This is a letter received by my father from his mates wife in 1944. I have tried to copy without making to many changes.
I just received your letter, i am very glad le (the) rest of the boys enjoyed the cigarettes, but i wish you didn't send me the PO (postal order) because i know soldiers need all they have. So i decide to give half the money (can't make out) for my husband and the rest well i will send some cigarettes for you and your friends. I hope you will approve of it. As you can see i am writing in English very bad but hope you can understand what i say. You see i am French and i found quite differcult for writing in English. I was just wondering if you knew my husband, you see i cannot believe is dead for they told me and i imagine he will come back to me some day when the war is over, smiling and brown, tired and hungry, the way is likely to be after the long journey when he was coming home in leave. The children and i are very well, i hope this letter found you all in best of health. May god bless you all and keep you safe for the ones are waiting for you at home. Cheerio good luck i an your sincerely Louise McGurn
God help us, Come yourself, Don't send Jesus, This is no place for children.
Any of you who know about/ collect bayonets may like to see these scans - and to drool over the item shown in the lower part of the picture.
These are both 1888 pattern Lee Metford bayonets. The upper one with two hilt rivets is the Mk11 but that lower down with 3 rivets is a VERY, VERY rare Mk1
Snod
5 Precepts of Buddhism seem appropriate. Refrain from taking life. Refrain from taking that which is not given. Refrain from misconduct. Refrain from lying. Refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness