[postcard to Mrs John Adams, Kingsmill, White Cross, Co. Armagh, Ireland]
[possibly postmarked Aug 12 1914 – fits with history of Royal Inniskillings]
Dear Aunt just a PC to let you know I am at Lough Swilly, hoping all is well, if you be writing my address so far is 7388 Pte T Davidson, D Company, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, [Pubble????] Camp, Co. Donegal.
[Postcard showing: A Cosy Corner. “How fair the rural scene”]
[Addressed to Mrs J Adams, Lisadian]
[Postmarked Belfast 23 Sept 1914]
We got here alright. Minnie met us in the station & took us home with her. We are stopping with her tonight. Tell A & J I will write later.
J. C. [?]
[on the way to enlist]
[Postcard showing Fountains Abbey]
[Addressed to Mrs J Adams, Lisadian]
[Postmarked, Belfast 23 Sept 1914]
We arrived here safe and was padded all right. We are stopping with Minnie tonight and going to Camp in the morning. Will write later.
J.A.
[on his way to enlist]
From John Adams’ personal note
Enlisted on the 24th Sept 1914 for Royal Irish Fusiliers, Clandeboye, Co. Down.
The 9th (Service) Battalion (County Armagh) was formed in Belfast in September 1914 from the Armagh, Monaghan and Cavan Volunteers. Came under orders of 108th Brigade in 36th (Ulster) Division.
C Company
7 Batt RIF
Clandyboye Camp
Co. Down
Sept 1914
[probably 27th Sept 1914 – first Sunday after John Adams enlisted 24 Sept. Very possibly his first letter home of WW1]
Dear Mother
Just a line hoping it will find you all in good health as it leaves us in the same at present. I think this is the first Sunday that I have ever been away from home all day and it’s very hard to say when I may be back for we are going to get the shift from here as soon as we get our uniform and I do not know when we may get home.
There is an awful lot of UV here and youse need not be afraid of so long as they are on the top of the earth. I wish you would hear them singing at night all the Orange songs of the day. We had Sir E Carson and the wife here yesterday and they inspected our lines. It is a wonderful life this we have to things here that we would not like to do at home. It is a queer change when Jimmie and I could not lie together 16 of us lying together here. Every man has to lie on his side and you can not turn to right or left but you need not think by telling you this that I do not like [it] for I fairly enjoy it.
And there is a lot here that we know. We see S Moffat every day and S Crozier boy [?] too. As soon as he heard that we were here he come to see us. And he sent a PC to Jennie in Hollywood [sic] as I did not know the address. We have a sergeant stopping in the tent with us and he is great fun. You might not care what you said to him as long as you were not on parade. But it is very hard to watch the Officers all for they are still knocking about.
You may excuse this scribble as we are writing on the grass so it is not very level. But if we were in the Barracks we would be al right. They were saying around here that we are for Portsmouth [?] and from that to Egypt but it might be some time to that yet.
I hope you will get this before you write as I sent the wrong address. But if you have it does not matter. You can tell all round there that I was asking for them. I hope Mrs McCombe is better now. You may tell Jimmie [that] they are starting a Number in the North Antrims. We had a great Church Parade today. I think this is all. Remember me to all at home.
I remain
Your loving son
J Adams
Postmarked: 21 Oct 1914 Bangor, Co. Down
Dear Mother
I received your letter alright. I am sorr J has the cold. I am very afraid he would not stick this long. We are just in from a route march to Helen’s Bay and it has rained the whole way home. You need not think because I don’t write often that I have forgotten you but sometimes I have nothing to write about. We may put in a pass for Sunday week if we get away. Both our [arms?] are better and we are in the best of health. I think this is all now.
I remain your son
J. A.
Postcard shows painting of soldier and elderly mother as soldier bids farewell to her to join his comrades. “Duty and Honour Bid us Part”.
[From personal note]
Nov 1914
At Victoria Barracks, Belfast
Spend Xmas Day loading Hay for Horses in France at Belfast Docks.
From personal notes by John Adams
[postcard showing a group of 18 soldiers bathing/washing by a stream in a steep little valley. Large rocks (possibly haystacks) in the distance. It is not clear if John Adams is one of the 18 or is the photographer. If he is in the picture I think he is either 5th from left, leaning, or 3rd from right, in braces, standing.]
[Postmarked Holywood, 29 Jan 1915]
[to Mrs J Adams, Lisadian]
Dear Mother
Just a line to say we will be home on Sat night. Tell J that we will be in Newry at about 5 o’clock. I got your letter alright many thanks. I think this is all until I see you all.
I remain
your loving son
J Adams
[YMCA postcard: HM Forces on Active Service]
[From 13971 Pte J Adams, 9th Batt RIF, D Coy, The Palace Barracks, Holywood, Co. Down
To Mrs J Adams, Lisadian]
Postmarked 02 Feb 1915
Dear Mother,
Just a line today we got back here alright. I was not down seeing J[eannie] yet nor will hardly see her tonight as we are for an night attack. But I will go down to se her before we leave on Thursday. It will be Sunday week before we are the length of Bessbrook, but I think we weill have time to go home on that day. I think this is all now.
