Letter from Will to Annie O'Connor

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three page letter handwritten in pencil Same  address

3/9/16

 Page 1 

My Dearest Annie:

                      Am so sorry I have not

been able to answer your last letter

until today, but we have been very

hard worked just lately and have had

no time for even a field postcard,

We came out of action at the latter end

August, as you will see by the papers

if you look, and I can tell you I was

pretty bad, and the stink of bodies

was cruel. My best pal got killed, and

my other pal was wounded, but I am lucky

again answering the roll call. Well Annie

how are things at home, quite well I hope,

and all keeping in the pink, as I am

at present. I have not heard from home

yet whether my people got that photo or

not, but I hope they got it safely, as I

don't like losing good things, but she

told me she had received a note from you

and she was surprised when she got it.

Don't forget that little snapshot, as I am

looking forward to it. Well Annie dear I


 Page 2 

am afraid you will be disappointed, as I

can hold out no hopes of getting there yet,

I should indeed have been enjoying myself

If I had gone to Howth with you, and now

you mention Ireland's eye, it brings back 

very pleasant memories, all of which I shall

not be able to forget in a hurry. According 

to your letter Florrie has been enjoying herself

lately, but I suppose they are the same as 

the men, with a few exceptions. Well Annie

take it from me, I don't mean anything 

insulting about acquaintances, as I pick up

a good few myself in my travels. You are quite

right about that one, as he is always 

worrying and anxious about you. We had

a decent two days journey, about 20 miles

one day, and nearly thirty the day after,

as we went a long stretch out of our

way, and by the time the summer is finished,

I expect your humble, to be a 

grease spot, as I was losing weight those

two days terrible, of course we done it

on bicycles, and I think it was far


 Page 3 

worse than walking. I hope you get this 

little souvenir, it is not much, but it

is something to keep, and if you can 

you can try and read it, but I am

afraid you will not succeed. We are  

a good way back from the line now

having a little rest after being in

action, and I think nearly all our 

boys got a souvenir of some sort. We

are having it fine again, but just

after we were relieved we had a nasty 

days rain, and you would not believe

what state a little rain puts the

trenches in. Kind regards to all at 

home, must now close with best love

from Will  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Transcription saved

three page letter handwritten in pencil Same  address

3/9/16

 Page 1 

My Dearest Annie:

                      Am so sorry I have not

been able to answer your last letter

until today, but we have been very

hard worked just lately and have had

no time for even a field postcard,

We came out of action at the latter end

August, as you will see by the papers

if you look, and I can tell you I was

pretty bad, and the stink of bodies

was cruel. My best pal got killed, and

my other pal was wounded, but I am lucky

again answering the roll call. Well Annie

how are things at home, quite well I hope,

and all keeping in the pink, as I am

at present. I have not heard from home

yet whether my people got that photo or

not, but I hope they got it safely, as I

don't like losing good things, but she

told me she had received a note from you

and she was surprised when she got it.

Don't forget that little snapshot, as I am

looking forward to it. Well Annie dear I


 Page 2 

am afraid you will be disappointed, as I

can hold out no hopes of getting there yet,

I should indeed have been enjoying myself

If I had gone to Howth with you, and now

you mention Ireland's eye, it brings back 

very pleasant memories, all of which I shall

not be able to forget in a hurry. According 

to your letter Florrie has been enjoying herself

lately, but I suppose they are the same as 

the men, with a few exceptions. Well Annie

take it from me, I don't mean anything 

insulting about acquaintances, as I pick up

a good few myself in my travels. You are quite

right about that one, as he is always 

worrying and anxious about you. We had

a decent two days journey, about 20 miles

one day, and nearly thirty the day after,

as we went a long stretch out of our

way, and by the time the summer is finished,

I expect your humble, to be a 

grease spot, as I was losing weight those

two days terrible, of course we done it

on bicycles, and I think it was far


 Page 3 

worse than walking. I hope you get this 

little souvenir, it is not much, but it

is something to keep, and if you can 

you can try and read it, but I am

afraid you will not succeed. We are  

a good way back from the line now

having a little rest after being in

action, and I think nearly all our 

boys got a souvenir of some sort. We

are having it fine again, but just

after we were relieved we had a nasty 

days rain, and you would not believe

what state a little rain puts the

trenches in. Kind regards to all at 

home, must now close with best love

from Will  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Transcription history
  • September 30, 2018 12:27:22 Stella Watkin

    three page letter handwritten in pencil Same  address

    3/9/16

     Page 1 

    My Dearest Annie:

