Dopisy z první světové války

Dear Arthur, 

I expect you are wondering why I have not written, but it is an awful effort to get all correspondence off, and be on active service at the same time. I can't say that I am enjoying myself out here. It's awfully hot, and we are eaten up by millions of flies. Life in the trenches is not a picnic either we have about four or five days out of them and eight or nine in them. When we are out supposed to be resting, we have to go on working parties, digging etc., then wherever we are, we are always under shell fire, so it's not much rest after all. The last shell we had in camp, there was four killed and seventeen wounded.

We have been under fire for three months now, and we should like a rest as the strain is tremendous on one's nerves. I don't think the troops in France get it quite as bad. Then again, the only comforts we have are sent from home, as the country here is quite barren, and we cannot buy anything in shops, I would give a quid for a pint of beer down the club. Our food consists of half a loaf of bread per day, bacon and tea for breakfast, Bully beef and biscuits for dinner and Jam for tea and cheese. Lime juice is served out about four times per week, that is a drop is put into a dixie of water and a cup full served out per man, and rum is served out twice a week (sometimes) that is about four table spoonful each.

We live in a trench and it is a mercy it don't rain otherwise we'd be washed away. The fighting just lately has been terrible. Our shells knock the enemy all ways and the sight in the trenches that we take is awful. We wear our respirators because of the awful smell of the dead. I'll never get the sight out of my eyes, and it will be an everlasting nightmare. If I am spared to come home, I'll be able to tell you all about it, but I cannot possibly write as words fail me. I can't describe things.

Wouldn't it be nice to be at Walmer again and you come down and see me again, I did enjoy that time, and also seeing Billy Dawson and Richardson. There seem to be a lot of French troops out here, but there seems to be no relief for us. Nobody loves us now Churchill has gone, we are nobody's pets. It's the army first here, except when there is work to be done, and then the Naval Division have to do it. You know both my brothers have commissions in the 4th Bedfordshires and are at Dovercourt. My wife tells me she has sent me three boxes of stuff, I received one box, and I fear that one transport has been floundered [sunk] and another has been torpedoed, so I expect that is where my other two boxes are. It's awfully disappointing because I do look forward so to a bit of chocolate and a few biscuits from home. We get cigarettes and baccy served out to us, but it is too hot to smoke much, so that I don't miss that so much. I get a bath in a biscuit tin when I can, but when in the trenches I have to go all the time without a wash, so you can tell I am used to being dirty.

How are they all down the club, and is Emmie still there, and is she better or not? Is Paice going to Looe this year? And where are you spending your holidays? Lord how I'd like a holiday, I am so tired and would give anything to get away from this continual banging.

Please remember me to all fellows who are left in the office. Mr Miller and Goff & Hills and George Williams, and all the boys generally. I can't write to all separately, also for details of my experiences you must wait until I get back, if ever I do, of which sometimes I despair.

The papers tell you pretty full accounts, although they are rather anticipating events as to our advancing. Now I must close old chap, and thank you very much for all your kindness. Wishing you all the best 

Yours very sincerely, 

Harold Watts.

Drahý Arture

Očekávám, že se podivuješ nad tím, proč jsem stále nenapsal, je však příšerně obtížné odpovídat na veškerou korespondenci a být v aktivní službě zároveň. Nemohu říci, že bych si to tady užíval. Je příšerné vedro a žere nás milion much. Život v zákopech také není žádný piknik. Máme nějaké čtyři nebo pět dnů vně a osm nebo devět uvnitř. Když máme prostor k odpočinku, tak jsem vždy pod palbou, takže si stejně neodpočineme.   Poslední puma, která zasáhla kemp zabila čtyři z nás a zranila dalších sedmnáct.

Jsme pod palbou již třetím měsícem a rádi bychom si odpočali neb je to strašně náročné na nervy. Nemyslím si, že jednotky ve Francii to mají tak špatné. Ale pak jediné útěchy, které máme jsou posílány z domova, jelikož země zde je docela nehostinná, a nemůžeme si nic zakoupit v obchodech, dal bych libru za žejdlík piva v klubu. (1 libra v roce 1916 = cca 2700 korun v roce 2022) Naše strava se skládá z půlky bochníku chleba denně, slaniny a čaje k snídani, solené hovězí a suchary k večeři a marmeláda se sýrem ke svačině. Limetková šťáva se podává asi tak čtyřikrát týdně, to znamená kapku, která je puštěna do šálku vody a plný hrnek na muže, a rum je podáván dvakrát týdně (někdy) to je zhruba čtyři lžíce každý.