I remain
Your loving son
J Adams
You need not write again until you hear from me for I do not know when we will be shifted.
Postmark: Portadown, 4th Feb 1915
Dear Mother,
Just a line hoping it finds you all in good [sic] as this leaves me in the same at present. We are stopping at Portadown tonight and going on to Moy in the morning. We are getting a fine reception everywhere we go. It will be Sunday week before we are in Bessbrook. We are spending the weekend in Loughgall. This is all at present. I will send word when we get that length.
I remain your loving son,
John
Postcard shows:
“It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary (1).
Up to mighty London came an Irishman one day,
As the streets are paved with gold, sure ev’ry one was gay;
Singing songs of Piccadilly, Strand and Leicester Square,
Till Paddy got excited, then he shouted to them there:-“
A man (the “Paddy”?) leans on the entrance to a Bakerloo line underground station, while London life, red omnibuses and crowds passing along.
In early February 1915 Col Fitzgerald led a large party of 220 men of 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers through County Armagh on a recruiting march. John Adams was one of the men chosen for this trip. His personal notes have enabled us to trace the possible route of the march:
| Friday 5 February | Lurgan to Birches | 16 miles |
| Saturday 6 February | Birches to Loughgall | 9 miles |
| Sunday 7 February | Loughgall | |
| Monday 8 February | Loughgall to Armagh | 5.5 miles |
| Tuesday 9 February | Armagh | |
| Wednesday 10 February | Armagh to Richhill (via Hamiltonsbawn) | 7 miles |
| Thursday 11 February | Richhill to Tynan | 13.5 miles |
| Friday 12 February | Tynan to Newtownhamilton | 16 miles |
| Saturday 13 February | Newtownhamilton to Bessbrook | 10 miles |
| Sunday 14 February | Bessbrook (including being at home in Lisadian) | |
| Monday 15 February | Bessbrook to Poyntzpass | 9 miles |
| Tuesday 16 February | Poyntzpass to Markethill | 12.5 miles |
| Wednesday 17 February | Markethill to Tandragee | 10 miles |
| Thursday 18 February | Tandragee to Portadown (and train to Belfast) | 6 miles |
We have traced the route on Google Maps below. They covered a fair distance, we estimate approximately 115 miles in 2 weeks. It was probably a foretaste of the footslogging they were to do through France through the rest of the war.
(unfortunately Google maps only allows 10 layers, so we couldn’t show the last leg from Tandragee to Portadown!).
[From personal notes]
Friday
Entrained to Lurgan. Portadown (had mid day meal). Loughgall Road to Red Lion, Drimond [Diamond?], over Cock Hill to Birches (3). Stayed overnight with Widow showed boxes of L.O.L. and R.B.P. which sat there.
[From personal notes]
Saturday
To Loughgall via Church hill*. Stayed in Rock Tavern (with Band) over week end.
*Church Hill – home of the Verner family, site now in Peatlands Country Park.
**Rock Tavern in Loughgall
[From personal notes]
Sunday
Service in Loughgall Parish Church
[Postcard showing Loughgall]
[Addressed to Miss A Adams, Lisadian]
[Postmarked 07 Feb 1915, Loughgall]
Dear Annie
Just a line hoping it finds you in good health as this leaves me in the same here at present. I hope you will come to see us when we get to Bessbrook. This is part of Loughgall. Perhaps Mother would know it.
I Remain
Your loving Bro
J Adams
[From personal notes]
Monday + Tuesday
Armagh City
[From personal notes]
Wednesday
Afternoon marched to Richhill via Hamiltonsbawn. Stayed in Home of Wm. McNally.
[This is what Hamiltonsbawn looked like then. Strange to think that John Adams will have marched past two houses he later lived in after he moved to Hamiltonsbawn in 1926. I wonder if he ever thought about that route march when he was marching along the main street later in life?]
[From personal notes]
Thursday
From Richhill via Portadown Road, via Armagh, Killylea to Tynan Village. Stayed at the Home of Robert Sleater.
[From personal notes]
Friday
From Tynan via Keady to N.T. [Newtown] Hamilton. Stayed at the Home of Messrs Fallow.
[From personal notes]
Saturday
Main N.T.H [Newtown Hamilton] Road via Belleek to Bessbrook. Week end at Home.
[From personal notes]
Sunday
Service in Bessbrook Church
[From personal notes]
Monday
From Bessbrook to Poyntzpass via Doctor’s Hill and Drumbanagher Castle. Stayed at home of J.B. Small
[From personal notes]
Tuesday
From Poyntzpass to Markethill via Tyrone Ditches and Glenanne, stayed Rev. Moore’s Manse.
