Reference
X985/7
Title
Letter from William George Tompkins to his wife
Date free text
Probably 1916
Production date
From: 1916 To: 1916
Scope and Content
Letter from William George Tompkins to his wife on headed paper – Church Army and Church of England Men’s Society Recreation Hut – as follows: Dear Wify Would you please save the envelope of any other letters you get returned but I hope that that will not happen again. I should like to have seen those you had you say been nearly all over France. I have been reading some of your letters over again today as I feel you very near me when I do so. I think you must have washed the last hanky as it was so nice and soft to my nose. I was thinking it would be a good thing if I were at home you could rig me out in some clothes of yours and make me your understudy as you are so much in evidence just now but perhaps people still want the real not imitations. By the bye please don’t mention the New Maid’s name to me (Bertha) I don’t like the “Berthas” out here they miss & screech too much for me (“Krupps Shells”) . About the photos the man said they were “spotty” of course they “would be spotty” as one of (Spottiswood) took the original photo. We have another Phonograph at YMCA hope Miss B won’t let “ours” spoil. Kindly remember to tell Miss B to not forget to give my wish to Mr & Mrs Kenney. You remember when we put the clock on last year what jokes we had well out here yesterday was the first day for France putting the clock on. Sorry you are having rough weather it’s a bit of everything here, windy, raining, frost & of course a little bit if “Sun” shine. I have lately took on to my pipe but I find the “inevitable fag” hard to resist. My new soldier friends & chums consist of many from all parts one who is very interesting and reminds me very much of Mrs Voules' talk is a Canadian from Saskatchewan he talks Yankee & he can tell us some interesting yarns choice and otherwise. Many badges of regiments are greatly in evidence here. The old “Stag” is still here though. The Best of ‘em all. I hope Boy & Knibbs are well I shall be very pleased to give “Boy” a good run again but that will be after I have told you tales of “Sunny” France which will take “Somme” time . I hope that time will soon roll round so Cheer oh keep smiling while there’s Life there’s Hope. In answer to your Question about the French “Ladies” to that I can only say NO BON.
Level of description
item