1916

Tuesday 11 January, 1916  by

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 it was that you have got no letters from me so long as Annie PC says for there I not a week passes that I do not write home, and there must be some mistake that you do not get them. I think this is the third letter that I wrote since Xmas and Annie says that you have got none of them. But you may have got them before this. I hope you are got all right again yourself. I was very sorry to hear that you were so bad with pains but it has been a very severe winter all though. But thank Goodness it has cleared up at last and it’s getting like Spring out here now. I think it comes sooner here than in Ireland.

We are on our way once more to the trenches and have arrived in a little village a short distance of the Firing Line which I expect we shall be in by the time you get this. But do not be in the least alarmed as for our safety as I do not believe the Germans has made the bullet that is to kill me yet at least I believe so at any rate. I had a letter from Jennie and she said also that she had a letter from you tell her that you got no letters from me and also that she had none from me either, and I do wonder where they are going. I believe Mr Chambers and Archer is leaving Holywood to go to America to make there fortunes it is a wonderful thing to be going to do and this terrible war going on. They will have plenty of time for that when this war is over. For I think there will be few men left after it is over the way it is going.

Tell Jimmy I am sorry for anything I said in my last letter. I do not mean all I say but I believe I write home as often as I get any from it. Sometimes I think that youse forget about me out here. You may think long not to get a letter form me but its worst on us out here when we do not hear from home. For at home youse are all there together and in a civilized world. While we are not. And only through letters can we know how things are going on at home. So do not get on to me too much when you as not get a letter from me when you know that I have written.

We are still together and are with J. McCullough who is from Bessbrook and we had a great Xmas together. For we got all sorts of parcels the three of us and the way we messed together they lasted for a long time. I got about 12 parcels myself from all over the country. I got a great parcel from L Morton and also one from Mrs Moody of Tandragee where I stopped when we were on the route march. I think I was telling you about her the time I was home. I also got a great muffler from L Morton through Mrs Hall of Narrow Water who undertook to pay all expenses on Comforts that was sent to any of the Ulster Division from Warrenpoint. So I was very well done for.

I think I must draw to a close hoping once again that you are got all right. Am hoping to hear from you soon again.

I remain
Your Loving Son

John Adams

in 1916 - France / France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 2 comments
Thursday 13 January, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
9/1/16
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
13th January 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Tuesday 18 January, 1916  by

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 same out here at the time of writing. I have got your parcel just now. Many thanks for same, and I had your letter the day before yesterday. Well dear Mother you need not trouble about sending me anything out here as it costs you to much and I may tell you straight we do not want for anything out here as we get an issue of cigarettes every week and the Mount Norris people has been good enough for to forward us another issue. And then we have an Army canteen in the Regt then we can get nearly anything we want. So you need not mind bothering you head about sending me anything out here.

Of course I do not want you to be angry or take anything to you of what I say. I thank you from my heart for what you have sent me out but you have little enough for yourselves without paying the heavy postage that is on at present. I am sure that you were glad to see Jimmy when he came up. Is he much changed or did his wounds affect him in any way. I am sure he did not say much about the times he had. That is not a soldiers way of doing anything.

I had a letter from Jennie telling me about Mr Chambers leaving but I think I named it in my last letter. I am glad you are getting my letters now. I was very sorry when I heard that you were not getting them for there is not a week that passes that I do not write home. But dear Mother so not take it so about the leave. We might land in some night before you know. They do not let everybody out here what they are doing. So do not get down hearted about it.

[has] Johny Elliott come back to live at the crossroads – he does not like to stay long in the one place. The weather has got better now and there is not many out here that will be sorry about that for the wet weather is not very pleasant out here. But no matter we are well hardened to it now. We will be like tarred roofs when we get home. But you need not be uneasy about us for I think the German bullet was is not made yet that is to kill me. So do not say anymore about it.

What is the matter with Davy Patton. I am very afraid there is some of the boys that talked so much would not stand roughing it very long out here. The wet cold weather would kill them if they never saw a German. yes Louie Morton has been good to me. And I would be most ungrateful to her if I would forget her for it, which I have no thought of doing. I think I have not much more to say tonight. Only to thank you again for your parcel. So goodnight and God take care of all at home until we meet again.

I remain
Your Loving Son
John Adams
Please do not take it ill anything I said in my last letter as I may have been angry at the time.
This is a small mirror for Annie. Tell her she must blow her breath out before she uses it and see the result. I am sorry I have not time to write to her but I shall do so as soon as I get time.
J. Adams
Tell Annie I will write as soon as I get time but I cannot get the time just now as I am writing to Jimmy.

in 1916 - France / France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Thursday 27 January, 1916  by

France: “The weather still keeps fairly good”

Postmark: Absent

Stamped “Passed Field Censor 2198” and countersigned “DRHood”

27-1-16

Dear Mother

Just a card to say that I received your letter yesterday alright.  Glad to know that all at home are still enjoying good health as this leaves myself in the same here at present.  I am sorry that I have not time for a letter just now, but I shall do so as soonas I have time.  The weather still keeps fairly good and I hope that it continues to do so.  No more at present.

I remain your loving son

John

16 01 27 France 02

16 01 27 France 01

Postcard shows:

“Greetings from France”: an officer and a man from the ranks look wistfully into the distance amongst the conical tents of camp.

in 1916 - France / France / France 1915-1916 / Postcard 0 comments
Monday 7 February, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
31/1/16
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
7th February 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Tuesday 15 February, 1916  by

Johnny Reid: Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
15th February 1916
in France 1915-1916 / Johnny Reid 0 comments
Tuesday 15 February, 1916  by

Johnny Reid: Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
in France 1915-1916 / Johnny Reid 0 comments
Monday 28 February, 1916  by

London: “we have got back safe so far on our way back to France”

Postmark: London

28 Feb 1916

London, 28-2-16

Dear Mother,

Just a line to say that we have got back safe so far on our way back to France.  I hope you are keeping well and that Jimmy got home safe from the station.  It seems to have snowed a lot here of late.  We leave London at 4 pm  and we arrived here at 7.00 this morning so have quite a while to stay here.

