NAM.2006-12-93-86

One of seventeen manuscript letters, cuttings and cards sent by RSM Arthur George Harrington, London Rifle Brigade, between 8 Nov 1914 and 30 Nov 1914. Sent chiefly to his wife whilst serving with the British Expeditionary Force in Flanders. From a collection of 180 documents and letters mostly written by RSM Arthur George Harrington, DCM, written to his family while with the King’s Royal Rifle Corps during the Siege and Relief of Ladysmith (1899-1900), Boer War (1899-1902) and whilst attached to the London Rifle Brigade from 1914 up to his death at the 2nd Battle of Ypres on 28 Apr 1915, World War One, Western Front (1914-1918). Misses newspapers, don’t know what is going on at front or elsewhere. Talks of journey to France, arrival, training (marching, shooting, constructing trenches), plenty of food, fit, and sleeping well. Work their way towards the front. While the btn is in the trenches, it is his responsibility to refill the ammunition wagons. Tells her to get plenty of fresh air and keep up her piano practice. Gets to the front, writes of the cold, how difficult it is for the troops in the open trenches to be out in the open all weathers, lack of sleep, guns, etc. Noise of guns, aeroplanes overhead.

World War One, Western Front (1914-1918)