|
|
|
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT
By the generosity and similarity of purpose, that is, to provide as much history about the men of the Wolds Waggoners, Della Petch has provided the following, which is but a part of her collection of ‘Letters From the Front’ she has collated over the years, in her own words:
“Absolutely no charge and delighted to make it available to you.
The reason I gathered these news stories up, was so that people could find their ancestors at a glance. It took me a long time to collect them and put them together, but it was worthwhile.
There are some waggoners mentioned inside. You need a list of names to find them, but not all were mentioned in the paper, which is a pity.
The dates given are the dates of publication. They are copied word for word and not edited. I had to photocopy the longer articles and copy them up when I got home, because I could only book 2 hours at a time on the microfilm in Beverley. It must have cost me a couple of hundred pounds in travelling and photocopies to complete it all. But when one person discovers even one letter from an ancestor, its like finding homes for heros. I expect you know just what I mean, though its not very eloquently expressed.
The newspaper at that time did not print photographs, unfortunately, so none are included.
There is a nice poem about the waggoners, so be sure to look out for it.
Delighted to be of assistance. Its exactly the reason why I undertook this project and I can't think of a better way for it to be used .
Best wishes , Della ”
WW1 Letters from Driffield Times 1914 – 1920 [here pertaining mainly to the Waggoners]
August 8, 1914
THE EUROPEAN WAR
EXCITEMENT IN DRIFFIELD
Since the somewhat unexpected return of the Territorials on Monday night, from their fortnight’s camp, considerable excitement has prevailed. Both sections of the Territorials (the Cyclists and members of D Company) were constantly travelling to and from the Drill Hall in expectation of having to depart at any time, and at night the necessary orders came. The Cyclists were the first to depart, they travelling by the 9.57pm train to Hull. A large number of people assembled in the streets and at the Railway Station to see them off, and as the train steamed out of the station, a lusty cheer was sent up, which was responded to by those going away. The members of D Company, 5th Batt. Yorkshire Regiment entrained for Scarborough early on Wednesday morning, and the small number of spectators who were present gave them a cheer as they departed on their journey. The Yeomanry were ordered to assemble at the Drill Hall, at noon on Wednesday, and loyally responded. The greatest enthusiasm has prevailed among the men, and some former members have willingly offered their services and been accepted. Whilst we all deplore the circumstances that have called for our townsmen to leave the place, we have this consolation, that they have responded to the call of duty, and hope that they will have a safe and speedy return to their homes and families.
On Thursday afternoon part of the Yeomanry left Driffield and caused considerable stir as they rode through the streets. The remainder followed at 9.30 this (Friday) morning.
WAGGONERS’ RESERVE CALLED OUT
The men comprising the Waggoner’s Reserve were called out on Wednesday, and at night the streets of Driffield wore a lively appearance as they began to troop in from all sides of the town. It was stated their destination was Bradford and Manchester, to which places they went off on Thursday.
September 12, 1914
A LETTER TO FLAMBOROUGH
In response letter has been received from Aaron Waines, of Butterwick Farm, a Reserve Waggoner, who is supposed to be in France:
“Just a line to let you know that I am in the best of health over here. I had a letter from Tom (his brother) just before I left Aldershot and it seems as though he is having a good time of it. There is plenty of fruit about the fields all round. The villagers are very good kind people. Cyril (Cyril Gardner, of Bempton) is at the same place and we are having the time of our lives. We are not allowed out of our ranks on the fields here unless on duty. I am not allowed to give you the address, or any particulars of where we are situated. We get plenty of good rations here.”
September 19, 1914
NAFFERTON
News has reached the parents of Pte Robt Collingwood, who is attached to the 18 th Hussars, that he has been taken prisoner by the Germans. His brother, Frederick, who is in the Army Service Corps (Waggoners’ Reserve), is also at the Front.
October 10, 1914
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT
Driver J.F. Cooper, a member of the Waggoners’ Reserve, a son of Mr Chas Cooper, Beckside, Driffield, in a letter received on Sunday, says that paper is very bad to get hold of where he is. “We are not having much wet weather. We have not been in the fighting line yet, but there is no telling how soon we shall have to go.” – In another letter received by his parent on Tuesday he says – “Everything is bad to get hold of here. The Germans have looted all they could lay their hands on, but they have been driven back and let’s hope they will soon be beaten; then we can get back to Old England, and our dear friends. I am perfectly well and alright, I miss my cigarettes, we can’t get any here, but we get some tobacco every week, and we make a few cigarettes with aught we can find. I have received your letters alright.”
