Author Archives: John Adams

John Adams

About John Adams

Born in 1890, John Adams was 23 when he joined up in September 1914. He served with the 9th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, was involved in many significant events on the Western Front, particularly Passchendaele. He was wounded twice, and awarded the Military Medal twice. He was discharged in 1919, while still recovering from his injuries. He later went on to serve in the Ulster Special Constabulary in Co. Armagh from 1922 until retirement in 1952, and was awarded the MBE in 1952.

Joined up

Enlisted on the 24th Sept 1914 for Royal Irish Fusiliers, Clandeboye, Co. Down. Continue reading

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Holywood: “Just a line to say we will be home on Sat night”

[postcard showing a group of 18 soldiers bathing/washing by a stream in a steep little valley. Large rocks (possibly haystacks) in the distance. It is not clear if John Adams is one of the 18 or is the photographer. If … Continue reading

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Holywood: “We are for an night attack”

[YMCA postcard: HM Forces on Active Service] [From 13971 Pte J Adams, 9th Batt RIF, D Coy, The Palace Barracks, Holywood, Co. Down To Mrs J Adams, Lisadian] Postmarked 02 Feb 1915 Dear Mother, Just a line today we got … Continue reading

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Route March: Lurgan-Birches

[From personal notes] Friday Entrained to Lurgan. Portadown (had mid day meal). Loughgall Road to Red Lion, Drimond [Diamond?], over Cock Hill to Birches (3). Stayed overnight with Widow showed boxes of L.O.L. and R.B.P. which sat there.

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Route March: Birches-Loughgall

[From personal notes] Saturday To Loughgall via Church hill. Stayed in Rock Tavern (with Band) over week end.

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Route March: Loughgall

[From personal notes] Sunday Service in Loughgall Parish Church

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“This is part of Loughgall. Perhaps Mother would know it.”

[Postcard showing Loughgall] [Addressed to Miss A Adams, Lisadian] [Postmarked 07 Feb 1915, Loughgall] Dear Annie Just a line hoping it finds you in good health as this leaves me in the same here at present. I hope you will … Continue reading

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Route March: Armagh

[From personal notes] Monday + Tuesday Armagh City

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Route March: Armagh-Richhill

[From personal notes] Wednesday Afternoon marched to Richhill via Hamiltonsbawn. Stayed in Home of Wm. McNally.

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Route March: Richhill-Tynan

[From personal notes] Thursday From Richhill via Portadown Road, via Armagh, Killylea to Tynan Village. Stayed at the Home of Robert Sleater.

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Route March: Tynan-Newtown Hamilton

[From personal notes] Friday From Tynan via Keady to N.T. [Newtown] Hamilton. Stayed at the Home of Messrs Fallow.

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Route March: Newtown Hamilton-Bessbrook

[From personal notes] Saturday Main N.T.H [Newtown Hamilton] Road via Belleek to Bessbrook. Week end at Home.

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Route March: Bessbrook

[From personal notes] Sunday Service in Bessbrook Church

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Route March: Bessbrook-Poyntzpass

[From personal notes] Monday From Bessbrook to Poyntzpass via Doctor’s Hill and Drumbanagher Castle. Stayed at home of J.B. Small

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Route March: Poyntzpass-Markethill

[From personal notes] Tuesday From Poyntzpass to Markethill via Tyrone Ditches and Glenanne, stayed Rev. Moore’s Manse.

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Route March: Markethill-Tandragee

From personal notes Wednesday From Markethill to Tandragee, via Clare, Laurelvale, stayed at Main Street at home of some Dressmakers

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Holywood: “Many thanks for the shirt it is alright”

D Company 9 Batt R.I. Fusiliers Palace Barracks Holywood 18.02.15 My Dear Mother Just a line hoping it finds youse all in good health at home as this leave me in the same here at present. I received four letters … Continue reading

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Route March: Portadown-Belfast

[From personal notes] Entrained at Portadown for Belfast

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Holywood: “she made a great deal of me more than any girl I have met on the march”

D Company 9 Batt R. I. Fusiliers Palace Barracks Holywood 22.02.15 My Dear Mother I am sorry that I was so long in writing but I had not time until now. We got back here on Thursday evening from Portadown. … Continue reading

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Recruiting March: Co. Monaghan

[From personal notes] Took part in Recruiting March through County Monaghan, terminating at Castleblayney, lasting 1 week.

