|
Susannah
Leahy
January 1, 1915
Dear Mother,
Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year! So the war isn’t over, but I had a
Christmas experience I’ll never forget. Two days before Christmas, a
bunch of Huns came over with a white flag and told us that they would
enjoy some company for Christmas, and offered to meet us in No Man’s
Land on the holy day for a swap.
After
much discussion, we agreed.
On
Christmas day, we arrived there with cigarettes, tobacco, some Whiskey,
jerky and other products. They arrived the same way. We had a grand swap,
though translators were hard to find. I got myself some bloody, but
intact, mittens. After a small snack, we split up. It will be hard to kill
these men, knowing as I do that they are all like us, just men.
Love,
Patrick.
February 4, 1915
Dear Mrs. Burns,
I
am sorry to be the bearer of such painful news. Two days ago, we all went
“over the top”. There were many casualties. I am very sorry, but your
son was one of them. Our regiment was in front. Private Patrick Delver was
hit in the stomach. The wound became infected in the humid air. He died
today, and has received his proper respects.
With deep sadness, Sergeant
Edward Banks.
…
Delver,
Pr., 19, 112th regiment, deceased
…
|
