AUS-SAGEN-L Archives

From: Ros <>
Subject: WW! Letter on Ebay
Date: Mon, 02 Aug 2004 20:22:52 +0930

Hello Listers,
This may be of interest to someone:
It is the transcript of a letter being sold on Ebay.
Ros

Original WW1 Soldiers Letter

in good condition dated 10th Sep 1918.It is from Lloyd a soldier in the
113th Bty addressed to May in South Australia.It is written on what
looks like German paper.The paper has the words Heldpoftbrief? and
Ahlender scribbled out.The stamp reads Field Post Office and marked On
Active Service.

The letter is captivating and reads as follows:

Dear May

Your welcome communication of June 9th arrived a day
or so ago.I received a note from Jim the day before yesterday.He wrote
to say he was wounded in a couple of places on the 9th of August and was
then almost well again.I was in a con? camp So thought perhaps you would
like to know although suppose he told you.Jim has had a rather bad spin
hasn't he? However, May when he is away in hospital he is safer than he
would be in the line, so that is one consolation isn't it?Yes I remember
hearing you speak of Arnold Alston, it is hard luck for them especially
when they are not sure what has happened to him.

Poor old Jack Spurling had the bad fortune to get
killed tonight, it seems all too bad.Jack was a jolly decent old stick +
the way he got on in civil life was a credit to him.I think your family
is interested in Jack a bit so I will try to find out where his grave is
+ will let you know.You could also tell his people.My Cousin buried him
so I will find out when I see him next time.

Gordon Cowley was also very unlucky.I saw him only a
few days before he received his mortal wound.Then he was well and happy
and was looking forward to the time when he would be home with his
people again.But it seems as though it wasn't to be.

Well, May I wasn't surprised to hear you were altering
your name because you are "half hitched", I believe before I left.Your
address will also have changed but I'll send this to the Flat just the
same and you'll get it in due course.I forgot for the moment what Rob's
last name is but may think of it later.Anyhow you will be able to let me
know next time you write, won't you.Oh May by the way what is the school
teachers name, the one who knows GB I may know her, anyhow will be able
to give him a break. We have been having a pretty fair spin lately- we
are only in as a sort of reserve now and are having a bit of a
rest.Things seem very quiet of late.

Well May I think I had better ring off for this time or
you'll never finish reading it.Allow me to wish you both a long and
happy married life and before the anniversary of your wedding day is up
I trust the war will be a thing of the past and you'll have all the boys
back home again.

Thanks for your letter and wishing you every success
and happiness


Lloyd

Brilliant piece of History!

This thread:

• WW! Letter on Ebay by Ros <>