Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Arthur John Moore Burrowes letters and postcards to his family, 26 January 1918-15 September 1919
MLMSS 3413/Item 1
[Sergeant Arthur John Moore Burrowes enlisted on 26 March 1917 aged 39 years and was drafted into the 21st Reinforcements, 18th Battalion. He was prior to enlisting, a Staff Sergeant Major, Instructional Staff. , married to Annie with two children Woof (real name Ruth) and Frank. He was given the rank of Sergeant on enlistment. The letters cover the period from his wounding in France and time in hospital in England while recovering in August 1918 to his return to Australia on board the HMT Takada 25 December 1918 (arriving 11/2/19).On page 4, 20-9-18, Burrowes refers to his foot being swollen. He had been shot in the thigh on 8 Aug 1918.]
[Page 1]
[Envelope addressed as follows:]
On Active Service
Mrs Burrowes
Upperby
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
[Two dates have been written on the envelope]
18/4/18
26/1/18
[Page 2]
[Post script at the top of the page]
Arrived safely in England 11/1/18 will write when I get time.
A.
H.M.T. Leasowe Castle
26-1-18
My Dear Mother
I don’t suppose the last letter I wrote you has left Egypt up to the present, but by this time you probably know from the Cable, that I arrived at Egypt safe & well. I have written yards of letters to Annie, I know you will hear anything of interest in them and will not expect me to write the same amount to you as it would only be a duplicate of Annies, and another thing, I have to write to Annie or she might divorce me.
I got few little things for you in Egypt for you, and hope they arrive safely, and that you will like them.
We are now on board a ship for the dash across to Italy. They seem to take this part of the trip very seriously here, judging by the precautions taken, We are all well and as happy as possible, This is a most interesting country to see, & would like to have more chances of seeing it, I am sorry I could not get more snaps here, but the days are very short, & there are only a few hours in the day that are suitable for snaps. I will be glad when we get to where-ever we can get some letters from home, so I can here how every one & every thing is getting on. I have just bought 100 oranges for 5/- from a boat along side. The natives generally ask much more than they can expect to get, & quite expect to be beaten down. No more now, Mother dear, & don’t worry about,
Your Son
[Page 3]
Milton Hill Hospital
15-9-18
My dearest Wife
Only yesterday I posted a letter to you, but as this is your birthday, I thought I would just start a letter to tell you I have been wishing all sorts of nice things for you and hopes for many more happy birthdays and all the days in between. I am going to ask some one to get me some post-cards for our kiddies, the poor things, they have written me such lots of letters, and I have sent them nothing for weeks, & I know they would be expecting things. I had a lot of French postcards back at the Battalion to send them, but of course they are all lost, but never mind, you will tell them how much I love them just the same. In this Hospital about half the patients are Aussies, and nearly all the rest are Jocks, it is rather funny, hardly any one knows anyone else’s name, all the Scotties are called "Jock" and describing each other it is "Inverness Jock" or "Glasgow Jock" and so on. In the Army all Australians are called "Digger", why no one knows, but it is the National Name in France, in the Streets, little French children who know no English, will say "Bon Jour Digger" when they see an Australian, which they think is a great joke. We get plenty of milk
[Page 4]
here, on porridge & puddings, then at 10AM & 10PM we get a cup of hot milk, at least some of us do.
20-9-18 There has been nothing to write about these last few days, so this will be a short letter. Am still in bed my foot is getting a bit better, not quite so swollen & painful & I have had quite a few decent nights sleep lately, and I can actually make a slight movement in my foot. I am enclosing a postcard taken of our ward with your husband in the foreground, I don’t suppose it is necessary to mark it as you are sure to pick out my hard face, see my coat on the Chair, my crutches against the wall which I have only used a couple of times, and the wire frame on my bed to keep the weight of the bed clothes off my foot, And isn’t the Ward nice and bright? it was built for a "Skittle-Alley" all the men in the picture are convalescents and there is one Sister, I have one for Mother and will send it to her shortly. Had a letter from Mr Owen this morning, the battalion was still out spelling on 15th but was going up forward in a few days. Also had letters from Lovegrove & Vallack, the former still has the Canteen job, the latter was out spelling, but would be forward again now.
The news is still good from the Front, I don’t think the will be much of the War left by the time my foot is well, so I will not have another chance to get some Souvenirs to take home. Some men who lost a leg the same day that I was wounded, are now hopping about here on crutches and here I am, I still in bed, I asked today if I could get up in a chair, But the Dr said "not", my wound is reduced
[Page 5]
to a little dry scab, which just has a bit of sticking plaster to keep it from getting rubbed off, and the scab is only about as big as a 6d and is only a bit tender if pressed hard.
Well this is a lazy life, just lying here, watching the hands of the clock go round, the day divided into sections by meals, I got lots of time to think, and its mostly about home & what I am going to do when I get back, I may say I have not got as far as the work yet, don’t seem to get much further than the two of us walking round looking at things, also I am often wondering what were your thoughts when you got my Cable and the long dreary wait until my first letter would arrive and I hope those first letters did not sound too miserable, the first one ought to be well on its way by now, just about six weeks, also I suppose you have had some Official news also before now. I have sent Post Cards to most of my friends and relations
[Page 6]
in Australia, "it is a bit awkward to write" in my excuse, I wonder if I told you I had a couple of nice letters from Miss Austin? Did not tell her I was wounded, as I thought it looked as though I wanted to advertise it, but she evidently saw the name in an Official list, she is making me a woollen "Sweater" for use when I get about.
