France

Thursday 31 December, 1914  by

France: “I am sorry to hear of W McKnight”

[YMCA paper]
[to Mrs J Adams, Lisadian]

7388 Lce Cpl T Davidson
Roy. Innis. Fusrs.
Caserne Traupel [Traupel Barracks]
Rouen
France

31.12.14

Dear Aunt

Just a few lines in answer to your kind and welcome letter, which I received alright and was pleased to see by it that youse are all enjoying good health. As for myself I am still enjoying the usual health and you know it has always been good, thank God for it. I am also pleased to hear of John getting home for a few days although it might be a while before he comes out here, and perhaps he may not have to come at all, but if he does I might see him somewhere. You might let me know what Regiment he belongs to and the date he expects to come out on.

I suppose he is the only one from about there that he knows, coming out. I am sorry to hear of W McKnight but as you say I must have been in the hospital for was talking to him the day before I got wounded and he was in good spirits and healthy. We were talking about you and all the people I knew around that way. I was asking him if he knew John and James. I will try and find out all about him although it will be difficult as those who were beside him might be away themselves. If you see them you might give them my heart-felt sympathy hoping they will soon get over their sad bereavement.

And as you say it was a dull Xmas. We will live with God’s help to enjoy a better one next year. I have not much more to say at present. Hoping this finds youse all in good health, I will close by bidding youse all good bye to I hear from you. Wishing youse all a prosperous New Year 1915.

From your ever loving nephew
T Davidson

[William McKnight was John Adams’s cousin, killed in 1914 – reference: History of Kingsmills Presbyterian Church. He is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial near Ypres.]

7388 141231

7388 141231a

7388 141231b

7388 141231c

in 1914 - Mobilisation / France / Letter 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.

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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.]

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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
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 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
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
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
Saturday 26 May, 1917  by

Le Havre: “All I want is for some of them to write me a few lines now and again”

9th Royal Irish Fusiliers
19 Camp
36 Base Depot
Le Havre
 
26.05.17
 
Dear Mother
 
Just a few lines to say I received your parcel alright.  Many thanks for what you sent.  I thought all at home had forgotten about me.  It seemed so long from I had any word from home.  I do not want you to send me anything out.  All I want is for some of them to write me a few lines now and again, and I just had two letters from Jennie since I came out here.  You would have thought before I came out I was going to get the whole of Ireland and the half of Scotland.  But I do not mind.  I am happy enough where I am.  But as I said before I do not anything from anyone [sic].  Anything I do hear comes through strangers.  I am still at the Base.  All the draft I came out with has gone up the line so I do not suppose it will be long until I am going up also.  The weather is very warm out here.  I believe it is very wet in Ireland at present.  
 
No more at present.
 
Goodbye
I remain
Your Obedient Son
J Adams

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Sunday 27 May, 1917  by

Ypres: “I have gone up the line today”

YMCA
On Active Service
[postcard]
Sunday 27.05.17

Dear Mother

Just a card to say I have gone up the line today so my old address will find me there. The weather is very hot. It is just like the summer. No more at present.

Your loving son
J Adams

According to the Batt diaries (referenced in Major John George Brew’s story), this postcard was written near Ypres, just before the Battle of Messines, which started on 7 June.

in 1917 - France / France / France 1917-1918 / Postcard 0 comments
Thursday 21 June, 1917  by

France: “Sammie had to go through another operation.  I think his soldiering days are finished”

[YMCA letter paper]
[On Active Service with the British Expeditionary Force]

21st June 1917
B. E. Force

My Dear Mother

Just a few lines to say I received your ever welcome letter today and I am glad to know that all at home are still in good health as this leaves myself in the same at present.  I have got all your letters now.  I got 6 of them at the same time.  So I get them now alright.  It is a wonder you did not get an answer to your letters before this as I write to you every week.  The weather has got rather showery this last while […] as the dry weather is very pleasant.

Well I had a letter from Mr Torrie from Waterford and he was telling me all at home were in good health.  I had also a letter from Jennie and she was in good health also I had no word from Jack this long time but I think it was my own fault as I did not get answering his last letter.  I did not [k]no[w] he had any notion of getting married.  What happened that it did not come off?  I saw T Moffat today and he looked quite well.  He was telling me Sammie had to go through another operation.  I think his soldiering days are finished.

