Cecil Slack's letters: Volume 35

The body of each letter is as transcribed by Lady Joan Slack. In each case the name or initial of the writer is followed by the recipient, the date (where known) and the address from which the letter was sent. For convenience, these have been presented in a common format. CMS is, of course, Cecil Moorhouse Slack.

CMS to Dora; 23.4.18, post marked 7.5.18, received 29.5 18; Letter 2

My Dear Father and Mother,

Just a week ago today I celebrated a certain anniversary, to the day, in my life, by entering this prisoners' camp, and a rather humiliating anniversary too, but one that I am not ashamed of. A party of 5 of us were completely cut off at close quarters, and through no fault of ours. I may not write very often. I have sent you previously a post-card stating that I am well, and have sent Dora a letter-card. At the moment of writing I expect I am still missing to you. I now have a reasonable chance of living a full life, and I realise the significance of my present safety. Chocolate, cheese etc will be welcome.

Love to all,

Your affec. son ,

Cecil

WS to Col Wilkinson (copy); 23 April 1918

Dear Colonel Wilkinson,

I was very sorry to hear from my son, Cecil, in a letter from him dated the 6th. April, that you had been wounded, but on the other hand was glad to learn that it was not serious, and I trust that by this time you are recovering from it.

In all probability you will have heard of the unfortunate experiences of the Brigade, since it was moved from the Southern part of the British line to the Armentières section. I so frequently heard from my boy of the great esteem in which you were held by one and all in the Battalion that I hope I am not out of place in sending you a few papers, which will give you some information as to what has occurred since you were wounded.

It was only yesterday we received official information that Cecil was “missing”, and about the same time I heard that Major Jackson was “Wounded and Missing”, and that Captain Ruthven was also on the missing list. Whether or not further news will be reported of the missing Officers one cannot say but I should like to take this opportunity of thanking you for your kindness through a period of nearly three years to my boy. When he was at home on leave he spoke to me several times, of course confidentially, of your splendid services, and of how much he was indebted to you.

Yours sincerely

(signed) W.H. Slack.

Lt. Col Wilkinson D.S.O. to WHS; 24.4.18

Dear Mr. Slack,

It is most awfully kind of you to write to me and you have given me news I have been simply longing for. I am so awfully sorry about your son “Simon” I call him - I somehow can't believe it. But there's one great comfort and that is that he is now certain of his life; he may have some discomfort but at any rate WE shall have the joy of seeing him again after the war. It looks as though he is almost certainly a prisoner - and do you know I can't help feeling almost delighted to think that he is out of that ghastly shambles now. He has always been so absolutely ripping and reliable. I never could trust anyone further than him. Now I feel I should like to tell him how well done his work has always been. If you write to him will you please tell him that I am unhappy because I have never half shown him how grateful I have always felt for all his good work and loyalty - it is because of the constant worry and anxiety one feels out in France that I have perhaps not let him see how much I appreciate his able help.

May I offer my condolences to his fiancée but, like me, she really truly OUGHT to be relieved of a considerable amount of her anxiety - if she knew how terrible it's been in France the last month she would be.

With my best thanks

Yours sincerely

W.T.Wilkinson

WHS to INT. RED CROSS Geneva (copy); April 24th 1918

Dear Sirs,

I regret to inform you that my son, Captain Cecil M. Slack M.C. of the 4th. Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment, has officially been reported missing between the 8th. and 17th. April.

Any information which can be obtained in regard to him will be greatly appreciated, and I shall be only too glad to defray in any way expenses which may be incurred in order to find out, if possible, his whereabouts.

Two other Officers of his Battalion are officially reported as missing at the same time, namely Major Jackson and Captain Ruthven.

I am,

Yours faithfully,

W.H.Slack

WHS to Norman Ingleby (copy); April 24th 1918

Dear Captain Ingleby,

I received this morning an envelope addressed to my son which had been returned from the Front, and which when opened, contained documents intended for yourself.

I telephoned through to Melton Hill and explained the matter and your Father, Mr. Ingleby, suggested that I should forward them to him so that they could be sent to you. The enclosures were a letter from Lieut. Colonel Wilkinson, Captain Rollit, and a printed army enquiry form.