November 21, 1914
T. Rawling, of Wetwang, one of the Waggoners' Special Reserve, has been invalided home with a wound in the right thigh, caused by a shrapnel shell on 26th October. He gives the following account of how he received his wound. We were ordered to take four waggons of ammunition up near the firing line. “The morning we landed we uncoupled our horses and tied them to some hedges. During the day we rested. At night the enemy tried to break through the lines, so we had to make all speed back to some more ammunition waggons in the rear for another supply, and that was carried out under heavy shell fire. The next night was a repetition of the previous one, but a more terrible nature. We were continually fetching ammunition. The shells were coming fast and dropping all round. On Sunday, 25th October the shelling was most terrible. On Monday 26th about 7 am we were at breakfast when two shells came and burst about ten yards to the left of us. We all removed to take the shelter that was possible to obtain. Four men and I stepped to the right, when a third shell came and caught me on the thigh, inflicting a wound about four inches long. Another was hit in the back, which was more serious, he having to undergo an operation when invalided home to Lincoln hospital. I was discharged from that institution and am now progressing under the care of our local doctor. Perhaps some may think this account an exaggeration, yet all the same the waggoners are in peril often. I have heard of a native of Wetwang, living a few miles away, disputing these facts, and I am open to convince him any day when he likes to call and see me.”
November 28, 1914
WEAVERTHORPE
Mr and Mrs Welburn, of Weaverthorpe, have received information from the War Office that their son, Private Arthur Welburn, of the 2 nd Coldstream Guards, was killed on October 30 th. They received a letter from him, dated October 30 th, and written before he went into action. Mr and Mrs Welburn have two other sons serving in France with the Waggoners Reserve.
November 28, 1914
KILHAM
HOME FROM THE FRONT – Driver George Bastiman, son of Mr Fred Bastiman, bricklayer, has returned to his home at Kilham from the front, with a swollen leg and suffering rheumatism. He has been in the firing line; once he had his horse shot under him, and one of his fingers grazed by a bullet, but he is otherwise uninjured.
December 5, 1914
Dear Mr Editor
Having just a few moments to spare I take this opportunity of writing to you this letter. I am an old reader of the “Driffield Times” and while I am out here I have it sent to me every week, and being a paper of my own locality I find it very interesting; I have had practically every paper and I find the only one that has anything to say of the “Waggoners’ Reserve” is the “Driffield Times,” for men who have had no training of any description who are out here doing the same duty as others with years of training need some little praise for their work, which is done to perfection. The reason I write is because I think the Waggoners are forgotten and at the present time when we want more men I think that it would be better and give more heart to those in Driffield to come and have a rub at the Kaiser’s half hearted lot, and show them that although we have no training we are just as good and we know we are fighting for the good of our country and a right cause. I hope to get your paper every week and in conclusion wish the “Driffield Times” every success – I am, dear Mr Editor, yours respectfully
Driver W.J. MALTBY
Sixth Field Ambulance, 2nd Division, A.S. Corps.
British Expeditionary Force Nov 25th 1914
No 1100 Herbert Hodgson, 6th Reserve Park, 5th Company, writing to his mother and all at home at Bainton, expresses his thanks for parcels received from home, and then goes on to say, “There is only one thing more I want it is a pair of gloves (for we have some snow), and a few sweets for a bad cold. I have had a parcel from the people at Bainton, for which I thank them. I got two pairs of socks, two shirts and a handkerchief, and then I got one from Lady Sykes, with a beautiful shirt, two pairs of socks, and silk handkerchief, all new. I wish you would thank her for me, because I have not got much time to do it. Don’t forget to send me the “Driffield Times.”
Under date October 23rd, Waggoner G. Thornton, Army Service Corps, has written to Messrs Jas Reed & Sons, grocers and farmers, Driffield, and says their company are in camp and near a large town and some in private billet, each man having to look after two horses and a waggon, and carry supplies; they are all fit. He hopes his friends at Driffield will have a big book of the war for him when he returns, as they know very little of what is going on. He wishes he had some Driffield cigarettes, and says, “They would smoke all right.”