From personal notes
Wednesday
From Markethill to Tandragee, via Clare, Laurelvale, stayed at Main Street at home of some Dressmakers
[From personal notes]
Entrained at Portadown for Belfast
Postmark: Holywood, 18 Feb 1915
Dear Mother
Just a line to say that we have got back here alright. We got back today. I am sorry that I was so long in writing, but I could not help it. I will write later on.
I remain your loving son,
John Adams
Postcard shows:
“Soldier’s [sic] Home, Holywood”
A large house with Solders Home 1903 embossed on the three front gables. Two men in the frocks of household workers stand in front, facing the camera.
D Company
9 Batt R. I. Fusiliers
Palace Barracks
Holywood
22.02.15
My Dear Mother
I am sorry that I was so long in writing but I had not time until now. We got back here on Thursday evening from Portadown. We had a fine time from we left Bessbrook. I suppose Annie and Jimmie got home alright. What did they think of the RIF? We got our dinner at Major Close’s house that day.
But the best day of all was spent in Tandragee. It was the best night I ever spent. I was stopping in the house where Eva McElney is Dressmaker and she made a great deal of me more than any girl I have met on the march. When I was leaving she gave to silk handkerchief and she has since sent me 2/6 worth of fegs [sic]. I think it was very nice of a strange girl that I may never meet again in this world. For we meet so many in this world in which we live that it is very hard for one to mind them all.
We are starting again on Thursday morning for Co Monaghan for a week there. It will hardly be as good as the one we are just off. I think this is all now. Jenny is well and will write later on. I will write from Cavan to you.
I remain
Your loving son
John Adams
[From personal notes]
Took part in Recruiting March through County Monaghan, terminating at Castleblayney, lasting 1 week.
D Company
9 Batt R. I. Fus.
Newtownards
20.03.15
Dear Mother
Just a few lines to say I received your parcel this morning and what was inside. I thank you very much for it. The drawers is alright. I hope I may never worse [?]
The weather is greatly changed this last day. It is simply lovely now like the summer time. It does not be long in changing. I suppose the people are busy at their crops now. They have nearly all in about here now. It is a very early country about here. The ground is very sandy.
Tell Jimmy that I will write to him later and tell him all the news but I have not time now. He might write to me sometimes and tell me how he is getting on. Does ever he be at the Manse working now? I suppose he will put in the garden for Mr Jorrie this year. There’s many a change since last year this time but I hope they are all for the best. I hope the weather will keep like this for us going home. We don’t often get good weather for going home.
I think this is all now. I thank you again for your present.
I remain
Your loving son
John Adams
Postmark: Holywood, Co. Down, 25 March 1915
Dear Mother,
I hope you are better, we are all as usual for so far. Isn’t it lovely weather. I would just love to go home for Easter. It’s well for J getting, but I might get later on. Tell Annie I will write to her soon if I have time. Write soon and tell me how you are. Is J [illegible] well? With best love,
Your sincerely
Jeannie
Write soon.
Postcard showing: “Kenworthy’s Hydropathic Establishment, Southport”, a grand house.
See on Google StreetView.
D Company
9 Batt R. I. Fusiliers
Newtownards
27.03.15
My Dear Mother
Just a line to say that I received your letter this morning. I am sorry that you are not getting better but maybe when the good weather you will be alright. I said when I wrote to Annie that we were going to be confined to camp, but I think that will not be to after Easter. And I am not giving it for truth but I think that we will be home from Friday to Monday but you need not be too much made up for we might not be home at all. But you may be sure that if we can get we will be home. I think that I will have as much £ and d as will bring me home.
I will write to you again before that and tell you wither I can get home or not. I think this is all now. We are having lovely weather now. I hope it will continue until after Easter.
I remain
Your loving son
John Adams
D. Company
9 Batt R. I. Fus
Newtownards
17.04.1915
My Dear Mother
Just a line today. I got your parcel this morning and was very thankful to you for what you sent. We are still confined to camp. I was just out once since we came back. There is nothing else that I want just now except if you could get me a box of [Zach Buk??] sometime Jimmy would be in Newry.
I hope you are keeping in good health as the weather is getting good again. We are all getting our photos take in Batt tomorrow. If I can I will get one for you though I may not be seen in it you will know that I am in it somewhere. Did Jimmy get the photos out of Newry yet where we were taken together? There is one for you, one for Mrs Moffatt and Mrs Crozier and there was to be one each sent to us.
I think that is all now. [Praying] we will all be spared to meet again.
I remain
Your loving son
John Adams
I thank you again for what you sent me. Perhaps you will hardly know now this is. I am sending you this little book.
Tell Annie to write to me now and again. It does one good to hear from home.
D Company
9 Batt R. I. Fus
Newtownards
07.05.15
My Dear Mother.
Just a line to say that I received your letter aright. I am sorry that I was so long in writing but we have been very busy this last few days. I expect it will be a very big day in Belfast tomorrow. We are leaving here at 6 am in the morning. I hope it does not be too warm.