Well Mum I am quite stumped for news, except that I love you just as much as ever, and long for the time when I will be home again, and quite agree with you that we will continue to love each other as we promised to do down at Rooty Hill Church, that day long ago, when you walked in "Miss" and walked out "Mrs" Goodbye my dear old sweetheart with all my "husbandly" love for you only, and the rest for you & the nice little kiddies from [Indecipherable]
XOXOXO
[Page 7]
[A torn piece of paper with a modest sketch obviously of and by Arthur Burrowes. It shows a man wearing an Australian slouch hat on crutches with a large bandage on his left foot. Above the sketch can be read:]
[Ch]ristmas present .... except love from
[Page 8]
[This is the reverse of the previous page as the sketch can be seen through the paper and someone has written]
Written to his young daughter, Ruth
[Page 9]
[In the same handwriting as the previous page, is written:]
Letters from Sgt. A. Burrowes to his wife & daughter, written after being wounded in France on 8/8/1918.
[Page 10]
[Envelope addressed to]
Mrs A.J. Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
[and the words]
Written 11.8.18
13.8.18
Received 10.10.18
[Page 11]
[On the reverse of the above envelope is stamped:]
3rd Southern General Hospital, Oxford
[Page 12]
[Written on YMCA paper]
In Hospital
Boulogne
11-8-18
My dearest Wife,
I wish and wish that you did not have to wait so long between the Cable I sent yesterday, and which I am told by a Chaplain should reach you in a few days, and this bit of a letter which you will not get until I am real well again, I know you and Mother will be awfully worried when you get the Cable and will think it is worse than it really is, but I thought it would
[Page 13
help to reassure you if you got one from me as well as the official one which is bound to go too, Well Mum dear here I am with two bullet wounds in the left thigh, from a machine gun, no bones broken and a "good Blighty", and a very lucky one, as one bullet evidently touched the bone and glanced off the other going through just plain meat, so I could very easily have had the bone smashed, and what is luckier still, if they had been a couple of inches
[Page 14]
higher it might have been "finish" at least so they tell me, I haven’t seen the "exits" yet as they are to the rear of the inner side of the leg. I have seen were they entered, two most uninteresting little spots of dry blood about as big as the end of a small pencil, the exits are evidently more interesting, as they are paying all the attention to them. As far as I can make out the came out together, the one that grazed the bone being deflected towards
[Page 15]
the other one. Of course the machine gun bullets come so fast that only one hit can be felt, & I don’t know how I missed getting at least half a dozen bullets in both legs. It must have been what the French call "Le Bon Dieu" [The good God] don’t you think so too?
Now I expect to go to Blighty in the morning, where I will post this, and add a little more to it, and when I can sit up, I will write lots and lots more, as it was some stunt to get wounded
[Page 16]
being the record in several ways, and whereas a couple of months ago the men reckoned it (the War) couldn’t possibly finish in less than 18 months, nearly all have great hopes it might be within sight by the end of the year, and as this wound will take a few months to heal, I may be lucky enough to miss the rest of it. I don’t want to risk my luck too much. I am anxious to hear about George, & will as soon as I get settled in a
[Page 17]
Hospital, if he is wounded you may know before I do. I think this writing must be a bit worse than usual, but you will know by getting this, written three days after being shot, that I am not too bad, Of course I immediately ran up a Temperature varying between 101 & 104. the last one being 102, and that is in spite of a lot of blood lost, my pulse was up to 132 so my love organ must have been working overtime
[Page 18]
[New letter written on YMCA paper]
Oxford
England
13-8-1918
Arrived here this morning, very weary with the travelling, and still am weary so won’t write much, tomorrow I ought to be fresher. I am in a beautiful place, "The Examination Hall" it is called, I suppose of the University.
I must now send my change of address to the Army Post Office, as there are sure to be some Aussie letters along soon. Love to my little kids & you from
Your husband.
[Page 19]
[New letter written on YMCA paper. At the top of each page is printed "In the Field" and Burrowes has added the word NOT so it now reads NOT In the Field]
27-10-1918
Dearest Woof
I have been very glad to get some letters from you lately, and today a parcel came that Mum said was from Frank, but had a washer in from Frank, and one from you, thank you very much for it, they will both be nice when I am having a bath, and also when I have a wash, as I only have one leg to stand on, and It is hard to wash
[Page 20]
your face and hands while standing on one leg, you just try it and see.
And the Butter Scotch is just too nice and I want to eat it until I get sick, but of course I don’t quite get sick, and then I have all the other things that Grandma sent me to eat too, so I am getting real fat again, Well these two letters are not as long as yours, but then I write such a lot to Mum, No more now little Girl.
Lots of love from Dad
XOXOXO
[Page 21]
[On the back of the previous page is written by Burrowes]
Miss Woof
[Page 22]
[Letter written on YMCA paper and the printed words "In the Field" deleted and Burrowes has written]
Dartford
4-11-1918
My Dearest Woof
I was very glad to get another bundle of letters from you the other day, and some sums and I think you have come on to be able to do those sums like you sent me, and I can see you will be able to keep all my accounts when I get home and start farming again, and Frank will have to learn to do some thing too to help
[Page 23]
I remember years & years & years ago when I was a little kid, I read "The Coral Islands" and I thought it was a fine book, I suppose you like all sorts of books now.
I suppose Mum told you, that card I sent from France with "Bonne Annee" means the same as "A Happy New Year" so I ought to have kept one to send you about now.
Fancy you going on the Stage, I wish I had been
[Page 24]
there to see you.
I hope that no one at home has had the Influenza badly, thousands of people over here have died from it, so it is not nice.
I have a lot more letters to write now, so must make a start on them. No more now, and don’t grow too big before I come back.
lots of love & kisses & hugs
from
Dad
OXOXOXOX
[Page 25]
[On the reverse of the last page Burrowes has written:]
for Woof
[Page 26]
[A postcard – photo with the writing "Village near the Pyramids – Cairo". It shows a pyramid and in the foreground, a woman herding three goats.]
[Page 27]
[Reverse of the postcard referred to on previous page.]
On Service Abroad
[Addressed to]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
[Typed letter with postage date stamp 26 January 1918]
Dear Ruth
We see lots of people like these and all sorts of funny things I saw two little girls leading a cow and a calf through the streets and when someone wants to buy some milk on girl mils the cow sells the milk and then moves on again. I will be glad when I can tell you all about everything. Goodbye little girl, lots of love from
Dad.