My son Cecil so frequently referred to you in his letters or in conversation that I do not hesitate to write you in order to find out if you can get any information as to what happened on the 9th,, 10th. or 11th. April. I think I know a good deal of the story from what I have read in the papers, and also from what I have gleaned from a Sergeant of the 4th. Yorks, (not the 4th, East, but brigaded with it) that although on the 9th. the Brigade went into action about 1,200 strong, when it was paraded on 11th. there were only 60 present. I know that one has to discount a good deal of verbal reports.

I have seen a letter from a Second Lieutenant of the 4th. Yorks, who says that he was in the fighting three days, but was gassed on the 11th. and in his letter he referred to the Company which Cecil was commanding on the 11th. being on his right, and that he went over to confer with him only a very short time before he was gassed and taken to hospital. It is just possible there are a few of the men who can tell you something about Cecil, or the last they have heard of him, and whatever the news may be, good or bad, it will be a relief to have it.

I am,

Yours sincerely,

W.H.Slack

CMS to Dora; 26 April 1918, 5.15 p.m., received 13 June 1918; Letter 3

Darling,

I'm still here, just the same as last time. I have become an unwilling vegetarian, except for an occasional morsel of meat in the soup. I'm not grousing, because I think the people here do their best, and I have my life to look forward to at the end of it all. One cannot fail to realize that it is not for no reason that a man has been allowed to come safely through what I have since the war began, and I am now patiently waiting for the time when I shall be able to do good for the world, with you by my side.

The little bit of country that I can see here, through the barbed wire, is very lovely - little hills covered with trees of all shades of green. There is a little village nestling between two hills, and near by is an old castle. The routine here is breakfast at 8.0, 8.45 or 9.30 when we get sweetened tea - our daily ration of bread is issued before breakfast - dinner at 11.30, 12.15 or 1.0 when we get a vegetable stew, and either beetroot, two gerkins, a small piece of sausage, or a spoonful of jam. I was paid 26 marks a few days ago. Today I have been able to buy a small tin of patJ de foie gras. Time here is an hour in advance of you - noon with you being 1.0 pm. with us. Lights out is at 9.15. Your 10.30 is 11.30 with us, and I am generally asleep then. Would your 8.30 and my 9.30 be all right for our little half hour? There are a few books in the camp now. I have bought one, so shall be able to get plenty of reading, by exchanging. I have read one of Kipling's books, “The Day's Work”, and have now got something called “American Notes”, by Charles Dickens. I got your 3 pieces of soap and the pillow just before the last stunt, and thanks very much - but can you send me another piece of soap, as I can't get any here. I sent a card home two or three days ago. Goodbye little girl.

Yours with love,

Cecil.x x

Sarah Waite (wife of Major C.W.Waite D.S.O.) to Dora; post marked 26.4.1918, noted by CMS but probably May or June

My dear Miss Willatt,

Many thanks for your letter, yes I shall be only too pleased if you will send me those addresses you can get for sending bread and also other hints you get about writing and little things we could send. I shall be so awfully glad if you would tell me and I will let you know all I get to know too.

No, I haven't heard from my hubby yet but you see he was taken on the 12th, that was 3 days after your boy and Major Jackson wasn't it. So I might not hear till after you, but I am so dying to see his old writing and s'pect you feel the same.

I was so delighted when I saw your good news in the paper, it was lovely and such a relief I know, yes I have heard in the same way and had such a nice letter from the War Office as well; they are wonderful I think to deal with everyone so carefully in these times. When I have heard from Clem and feel more settled I rather want to try and get to a V.A.D. Hospital and try nursing as I feel I must be occupied now, so I wonder if you could tell me how best to go about it. I don't understand when to apply, I don't belong to a Division but I have taken the First Aid and Home Nursing. I don't want to do it in Hull, I would rather get away I think, so I should be awfully glad if you could give me a hint on the subject. I do hope you hear soon from Captain Slack. I think we all shall soon, I will let you know when I hear from my husband.

Yours very sincerely

Sarah Waite.