I am glad you like the photo. It is not too well taken. You can see the Captain standing in front of me but I will show you them all when I go home. I will get you the other one too.
We intend going home on tomorrow week if we get and indeed to tell you the truth I would like if you would send me a few shillings before as we might be paid short on that day and the 3 shilling would not take me home. I am sorry to take it off you but if I was not going home I would not need it and it might be a good while [bef]or[e] we get home again and I will not may get the chance of getting any more photos of the Company and I would like to have them if we […] it would keep me in mind of the times we spent together. And if anything would happen to us you would have them to show. Jimmy might just be as well at home for there is going to be a very big crowd. I really wish it was over. It will be none [sic] pleasure for us.
I will write again before I go home. Excuse this writing as I am in a hurry. We are packing up for tomorrow. I think this is all now. I send my best love to all at home.
I remain
Your loving son
John Adams
Tell Jimmy I will write to him after Sat. I wish you would keep […] Belfast [Telegraph?] for me to I go home […] tomorrow’s parade will all be in it. I will take the other photo home with me as it might get broken sending it by post.
There was a major parade of the 36th Ulster Division through Belfast on 8 May 1915. More details from the Ulster Somme Association.
[From personal notes]
Inspection at Malone at Major General Sir Hugh McCalmont K.C.B. followed by a March through the City.
D Coy, 9th R. I. Fus, N. T. Ards
[undated letter, messier than the others, apparently pre-deployment, possibly 19 June 1915 based on references in the letter]
Dear Mother
Just a line hoping it still finds youse all enjoying good health, as this leaves me in the same here at present. I hope Annie and Jimmy got home all right from Newry. There was not a big crowd at the station this time. We are confined to camp since we came back on the Flying Galamm [?!] and I suppose will until we are shifted from here. And I don’t think that will be long now as far as I hear Sunday week at the latest. It may be a good while until we are all at home again and we may all expect changes for they are bound to come. None of us knows what the future holds for us. But let us all hope for the best. There will be no chance of seeing Jennie again before we move and there would be no use of her coming over here again for it would do none of us any good. I will write and tell Jimmy if we go by the main line if I get any word about it. I think this is all now.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
I remain
Your Loving Son
John Adams
Excuse this scribble as I am in a hurry.
You might tell Jimmy to write now and again to tell us how he is getting on.
This is all now. It is well it was not away.
Postmark: Bangor, [??] July 1915
Bangor
I have cycled down here this evening. It is stormy but lovely. Hoping all is well and that I will see you all soon.
Yours truly
Jeannie
Postcard shows:
“Queen’s Parade, Bangor, Co. Down” A view along the promenade. The sea rebounds off the sea wall while many people take the air. Google StreetView
Postmark: lost
Crumlin, 26-8-15
Dear Jenny
I will be going on two train[s] leaving Crumlin. I think I will get the train that arrives in Newry about four. You might meet me at Gorawood [sic] for I have some things to carry which will be heavy. I will be going on Friday.
Good Bye
Annie
Postcard shows: “The Sun Dial, Langford Lodge, Crumlin”. A view across some formal gardens. A sun dial, supported by cherubs, stands in the foreground.
Postmark: Omagh, 5 November 1915
Dear Aunt
Just a line to say I have arrived here & in good health. Will write later. Hoping all is in good health.
From your ever loving nephew,
THD
Postcard shows:
“Second Presbyterian Church, Omagh”, a view of the stone church, with pinnacles and an open belfry. The bell is missing.
Now known as Trinity Presbyterian Church: Google StreetView
7388 L/Cpl T.H. Davidson was discharged from the 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on termination of his engagement on 6 November 1915, at the age of 32.
Thomas H Davidson was Mary Adams’ nephew who grew up in Tullylish near Gilford, Co. Down. He enlisted in the 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in 1902, serving in South Africa (1903), Egypt (1903-05), Crete (1907-08) and Malta (1908-09). He returned back to the UK in 1909, and was transferred to the Army Reserve.
On outbreak of war, he was mobilized at Omagh (the Inniskillings’ depot) on 6 August 1914, and sent to camp at Lough Swilly where he was posted to 3rd Battalion on 19th August. He disembarked in France with the 2nd Battalion as part of the B.E.F. on 27 August 1914 when he was appointed as L/Cpl. He was wounded in France on 7 November 1914. He remained in France until 31 October 1915.
Thomas Davidson joined the 2nd “Skins” the day after the Battle of Le Cateau when the battalion were fast retreating from the advancing Germans. The battalion were then involved in the Battles of the Marne, the Aisne and Messines 1914. In 1915 they were actively involved in the Battle of Festubert in May and the Battle of Loos in September. Davidson was likely to have been involved in most of these engagements.
He was posted back to the Depot on 1 November 1915 before being “discharged on termination of his first period of engagement” on 6 November 1915. He had served for 13 years.