Driver Cyril Scholes, with Sir Mark Sykes’ Waggoners Reserves in France, writes to thank all kind friends who have sent parcels out to him, especially shirts, cigs &c., from Wetwang; also several parcels from Givendale which he greatly appreciates; he also says he is very happy and well, and likes being there very much, everyone is so kind to them, and they have lots of good friends, with best wishes for a happy Xmas to all.
FATHER XMAS, TO WAGGONERS’ RESERVES AT THE FRONT
Dear Mr Editor –
With your kind permission, a desire to avail myself of the columns of the Driffield Times to address a few words to your correspondent – Driver W. T. Maltby – and through him to members of the Waggoners Reserve – and this in reply to his letter in your issue of the 5th inst. I wish to use this medium in preference to writing privately to Driver Maltby, because it hath been brought to my knowledge that your paper hath a large circulation amongst the lads of the Yorkshire Wolds now serving King and Country in France, through copies being sent to them by friends and relatives here at home, and my words to Driver Maltby will apply to the whole of his comrades.
Well, in the first instance, let the Waggoners’ Reserves rest assured they are not forgotten, for only two days ago in this little village of the wolds, through the arduous work of teachers and scholars, a successful children’s concert was given, the proceeds of which will be sent to Lady Sykes for the sole benefit of these patriots; whilst numberless parcels of all sorts are sent to her ladyship, who has undertaken the duty of forwarding them to the Waggoners’ Reserves in France.
As is well known, Lady Sykes is devoting her best energies to the sick and wounded of our brave men in Hospital in France, and while doing this her ladyship is not unmindful of the needs of the Yorkshire lads, and knowing their good qualities as Drivers and Caretakers of horses, she hath found time to attend the Martinmas Hirings at Driffield. (How the heart of many a poor lad, serving abroad, will swell at the words Martinmas Hirings!) and in the Market Place eloquently urge the claims of these men for public recognition, with applications for others to follow their example by responding to the request of Lord Kitchener for “more recruits for the front.” That her Ladyship’s heart and soul is in the work, goes without saying, for it required courage to ask for the very men whose services are urgently required on the land! Therefore, Driver Maltby and his mates may take for granted they are not forgotten as he seemingly thinks they are.
It is not for everyone, even in warfare, that is given the opportunity “to climb the ladder of fame.” Were Victoria Crosses as liberally bestowed amid British warriors as Iron Crosses are among German soldiers, they would carry little worth and be lightly regarded. There ever has been and for ever will be, “hewers of wood and drawers of water,” and the best reward for such labours is the inward consciousness that such work has been well done without “fear of punishment or hopes of gain.” Bear in mind the words of the poet’s, as taught you in the happy days of childhood, “Many a flower is born to blush unseen,” and take heart and “Be a hero in the strife.” Even remember it takes “many raindrops to make a shower,” and that each one of you Waggoners is only a single drop in the great work set you to do. Remember, too, that as well as our gifts, our thoughts, our sympathies, and our prayers are with you, and for you.
And by way of encouragement, I will call your attention to the example of your Colonel – Sir Mark Sykes – (who, by foresight, called you into being, an arduous and thankless task as you will admit). He hath given his time, his whole-hearted energy and his wealth to the fatiguing process of “preparing recruits for the front,” a thankless and inglorious task, often doubtless very trying to temper, and requiring energy and perseverance of no ordinary kind, and no “Halo of glory” surrounding his efforts, yet nothing daunts him. He could be at home taking it easy, but the call of duty to his King and Country over-ride every other consideration, so take courage from your leader, my boys!
That you understand the management and treatment of horses (and it almost makes one’s heart bleed to read of the sufferings of German horses), that you can yoke and mount your team with the “agility of monkeys” and that you can run about and “up granary steps as nimble as cats” with eighteen stones on your back. – All this you know, and is appreciated by a discerning public, and in proving I will narrate one anecdote that came under my observation :- Some little time ago a number of horses were tethered in a field on the Anlaby Road, Hull. Recruits from the town were trying to harness them. One young fellow picked up a collar and walked to “both ends of the horse” and finally decided for the head, but the for the life of him he could not tell which side of the collar fitted on the neck, and wondering all the time why the horse was bending his head down. A gentleman seeing the horse knew more about the collar than the recruit, said to the officer in charge, “Instead of swearing at the poor fellow, get one of Mark Sykes’ Waggoners to act as Drill Sergeant for harnessing, for he could yoke the lot while these poor chaps are thinking about it.”