Well I hope you will get this and forgive me for anything I said and hope it will still find you enjoying good health.  Tell Annie and Jimmie that I was asking for them and hope to hear from them soon.

I think this is all now so I will close with best love to all at home.

I remain
Your loving son
John

PS Do not forget to write to the same address as I am with the Batt. now.
Location evidence: Major Brew

in 1917 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1917-1918 / Letter 0 comments
Thursday 28 June, 1917  by

France: “I believe Sam has gone into hospital again”

[YMCA letter paper]
[On Active Service with the British Expeditionary Force]
 
British Exped Force
28 June 1917
 
My Dear Mother
 
Just a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home still enjoying your usual good health as this leaves myself in the same at present.  I am sorry I have been so long in writing to you but I always send you a field card to let you know how I am getting on.  I am getting your letters alright now.  I had a letter from Jennie and she is in good health.  The weather still continues to be fine out here.  Tell Jimmy I am expecting a letter from him to let me know how things are going on.  I think I was telling you how I saw T Moffatt and he is looking alright and was asking for you.  I believe Sam has gone into hospital again.  I expect he will get his discharge soon.  Do you have any word from Jack or does he ever be home?  I had no word from him this long time.  
 
Well I think this is all now hoping to hear from you soon again.  I will now draw to a close for the present.  
 
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie

in 1917 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1917-1918 / Letter 0 comments
Thursday 12 July, 1917  by

France: “I am sure by this time Jimmy will be away with the Band”

[poor photocopy]

[YMCA letter paper]
[On Active Service with the British Expeditionary Force]

12 July 1917

My Dear Mother

Just a few lines now that I have time […] all at home still enjoying your usual good health as this leaves myself in the same at present.  I am sure by this time Jimmy will be away with the Band.  I see by the paper they are for Mountnorris.  I only wish I had been at home for this day.  But […] here is to think of the happy […] gone there is a lot of changes since the las time we all were together.  A lot […]were there that day shall never meet with again.  All is left […] out here to tell us where they are […] could speak to us […]  I know […several sentences…]

I had a letter from Jennie […] and she is still[?] in good health.

Well Dear Mother I think […] for this time as I […] and Annie.  No more at present hoiping this will find you in good health.

Goodbye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
Location evidence: Major Brew

in 1917 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1917-1918 / Letter 0 comments
Sunday 23 September, 1917  by

France: “the day we get our letter from home is a (Red Letter) day in the history of the soldier out here”

23rd Sept 1917

My Dear Mother

Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter, which I received alright. And I am glad to know that yourself and all at home are still enjoying your usual good health as this leaves myself in the same at time of writing. I am glad if getting a letter from me does you any little good. It is all I can do for you while I am out here. But I believe you think so long as you get a letter from me that everything is alright. But what about me out here? I think it is just a bad if I do not hear from home. For the day we get our letter from home is a (Red Letter) day in the history of the soldier out here. It is the only way we can hear what is going on. The slender thread between us and the homeland. I do not think the people at home understands what it means to be out here. They think if they hear from those out here that is all is required. But never for a moment do they look at it from the soldier’s point of view. They never seem to think that he is just as anxious about those at home as they are about him. But anyhow I always look forward to getting a letter from home.

Well I hope Jimmy and Annie are not working too hard this weather. I suppose the people are in the midst of the harvest. I am 3 years left home this week and I may tell you I have seen some sights since that. But as long as you keep well yourself and all at home I am quite content.

Well the weather is still keeping fine and I hope it may continue as it is most pleasant. Does Jack ever be home? I had no word from him this long time. But I think it is my fault as I do not think I answered [h]is last letter, but I must write to him as soon as I get time. But if you see him remember me to him. I had a letter from Jennie the other day and she is well. They are at Bangor now.

Well I think I will have to close for this time. Hoping to hear from you soon again. Remember me to all at home. No more at present.