[Page 28]
[Postcard -cartoon of a little girl holding a large pair of scissors below which are the words: "War economy:- Where’s Daddy’s best coat? I want to make a kettle holder!"]
[Page 29]
[Reverse of the postcard referred to on previous page. No stamp or date]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
I hope you will write sometimes when you have not too many lessons to do, cos I just love to get the letters from my little kiddies, and if you don’t write to me, sometimes you might forget that you have a dad.
Goodnight little girl
lots of love & kisses from Dad
XXXXXXXXXX
[Page 30]
[Postcard – the picture is a reproduction of a painting of Balliol College and St Giles, Oxford]
[Page 31]
[Reverse of the postcard referred to on previous page. The cost of postage was 1/2d inland or 1d if sent overseas. No stamp or date]
Dearest Woof,
I was so glad to get your two nice letters yesterday, and it was on your birthday too, and I woke up about 1 o’clock in the morning and wished you many happy returns of the day, and I hope I will be home before many moths to kiss & hug you all. I wish I had been home when you were all warming yourselves in front of that new fireplace at Franurra
Lots of love from Dad
[Page 32]
[Postcard – photo of "Ruins of old Wardour Castle" and the words "Wardour castle was built in 1392. It was besieged by the Parliamentarians in 1643 and surrendered by Lady Blanche Arundell, daughter of the Earl of Worcester. It was ultimately retaken and destroyed by the spinging (cannot find this word in a dictionary. Perhaps it should be "springing") of a mine, by her son"]
[Page 33]
[Reverse of the above postcard. No stamp or date]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
One of the colors off my coat is for you & one for Frank. Mum might sew it on your dress or hat, if you would like her to, cos she is a nice Mum. Good-bye little girl for a little while. lots of love and kisses from your old Dad.
[Page 34]
[Postcard - photo of HMAS Sydney]
[Page 35]
[Reverse of the above postcard. This postcard is part of the Patriotic Series. No stamp or date. Nothing is written except the words:]
Ruth Burrowes
[Page 36]
[Postcard - a picture of a Post Cards Stall British Camp. It shows a queue of civilians and soldiers standing in front of a shop with the sign Post Cards]
[Page 37]
[Reverse of the postcard referred to on previous page. No stamp or date.]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
This is where we get our postcards. I hope you & Mum & Ruth are all well and have got used to doing without Dad. I have a letter written for you, but won’t send it for a while more now little boy.
Love & kisses from Dad
[Page 38]
[Postcard – photo of a school building at Candahar Tidworth]
[Page 39]
[Reverse of the postcard referred to on previous page. No stamp, date at the bottom of the writing.]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
This is part of the school where I have just come today, this building is the Orderly room. We came about 25 miles on the train to here, & have not started to work yet. I will write to Mum as soon as I can, so just kiss her for me & tell her not to worry
Lots of love & kisses from Dad
25/3/17
[Page 40]
[Postcard – painting of a few birds looking happy around a bird’s nest with an egg in it.]
[Page 41]
[Reverse of the postcard referred to on previous page. No stamp or date. It is a "Clifton Happy Thought Post Card. All British from Start to Finish"]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Cornwall
If this comes nearly about your Birthday it is to wish you many Happy returns of the day and I hope you get some nice presents, I can’t send you any but will surely send you something some day.
Love from Dad
XXXXXXXXX
[Page 42]
[Post card - sketch of a tired forlorn looking marching infantryman with huge boots on the sole of which is written "1 Ton" and the comment "After a day’s march they feel as heavy as this, ‘Pon my Sole!"
[Page 43]
[Reverse of the postcard referred to on previous page. No stamp or date.]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
I don’t feel quite as bad as this yet but suppose I will before long. I have sent you some cards from France & Italy and hope you got them
Lots of love from Dad
[Page 44]
[Post Card - photo of the "Sphinx and Pyramid – Cairo" and in the foreground is an Arab leading a camel.]
[Page 45]
[Reverse of the postcard referred to on previous page. Date stamped 26 January 1918. The message is typed.]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Dear Frank.
I have not seen these places and don’t think I will, but have seen such lots of foreign people. As we walk along the streets lots of little children run after us and say "Bucksheesh, Bucksheesh," which means they want some pennys to buy something to eat because they haven’t got a nice Mum like you have to give them breakfast.
Love from Dad
[Page 46]
[Postcard – photo of a village street with the printed words:]
Fovant is situated in the midst of a district noted for its ancient earthworks, and many Roman cons have been found in quarries near, which proves that the quarries are of very great antiquity.
[Page 47]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
I am very glad to get your nice little letters with Mums letters, and it ought to be lovely to go to school on your tricycle, and bye-and-bye you will be able to ride a bicycle like Dads. I hope you soon get well & strong again Love from Dad
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
[Page 48]
[Postcard – cartoon by Maisie Carte, of some caricatured wattle blossoms, with the female wattle woman with tears in her eyes, saying to the male wattle man who has a military cap on his head:]
Wattle I do love without thee?
[And handwritten on the card are the words:]
To my Dear old Dad.
XXXOOO
[Page 49]
[Reverse of above postcard]
Ancer this in next letter you write this is you and mum [referring to the two wattle people on post card]
much love form your son Frank
XXXOOO
[Page 50]
[Another post card of a Fovant street scene, with the words:]
Fovant is an old-time village in the midst of old-time surroundings.
[Page 51]
[Reverse of the above post card]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
This is not a bit like Rooty Hill or Plumpton, is it?