Your son,

Johnnie

Postcard shows: “Birds Eye View of London”, with the view dominated by St Paul’s Cathedral’s West Front.

160228 London 02

160228 London 01

in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 / Postcard 0 comments
Friday 3 March, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
3rd March 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Wednesday 15 March, 1916  by

Jeannie: “I was dreaming Johnnie was wounded the other night.”

Church Hill

Holywood

Co. Down

 

15 Mar 1916

 

My Dear Mother,

 

This is just a line to say I got your letter alright.  I hope you are better.  Do you still feel the pains?  Had you any more word from Johnnie since I had a PC from Jack, but Johnnie had not got his length when it was written.  I have written to them both and sent Johnnie his paper.  They were lucky boys got home the time they did.  All leave is stopped.

 

Mrs Caughry [?] was telling me on Sunday that Jim told her to tell me he heard he was getting home and he enquired till he found out where the Fusiliers were and tried to find Johnnie.  They told him in Johnnie’s Company that he had just left for his leave the night before, so Jim said before he comes he will try and find him.  I thought it was awfully good of him.  The young fellow next door has enlisted in the Dublin Fusiliers.  He went away this morning.  He is a minister’s son and he is just a Private.  The other boy is away about Warrenpoint in a sanatorium.  He is away since the first of the month.  I don’t know whether it’s doing him any good.

 

Did you hear from Lizzie lately?  I wrote to her but I got no reply.  I cut this wee bit out of the paper.  I was dreaming Johnnie was wounded the other night.  I hope you are not listening to anything anyone tells you about Johnnie being wounded as anything else.  Let them talk away, don’t you worrie [sic].  He has been very good at writing.

 

There is a whole lot of visitors in now.  They say there’s going to be an air raid over Belfast tonight.  Isn’t it well we don’t live in Town?  I don’t think there is a thing of it.

 

I hope Annie and Jimmie are both well.  Write me a long letter soon and excuse this horrid scrawl as I have had to get up so often.  Don’t be in a bit of a hurry with those things.  The weather still keeps cold.  Try and keep yourself warm.  Write soon.

 

Give my love to all.

I remain your

Loving Daughter

J. Adams

 

16 03 15 Jeannie Adams letter 15.03.16 a

16 03 15 Jeannie Adams letter 15.03.16 b

in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Thursday 16 March, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
10/3/16
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
16th March 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Monday 20 March, 1916  by

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 have been so long in writing to you, but it was not my fault. As we have bee rather busy since I came back. So you cannot have much time to yourself for letter writing. But as you know I send a card at least once a week. And sometimes its all I have time for. Well I got back safe at any rate after some knocking about. Which none of us enjoyed but we had to put up with it.

The weather is excellent just now. And I hope it continues as the trenches are in a better state owing to the good weather. And I may tell you we are up against enough without wadeing to the knees in water.

Well I have got all your letters and parcel since I came back alright and I must thank you for your parcel. I have also written to thank J Morton for her’s which was a beautiful pocket book. Well we got the 17th over which was given to us as a holiday, being out of the trenches at the time. Each man being given a sprig of shamrock which we all enjoyed having very much. One has to be away from Ireland for a while before they can understand what it is to get something from it. And no wonder those away relish getting a sprig of shamrock so much. And when my feet touched the platform at Dundalk on our homeward journey I thought new life had entered my body that is what it is like to be away from home.

I got your card and Annie’s last night. But tell Annie she need not put Cpl on the letters as I have not got my appointment yet I could have got it again in another Coy but refused it again. As I told you I do not want to leave where I am and no room in our Company for a full Cpl yet. So she need not put it on until I tell her.

Well I think this is all I have time for now but as long as you know I am alright.

Goodbye.
I remain
Your Loving Son

John

in 1916 - France / France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Thursday 23 March, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
18/3/16
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
23rd March 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Sunday 26 March, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
18/3/16
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
26th March 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Thursday 30 March, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
25/3/16
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
30th March 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Friday 31 March, 1916  by

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 your best to do me out of my girl. Mind I am telling you. You had better keep clear of that quarter of the town. Although I am out in France, there is nothing goes passed that I do not hear off. But no matter I think it would take you all your time too knock me out.

Did you see J. McCullough when he was at home. I did not think you knew him. But if you do you know a Gentleman. One that any man might wish to have as a friend. I believe youse have had a great fall of snow. Last week we had one about the same time. But there is no trace of it now. It does not stay long in this country now. Well you need not take it angry at what I said it was only a joke. Jennie[?] was telling me that she was talking to you at the dance. And what a fine fellow you were. She said you were nearly as good as your Big Brother, but seemed to have more to say (I don’t think [?]). I think I must stop or you may not answer it. But I hope you do as I would like to hear your way about it. No more at present.

I remain
Your Loving Brother

Johnnie

in 1916 - France / France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Friday 31 March, 1916  by

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 that I have been so long in writing, but I could not really find time to do so.

We have come out for a short rest. And the weather this last few days has been like summer. It is always the same while out of the trenches it is always fine and when we are in tem you could hardly stand the cold. The last few days we were in there was nothing but frost and snow and when it thawed it would have taken you to the knees in mud and water.

I had a letter from Jennie yesterday. She seems to be in good health. I have not much news to write this time. It is very hard to write a letter from here for you do not know what to say for to be right. So the least said the sooner mended. But as long as you know I am well I suppose its all you want to know. Four youse all know more about things at home than we do out here. I think this is all at present but I will write soon again. Whenever I get time.

