WW1 Memories

[Deleted]

A letter, containing the remains of a pressed flower, sent from the trenches by a young man to my grandmother, on 19 July 1915.
Just over 2 months later, this young man, Private Thomas Ferry, 2nd Batt, East Kent Regiment (Buffs) was killed aged just 21.



In 2 pages this letter manages to convey a little of what life was like for the men in the trenches.
Below is a transcript of the letter -

Dear Ma, Annie and All,
Just a letter to say I am still all in a piece although they are shelling us just this minute, a little too warm for my liking. We are in the trenches again for a few days, this is my second go. I only came out last Sunday after doing 6 days, now we are back for goodness knows how long. I am enclosing a small flower I picked, that was growing in the trenches, you can always say it was picked in the trenches in France. It is quite a nice sort of a trench ours, just behind there is a German's grave with his rifle on top. It is very funny here, the names they have for the different trenches, ours Regent Street via Piccadilly and all sorts of names. Oh it is real funny this life.
These Germans are warm stuff and no mistake. When we relieved the East Surreys last night the dear old Germans shouted 'Hello Buffs', what a cheek. Oh by the way I must apologise for not writing before but I expect Lil will have told you that I am progressing all right. You can tell father to be content with The Volunteer Corps, it is as they say out here better for the health. Oh wait until I get back to Middlesbrough it will take something to drive me back to this paradise. Although I don't think for one moment that is as horrible as they make it out to be. Well friends I am afraid I shall have to go on dear old sentry go once more. So Good Bye, write please.
Kindest Regards,
TF.
XXX and love for Elsie.
Good Night All.

I've had the letter for many years and all the news about the start of WW1 has made me seek it out again.
I've never done anything with but I feel somebody should have it.
Any ideas what I should do with it ?

[Ratae]

Al, don't the Buffs have a regimental museum, they would love that sort of thing.

My Grandpa's old regiment, the Royal Leicestershire (Tigers) have long been amalgamated into the Anglians, but they still have a regimental museum in the city.

[Anne]

that's a lovely thing to have, it would be a shame if it was lost so I do hope you find a good home for it

[nob]

Sent the IWM an email Alan they will tell you what to do with it. It should be on display.

www.iwm.org.uk/connect/contact-us