Notes
Up until the introduction of conscription by the passing of the Military Service Act of 1916, a man who had served under a Regular or Territorial engagement and who reached the normal expiry of that engagement could and would be discharged from the army. This even applied to experienced men who were serving in the trenches at the time. The man was known as “time expired”. (thanks to the Long Long Trail for this information).
Church Hill
Holywood
Co. Down
22 Dec. 1915
My Dear Mother
This is just a wee line to say I am sending you these things. I’m sorry I have not got more to send. I hope this wee shawl will please you. They next size was 7s6d it was too dear just now. I hope you will put it on and wear it. I will get you a new one when it’s done.
I had a long letter from Johnnie yesterday. He is well and enjoyed all in the parcels. He wrote a very nice letter to Mrs Trimble thanking her for the trench cooker. Mr Trimble said they were two of the nicest letters ever he read. They think the like of him is not living. He said he was thankful for all in the parcels but he was gladdest to see the trench ointment than all I sent. It kills the vermin and cools their skin. They say their shirts are just living and they are over run with rats. I saw in the paper where they have sent 2 thousand dogs from Paris up to the trenches. He says sometimes they sleep in haylofts, sometimes in gateways, but he says the people have been better to him since he went away than ever they were before.
He had a long letter from Mr Tovie [?] and Cissie Morton sent him a parcel but it was lost on the way. He will be very lonely this Christmas. He says Jack and J McCullough [?] and he are together all the time. He says they all had this tea together as soon as my parcels arrived. I am glad I can help to ease their burden a wee bit.
I had a letter from wee John Mateer on Sunday. He says he’s going to write to his Granny again for she is lonely. I sent him a nice book. I hope he won’t tear it. I gave Minnie Crozier a nice wee pair of shoes and socks for the baby and a big ball for Samuel. She was awfully pleased. She was not bad to Johnnie. She is always glad to see me. She’s never long in getting a drop of tea ready anyway.
Now I think this is all. I hope you are better. Johnnie says if anything was to happen to you he does not know what we would do. I must tell you I hear today that Mr Chambers and Mr Archer [?] are both leaving their churches. I heard they were going to America to start Business [sic]. If it is true I think it is a shame.
Tell Annie I am sorry I have not much for her. She might be able to wear this blouse if they were washed. Would the coloured one be any good to you? I hope she will like the wee handkerchief. I hope Jimmie will like the cigarettes. I am sorry I have nothing better, but I have put nearly all the money I had in Johnnie’s parcel. I think he needs all we can give him.
I hope you will excuse this [scribble]. I hope you will be able to read this but I am in a hurry. It will be a lonely Christmas for us all this time, but God has been good to Johnnie for so far and I hope he will bring him home safe. I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope the New Year will be brighter than last year’s.
With best love
I remain
Your loving daughter
Jeannie
Write soon.
Church Hill
Holywood
Co. Down
16th April 1916
My Dear Mother
I am very sorry I have been such a time in writing but I could not help it. I have been so busy. I think I never did as much work in my life. As I have done this last week. We have got all the cleaning done. We just got done last night, and I am tired. There was a woman in only three days. I did the rest myself. I was down in Holywood last night after I got finished. I met the Croziers. The first thing Sara asked me was I sick. She said I never looked as sick looking. But I am glad to get finished.
I hope you are all well. Had you any word from Johnnie lately. I had none all week. I wrote to him last Sunday. I told him I was going to send him a parcel but I had not time to do it. Would you send him one for Easter? I am sure he will be lonely. I hope we will hear from him soon.
Has Sammy Moffatt been home yet? I forgot to tell you that last week the Lough was full of ships. Mr Trimble said he counted 19. There was German submarines in the Channel. These ships were guarded by a warship. I think the[y] have caught one of the submarines. I wish it was all over. It seems to get worse. Holywood is all darkened now the street lamps are not lit and any that are are covered halfway down. The shopkeepers are not allowed to put lights in their windows. The times are getting worse.
Well, Bangor Rd Church has got settled. Mr Woodburn is to be installed in Bangor Rd on Thursday. First everyone seems to like him. The service is at 12 o’clock on Thursday. I am going to it. There is a social at night.
You wanted to know could I get home for Easter. I would just love to go, but there is no use trying. It would only start a row. I might get later on. I hope you are all well. Write me a long letter soon. I think this is all now. Excuse this scrawl. Any more word from Lizzie? She is a cool one.
Give my best love to all.
I remain
Your loving daughter
Jeannie Adams
Write soon to me.
The[re] is rough times in Belfast at present. There is 4 Vickers gun teams left camp today for it. But we will not be going there as there is too many Belfast men in this platoon.
Unknown author, unknown date, sent to someone in the Read family, Searce. Could this be around the time of the Easter Rising? Discuss.
Postmark: Paisley, 19 July 1916
19.7.16
Dear Mother
Just a line hoping will still find yourself and all a home in your usual good health, as this leaves myself going on alright. I expect to be going home next week, if I keep going on as I am now. But I am not sure yet. No more at present.
