Search
Main Events
Events: Letter
Clandeboye Camp: “I think this is the first Sunday that I have ever been away from home all day”
C Company 7 Batt RIF Clandyboye Camp Co. Down Sept 1914 [probably 27th Sept 1914 – first Sunday after John Adams enlisted 24 Sept. Very possibly his first letter home of WW1] Dear Mother Just a line hoping it will … Continue reading
Posted in 1914 - Mobilisation, 2010 upload, Ireland, Letter
Tagged Clandeboye, Mother, Orange Order, Sir Edward Carson, Ulster Volunteers
2 Comments
France: “I am sorry to hear of W McKnight”
[YMCA paper] [to Mrs J Adams, Lisadian] 7388 Lce Cpl T Davidson Roy. Innis. Fusrs. Caserne Traupel [Traupel Barracks] Rouen France 31.12.14 Dear Aunt Just a few lines in answer to your kind and welcome letter, which I received alright … Continue reading
Posted in 1914 - Mobilisation, France, Letter
Tagged Mrs Adams, Rouen, T Davidson, W McKnight
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1915 - Training, Ireland, Letter
Tagged Holywood, Mother, route march, training
2 Comments
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
Posted in 1915 - Training, 2010 upload, Ireland, Letter
Tagged Mother, Newtownards, training
Leave a comment
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
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
Posted in 1915 - Training, 2010 upload, Ireland, Letter
Tagged Mother, Newtownards, training
Leave a comment
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
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
Posted in 1915 - Training, 2010 upload, Ireland, Letter
Tagged Belfast Parade, Mother, Newtownards
Leave a comment
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
Seaford: “We had a big inspection by Lord Kitchener on Tuesday”
D. Coy 9th Batt. R. Ir. Fus. Seaford Camp Sussex England [undated] Dear Mrs Adams Just a line to let you know I received your letter alright, thanks very much for the same. You need not be expecting a letter … Continue reading
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
Posted in 1915 - Training, 2010 upload, England, Letter
Tagged Brighton, Mother, Seaford
Leave a comment
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
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
Posted in 1915 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1915-1916, Letter
Tagged Mother, Rainneville
Leave a comment
SW Chambers: “John has got much fatter and firmer looking”
[on YMCA writing paper] S.W. Chambers YMCA BFPO I BEF Oct 21st 1915 Dear Mrs Adams I just want to let you know that some little time ago – about a fortnight ago – I saw John [blacked out sentence … Continue reading
Posted in 1915 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1915-1916, Letter
Tagged Mrs Adams, SW Chambers
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1915 - France, France, France 1915-1916, Letter
Tagged France, Hébuterne, Mother, trenches
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1915 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1915-1916, Letter
Tagged Hamel, Mother
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1915 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1915-1916, Letter
Tagged Christmas, Hamel, Mother
Leave a comment
Jennie: ” They say their shirts are just living and they are over run with rats”
Church Hill Holywood Co. Down 22 Dec. 1915 My Dear Mother This is just a wee line to say I am sending you these things. I’m sorry I have not got more to send. I hope this wee shawl will … Continue reading
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
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
Posted in 1916 - France, France, France 1915-1916, Letter
Tagged France, Hamel, Mother
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1916 - France, France, France 1915-1916, Letter
Tagged France, Hamel, Mother, St Patrick's Day
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1916 - France, France, France 1915-1916, Letter
Tagged France, Hamel, Jimmy
Leave a comment
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
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
Posted in 1916 - Wounded, France, Letter, Wounded and Recovery 1916
Tagged Hamel, Mother, wounded
2 Comments
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
Posted in 1916 - Wounded, France, Letter, Wounded and Recovery 1916
Tagged Hamel, Mother, wounded
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1916 - Recovery, 2010 upload, Ireland, Letter, Wounded and Recovery 1916
Tagged Mother
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1916 - Recovery, Ireland, Letter, Wounded and Recovery 1916
Tagged Mother, Tipperary
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1916 - Recovery, 2010 upload, Ireland, Letter, Wounded and Recovery 1916
Tagged Mother, Newtownards
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1916 - Recovery, 2010 upload, Ireland, Letter, Wounded and Recovery 1916
Tagged Mother, Newtownards
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1917 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged Le Havre, Mother
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1917 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged Messines, Mother
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1917 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged Messines, Mother
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1917 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged Mother, St Omer
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1917 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged Cambrai, Havrincourt, Mother
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1917 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged hospital, illness, Mother, Rev. Torrie, Rouen
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1917 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged Farming, gassed, Mother, No. 2 Convalescent Camp, Rouen
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1917 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged Farming, Mother, Rouen
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1918 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged Annie, France
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1918 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged Essigny, France, Mother
Leave a comment
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
Posted in 1918 - France, 2010 upload, France, France 1917-1918, Letter
Tagged Berthen, commission, France, Mother
Leave a comment
A mother’s anguish: “Dear Johnnie if you are able to speak ask some one to write to me.”
Context This letter was written after John Adams mother, Mary Adams, had received the telegram from the War Office. Lisadian, Whitecross, Co Armagh 5th Oct 18 My Dear Johnnie It is with a sorry heart I write to say I … Continue reading
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
Posted in 1918 - Wounded, 2010 upload, England, Letter
Tagged Birmingham, letter, Mother
Leave a comment
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
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
Posted in 1918 - Wounded, 2010 upload, England, Letter
Tagged Birmingham, hospital, Mother
Leave a comment
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 … Continue reading
Posted in 1918 - Wounded, France, Letter
Tagged 91st Field Ambulance, Kingsmills Presbyterian Church, RAMC, Rev. E.G. Torrie
Leave a comment
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
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
Posted in 1918 - Wounded, 2010 upload, Ireland, Letter
Tagged Col Kelly, Dublin, hospital, Mother
Leave a comment
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
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
Posted in 1918 - Wounded, 2010 upload, Ireland, Letter
Tagged Dublin, Mother, Spanish flu
Leave a comment
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
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
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
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
Posted in 1918 - Wounded, Ireland, Letter
Tagged Belfast, hospital, Killeavy, Mother
Leave a comment
Letter John R Adams in 1987
[draft letter] 45 Main Street Hamilton’s Bawn Armagh 04.04.87 Dear Mr McCormack [Mr McCormack was writing a book on 36 Ulster Division – I’ve not found it, may never have been published] I write again with reference to my father, … Continue reading
