TRANSCRIPTIONS OF POSTCARDS RELATING TO JOSEPH HENRY MORGAN DURING AND BEFORE THE FIRST WORLD WAR

December 13 1910 From JH @ CardiffDear Parents, BrotherStill in the land of the living. Had English, Latin and French today. The English and French were fairly decent but the Latin was stiff. Yours etc Joe

October 2 19128 Priory Road Mt Pleasant ExeterDear DaiPlease send my blue jersey to me as soon as you can. I forgot to bring it with me. Joe

October 19128 Priory Road Mt Pleasant ExeterDear ParentsI am sending you a photo of the College. This is only the extension which has but lately been built. On Tuesday morning I received a postcard from Aunt Elizabeth. Trusting this will find you well. Joe

November 12 19128 Priory Road Mt Pleasant ExeterDear ParentsI received David John’s letter this morning and was very sorry to find he has been suffering so much from neuralgia. I hope that he will soon be better. I received a postcard from Miss Jenkins Bryncethin on Sunday and I find that the Managers have given the school, rent free for three years. We had our half term holiday yesterday, it was very wet all day. Trusting you are all in good health as it leaves me at present. Jo M

December 5 19128 Priory Road Mt Pleasant ExeterDear ParentsJust a line to let you know that I am in good health. I have been expecting a letter from home for over a week. Next week our terminals commence. We shall be breaking up on the 17th so I shall be home on 18th. Trusting everything is alright at home. I am yours Joseph.

December 13 19128 Priory Road Dear ParentsI received D.John’s letter this morning and was very glad to find you are well at home. Our terminals finish on Tuesday morning at 1.30. I intend coming home on Tuesday. Shall leave Exeter by the 3.10p.m train and shall be at Pontyrhyl with the 8.30. Yours etc Joseph

January 30 19138 Priory Road Dear DaiI received your letter safely today, was pleased that everything is alright at home. Have you got the Tempest – by Shakespeare with notes at home? If you have, send it to me as early as possible. If you have the edition without notes, do not send it. Will write again soon, Joe.

February 12 1913From Elizabeth Protheroe, LlanellyDear NephewJust a line in answer to your card, hoping you are getting on all-right and that you are in good health the same as it leaves us at present. E.P.

May 9 19138 Priory Road ExeterDear ParentsI received D.J’s letter safely on Tuesday and was pleased to find you were all well at home. The weather has been awful here lately and rain every day. This morning it simply poured. We have two days holiday – Saturday and Monday. If it is fine on Monday I may go to Torquay for the day. Trusting this will find you well, as it leaves me at the present time.

July 4 19138 Priory Road ExeterDear ParentsComing home on Saturday. Will arrive Pontyrhyl with 5.30 train or 8.30 train. I intend sending my trunk tomorrow. It will probably arrive before me. Another day’s teaching – I’m jolly glad too, hard work this warm weather. It has been awfully warm here lately – simply roasting. Last night however we had several heavy showers of rain. Trusting this will find you all in good health. I am yours etc, Joe.

? August 1913Bulford CampI am sending you a photo of myself and my tentmates – taken outside the tent. The weather still continues to be hot – too hot in fact for the work we have to do. We have to be up at 5.30 a.m and begin drilling at 6.a.m. We have had no rain at all so far. Everything is alright now about the return ticket. I received the return pass from Mr Lea this morning. It gave me a bit of trouble. Trusting this will find you in good health as it leaves me at the present time. Sincerely yours, Joe.

August 1913Pte JH Morgans, A Company 4th BN Dev Reg Bulford CampDear ParentsI received DJ’s postcard and the parcel safely. The weather has been beautiful since we are here. We get plenty of training and I assure you it is hard work this warm weather. Trusting this will find you well as I am at present. Joe.

October 3 19137 St Leonard’s Terrace, ExeterDear Dai (David John)We are using this term a new reading book “Sir Roger de Coverly”. Have you got it at home? Mind to look well. If you have, send it on as soon as possible. If not let me know. There is a large number of Welshmen among the new men. Last night we had a “Smoker” and had a very good time. I trust there will be a social on Sat night. The weather has been very wet here this week. Trust everything is well at home. Joe.