                          Am so sorry I have not

    been able to answer your last letter

    until today, but we have been very

    hard worked just lately and have had

    no time for even a field postcard,

    We came out of action at the latter end

    August, as you will see by the papers

    if you look, and I can tell you I was

    pretty bad, and the stink of bodies

    was cruel. My best pal got killed, and

    my other pal was wounded, but I am lucky

    again answering the roll call. Well Annie

    how are things at home, quite well I hope,

    and all keeping in the pink, as I am

    at present. I have not heard from home

    yet whether my people got that photo or

    not, but I hope they got it safely, as I

    don't like losing good things, but she

    told me she had received a note from you

    and she was surprised when she got it.

    Don't forget that little snapshot, as I am

    looking forward to it. Well Annie dear I


     Page 2 

    am afraid you will be disappointed, as I

    can hold out no hopes of getting there yet,

    I should indeed have been enjoying myself

    If I had gone to Howth with you, and now

    you mention Ireland's eye, it brings back 

    very pleasant memories, all of which I shall

    not be able to forget in a hurry. According 

    to your letter Florrie has been enjoying herself

    lately, but I suppose they are the same as 

    the men, with a few exceptions. Well Annie

    take it from me, I don't mean anything 

    insulting about acquaintances, as I pick up

    a good few myself in my travels. You are quite

    right about that one, as he is always 

    worrying and anxious about you. We had

    a decent two days journey, about 20 miles

    one day, and nearly thirty the day after,

    as we went a long stretch out of our

    way, and by the time the summer is finished,

    I expect your humble, to be a 

    grease spot, as I was losing weight those

    two days terrible, of course we done it

    on bicycles, and I think it was far


     Page 3 

    worse than walking. I hope you get this 

    little souvenir, it is not much, but it

    is something to keep, and if you can 

    you can try and read it, but I am

    afraid you will not succeed. We are  

    a good way back from the line now

    having a little rest after being in

    action, and I think nearly all our 

    boys got a souvenir of some sort. We

    are having it fine again, but just

    after we were relieved we had a nasty 

    days rain, and you would not believe

    what state a little rain puts the

    trenches in. Kind regards to all at 

    home, must now close with best love

    from Will  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  • September 30, 2018 12:22:41 Stella Watkin

    three page letter handwritten in pencil Same  address

    3/9/16

    My Dearest Annie:

                          Am so sorry I have not

    been able to answer your last letter

    until today, but we have been very

    hard worked just lately and have had

    no time for even a field postcard,

    We came out of action at the latter end

    August, as you will see by the papers

    if you look, and I can tell you I was

    pretty bad, and the stink of bodies

    was cruel. My best pal got killed, and

    my other pal was wounded, but I am lucky

    again answering the roll call. Well Annie

    how are things at home, quite well I hope,

    and all keeping in the pink, as I am

    at present. I have not heard from home

    yet whether my people got that photo or

    not, but I hope they got it safely, as I

    don't like losing good things, but she

    told me she had received a note from you

    and she was surprised when she got it.

