the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
[postcard: plain]
02.05.17, Southampton London
Dear Mother,
Just a line to say I have got so far safe on my journey out to France. I received your parcel alright before I left N Ards. Many thanks for what you sent to me. The weather is still very nice. I hope it continues. No more at present.
Your loving son
J Adams
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
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
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.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
[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
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
[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
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
[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
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
The Battle of Langemarck was part of Third Ypres and was fought through the muddy swamp just east of the city of Ypres from 16-18 August 1917.
The 36th Ulster Division were just north of Zonnebeke in the Steenbeek valley, and the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers suffered terrible casualties.
John Adams was awarded the Military Medal for his efforts that day.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
British Exped Force
08.09.17
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home still enjoying good health as this leaves myself in the best of health at the time of writing. The weather still continues to be fine. It is just like summer these nights and I hope it still continues as it is most pleasant (for our work).
Well Mother I hope you have stopped fretting for you know yourself there is nothing made by it. I think it is a good saying (Never Cross a Bridge to you come to it) there is always a bright side to every story and I always believe in looking at that side.
I got both your letters and also Jimmy[‘s] and if I have time tonight I shall answer his also. I had no word from Jenny since she went back. I do not know what I done on lve [?] I cannot set down and answer her letters as soon as I get them. (There is something else for me to do here). Well I think I shall stop now as I have written to Annie also.
Good night
Your loving son
John
[on the other side of the same page]
Dear Mother, your letter is the shortest […] but I shall write to you soon again.
Johnnie
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
[postcard: Clifden and the Long Hole, Bangor]
[to Mrs Adams, Lisadian]
12 Sept 1917
Just a Line to say I am well and having a very good time. The weather has been very good for so far it’s dry. This is another view of our road. These are fishing boats. The waves are very big today. Had a PC from J yesterday. Love to all from Jeanie
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
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
postcard showing Ward Park from Main Entrance, Bangor, Co. Down; Postmarked Bangor, 26 Sept 1917.
From Jennie, John Adams’ sister, who worked in domestic service in Holywood, Co. Down.
Dear Mother
Just a card to say I hope you are well. How is Jimmie getting along. It has seemed a very short month since we came down here. We go [here/home] on Monday. First there is a lot of Holywood people down here. I expect its well cleared. I hope you are well. Had you any word from J[ohn?] lately. Best love from Jeanie.
This is a very nice park.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
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.
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)
Postmark: Dover 25 Nov 1917
Miss Minnie Reid
Searce
Jerrettspass
Newry
Ireland
Dear Minnie
Arrived here yesterday, would have carried over today but any [unclear]
Write later on
Willie
Postcard shows Dover Castle from Connaught Park.
Willie Lockhart was presumably returning from leave in Ireland.
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?
22.12.17
Dear Mother
Just a line to say I received your reg letter alright and I am glad to know that all at home are in good health as this leaves myself in the same at present. I am getting all your letters alright now. I wrote to you several times since I came here. I had a letter from Annie the other day and she is still in good health. Well I think this is all neo. So I will close for this time hoping to hear from you soon again.
Goodbye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
[postcard]
26.12.17
Dear Mother
Just a card to say I hope all at home had a pleasant Xmas. No more now will write soon again. Goodbye, Johnnie.
BEF
20.01.18
My Dear Mother
I now take the pleasure of writing a few lines to you hoping they will find yourself and all at home in good health as this leaves myself at present. I am longing for a letter from home to know how you are. I did not get a letter now since I left Farming [see previous letters]. So you may guess I am very uneasy about you, as the last letter I had from Annie she said you were ill. I only wish I knew how you were. I cannot sleep at night thinking of you. I wrote to you from the Base saying I was going up the line to join the Batt., but I have not got that length yet. I did not like to send my address of any of the places I was in, I was so short a time in any of them. For you never know when you are changed and then the letters are following you all around the place. But I think I will send this one in the chance that I will be here until I get a letter and if I am not here when it comes they will send it on after me.
13971 Sgt John Adams, 9th Roy Ir Fus,36th Divisional Wing Batt, R.F.E [?], BEF.
I hope Annie can make this out.
And Dear Mother there is one thing I should like you would do and that is if you are no better. If you would get the Doctor to give you a certificate that you are serious and that you should like to see me. If you would then send it out to me I would show it to the CO and I should stand a good chance of getting home to see you. I should not like anything would happen to you and me out here. You had better Reg the letter you send it in as I should get it sooner.
I hope I have made this clear to you. There is no harm in it. All you have got to do is say to the Doctor you should like to see me and get him to write it out, and then Annie to send it to me. And I shall do the rest. I do not think Major Brew would refuse me. I need not tell you what my thoughts are like each night. And getting no letters makes me worse. I really do not know what to think. But I hope you are a good deal better by this time. This is all now as I will close.
Hoping to hear from you soon again. And do not forget what I told you.
Good bye
I Remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
Location: The War Diary shows the Battalion having just moved to Grand Seracourt, near Saint-Quentin.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
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
04.02.18
My Dear Mother
Just a line hoping it will find you feeling a little better. I got your letter alright but I still feel that you are very ill. But I was writing to Annie and I hope she did carry out my instructions and I shall soon have the pleasure of all you.
The weather still keeps quite nice. I am still in the same place, so Annie can write to the same address. Well I think this is all at present. Hoping to hear from you soon again.
