Rev. E.G. Torrie

Rev E. G. Torrie had been minister of Kingsmills Presbyterian Church (where John Adams and his family belonged) for only a few months when war broke out in August 1914. He wrote to serving members of the congregation throughout the war. He joined up in May 1916 and served as a private in the Royal Army Medical Corps until June 1919. [Source: History of Kingsmills Presbyterian Church]

Rev E.G. Torrie: “I hope you are not fretting too much”

Postmark: Crossmichael, 09 October 1915

Manse of Crossmichael, Castle Douglas

Dear Mrs Adams,

I hope you are keeping well and not fretting too much. I am wondering about John, whether he has been moved yet.

This is a picture of the church.

Kind regards from both of us.

Yours sincerely

E.G. Torrie

151009 Crossmichael 02

151009 Crossmichael 01

Postcard shows: “Parish Church, Crossmichael”. A view of the parish church across a graveyard, well wooded. The church has a round tower topped with a spire.

From Google StreetView

Rev. Torrie: “He has got on splendidly in the Army and you have every reason to be proud of your brave son”

24th Oct 1918

Dear Mrs Adams

I was so glad to get your letter some time ago. I trust you are somewhat improved in health since you wrote though indeed you have had a great anxiety since. I heard from Mr Dillon, also from Mr Hamilton about John being wounded again. I do hope he is making rapid recovery. How splendid of him to get a recommendation for his commission! It shows that he is a good soldier and one in whom trust is placed. He has got on splendidly in the Army and you have every reason to be proud of your brave son.

I am sure you know about my friend’s death. It was a great blow to me. I had a wonderful deliverance myself for which I thank God. I trust it is his will to spare me to return to minister to my people in Kingsmills and I hope that happy time will soon come. How are Annie and Jimmy? Tell them I should like to hear from them and especially I want to hear about John.

I hear regularly from Mrs Torrie. We are calling the new baby after my father and he is greatly pleased at that. Cecil is growing rapidly and is as bright as ever. Mrs Torrie and the children are all in Waterford now with my parents.

The sinking of the Leinster was a terrible disaster. A friend related to us by marriage was returning to France from leave. He was drowned and they have recovered the body. There is sadness in many homes. The war will soon be over but I think much yet remains to be done before the Germans give in.

My address – 91st Field Ambulance, BEF, France.

Kind regards and best wishes to all
Yours sincerely
EG Torrie

129117 Pte EG Torrie, RAMC