Dad
[Page 52]
[Post card - photo of Citadel Gate, Plymouth]
[Page 53]
[Reverse of the above post card]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Isn’t this a beautiful old gateway? There are lots of places like this in this City but we did not have time to go and see them. We are having a great time here in Cornwall, such lots of little kids like my two, & that’s what I like best, heaps of love & kisses from Dad
XXXXXXXXXX
[Page 54]
[Post card – picture by Donald McGill, of a small boy praying next to his bed, and the printed words:]
- An’ if I die before I wake, Please excuse me coming to Heaven in my pyjamas
[Page 55]
[Reverse of the above post card]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
I wonder did I say thank you for all your letters the other day? and I would just love to have a washer, the other one is worn out now, so perhaps you will make me one some day. and please tell Mum if she hasn’t sent some snaps of all my family, that I want some soon. Goodbye little boy love from Dad.
XXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXX
[Page 56]
[Another post card of a scene in Fovant, with the words printed:]
In the vicinity are many Roman encampments, that of Wick Ball Camp being a single ditched entrenchment of 9 acres.
[Page 57]
[Reverse of the above post card]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
26.5.18
In with this are the two colours off my coat that I have been wearing one is for you if you would like it, perhaps Mum might sew it on your hat or something like that. Goodbye little boy until I send you the next card, lots of love from Dad.
[Page 58]
[Post card – photo of Egyptian people and a donkey outside a home or shop. The scene is describes as:]
Ane de Suez [which I think translates as a Donkey of the Suez]
[Page 59]
[Reverse of the above post card. It has been stamped and the date stamp is 13 Feb 18. It appears to have been written at the same time or at least on the same typewriter as the post card on page 45 which was date stamped 26 January 1918. Both post cards were typed using a blue ribbon.]
On Active Service Abroad
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
On this card is a donkey that people ride on in Egypt, you can see they are not very big, and the funny saddle they have on them. And you can see the woman with the jar on her head that I told you of them carrying water in, you should try to carry things on your head and you will see how hard it is. Goodbye little girl.
From Dad
[Page 60]
[Post card – cartoon of a German soldier asleep in very basic circumstances with mice crawling over him and dreaming of a woman coming to him carrying a tray laden with food. The following words are printed on the card:]
Ich Traumpt von Kuchen Bieru Schinken;
ein Holdes Madchen tatmir winken.
Doch ach ashatten unterdessen
Die Ratten mir das Brot gefressen.
[Roughly translated I think:
I dreamed of cake beer ham;
A fair maiden waving at me.
But alas meanwhile
The rats have eaten my bread.]
[Page 61]
[Reverse of above post card]
France 12.8.18
Dear Frank,
Just a small souvenir card, with a few words attached to thank you for your note & washer that you were so kind to send along. Accept my thanks Raddie.
G.A.Y [Indecipherable]
I cannot read what is on the front so if it is not the right thing do not blame me G.A.Y
[Page 62]
[Post card – photo of some men standing at the side of the road on a pavement. On the post card is printed:]
Truro Rd. St.Austell
[Page 63]
[Reverse of the above post card]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Isn’t this a pretty place? It is near where I spent my leave. You were a nice little daughter to send me those letters & drawings and am glad to hear you went up to third class at Easter, you will be clever when I go back home. I am glad you & Frank liked those letters & cards I sent
love from Dad
[Page 64]
[Post card – photo of six Arabs on camels and a seventh on a donkey. The following words are printed:]
Camels at Suez
[Page 65]
[Reverse of the above post card. Also typed with a blue ribbon, stamped and dated 15 Feb 1918, Fovant Camp, Salisbury]
On Active Service Abroad.
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
We have seen lots of camels like the one on this card, and I am glad that I dont have to ride on them because they look as if they were awful rough. We saw some Australian soldiers riding on them when we were coming across the desert. And another time about thirty of them loaded up with big packs of something and going down to the ship to send the stuff away. From Dad
[Page 66]
[Post Card showing a map of England and Wales, with the village of Fovant written in red.]
[Page 67]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
This shows you in red, what part of this little old country we are in at present, & Mum’s Grandma lives right down in the lower left hand corner somewhere Good bye little tiddens.
[Page 68]
[Post card with a photo of:]
T.M. [Their Majesties] The King & Queen with Princes Albert, Henry, George & Princess Mary.
[Page 69]
[Reverse of the above post card]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
[No other message]
[Page 70]
[Post Card – photo of:]
Cannes – Vue de Mont Chevallier
[Page 71]
[Reverse of the above post card]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Isn’t this a funny looking old town? The old houses look as if they were all piled on top of one another, there are little crooked streets everywhere and very narrow, Dad.
[Page 72]
[Post card with the following printed on it:]
A Request
Will you kindly write a few words on this postcard when you receive the parcel, as the sender would, of course, be glad to hear from you that the parcel had arrived safely?
The postcard is addressed to the sender.
[Below is a sketch of a military person and a sailor who is smoking a pipe, and the words:]
A bit of alright from home.
Southern Cross Tobacco Fund
organised by
The Over-Seas Club
General Buildings
Aldwych, London. W.C.
[The postcard is addressed to:]
Miss R. Burrowes
Plumpton
New South Wales
Australia
[Page 73]
On Active Service 3/3/17
My Dear Ruth
Thank you very much indeed for the box of cigarettes which reached me safely amidst the shot & shell at a time when I had run out of smokes, so you can imagine how thankful I was to get them.
I am still alright & in good health, but have had many narrow escapes at times. Give my love to your Mother & Granma & Mrs Charlie & say I often think of the time I spent at Rooty Hill with you all
Yours sincerely
Horace C Lovegrove
[Printed:]
At the request of the Authorities: In thanking your donor, please do not mention your unit.
The smokes sent with this postcard were supplied to the Tobacco Fund by Martins Ltd., 201 Piccadilly, London, W.
[Page 74]
[Postcard – photo of a soldier kissing a girl, and the words:]
Duty’s Call
When Duty’s signal flies above,
And for a time we part,
Yet all is well for trust and love
Dwell in each other’s heart.
[Page 75]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
No. 7008
Sgt. Burrowes A.J.
21st Rft
18th Batt.