Your son
John
Postcard shows:
“The falls, Rouken Glen”. A view of a cascade through a narrow, wooded valley.
Current views: Flickr and Google Maps. Odd that the bridge is not visible in the postcard. It was there in 1916.
Postmark:
Newtownards
23 August 1916
Addressed to:
Mrs John Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh
Dear Mother
Just a card to let you know I am getting on alright, hoping yourself and all at home are keeping in good health. The weather is keeping quite nice. No more at present.
Johnnie
Postcard shows: “Greetings to my loved ones at home.”
A soldier writes a letter, using his hat on his knee as his desk. In his thoughts are his wife and young daughter.
“Here’s a greeting to my loved ones,
Just to day all’s well with me,
And to tell them I am thinking,
Of the home I’d love to see.
Cares there are – yet sweet the knowledge
That one holds a place apart,
Very warm and tender in each
Faithful loving heart. “
Madeleine St Clair
Postmark: Bangor, Down, Sept 13, 1916
12 Sept 1916
Mrs Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh
Dear Mother,
This is just a wee line to say I am well and got your letter alright. I will write soon. I had a PC from J. He was not sick when I saw him at all, only the doctors say the hand is no good till the dirt comes out. I am sure he is very lonely. I had a letter from Jack. He is a srgt now. I wants J to write to him. I am having a grand time down here. We are out all the time. This is our front, only the waves are lovely. I hope you are all well. I have the []. Write soon with love from Jeanie [sic]
Postcard shows ‘Ballyholme, Bangor’, a view of the bay from some way behind the seafront, over a calm sea.
Postmark Sept 29, 1916
Mrs Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh
Dear [Mother]
[I] received your letter, will write soon. We leave here on Monday. Am writing this on the [shore?]. Hope you are not too lonely. Have had a very good time. [Shane?] enjoyed it very much. The weather is lovely just now. I tried to get some shells but there is nothing but fine sand. A lot of people has gone away to [dog?].
Love from Jeannie
I have been to this church.
Postcard shows ‘[First] Presbyterian Church, Bangor, Co. Down.’
A simple view of the ivy covered front of the church, including its steepled tower. The card has been nibbled by mice.
Google StreetView
Postmark Sept 30 1916
Mrs Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh
Dear Mother
This is just to say we are leaving here on Monday so will write when I get to Holywood. I am sorry going for I have had a very good time. The weather has got cold. This is our part [?]. We are just in behind the houses, down this opening [marked with an X]. How is Jimmie?
Love
Jenny.
Postcard shows ‘Ballyholme Beach, Bangor, Co. Down’. A busy beach, with many people strolling on the sand, sitting on the bank and paddling in the sea.
Google StreetView
Postmark: Holywood, 07 Oct 1916
Mrs Adams
Lisadian
Whitecross
Co. Armagh
Dear Mother,
Sorry I have been so long in sending those things but I will soon. I have been so busy. Baby was vaxinated [sic] – his arm is sore. I will write soon. Got your letter alright. Glad to know about J being up. Hope all is well. Give my love to all.
Your loving
J Adams
Postcard shows: ‘Cultra Manor, Co. Down’. A view across a mown field to a large house. Haystacks stand in the foreground, and beyond lies Belfast Lough and the Antrim coast.
20.10.16
My Dear Mother
I am sorry I have been so long in writing to you but it was not my fault as I thought I had written to you and I was wondering why I never heard from you. I was thinking long to hear from you when I got your letter saying that you had not heard from me. Well I hope yourself and all at home are still in good health and I hope Annie is quite better and that Jimmy is not working too hard.
I am getting on here alright. I am liking the place better than I did at the first. There was a Board of Docs here some time ago and a lot of men was passed fit and send back to their units. But I was put back for further treatment so I do not know now when I may get away from here. But you need not be uneasy about me as I am alright. I think I will get a pass sometime and go home to see youse. But it means a lot of money. It would take 15′ [15 shillings?] to take me to Bessbrook station at half fare.
[the copy of the second page is cut off on the rhs]
…need not expect me to go home very often…nothing I want you to send me. I thank you …for what you have sent me. I shall not …and the rest for it. Do you know did…a woollen jacket that Jennie knit for … home any time I was there. I cannot think…I left it. It was one without buttons if …of leave it at home you need not bother…The weather is not so bad as it was …ago but what can we expect now the …will soon be here. Well I hope you will …me for not writing sooner to you. I will not …happen again. I think I must draw to a …and I will write soon again. Hoping…from you soon and hoping all at home …good health.
Good bye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
[Location: could be either Newtownards or Tipperary]
Royal Irish Fusiliers,
No 1 Company A Block,
Irish Command Depot,
Tipperary
Sunday 17.12.16
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home enjoying good health. As this leaves myself in the same at present. The weather has got very frosty this last while. But I hope it may continue as it is very pleasant and is much better than the rain. Well Dear Mother there is no chance of me getting home for Xmas as the storeman is away tomorrow (Mon) for 10 days so he will not be back until the Wed after xmas. So the two of us could not get away together. But I hope youse will have a good xmas at home and youse can have a little thought for the Black Sheep up in the Wilds of Tipperary. You might tell Jimmy to write me a few lines and let me know how the dance came off. Well I think this is all now. I will hardly have time to write again to the end of the week. Hoping to hear from you soon.