December 12 19137 St Leonard’s Terrace, ExeterDear ParentsReceived D.J.’s letter safely on Sunday morning. Pleased to hear that you were in good health. Our terminals ended this evening. Had a very good dose of it too. We begin teaching on Monday. Finish up on Friday. Shall be home on Saturday if all’s well. Trusting you are all well, Joe

December 18 19137 St Leonard’s Terrace, ExeterDear ParentsComing home tomorrow. Leaving Exeter with the 4.5 train. Shall reach home with the last train. Kind regards Joe.

January 25 19147 St Leonard’s Terrace, ExeterDear DaiHad letter safely this morning. Pleased to hear that you’re All well at home. Things are very much the same here – plenty of work. I want you to send me as soon as possible those yellow slippers. I forgot to bring them back with me. Also, please send me Paradise Lost (Milton). I intend learning a piece out of it. Send it as early as you can – I want it. I did not have any row about the late return. It has been very cold here during the past week but breaking up today. Will write later on, Kind regards, Joe.

April 2 19147 St Leonard’s Terrace, ExeterDear ParentsOn the last lap now. Finishing teaching on Friday. I am leaving school early to catch the 4.5 train from Exeter. Shall probably be home with the last train. Weather very warm here this week – rather trying for teaching. Shall be glad when it’s all over. Trusting you are quite well, Yours etc, Joe.

June 27 19147 St Leonard’s Terrace, ExeterDear ParentsReceived your letter safely this week. Glad to hear that you are all well at home. The exam starts on Monday afternoon. I shan’t be sorry when Friday night comes. This week has been a miserable one – swotting every day. If all goes well I shall in all probability, be home on Saturday. Am not certain yet. The weather has been glorious here this week – proper summer weather. I don’t think I shall teach before the holidays I shall want a rest. Trusting this will find you all in good health. Cofion cynhes, Joe

1914?Perham Down Camp Tidworth Salisbury PlainDear DaiI had your PC yesterday morning. It had been delayed on the way. As you see from the above address I’ve already made a move. We shall stay here until Thursday or Friday and then we go into barracks – how long I don’t know. I suppose we shall have to stay here until the war is over. How are you getting on? Mind to write and let me know how you are enjoying yourself. Write by return or I may not get it. Shall write a letter soon Joe.

20 October 1914Homecroft St Andrews Road ExmouthDear ParentsI arrived here safely at about 9.30 p.m. and found things just as usual. I met my friend at Newport so I had company all the way. While we were at Newport a trainful of wounded Belgian soldiers came in. Some of them looked absolutely done up. They were bond for Hereford. This morning it was work again as usual. The weather has been glorious here today quite summer like. Trusting this will find you all well Yours Joe.

23 November 1914Homecroft St Andrew’s Road ExmouthDear ParentsWe are still here. The shifting business seems to have blown over for the time at any rate. Of course we are still under orders and there’s no knowing when we shall have to go. Weather very cold here yesterday and today. Kindest regards, Joe.

5 December 1914To Joe at Homecroft, Exmouth from Tom, Postmark PontypriddDear JoeI was extremely pleased to receive your P.C and to understand that you are still alright. Until the above came to hand I had no idea of your whereabouts. Now! I’m satisfied and am pleased to know that you are not as yet a victim of the Germans although you are a victim of circumstances. I am glad to let you know that I am fairly well myself. In the middle of study while you are resting your oars. Anyhow there’s nothing to be done but to keep plodding on I suppose. I think that this card (Hope) is quite appropriate to both of us. With view of your release from military training and I from collegiate training, when are you coming home again? We are breaking up on the 11th of this month and are having 3 weeks vacation. How did you get my address? Were you home lately? Providing you have time I’d like to have a letter from you – and in accordance with the counterpiece of this card I sincerely hope that this terrible war will come to an and shortly and that we shall have the pleasure of meeting again back at Pontyrhyl. Write back soon. I will answer sooner henceforth. Cofion cynhes Tom.

