Dear Martha
I'm writing to you to let you know the war is going quite well, they expect it to be over by Christmas which is a relief. I might make it back in time for the birth of the baby. The lads are excited by the news of the end to this violence, all of the trenches buzzed with the sound of hope after they told us. An old officer by the name Calvin even got us all singing an old song. I can't for the life of me remember the name of it but our hearts where full of cheer after that. I can't wait to hold you in my arms again my love, I missed you before I had even left you.
I know your concern for my return grows everyday and the worry our child will grow up without a father consumes you but I will make it back for both of you. Your letters give me the strength to fight dear, but the more bleak they get the harder it is for me to be so hopeful. Please keep your spirits up as without your letters I fear my will to live will fade. It's so awful here and I need your words to keep me going. My darling don't worry so much. If your letters of love continue my fight to survive will.
Regarding your query from your previous letter, my trench foot has started to clear. The oils and socks have helped so very much, I feel such sorrow for the boys who don't have someone as caring as you at home. Looking out for them from so far away. Loving them from such a distance.
Hopefully I won't have to live like this for much longer.
Whilst I am trying to keep both of our spirits up I do have some dreadful news my love. Whilst you may already know what I am going to say as I'm not sure when this letter may get to you, and you know news like this spreads around the village quickly. But I must tell you as its tearing my brain apart. Our friend John Paisley passed last night, we where attacked by the Germans on Monday. They threw mustard gas into the trenches, John was hit by it first. He didn't get his mask on in time. Most of his body was covered in blisters and sores, he couldn't stop screaming and coughing when he woke up. I Believe the pain must of been unimaginable. He just wasn't strong enough, the pain was too much for him. He died in his sleep, the officers told us this morning. Don't worry about me though I was fine. I managed to get far away from the gas although I do have a slight cough. I ask you to keep his wife, Mary company, try to console her. Her sorrow will be heavy and she will need a kind hearted friend like you my love.
Your forever on my mind, I love you unconditionally. Please send love to my parents and sister. Also send my regards to Johns wife, he was a great man and a brave solider. This will all be over soon my dear. We will soon be together again.
From your husband
Thomas
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