Good bye
I remain
Your Loving Son
J Adams
“D” Company
Royal Irish Fusiliers
Newtownards Camp
Co. Down
24.02.17
Dear Mother
I received your parcel alright this morning and I thank you very much for what you sent to me for may handkerchiefs were all lost and I was just going to write home for a couple. So I got them in good time. The weather still keeps very wet. This place is simply flooded. You see it is so low lying very little rain takes effect on it. I wish it would dry up as the good weather is quite pleasant. I had no word from Jennie this couple of days but I am writing to her tonight.
There was a very fine draft left here yesterday. I think it was the best men left here. Albert Brown is away with it. There was […] them altogether. They were all 9th men going back. A few more drafts like it will take all the 9th men away from here.
Is there any word from Jack? I have lost his address. But he may soon be home. I hope he may get home before I get out again. Well I think I have little more to say so I will draw to a close hoping to hear from you soon again and thanking you again for your parcel.
I remain
Your loving son
J Adams
“D” Company
10th Royal I. Fus.[sic]
Newtownards
Co. Down
03.03.17
Just a few lines hoping they will find you still enjoying good health. I am sorry I was so long in answering your parcel which I received alright. Many thanks for the same. The weather keeps very wet. I do wish it would clear up as it is not very pleasant. Well I hope they had a good night on Friday night in Kingsmills. Was there many there?
Well Dear Mother if you do not get any more word from me this week you need not be uneasy as I will not have time to write. I am doing Orderly Sgt this week so I will not have a minute to spare. I am only telling you as you might wonder what was wrong.
I have got to go now, so I will have to draw to a close. Hoping to hear from you soon again.
I remain
Your loving son
J Adams
[postcard: Cave Hill and Belfast Castle]
[to Mrs John Adams, Lisadian]
16.03.17, N’Ards
Dear Mother
Just a card hoping it will find all at home in good health. If all is well may be home on Sat but I do not know yet. No more at present. Hoping to see youse all soon.
John Adams
[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
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.
[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?]
Context
This letter was written after John Adams mother, Mary Adams, had received the telegram from the War Office.
Lisadian, Whitecross, Co Armagh
5th Oct 18
My Dear Johnnie
It is with a sorry heart I write to say I got the sad news on yesterday to say that you were wounded. But I hope and trust in God that you will get better and that He will be with you and help you to bear the pain that you will have to suffer for I know it will be hard to bear. God is able to take care of you over there as well as here and Dear Johnnie if you are able to speak ask some one to write to me and tell me how you are. We wired back to the War Office but we got no word. We all send our kind love to you. May God in Heaven be with you my Son.
Ever your
Loving Mother
Mary Adams
Postcard showing Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin. Postmark 26 Oct 1918, Dublin
Dear Mother
This is the hospital I am in. I wrote to you today. Hoping to hear from you soon. I am going on alright. Will [write] later on.
Johnnie.
St Patrick Ward
Mater Hospital
Dublin
29.10.18
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter which I received today. And I am glad to know that yourself and all at home are still in good health, as this leaves myself going on alright. I am a good deal better. My leg is nearly healed up, but I am still in bed.
I am sorry to hear of G Halliday being killed. I wonder what Batt he was with. I did not see him for a long time. But there have been a lot killed this last while. The CO of the 9th was killed the day after I left [possibly Lt Col P Kelly – killed by a shell on 11 Oct 1918 – see war diary]. I am sending you his photo he was a good man and he thought quite a lot of me. I was sorry to hear of him being killed.
Well I think this is all now hoping to hear from you soon again. I shall be glad to get those cigarettes which you have for me.
Goodbye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
St Patrick’s Ward
Mater Hospital
Dublin
30.10.18
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter of today. Am I am glad to know that all at home are still in good health. I am going on alright and will soon be able to walk about again. I am very sorry indeed to hear of young [Lew’s?] death. It must have been very sudden.
Well Mother dear I thank you very much for your parcel. The apples are very nice. And tell Jimmy I also thank him for the cigarettes which he sent.
I shall write to Annie as soon as I am able to move about which will not be long. I hope I said in my last letter I was finding you Col Kelly’s photo, but I forgot to put it in. I am sending it this time.
No more at present. Thanking you again for your parcel.
