Field Service Post Card franked 2 De 14 to Miss Crawshaw, 29 Strathleven
“I am quite well. I have received your letter, parcel. Letter follows at first opportunity” signed Frank and dated 2-12-14
2nd December 1914
Another service postcard means only one thing: Another letter is winging its way to Brixton.
Dorsets trench map – just north of Wulverghem – 2nd December 1914
The Dorsets were now in trenches just north of Wulverghem. It’s only a little way south east from where the Dorsets were last week. I found a map drawn by E.Rogers 2nd Lieutenant on the 2nd December 1914 and have done my thing to it. He’s written A Section at the top. I wonder if this means he is an officer in Frank’s A Company? If Frank is still in A Company that is.
E. Rogers remains a mystery. I have found his medal roll on Ancestry but I cannot find anything else about him at this time. Not even his first name. It’s the same with Captain R.E. Partridge. It’s a shame because it’s not the last we’ll hear from either of them.
The Dorsets’ diary reports a quiet day except heavy shelling in front of C Company’s trenches.
Field Service Post Card to Miss Crawshaw, 29 Strethleven Rd – One penny stamp franked Army Post Office 21 No 14
I am quite well. Letter follows at first opportunity. I have received no letter from you lately.
Signed Frank and dated 21-11-14
21st November 2014
Another one of those multiple choice postcards arrived in Brixton a century ago. Frank’s written another letter home to Mabel so keep your eyes peeled over the weekend.
The Dorsets remained in billets near Dranoutre having another day’s rest.
In the Telegraph the Special Correspondent (Central News) for Flanders makes an accurate prediction. After writing about the Allied line holding throughout Belgium he comments:
Germany strategy will be hopeless bankrupt will be: “How long? At what cost?”
As things are, there is little doubt that the Allies have broken the back of the German attacks on the Western Frontier.
They also recommend sensible Christmas presents for loved ones fighting in France: good woollen underwear, gloves, shirts and socks and coats lined with fur or lambskin. Presumably they’re presents for officers.
Less wealthy folk will examine the vests that promise warmth and comfort, and such articles as thick rugs and sleeping bags.
Other ideas include vacuum flasks, little valises with knife and fork and spoon, collapsible cups and miniaturised smoking kit like pipes, lighters and tobacco holders. Bavarian china is definitely out of the question.
13. Field Service Post Card to Miss Crawshaw, 29 Strathleven Road, date stamped 18 No 14 – message dated 13.11.14 Multiple choice card on which sender could delete inappropriate phrases and sign (Frank) and date.
Undeleted message reads “I am quite well. I have received your letter. Letter follows at first opportunity”.
Field Service Post Card / Army Form A2042
Today’s post is something of an anomoly as we get another missive right after Frank has written a letter. This is one of those multiple choice postcards beloved of bureaucratic institutions. In times of great hurry, you simply crossed out the bits that weren’t relevant with a pencil and stuffed it on the post. It was called the Field Service Post Card or, more grandly, Army Form A2042. Here’s one filled out from a post on The Great War Forum. I did see a joke one somewhere but I can’t for the life of me remember where it was. The Wipers Times is the probable source.
The Dorsets endured more shelling throughout the day. In the evening D Company was assigned to the Royal Engineers for digging duties. Later on, at 10.55pm to be precise, B Company was ordered to move to a new position south west of Point 63 to be easy for digging at daylight. I’ll update the map tomorrow. According to the diary 2 men were killed and one wounded. The CWCG lists just one man, or should I say boy: Harold Mead. He was just 16 years old. See the comments below for more discussion on his age.
Yes I expect it is alright on that records, yes I know the song well, we did have a good reception when we arrived in France but we have had some bad times since, and lots of these fellows you can hear singing have gone since then worse luck.
The great Irish tenor, John McCormack
Mabel must have asked Frank whether he knew a particular song. Was there a record of the troops singing released in Britain? Or was this just a popular song sung by the troops on the march? At the moment I am not sure. This could have been something popular like “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” sung by John McCormack or an early version of “Keep the Home Fires Burning”. This article explores the music that was played at The Royal Albert Hall. Land of Hope and Glory was sung there in October, sung by Clara Butt and conducted by Elgar himself in front of the King and Queen. They must have swung the crosses off of the Union Jack that evening, by Jingo.
I’m putting in a photo of a 1923 painting of an incredibly louche John McCormack because you can never have too much William Orpen in my opinion.
Wallie is working in the City I bet he fancy his luck a what. So Muff received my letter alright I have not heard from there since and I have forgot the address, don’t forget to remember me to them all, and let me have their address and also Toms I have not heard from him yet. Have answered your Bert’s letter, but have not received the cigarettes yet buck him up. How is Ciss going and did she receive my PC have not heard from her since. Glad to know that all are in the pink at home and that Uncle Matt has got plenty of work, how is Albert still doing the Tango remember me to him and tell him I will drink his health when I see him which I hope will be soon. I have just has two letters from Jess she has been ill this last two or three weeks but am glad to hear that she is getting on alright now.
We rattle through the usual gang. He’s forgotten Muff’s address and we’re still asking after the mysterious Tom. There’s my great grandfather mentioned by name this time – Frank has christened him Bert and is still teasing Maud about him. Ciss is probably his sitter Doris, or it could be Caroline, his aunt, as she’s married to the next in line, Uncle Mattie, Matthew Webster. Albert doing the tango could be another cousin, Albert Webster, son of Herbert Webster and his wife Mary. Albert is 11 so I am not sure about this. I’ve never toasted an eleven year old. But then again Frank likes a drink so he could toast anyone – or anything after a Red Biddy or two. Jess hasn’t been well but infuriatingly there’s no more information about her identity.
