1915 - France

Sunday 3 October, 1915  by

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

[undated]
Southampton
Sunday

My Dear Mother

We have arrived here on our way out. We left Bordon last night at 11.30 arrived here at 2 o’clock and will not leave here until 7 o’clock tonight.

We will get to France sometime at 7.30 tomorrow morning. I sent home a small parcel. I suppose you will get it alright. I hope youse are all keeping in good health, as this leaves me in the best of spirits at present.

Will write as soon as I get time. This is a fine dock. This is where all the soldiers go from to the front. Remember me to Annie and Jimmy. Tell them I will write soon to them.

I remain
Your loving son
[Johnnie]

Date evidence: 9th Bn R.I.F. arrived in France at 6.30 am on 4 October 1915, according to Maj John George Brew’s account.

in 1915 - France / England / Letter 0 comments
Monday 4 October, 1915  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
4th October 1915
in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Thursday 7 October, 1915  by

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 we are in amongst are very nice and would do anything for us at all. The only thing we cannot get any ciggireets [sic] to buy and I would like very much if you could send me a few and a lighter. Jimmy can get it in Newry for a few pence as we cannot get matches either.

This is all I have time for now. Hoping [Annie] and Jimmy is well. Will write later on.

I remain
Your loving son
John

[on the reverse of the same piece of paper]

D Company
9th Roy. Irish Fusiliers
108 Infantry Bde
36 Ulster Div
Brit Expd Force
France

I received your letter tonight but I had not time to read it before the post. Will answer it later.

Location evidence from Major Brew’s account.

in 1915 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Saturday 9 October, 1915  by

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

Postmark: Crossmichael, 09 October 1915

Manse of Crossmichael, Castle Douglas

Dear Mrs Adams,

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

This is a picture of the church.

Kind regards from both of us.

Yours sincerely

E.G. Torrie

151009 Crossmichael 02

151009 Crossmichael 01

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

From Google StreetView

in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 / Postcard 0 comments
Tuesday 19 October, 1915  by

Jeannie: “Poor Johnnie, I am sure he is lonely”

Church Hill
Holywood
Co. Down

19 Oct 1915

My Dear Mother,

This is just a wee line to say I had a postcard from Johnnie this morning to say he got my parcel alright.  Yours had not arrived when he wrote.  He said he had not heard from home for a good while but I am sure he has all by now.  He got a pair of socks from Mrs Meeke.  It was very good of her sending them.  I was thinking of sending him an apple cake and some nuts [sic] for Halloweve.  Poor Johnnie, I am sure he is lonely.  I have wrote him a good long letter.  Mr Chambers says it’s wonderful how much good a letter from home does them, how it brightens them up.  I hope Johnnie will come back safe.  I hope Mother Dear you are not fretting too much.  I know it’s very hard to keep from it and I think they are in great danger sometimes but God can take care of him there as well as at home and all we can do is pray for him.

I hope you are all well.  I will write longer next time.  I had a letter from T Davidson.  He says he is coming home and he is to leave Rouen this week.  I hope Johnnie’s hands are getting better.  Tell him to be good to that stuff, there is 5 pence worth in it.

Give my love to all and write soon,

I remain your loving daughter,
Jeannie
Write soon.

 

151019 Jeannie

in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Thursday 21 October, 1915  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
15 October 1915
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
21st October 1915
in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Thursday 21 October, 1915  by

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 follows – censor?] He and Robt. Crozier’s son came into our tent one evening and were surprised to find me. I was plsd to see them. They were both fit and well. John has got much fatter and firmer looking. Experience and responsibility are doing him good. He looks every inch a man and I have no doubt he will do credit to himself wherever he goes. You may make your mind easy as to that. They were in the best of spirits. They have now moved away from my neighbourhood… [rest of letter missing]

[Presumably written by S.W. Chambers to Mary Jane Adams. We believe the author to be Rev. Samuel Waugh Chambers of First Holywood Presbyterian Church, Co. Down. He was the employer of John Adams’ sister Jeannie, and had been a minister at Cremore Presbyterian Church near Poyntzpass from 1898-1907. The YMCA notepaper may mean that Rev. Chambers was working for the YMCA, and this is further indicated by a Medal Record card on Ancestry.co.uk. (needs an account to link to this, unfortunately).