Col. George Easton to WHS (copy); 7, April 1918

Dear Mr. Slack,

Thank you very much for yours of yesterday.

I have written the Red Cross branch in London, and have also cabled to Geneva asking that Enquiries may be made about your son and trust that we may receive some information very soon.

He is a very gallant Officer and deservedly popular with everyone he is brought into contact with and I much appreciate what he did in regard to my late Brother Cyril last year.

Thank you so much for sending me copy of the Sgt's letter.

Yours sincerely

(signed by Col George Easton)

Note. Cyril Easton is mentioned, killed, in letter from CMS to WS and WHS dated 29.4.1917.

2nd. Lieut. W.A. Cliffe, 4th Yorks. Regt. to WHS (copy); 28 April 1918

Dear Mr. Slack,

I received your letter this morning, though by the time this reaches you, you will already have received one from me written yesterday, but if I can give you any further news in reply to yours I am only too pleased to be able to do so.

The statement made by Sgt Bateman to Miss Willatt is about correct, although I was in action again after 5 pm. on the 11th., as we were called in to stop an advance, but I became a casualty about 7 pm. and after that I saw no more of the fighting.

The 4th. East were on our right from the time we went into action but I never heard or saw anything of any of them after about dawn on the 11th (but as I explained in my previous letter) during the action I was moved from the flank where the 4th East were, and so had no opportunity of keeping in touch with them.

The LAST time I spoke to Cecil was about 3.30 on the afternoon of the 9th. (our first day of action) and you will discover now by the Sgt's statement whereabouts we were then. We were dug in along the River Bank. We didn't discuss any personal matters then as all our conversation was with reference to our lines of defence, and he (acting as Adjt. of his Batt.) had come along to our Batt. to see that we were in touch etc. and quite singularly I happened to be on our right flank at that time (though later I was moved elsewhere) and was, as it were, his next door neighbour.

Of course, I can't say definitely when Cecil became missing but I think it must have been some time during the 11th. as we had a very rough time of it that day and had very hard work to keep our end up.

I don't know anything about the statement as to refusing to retreat, but I don't think they were surrounded (if they were) on the 10th. because I know we were in touch with them on that day, and I think whatever did happen must have been on the 11th.

Since coming into hospital I haven't met anyone from the 4th. East but at the Casualty Clearing Station I saw one of the Officers there wounded but I was too poorly to talk to him at the time, and later on we separated to different hospitals. I don't know who he was but recognised him by his badge.

If the reference in the newspapers to the East Yorks is in regard to the fighting at the places mentioned by the Sergt., I certainly think it will be the 4th. because so far as I know there were no other EAST Yorks. in the vicinity, and Captain Ingleby's statement also seems to bear this out.

If there is anything further I can possibly do to assist you please don't hesitate to write to me, and I shall only be too pleased to enlighten you on any further point if it is in my power to do so.

Excuse my pencil scrawl but I write whilst laid in bed.

I am,

Yours sincerely,

(signed W.A.Cliffe.)

2/Lt. 4th. Yorks. R.

Note, reference is to the River Lys. Map reference given in The East Yorkshire Regiment in the Great War, Everard Wyrall. 5.L.92.74.

Sergeant J.F.W.Westoby, 1/4 East Yorks. Regt. to WHS (copy, extract); April 29th 1918

re: Major Jackson and CMS

...I saw both Officers on the night of the 9th/10th. I saw Capt Slack two or three times. Our Battalion was in a splendid position. I don't think the Bosche could have got past us. We held him during the day of the 9th. through the night and till about 5 o'clock pm. of the 10th., when whoever was on our flanks were forced back and we were under fire from three sides. We hadn't an earthly chance to hold him. We had to retire* in as good order as we could or be taken. I saw three Officers who got through them, - Captain Barr of “D” Company, and my Company Officers, - Lieutenants Elvin and Cheverton-Brown. We never saw any more of Regimental Headquarters. I think it was Lieut Brown who told me they were taken. I hope it was so. There was a lot of doubt as to what had really happened. They were in a shell-hole covered in with corrugated iron during the day of the 10th. We could not get in touch with them, neither Headquarters nor Company runners could get through; it was too hot. I was hit on the morning of the 11th.. I cannot see Captain Slack killed. I have faith that he will yet be heard of. There is a lot of doubt as to what happened, and I never saw anyone who was nearer than we were to Regimental Headquarters.

