Monday 4 October, 1915
by John Adams
Landed in France
[From personal note]
Saturday 23 October, 1915
by John Adams
Somewhere in France
23.10.15
My Dear Mother
Just a line to let you know that I am still alive and well. Hoping this finds all at home the same. I received all the parcels that you sent to me. None of them is opened at least I get all you send and many thanks for what you have sent me. Some day I may be able to repay you. We are up here in the trenches these last few days. I am writing this letter on the side of the trench. No less than 5 shells has burst beside me since I started to write. One may get used to rifle bullets and does, but you never can get used to the shells. They make such an awful noise. I hope all at home are well. Tell Jimmy that I will write a long letter as soon as we are relieve[d] for a rest. But thank him from me for the razor. And tell him I shall never forget him for it and to be good to yourself and to thank God for his bed every night he lies down for many a poor fellow out here would give their life for one night in bed. I have to stop now as I have to take my section up to the fire trench again. We were relieve[d] for a few hours. Write soon.
I remain your loving son John
Location information: from Major John George Brew’s account. This was the first week of action that the 9th Bn R.I.F. saw.
Tuesday 11 January, 1916
by John Adams
BEF Somewhere in France
11.01.16
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines hoping this will find you and all at home in your usual good health as this leaves me in the same here at present. I cannot understand how it was that you have got no letters from me so long as Annie PC says for there I not a week passes that I do not write home, and there must be some mistake that you do not get them. I think this is the third letter that I wrote since Xmas and Annie says that you have got none of them. But you may have got them before this. I hope you are got all right again yourself. I was very sorry to hear that you were so bad with pains but it has been a very severe winter all though. But thank Goodness it has cleared up at last and it’s getting like Spring out here now. I think it comes sooner here than in Ireland.
We are on our way once more to the trenches and have arrived in a little village a short distance of the Firing Line which I expect we shall be in by the time you get this. But do not be in the least alarmed as for our safety as I do not believe the Germans has made the bullet that is to kill me yet at least I believe so at any rate. I had a letter from Jennie and she said also that she had a letter from you tell her that you got no letters from me and also that she had none from me either, and I do wonder where they are going. I believe Mr Chambers and Archer is leaving Holywood to go to America to make there fortunes it is a wonderful thing to be going to do and this terrible war going on. They will have plenty of time for that when this war is over. For I think there will be few men left after it is over the way it is going.
Tell Jimmy I am sorry for anything I said in my last letter. I do not mean all I say but I believe I write home as often as I get any from it. Sometimes I think that youse forget about me out here. You may think long not to get a letter form me but its worst on us out here when we do not hear from home. For at home youse are all there together and in a civilized world. While we are not. And only through letters can we know how things are going on at home. So do not get on to me too much when you as not get a letter from me when you know that I have written.
We are still together and are with J. McCullough who is from Bessbrook and we had a great Xmas together. For we got all sorts of parcels the three of us and the way we messed together they lasted for a long time. I got about 12 parcels myself from all over the country. I got a great parcel from L Morton and also one from Mrs Moody of Tandragee where I stopped when we were on the route march. I think I was telling you about her the time I was home. I also got a great muffler from L Morton through Mrs Hall of Narrow Water who undertook to pay all expenses on Comforts that was sent to any of the Ulster Division from Warrenpoint. So I was very well done for.
I think I must draw to a close hoping once again that you are got all right. Am hoping to hear from you soon again.
I remain
Your Loving Son
John Adams
Tuesday 18 January, 1916
by John Adams
B E Force, Somewhere in France
18.01.16
My Dear Mother
I now take the pleasure of writing a few lines hoping they will find yourself and all at home in your usual good health as this leaves me in the same out here at the time of writing. I have got your parcel just now. Many thanks for same, and I had your letter the day before yesterday. Well dear Mother you need not trouble about sending me anything out here as it costs you to much and I may tell you straight we do not want for anything out here as we get an issue of cigarettes every week and the Mount Norris people has been good enough for to forward us another issue. And then we have an Army canteen in the Regt then we can get nearly anything we want. So you need not mind bothering you head about sending me anything out here.
Of course I do not want you to be angry or take anything to you of what I say. I thank you from my heart for what you have sent me out but you have little enough for yourselves without paying the heavy postage that is on at present. I am sure that you were glad to see Jimmy when he came up. Is he much changed or did his wounds affect him in any way. I am sure he did not say much about the times he had. That is not a soldiers way of doing anything.
I had a letter from Jennie telling me about Mr Chambers leaving but I think I named it in my last letter. I am glad you are getting my letters now. I was very sorry when I heard that you were not getting them for there is not a week that passes that I do not write home. But dear Mother so not take it so about the leave. We might land in some night before you know. They do not let everybody out here what they are doing. So do not get down hearted about it.
[has] Johny Elliott come back to live at the crossroads – he does not like to stay long in the one place. The weather has got better now and there is not many out here that will be sorry about that for the wet weather is not very pleasant out here. But no matter we are well hardened to it now. We will be like tarred roofs when we get home. But you need not be uneasy about us for I think the German bullet was is not made yet that is to kill me. So do not say anymore about it.
What is the matter with Davy Patton. I am very afraid there is some of the boys that talked so much would not stand roughing it very long out here. The wet cold weather would kill them if they never saw a German. yes Louie Morton has been good to me. And I would be most ungrateful to her if I would forget her for it, which I have no thought of doing. I think I have not much more to say tonight. Only to thank you again for your parcel. So goodnight and God take care of all at home until we meet again.