One more word in conclusion. Forget not the salutary advice of your great Chieftain – Lord Kitchener – “Beware of temptation and your besetting sins.” Never disgrace the name of Englishmen and then with your comrades from far-off India, you can say, as they say, when death overtakes them on the battle field, following the line of duty, “Such an end to life” is beautiful. There is no reason to weep when a tired man falls into the most peaceful and happy sleep that God can send. And yet such is the frailty of human nature, that in reading the following, which amongst other sad stories have just been brought to light, one cannot help shedding a tear. A French Sergeant was found dead with his hand tightly, in death, pressed to his lips. In his clenched hand was a paper. It was a letter from his little girl of five, which, when mortally wounded, he had crawled to read with the last light of his dying eyes, and it ran thus :-
“Dear father – I miss you so much. I miss you most morning and evening when I used to kiss you. I try to be good, as you told me, and kind to mama. – Your loving little girl, Marguerite.”
And a little child shall lead them! Be true to the advice of your old people at home.
With your consent, Mr Editor – Farewell to you lads from the Wolds until I have permission to write you again.
Yours sincerely, Father Xmas, Home of the flowers, Garton-on-the-Wolds, Driffield, E.Yorks.
Sunday, Dec 6th 1914.
December 26, 1914
The following letter, which has been passed by the Censor, has been received from Fred Collingwood, who is one of the Waggoners’ Reserve, now at the front: -
“Dear friends – By all accounts you often seem to be thinking of the ‘raw’ country lads out on active service, so I thought I would drop you a line as I have a few spare moments. We are here to do our duty to our King and Country to the best of our ability. We encounter many difficulties, but my motto is “Fear God and honour the King.” Out here all feel that this is a most infamous and scandalous war which the enemy is waging and the desolation, homeless children and wives is terrible; my word, families are feeling the realness of it. Ah, how many a time we boys’ have been glad to sacrifice part of meals and give same to the poor homeless refugees. Please God may we have our revenge on this inhuman race of people which we trust will be crushed for ever. I am glad to think three of our family are engaged in this campaign, although one has been taken prisoner in that terrible battle of Mons, but I hope he will return safely to his wife and child. I suppose you will sometimes think of us as being lonely, but, ah, no, the “waggoners” never seem to get the least bit weary. They can sing “And to be a farmers’ boy,” to the sound of guns, quite as well as behind the plough by now, for often we think of our old occupation. We miss the old farmhouse table a little with its boiled milk, &c., but still the majority are keeping quite robust. We are usually called by our comrades “Waggoner pudding,” for sometimes we are not exactly regimental, but have to plead ignorance, seeing we have had no training as soldiers. We are all endeavouring to “play the game” to the fullest extent, and are looking forward to returning home again, after obtaining victory. We can often be heard saying, “Roll on the big ship and England,” for there is no place so dear as the old homeland. Until we return keep smiling and although the ocean divine, we will smile with you, - I remain, yours etc
“ONE OF THE WAGGONERS”
January 2, 1915
Waggoner Benj Watson, 302, N. Coy, A.S.C., in a letter to Mr Chas Smith, JP, says: - I have been away from England ever since the 19th August and never heard from Driffield, and I am sure a few words from the old town would be good on an occasion like this. My home address is No. 8, Westgate, Driffield. I am in the Army Service Corps and am also glad I have a brother, Alfred, in the Canadian Artillery (the last named has just been spending a few days at home). I wish some more farm lads would join the army and come out here to help us. They cannot do finer work than join the army and help their King and country. It is rather wet and cold out here now, but we have plenty to occupy our minds without thinking of the hardships we encounter. Taking it on the whole we are enjoying ourselves out here and hope all Yorkshire is doing the same. “It’s a long way to Tipperary,” but not to Berlin. Kindly give my best respects to the Rev Canon Sharrock; and Miss Francis, the tobacconist; I was a good customer to her when I was in England, so I must not forget her. Also remember me to those at the Time office; I miss the weekly paper out here. The people are very good to us, so we got on very nicely. Will you put this in the Driffield Times, then a few more might want to come out. – The letter is dated December 19th
Driver T. POTTER, No 170, 5th Company A.S.C., 6th Reserve Park, Expeditionary Force, writing under date December 16th, says:
Sir, I just want to have a little in the paper. There is about a dozen of us from Driffield here, billeting out and as it is raining we thought we would just drop a few lines to thank all who sent us presents. I can tell you we were longing for some English tobacco, especially twist, which we were accustomed to. We’ve had several lots of cigarettes and chocolates sent by different persons. The last lot we got issued out was twist and so you may know we jumped with joy to get it. Well I must tell you the weather is very unsettled; we are having a lot of rain now and we get wet through every day. We have no clothes to change into so you may know what a state we are in, sometimes having to lay down in our wet things, but we don’t care; we get through it or die.