Australian Imperial Forces
26th June 1918
Dear Man
We are hoping you will get these for your B.Day. There is a mail going out today which they will catch. D.V.W.P. I would have liked to have written a long letter but came home late from Sydney last night & Have to go to St Mary’s tonight so will write tomorrow. Much love & many kind thoughts. Annie
[Page 76]
[Postcard – drawing of a wreath of mauve flowers with a German message:]
Gruss aus dem Felde [Greetings from the Field]
Res. Feld. Artl. Regt 29
An die Heimat muss ich daenken
Stets im wildem Kreigsgebraus.
Gern Mocht ich die Schritte lenken
Nach dem teuren Vaterhaus,
Deutsche Heimat, sei gegrusst,
In der Ferne sei gegrusst,
:.: Sei gegrusst in weiter Ferne,
Deutsche Heimat, sei gegrusst! ;.;
[Translated I think roughly as follows:
Of the homeland I must think
always in the wild brew of battle
Glad I’d be to take the steps
To the dear Father’s home
German homeland I greet you
;.; I greet you in the far distance
German Homeland, I greet you;.;]
[Page 77]
[Reverse side of the postcard above]
To dearest Frank,
I found this inn a German Trench, and there were such a lot exactly the same, I think they must have been printed for the German Soldiers to send home to their people. I would like to know what the words meant, wouldn’t you? I could not write much on Ruth’s card as there was no room, but you give her a kiss from Dad, and tell her I love my two little kids.
Lots of love, and kisses, and hugs from
Dad.
[Page 78]
[Field Service Postcard – no picture]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
[Page 79]
[Reverse of the above postcard. The wording is mostly printed with the soldier required to delete various words where they do not apply]
Nothing is to be written on this side except the date and signature of the sender. Sentences not required may be erased. If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed.
(Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card addressed to the sender of this card.)
I am quite well
[The following section was deleted by Burrowes]
I have been admitted into hospital sick/wounded and am going on well./and hope to be discharged soon.
I am being sent down to the base.
[Not deleted]
I have received your letter dated 2.4.18 [date written in by Burrowes.
[The following section was deleted by Burrowes]
Letter follows at first opportunity
I have received no letter from you
-lately
-for a long time
[Not deleted]
Signature only [signed by] A.J.Burrowes
Date 3-6-18
[Page 80]
[Post card with the following printed on it:]
A Request
Will you kindly write a few words on this postcard when you receive the parcel, as the sender would, of course, be glad to hear from you that the parcel had arrived safely?
The postcard is addressed to the sender.
[Below is a sketch of a military person and a sailor who is smoking a pipe, and the words:]
A bit of alright from home.
Southern Cross Tobacco Fund
organised by
The Over-Seas Club
General Buildings
Aldwych, London. W.C.
[The postcard is addressed to:]
F. Burrowes
Plumpton
New South Wales
Australia
[Page 81]
Dear Frank
The cigarettes you so kindly sent me arrived in good condition & were very welcome as I had run out of smokes & could not buy any as I was busy strafing Huns, & dodging what they sent over in return, & where that goes on there are no Canteens or shop’s so you can imagine how much I appreciate your gift. Now I am out of it for a little while doing some work at our waggon lines in the rear & to-day I saw a little boy driving a cart with four dogs pulling it abreast, for they make dogs draw all sorts of things in this country. Best love to you all,
Yours sincerely
Horace C. Lovegrove
[Page 82]
[Postcard of an oil painting of some people possibly on the beach in the evening with some buildings silhouetted against the setting sun. The paining is entitled Autumn Tints" by Professor Van Hier]
[Page 83]
[Reverse side of the postcard above, with a NSW 1d stamp]
Mrs Burrowes
Coolamatong
Berridale H
Manaro
Many thanks for pretty photos – you are a real artist
We are very busy here just now. Mother is not too well today [Indecipherable] too much for [Indecipherable]. A prosperous New Year to you – will write when I get time
Evelyn
[Page 84]
[Postcard – cartoon of a soldier in a kilt standing at ease with a pretty girl and a donkey standing behind a fence. The colonel is walking down the road towards them. The donkey has leant over the fence and has lifted the back of the kilt with its teeth. The kilted soldier thinking (and hoping) says:
"Leave aff, lassie. Dinna ye see here’s the colonel comin !!"]
[Page 85]
[Reverse of the postcard above]
Address below [i.e.at bottom of postcard]
Sutton-Veny
5.4.18
Dear Arthur, Have just got back off leave, received your card, very glad indeed to have just heard that you are at Candahar along with G. Flowers & Gallon, please give them my kind regards, sorry I missed seeing you. Hope all well I am pretty good myself
You must have gone to Candahar on Monday after we left. Trust to see you later on though have heard you are not too well. Have been warned for draft so may be off at any time now. Good luck to you. Ta,Ta. Yours in haste RJ Leverton. 7499
4th Batt, 1st Brigade A.I.F. On Active Service
[Page 86]
[Postcard – cartoon of two cats skating with the words "Out for the Day"
[Page 87]
[Reverse of the postcard above. It is date stamped at the Rooty Hill post office 12 July 1906, so probably should not be in this "wartime" collection]
Miss A Bjorkman
"Eildon"
Plumpton"
Rooty Hill
Awfully glad to hear from you yesterday. Not at all s’prise’d.
Hope to hear from you on Sunday & trusty you will excuse this P.C. Accept it as emblematical. Is it the shape you desired?
Love to all
yrs aff.
EB
[Page 88]
[Postcard – painting of a boy fishing in a picturesque stream with sheep in the meadow and the printed wording "Willows bending low their downy heads" William Somerville]
[Page 89]
[Reverse of the postcard above. There is no message, only the following words:]
Arthur J. Burrowes
Coolamatong
Berridale via Cooma
New South Wales
Australia
[Page 90]
[Postcard – photo of a smiling girlfriend in the top left corner appearing to be reading a message being written by her boyfriend soldier shown sitting on a barrel and writing the letter resting on a wooden box. The printed words are:
At writing, I’m not grand,
As well you know, -
But please to understand,
I love you so!]
[Page 91]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Mrs A. J. Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia.
25/2/18
The first letter from my wife arrived today
[Page 92]
[Postcard – photo of Savona – Panorama del Porto e Miramare. It is a black and white photo of the port with a few industrial looking buildings on the hill overlooking the harbour]
[Page 93]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
On Active Service
Mrs A. J. Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia.
I have just been given this by a nice girl who has offered to post it for me. We are still on the train, and nearly into France. Hope you are well dear. I am still quite well & happy as can be without you
Love to the kiddies & your dear self from your Husband.
[Page 94]
[Postcard of a painting of the "Tomb of Sir George Nowers. Died 1425. Companion of the Black Prince. In Christ Church Cathedral. Oxford.]
[Page 95]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Milton Hill Hospital
26-9-18
Darling Mum
This is instead of a letter as there is nothing to say worth starting a letter for. I am feeling real well, and my foot is getting better every day, but the funny old Dr still keeps me in bed. There is not much writing on this, Sweetheart, but there is just as much love as if it were pages & pages, Hope to have something to write about next week. Hope that card of the ward I sent last week has arrived alright. Lots of love & kisses from your husband
[Page 96]
[Postcard, one of the "Bliss" Series. It shows a sketch of the Massage List for Monday and a large smiling hospitalised soldier on crutches towering over a small pretty nurse and the words below are "A little bit of Fluff?" In the adjacent sketch is the same soldier on Tuesday, looking nervous and beseechingly at a towering fearsome nurse and the words below the sketch is "Kamarad!"
[Page 97]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Dearest Mum
These pictures show the patients view of massage treatment, Frank & Ruth can divide them
On this card the first picture is how the sister looks to the Patient on the first day the second picture, is how she looks on the second day.
Dinkydumps
[Page 98]
[Postcard – photo of the picturesque village of Pentewan]
[Page 99]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
26-5-18
To dearest wife
Am putting the last of my English cards in here, also colors off my old coat for the kiddies, the other little thing had better be for you, as I can’t cut it in half for them. I will start today and write a bit each day in my pocket book, just like a little diary of things I won’t be able to write to you from France. Your husband
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
[Page 100]
[Postcard – photo of Faenza – Porta Imolese. ]
[Page 101]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
On Active Service
Mrs A. J. Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia.
Here I am, quite well & as happy as possible. We are just out of the train for a hot meal after two days bully beef & Biscuit We leave in a few hours again
Am writing to you every day but will post them in England
love from your husband
[Page 102]
[Postcard - photo of what is possibly an Italian child standing next to a wheelbarrow full of pretty flowers]
[Page 103]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
On Active Service
Mrs A. J. Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia.
How would you like this little boy to be yours? I haven’t seen many like this. I hope you are not too worried, as there is nearly 1/6th of a year gone already. No more this time. Heaps of love from Your Husband.
[Page 104]
[Postcard – photo of a street corner in the village of Pentewan – very pretty with a few people, horse drawn cart and sailing ship in the background.
[Page 105]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Address 7008 Dinkydumps
18th Batallion
A.I.F.
On Active Service
Mrs Mum
Dearheart
I forgot to tell you in my letter just closed you can leave out the "21st rf" now & just address as above. The "I" in A.I.F. stands for "Imperial" not "Infantry" I hope you like the enclosed cards, I think they are just lovely expressions. Good night my very own wife, with kisses & squeezes & hugs (& pats on the ____) from your Husband
[Page 106]
[Postcard – a photo of Guildhall Square & St Andrew’s Church Plymouth]
[Page 107]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Mrs A. J. Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia.
5/5/18
This is the other side of the church I have sent to Mother. We were only a few hours in Plymouth, so did not see all of the sights, but did see this lot. Am having the nicest time since I left home, and am writing you a letter in between times to tell you whats happening.
love from your husband.
[Page 108]
[Postcard – photograph of North Tidworth. Very pretty.}
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Mrs A. J. Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia.
30-4-18
This is a very pretty little old village on the outskirts of the Barracks. Our written Exam happened yesterday and we will know at the end of the week. We are almost certain to get 4 days leave from here, & I will go to Cornwall. Goodnight Mum dear, love from your Husband.
[Page 109]
[Postcard – photograph of Crinnis Beach, near St Austell.]
[Page 111]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Mrs A. J. Burrowes (Mum)
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia.
Dearest & Best
We are just of back to our camp after a real fine time, I have been wanting to write a letter to you here, but there has not been a chance, I hope to fill a long one between now & Tuesday. from your husband.
[Page 112]
[Postcard of a praying maiden. Top right hand corner of the card is printed "Faust. G" and in French lower down:]
Seigneur, daignez
permettre a votre
humble servante
De s’agenouiller
devant vous !
[I think this translates roughly as:
Lord, we beg you to allow humble handmaid to kneel before you]
[Page 113]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Mrs A. J. Burrowes (Mum)
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia.
I don’t know what this card means but it looks alright and I think it is very nice
look on Franks Map Postcard for a dot like this
[Page 114]
[Postcard - photo of soldiers on horseback towing a cannon. The description printed on the card is:]
156 Anzacs in France. Bringing up a Gun.
"Daily Mail" Official Photograph
Crown Copyright Reserved.
[Page 115]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia.
26-11-18
Dear old Frank
I think it is nearly time I had some more letters from my nice family. I hope they don’t get lost when I leave here. I am going on my Annual Leave tomorrow. Goodbye lots of love from Dad OXO
[Page 116]
[Postcard - photo of a hospital next to a river which is actually part of the Canal de l’Est. The description of the card is]
Verdun Hopital militaire
[Page 117]
20-11-18
Dear old Frank
This is not a very pretty Postcard, but I thought you might like it because I got it in a German dug out, and I suppose the German must have taken it, (& Ruths) from a French Soldier.