I remain
Your Loving Son
John Adams
Please do not take it ill anything I said in my last letter as I may have been angry at the time.
This is a small mirror for Annie. Tell her she must blow her breath out before she uses it and see the result. I am sorry I have not time to write to her but I shall do so as soon as I get time.
J. Adams
Tell Annie I will write as soon as I get time but I cannot get the time just now as I am writing to Jimmy.
Monday 20 March, 1916
by John Adams
Somewhere in France
20.3.16
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines to let you know that I am still in good health. Hoping this will find yourself and all at home in the same. I am very sorry that I have been so long in writing to you, but it was not my fault. As we have bee rather busy since I came back. So you cannot have much time to yourself for letter writing. But as you know I send a card at least once a week. And sometimes its all I have time for. Well I got back safe at any rate after some knocking about. Which none of us enjoyed but we had to put up with it.
The weather is excellent just now. And I hope it continues as the trenches are in a better state owing to the good weather. And I may tell you we are up against enough without wadeing to the knees in water.
Well I have got all your letters and parcel since I came back alright and I must thank you for your parcel. I have also written to thank J Morton for her’s which was a beautiful pocket book. Well we got the 17th over which was given to us as a holiday, being out of the trenches at the time. Each man being given a sprig of shamrock which we all enjoyed having very much. One has to be away from Ireland for a while before they can understand what it is to get something from it. And no wonder those away relish getting a sprig of shamrock so much. And when my feet touched the platform at Dundalk on our homeward journey I thought new life had entered my body that is what it is like to be away from home.
I got your card and Annie’s last night. But tell Annie she need not put Cpl on the letters as I have not got my appointment yet I could have got it again in another Coy but refused it again. As I told you I do not want to leave where I am and no room in our Company for a full Cpl yet. So she need not put it on until I tell her.
Well I think this is all I have time for now but as long as you know I am alright.
Goodbye.
I remain
Your Loving Son
John
Friday 31 March, 1916
by John Adams
Somewhere in France
31.3.16
Dear Jimmy
I am writing too them all so I could not leave you out. How are you getting on since I came away. I believe you were at that Orange Ball at Bessbrook. And did your best to do me out of my girl. Mind I am telling you. You had better keep clear of that quarter of the town. Although I am out in France, there is nothing goes passed that I do not hear off. But no matter I think it would take you all your time too knock me out.
Did you see J. McCullough when he was at home. I did not think you knew him. But if you do you know a Gentleman. One that any man might wish to have as a friend. I believe youse have had a great fall of snow. Last week we had one about the same time. But there is no trace of it now. It does not stay long in this country now. Well you need not take it angry at what I said it was only a joke. Jennie[?] was telling me that she was talking to you at the dance. And what a fine fellow you were. She said you were nearly as good as your Big Brother, but seemed to have more to say (I don’t think [?]). I think I must stop or you may not answer it. But I hope you do as I would like to hear your way about it. No more at present.
I remain
Your Loving Brother
Johnnie
Friday 31 March, 1916
by John Adams
Somewhere in France, B.E. Force
31.3.16
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines hoping the will find yourself and all at home still enjoying good health. As this leaves me in the same at time of writing. I am sorry that I have been so long in writing, but I could not really find time to do so.
We have come out for a short rest. And the weather this last few days has been like summer. It is always the same while out of the trenches it is always fine and when we are in tem you could hardly stand the cold. The last few days we were in there was nothing but frost and snow and when it thawed it would have taken you to the knees in mud and water.
I had a letter from Jennie yesterday. She seems to be in good health. I have not much news to write this time. It is very hard to write a letter from here for you do not know what to say for to be right. So the least said the sooner mended. But as long as you know I am well I suppose its all you want to know. Four youse all know more about things at home than we do out here. I think this is all at present but I will write soon again. Whenever I get time.
I remain
Your Loving Son
John Adams
Saturday 29 April, 1916
by John Adams
Somewhere in France, British Exped Force
29.04.16
My Dear Mother
I am so sorry that I have been so long in writing to you, but I was waiting on getting the parcel that you said in your letter you were sending got to me. So I only got it last night. That is something like 10 days it took it coming, and it only takes a letter 4 days. So you will understand why I was so long in writing. Well to start with I must thank you for what you sent to me in your parcel. You are so awful good to me. I do not know how I will ever repay you. All in the parcel was all right. There was nothing gone astray. You must have spent some time in packing it.
Well we have got Easter over such as it was. You would not have known that it was Easter. Only the Germans kept quiet all day on Sunday but they gave us a few shells on Monday, which our fellows paid back in dead earnest. But its just the same every day. I wonder how far the end off. There is not many out here would care it was all over tomorrow. The weather is still keeping good it is like summer today and I hope it continues for the wet weather is not very pleasant. I suppose the people at home are busy putting in the crop. Have you got the garden in yet. You can put my share in I will be home before they are dug. Well I must thank you again for your parcel which we enjoyed very much as it was a change from the loaf bread and I think I must now draw to a close as I must write to Annie tonight but I will not be long in writing to you again.
I remain
Your Loving Son
John Adams
Sunday 27 May, 1917
by John 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.
Monday 4 February, 1918
by John Adams
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
Monday 4 February, 1918
by John Adams
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]
Friday 22 February, 1918
by John Adams
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
Wednesday 6 March, 1918
by John Adams
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
Saturday 18 May, 1918
by John Adams
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
Saturday 1 June, 1918
by John Adams
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
Sunday 1 September, 1918
by John Adams
[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
Monday 9 September, 1918
by John Adams
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
Monday 16 September, 1918
by John Adams
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