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Training: Clones-Ballybay-Cootehill-Monaghan-Castleblaney

D Company 9 Batt R I Fusiliers Newtownards Sunday 07.03.15 My Dear Mother Just a line hoping it finds you in good health as this leaves me the same at present. I thought I would have had a letter from … Continue reading

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Newtownards: “It is simply lovely now like the summer time”

D Company 9 Batt R. I. Fus. Newtownards 20.03.15 Dear Mother Just a few lines to say I received your parcel this morning and what was inside. I thank you very much for it. The drawers is alright. I hope … Continue reading

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Newtownards: “you may be sure that if we can get we will be home”

D Company 9 Batt R. I. Fusiliers Newtownards 27.03.15 My Dear Mother Just a line to say that I received your letter this morning. I am sorry that you are not getting better but maybe when the good weather you … Continue reading

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Newtownards: ” We are all getting our photos take in Batt tomorrow”

D. Company 9 Batt R. I. Fus Newtownards 17.04.1915 My Dear Mother Just a line today. I got your parcel this morning and was very thankful to you for what you sent. We are still confined to camp. I was … Continue reading

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Newtownards: “None of us knows what the future holds for us”

D Coy, 9th R. I. Fus, N. T. Ards [undated letter, messier than the others, apparently pre-deployment, possibly May 1915] Dear Mother Just a line hoping it still finds youse all enjoying good health, as this leaves me in the … Continue reading

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Training: “I expect it will be a very big day in Belfast tomorrow”

D Company 9 Batt R. I. Fus Newtownards 07.05.15 My Dear Mother. Just a line to say that I received your letter aright. I am sorry that I was so long in writing but we have been very busy this … Continue reading

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Belfast: Inspection and March

[From personal notes] Inspection at Malone at Major General Sir Hugh McCalmont K.C.B. followed by a March through the City.

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Promotion to L/Cpl

[From personal notes - date not specific, June 1915] Promoted Lance Corporal Went with Advance Party to Seaforde, Sussex, England

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Training: “There is 60 of us going on the Advance Party”

[postcard] 27.06.15 My Dear Mother Just a line to say that I am still here. But by the time that you get this we will be on the road from here. We are going by the main line but we … Continue reading

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Seaford: “All the bands in camp turned out this morning”

Seaford Camp, Sussex [undated, but probably 12 July 1915] Dear Jimmy By the time this reaches home you will have both days over you and I hope from my heart that they were good days for you. All the bands … Continue reading

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Seaford: “I was up in Brighton on Saturday. It surely is a lovely place”

[For God, King & For Country] [YMCA] [HM Forces on Active Service] D Company 9th RIF Seaford Camp Sussex Sunday 18.08.1915 Dear Mother Just a line to say I received your letter alright. Hoping this will find youse all in … Continue reading

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Bordon Camp: “Let us all pray that we may all meet in a happier place when all wars will have ceased”

“D” Company, 9th Roy. Irish Fus., Martinique Barracks, Bordon, Hants, England 11-9-15 My Dear Mother I received your parcel allright. Many thanks. But indeed I did not expect what you sent, and I am sorry that I passed the remark … Continue reading

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Aldershot: Royal Inspection

[From personal notes] Inspected to [sic] King George V at Aldershot

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Southampton: “We will get to France sometime at 7.30 tomorrow morning”

[undated] Southampton Sunday My Dear Mother We have arrived here on our way out. We left Bordon last night at 11.30 arrived here at 2 o’clock and will not leave here until 7 o’clock tonight. We will get to France … Continue reading

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Landed in France

Landed in France [From personal note]

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From Burdon to Le Havre

[From personal notes] Left Burdon Camp for France. Landed at Le Havre

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France: “We have got over safe”