* WHS writes “Only a portion of the Battalion evidently, judging from the remaining part of Westoby's letter”.

Dora to WHS (copy, extract, undated)

...I have managed to get some news of the Brigade, through a Sergeant who came into hospital yesterday. This Sergeant is in the 4th. Yorks and was wounded on the 11th. last. The 4th. East Yorks., and the 4th. and 5th. Yorks make up the Brigade, as you know.

During the fortnight that Cecil wrote and told us about, they were on the Somme, and on the 7th. or 8th. they came up to Bethune and had very good billets there, thinking that they were on their way to a quiet part of the line, up North. On the morning of the 9th. they were suddenly called up to Estraires but the Germans took the village late in the day. On the 10th. they were relieved by another Division, only to be sent to relieve others who were just hanging on at Neuf Berguin. The following day this Sergeant was wounded, so he knows nothing more about them but they had again had very severe losses and only a few of the Brigade were left.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS

PRISONERS BROMPTON RD. S. KENSINGTON. dated 29 Ap. 18.

to SLACK Wilton House, Holderness Rd. Hull.

handed in at 1.31 hrs.

received at 2.15 pm.

Cecil Slack Yorkshires Prisoner. Well. Wiring Camp when known.

To Nurse WILLATT, Camberley Military Hospital. dated 29 Ap. 18.

handed in at 3.30 pm.

received at 4.18 pm

Cecil prisoner. Well. Wiring Camp when known.

Willatt.

To WILLATT. Firlands, Camberley Military Hospital. dated 30 Ap. 18.

handed in at 10.15 am.

received at 11.8 am.

Love and all good wishes to you and Cecil.

Simply delighted. Cheerio.

Bill and Flossie.

To SLACK. Reckitts Hull. dated 30 Ap. 18.

handed in at 10.55 am.

received at 11.46 am.

Thank God all's right. Seen Record Information taken from Post Card written by Cecil himself and wired from Frankfort Red Cross.

Ferens.

To Miss WILLATT, Firlands, Military Hospital dated 30 Ap. 18.

Camberley. Surrey. handed in at 2.39 pm.

received at 3.46 pm.

Ferens wires from London. Thank God all's right. Seen Record information taken from Post Card written by Cecil himself and wired from Frankfurt Red Cross.

Willatt.

To SLACK, Wilton House. Hull. dated 30 Ap. 18.

handed in at 7.58 pm.

received at 10.5 pm.

Name Cecil Slack East Yorks on prisoners list writing.

Red Cross.

Nellie Hemmons to Dora; 30.4.18

My dear Dora,

I have heard from Ferriby that Cecil is missing and I know, dear girl, how helpless and desperate you will be feeling. I feel I cannot write commonplace words of sympathy but you know how keenly I feel for you during this time of suspension, for HONESTLY I feel it is just that.

Cecil has proved himself so full of resource, so capable a soldier that I feel certain he will come through alright, and that before long, you and all the others who love him will hear of his whereabouts. He is in the hands of the Lord God dearest and has surely been kept thus far in answer to the prayers of good men and women and we still pray that God will restore him to you - doubly precious - for this terrible experience.

With all my love,

Your sincere friend

Nellie Hemmons

CMS to Sec. Red Cross Society, Switzerland; 30/4/18

Dear Sir,

Can you send me four parcels of food, and a small amount of tobacco to this camp? I should like them at 4 or 5 day intervals commencing at your earliest convenience. Bread or biscuit, cheese and tinned meat have preference. Please use authority as under for payment.

I am,

Yours truly,

Cecil M. Slack, Capt. East Yorks.

WHS to Cox & Co., 16, Charing Cross, London, S.W.1; 30 April 1918

Please pay the Red Cross Society, amounts not to exceed in total, four pounds (£4) on my account.

Cecil M. Slack. Capt. East Yorks.

