The St. John Ambulance Brigade Hospital, France
Dear Madam,
Your son, 2nd Lt R.W. Moss, has written himself to you I believe, and told you that his right hand has been severely wounded. He was not so well yesterday and had a great deal of pain, but he is better again today and the Doctor in charge of him is satisfied with the progress he is making. Your son asked me to write and tell you he was going on satisfactorily, and to send you his love.
I am yours truly,
C. E. Todd (Matron)
Note: The original of the above letter still exists, on the St. John Ambulance Brigade headed paper of the time. Unfortunately Matron’s writing was even harder to read than my Great Aunt Margaret’s, so I had difficulty deciphering her name, however I think C.E. Todd is correct! In addition, the originals of the following two letters also still exist, Grandad wrote them with his left hand whilst he was still in hospital.
The St. John Ambulance Brigade Hospital, France
My Dear Mother,
This is just to wish you all a very happy Xmas. I’m sorry I can’t be with you. Still, I’ll be home for three weeks shortly, and you’ll have quite enough of me then. I’m getting on alright but haven’t been able to get up yet. Now the Doctor is coming to dress my hand – I must finish. Goodbye Mother.
Your affect. son,
Bob
Endsleigh Palace Hospital, Endsleigh Gardens, London WW1
My Dear Mother,
It’s rough luck isn’t it? You see, I’m an orthopaedic case and had to go to a special hospital for such. This is a swagger place, too much for Robert, I really expected to be starved in England but the only thing I lack is a wee bit of sugar for my porridge. I’m getting used to salt though. We get a topping dinner here, sometimes I know what I’m eating – my! This is fine printin’ – you will rejoice to learn that I can walk without any aids. I’m proud of the fact because at St. John’s the nurses used to tell me my legs would snap when I attempted to walk, they were that thin. Sister said to me, this ACH Emma – “I think I should have a bath if I were you” – this PIP Emma – “I should lie down in it and have a good soak”. I looked at her but no, she was quite serious, she didn’t even suggest a scrubbing brush.
Aren’t I writing a lot considering I’ve 12 more to do and only this same hand. I haven’t congratulated Edgar yet, I’ve only written to Elsie and you. Are you coming to see me? I shouldn’t bother, I shall be home for three weeks in about a month’s time. You’d only be able to see me between the hours of 2:30pm and 4:30pm and then I shouldn’t be able to offer you afternoon tea when I’m allowed out. It is possible to get out at 11am and stay out for lunch and tea until 6pm. I’ve one useful bit of news – I believe I can claim a goodly sum for my wound, the amount depending on the time spent in hospital. I’ve heard it’s £100 for 3 months. I’m going down to Holt’s to verify that the very first day I’m out. If it’s right nothing shall move me from hospital until I’ve completed my 3 months. This building used to be the Endsleigh Palace Hotel, there are 8 storeys and each storey has 16 rooms. I live on the seventh storey. I came up on the elevator and have a room to myself – I like it. It’s a bonnie view out of my window – houses, house, and houses. If you want to know how I feel read the opening chapters of Sartor Resartus, at least I think it’s Sartor Resartus.
Well, Mother, don’t you think I’m better?
Cheerio Maud old thing – all real sub-lieuts address one “old thing” these days. They also say “Goodbye-ee” – it’s a mad age.
Affectionately,
Bob
Savoy Hospital (K.L.M.G.H), Blackpool
My Dear Margaret,
Will you come with Elsie to Blackpool next weekend? We should be very pleased to have you. We’re having lovely weather and it’s likely to continue, so do come. Great war news!
Your brother,
Bob