Comprehension STOP Use your dictionary to find out the meaning of the bold words below.


! Letter from a World War I Soldier


Cornwall, England


Dearest Mother and Father,


I am writing to you this morning from my miserable bun er somewhere in France – none of us are sure exactly where. As I write, aeroplanes soar overhead, eager to cause havoc in enemy trenches, so I must be quic . How are you all at home? I hope Teresa and Jim are pulling their weight around the farm with me gone. Pass on my dearest love to them. I miss them both terribly.


Firstly, I must than you for your ind gift. I was delighted to receive your pac age before leaving for the front lines last month. It was very much appreciated. Spare soc s, warm woollen hats and gloves are essential for eeping well in this harsh weather. I will thin of you fondly while I wear them, Mother.


Conditions here are horrendous. Not long after we arrived, our trench flooded. Now we are all terrified of developing trench foot, a condition almost as much of a death sentence as an order over the top. Meanwhile, our food is regularly infested with rats. We eat it anyway, as there is no way to now when more rations will be provided.


Last wee , we were sent over the top. It was horrific. I felt foolish brandishing my bayonet against heavy artillery fire; li e a small child confronting a much bigger, stronger bully. We set out with thirty in our platoon and returned with only twelve. The following day, we noticed that some of the men who were injured during the fighting had developed infections caused by the damp here. Subsequently, my commanding officer had them transferred to a hospital bac at base camp for fear they might succumb to their infections.


Following our battle tonight, I hope to move bac to the support lines in order to get a brea after these gruelling past wee s. Our commanding officer has said that another battalion are on their way to relieve us. I cannot tell you how grateful I will be for this much needed rest. I dearly miss you all and eagerly await your next letter.


I remain your ever loving son, Edward Wal er


8 France, October 1917


Unit 2 | Recount 2


Soldiers in the trenches


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