Yesterday I went to London, and who do you think I saw? why the King and Queen, and the Prince of Wales, and Princess Mary, so what do you think of that?
I wish you had been there too and to see all the Soldiers in beautiful Uniforms, and everything. Lots of love from Dad XOXOXO
[Page 118]
[Postcard of a cartoon of three kittens in and on a kit bag with a sticker on the bag saying "To Blighty". One of the kittens has a ribbon in the red, white and blue of the French flag. Alongside is the first line of that lovely old WW1 song:]
Pack up your troubles in your Old Kit Bag and
Smile! Smile! Smile!
[Page 119]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
My little Boy
Miss Austin gave me this to send to you, also a little card. I have just had my leave and am waiting here for a ship to take me home. love from Dad
[Page 120]
[Postcard showing a cartoon of an elderly, well dressed woman speaking to a soldier who looks a little bored. The woman says to the soldier:]
You’ll have had some narrow escapes from death" [to which the soldier replies]
Rather! I once fell out of a pram when I was a kid.
[Page 121]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Weymouth 19-12-18
My little Boy
Will you tell Mum that I have just heard that I might be going on a boat that leaves here on Christmas Eve, I hope so anyway
Lots of love from Dad XOXOXO
[Page 122]
[Postcard – drawing of a tearful baby and the words;]
No Postcard, no letter, no nothing!
love & kisses & Squeezes from Dad
Squeezes O
Kisses X
OXOXOXOXOXOX
[Page 124]
[Postcard of a happy smiling baby and the words:]
Worry? Not I! Things are coming all right!
[Page 125]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
This is what Dad feels like today when he got a whole bunch of letters from the very nicest family in the world and I just love my little tiddens letters, lots of love & Squeezes & kisses from Dad
Squeezes O
Kisses X
OXOXOXOXOXOX
[Page 126]
[Post card photo of:]
Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth
[Page 127]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
This is another school like ours just next door. I am sending this with Ruths to Grandma to save stamps, so I will have lots of money when I go on my six weeks annual leave. I hope my little boy is getting better, & that he likes his tricycle & gives Ruth lots of rides on it. Heaps of love from Dad
[Page 128]
[Postcard - cartoon of a young toff looking at a ruffian who has just banged his toe with a hammer. The young toff says:]
Naughty little cuss words,
"Dash" and "hang" and "blow"
Often lead to wuss words,
And land you down below!
[Page 129]
[Reverse of above postcard]
Dear little Boy
I hope you don’t say things like this little boy? and you tell Mum to read the words on the other side, and to remember them. I hope soon to get some more letters from my nice family
No more now, lots of love from Dad
XOXOXOXOXO
[Page 130]
[Postcard – drawing of the baby sucking a dummy and the words:]
You don’t know what you’re missing!
[Page 131]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Miss Ruth Burrowes (Possum)
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
This is how Dad feels today, cos a lot of letters came from Ruth & Frank & Mum, and I do love to get letters from my little daughter & to hear how well she is doing at school, & that she still loves her Dad
Hugs O
Kisses X
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
[Page 132]
[Postcard – photo of a bullock cart on a street in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)]
[Page 134]
[Postcard – photo of Zebra and foal taken at the Adelaide zoo]
[Page 135]
[Reverse of above postcard]
Miss Ruth Burrowes (Possum)
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Dear Woof
I hope to be in Sydney the end of next week but don’t know yet whether I will be able to see my nice family.
Love from
Dad.
[Page 136]
[Postcard showing a painting of New College from Holywell St, Oxford]
[Page 137]
[Reverse of above postcard]
Dearest old Frank
I was so glad to get your two letters yesterday and am sorry one of the little goats died but hope the others are all right. Just fancy you dreaming I was shot in the foot, just about the time I was shot too, and altho’ it was not in the foot, it is the foot that stops me from walking.
Won’t you be glad when Dad comes marching (I mean limping) home in 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 months? Goodbye little boy. Lots of love from Dad
[Page 138]
[Postcard of an angry tearful baby with the words:]
You haven’t written for ever so long!
[Page 139]
[Reverse of above postcard]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
This is what Dad feels like the day before your letters come. (of course he knows you have written but they haven’t come here) This is what I was like yesterday, the other card shows me how I feel today. love & kisses & hugs from Dad.
Just a kiss then a hug XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
[Page 140]
[Postcard – cartoon of two children in naval uniform standing and crying in front of a poster reading "Your Country Needs You". They are saying:]
BooHoo!
They won’t have us!
[Page 141]
No. 7008
Sgt Burrowes. A.J.
21st RFT
18 Batt
Australian Imperial Forces
Dear Dad
This card is Ruth and I saying they wont take us. and I hope you will get this for your Birthday
Frank Burrowes
[Page 142]
[Postcard – photo of St Andrew’s Church Plymouth]
[Page 144]
[Postcard - cartoon of soldiers happily charging towards a tent, in front of which is a soldier blowing a trumpet announcing that the meal is ready. The words on the card read:]
Come to the cook-house door, Boys!
[Page 145]
[Reverse of the above postcard. This is to Burrowes’ mother]
Mrs Burrowes
Upperby
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
18/4/18
It is not quite as bad as this picture, here, but it is quite enough of a rush. Have sent you a good few cards & a couple of letters, hope you got them. Hope you are well & will be glad when I get a letter.
Love from Arthur
[Page 146]
[Postcard – photo showing Their Majesties King George & the King of the Belgians inspecting the Guard of Honour. The King of the Belgians towers over King George]
[Page 147]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Mr Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
My dearest Frank
I hope I will be home soon after this, and will have lots of things to tell my nice family and I saw Charles Chaplin in the Pictures , in "A Dog’s life" & "Shoulder Arms" love from Dad
XOXO
[Page 148]
[Postcard – a photo of a group of about 30 soldiers standing in front of a wooden hall. No information on the subject is provided but according to Burrowes, it is the YMCA Hall at Candahar camp, Tidworth]
[Page 149]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Mrs A.J. Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
I wish I had time to write you a letter, but cannot just at the present. Have just arrived at Candahar School, This is the Y.M.C.A. Hut & is the same in all camps. Will write as soon as I can.