Good bye
I Remain
Your Loving son
John
[faint/pale photocopy – only just legible]
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
22.02.18
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines to say I received Annie’s Reg letter alright, but I am very sorry to say I cannot get at the present time. But Dear Mother if you should get any worse (God forbid) let Annie send me a wire and I should come at once if possible. But I should send it through the Police Barracks or let them send it for you. But God grant you are a good deal better by this time. If only I had been with the Batt where I am known I should have got home straight away. But if both of us are spared for a couple more months I shall be due for my […]
For once the mother goes, the home goes also, and each one has to face the world on their own. And I for one knows the world is a hard taskmaster. God pity the boy or girl who is thrown on the world without any experience. For I have seen some little of the world this last few years.
Well Dear Mother, I think I shall close for this time. Hoping this shall find you a little better. And if you are not do not forget what I have told you. It is all I can do (God pity me). Remember me to Annie and Jimmy. Give them my love.
Goodbye,
God bless all at home
Your loving son
Johnnie
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
16.03.18
My Dear Mother
Just a line hoping it will find you in good health, as well as all at home, as this leaves myself at present. I am leaving here tomorrow for to rejoin the Batt so any time you are writing do not forget to address them to the Batt. I am sorry I have not time for a long letter now but I shall write soon again to you. The weather is keeping quite nice. I hope it may continue as it is very pleasant.
Goodbye
Love to all at home
Your loving son
Johnnie
The German Spring Offensive began this day with Operation Michael, centred on St Quentin, where the 9th R.I.F. were located.
See more on Operation Michael.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
Holywood, Co. Down
13 April 1918
Dear Mother
I am quite well but very busy so I will write soon. I hope all is well. I had a letter and card from Johnnie. We are very busy spring cleaning. Write soon.
Give my love to all.
Jeannie
Postcard shows hand coloured photograph of a mother and young daughter embracing.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
BEF
22.04.18
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines in answer to our ever welcome letter which I received alright. And I am glad to know that all at home are [enjoying] their usual good health as this leaves myself at time of writing. I am sorry I have been so long in writing to you. But to tell the truth I could not get time until now. But I sent you a field card every time I got a chance. We are having very nice weather out here now and I hope it may continue as it is very pleasant.
I had a letter from Jennie today and she is still in good health. Well Dear Mother I think I shall close for this time. Hoping this will find all at home in good health. Remember me to Annie and Jimmy. Tell them I shall write to them as soon as I get time.
Good bye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
Hoping to hear from you soon again.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
[From a personal note]
On 1st May 1918 Brig Gen Griffith handed over 108 Brigade to Brig Gen Vaughan DSO
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
18.05.18
Somewhere in France
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines hoping they will find you still enjoying your usual good health as this leaves myself at present. The weather is keeping very hot at present. But is is much better than the rain. I had a letter from Jennie the other day and she was telling me she was going home on the following Wednesday. Did she get home? The weather will be very nice for her. I would not mind being at home this weather . I suppose she got home.
She will be telling you that I was on the boat going home on leave and had to return up the line again. You will wonder why I did not mention it to you. But I would rather not have told you. But I am sure she could not help it. Well yes I slept for a night on the boat at Le Havre on the 20th March and next day was returned up the line. So when I get [home] now I cannot say.
But I was talking to the CO the other [day] and he did not know when leave would start. But he said that I should go home in the first batch who went on leave. Also that he should find through [?] and get me 5 extra days to go to Buckingham Palace and get invested by the King with the Military Medal. So if I get that I shall be alright. But I do not know when it may come off.
Wel Dear Mother I think this is about all. Remember me to all at home and you might tell Jennie the first day she is in Newry she might get a couple of ounces of alum or something like it for a mouth wash for to harden my gums. They have got so soft I cannot clean my teeth without them bleeding. If she asks in Connor’s they will know what to give her. No more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon.
Goodbye
I Remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
01.06.18
My Dear Mother
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.
Good bye
I remain
Your loving son
John
[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?]
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
In the early hours of 22 July 1918, the 9th RIF mounted a raid on the German fortifications at Shoddy Farm, near Ballieul. Sgt John Adams was a Lewis Gunner.
From Phillip Tardif’s book on The North Irish Horse in the Great War:
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
[partial letter – poorly copied and first page missing, lhs cut off – some words interpolated by me…]
Dear Mother
I suppose you [will] be pleased to know that I [have been] awarded a Bar to my Military Medal. [I was] recommended for the DCM [but] got the Bar instead. It is [still] something. As the bar is [just] the same as another MM [this] will give the people at home [some]thing to talk about . I suppose [they] have forgotten about me being […] home. At least I hope they have. [Well] this is all at present hoping [to] hear from home soon again. [I hope] Annie and Jimmy and [your]self are still in good health.
Goodbye
Your loving son
Johnnie
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
09.09.18
Dear Mother
Just a few lines to say I have received your letters alright.
And I am Glad to know that yourself and all at home are still enjoying your usual good health, as this leaves myself at time of writing. I hope Jimmy has got his flax saved as it has got rather wet. It will be very hard to get the harvest saved if it continues to rain.
I believe Jennie has gone to Bangor for the month. I had a card from her yesterday and she was in good health. Well, I think this is all at present. Hoping to hear from you soon again.
Good bye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
the date and signature of the sender. Sentences
not required may be erased. If anything else is
added the post card will be destroyed.
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 follows at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you
lately
for a long time.
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