I now take the pleasure of writing a few lines to you hoping they will find all at home in good health as this leaves myself at present.
Well Dear Mother I have got some news for you. If all is well I shall be home on leave on Sunday the 9th June. So what do you think of that? I hope nothing happens this time which may prevent me from [gething?].
I hope you have got alright again. The weather is very nice at present. I do hope it may continue until after I get my leave. Well this is all at present. I shall write soon again to you.
This was a letter from William Lockhart, possibly a relative, writing to our Great-Grandfather, Isaac Reid of Searce, Jerretspass, Co. Armagh. Isaac Reid was the Worshipful Master of the local Orange Lodge (LOL 225) and this letter shows how many of the 36th Ulster Division were strongly socially connected through the Order.
Munster in Westfalen, Camp III. Gefangenenlager 3, Germany
17.06.18
Dear Isaac
I have been thinking of sending you a card or a letter since I was captured, but as we are issued with a Post-card every week and a letter like this every other week, it was necessary to let all friends know first.
You will see there is not much danger of writing too much especially on a P.C. however the news is not too plentiful so it does not matter. Well I suppose you will all think everything and wonder how I am getting on.
First of all I am having the best of health, in a very good Camp I have no cause for to grumble now, so that is a lot to say. Well Isaac how are you all getting along, I have not got any letters or anything since we were captured on 27th March, our first Red-cross parcel will arrive in a day or so I believe, so that means a lot to us, it takes about 5 to 6 weeks for a letter.
I want you to write me a nice long letter, you will be able to let me know how you get the 12th over, I hope you will all have a good time if this reaches you before then. No doubt I will be thinking of 225 all the day and hope the next one will be a free one for me.
Will you reember me to one and all of the members of 225 and any enquiring friends, let them know I am well. How is Jack send him my address.
[postcard – Mizpah The Lord watch between me and thee…]
Postmark 21 JU 18
Dear Mother
This is just to say I hope you are all well. I hope you will write soon. I suppose Johnnie has gone by now. Write soon and let me know […?…] Arrived here on Tuesday morn. All is well. Love [?]
Written in Granda’s usual blue pencil, but apparently not from him – wonder if it is from Jimmy?]
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.]