Žijeme v zákopech a je to boží milosrdenství, že neprší jinak bysme byli odplaveni. Boje nedávni byli příšerné. Naše pumy boří nepřítele celou cestu a scény v zákopech, které obsadíme jsou strašlivé. Máme neustále respirátory kvůli příšernému zápachu mrtvých těl. Nikdy mi ty scény nezmizí z očí a bude to pro mne nekonečná noční můra. Pokud budu ušetřen abych se vrátil domů, budu schopen ti to všechno vyprávět, ale nemohu to popsat protože mi dochází slova. Nedokážu popisovat věci.

 Bylo by to skvělé být zpátky ve Walmeru a ty bys přišel zase na návštěvu, ty časy jsem měl rád, a také vidět Billyho Dawsona a Richardsona. Vypadá to, že je zde mnoho Francouzských vojáků, ale nezdá se, že by nám to jakkoliv ulehčilo. Nikdo nás nemá rád od té doby co Churchill odešel, nejsme ničími mazlíčky. Víš že oba moji bratři jsou ve čtvrté Bedfordshireské v Dovercourtu. Moje žena mi říká, že mi poslala tři bedny věcí, obdržel jsem jednu bednu a obávám se že jeden transport byl potopen a druhý zasažen torpédem, takže počítám, že moje věci jsou tam. Je to hrozné zklamání, protože se tak těším na kousek čokolády a nové suchary z domova. Dostáváme cigarety a tabák. ale na kouření je moc vedro, takže mi to tak nechybí. Když můžu tak se vykoupu v plechovce od sucharů, ale v zákopech musím vydržet celou dobu bez koupele, takže je ti jasné, že jsem zvyklý být špinavý.

Jak se mají v klubu a je tam stále Ema, je jí lépe? Pojede Paice letos do Looe? A kde budete trávit vaše prázdniny? Bože jak já bych chtěl prázdniny, jsem tak unavený a dal bych cokoliv abych se dostal od toho nekončících ran.

 Pozdrav prosím ode mne všechny lidičky, kteří zůstaly v kanceláři. Pan Miller a Goff & Hills a George Williamse, a všechny chlapce obecně. Nemohu vám psát každému zvlášť, také detaily mých zážitků vám povím až se vrátím, jestli vůbec, ze kterých si občas zoufám.

Noviny ti v podstatě říkají plnou pravdu, přestože jsou plné očekávání našeho dalšího (vítězného) postupu. Nyní se musím rozloučit starý brachu, a děkuji mnohokrát za všechnu tvojí přízeň. Přeji ti vše nejlepší

Tvůj velmi upřímný

Harlod Watts

Dear Bertie,

Many thanks for letters and fags both were very acceptable as you can imagine for it bucks one up to hear from old associates. I also had a letter from "Tinker" Taylor who told me Gwen has left the Great Western Railway Company. I will write to Ferdi [Ferdinand] and ask Frosty if you give me his address. I can imagine how lovely and empty the old room looks, fancy more flappers eh, quite a selection as you say. I will just give you an idea of our work here day by day. Reveille 6.00am, stables at 6.30-7.30, breakfast till 9. Then exercise ride one and lead two or three [horses] for one and a half hours, then groom them until 12.15, then we water and feed and go to dinner till 2.30 then sweep up ... [Letter damaged]

Bed [horses] down at 4pm then water and feed at 4.15 to 4.30 and hay up at 5pm, only we take it in turns to do that and we have stables like this. [Fatty has drawn a rough sketch of the stables which house the horses].

We have six and seven a side which leaves us four horses each. Of course, sandwiched between this is probably a visit to Avonmouth Docks to fetch horses or take ours to the station for we only keep them for a week at the time just to knock the mud off and feed them up so as they get their shore legs and look a bit shipshape again. We have about 10,000 a week come in of horses and mules and some of them are fair devils, so wild and timid.

I may come and see you probably Saturday if I get the weekend off...

Fatty

Drahá Bertie

Mnoho díků za dopis i za cíga. Velmi se hodilo slyšet od starých známých pro vzpružení. Taky mi přešel dopis od Tikera Taylora, který mi řekl, že Gwen odešla od Great Western Railway Company. Napíšu Ferdovi a poptám se Frostyho aby mi dal adresu. Umím si představit jak úžasně a prázdně vypadá můj starý pokoj, chtěli byste víc kurev což, pěkný výběr jak sama říkáš. Přiblížím ti, jak to tady funguje den za dnem. Budíček 6:00, stáje 6:30-7:30 snídaně do 9. Pak cvičně jezdit na a vodit dva nebo tři koně na hodinu a půl, pak je hřebelcovat do 12:15 pak je napojíme a nakrmíme a jdeme na večeři do 2:30 pak zamést..... [poškozený]

Dear Bert,

Just a few lines to let you know I am alright, hoping you are the same... At the present time we are in dugouts. The weather is simply awful, raining day after day and especially night after night...To tell you the truth, while writing this letter I am wet through to the skin and not a dry thing for a change. We have got our winter fur coats and gum boots, but the latter cause more curses than you can imagine, for instance last night I was sent off to select dugouts for our platoon, which is number 37. It was pitch dark, no light allowed and in a strange place, well honestly I fell over at least 20 times got smothered in mud from head to feet and on the top of that wet though for it rained in torrents. On a round of inspection this morning to see if all were 'comfortable' I was 'blinded' up hill and down dale, 'Sergeant this' and 'Sergeant that'.

How can you expect men to live in this, and then to put a dampener on the lot, was the language from the occupiers who unfortunately were in a residence that fell in during the night. They took shelter under a tree from 2am after looking for me for half an hour or so, but they could not find me, for the only thing that would shift me, after settling down, if I may call it that, would be a 'Jack Johnson' and then I would have no option.

While in the trenches last week John and I were up to our knees in water and got our gum boots half full. The line is a bit quiet lately and only now and again do we get a shelling, but one gets used to it. That, to give you an idea, is like sitting at Paddington and hearing the engines screech.

After our stretch this time I shall be looking forward for a short leave for I have been here nearly three months now and we stand a good chance. Well I must now conclude...Yours sincerely

Jack Symons

P.S. Every other home down near the rest camp is an Estaminet (small French café) where they sell what they call 'beer', and as much as I like a drop of good beer I have given the stuff out here 'best' for is awful muc.

My dear Mother,

Have just come through a particularly nasty period. We went into the trenches on Wednesday night and on Sunday morning at 5am our Artillery commenced bombarding the German trenches and after 20 minutes had elapsed we went over the parapet. My goodness what a reception the Huns had in store for us, they simply swept the ground with machine gun fire and shrapnel. Poor old 'C' coy. caught it hot and Neuve Chapelle seemed to be a fleabite compared with this. It was found impossible to make any advance in our quarter, so I dug myself in and awaited events. It was horrible suspense, as I seemed to be the only man untouched, all around me, and being personally acquainted with each man made matters worse, in fact, it's all wrong to call them men, as they were mostly mere boys.

About early afternoon I was hailed from the trench as to whether it was possible for me to get back. I replied in the affirmative and decided to run the risk of getting potted on the way. So I commenced crawling on my stomach until about a few yards from the parapet, then made a spring and rushed headlong over the top, nearly spoiling the features of a few who happened to be in the trench and were not expecting me. We were relieved that afternoon, but some of the fellows did not get in until nightfall and these experienced another bombardment... Billy Hastings is quite fit and the only pal left. We have been resting since and getting information about the (illegible) but by all reports we shall be up again soon. No rest for the wicked it is said, and if true we must surely be a bad lot.

What a terrible thing about the Lusitania, and with so many Americans aboard. Should imagine there will be more trouble. Have received box and letter dated 6th and am most thankful for everything you are all doing for me. (censored.)

As regards the pads, (masks of cotton pads which served as gas masks), all we were served out with were made 'on the spot' and consisted of a piece of gauze and tape and were steeped in a solution of bicarbonate of soda, prior to this charge. I lost all my belongings except the Gillette (razor) so should be glad of a few toilet requisites when next you are sending a parcel. Do not trouble about towel and perhaps Frank would get me a shaving brush. Must now close. Much love to all. From your affectionate son,

Dick

Dear Ernie,

Thanks very much for your letter and kind wishes. My wounds are getting on all right and they have discovered eleven in all. It is hard not to be able to get up, but I suppose a month will soon be slip by. My people came to see me yesterday and the day before.