I remain
Your Loving Son

John Adams

in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Sunday 2 April, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
27/3/16
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
2nd April 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Wednesday 5 April, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
5th April 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Thursday 13 April, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
8/4/16
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
13th April 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Sunday 16 April, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
9/4/16
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
16th April 1916
in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Sunday 16 April, 1916  by

Jeannie: “Holywood is all darkened now the street lamps are not lit”

Church Hill

Holywood

Co. Down

 

16th April 1916

 

My Dear Mother

I am very sorry I have been such a time in writing but I could not help it. I have been so busy. I think I never did as much work in my life. As I have done this last week. We have got all the cleaning done. We just got done last night, and I am tired. There was a woman in only three days. I did the rest myself. I was down in Holywood last night after I got finished. I met the Croziers. The first thing Sara asked me was I sick. She said I never looked as sick looking. But I am glad to get finished.

I hope you are all well. Had you any word from Johnnie lately. I had none all week. I wrote to him last Sunday. I told him I was going to send him a parcel but I had not time to do it. Would you send him one for Easter? I am sure he will be lonely. I hope we will hear from him soon.

Has Sammy Moffatt been home yet? I forgot to tell you that last week the Lough was full of ships. Mr Trimble said he counted 19. There was German submarines in the Channel. These ships were guarded by a warship. I think the[y] have caught one of the submarines. I wish it was all over. It seems to get worse. Holywood is all darkened now the street lamps are not lit and any that are are covered halfway down. The shopkeepers are not allowed to put lights in their windows. The times are getting worse.

Well, Bangor Rd Church has got settled. Mr Woodburn is to be installed in Bangor Rd on Thursday. First everyone seems to like him. The service is at 12 o’clock on Thursday. I am going to it. There is a social at night.

You wanted to know could I get home for Easter. I would just love to go, but there is no use trying. It would only start a row. I might get later on. I hope you are all well. Write me a long letter soon. I think this is all now. Excuse this scrawl. Any more word from Lizzie? She is a cool one.

Give my best love to all.

I remain

Your loving daughter

Jeannie Adams

Write soon to me.

 

 

16 04 16 Church Hill Jeannie letter 01

 

16 04 16 Church Hill Jeannie letter 02

in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 / Ireland / Letter 0 comments
Friday 21 April, 1916  by

Jeannie: “Yous will be lonely without Johnnie, poor fellow he’ll be lonely too”

Church Hill

Holywood

Co. Down

 

21 April 1916

 

My Dear Mother

 

This is just a wee line to say I got your letter alright.  I am very sorry I can’t get home for Easter.  I would have liked to get, but it can’t be helped now.  Yous will be lonely without Johnnie, poor fellow he’ll be lonely too.  Mr Hunter told me the other day that the Ulster Division are fighting now.  His son’s a sergt.  He has never been home yet.  I hope God will take care of Johnnie and bring him back safe.  I had a PC from him yesterday.  It was only a field one.

 

I hope you are all well.  Are your pains better?  I hope Annie’s cold is better by now.  I have got alright again.  I had a very sore pain in my back but it’s away too, I am glad to say.

 

Well, we have got our new minister settled yesterday.  It was very good.  I was at the service in the morning and at the social at night.  It was all very good and as Mr Woodburn said himself he got a royal welcome.  It was very nice.  He seems a very nice man.  He stood at the church door and shook hands with everyone as they came out, and Mrs Woodburn is Mrs Chambers over the world [?].  Everyone said how like each other they were.  They presented Mrs W with a new gown and a little girl all in white presented Mrs W with flowers. I am sending the papers with the installation in it.  I will send one with the social if it’s in the paper.  It was good.

 

Do you know that Herron [?] is out of jail?  He has got off free.  Had you any word from Lizzie lately?  I was up in Minnie Crozier’s one evening.  She told me to tell you if you would like to come down to Belfast for a change she would be very glad to have you.

 

I think this is all now.  You will not get this till Monday as the post went out early today.  I hope you will write me a good long letter soon.  I hope Annie and Jimmie are both well.

 

With best love,

I remain your

Loving daughter

 

Jeannie Adams

 

Write soon to me.

 

Do you remember the coin Johnnie gave me?  I got it put on a pin.  It’s very nice.

 

16 04 21 Jeannie Adams letter 21.04.16 a

 

16 04 21 Jeannie Adams letter 21.04.16 b

in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Thursday 27 April, 1916  by

Jennie: “I was thinking of poor Johnnie. He was here this time last year.”

Church Hill
Holywood
Co. Down

27 April 1916

My Dear Annie

Thanks very much for letter and card, which I got alright. I hope you are all quite well. I suppose Easter was very quiet. Well I was at church twice on Sunday. The soldiers were at the morning service. There was a good many. I was thinking of poor Johnnie. He was here this time last year.

I saw Lizzie Crozier and Annie and Sara on Saturday night. They asked me down to Annie’s on Monday so Sara came up for me in the afternoon and we went round the shore. The tide was full in and it was lovely. Leonard [?] Brown was down. He isn’t a bad wee chap at all. I was talking to him a good while. He was telling me all the news about home. He says his father is very ill. He was in a bad way about him. He said he wanted Jimmie and Davie Crozier to come with him. I wish Jimmie had come. They all went up to town about five. They wanted me to go with them but I did not go. I wonder did he get home. Sometimes the Croziers are not bad. They always ask me to go with them if they are for Minnie’s [?] or anywhere.

I think this is near about all as it’s near bedtime. I hope you will write me a good long letter soon. Has Jimmie the potatoes all in yet? The weather has been nice this last few days. Was Thomas Moffat home at Easter? I don’t think any of the Coy got any leave. They might later on. Write soon. Give my love to all.

I remain

Your loving Sister

Jeannie

Write soon

160427 Jeannie to Annie

in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Thursday 27 April, 1916  by

Jeannie: ” expect you heard all about the fighting in Dublin, wasn’t it dreadful?”

