Thanks Bombardier, John, although a Kent boy was sent to Fenham where he did his training. He joned the RFA in 1906, I believe this picture was taken in about 1907 when he was with the 61st Battery. He did his six years but was recalled in 1914 where he joined the 50th Battery at Oakhampton in the first week in August.
As is probably obvious to you, I am an ex Gunner of the Royal regiment of Artillery and find anything to do with The RA really interesting. I dont profess to be an expert but i do like to read about people like John.
I doubt that anybody alive today could understand what John went through in the battlefield at Aisne nor would I wish anybody have to find out what its like.
Ones things for sure, without people like john and the brave men and women of our great country things would be very different today.
Thanks you both for the comments. Yes John (or Jack as he was known) is my Great Grandfather. I have copies of letters he wrote, his mobilisation notice and the notification sent informing his wife of his death. I don't know what the procedures are on here I could post scans of these if that is appropriate. I suppose the only thing to be thankful for is that Jack didn't have to endure the trench warfare which started from the Aisne on or around the day of his death.
he wrote this two days before he died
My Dear Wife,
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite safe and in good health as I hope it leaves you and the children and mother, dad and all at home. I hope they have plenty of work, has Sam had to go up yet? And I hope Alf is alright. I got your two last letters quite safe, I cannot tell you anything about where I am or where we are as I am not allowed to, but I can say I am well and will tell you all about it when I come home.
We have been miles and miles since we came out here and will you if you can send me some Woodbines fags but dont run yourself short of anything for me. I have just been doing my washing as we are not quite so busy today. I hope little Edith is better by the time you receive this letter. I will write again as I can and let you know how I am going on. I have not come across old Flower yet if he has come out here he will never come back again.
Tell dad to remember me to Mr. Johnson and I hope his leg is a lot better again now. Well thats it for the present; I hope to be with you all soon.
Kiss the children for me.
I am your loving husband.
Jack
P.S. I wish I had one of mothers home-made loaves of bread just now.
It always amazes me when I read these letters that the writers, although in the most inhospitable place in the world, always have time to worry about others back home. Brilliant info mate
with regards to your question about scanning documents, we do have a documents section which you could upload you scans to. I would very much like to read them
Not wanting to sound morbid but yes i'd love to read these, as i said i love this sort of 'living' history, i have several CdeV (card de Visit) of gunners that i bought from ebay and second hand stores, i hope one day to give my collection to the R.A. Musieum.
This kind of treasure needs to be preserved, when and if possible. My Grandfather's WWI "treasures" were stolen when my Dad was a lad during a move. He was a Medic and managed to survive to entire War.
The PS about the bread brought a tear to my eye. Thanks
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