Sydney's bulletin from the front line (From Gazette & Herald)

Sydney's bulletin from the front line

Gazette & Herald readers have been sending in their stories of relatives who fell during the First World War - particularly those referred to as 'unknown soldiers', men who have no marked resting place. Valerie Gilbert, from Rillington, told the story behind a letter written from the trenches by her great uncle Sydney.

"SYDNEY was my grandfather's brother, and he died the year after writing this letter in the Battle of the Somme."

Valerie Gilbert has been researching her family history, and in doing so has found out more about Sydney Town, whose name appears on the Memorial to the Missing at the Somme, in Thiepval, France, as well as on a memorial in Morley, West Yorkshire, from where he hailed.

"He was a newly-wed, having married Hannah Kells in March 1915, and had no children. He was in his 20s when he went to war," said Valerie.

The letter was written in December 1915, in thanks for a parcel. "It is written in pencil and is very personal and very real in tone," said Valerie. "The letter is now faded and worn and torn into four pieces so we can only guess at some missing words. It is a cheery and brave letter in the circumstances. The parcel must have been wonderful for Sydney and his friends."

Valerie's mother Lily was not born at the time the photograph (left) was taken, but her brothers and sisters who are in it remembered their Uncle Sydney well, said Valerie.

Sydney was killed in the Battle of the Somme in September 1916.

Here is Valerie's transcription of the letter:

Dear Brother,

Just a line or two to say that your parcel arrived here the last day of November. The box was broken open but nothing .......with the exception of per.....a few apples........... ..........especially made by Lily was in splendid condition and we enjoyed it very much indeed. The apples had gone soft but not bad and they had a spirity taste. The other cakes were hard but toasted alright. I am glad to say that I am keeping well. We had a bad storm here last weekend. The rain came down in torrents and the trenches were running with water 7 or 8 inches deep. Next day we had frost and snow and for three nights the cold was very severe. Quite ......... of the chaps were ........... ........ frost bitten feet a touch of rheumatism .....day's rest put that right. They say this is only a taste of what we are to get but at all events it won't be as sudden. We were enjoying almost summer weather during the week, cold only being noticed after sunset. The fly ointment arrived with the death of about the last fly on the peninsula. I hope you are all in good health at Wakefield and that you like your new house. I see by the address you have made the move ......... ........... and can assume that the contents were thoroughly ............ented.

With love and kisses to the children and with my best wishes to you.

Your affectionate brother Sydney.

On the back of the letter was written: 'Please excuse the dirt.'

Updated: 15:52 Wednesday, January 18, 2006