You ought to see my face. They cannot shave me because I have scraps of shell sticking in, and as I had not had a shave for about a week before I was wounded, I look a pretty picture.

Well old chap, I am glad I am wounded to get out of that hell, and if you ever meet a chap that says he wants to go back call him a liar.

If you could manage to come down at any time I should be delighted. I have not received any letter from Dalton but perhaps will get it later. That will be the time old chap when I look into the office on my way home. We'll manage to get a drink then. Well I must close now and I expect you will have quite enough trouble to read what I have written already. Hoping to be with you all,

Your old pal, Rip.

... This trench of ours is a model in its own way, being fairly safe, and connected by good communication trenches. The Commanding Officer's house of white sandbags is fitted with window, curtains, and window box with pansies in it. It is furnished with table and chairs also a large mirror. Of course this is quite a 'one occasion' affair and don't imagine we are here town planning with model dwellings etc! But it will show you how soldiers can adapt themselves to circumstances. At the back of our trench is ripening corn and plenty of wildflowers in bloom.

We have also canaries in cages in the trench! But these are used by the miners for testing the air in the mines after the explosion, to see if it was possible to finish off their job. [Censored line] captured from the Germans a short time ago and during the stay we were kept busy with sandbags etc. and at night of course had to especially watch the enemy.

When in the reserve or support trenches fatigue work has to be done every night, such as carrying food, ammunition, material for the engineers etc. to the firing line, so you can guess it is nothing but continual 'bob' work (odd jobs).

Dear Effie,

You were doubtless surprised to get a postcard from up here, don't know why they sent us such a long way north, it is alright but I think London would have suited me better, could have seen my pals sometimes. I am not allowed to get out of bed yet, tried the other night and fell down in a fit serves me right for disobeying orders. I have the piece of shell which fractured my skull and shall look after it for a souvenir. The doctors say I was very lucky not to have been put right out. It was a heavy piece (British) would not have been wounded by anything less. We were in an advanced post sticking beyond our front line called the "Duck's Bill" and naturally pretty close to the German trenches. In fact they surrounded us... [Lines censored]

I hear from Bedford that the company has been told to prepare for the Dardanelles. I don't know where he is though, have heard nothing from him. We are having a concert with our ward this afternoon and we have plenty of visitors in every afternoon, some very fair women taking them generally, and very decent too, treat everybody alike. Remember me kindly to Mrs Lewis. I shall make a more determined attempt to see you if I get a sick leave which is most probable. Well, have no more news at present. How about taking up a post in your department when this lot is over, it would suit me to have headquarters in London for a time, mustn't count chickens though. Goodbye Old boy,

regards,

Billy

Drahá Effie

Bezpochyby jsi byla překvapená , když jsi odtud dostala pozdrav, nevím proč nás poslali tak daleko na sever, je to v pořádku, ale myslím, že v Londýně m by mi bylo lépe, mohl bych se občas vidět s kámošema. Mám zakázáno vylézat z postele, zkusil jsem to minulou noc a spadnul na zem v záchvatu, to mi patří, že neposlouchám rozkazy. Mám ten kus pumy co mi zlámala lebku a budu se o ni starat coby suvenýr. Doktoři říkají, že jsem měl velké štěstí, že mě to nezabilo rovnou.  Byl to těžký kus (Britský) nic menšího by mě zranit nemohlo. Byly jsme na předsunuté pozici za přední linií zvanou "Kachní Zobák" a přirozeně celkem blízko Německým zákopům. Ve skutečnosti byli všude kolem... (cenzorováno)

Slyšel jsem od Bedforda, že se má naše rota připravit na Dardanely. Avšak nevím kde je, nic jsem od něj neslyšel. Budeme mít na oddělení koncert dnes odpoledne a máme spoustu návštěv každé odpoledne, jaké krásné ženy za námi chodí a slušné taky, ke každému se chovají stejně. Vzpomeň mě laskavě panu Lewisovi. Já se pokusím za tebou přijít pokud dostanu nemocenskou, což je velmi pravděpodobné. No momentálně mám další zprávy. Co kdybych vedl pozici ve tvém oddělení až tohle všechno skončí, sedělo by mi mít velitelství na chvíli v Londýně, nesmím na to však spoléhat. Sbohem starý kamaráde,

s pozdravem

Billy