Goodnight
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie

in 1917 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1917-1918 / Letter 0 comments
Sunday 18 November, 1917  by

France: “I do not think I am going back to the Batt yet. Something has turned up for me, but I cannot tell you yet”

BEF
18.11.17

My Dear Mother

I now take the pleasure of writing a few lines home, hoping it will find yourself and all there still in your usual good health as this leaves myself not too bad at present. I am out of hospital again and getting on alright. I am getting down to the base depot today. So I expect to be back with the Batt in a few days. I am sure you imagined all sorts of things when I did not write to you but to tell the truth I was not able. Although it was nothing more than a severe cold. But you need have no fear for me as I am getting quite alright again. I got no letters since I went into hospital, so I am uneasy [?] to know how youse all are doing.

I had rather a nice letter from Mr Torrie on the day I left the Batt. It was very nice of him to think of writing to me.

The weather is got quite nice this last while, and I do hope it may continue. We had rather wet weather just before I went into hospital and I think that was what set me up.

Well it is wearing round to Xmas again. This is my fourth Xmas from home. Who would think it was so long, but perhaps all may be over for Xmas 1918 at least I hope it may be.

Well I shall think long [until] I get back to the Batt until I get a letter from home.

I think this is all now so I will close for this time. Hoping all at home are in good health.

Goodbye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie

I do not think I am going back to the Batt yet. Something has turned up for me, but I cannot tell you yet, so do not write again until you hear from me again.

We’re not sure what has happened here, but (from the next letter) he appears to be in No. 2 Convalescent Camp in Rouen. We know that he was gassed, so a recurrence of respiratory infection could have put him in hospital.

Mr Torrie was Rev. Edwin George Torrie, the minister of Kingsmills Presbyterian Church from 1914-1920, who served as a Private in the Royal Army Medical Corps from May 1916 until June 1919. Source: History of Kingsmills Presbyterian Church.

in 1917 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1917-1918 / Letter 0 comments
Tuesday 20 November, 1917  by

France: Farming: “What a lovely country to live in. I believe I could live here all my life.”

Roy. Irish Fusiliers
No.2 Convalescent Depot
Rouen (Farming)

20.11.17

My Dear Mother

Just a few lines to let you know that I am still living and well. Hoping yourself and all at home are the same at present. I said the last time I wrote not to write again until you heard from me. I was at the Con-Camp at the time, so I did not like to give you any address until I should see if I was staying or not. But just as I was finishing your letter the RSM sent for me to see if I should like to go in charge of a party of men to work on a French farm until I got back my health again. And I need not say I jumped at the chance so that is what I am at now.

I am about 9 miles out of Rouen but our letters have to come through the con-camp. What a lovely country to live in. I believe I could live here all my life. I may be here 1 month and I may be here more. So I should like to hear from home as soon as ever you can as I am uneasy until I get word. I am getting quite fit again since I came to live here. I would you would write to Jennie and give her my address as I have not time to do so now.

This is all at present. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Goodbye
Your loving son
Johnnie

Address in full 13971
Sergt John Adams
Roy Irish Fus
No.2 Convalescent Depot
Rouen
B. E. Force
(Farming)

in 1917 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1917-1918 / Letter 0 comments
Wednesday 5 December, 1917  by

France: “This is a lovely part of the country and I like it very much.”

05.12.17

British Exped. Force

My Dear Mother

Just a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home in good health as this leaves myself in the same at present. I am nearly tired waiting for a letter from home. It is nearly 6 weeks since I had one so I have nearly given up hope. How is Jimmy getting on? I hope he is well and also Annie. Had you any word from Jennie lately? Tell Jimmy this place is much cleaner than Sinclair’s yard.

This is a lovely part of the country and I like it very much. I shall send you a photo in a day or two and I hope you shall like it. The weather is keeping quite nice here now and I do hope it may continue as it is most pleasant.

Well I think this is about all now, so I shall close with best love to all.

I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie

Presumably this is a continuation of the farming convalescence?

in 1917 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1917-1918 / Letter 0 comments
Monday 4 February, 1918  by

France: “I am not near at myself, for I am longing to see Mother again”

04.02.18

My Dear Annie

Just a few lines hoping this will find you still in good health as this leaves myself in the same at present. I wrote to mother for to ask the Doctor for to make out a certificate to the effect that she was ill and that she should like to see me. But she wrote back to say she was alright again when I know quite well she was not. Because she is afraid of something happening to me in crossing over and as she would not do it I want you to do it for me. And if you do not I shall give up hope. I cannot sleep at night and to tell you the truth I am not near at myself, for I am longing to see Mother again. And you could do it all in the inside of an hour. I am sure Dr [??] should not refuse you. I cannot explain this much better.

