No 4564 Pte J.W. Brotherhood Signalling Sec 3/5 Leicester
Church Hall
Nottingham Rd
Old Basford
Notts.
March 15th 016
Dear Rev Walters,
The morning was dark, & the mist hung over the hills like a Pall. The birds were silent, & only here & there one could hear the screeching of the owl & the bark of the fox.
It was 3-30 in the morning when the soldiers of the Billet were awakened by the cry: – “Men, its 3-30, & time you was dressing, breakfast is at 4 ock.
Some had slept & slowly awakened; others had not slept at all, but had spent the evening in chatting together, perhaps thinking it would be their last opportunity.
Eventually all are dressed, & then they assemble together & then march off to have their last Breakfast on English Soil before proceeding to the front. It was a beautiful repast; quite appetising; some were enjoying it, & asking for more, others seemed to be thinking, they were musing over their plates, & the vacant look on many faces gave one the impression that they were thinking about home & sweethearts that were shortly to be left behind.
Breakfast over, & the men march off one by one to the Billet; everyone seemed flushed with excitement, & spoke in subdued tones as they walked along the streets.
Ah! Many had not known the horrors of the battlefield & longeth to get away; others were not so eager, they had known of the trials of warfare during past days, & had witnessed the Carnage of the Battlefield.
Ah me! How wonderful & varied men are; but experience seems to teach many lessons; and tempers the life.
Every man is now at his post fully dressed; the roll is called, & every man responds to his name, which is indeed a glorious testimony to the men who are going to battle.
Not a shirker is found among them. There are men of between 30 and 40 years of age, & there are youths who have only seen 17 & 18 summers, such blushing youths, they seem almost too tender & young to be taken to a Foreign Country; they almost need the tender care of the Mother a little longer. Still, here they stand, magnificent specimens of English humanity, full of muscle, blood, & life, revealing a wonderful spirit of Patriotism.
All of a sudden a voice rings out loud and clear: – “Men, you are going to do your duty on the Battlefield. I wish you God-speed, & the best of Luck, & I ask you to uphold the honored reputation of your Regiment.” It is the voice of the C.O., Lieut-Col Goward; a true soldier & a gentleman. Everyone there seems moved. Thoughts are running deep & strong; yet the men respond with a spirited Hip Hip Hoorah.
The men are then given a few moments liberty, & then they obey the command “Attention” – Form Fours, Right”. Every man is in his position like clockwork; the Band then takes up its position, & the command is given, “Quick March”.
The men then marched off to the strains of a Martial Song. The music was inspiring & heavenly; & it seemed to impart a sweet fragrance to the morning air. It is wonderful how music effects men. It effected these man, & they marched as they had never marched before; & as the marches they sang:-
“Pack all your troubles in your old Kit Bag,
And smile, smile, smile
While you’ve a Lucifer to light your Fag,
Smile boys, that’s the style
What’s the use of worrying,
It never was worth while
So, pack all your troubles in your old Kit Bag
And smile, smile, smile.
What a fine marching song, a song that is calculated to arouse enthusiasm even in the breasts of the sad. Thus with that song on their lips these men march 1½ miles to the station with footsteps firm & strong.
To me, they seemed like an host marching out of the still darkness of the night ready to meet the foe at the break of day.
On they come, a surging mass of humanity, every man fully equipped, & a score of hoarse throats resounds the cry – “Are we downhearted?” Only to be answered back in the English Spirit “No”.
It is a wonderful sight to see a marching army. Such a sight seems to remove doubt & fear, & inspires confidence & trust.
England’s soldier sons are truly wonderful men. They may well be termed heroes, because heroes they are.
Finally they reach the Station with a great crowd following. They descend the station steps, & their awaiting then is the train to convey them to their new surroundings.
They enter the carriages, throw off their Packs & then surge around the windows to bid their friends Adieu.
It is a wonderful & touching sight to see soldiers wishing their friends & pals adieu. Here & there were handshakes such as never had been experienced before. First one would say “Well Bill, Good Morning, I hope to soon meet you again.” Another would say in the true Local Brogue “Well Jack, Good Luck to you, & keep your pecker up” truly wonderful sentiments.
I went up & down the platform, & first one & then the other would grasp my hand as they said – We soon hope to meet you again, so long. How optimistic!
But Sir, I’ll tell what I found during those moments of waiting. There were hearts that were beating & throbbing; pulses that were quickened, lips that quivered, hands that trembled; & eyes that were wet with tears. Mark you, they were not downhearted. No! because I felt the parting as much as they did.
Ah! It may be they were thinking of home, & of the many friends they were leaving behind, & also of their soldier pals whom they had learned to love & respect. When pals have gone, life for a time seems cheerless. It is a wonderful sight to see men entrain for the front.
Every man is now ready for moving off. The Guard gives his signal to the Driver of the train; the steam is applied, & slowly it moves along carrying brave & wonderful men to battle.
And as the train passes on as many as can take a farewell glance of the faces & the place they have learned to love.
We hope to meet such men again; & we wish them God-speed, & pray that they have strength & courage to do their duty, & then after having done their duty, to return once more to the Land that nourished them, & the homes that have reared & blessed them.
Such Sir, are my simple views of a Draft leaving for the Front. The 3/5 Leicesters are truly upholding their reputation.
I am pleased to say that I am well, & more than that, I am enjoying such a spiritual experience that my soul is lifted up to God. My services are in constant demand at Bulwell, both for singing & speaking, & I have been asked by the Nonconformist Chaplain to our Batt to preach a special Sermon at his Church. I am telling you this because I know that you are following my career very closely.
I have not met Pte Haynes as yet, he is at Bulwell Hall which is 3 miles from my Billet, yet as you say, there are undesirable companions in the army, & if I can see him I will.
I trust that you & your family are well, & my prayers are that God may abundantly bless your work. You have a terrible responsibility as a minister of God, & I do sincerely pray that you will win great & glorious victories for the Lord.
In conclusion I would say: – “The Lord watch between thee & me, & between my house & thy house forever.”
From your sincere friend
J.W. Brotherhood.
S.P. I thank you very much for your help to my mother)
In envelope addressed to Rev T.W. Walters M.A., Whitwick Vicarage, Leicestershire.
Letter postmarked NOTTINGHAM 15 MAR 16 8.30 PM.
Y.M.C.A. Postcard
From Pte J.W. Brotherhood, 1/5th Leics Regt A Coy.
No reply please.
Dear Rev Walters, Have arrived safely at Southampton & expect sailing for France on Monday.
I do ask for your prayers & the prayers of the Men’s class. May God speed you in your work.
From your sincere friend
J.W. Brotherhood.
No reply.
Card addressed Rev T.W. Walters M.A., Vicar of Whitwick, Whitwick, Leicestershire.
Letter postmarked SOUTHAMPTON APL 8 16 9 PM.
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