30/4/18.

CMS to WHS and WS; written 30/4/18, post marked 13/6/18, received 14/6/18; Letter 5

My dear Father and Mother,

I am still at this temporary camp, hungry and rather limp, but otherwise fit. I believe that I can make arrangements with the Red Cross to send parcels and draw from Cox and Co. on my authority. I think all parcels from home pass through the Red Cross, who supplement them to 10 a month - but this is only rumour. I am writing them and am also writing Cox and Co. to send you my pass book - if it was not in my Kit, - and should be glad if you could keep an eye on it's workings from time to time. I should like some of my books - shorthand etc., sending when I am in a permanent camp, but not until I write, in case I miss them.

Love to all, Your affec. son, Cecil

British Red Cross to WHS; May 1st. 1918

Dear Sir,

In confirmation of our telegram we write to say that we are informed that the name of

appears on a list of Prisoners of War which has been received from our Copenhagen Branch. (Although the address of this Officer is given as above it is very possible that he may soon be transferred to another camp) All further information as to his whereabouts and the best method of communicating with him will be obtained from the B.R.C.S. Central Prisoners of War Committee, 3 and 4, Thurloe Place, Brompton Road, London, S.W.7.

Yours faithfully

sd. DBR

for the Earl of Lucan

WHS to Dora; May 1st 1918

My dear Dora,

I feel I must write you a few lines as my heart has gone out to you so much during the past week Mch. 22/29 -[?April] You were very brave and we tried to be.

I have always thought Cecil was a lucky boy to win your love and I think so now more than ever. And I sincerely hope the day is not very far distant when you will see each other again.

I enclose a copy of a further letter from Sgt. Westoby, and in a day or two I will send you a copy of a long one from Lt. Cliffe describing the scenes of April 9th. and 10th. There are two references to Cecil in it.

I have had quite a lot of enquiries from people whose relatives are in the 4th. E. Yorks who are very, very anxious - I am telling them that as Major Jackson and Cecil are safe, it is certain that a number of privates have been taken prisoners.

I learn that for the present letters are not to be addressed to 4th. E.Yorks - That of course means for the time being the Battn. has ceased to exist.

If Cecil had got back to find after 3 hard years the Battn. for which he has been proud to labour had ceased to exist it would have been a great blow to him - I think he is better to be where he is.

I am

Yours affectionately

W.H. Slack

Col Wilkinson to WHS; 1.5.18

Dear Mr. Slack,

I am simply overjoyed about Cecil - I can't have any other feelings - because the best that could happen - has happened. It's simply splendid to know for certain that whatever now happens his will be spared - like so many other people he's too young to “go under”. Now he'll live to enjoy his life as he should - May I offer my congratulations to his fiancée.

Yours sincerely

W.T.Wilkinson.

P.S. Many thanks for my letters to Cecil returned to me.

Sgt. Westoby to WHS; (received by May 1st 1918)

Sir,

I hope you will forgive me taking the liberty of writing to you, I really could not help writing to tell you how very pleased I was to hear that although a prisoner your son Capt. Slack was well. When Mr Strachan wrote to me I was in very grave doubt as to what had happened to our Regt. H.Q. I had heard so many very bad rumours about them, before I replied to Mr Strachan's letter I had an hour or two silent thought and after that I could see that Capt Slack was still living so I just sent him my own thoughts. Your son's activities will be a great loss to our Regt. and the nation; he was a most fearless and competant officer. The men thought the world of him and would have gone anywhere with him; he is loved by everyone, so quiet and brave.

Sir, I am more pleased than I can say for Mrs. Slack and yourself that he is well. May the time soon come when this war will finish and we may all be restored to our dear ones.

Believe me to be

Yours very faithfully

J.F.W Westoby, Sgt. 1/4 E. Yorks Regt.

WHS to Dora; May 2nd 1918

My dear Dora,

I herewith enclose a copy of a letter received this morning from the Lieutenant, whose name you are already familiar with. [Sub Lieut Cliffe] It gives a little further information which you will be pleased to read. The river to which he alludes is no doubt the Lys.