There is an officer in our Batt and he told me today he should do all in his power to help me. But he told me he could do nothing for me in the way of getting a special leave except I could get a telegram or a doctor’s certificate. But he told me as soon as I got either that he should do his best to get me home to see mother. He said he was very sorry for me and told me to write to you to get either you or the Dr to send a certificate and that he should do the rest for me. I hope you understand me. All you have to do is go to the Doctor and say mother is very ill and wishes to see me. And I am sure he shall not refuse you (knowing that she is ill). Put it in a Reg letter and send it to me. And if all go well as this officer says it will I shall be home before the end of the month.

Well I think this is all now. Hoping to hear from you soon again. No more at present.

Goodbye
I remain
Your loving bro
Johnnie

in 1918 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1917-1918 / Letter 0 comments
Wednesday 6 March, 1918  by

France: “I am like the man with the wheelbarrow. I always have it before me.”

06.03.18

My Dear Mother

Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter which I received alright. And no one but God knows the relief my mind got when I read it, to know that you are up and going about again. I would rather have got that letter than any telegram, for I should not have much pleasure in going home. Well if God spares us both I may be home before the end of the month.

I expect I shall be going up to the [?] far before me. Willie [???] is asking for you every day. He is also in this camp. You see if they had not kept me here for a chief instructor I should have been home on leave long ago. But perhaps it is all for the best. I am like the man with the wheelbarrow. I always have it before me.

Well I think I shall close for this time. Hoping this will find you keeping well.

I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie

in 1918 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1917-1918 / Letter 0 comments
Monday 16 September, 1918  by

France: I have been asked several times if I would go in for a commission

16.09.18

My Dear Mother

Just a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home still enjoying your usual good health as this leaves myself in the same at time of writing. The weather is still keeping quite nice and I hope it may continue. Has Jimmy got his flax saved yet? It should bring him in some money. I received all your letters aright.

Well Dear Mother I may as well tell you I have been asked several times if I would go in for a commission, but I do not know as yet what I may do. Sometimes I think of doing it and then change my mind again. But I [have]written to Mr Meeke [Minister of Kingsmills Presbyterian Church] and also [to] Thos Elliot Rathentay [?] for […] as to my moral character […] it is necessary for to have them [if I] should take the notion again. [My] own Captain would like it if I [would] go in for it. If Mr[s?] Elliott [is] talking to you about it you might [let] him know what I want. It is just [paper] saying he has known me for [how] long and the sort of character [I have] at home. This is all there [is] for now.

Goodbye
I remain
Your loving son
J Adams

in 1918 - France / 2010 upload / France / France 1917-1918 / Letter 0 comments
Saturday 5 October, 1918  by

Telegram: “Dangerously ill…gunshot wound at right thigh”

John Adams was wounded in the right thigh by shrapnel on 30 September 1918 during action at Dadizeele near Ypres. This was the final action in the Ypres area before the end of the War. Further detail on this action at Dadizeele is found in the War Diaries of the 9th (North Irish Horse) Bn, Royal Irish Fusiliers. See entries from 29/9/18 onwards.

This letter was written after John Adams mother, Mary Adams, had received the following telegram from the War Office:

War Office Telegram

To: Mrs Mary Ann Adams, Lisadian, Whitecross, Co. Armagh

Regret to report war office wires
13971 Sergeant John Adams 9th
Irish Fus dangerously ill at 3rd Aus
cas clearing station France 1st October
gun shot wound at right thigh regret
permission to visit cannot be granted
Records Dublin

in 1918 - Wounded / France / Telegram 4 comments
Thursday 24 October, 1918  by

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

24th Oct 1918

Dear Mrs Adams

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

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

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

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

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

Kind regards and best wishes to all
Yours sincerely
EG Torrie

129117 Pte EG Torrie, RAMC

in 1918 - Wounded / France / Letter 0 comments