderful project. I've been following the blog for a while, and am happy to read that he made it home. Thank you for doing this.
SeanToronto, Canada
January 11, 2010
Indra said...Dear Bill,I followed this blog since X-mas 2007. I checked this blog nearly every day to find out how Harry was doing. I translated it for my parents, they unfortunately do not speak/understand enough English. Force's postal service is an inestimable source for historians and even more a piece of heaven for family members. We experienced this myself when my father had to join KFOR and SFOR in the 1990s. We're so glad Harry made his way home. We were starting to cry when we read the good news today. You've done an amazing job so far and I must say that we're looking forward to see what becomes of Harry and his family. sincerely
Indra + family
Hilden, Germany
January 11, 2010
Hi Bill, I started reading the blog after I saw a story about it on the Today show. I’ve kept my fingers crossed all along hoping Harry would make it home safe and sound. I have nothing but admiration for him and all the others who have fought to preserve our freedoms. I’m so thankful he made it! I will certainly miss checking the blog every few days for news. I do look forward to reading a recap on your family members; I feel like I know them already! Thank you for sharing your family’s story with us. Regards Sandy Cosgrove Indianapolis, IN USA
January 11, 2010
Dianne said...Just wanted to let you know that I have followed this blog for some time. I'm thrilled that Harry made it home to England in one piece. I've really enjoyed following Harry's progress. It was a great history lesson with a personal touch. Here in the U.S., our history classes in school tend to gloss over WWI and spent a great deal of time on WWII, so this blog was a nice supplement to what I learned in school growing up. I'm looking forward to reading about what becomes of all the folks we've met in this journey. And best of luck to you in the future. Cheers! Dianne Columbia, South Carolina
January 11, 2010
Marc Bernard said...Excellent news! Thank you so much for sharing this story.
January 11, 2010
Greg said...Thanks for all your hard work. It really was a labour of love. I've enjoyed following Harry and to be honest couldn't quite believe that he'd made it home when I read it just now.Cheers.
January 11, 2010
Anonymous said...Enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for your hard work!
January 11, 2010
Ian Eiloart said...Amazing piece of historical reportage. If Harry had been demobbed a year earlier, I'd have been very worried about the sore throat. Thousands of returning troops, and others died of Spanish Flu between June 1918 and April 1919. In fact, Spanish Flu killed more people world wide than enemy action in the war.
January 11, 2010
Cecilia said...I started reading this blog in February of 2008, and I was immediately blown away how I would check every day to see if there was word from Harry, much as if his family must have done 90 years before. This blog has given me a history lesson like no other, and has encouraged me to study The Great War on my own. I think I have learned more about it now than I did when I was in school! I shall check in to see the updates which you've promised, but for now, it's off to buy the book! Best Wishes, Cecilia
January 11, 2010
Andy Wagner said...Fabulous to hear that Harry "finally" made it home safe. It's hard to believe he won't be part of my life any longer. This has been a great story to follow and a great way to present it. Thanks for all your work.-Andy
January 11, 2010
Jo said...Thank you Bill for the work you have done bringing us all Harry's story. I started reading the blog as a distraction whilst doing a distance learning PGCE - I am now in my 2nd year of teaching and can't believe how you managed to do most of this whilst teaching! Thankyou again and hope you now start to enjoy your retirement.
January 11, 2010
Anonymous said...Thanks so much Bill for all your efforts! I started reading in 2007hanging on every letter. I would even have friends occasionally ask, "Hey, how's your World War 1 soldier doing?!" And that pretty much says it all, I did feel like part of a big extended family. Thanks again and I'm so pleased Harry made it back safe!
January 11, 2010
Joan said... Hi Bill, just had to tell you im sitting here in tears. I will miss not dropping in to see how Harry is getting on,thanks once again for such a brilliant blog.Good luck always in whatever you do, best wishes,.
January 11, 2010
Joan, that's two of us in tears. I knew this was going to happen, but it's really just hit me. Bill
Sgt Sam Avery said... Hello Harry: Glad to hear you are finally on the move for home. We have also moved to Sarrey and are waiting for the next move if and when it comes. As long as we don't head to Russia, which is possible. Stop by for a read when you can. Regards, Sam
January 09, 2010
Anonymous said... On one hand, I'm almost believing he's nearing home; on the other, a pessimism born of watching the Army mess up his leaves and demobilization still has me worried.... Harry's getting close, but he's not there yet. We hope to see you safe at home soon, Harry!