Location evidence: Major Brew’s account indicates that the 9th Bn R.I.F. were in Rainneville around this time.]

in 1915 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Saturday 23 October, 1915  by

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 of them is opened at least I get all you send and many thanks for what you have sent me. Some day I may be able to repay you. We are up here in the trenches these last few days. I am writing this letter on the side of the trench. No less than 5 shells has burst beside me since I started to write. One may get used to rifle bullets and does, but you never can get used to the shells. They make such an awful noise. I hope all at home are well. Tell Jimmy that I will write a long letter as soon as we are relieve[d] for a rest. But thank him from me for the razor. And tell him I shall never forget him for it and to be good to yourself and to thank God for his bed every night he lies down for many a poor fellow out here would give their life for one night in bed. I have to stop now as I have to take my section up to the fire trench again. We were relieve[d] for a few hours. Write soon.
I remain your loving son John

Location information: from Major John George Brew’s account. This was the first week of action that the 9th Bn R.I.F. saw.

in 1915 - France / France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Friday 5 November, 1915  by

T. Davidson: “Just a line to say I have arrived here & in good health”

Postmark: Omagh, 5 November 1915

Dear Aunt

Just a line to say I have arrived here & in good health. Will write later. Hoping all is in good health.

From your ever loving nephew,

THD

151105 Omagh 02

151105 Omagh 01

Postcard shows:

“Second Presbyterian Church, Omagh”, a view of the stone church, with pinnacles and an open belfry. The bell is missing.

Now known as Trinity Presbyterian Church: Google StreetView

in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 / Ireland / Postcard 0 comments
Friday 19 November, 1915  by

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 parcel alright. Many thanks for what you sent to me. But as I said in my card you need not send anything out here in the line of clothes for we get plenty of things out here in the line of shirts or underwear. I hope you are got alright by his time. I think you are felting [fretting] too much and it won’t do you any good for I am alright out here. And if anything happens to me you will have the satisfaction of knowing that I have done whatever I could to keep the Germans back and I think for each man that falls out here there should be two sent out. Nothing but the overwhelming force of men will ever bring the war to a close. And I wonder that anyone can sit at home that can come out here and see this war going on and does not help to bring it to a finish.

I suppose Jimmy is busy every day. Is all the potatoes is all out [?] by this time. The weather is got very wet out here now. Was Tommy up yet or is he home? I suppose he will hardly stop on. He has done his share. When everyone has done as much the war is over. Jack is in good health. Him and I are still together. I think this is all I have tome for now. Hoping it will find all at home in good health as it leaves me in the same here at present.

I remain
Your loving son
John Adams

in 1915 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Monday 29 November, 1915  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
26 November 1915
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
29th November 1915
in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Sunday 5 December, 1915  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
1/12/15
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
5th December 1915
in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Friday 10 December, 1915  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
6 December 1915
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
10th December 1915
in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Thursday 16 December, 1915  by

France: “The weather still keeps wet, but I think it is the same all over”

Postmark: Field Post Office 108, 18 December 1915
Also marked “Passed Censor No. 2524” and appears to be signed by “R. S. Hood”

16-12-15

Dear Mother,

I received your letter last night. Glad to know that you have got quite alright again. Hoping all at home are in their usual good health as this leaves me in the same at present. The weather still keeps wet, but I think it is the same all over. All at present, will write later.

J. Adams

151218 Souvenir 02

151218 Souvenir 01

Postcard shows:

“Souvenir from France”: A soldier rests, holding his rifle as a staff and resting his arm on his knee. He dreams of his sweetheart at home, who in turn thinks of him.

in 1915 - France / France / France 1915-1916 / Postcard 0 comments
Sunday 19 December, 1915  by

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 liked the little card I send. They are a rare thing out here and we would give any money for them. And I may tell you the French people know how to put their price on them when they know that you want them.

You need not be a bit sorry at not being able to send me any parcel for Xmas for I think I have had my share of them. I had two from Jennie and two from Louis Morton and one from Mrs Meeke and Xmas cards from the world over. I had also a letter from Mr Torrie [?] saying that he had got one of my photos and how glad he was to get it. Also giving me great praises for […] what I call nothing but doing my duty.

Jennie was telling me about that book she sent to you […] got that little piece of paper that is the section that I am in charge of No. 3. Jack is also in it. So we are always together and I hope we may get home together but I am afraid of it this time as I will have to toss up for [it] this time. I do not want to give you too much hope but if all goes and we are spared we might get a race home in the New Year. But its only might no more.

I think Jimmy might write and let me know how all is going on. He did not happen to tell us that they had a dance in Knockavannon in connection with the Black Number. But we got tickets for it out here. I think it would not have done him much harm to have let us know as we used to belong to it at one time.