Somewhere in France 07.10.15 My Dear Mother Just a few lines to let you know I am still in good health hoping this will find youse all at home the same. We have got over safe. And the people that … Continue reading

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France: “No less than 5 shells has burst beside me since I started to write”

Somewhere in France 23.10.15 My Dear Mother Just a line to let you know that I am still alive and well. Hoping this finds all at home the same. I received all the parcels that you sent to me. None … Continue reading

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In Trenches Heburterne Sector

[From personal notes. date not specific - simply marked as Nov] In Trenches Heburterne Sector attached to Gloster [sic] Regt for Instructions

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France: “Nothing but the overwhelming force of men will ever bring the war to a close”

19.11.1915 My Dear Mother I have a few minutes to myself so I thought I would spend them in writing home. Sometimes I have not time to write a letter but I send a card every week. I got you … Continue reading

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France: “We are likely to take our Xmas dinner in the trenches this year”

19.12.15 Somewhere in France My Dear Mother I am sorry that I have been so long in writing to you but I could not help it. I received your letter and card. Many thanks for same. I am glad you … Continue reading

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France: “I do not believe the Germans has made the bullet that is to kill me yet.”

BEF Somewhere in France 11.01.16 My Dear Mother Just a few lines hoping this will find you and all at home in your usual good health as this leaves me in the same here at present. I cannot understand how … Continue reading

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France: “We will be like tarred roofs when we get home.”

B E Force, Somewhere in France 18.01.16 My Dear Mother I now take the pleasure of writing a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home in your usual good health as this leaves me in the … Continue reading

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France: “Each man being given a sprig of shamrock which we all enjoyed having very much.”

Somewhere in France 20.3.16 My Dear Mother Just a few lines to let you know that I am still in good health. Hoping this will find yourself and all at home in the same. I am very sorry that I … Continue reading

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France: “You did your best to do me out of my girl.”

Somewhere in France 31.3.16 Dear Jimmy I am writing too them all so I could not leave you out. How are you getting on since I came away. I believe you were at that Orange Ball at Bessbrook. And did … Continue reading

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France: “It is very hard to write a letter from here for you do not know what to say for to be right.”

Somewhere in France, B.E. Force 31.3.16 My Dear Mother Just a few lines hoping the will find yourself and all at home still enjoying good health. As this leaves me in the same at time of writing. I am sorry … Continue reading

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France: “The Germans kept quiet all day on Easter Sunday.”

Somewhere in France, British Exped Force 29.04.16 My Dear Mother I am so sorry that I have been so long in writing to you, but I was waiting on getting the parcel that you said in your letter you were … Continue reading

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France: “I suppose by this time you will think me dead.”

Somewhere in France 13.05.16 My Dear Mother Just a few lines, now that I am able to write once more, to let you know that I am getting on alright. Hoping yourself and all at home are still keeping in … Continue reading

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France: “But my hand was so long in healing up.”

BEF, Somewhere in France 21.05.16 My Dear Mother I am sorry that I have been so long in writing to you again. But I was waitin in the hope that I might get a letter, but another day has passed … Continue reading

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France: “You would have had me home with only one hand.”

BEF, Somewhere in France 28.05.16 My Dear Mother Just a few lines to let you know that I am out of hospital once more. And that my hand is a good deal better although I am still not able for … Continue reading

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France: Meets Rev. Paton of Downshire Road, Newry.

B. E. Force Somewhere in France 14.06.16 My Dear Mother Just a few lines to say that I received your parcel all right. Many thanks for what you sent to me. I was most thankful for the cigarettes which you … Continue reading

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Paisley: “I often heard it said that Scotch people were hard with their money. But I will believe it no longer. “

The Royal Alexandra Infirmary,Paisley,Scotland 30.06.16 My Dear Mother Just a few lines to let you know that I received your parcel all right. Many thanks for what you sent to me, it was awful good of you. but you might … Continue reading

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Paisley: “We are sick of rain now.”

