Letter to Private. W.J. Fairy (back)

Social History (Museum of St Albans)

1997.5052

Back view of a letter written to Private. William John Fairy from his wife Harriet. Private Fairy was later killed in the First World War, after being fatally wounded at Ypres in September 1917. He was buried at Duisans British Cemetary, Etrun, France. Transcript of this letter: "Saturday 15 Longmire Road, St Albans My Dear Husband I was so pleased to get a letter from you and also a card to know you were well up (to?) 21 of Aug, well dear I am pleased you got the first parcel safe and hope you will get the other one soon. I and the children are fairly well, baby was vaccinated on Friday and my nerves are a bit painful. But as long as you are safe... we shall get over our small troubles here we have had a grand military funeral here a man got killed who was home on leave in Cornwall Rd was riding back to Luton on his bike and ran into a lamppost and died his case you will see in this weeks St Albans times- well dear I write to may and ask her to put me up with 3 children to a weekend. I might she wrote back to say it was not convenient now they are in apartments so never mind, I sent off and ask mother to come here. I feel I wasn't to see someone just for a change I shall value you more than ever to have you by my side again. the boys are all my thoughts, they get behind the fire guards sand on the fences and look over the top with the fight alight they are up to everything you can mention. I hope my next on will be a girl- when you come home again- but I do love them only I am frightened to leave them a minute. winnie is... at work so far but is hoe a lot watching for cork. I do hope you will get a rest of the trenches for a time- don't forget to let me know just whatever you want to help you along. if only you could pop in sometimes I could buck up- I am thankful to say we get plenty to eat and the boots are my greatest worry, little Bill will soon want a nice suit and overcoat for the winter as the days are very chilly. Edie is still the little old woman, always on the go and saving all the money. Dad comes home again when I did so hope that the war would end before the winter but there seems to be no signs so far. Earn hopes to come here again soon with ada but I don't no when so far. well dear once more god bless you and guide you for our own sakes at home. Yours Ever loving wife H Fairy and children from old dad"

PX5404FairyLetter.tif

Amy Cooke

3) MoStA Archive Room

[not applicable].

11/05/2006