Church Hill
Holywood
Co. Down

27 April 1916

My Dear Mother,

This is just a wee line to say I am well. I hope you got my letter and paper on Monday. Wasn’t the weather very wet for Easter? This last few days has been nice. I hope you are all well. Is your pains gone yet? I hope so. Had you any word from Johnnie lately. I have had none for a long time. I hope he is well. I think they are having a very hard time. I expect you heard all about the fighting in Dublin, wasn’t it dreadful? It’s coming very near us. That was 10,000 soldiers sent from England and a lot from Belfast. I heard there was a bridge blown up so that the train can’t reach Dublin. I hope they won’t start in Belfast. I know 3 girls that went to Dublin on Monday, and they have not arrived home yet. I am glad there is no one belonging to us in it. They say there is a lot killed and wounded. I think youse are fairly safe out there. I wish it was all over. What does the Crawlies [?] say about it? Are they for it? The volunteers around here have all been called up.

We have got our new minister settled. He seems very nice. He was preaching on Sunday night himself and the church was packed. I never saw so many people in it before, and everyone seemed to like him. He has had a wedding and a funeral. He is only there a week today. He is to start visiting soon.

Had you any word from Lizzie lately? How is she getting on? It was very good of you sending me the wee card. I thank you all for it. If you get any word from Johnnie will you write soon and let me know.

Gordon Copeland was telling me he was up at Tullyhappy on Tuesday. He says when he was coming back at night he had to wait at Goraghwood from 7.30 till 9 o’clock before he could get a train. Maybe it was just as well I was not home. If you don’t hear from Johnnie don be too annoyed because there is very few boats running. They may not be abile to get the mails [sic] across.

I think this is all now. I wll send you a paper. Write me a good long letter soon. Give my best love to all. I remain your loving daughter,

Jeannie

Write soon to me.

160427 Jeannie 01

160427 Jeannie 02

in 1916 - France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Saturday 29 April, 1916  by

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 sending got to me. So I only got it last night. That is something like 10 days it took it coming, and it only takes a letter 4 days. So you will understand why I was so long in writing. Well to start with I must thank you for what you sent to me in your parcel. You are so awful good to me. I do not know how I will ever repay you. All in the parcel was all right. There was nothing gone astray. You must have spent some time in packing it.

Well we have got Easter over such as it was. You would not have known that it was Easter. Only the Germans kept quiet all day on Sunday but they gave us a few shells on Monday, which our fellows paid back in dead earnest. But its just the same every day. I wonder how far the end off. There is not many out here would care it was all over tomorrow. The weather is still keeping good it is like summer today and I hope it continues for the wet weather is not very pleasant. I suppose the people at home are busy putting in the crop. Have you got the garden in yet. You can put my share in I will be home before they are dug. Well I must thank you again for your parcel which we enjoyed very much as it was a change from the loaf bread and I think I must now draw to a close as I must write to Annie tonight but I will not be long in writing to you again.

I remain
Your Loving Son

John Adams

in 1916 - France / France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 1 comments
Saturday 13 May, 1916  by

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 your usual Good Health. I suppose by this time you will think me dead, but thank Goodness I am still on the land of the living.

After I got wounded the Chaplin promised to write to you and tell you and so did Jack. Did they do so. You see I have not got a letter since then. And I may tell you that many a time I wondered how youse were getting on at Home. And many a time I was very sorry that I could not write to let you know how I was doing.

But as my hand is getting alright I will try and explain to you how it happened. It was on Monday night the 1st of May. And we were out of the Trenches at the time. But the Batt that we were doing reserves to was supposed to be attacked. And we got orders to go up to support them. it was about 10 oclock at night and very dark. And when ourside our quarters the Order was given to load up our rifles. So I happened to be rather late getting out and when I got out I was standing side ways to where the men were, when one of them by accident let of a round. The bullet passing through my rifle and exploding it in my left hand. The splinters tearing the whole heart out of my hand. I had to go through two operations for to get them out. It did feel sore I may tell you. But you not be uneasy as I am getting alright now, as I have the worse of it over me. And it might have been far worse if I had lost my hand.

The weather is still keeping very wet now it is simply pouring today. I suppose it is much the same at home. How is Annie and Jimmy getting on. I am sorry I cannot write to them as all my writing paper is in my rucksack and this is all I have got with me. But I may tell you many a time when lying here I thought often about youse all. And I did not know how youse were doing as I did not get a letter from anyone since I got wounded. That is nearly a fortnight today. I wish my hand was better until I would get out again as I am fed up knowcking about and not getting any letters to know how all is getting on.

I believe all the riots in Dublin is settled and near time too. If they would come out heere they would get plenty of fighting to do, without starting at hhome. If the poor fellows had the [?] and stuff that they destroyed out here they would be glad of it. But its as well that they put an end to it.

I think I must draw to a close as my hand pains me still when I use it too much. Excuse this horrible scribble. I now close hoping soon to hear from you.

I remain
Your Loving Son

John Adams

in 1916 - Wounded / France / Letter / Wounded and Recovery 1916 2 comments
Sunday 21 May, 1916  by

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 and still no sign of any. So I have given up hope of getting any of them until I rejoin my Regt and I hope that will not be long now, I am still in hospital, the same one as I in the last time I wrote home. I thought at that time that I would have been out by this time. But my hand was so liong in healing up the Doctor though that there must still be some of the splinters in it. So he had to open it up again, and got one in the heart of my hand. So it was put as far back as ever. Only it has nothing to do now but heal up. And by the time you get this letter I will be back at my duty again.

Many a time I lie and wonder how youse are all getting on at home. But I hope youse are all still in your usual good health. I know it is not your fault at home that I am not getting any letters. They come all right to the Batt – where they are endorsed ‘Hospital’ and sent away again. And the letters may go back home again for all I know or I suppose fro all the care so long as they get rid of them.