Goodbye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
[poorly copied letter with much of each page off the edge]
[probably St Patrick’s Ward, Mater Hospital, Dublin]
13.11.18
My Dear Mother
…have been so long in … But I hope you and …are in good health. …Is very trying on people…at present. Today is…the day the Germans…on the 21st March. …do you think of the …reached up last night…the War is finished aft[er]…Well I do not think …to say I am sorry…not. But when I hear[d]…news I thanked…I was spared to …it safe. I just…paper of a going…had been out from…killed by a stray…before peace was…I think that was…luck. I received…alright today. And …from Jennie. Well…I was so long in …expecting every day …week to go to Belfast…have been talking…all North men to be…I do not know when… or if we go at all…when of all the …home. But there is a lot of deaths in Dublin. I never go out but I meet 8 and 9 friends in one day. And there was some slight riots in the city last night. And a few people injured. I am sorry to hear of Annie being ill, but I hope she is got alright again. Miss Gardiner was not expected to get better but she is up and able to move about again. There has been not cases amongst the soldiers in Dublin yet that I have heard of.
Well I think this is all at present. Please forgive me for being so long in writing to you.
Goodbye
Your loving son
Johnnie
PS In this cutting Sir D Haig is speaking of the Retreat of the 21st March. And also of the (36) Ulster Division and is for Jimmy. I shall always remember those times when we were fighting the Germans 3-to-1.
15.11.18
St Patrick’s Ward
Mater Hospital
Dublin
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines n answer to your ever welcome letter which I received alright this morning and I am glad to know that all at home are still in good health. I hope Annie has got alright again. I am sorry I have been so long in writing but we have been waiting this last week for to go to Belfast. And as I was expecting to go every day I did not write. They are sending all North Men down to Belfast. We go on Monday. So you need hardly write again until I send you my address in Belfast. I shall write to you as soon as I get there. I am going on alright. I shall soon be well enough to leave hospital.
I am sure you were glad to hear the news of an armistice being signed. It has caused some little disturbances in Dublin, but I do not think it will come to anything.
I think this is all now.
Goodbye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
[undated – probably 18.11.18 – see letter 15.11.18]
Ward 7
Royal Victoria Hospital
Belfast
My Dear Mother
Just a line tonight to say I have arrived safe in Belfast. We left Dublin today at 1 o’clock and got here about 5.30. I am still going on alright and I hope so are you and all at home. I hope Annie has got alright again and that Jimmy is still keeping well.
I am glad to be in Belfast once more. The weather is lovely at present and I do hope it may continue as it is most pleasant. Tell Jimmy if he thinks of buying a new pair of boots I shall buy those that he has. I do not like paying so much money for a new pair for 7 or 8 days at home. But I do not like going about in those heavy ones. Tell him to write and tell me if he will sell them to me. And if he does he can send them to me while I am in hospital.
Well this is only a line tonight to let you know where I am. Hoping to hear from you soon.
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
20.11.18
Ward 7
Royal Victoria Hospital
Belfast
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter of today. And I am glad to know that all at home are still enjoying their usual good health as this leaves myself going on alright at present. I am still able to walk about and we are allowed out here from 2pm to 7pm every day. The weather is lovely at present.
Well Mother I thank you very much for what you sent to me. It was very good of you. I shall get along alright without the boots until I get home. I [do] not know how long I may be here, but I shall do my best to be home for Xmas.
I hope Annie is still keeping better and that Jimmy is going on alright.
Well I think this is all now. So I will now close thanking you again for the money.
Goodbye
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
Postcard showing Castle Junction, Belfast. Dated 04.01.19, Belfast
Dear Mother
Just a line to say I got back safe. I am sorry I was so long in writing, but I shall write to you tomorrow and explain.
Johnnie.
Miss M Reid
Searce
Jerrettspass
Co. Armagh
Having the time of my life have you my blade.
Yours as B/4
The author is unknown, we don’t have any other references to the writing. It may be a solider returning from France – possibly Johnny Reid but the handwriting doesn’t quite match. The recipient is our grandmother Mary Adams, also known as Minnie, who married John Adams in 1926.
Postcard shows The Quay (After the Rebellion), Dublin
Royal Victoria Hosp
Belfast
14.01.19
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines in answer to your every welcome letter of today. And I am glad to know that yourself and all at home are still enjoying your usual good health, as this leaves me in the same at present.
The weather here keep[s] very nice. It has been like summer this last two days. We had none of that snow you speak of. Or at least very little. It stayed no time here.
I had no word from Jennie since I saw her but I am sure she is quite alright. I did not see Tommy since I came back. I may go over to see him before I go home but I do not know yet.
I wonder if Jimmy intends to go to that Dance at [Killeavy] Castle. Tell him I shall do my best to be home for it. But tell him I got an invite from another quarter. He will know who I mean. I hope it may be a much drier night than the last. Tell him to get the Patton’s for to drive up again.
Well I am glad that all at home are well. Well I think this is about all I can say now. So I will close with best love.
I remain
Your loving son
Johnnie
Hoping to hear from you soon again.
Note: Killeavy Castle is at the base of Slieve Gullion, Co. Armagh
Discharged from Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.
From personal notes. Presumably demobbed very soon afterwards.