The Royal Alexandra Infirmary, Paisley,Scotland 03.07.16 My Dear Mother Just a line to say that I received your letter this morning. I wrote to you the day I got your parcel, but you could hardly have it at the time … Continue reading

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Paisley: “We went out for a drive on last Tuesday.”

The Royal Alexandra Infirmary, Paisley,Scotland 07.07.16 My Dear Mother Just a line to say that I received your letter this morning. And am glad to know that your self and all at home are in your Usual Good Health. As … Continue reading

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Glasgow: “I will be home on Tuesday if all is well.”

Stobhill, Glasgow 23.07.16 My Dear Mother Just a line to let you know that I will be home on Tuesday if all is well. I expect I shall come home by Newry except something happens that I do not know … Continue reading

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Newtownards: “Excuse this scribble as I have not got the proper use of my arm yet.”

10th Roy Ir Fusiliers, B company 37-Hut, Military Camp, Newtownards 13.08.16 My Dear Mother I am awful sorry I have been so long in answering your welcome letter that I received alright. But my arm was so sore that I … Continue reading

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Board of Docs: “I was put back for further treatment”

20.10.16 My Dear Mother I am sorry I have been so long in writing to you but it was not my fault as I thought I had written to you and I was wondering why I never heard from you. … Continue reading

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Tipperary: “I had no word from Jennie this long time.”

Royal Irish Fusiliers,No1 Coy A Block H Room,Irish Command Depot,Tipperary 28.10.16 Dear Mother Just a few lines hoping it will find all at home enjoying their usual good health. As this leaves myself the same at present. The weather has … Continue reading

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Tipperary: “There is no chance of me getting home for Xmas”

Royal Irish Fusiliers, No 1 Company A Block, Irish Command Depot, Tipperary Sunday 17.12.16 My Dear Mother Just a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home enjoying good health. As this leaves myself in the same … Continue reading

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Newtownards: “This place is simply flooded”

“D” Company Royal Irish Fusiliers Newtownards Camp Co. Down   24.02.17   Dear Mother   I received your parcel alright this morning and I thank you very much for what you sent to me for may handkerchiefs were all lost … Continue reading

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Newtownards: “I am doing Orderly Sgt this week so I will not have a minute to spare”

“D” Company 10th Royal I. Fus.[sic] Newtownards Co. Down 03.03.17 Just a few lines hoping they will find you still enjoying good health. I am sorry I was so long in answering your parcel which I received alright. Many thanks … Continue reading

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Newtownards: “If all is well may be home on Sat”

[postcard: Cave Hill and Belfast Castle] [to Mrs John Adams, Lisadian] 16.03.17, N’Ards Dear Mother Just a card hoping it will find all at home in good health. If all is well may be home on Sat but I do … Continue reading

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Le Havre: “All I want is for some of them to write me a few lines now and again”

9th Royal Irish Fusiliers 19 Camp 36 Base Depot Le Havre   26.05.17   Dear Mother   Just a few lines to say I received your parcel alright.  Many thanks for what you sent.  I thought all at home had … Continue reading

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Ypres: “I have gone up the line today”

YMCA On Active Service [postcard] Sunday 27.05.17 Dear Mother Just a card to say I have gone up the line today so my old address will find me there. The weather is very hot. It is just like the summer. … Continue reading

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London: “Just a line to say I have got so far safe on my journey out to France”

[postcard: plain] 02.06.17, Southampton London Dear Mother, Just a line to say I have got so far safe on my journey out to France. I received your parcel alright before I left N Ards. Many thanks for what you sent … Continue reading

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France: “Sammie had to go through another operation.  I think his soldiering days are finished”

[YMCA letter paper] [On Active Service with the British Expeditionary Force]   21st June 1917 B. E. Force   My Dear Mother   Just a few lines to say I received your ever welcome letter today and I am glad … Continue reading

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France: “I believe Sam has gone into hospital again”

[YMCA letter paper] [On Active Service with the British Expeditionary Force]   British Exped Force 28 June 1917   My Dear Mother   Just a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home still enjoying your usual … Continue reading

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France: “I am sure by this time Jimmy will be away with the Band”