Today is fine and there is a change for we have had very cold and wet weather this last while. But I believe they are having snow in Warrenpoint and I hope it does not come our way as God knows we are bad enough without it. We are likely to take our Xmas dinner in the trenches this year. But we are as contented as well there as any place else. In fact I would rather be in them as out as the time passes more quickly in them.

I am glad you have got alright again but the weather is against you getting well quickly.

Tell Annie I will write to her soon. I got her card and handkerchief. Many thanks [to] her for the same.

I think I must draw to a close as we are on duty today and I have no more thus you may excuse this scribble. I will write soon again.

I am sending you a little bit of paper with Queen Mary’s own handwriting on it we got in a pair of mittens just as a keepsake from France.

I remain
Your loving son
John Adams

in 1915 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1915-1916 / Letter 0 comments
Monday 20 December, 1915  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
16 December 1915
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
20th December 1915
in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments
Wednesday 22 December, 1915  by

G: “just a few lines to let you know I am still thinking about you”

Postmark: none – enclosed in a letter?

Dated 22 Dec “19015”, Balvaig

Return address?
Messrs Finchey
York Street

My Dear John

Just a line hoping you are quite well and safe. I hope you will excuse if I have got a very bad hand, I am in pain with it so this is just a few lines to let you know I am still thinking about you. It is near Chrismas now. The time is working up until we are going home. I won’t be sorry, I am fed up with this life. Well I will say goodbye for the present hoping to hear from you soon. Good by Dear. I am yours to a sender all [?] G.

The message is surrounded by a number of “x” kiss marks.

Balvaig 02

Balvaig 01

Postcard shows:
“Forget me not. God be with you till we meet again. Ships and trains may take away, but friendship & love with us always will stay.” A card showing a map of Australia in the centre. Above, two hands, a man and a woman, hold each end of a knotted cord. The card also shows a ship and a train, and is decorated with glitter.

in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 / Postcard 0 comments
Wednesday 22 December, 1915  by

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 please you. They next size was 7s6d it was too dear just now. I hope you will put it on and wear it. I will get you a new one when it’s done.

I had a long letter from Johnnie yesterday. He is well and enjoyed all in the parcels. He wrote a very nice letter to Mrs Trimble thanking her for the trench cooker. Mr Trimble said they were two of the nicest letters ever he read. They think the like of him is not living. He said he was thankful for all in the parcels but he was gladdest to see the trench ointment than all I sent. It kills the vermin and cools their skin. They say their shirts are just living and they are over run with rats. I saw in the paper where they have sent 2 thousand dogs from Paris up to the trenches. He says sometimes they sleep in haylofts, sometimes in gateways, but he says the people have been better to him since he went away than ever they were before.

He had a long letter from Mr Tovie [?] and Cissie Morton sent him a parcel but it was lost on the way. He will be very lonely this Christmas. He says Jack and J McCullough [?] and he are together all the time. He says they all had this tea together as soon as my parcels arrived. I am glad I can help to ease their burden a wee bit.

I had a letter from wee John Mateer on Sunday. He says he’s going to write to his Granny again for she is lonely. I sent him a nice book. I hope he won’t tear it. I gave Minnie Crozier a nice wee pair of shoes and socks for the baby and a big ball for Samuel. She was awfully pleased. She was not bad to Johnnie. She is always glad to see me. She’s never long in getting a drop of tea ready anyway.

Now I think this is all. I hope you are better. Johnnie says if anything was to happen to you he does not know what we would do. I must tell you I hear today that Mr Chambers and Mr Archer [?] are both leaving their churches. I heard they were going to America to start Business [sic]. If it is true I think it is a shame.

Tell Annie I am sorry I have not much for her. She might be able to wear this blouse if they were washed. Would the coloured one be any good to you? I hope she will like the wee handkerchief. I hope Jimmie will like the cigarettes. I am sorry I have nothing better, but I have put nearly all the money I had in Johnnie’s parcel. I think he needs all we can give him.

I hope you will excuse this [scribble]. I hope you will be able to read this but I am in a hurry. It will be a lonely Christmas for us all this time, but God has been good to Johnnie for so far and I hope he will bring him home safe. I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope the New Year will be brighter than last year’s.

With best love
I remain
Your loving daughter
Jeannie

Write soon.

in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 / Ireland / Letter 0 comments
Monday 27 December, 1915  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
20/11/15 and 23/11/15
telegram  ,,
 
parcel     ,,
 

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you

lately

for a long time.

Signature only
Date
27th December 1915
in 1915 - France / France 1915-1916 0 comments