Samuel Legard, No 1037, Waggoners A.S.C., writing at the same time, says:
Dear friends of Great Driffield, I now write a few lines to you all, to let you know we are getting on in France. Well, friends, I must tell you we are having some very wet weather out here, and I shan’t care how soon we have fine weather; but I can tell you we have something worse than rain to do with; at night we have a rum job on, catching “Germans” on our shirts; there is one with a rifle at one side and another bloke with a big stick at the other, and as soon as one puts it’s head up, he either gets a bullet or a great smack with a stick; they aren’t bad to see, they’re as big as donkeys; I will bring you a sample back with me. I think I have told you all. From your two dear Driffield lads, Tommy and Sammy.
Driver Amos Allen No 439 A.S.C. Reserve Park British Expeditionary Forces, France, writes: Mr Editor, Dear Sir, would you be so kind as to allow these few line to be put in your paper. I wish to thank all Huggate friends who have helped to gather all the presents together that have been forwarded to the villagers at the front. It seems we are not forgotten by all, if we are disliked by the Germans. The presents we have received are very useful to us out here in this wilderness, for which we owe our greatest thanks. We are all in good health and heart and with the little bounties from our own village I think we shall enjoy a fair Christmas, under the circumstances. We are not having the best of weather; it has rained for a fortnight nearly day and night. But I think we are like pigs, never right but when we are paddling among mud. I have three pals here with me, from the same village and they say the parcels are quite a treat for the Christmas time. They wish to return their thanks as well. I hope you will have a happy Christmas and prosperous new year and that the Germans will have a good supply of bullets for their Christmas dinner. – This letter was dated December 19th.
April 3, 1915
YOUR KING AND COUNTRY NEED YOU
RECRUITS WANTED!
EAST YORKSHIRE WAGGONERS
Are urgently needed as
DRIVERS FOR ARMY SERVICE CORPS and ROYAL ENGINEERS
Quickest way to get to the Front – JOIN THE EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT
ALL OTHER REGIMENTS REQUIRE GOOD RECRUITS
Age 19 to 38 years
SHOEING SMITHS and SADDLERS ARE WANTED. Age 19 to 45
Pay 35s per week, and separation allowances
Apply at once for Information and Enlistment to
COL-SERGT E DOBSON
Army Recruitment Officer
49 MIDDLE STREET N, DRIFFIELD
April 24, 1915
THE EAST YORKS WAGGONERS’ RESERVE
The following lines have been forwarded to us by one who is interested in the doings of our brave Waggoners, especially those from the neighbourhood of Driffield, which we gladly insert: -
Have you read the wondrous story of our soldiers out in France,
How they shell the German trenches – how they make the Germans dance;
What a thousand pities, brother, of the Waggoners’ Reserve.
All honour to the infantry, who fight both day and night;
To the cavalry, who charge the foe, in the cause of Truth and Right,
The artillery have made a name, none but the brave deserve,
Side by side with them, my brother, write the Waggoners’ Reserve.
Out rang the call one morning, and they answered to a man,
Leaving fields all white with harvest, that strong Yorkshire clan;
Somewhere in France you’ll find them, with the Regiment they serve;
Have you quite forgotten them, brother, they’re the Waggoners’ Reserve.
When this dreadful war is over, and our boys come home again,
We will cheer them to the echo, we will shout with might and main;
We’re proud of Tommy Atkins, may God his life preserve,
But don’t forget his comrades, of the Waggoners’ Reserve.
November 13, 1915
NAFFERTON
Pte Sidney Drinkrow of the New Zealand Volunteers, is having a fortnight’s leave, which is being spent at his mother’s home. He was wounded in the left wrist while fighting in Gallipoli – Pte Berriman, A.S.C. (Waggoners’ Reserve) is also home on 10 days’ furlough. He has been in France for over a year.