I am,

Yours affectionately

W.H.Slack

I also enclose a copy of his “diary” - His name however by special request, should not be mentioned in connection with it.

F - is one of his Officers. [deduced to be Capt J. Ruthven M.C.]

S - is Slack (Cecil)

Copy of extract from Diary of Sub Lieut W.A.Cliffe

Monday April 8th 1918

We made a move today to a village with scattered farms and got comfortably settled down. I got a billet in a very cosy farm and have a nice little bed to sleep in. I don't know officially, but we think we may stay here for a while to train up again. We have been badly mauled on the Somme after heavy fighting, and yesterday got a big draft of youngsters from England - their first time out - to bring our strength up again.

Tuesday April 9th. 1918. I awoke at 7 am. to hear a terrific bombardment on in the line. My servant tells me it woke him up at 4 o'clock and has been on ever since, but as usual it never woke me. However, I got my breakfast without hearing any further news except noticing that several of the villagers were moving about, and looking as though they were packing up rather hastily, but I didn't take any particular notice of it, and thought it must be a case of “wind up”. After breakfast F----- told me we were to go up into the line immediately and gave orders to pack up at once and be ready at a moment's notice; so off I went to give the necessary orders and see all was ready. Portuguese troops are now dribbling back wounded, and say the Bosche has got through. S----- has just passed through on a bike, and asked me if I had seen one of his Coys which had set off and he couldn't find.

In half an hour the Bn. are ready to move. The Col. has sent for me and given me instructions to go forward in charge of an advanced guard to the Batt., so off I go. What a sight, - men and women are hurrying down the road past me, and say their homes are being smashed up by shell-fire. They all have small bundles which contain their valuables I suppose and a few odd things they have managed to scrape up before leaving. At an appointed place I halt and the Bn. come up. Shells are flying over in shoals and we shelter in ditches. Presently we are ordered to our different positions, and off F----- and I set with our Coy. He and I are the only officers with the Coy, - the rest went West on the Somme. We move forward through a deluge of shells in small parties, - how we safely got through Heaven only knows. Houses are on fire all over from the shells, and a big ammunition dump has got on fire which we are passing by. Explosions from it are occurring every second, and stuff is flying about all over. We get to the river - our position -, and F----- and I go forward to reconnoitre for a defensive position, which we decide upon, and the men commence to dig in as fast as they can. I go along the river bank to see if all the bridges in our front have been blown up, and come across an officer's charger stood in the river trying to get out. I tried to help the poor animal out, but suddenly a machine gun opens out on me from somewhere on the opposite bank, and I have to make a bolt into cover and leave the beast, which will get shot I expect.

Evidently the Bosche has got as far now as the river bank, and is there held up, but is sweeping our positions with machine gun-fire. After getting back to our positions S----- comes along, and I have a chat with him. He is on my immediate right and we discuss the position together, and arrange to keep in touch with each other. The night passes without much of interest except the place is lit up with the conflagration from buildings the Bosche has set on fire, and he is shelling us much more than we deserve, but all are dug in fairly well, so nobody cares much

Wednesday April 10, 1918

A Bosche plane is paying us much attention, and flies very low over our line. We opened fire on him with our rifles for some time, but nothing happened for a while, and then he wobbled and a black object fell out and came tumbling to earth all arms and legs, - it must be the observer because the machine continues flying and goes back to his own roost. What shouts from our boys as the chap tumbles out - someone's lucky shot.

About 8 o'clock am. the shell fire is very intense, and our line on the left falls back so we have to go back too. One feels the responsibility very much, and we get the men into another position, and started digging in once again. We get well established and settle down for the night, which is pitch dark. The Bosche are gradually creeping towards us, but we must be inflicting heavy casualties on him, for our M.Gs. are sweeping the front all night long, but he keeps throwing up lights to show his own folk how far he has got. Of course he's pretty wary, because he doesn't know exactly where we are.