January 07, 2010
It's wonderful that we're all still talking in the present tense. The illusion continues. BL
Roger O'Keeffe said...The so-and-sos couldn't manage to get him home for Christmas, but better late than never. Note that everyone is confined to camp in Marseille, again par for the course: the authorities are probably terrified that large numbers will try to make their own way home, and their personnel files will be left in such a very untidy state!
I would encourage all you Harry junkies to begin to migrate to Dieter Finzen's blog before withdrawal symptoms set in. An American student, Alex Seifert, has taken over the English translation and I'm catching up with the French, and now good old Rocco is translating it into Italian. Welcome aboard! So Harry's community lives on.
As Dieter's blog is a diary rather than letters home, he is much more outspoken about what he's going through than Harry, who - still! - has to worry about both the censor and the anxieties of his nearest and dearest. It's quite fascinating to see an account of living conditions on the front directly opposite the positions occupied by the British after the "big push" on the Somme has petered out. There is also information about how the "live and let live" policy worked out in practice. Sven Janke, the person who is keeping the blog, has followed Bill's lead in accompanying the diary with extracts from the war diary of Dieter's Regiment. These give an interesting view from the "bigger picture" perspective. He is also posting photos that are not directly linked to Dieter, but that give a very good idea of conditions.
January 06, 2010
Looks like the "powers-that-be" relented and allowed them to savour the delights of Marseilles in 1920. Maybe it would have been more of a challenge to keep them confined to a camp with the sounds and smells of a great seaport just outside! As Harry says, he would have met "all sorts of people". What a great adventure. BL
Kittybriton said...
We kept the home fires burning
While our hearts were yearning
Though you have been far away
We'll welcome you home!
January 07, 2010
Inverness said...My Lord, home for the weekend. What am I going to do next week? Time to buy the book.
January 06, 2010
He's not home yet! "Many a slip......." (But please do buy the book) BL
Greg. Tingey said... Not so slow, actually! I have a copy of the 1922 "Bradshaw", in which the best and "normal" trains London / Paris / Marseilles are advertised... Marseilles to Paris Best (1st class de luxe only) 11 hours, normal 24 hours. Paris / Boulogne 3.5 and 5 hours repectively. So a troop-train taking three days, with food/water/facilities stops is not too bad at all.
I would assume he would "overnight at Calais, march to the steamer, and then either get on a direct troop-train for Yorkshire, since, with a double engine-change, a troop-train could have gone through what is now called "thameslink", or go in two stages changing Charing Cross / Kings Cross ....
January 06, 2010
Thanks Greg, much appreciated. I can't quite get my head around the 1st class taking 11 hours and the "normal" 24 hours. (or did it just seem like that). They must be separate trains, I suppose - like the Orient Express and standard trains. To go twice as fast, there'd need to be some overtaking. Sorry, my ignorance of train matters is immense. BL
Anonymous said...In his letter to Kate, Harry mentions Connie's 'holiday' --- any idea what was happening? I would have thought she'd spend her school holidays with Ethel and Willie, rather than 'Aunt' Kate.
January 05, 2010
I can only guess. Maybe Kate spent this Christmas with Ethel, Willie and Connie. Maybe Connie did stay with her mother in Leeds this time. She would be home from the Liverpool school for the holidays. BL
Kittybriton said...Lumme! You should get a medal for endurance Harry.
January 04, 2010
Anonymous said... Whoopee! It's starting to look like good news for Harry: he sounds quite upbeat and almost chatty --- he must have his hopes up that he's finally on his way home!
January 02, 2010
Kate said...Have been following this for about 18 months now and really enjoy it...quick question, on the entry for the 1st Jan. Christmas is referred to as Xmas, did Harry write Xmas?- as I naively thought this word was a very recent addition to the English language. Many thanks.
January 02, 2010
Harry did write "Xmas" in both letters written on January 1st. he has used "Christmas" in earlier letters and so the two would seem to be interchangeable, even then. BL
Nanny (Shirley) said...Hopefully we will welcome Harry home very soon!
January 02, 2010
Anonymous said... Webmaster, I love your site. Thank you sooo much for working on it.
January 01, 2010
G. Tingey said...Across France by train to Boulogne, channel crossing, train to Charing Cross?
Or steamer to Portsmouth/Southampton from Marseille?
January 02, 2010
We'll have to wait and see. I suppose I could open a book on the two alternatives. He could catch the Spanish 'flu and not get any further! BL
Rocco said... white handkerchiefs winding on our hands at the Italian border.
January 01, 2010