They are very nice fellows in this hospital. I knew some of them since we were in Clandeboye. And they were in Newry for some time, about the time that we were on the Route March through the Co Armagh. I am telling you this to let you know that I am not altogether among strangers as you may suppose. I was talking to Sammie Moffat about a week ago. He came to see me. He is just the same. I need not tell you I was glad to see him. It was like a breath from home to talk to him. Those at home cannot realise how much good it does one to meet someone they know out here. It brings fond memories of happier days.

the weather still keeps good and is is most pleasant. I hope the weather at home is also fine. We will so be into the summer months again. I wonder what it will hold for each of us. It may bring sorrow for some and joy for others. But I suppose what ever comes it will be for the best and we will have to put up with it. It is all in a good man’s hand and he knows what is best for each of us. So we will have to leave it at that.

Tell Annie and Jimmy that I was asking for them. I hope that they are both in good health, as well as yourself. You can tell them I will write to them as soon as I get back to duty. But this is all the writing papoer I have got until I get back. My store of envelopes has run done. If you are writing to Jennie you may tell her that I am getting on all right. I cannot get writing to her now, but shall do so as soon as I get back. I am sending Jimmy a couple of cuttings out of an old newspaper. He might like them. I think this is about all so I must draw to a close. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Good night
I remain
Your Loving Son
John Adams

in 1916 - Wounded / France / Letter / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Sunday 28 May, 1916  by

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 any heavy work. but the Captain was that pleased to see me back that he is letting me run about for a week without doing anything. I have got all your letters and was glad to know that all at home are still in good health. Well Dear Mother I suppose you will be glad to know that I have got another stripe since I came back. I have been promoted to the rank of Cpl. and am getting staying in my own Company.

The weather is simply lovely, it is just like summer this afternoon. I hope youse are having good weather at home for it is very pleasant. I hope Annie and Jimmy and yourself are keeping well. (You are right to keep fretting it will do you a whole lot of good.) [sic] I am beginning to think that you will never have sense. Well I may tell you if I havd started fretting over my hand I would not be back here today. You would have had me home with only one hand. But I kept up my heart and now you see the result of it. Well I think I have not much more to say. I will write soon again.

I remain
Ever your Loving Son

John Adams

in 1916 - Wounded / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Wednesday 14 June, 1916  by

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 sent for to tell the truth I had nothing to smoke for a couple of days. I may as well tell you I am back in hospital again. I came out of it too soon and it seems that the splinters was not all out. So it broke out again and I had to go back. But its only a rest camp that I am in now. And only about half a mile from where the Regt is lying so anything that comes for me J. McCollough keeps them for me and sends them up. But somehow I missed that letter that you said you wrote on last Monday. I think he must have sent it by post so it would take it much longer coming. But I do not want you to be uneasy about me, as I will soon be alright. I was not going to tell you about it, only I thought that perhaps Jack would be writing home and telling you about it and that you would think it worse then what it was.

I just got your letter the other day telling me of the death of William Brown. It must have been very sudden for I never heard of him been ill. You see the reason I was so long in getting the letter I was just into hospital at the time and they did not know where I was so it was posted back again and got over the most part of France before I got it back again. Well that will be changes there. I thought be tooked quite all right the time I was home on leave but a short time makes a long of changes. But what can we expect but changes. There has been a lot since we came away 9 months ago. But the changes will only start when this war is over and the ones that is left live to get home. It is then that the ones that have fallen will be missed. But its all the fortunes of war and it will be a bad war indeed if all is killed. Someone will be left to tell the tale.

Well how is Jimmy getting on. He might take half an hour on Sunday and write to me a line. I suppose it is all the day he has. How does the Daylight Saving Bill affect him. It must be very hard rising at 5 o’clock when the clock says it is 6. It is starting with us today so I do not know how we will like it. I suppose they want to give us an extra hour at the Germans.

I suppose Annie is getting on all right. I had not a letter from her for long time. I think long when I do not hear from youse. I must soon write to her and to Jimmy too but there is not much to write about. Ask her if she remembers one 13th July that we came home from the Pass in J. Garvey car though Glenanne. That a man called Willie Whiteside and a wee child came home with us. Well I met him the other day. He is in the R. E. and he was asking me if I remembered it, and how my sister was getting on. He was saying that we would hardly be home for this 13th and I was of the same opinion.

I do not think I was ever telling you about meeting the Rev. Paton of Downshire Road, Newry out here. It was after I came out of hospital. We were lying at a place called the Mound Keep on the railroad that runs between Paris and Berlin. It was on a Sat afternoon and Sgt Gordon and I was sitting outside our dugout when this Chaplain came along and he stopped to speak to some of our Officers and I saw him always looking over to where Willie and I was sitting. So when he turned to come away he came over to where we were sitting. Of course we arose and saluted him.

And then he said to me Corpl have I ever saw you any place before, so I said I do not remember having met you before Sir. And then he asked me what part of Ireland I was from. So I told him. And he asked what I worked at when I was at home. So I told him that I had lived with the Rev. Meeke for a number of years. So then he said he knew that he had seen me before, and asked me did I not remember having met him on one occasion he was coming to preach in Kingsmills. But still I could not remember him. So he told me he was Paton of the Downshire Road. So then it came back to my memory. He came to preach one Friday before the Communion. So I told him then that I remembered it. So he was preaching to us the next day (Sunday) and when he had finished he came over and told me he would write to Mr Meeke and tell him he had seen me.

Well I think I have told you about all the news. Only that all the chaps of the North Irish Horse is up this part of the line. But I have never yet saw any of them. When we are in one village they are in another, so that is how we miss them. Harry Whiteside is a Sgt Major now, and Willie Lockart is still a Sgt. The Newtown [Hamilton] fellows are two villages from us. I think I must draw to a close. Hoping this may find yourself and all at home in your usual good health.