[poor photocopy]   [YMCA letter paper] [On Active Service with the British Expeditionary Force]   12 July 1917   My Dear Mother   Just a few lines now that I have time […] all at home still enjoying your usual … Continue reading

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France: “I think it is a good saying  (Never Cross a Bridge to you come to it)”

British Exped Force 08.09.17   My Dear Mother   Just a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home still enjoying good health as this leaves myself in the best of health at the time of writing. … Continue reading

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France: “the day we get our letter from home is a (Red Letter) day in the history of the soldier out here”

23rd Sept 1917 My Dear Mother Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter, which I received alright. And I am glad to know that yourself and all at home are still enjoying your usual good health … Continue reading

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France: “I do not think I am going back to the Batt yet. Something has turned up for me, but I cannot tell you yet”

BEF 18.11.17 My Dear Mother I now take the pleasure of writing a few lines home, hoping it will find yourself and all there still in your usual good health as this leaves myself not too bad at present. I … Continue reading

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France: Farming: “What a lovely country to live in. I believe I could live here all my life.”

Roy. Irish Fusiliers No.2 Convalescent Depot Rouen (Farming) 20.11.17 My Dear Mother Just a few lines to let you know that I am still living and well. Hoping yourself and all at home are the same at present. I said … Continue reading

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France: “This is a lovely part of the country and I like it very much.”

05.12.17 British Exped. Force My Dear Mother Just a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home in good health as this leaves myself in the same at present. I am nearly tired waiting for a letter … Continue reading

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France: “Just a line to say I received your reg letter alright”

22.12.17 Dear Mother Just a line to say I received your reg letter alright and I am glad to know that all at home are in good health as this leaves myself in the same at present. I am getting … Continue reading

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France: “I hope all at home had a pleasant Xmas”

[postcard] 26.12.17 Dear Mother Just a card to say I hope all at home had a pleasant Xmas. No more now will write soon again. Goodbye, Johnnie.

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France: “I cannot sleep at night thinking of you”

BEF 20.01.18 My Dear Mother I now take the pleasure of writing a few lines to you hoping they will find yourself and all at home in good health as this leaves myself at present. I am longing for a … Continue reading

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France: “I am not near at myself, for I am longing to see Mother again”

04.02.18 My Dear Annie Just a few lines hoping this will find you still in good health as this leaves myself in the same at present. I wrote to mother for to ask the Doctor for to make out a … Continue reading

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I got your letter alright but I still feel that you are very ill

04.02.18 My Dear Mother Just a line hoping it will find you feeling a little better. I got your letter alright but I still feel that you are very ill. But I was writing to Annie and I hope she … Continue reading

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And I for one knows the world is a hard taskmaster

22.02.18 My Dear Mother Just a few lines to say I received Annie’s Reg letter alright, but I am very sorry to say I cannot get at the present time. But Dear Mother if you should get any worse (God … Continue reading

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France: “I am like the man with the wheelbarrow. I always have it before me.”

06.03.18 My Dear Mother Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter which I received alright. And no one but God knows the relief my mind got when I read it, to know that you are up … Continue reading

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I am leaving here tomorrow for to rejoin the Batt

16.03.18 My Dear Mother Just a line hoping it will find you in good health, as well as all at home, as this leaves myself at present. I am leaving here tomorrow for to rejoin the Batt so any time … Continue reading

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We are having very nice weather out here now and I hope it may continue as it is very pleasant

BEF 22.04.18 My Dear Mother Just a few lines in answer to our ever welcome letter which I received alright. And I am glad to know that all at home are [enjoying] their usual good health as this leaves myself … Continue reading

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108 Brigade handover

[From a personal note] On 1st May 1918 Brig Gen Griffith handed over 108 Brigade to Brig Gen Vaughan DSO

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I slept for a night on the boat at Le Havre on the 20th March and next day was returned up the line

18.05.18 Somewhere in France My Dear Mother Just a few lines hoping they will find you still enjoying your usual good health as this leaves myself at present. The weather is keeping very hot at present. But is is much … Continue reading

