22nd April 1918

Anonymous said...

Well done Harry, I was getting a bit worried, with such a long time since his last letter. What a fascinating snapshot of the times this letter is, though. A mention of the Zeppelins attacking England, progress of the war in France etc. Sad to hear that Harry's father has died, it's sad to think of him out there, at what must have in those days seemed an impossibly remote distance from his family. Looks like it's been a tough time as well, let's hope things get better for Harry, still, at least it's better than where he was before, eh?
April 21, 2008

Blogger Kittybriton said...The reference to Zeppelin raids is worth noting; something we give little thought to, since the bombing raids of WWI were overshadowed by those of WWII. But probably, the raids were more unnerving in the Great War because the public had never been exposed to danger like that before.
Chin up Harry, we're all keen to see you safe home.
April 25, 2008

Silarnon said...April 25th is ANZAC day in Australia and New Zealand. (ANZAC = Australia and New Zealand Army Corps). The day, aka Poppy Day, commemorates the landing of the ANZACs at Gallipoli, Turkey, on 25 April 1915.
It was the first major military action for the ANZAC troops. The plan was to capture Istanbul, and knock Turkey out of the war. The campaign ended up taking eight months before the ANZACs were evacuated, having lost 10000 soldiers.
You read more at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANZAC_Day
It is a day of remembrance and reflection for Australia and New Zealand, and I thought I'd mention it here as this blog provides an excellent insight into what was a very hard time.
April 24, 2008

erathwomen said...This letter really encapsulates the experience of the war for so many men--out there for 12 months without much contact with family, his father died without his knowing or being able to go to the funeral, the weather extremes and the inability to feel there would be an end.....I feel more for Harry here than I have before. This may be his best letter yet.
April 21, 2008

Anonymous said...Oh Harry! He sounds tired and frustrated (the weather and the continual trench warfare), lonely ('write to me soon! Your letters mean so much'), and sorrowful (his dad dying, with Harry not getting a chance to say goodbye). But there's also a glimpse of what I think of as the essential upbeat Harry: 'we see fine sights, a nice place for a holiday'. It's rough out there on the front, but Harry always seems determined not to drag down the folks at home. Take care of yourself, we're all praying for you Harry!
Gustav's great-granddaughter
April 21, 2008