As I remain
Your Loving Son

John Adams

in 1916 - Wounded / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Saturday 17 June, 1916  by

Transferred to No 18 Ambulance Train

John Adams had been readmitted to hospital with a recurring infection and inflammation of the wound as indicated in his letter of 14th June.

Records from are available from No 3 Casualty Clearing Station, then at Puchevillers behind the lines at Hamel. See https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/records/7869695/corporal-j-adams-royal-irish-rifles/

These records indicate the following

Index number of admission: T1051

Ailment: S[ick]. Inflammation of connective tissue, hand

Date of Admission for Original Ailment: 17/06/1916

Date Transferred to Sick Convoy: 18/06/1916

Number/Designation of Ward: A1

Notes written in the Observations Column: 110th Field Ambulance. To No.18 Ambulance Train.

110th Field Ambulance was part of 36th Ulster Division, and in June 1916 was located at Clairfaye Farm between Varennes and Léalvillers.

For more on No 18 Ambulance train see http://www.warwickshirerailways.com/misc/misc_equip246.htm

Archive Reference: MH106/311 can be found at The National Archives in Kew, and contains First World War Representative Medical Records of Servicemen from No. 3 Casualty Clearing Station

 

in 1916 - Wounded / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Friday 30 June, 1916  by

Johnny Reid: Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
2 June 1916
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
30th June 1916
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Friday 30 June, 1916  by

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 not have minded about sending me any cigarettes as I get more here than I can smoke. The people here are so very good to us. The factory girls gives so much out of their pay each week, for comforts for us while we are here. And comes to visit us 4 days a week. I often heard it said that Scotch people were hard with their money. But I will believe it no longer. For they do not show it here. We are as well of here as we would be in Ireland. Perhaps better.

The weather is very fine here just now, and this is a lovely place. Tomorrow is the first of the month, and Wednesday will be the 12th. What changes since the last. Where is the men going this year. I hope they will get good days. You might tell Annie and Jimmy to write and tell me all the news and how things are going on. I never though as long for letters before as I did since I came here. Well there is not much more to tell you about. I cannot tell you how my hand will do until it heals up, it has been opened so often. Well don’t forget to tell Annie I will be expecting a letter from her very soon.

I thank you again for what you sent to me. I shall not forget you for it. No more at present.

I remain
Your Loving Son

John Adams

in 1916 - Recovery / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Monday 3 July, 1916  by

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 you wrote this. I received your parcel all right, and many thanks for what you sent. Perhaps some day I may be able to repay you. Well my hand is going on all right, but it will be some time before its better. But I am all right here. I have nothing to complain of. They are all so very good to us. You might tell Annie I want her to write a line to me soon. I have not heard from her for a long time.

How is Jimmy getting on. I see some account of there being no 12th this year. Tell Jimmy not to wear all the light boots out to I get home as I am tired carrying those heavy ones about, and I will be glad to get them off for a couple of days. You can tell him I said that I will exchange him when I go home. He might also write and let me know how things are going on. The weather is keeping wet here now. I only wish it would clear up. As we are about sick of rain now. I hope it is fine when I get home. No more at present. Hoping this will find yourself and all at home in good health.

I remain
Your Loving Son

John Adams

in 1916 - Recovery / Wounded and Recovery 1916 2 comments
Wednesday 5 July, 1916  by

Kilmacolm: “This is a view of a place that we went for a drive to yesterday”

Paisley, 5.7.16

Dear Mother
Just a card to let you know that I am getting on alright.  Hoping all at home are the same.  This is a view of a place that we went for a drive to yesterday.  It is about 11 miles from here.  The weather is not too bad now and I hope it keeps good when I get home.
Your son
John.

Postcard shows:  Cross and Main Street, Kilmacolm See on Google Maps.

160705 Kilmacolm 02160705 Kilmacolm 01

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Friday 7 July, 1916  by

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 for myself I am getting on alright and may be able to go home in the end of the month. But we do not leave here to go home. We have to go up to Glasgow and may be kept there for some time.

Thanks very much for the stamps which you sent. I am sending you a cutting of a newspaper with all the names of the men addmited to this place the night we came over. I had 2 letters from Jennie and she seems to lie in Good Health.

We were out for a drive on last Tuesday to a place about 11 miles from here. It was a lovely drive we went on Brakes and it took us four Hours to get to it. We got our tea before we left it and the weather was very good. But it is raining today I do hope it soon clears up as I do not want any rain when I go home.

I suppose your flowers look well have you many this year. And did the Orange Lilies come our. I saw a lovely garden of Orange Lilies at this place on Tuesday. They were very nice.

Well I think I must draw to a close. Hoping to hear from you soon again.

I remain
Your Loving Son

John Adams

in 1916 - Recovery / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Wednesday 12 July, 1916  by

Paisley: “We have lost a lot of Officers”

No postmark – probably included in a letter.

12 July 1916
Dear Jimmy,
Just a PC hoping it will find you still enjoying the usual good health as this leaves myself not so bad at the time of writing.  How are you getting on this weather, it is very wet?  It is just as well that they are not going anywhere today.  It is simply pouring.  It is as bad as the 12th that we went to Tandragee.  Do you remember that day?  We yesterday was fine for a wander [?] and we were at Lock [sic] Lomond for a day’s outing.  It is a lovely place.  We were out for a sail on a motor boat and it was splendid.  I heard J McCullagh was wounded, but I cannot see his name in the list.  I do hope it is not time.  There is about 10 Bessbrook wounded.  I see a Brown name [A Brown?].  We have lost a lot of Officers.  Both our Captains are wounded, but there is not many Ptes in D. Coy wounded that I can see.  I hope it will soon be over.
No more at present, Jack.