    Don't forget that little snapshot, as I am

    looking forward to it. Well Annie dear I


    am afraid you will be disappointed, as I

    can hold out no hopes of getting there yet,

    I should indeed have been enjoying myself

    If I had gone to Howth with you, and now

    you mention Ireland's eye, it brings back 

    very pleasant memories, all of which I shall

    not be able to forget in a hurry. According 

    to your letter Florrie has been enjoying herself

    lately, but I suppose they are the same as 

    the men, with a few exceptions. Well Annie

    take it from me, I don't mean anything 

    insulting about acquaintances, as I pick up

    a good few myself in my travels. You are quite

    right about that one, as he is always 

    worrying and anxious about you. We had

    a decent two days journey, about 20 miles

    one day, and nearly thirty the day after,

    as we went a long stretch out of our

    way, and by the time the summer is finished,

    I expect your humble, to be a 

    grease spot, as I was losing weight those

    two days terrible, of course we done it

    on bicycles, and I think it was far


    worse than walking. I hope you get this 

    little souvenir, it is not much, but it

    is something to keep, and if you can 

    you can try and read it, but I am

    afraid you will not succeed. We are  

    a good way back from the line now

    having a little rest after being in

    action, and I think nearly all our 

    boys got a souvenir of some sort. We

    are having it fine again, but just

    after we were relieved we had a nasty 

    days rain, and you would not believe

    what state a little rain puts the

    trenches in. Kind regards to all at 

    home, must now close with best love

    from Will  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


  • September 30, 2018 12:20:55 Stella Watkin

    three page letter handwritten in pencil Same  address

    3/9/16

    My Dearest Annie:

                          Am so sorry I have not

    been able to answer your last letter

    until today, but we have been very

    hard worked just lately and have had

    no time for even a field postcard,

    missing out of action at the latter end

    August, as you will see by the papers

    if you look, and I can tell you I was

    pretty bad, and the stink of bodies

    was cruel. My best pal got killed, and

    my other pal was wounded, but I am lucky

    again answering the roll call. Well Annie

    how are things at home, quite well I hope,

    and all keeping in the pink, as I am

    at present. I have not heard from home

    yet whether my people got that photo or

    not, but I hope they got it safely, as I

    don't like losing good things, but she

    told me she had received a note from you

    and she was surprised when she got it.

    Don't forget that little snapshot, as I am

    looking forward to it. Well Annie dear I


    am afraid you will be dissappointed, as I

    can hold out no hopes of getting there yet,

    I should indeed have been enjoying myself

    If I had gone to  Howth  with you, and now

    you mention Ireland's eye, it brings back 

    very pleasant memories, all of which I shall

    not be able to forget in a hurry. According 

    to your letter Florrie has been enjoying herself

    lately, but I suppose they are the same as 

    the men, with a few exceptions. Well Annie

    take it from me, I don't mean anything 

    insulting about acquaintances, as I pick up

    a good few myself in my travels. You are quite

    right about that one, as he is always 

    worrying and anxious about you. We had

    a decent two days journey, about 20 miles

    one day, and nearly thirty the day after,

    as we went a long stretch out of our

    way, and by the time the summer is finished,

    I expect your humble, to be a 

    grease spot, as I was losing weight those

    two days terrible, of course we done it

    on bicycles, and I think it was far


    worse than walking. I hope you get this 

    little souvenir, it is not much, but it

    is something to keep, and if you can 

    you can try and read it, but I am

    afraid you will not succeed. We are  

    a good way back from the line now

    having a little rest after being in

    action, and I think nearly all our 

    boys got a souvenir of some sort. We

    are having it fine again, but just

    after we were relieved we had a nasty 

    days rain, and you would not believe

    what state a little rain puts the

    trenches in. Kind regards to all at 

    home, must now close with best love

    from Will  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


  • September 29, 2018 15:07:25 Stella Watkin

    Same  address

    3/9/16

    My Dearest Annie:

                          Am so sorry I have not

    been able to answer your last letter

    until today, but we have been very

    hard worked just lately and have had

    no time for even a field postcard,

    missing out of action at the latter end

    August, as you will see by the papers

    if you look, and I can tell you I was

    pretty bad, and the stink of bodies

    was cruel. My best pal got killed, and

    my other pal was wounded, but I am lucky

    again answering the roll call. Well Annie

    how are things at home, quite well I hope,

    and all keeping in the pink, as I am

    at present. I have not heard from home

    yet whether my people got that photo or

    not, but I hope they got it safely, as I

    don't like losing good things, but she

    told me she had received a note from you

    and she was surprised when she got it.

