Letters From The Front

Newton and Earlestown Guardian
12th March 1915

The following letter has been received by Mr. D. Garnett, of 10, Rathbone-street from Platoon Sergt. J. Betts, no. 704, B. Coy., 4th Battn. South Lancs. Regt., British Expedition Force, whose home is in Legh-street, Earlestown:-

1st March 1915

Dear ----
I dare say you will know by the time this arrives that the boys have been in the firing line, and have given a good account of themselves. It would have done your eyes good if you could have seen them. If anyone attempts to say the “Terriers” are no good, just jump on them for me, and I will settle all arguments when I come back, for they are “the goods”. The Germans shelled them for quite a long time, and they simply laughed and asked who said the Germans could shoot. The only thing the “Terriers” asked for was – “Let’s cross bayonets with them.” You would be surprised if you saw the boys now, and when you saw them last on Earlestown Market Square. Thanks for the matches, I was just run out.

With regard to news, we are worse off than you, because we know nothing of what is going on outside our own line.

With regard to the greatest military power, Germany is not in it; they are complete cowards.

Matches, soap and notepaper are the things we most require so if any of the boys want to do a kindness to those away from home, here is the chance. I will gladly undertake to distribute anything sent out to the boys from Earlestown. I saw Jim Waterworth the other day. He looks in the pink of condition, but I had no time for a chat as we were on the march. I have seen several boys from Earlestown, and all are in the best of spirits. If you could only see them going to the firing line you would think they were going to a football match.