160712 Jimmy Lomond 01 160712 Jimmy Lomond 02

Postcard shows “Inversnald Hotel and Falls, Loch Lomond”.  Taken from the water, a large hotel dominates the photograph, with a waterfall tumbling into the lake beneath a bridge on the right.  Small boats are scattered on the waterline, and a path slopes from the lake up to the hotel.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Inversnaid+Hotel/@56.2422687,-4.6860636,662m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x48890261fa434821:0xdf979e3283a214ab!6m1!1e1

in 1916 - Recovery / Postcard / Scotland / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Sunday 16 July, 1916  by

Johnny Reid: Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
9th July 1916
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
16th July 1916
in Johnny Reid / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Wednesday 19 July, 1916  by

Rouken Glen: “I see in last week’s paper that I have lost most of my section.”

Mr James M Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh
Ireland

Postmark 19 July 1916

19 July 1916

Dear Jimmy

Just a card to let you know how I am getting on.  You never think of writing to me at all.  How are you getting on?  This is the place we were at for a drive on yesterday.  I think I will be going home next week.  I am not quite sure yet.  I see in last week’s paper that I have lost most of my section.  Hard luck but I suppose it is what may be expected.  No more now.

Jack

 

160719 Rouken Glen 02 160719 Rouken Glen 01
Postcard shows “Lover’s Walk, Rouken Glen”:  a path winds between densely planted shrubs and trees.  A distant couple approach, indistinctly, at the far end of the path.

in 1916 - Recovery / Postcard / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Wednesday 19 July, 1916  by

Falls at Rouken Glen

Postmark: Paisley, 19 July 1916

19.7.16

Dear Mother

Just a line hoping will still find yourself and all a home in your usual good health, as this leaves myself going on alright.  I expect to be going home next week, if I keep going on as I am now.  But I am not sure yet.  No more at present.

Your son

John

16 07 19 Paisley Rouken 02

16 07 19 Paisley Rouken 01

Postcard shows:

“The falls, Rouken Glen”.   A view of a cascade through a narrow, wooded valley.

Current views: Flickr and Google Maps. Odd that the bridge is not visible in the postcard.  It was there in 1916.

in 1916 - Recovery / Ireland / Postcard / Scotland / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Thursday 20 July, 1916  by

Paisley: “I am leaving here on Sat 22nd”

Postmark: Paisley 20 July 1916

20.7.16

Dear Mother

Just a line to say that I am leaving here on Sat 22nd.  I do not know yet if I am going home, but I expect I am.  Will write again and let you know.  No more at present.

Your loving son

John

160720 Paisley 02

160720 Paisley 01

Postcard shows:

“Picturesque Paisley”.  A view across to Thomas Coats Memorial Church and the John Neilson Institution, perhaps over a canal where Canal Street now runs. Google StreetView.

in 1916 - Wounded / Postcard / Scotland / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Sunday 23 July, 1916  by

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 about. I left Paisley on yesterday so they kept me here as I could not get a boat across last night.

The weather is keeping very nice it is a lovely day today.

I hope it keeps like this when I get home. I think this is all now until I get home on Tuesday.

I remain
Your Loving Son
John Adams

in 1916 - Recovery / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Thursday 27 July, 1916  by

Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
27th July 1916
in 1916 - Recovery / Wounded and Recovery 1916 0 comments
Monday 31 July, 1916  by

Johnny Reid: Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
17th 1916
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
31st July 1916
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Saturday 12 August, 1916  by

Johnny Reid: Field Postcard

NOTHING is to be written on this side except
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card
addressed to the sender of this card.]

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

sick

wounded

and am going on well.

and hope to be discharged soon.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your

letter dated
6/8/1916
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
12th August 1916
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Sunday 13 August, 1916  by

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 could not manage it. This is the first I have written since I wrote to you. You wanted me to get someone to write for me. But I would not ask anyone to do so as are all strangers to me. And I knew you would think me alright, as long as I am here. Well I am getting on alright and will soon be better again. But I am still attending the Dr. I had no word from Jimmy yet.

The Camp is still closed, but I think it will soon be opened and I shall go up to see you as soon as I can get a pass in a weeks time or so. Davy Patterson must have died sudden at the Last. I hope you have got all right again yourself. It is lovely weather now. I hope it lasts as it is most pleasant. I suppose Jimmy and Annie are both working every day. It is good weather for getting the flax pulled. Well I hope you will forgive me for not writing to you sooner. And I hope to hear from you soon again. I think I will have to close now. Excuse this scribble as I have got the proper use of my arm yet.

I remain
Your Loving Son

J Adams

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Wednesday 23 August, 1916  by

Newtownards: “I am getting on alright”

Postmark:
Newtownards
23 August 1916

Addressed to:
Mrs John Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh

Dear Mother
Just a card to let you know I am getting on alright, hoping yourself and all at home are keeping in good health.  The weather is keeping quite nice.  No more at present.
Johnnie

160823 Newtownards 01 160823 Newtownards 02
Postcard shows: “Greetings to my loved ones at home.”
A soldier writes a letter, using his hat on his knee as his desk.  In his thoughts are his wife and young daughter.
“Here’s  a greeting to my loved ones,
Just to day all’s well with me,
And to tell them I am thinking,
Of the home I’d love to see.
Cares there are – yet sweet the knowledge
That one holds a place apart,
Very warm and tender in each
Faithful loving heart.  “
Madeleine St Clair

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Tuesday 12 September, 1916  by

Jeannie: Bangor

Postmark: Bangor, Down, Sept 13, 1916

12 Sept 1916
Mrs Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh

Dear Mother,
This is just a wee line to say I am well and got your letter alright.  I will write soon.  I had a PC from J.  He was not sick when I saw him at all, only the doctors say the hand is no good till the dirt comes out.  I am sure he is very lonely.  I had a letter from Jack.  He is a srgt now.  I wants J to write to him.  I am having a grand time down here.  We are out all the time.  This is our front, only the waves are lovely.  I hope you are all well.  I have the [].  Write soon with love from Jeanie [sic]
160913 Jeannie Bangor 01 160913 Jeannie Bangor 02
Postcard shows ‘Ballyholme, Bangor’, a view of the bay from some way behind the seafront, over a calm sea.

