Letters From the Front

Lieutenant George Laughton

Letter home written shortly after the attack at Vimy Ridge

Private Letter

Richard Laughton, Grandson of George, has kindly provided this letter. You can see the original copy of this letter, as well as other documents from George's wartime experience, here.

This is a letter home April 1917, to George's sister Louise, who as far as I know was the only sister in a family of some 8 brothers. This is some 18 days after the previous letter written prior to Vimy Ridge. It appears that this letter may never have been mailed as it was shortly after this that George was reported as "Missing In Action".

Dated:

27.4.17
Dear Sis:

Just a type ? or two today as I have an opportunity to get a letter away. For the past week I have been hourly engaged in this "??" and you get few opportunities of writing or of posting letters.
I have not had a wash or a shower for a week so you see I am a most lovely looking specimen of humanity. The wild man of Borneo is nothing compared to me. In these last 5 days I have had approximately 6 hours of sleep so I am not absolutely the keenest person on the face of the earth. We expect to go out for a rest in a couple of days and it will be a most welcome one I assure you.
I have had no mail for ten days but of course it may be held up some place on it's long journey. I may get a letter when tonight's rations come up to us.
At present we are sitting 30 yards from the Hun and it is quite nice as the Boche can not shell us as he might hit his own line. We shell his line though just the same.
Hope everyone at home is feeling fit and happy and having a grand old time. It won't be so very long until I shall be there too. Please excuse this short note but you understand don't you! Love to al and always ? for yourself.

George
France

Transcribed by: Richard Laughton