“24TH SEPTEMBER 1917
Dearest Ellen,
Monday morning, the start of a new week. I have a little time to write you a letter; we have been so busy here. It must have been what, a month since I last wrote. At the moment, I am doing service duties that just involve moving rations about, keeps us busy you know. I am overjoyed to hear we are having a child, I hope it’s a boy.
We have had a week of some sun and the ground is starting to dry out, but today is pouring with rain again and I am stuck inside this tent. Eventually I will have to go out with the rest of the lads to move rations, probably in the rain. We have captured many German outposts and have seen the enemy off. I have finished my spell of trench duties yesterday and happy to be away from the Front. Still, the shells keep me awake at night so I am very tired. The work keeps me occupied but it is very quiet (in relation to how it normally is you understand) so I think we must be getting close to finishing this war.
I have had a proper wash and shave, not just a quick once over in the dugout. I feel very clean at this moment in time. It’s nice not to be covered in lice, they itch like mad. I am relieved I’m not fighting at the moment although I’m told the Germans are on the run. We should defeat them and I should be home very soon, I miss you so much. I love you and can’t wait to be back home again.
Your loving husband
Tom”
Ellen puts the letter down and sighs; she runs a hand over her belly. Ellen’s’ mother is also at the house, she moves closer and also put her hand on the belly to feel the baby moving inside. She is concerned that the baby will grow up without a father; she senses that her daughter feels the same too. She knows so many women who have lost husbands and sons.
“Tom says he should be home soon” says Ellen