Dear Don & Betsy,
Out here on the western front life is tougher than I ever imagined. All the soldiers have had a huge awakening to what it is like to be a real fighter for one’s country. No one could have been prepared for what we have experienced out here. It is not at all what we imagined it would be. We had a very different image when we had the celebration before we were shipped out. The dreams we all had of the action of war have quickly vanished to fade in to reality. We all are waking up to find ourselves still stuck in the middle of an unresolved conflict. Everyday I long for my return, but I still remember the initial reason I enlisted and that is what is keeping me here now.
I am very glad to have Cousin Tommy with me. Together we have pulled through some ups and downs of this ongoing war. We remind ourselves how good it will be when we return home. He keeps telling me that we will make it back home, no matter what it takes. He is quite the optimistic one, even though we both know the chances of us returning home are quite slim. Out here on the battlefield, the days are gradually becoming worse. The gases are being used more frequently. One of our youngest was burned from head to toe by mustard gas- horrible. I feel so bad, but happy at the same time. I’m glad it wasn’t me. We all know he is in agonizing pain because of the horrendous screams coming from his cot in the infirmary. But we’ve been told there is nothing we can do, but to keep positive thoughts flowing through his head.
There are diseases spreading around that I’ve never seen before in the trenches. It’s called “trench foot”, it is a disease where mold grows and eats away at your flesh. Two of my comrades that I met the night I departed from home, John Beckett and William Parker, have come down with some bad cases and had to have their feet amputated! In addition to trench foot, there have been some intense cases of trench fever. I think its all because of the less than satisfactory conditions out here. There are rats everywhere, but the lieutenant had a brilliant plan to solve that issue. They are all gone now.
Oh, I almost forgot! The fighting is intense. The terms of how we fight change from day to day. Our tanks are everywhere now. We are finally advancing on Germany with them, thanks to the aide of the British. The shell bombs are the worst though. Most of the men have been suffering from shell shock. One soldier had it so bad he had to be taken away. I guess he couldn’t handle it all. It was sad to see him have a mental breakdown before they came to get him. Out of all the dangers I hate the dreadful sounds of those fighter planes with their machine guns swirling over our heads. They are like great birds, waiting to attack when we aren’t looking.
I wish there was more positive news, but it’s the truth. Right now, I think that is all I want you both to know. Tommy says to not worry, but to keep us in your prayers. If you could, tell My Anna that I love her and that I will do my best to be home for Christmas
I love you with all my heart.
Your Son,
John.
Dear Anna,
I hope my parents told you how im doing out here, but I couldn’t send them a letter with out mentioning you. I love you Anna. Remember that wherever you are in the world, the moon is never larger than your thumb. I think of you every minute of the day. You are the one thing that keeps me alert. Your face is the image that drives me to be prepared for anything and everything. I will do my best to be home for Christmas.
Keep me in your thoughts. I’ll be there soon.
With all the love in my heart,
John
