To those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Dear Mum
It was my first time in the trenches and when the whistle blew we went out into no man’s land and I crawled on my belly as a hail of bullets came over the top of me.
I felt a knot in my stomach as we came close to the enemy trenches.
I came across the sergeant who shouted a lot and told me I had no parents.
He won’t be shouting anymore, Mum. He has no legs, so he can’t even stand up.
I realised he saved my life today, Mum. All the things he taught me I have done and I’m still alive.
He told me, Mum I needed to look after my rifle, it was my best friend and when the time came I would know what to do.
I saw the ridge of the enemy trench and someone was looking over it and so Mum I pressed the trigger of my rifle and his face disappeared.
I should have felt elation.
But Mum I felt sick.
Others of our company got up and charged into the enemy trench. I felt as if someone had pinned me down and I couldn’t get up, I was like the sergeant Mum – my legs wouldn’t move.
Someone stood over me and said ‘Get up boy and follow me.’
Another Sergeant, Mum who told me I had no parents – he saved my life Mum.
Me and the Sergeant rushed an enemy machine gun nest and won the day.
We have taken over the enemy trench and have used the bodies of our enemies as sandbags – we have left their helmets on so their soldiers won’t fire on us.
I thought it was wrong Mum, they should be honoured as well.
We were shelled later on today and I’m not going anywhere – I’m wounded Mum and I can’t feel anything.
It was my birthday today. I turned 18 and should have known better. I won’t be seeing you again Mum.
Your loving son,
John