After seeing everybody is all right and alert, I get into my "cubby hole" which my servant had dug for me about 11 pm. to await any further message from the H.Q. A message comes along that F----- has been shot through the stomach, and I am left in command of the Coy now. I made another tour of the line and stepped into a deserted farm-house near, to see if there was anything to eat. The inhabitants had gone - poor things - and everything was left just as if they still occupied it, a heartrending sight. I found some bread and went back to my place in the line to rest - I got no sleep last night. Presently I think I see a black object against the hedge close to my hole and I look again - it moves and then a voice comes and as far as

I can make out says “Companee”. I clutch at my revolver and jumping out of my hole fired, and again at another figure behind him, which I saw when I got up. They both groaned and rolled down the bank at the hedge side into a beck. I found they were Bosche scouts who were pushing out in the darkness to find where we were, and coming across a line of holes weren't sure evidently whether we were friend or foe because his folks were all over the place. They soon found out and failed to return to their lines. Nothing further of interest happened during the night, - the usual shelling of course. About an hour before dawn I get instructions to move my men further over to the right and go along getting them into their new position. I got a nasty jar - I saw one chap in the dark who I thought was asleep and knocked him to tell him to get a move on, when a chap near by said “He's dead Sir, - he was shot an hour ago carrying rations”. Ugh what a shudder. When dawn breaks the rattle commences. The Bosche has worked some M.Gs. up close to us, and he is firing on to our line from a house and wood in front about 50 yards away.

An aeroplane of his comes over and is shooting at us with his M.G. - an uncanny sensation to see him overhead diving down at us as we are laid down on the ground and peppering us with bullets, and we daren't move. He is firing tracer bullets which leave a white streak of phosphorus and thus show the flight of the bullet.

The Bosche begin to come on in numbers now, and we are having a fine time with our M.Gs. rolling him over as fast as he comes along, but after a while I see our left flank falling back - no message came through that they were doing so, and I felt a bit uneasy for fear I should be enfiladed. A quarter of an hour went and still no information as to why I had seen folks going back, so I decided to find out myself. I couldn't go along the line to enquire it was too exposed, and would have meant certain death, so I decided to crawl myself and not send anyone else down a road that ran past my "cubby hole" to behind a farm at our backs, and work my way round to the flank. I made a dive out of the hole and into the road, - phew how the bullets flew. They had spotted me all right and the zip zip of the bullets as they hit the ground all round was rather embarrassing. I tried to shelter under the hedge bank as I crawled along, but this wasn't good enough, and I was evidently well in sight and things got hotter, so I jumped into the ditch and got the rest of the way above my knees in water - Thank God I got through untouched, but I found my left flank was open and the Bosche was actually working round me and beginning to fire at us from nearly behind, so I told my lads to get back - according to orders - and we rushed across the open to some position in the rear. What a hail of bullets - the poor lads (only just from home) began to fall all along, and when we got back I could only scrape up a few.

The 29th. were supporting us just behind, and we formed again on their line. I heard one gallant Sergeant of the 29th. when the line looked like wavering, shout out “Now then boys, remember, the 29th have never flinched yet” and they didn't.

During the retirement I got an awful bang on my steel helmet, which made me stagger a second - what was it - I looked and found a big delve right across the side, where a bullet had struck it. Luckily for me the knock was only on the side so the hat turned it. If it had been a direct hit it would have gone clean through. These hats will stop shrapnel and glancing bullet shots, but not a “square” hit with a bullet.

The rest of the day we were fighting all the time trying to stem the Bosche advance - its open warfare. We are laid in a line right across the open fields firing all the day to try and hold the Bosche M.Gs. in check, which are gradually creeping up again and fairly “washing” us with bullets.

Word comes along that we are relieved by another Brigade, and that I am to collect what men I can and go behind. We had to get away very carefully. At last I got on to a road, and we set off “all that was left of them”. During the day I had been sick once or twice, and felt a bit “dicky”, and was glad of the thought of an hour or two's rest after three days continuous fighting - but this was not to be - Bullets commenced flying round us again from somewhere, and shells bored large holes in the road in front of us - what had happened? The C.O. met me and said the Bosche was working round in the direction I was going. A church burst into flames on my left, and then I saw Bosche figures coming out of a wood a mile off on my left. I turned off the road according to the C.O's. instructions, and got what few men I had lined across a field digging some head cover for themselves. We had to stop him coming at all costs so we did what we could. Shells banged all round again, and then I felt an awful burning and choking sensation and commenced vomiting. I got back a bit in shelter but got no better, and eventually collapsed. I was taken to a Field Ambulance near by, by my servant and sent down the line “gassed”.