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If all is well I shall be home on leave on Sunday the 9th June

01.06.18 My Dear Mother I now take the pleasure of writing a few lines to you hoping they will find all at home in good health as this leaves myself at present. Well Dear Mother I have got some news … Continue reading

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I have been awarded a Bar to my Military Medal

[partial letter – poorly copied and first page missing, lhs cut off – some words interpolated by me…] Dear Mother I suppose you [will] be pleased to know that I [have been] awarded a Bar to my Military Medal.  [I … Continue reading

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I hope Jimmy has got his flax saved as it has got rather wet

09.09.18 Dear Mother Just a few lines to say I have received your letters alright. And I am Glad to know that yourself and all at home are still enjoying your usual good health, as this leaves myself at time … Continue reading

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France: I have been asked several times if I would go in for a commission

16.09.18 My Dear Mother Just a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home still enjoying your usual good health as this leaves myself in the same at time of writing. The weather is still keeping quite … Continue reading

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Birmingham: “The nurse here who is attending me comes from Monaghan and I am the only Irish boy in the ward, so you need not fear for my treatment”

9th Royal Irish Fusiliers Ward C 11 2/1st Southern General Hosp Dudley Road Birmingham 09.10.18 My Dear Mother I suppose you will be glad to get this note from me and to know that I am in England once again. … Continue reading

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Birmingham: “My leg is in splints to keep it still”

[Undated] [possibly a fragment at the end of a letter?] Please excuse this short note as I cannot sit up in bed long at a time. You see my leg is in splints to keep it still. Well this is … Continue reading

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Birmingham: “I have still my leg in splints”

[Probably in Southern General Hospital, Birmingham - see previous letter] 18th October 1918 My Dear Mother Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter which I received alright this evening. And I am glad to know that … Continue reading

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Dublin: “This is the hospital I am in”

Postcard showing Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin. Postmark 26 Oct 1918, Dublin Dear Mother This is the hospital I am in. I wrote to you today. Hoping to hear from you soon. I am going on alright. Will [write] later on. … Continue reading

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Dublin: there have been a lot killed this last while

St Patrick Ward Mater Hospital Dublin 29.10.18 My Dear Mother Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter which I received today. And I am glad to know that yourself and all at home are still in … Continue reading

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Dublin: “I am going on alright and will soon be able to walk about again”

St Patrick’s Ward Mater Hospital Dublin 30.10.18 My Dear Mother Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter of today. Am I am glad to know that all at home are still in good health. I am … Continue reading

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Dublin: “the War is finished”

[poorly copied letter with much of each page off the edge] [probably St Patrick’s Ward, Mater Hospital, Dublin] 13.11.18 My Dear Mother …have been so long in … But I hope you and …are in good health. …Is very trying … Continue reading

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Dublin: “They are sending all North Men down to Belfast”

15.11.18 St Patrick’s Ward Mater Hospital Dublin My Dear Mother Just a few lines n answer to your ever welcome letter which I received alright this morning and I am glad to know that all at home are still in … Continue reading

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Belfast: “Tell Jimmy if he thinks of buying a new pair of boots I shall buy those that he has”

[undated – probably 18.11.18 – see letter 15.11.18] Ward 7 Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast My Dear Mother Just a line tonight to say I have arrived safe in Belfast. We left Dublin today at 1 o’clock and got here about … Continue reading

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Belfast: “I am still able to walk about”

20.11.18 Ward 7 Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast My Dear Mother Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter of today. And I am glad to know that all at home are still enjoying their usual good health … Continue reading

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Belfast: “I got back safe”

Postcard showing Castle Junction, Belfast. Dated 04.01.19, Belfast Dear Mother Just a line to say I got back safe. I am sorry I was so long in writing, but I shall write to you tomorrow and explain. Johnnie.

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Belfast: “I wonder if Jimmy intends to go to that Dance”

Royal Victoria Hosp Belfast 14.01.19 My Dear Mother Just a few lines in answer to your every welcome letter of today. And I am glad to know that yourself and all at home are still enjoying your usual good health, … Continue reading

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