Letters from An Early Bird by Donal MacCarron

Author:Donal MacCarron
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pen & Sword
Published: 2006-03-03T16:00:00+00:00

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19th November, 1914

Dearest Mother,

Wilkinson’s parcel has arrived at last, such nice socks, and the blanket is very acceptable, also the cigarettes. I shan’t want socks for a bit, I am giving what I don’t want away. Chocolates arrived and still more socks today.

It’s now snowing hard and very cold. Nothing doing today, but yesterday did a reconnaissance over Lille and surrounding country. There was a most ‘orrible drift on, and we took an awful time to get to Armentieres. Then I gave it up and drifted away over Lille, to do that side. I wanted to get away up to Menin, and around that side, but we were taking too long, we should never have got there. Coming home I had to steer due North to get West. [An example of ‘drift’] Coming here, however, we saw lots of German transport trains and batteries. My observer was out for his first time, and was very taken up with the shell bursting business.

Today has been quite impossible, and now there is three or four inches of snow, and very cold indeed.

Two French biplanes have arrived on their way to Dunkerque. One won’t start, and the other I do not know what is wrong. They are Voisins machines much used by the French.

One hears that if the Germans don’t get through tonight, they mean to retire – but we have had some of that story before, and nothing happened – nothing new anyway.

I expect we are in for a hard winter. It’s funny to see such snow in November.

Colonel Trenchard has turned up here. I believe he is to have command of Nos. 2 and 3 Squadrons, hope he does, he is a good man, and good men are rather wanted.

Saw Carpenter in the town yesterday, he said he had a poor job, looking after bridges or something. Said Cristel was in London. He was very cheery and I asked him to come here for a meal. He’s billeted some way out.

Much love to you.

D

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