CMS to Dora; 3 May 1918, received 4 July, Letter 4

Opened by Censor. Envelope only.

CMS to Dora; 3 May 1918, received 23 July 1918, Letter 3

Darling,

I am sitting outside my hut in the sun, having just finished my midday meal, and am smoking some wood shavings mixed with a little cigar tobacco. I don't think I've told you yet about my home. It is a large hut in which about 60 of us live. The bedsteads are in groups of four - two on top and two below. When one man turns the whole affair shakes. I was sharing with two others, but as they have both now gone to hospital I am getting a more or less peaceful night. I washed my underclothes under the tap yesterday, and feel much more comfortable for it. It's your birthday on the 21st. isn't it? Many happy returns, little girl, and I hope I'm with you for the next one. A man came round with a camera this morning and I was taken in two or three groups. I understand we are allowed to send copies home. The prints may be ready in about a week's time. I wrote to the Red Cross for food a few days ago, on chance. I shall feel more contented with my lot when I get some real nourishment into me. The man in the next bedstead comes from Sandhurst, and knows your hospital well, but was there before your time. There is another man in our hut who was in your hospital about Sept 1916. He saw the address on my letter, and asked about it. He was a Cpl. Bell then. He wishes to be remembered to any of the nurses who were there then. Major Jackson is giving a lecture on Finland this afternoon. We are having quite a number of interesting lectures - some not so interesting as others, but they help to pass the time between meals. I make myself walk at least a mile a day round our enclosure. I shall do exercises when I am stronger.

Yours with love,

Cecil. x x.

CMS to WHS and WS; 3 May 1918, received July 12, 1918; Letter 6

My dear Father and Mother,

As I write the date of this letter I realize that it marks another not-to-be-forgotten anniversary in my life.* I am sitting in the sun outside my hut, smoking a pipe of Josco tobacco, which I allow myself occasionally - I had a pouchful when taken. One can't buy tobacco here - only some hot substitute at a high price. I wrote a card addressed to H.Q. Red Cross Society Switzerland, a few days ago. I asked for parcels of food to be sent to me here, and added an authority for Cox and Co. to pay them an amount not exceeding four pounds (£4) on my account. It is only a chance shot. I asked in my last postcard if you would keep an eye on my pass-book, and I suppose Cox and Co. will require some authority like this:

“Messrs. Cox and Co.

16, Charing Cross, London. S.W.1.

Dear Sirs, I am a prisoner of war in Germany and should be glad if you will send my pass-book to my next of kin, W.H.Slack, Esq. J.P. Wilton House, Holderness Rd., Hull, on such occasions as he should call for it.

I remain, Yours truly,

Cecil M. Slack.

4th. East Yorks.”

Officers continue to be sent away from here in small batches, and I suppose my turn will come eventually. When I was in England wounded I started a course of drawing with the Pressart School, which is advertised in most of the magazines. I had 3 lessons and had a fourth sent when I was in hospital with my knee. The 3 lessons are somewhere in my room, and the fourth was in my kit. Do you think you could find them and send them to me? I paid for the course when I started and have six more lessons to come. It passes the spare time and might become a profitable hobby. It helps to pass the time now, and aids me to forget one's emptiness. I hope Harold's chickens are well and I hope I may have a few when I come home. Love to all,

Your Affec. son, Cecil.

* Anniversary of wound May 3, 1915.

Private H. Bush to CMS; (undated) 1918

Dear Sir,

I thought I would just write a few lines to you to let you know where I was got to. I am got to Blighty. I have got a broken nose, two cuts on the head, one fractured bone in the head and the doctor say it was a close one for me, but thank God I am feeling better again and glad of it. I thought my number was up for fritz.

Pte. H. Bush No. 202957.

B. Comp. No. 5 Platoon. (“Your servant” crossed out).

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