RECENT ENLISTMENT – John Merritt has enlisted in HM Forces as a motor transport driver.
November 27, 1915
FIMBER
We have pleasure in chronicling the promotion, to a commission in His Majesty’s army, of Mr Claud Megginson, third son of Mr and Mrs W.D. Megginson, of Towthorpe. Mr Megginson (who was a member of the Waggoners’ Reserve) was called to the colours on mobilisation 15 months ago, with the rank of sergeant, and proceeded to France. He was invalided home but as soon as convalescent he was attached to a unit in Surrey, and has now been promoted to the rank of a second-lieutenant. He has been ordered to hold himself in readiness to proceed abroad.
September 14, 1918
NORTH DALTON
BRAVERY REWARDED – Driver R. Davison, a native of Bridlington, and son of Mr and Mrs F. Davison, of Little Grange, Pocklington, has been awarded the Military Medal for coolness and bravery during a bombing raid in France on the 11th August, when he, as a member of the Field Ambulance, saved three or four men’s lives at great risk to himself. He is 21 years of age, and went to France with the East Riding Waggoners’ Reserve a few days after hostilities commenced. He has received the Mons ribbon, and has luckily kept clear of injury. He is a grandson to the late Mr J.M. Davison, of Bridlington, and was employed at North Dalton before being called up.
December 28, 1918
THE ZEPPELIN OUTRAGES
Now that the ban has been removed respecting the publication of news of raids made by Zepps, it may be of interest to recall the fact that Driffield was the first Yorkshire town to have bombs dropped by these murderous machines. The visit was made on the night of Friday, June 4th, 1915, when the machine was seen somewhere in the neighbourhood of the Parish Church about 11pm. It was ascertained that it had entered by way of Bridlington, and after reaching Driffield seemed to be in doubt as to its whereabouts. It then cruised round by Langtoft and Sledmere, eventually passing over Driffield on its way home about 1am. on the Saturday morning. Two bombs were dropped, which caused great explosions, startling many of the inhabitants in the town and district from their slumbers. The first bomb was dropped in the garden behind Springfield House, in Eastgate South, doing considerable damage to the root crops and surrounding trees. The houses in the neighbourhood were also much shaken and some hundreds of squares of glass were broken, while pieces of squares of glass were picked up at great distances from the scene of the explosion, and many people received cuts from broken glass. There was only an interval of a few minutes between the explosions, the second bomb falling in a field in Meadow Lane, belonging to Mr Walmsley, opposite the first gate house, where it made a large cavity, very much resembling a pond, but no other damage was done.
Rumours spread, which were greatly exaggerated, and the town was visited by thousands of people on the Saturday and Sunday, many coming from Hull, who expressed their astonishment at so slight a damage.
Many people had the impression that this visit was one of searching out for a good landing, and this would appear to be correct, for on the following Sunday night another Zeppelin came over Bridlington and Driffield and found its way to Hull, doing a good deal of damage.
This brought the lighting restrictions more strongly into force, and special constables were enrolled to do duty on “Air raid warning” nights and although we have had many warnings and Zeppelins passing over the town, which caused the inhabitants much worry and anxiety, we have been very fortunate that no further bombs were dropped in Driffield, after seeing what other towns have experienced.
January 18, 1919
DEMOBILISED – Pte Edward Pattison, 6th London Regiment, and previously in the Waggoners’ Reserve, arrived home on Monday night, being the first Kilham soldier to be demobilised. He is a son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Pattison, High Farm, whose son Herbert was medically discharged owing to wounds; their son Henry has been a prisoner of war and is on two months leave, and their son William is waiting to be demobilised.
April 19, 1919
THANKS – No 1043 Waggoner Mark Wilson 2nd Cavalry Reserve Park, has been forwarded a letter by Major-General J.J. Pitman, commanding officer 2nd Cavalry Division, stating: - “Your C.O. has informed me that you distinguished yourself by consistent good work throughout the war. Promotions, decorations and mentioned in despatches cannot be given in every case, but I should like you to know that your devotion to duty is recognised and how greatly it is appreciated.” Wagoner Wilson is 47 years of age and went out to France in August 1914. He is expecting demobilisation shortly.
|  |