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Friday 29 September, 1916  by

Jeannie: Bangor

Postmark Sept 29, 1916

Mrs Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh

Dear [Mother]

[I] received your letter, will write soon.  We leave here on Monday.  Am writing this on the [shore?].  Hope you are not too lonely.  Have had a very good time.  [Shane?] enjoyed it very much.  The weather is lovely just now.  I tried to get some shells but there is nothing but fine sand.  A lot of people has gone away to [dog?].
Love from Jeannie
I have been to this church.
160929 Jeannie Bangor 01 160929 Jeannie Bangor 02

Postcard shows ‘[First] Presbyterian Church, Bangor, Co. Down.’
A simple view of the ivy covered front of the church, including its steepled tower.  The card has been nibbled by mice.
Google StreetView

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Saturday 30 September, 1916  by

Jeannie: Bangor

Postmark Sept 30 1916

Mrs Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh

Dear Mother

This is just to say we are leaving here on Monday so will write when I get to Holywood.  I am sorry going for I have had a very good time.  The weather has got cold.  This is our  part [?].  We are just in behind the houses, down this opening [marked with an X].  How is Jimmie?
Love
Jenny.

 

163009 Jennie Bangor 01 163009 Jennie Bangor 02

Postcard shows ‘Ballyholme Beach, Bangor, Co. Down’.  A busy beach, with many people strolling on the sand, sitting on the bank and paddling in the sea.
Google StreetView

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Saturday 7 October, 1916  by

Jeannie: “Baby was vaxinated”

Postmark: Holywood, 07 Oct 1916

Mrs Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh

Dear Mother,
Sorry I have been so long in sending those things but I will soon.  I have been so busy.  Baby was vaxinated [sic] – his arm is sore.  I will write soon.  Got your letter alright.  Glad to know about J being up.  Hope all is well.  Give my love to all.
Your loving
J Adams

161007 Jeannie Cultra 01 161007 Jeannie Cultra 02

Postcard shows: ‘Cultra Manor, Co. Down’.  A view across a mown field to a large house.  Haystacks stand in the foreground, and beyond lies Belfast Lough and the Antrim coast.

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Friday 20 October, 1916  by

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. I was thinking long to hear from you when I got your letter saying that you had not heard from me. Well I hope yourself and all at home are still in good health and I hope Annie is quite better and that Jimmy is not working too hard.

I am getting on here alright. I am liking the place better than I did at the first. There was a Board of Docs here some time ago and a lot of men was passed fit and send back to their units. But I was put back for further treatment so I do not know now when I may get away from here. But you need not be uneasy about me as I am alright. I think I will get a pass sometime and go home to see youse. But it means a lot of money. It would take 15′ [15 shillings?] to take me to Bessbrook station at half fare.

[the copy of the second page is cut off on the rhs]
…need not expect me to go home very often…nothing I want you to send me. I thank you …for what you have sent me. I shall not …and the rest for it. Do you know did…a woollen jacket that Jennie knit for … home any time I was there. I cannot think…I left it. It was one without buttons if …of leave it at home you need not bother…The weather is not so bad as it was …ago but what can we expect now the …will soon be here. Well I hope you will …me for not writing sooner to you. I will not …happen again. I think I must draw to a …and I will write soon again. Hoping…from you soon and hoping all at home …good health.

Good bye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie

[Location: could be either Newtownards or Tipperary]

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Saturday 28 October, 1916  by

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 got very wet this last while, nothing but rain every day. But what can we expect at this time of the year. I hope Jimmy got home alright from the station on the day I came away. We had some time to wait from we got there. As the train did not go out as soon as I expected. But it was as well to be too early as too late. I got back here alright and feel nothing the worse for the journey. But I do not think I would take on the same thing again. Well I think if all is well and me here that long I will get a leave home at Christmas. And it will not be long in wearing round to that. I am going to write to Jack tonight was there any word from him since. I wonder will he get home. I hope he does. I had no word from Jennie this long time. I think she has forgot that I am here.

Was Jimmy telling you that we met Mr Fourie [?] on Monday night when we were going down to Bessbrook. He seemed quite pleased to see me. I as not know if he meant it or not. Nor do I care. I think I have no more to write about now so I must stop. Hoping to hear from you soon.

I remain
Your Loving Son

J Adams

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Wednesday 15 November, 1916  by

Tipperary: “The weather has got very wet”

Postmark
Tipperary
6 November 1916

Addressed to:
Mrs John Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh

5-11-16
Dear Mother
Just a card hoping it will find all at home in good health as this leaves myself in the same at present.  The weather has got very wet.  But we need expect nothing but winter now.  This is all now, but I will write soon again.
Your loving son
J Adams
161106 Tipperary 01 161106 Tipperary 02
Postcard shows Cromwell’s Fort, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin:  A man stands looking at a low, crenellated wall, enclosing a sturdy stone building behind.  The photograph is taken from the road, and behind stands a wooded area, blessed with Scots pines.

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Sunday 17 December, 1916  by

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 at present. The weather has got very frosty this last while. But I hope it may continue as it is very pleasant and is much better than the rain. Well Dear Mother there is no chance of me getting home for Xmas as the storeman is away tomorrow (Mon) for 10 days so he will not be back until the Wed after xmas. So the two of us could not get away together. But I hope youse will have a good xmas at home and youse can have a little thought for the Black Sheep up in the Wilds of Tipperary. You might tell Jimmy to write me a few lines and let me know how the dance came off. Well I think this is all now. I will hardly have time to write again to the end of the week. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Good bye
I remain
Your Loving Son

J Adams

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