    Don't forget that little snapshot, as I am

    looking forward to it. Well Annie dear I


    am afraid you will be dissappointed, as I

    can hold out no hopes of getting there yet,

    I should indeed have been enjoying myself

    If I had gone to  Howth  with you, and now

    you mention Ireland's eye, it brings back 

    very pleasant memories, all of which I shall

    not be able to forget in a hurry. According 

    to your letter Florrie has been enjoying herself

    lately, but I suppose they are the same as 

    the men, with a few exceptions. Well Annie

    take it from me, I don't mean anything 

    insulting about acquaintances, as I pick up

    a good few myself in my travels. You are quite

    right about that one, as he is always 

    worrying and anxious about you. We had

    a decent two days journey, about 20 miles

    one day, and nearly thirty the day after,

    as we went a long stretch out of our

    way, and by the time the summer is finished,

    I expect your humble, to be a 

    grease spot, as I was losing weight those

    two days terrible, of course we done it

    on bicycles, and I think it was far


    worse than walking. I hope you get this 

    little souvenir, it is not much, but it

    is something to keep, and if you can 

    you can try and read it, but I am

    afraid you will not succeed. We are  

    a good way back from the line now

    having a little rest after being in

    action, and I think nearly all our 

    boys got a souvenir of some sort. We

    are having it fine again, but just

    after we were relieved we had a nasty 

    days rain, and you would not believe

    what state a little rain puts the

    trenches in. Kind regards to all at 

    home, must now close with best love

    from Will  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


  • May 21, 2018 22:14:52 Thomas A. Lingner

    Same  address

    3/9/16

    My Dearest Annie:

                          Am so sorry I have not

    been able to answer your last letter

    until today, but we have been very

    hard worked just lately and have had

    no time for even a field postcard,

    missing out of action at the latter end

    August, as you will see by the papers

    if you look, and I can tell you I was

    pretty bad, and the stink of bodies

    was cruel. My best pal got killed, and

    my other pal was wounded, but I am lucky

    again answering the roll call. Well Annie

    how are things at home, quite well I hope,

    and all keeping in the pink, as I am

    at present. I have not heard from home

    yet whether my people got that photo or

    not, but I hope they got it safely, as I

    don't like losing good things, but she

    told me she had received a note from you

    and she was surprised when she got it.

    Don't forget that little snapshot, as I am

    looking forward to it. Well Annie dear I


    am afraid you will be dissappointed, as I

    can hold out no hopes of getting there yet,

    I should indeed have been enjoying myself

    If I had gone to  Howth  with you, and now

    you mention Ireland's eye, it brings back 

    very pleasant memories, all of which I shall

    not be able to forget in a hurry. According 

    to your letter Florres has been enjoying herself

    lately, but I suppose they are the same as 

    the men, with a few exceptions. Well Annie

    take it from me, I don't mean anything 

    insulting about acquaintances, as I pick up

    a good few myself in my travels. You are quite

    right about that one, as he is always 

    worrying and anxious about you. We had

    a decent two days journey, about 20 miles

    one day, and nearly thirty the day after,

    as we went a long stretch out of our

    way, and by the time the summer is finished,

    I expect your humble, to be a 

    grease spot, as I was losing weight those

    two days terrible, of course we done it

    on bicycles, and I think it was far


    worse than walking. I hope you get this 

    little souvenir, it is not much, but it

    is something to keep, and if you can 

    you can try and read it, but I am

    afraid you will not succeed. We are  

    a good way back from the line now

    having a little rest after being in

    action, and I think nearly all our 

    boys got a souvenir of some sort. We

    are having it fine again, but just

    after we were relieved we had a nasty 

    days rain, and you would not believe

    what state a little rain puts the

    trenches in. Kind regards to all at 

    home, must now close with best love

    from Will  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


  • March 9, 2018 23:35:45 Ariel Penci

    Same 

    3/9/16

    My Dearest Annie:

                          Am so sorry I have not been able to answer your last letter until today, but we have been very hard worked just lately and have had no time for even a field postcard, ..... of action at ... letter end August, as you will see by the papers of ... and I can tell you I was pretty bad, and the crumbs of bodies was equal. My best pal got killed, and my other pal was wounded, but I am lucky again answering the roll call. Well Annie how are things at home, quite well I hope, and all keeping the finish, as I am at present. I have not heard from home get whether my people got chat photo or not, but I hope they got it safely, as I don't like losing good things, but she told me she had received a note from yours and she was surprised when she got it. Don't forget that little snapshot, as I am loosing forward to it. Well Annie dear I


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    ID
    18098 / 205397
    Source
    http://europeana1914-1918.eu/...
    Contributor
    Claire Cox
    License
    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/


    September 3, 1916
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    • Trench Life
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