Love from
Your husband
25/3/18
[Page 150]
[Postcard – photo of Tidworth House]
[Page 151]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Mrs A.J. Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Dear Mum
This is "Tidworth House" and is a very nice house & grounds, sort of "Lord of the Manor" business, this shows the front. It is just over four months (21/4/18) since we left our homes, it seems years & years to me, and is only the start, I suppose, never mind, there will come a time when all this trouble will only be a memory. love from your husband.
[Page 152]
[Postcard – photo of Leas helter & Pier, Folkestone. The shelter is a covered area where one sits and watches the sea and boats. It overlooks the pier]
[Page 161]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Isn’t this a nice place? I have got some more pretty cards to send you from Cornwall & hope you like them. We went to a Childrens Service yesterday and it was real nice, all the little girls & boys were singing. Some of them were smaller than Frank. lots of love from Dad
XXXXXXXXXX
[Page 162]
[Postcard – cartoon of a little girl in pyjamas talking to a mouse caught in a trap]
"If I let you out will you promise me faithful not to run up my Twowsers!"
[Page 164]
[Postcard – photo of Monaco – Le Palais du Prince et la Statue "L’Oceanographie"]
[Page 165]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
This is one I got to send you from France & did not do so, Isn’t it a fine large place?
Dad
[Page 166]
[Postcard – cartoon of two rather miserable and cold soldiers in a trench and up to their knees in water]
I wish I’ad brought my Galoshes with me ‘Arry!
[Page 167]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
I am glad I have not had to do like this picture yet, and am very glad as it is awful cold here. lots of love to my little daughter from
Dad
[Page 168]
[Postcard – photo of an empty street in Fovant with a few houses to be seen but no people]
In the vicinity are many Roman encampments, that of Wick Ball Camp being a single ditched entrenchment of 9 acres
[Page 169]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
I was glad to get your nice little letter today with Mums, & to hear you had been so nice down at Cronulla, & helped the people while Mum went home. These houses have roofs made of straw, & aren’t they done nicely? Good night with lots of love & kisses from Dad
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
[Page 170]
[Postcard – photo of ox carts on Colpetty Road, Colombo. Written by Burrowes on his way home]
[Page 171]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
O.A.S.
Master Frank Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Dearest Frank
Tell Mum not to forget to come down to the Anzac Buffet next month to meet me and help me carry my Kit bag home, and tell me all about the cats and the pups & the fowls
Lots of love from Dad
31-1-19
H.M.T. Takada
[Page 172]
[Postcard – photo of Their Majesties King George & Queen Mary dressed in their finest regalia]
[Page 174]
[Postcard – photo of Their Majesties Queen Mary & The Queen of the Belgians]
[Page 175]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
[No written message]
[Page 176]
[Postcard – cartoon of a fairy-tale prince and princess with the prince holding a Valentine’s Day card]
Good morning to your valentine
Curl your locks as I curl mine
Two before and two behind
[Page 177]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Weymouth 11-12-18
My dearest Ruth
Miss Austin gave me this card for you also the other card.
Just fancy when you read this I may be on a ship sailing for Home.
Love from Dad
[Page 178]
[Postcard – photo of Folkestone, The Leas showing gentlemen and women promenading along the Leas]
[Page 179]
[A Daino-Color letter card posted from Folkestone to:]
Miss Ruth Burrowes
Franurra
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
from Dad
[Page 180]
[Postcard – photo of Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes) La Pointe de la Croisette et I’lle Sainte-Marguerite, vue prise de l’Hotel Gonnet}
[Page 181]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
19-4-18
Mrs Burrowes
Upperby
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
Fancy getting my first letter from home today by the next mail there should be quite a large mail from me, they will have to let me off parade ½ a day to read it.
Arthur
[Page 182]
[Postcard- photo of Church of England, Tidworth]
[Page 184]
[YMCA Postcard, no photo and addressed to:]
Mrs Burrowes
Upperby
Rooty Hill
N.S.W.
Australia
[Page 185]
[Reverse of the above postcard]
Somewhere here in Sydney Harbour
Dear Mother
Just a line as there is a chance of posting it. I saw Annie & the children as I passed Summer Hill this morning. Will start a letter as soon as I have time & if I am not too sick.
Love from
Arthur
[Transcriber’s notes:
Blighty – colloquialism for England. A good Blighty thus infers that the wound is bad enough to means a good spell of time in England.
Candahar, Tidworth – Tidworth is a garrison town about 15 miles NNE of Salisbury in Wiltshire.
Faenza is in Italy, about 100kms NE of Florence and 50kms SE of Bologna.
Fovant is a village about 15kms W of Salisbury in Wiltshire. During WW1 several military camps were constructed nearby and a light railway, a hospital, a cinema and more shops made their appearance. The camps contained soldiers from many parts of Britain and Australia who were destined to serve on the Western Front in France and Belgium. After the war, the camps were used as a demobilisation centre.
HMT (His Majesty’s troopship) Leasowe Castle was a ship owned by the Union-Castle Line which plied its trade between England and South Africa. The Leasowe Castle was torpedoed and sank on 27 May 1918.
Horace Lovegrove army number 7406 was a gunner.
Milton Hill Hospital was situated in Oxford.
Pentewan is a village on the coast of Cornwall about 60kms W of Plymouth.
St. Austell is about 50 Kms W of Plymouth.
Sutton Veny is in the Wyle Valley between Salisbury and Bath and is about 2 miles from Upperby, Rooty Hill – there is an Upperby Reserve in Dean Park which is about 5kms N of the centre of Rooty Hill. Presumably this is where Mrs Burrowes had her property.
Warminster, in Wiltshire. It with Warminster, formed part of a large military base in WW1
[Transcribed by Miles Harvey, Betty Smith for the State Library of New South Wales]