22 December 1914Homecroft St Andrew’s Road ExmouthDear ParentsArrived here safely last night at the proper time. Did not meet with any misadventures this time. This morning we had a very heavy frost and there was a good deal of ice about. We had to keep moving today in order to keep warm. It has been a typical winter’s day. Two chaps from our digs went home on leave last night and return on Xmas Eve. Trusting you are all quite alright at home. Yours Joe.

9 February 19159 Abbey Mead TavistockDear ParentsLanded here at about 2 o clock this afternoon. Left Exmouth at 11 in the morning. I’m billeted with the same lot again in a private house. We miss Homecroft already – not at all struck with the place. Absolutely packed with soldiers. Had letter this morning. Joe.

12 February 19155 Kings Road TavistockDear ParentsAs you can see I’ve changed my billets and this time have been fortunate. Our party had to split up. I and another fellow are billeted in a restaurant and we have a very good place weather very fine here yesterday and today. Joe

26 March 19155 King Street TavistockDear ParentsReceived letter safely on Wednesday morning. Pleased to find that you were quite well. My arm is quite alright again – now awaiting second dose? – maybe tomorrow. Can’t say anything definite about the Easter leave. Shall let you know later on. Everything is as usual here. The weather has been very find but rather cold. Today it is lovely here. Kind regards Joe.

April 1915Newsham Park Camp NorthumberlandDear ParentsJust a pc to remind you that I’m still alive and kicking. I have been expecting a parcel of clothing for the last few days. Send me as soon as possible a clean change and also a towel. We are still under canvas. There are rumours that we are going into billets of some sort but they are a long time coming. Weather fine here lately but rather cold mornings and evenings. Don’t forget the clothing and I should like a box of cakes. Yours Joe

7 May 19155 King Street TavistockDear ParentsYour letter to hand safely yesterday morning. Glad to learn you were quite well. The same morning I also had a letter from D.J. I am coming home on Saturday. Shall leave here with the 7.15 a.m and shall arrive at Ponty with 8.30 p.m. Weather has been terribly hot here this week. Today it is hot enough to roast one. Trusting you are still well. Cofion cynnes Joe

31 May 19155 King Street TavistockDear ParentsHave just arrived. Landed here at 6.30. Had company all the way from Cardiff. Found everything just as usual. Cofion cynnes Joe.

22 June or July 1915Tylagwyn Thurs (From Marged Jane Lloyd to Joe)Lan/Cpl JH Morgan A Company 86th Provisional Battalion Newsham Park Camp Newsham NorthumberlandMany happy returns of the day Mother

22 July 1915Newsham Park Camp NorthumberlandDear ParentsYour letter to hand safely, pleased to learn that you were all quite well. Intended writing sooner but have been very busy here lately. I’m much better than I was but still not quite right – able to attend parades. Weather very fine here now but cold at night. I was on the trenches on Friday night and am going tonight again perhaps until tomorrow night. I had a parcel on Sunday from Gwennie Hills, very nice too. Today we had an inspection by the Brigadier General of the Northern Command. On Thursday afternoon there is to be a sports here on the camp field – soldiers only. Was sorry to hear of Aldridge’s death – hard lines after sticking it for about ten months. Am expecting the cakes every day – not arrived yet. Cofion cynnes, Joe

11 August 1915Torquay (Postcard from David John to Joe)Lnc/Cpl JH Morgans No 7 Platoon B Company 86 Provisional Battalion Newsham Park Camp Newsham NorthumberlandHere for the day arrived at 12.30. Will return about 6.47 from here. Going on to Paignton now shortly. Grand place this – quite “swanky”. Will return on Saturday the fortnight is up. Darllenais am y raid ar y papur neithiwr a oedd y peth yn agos i ti? Ysgrifenna yn fuan i ddweyd sut mae pethau. We were in Exeter yesterday for the afternoon. We were fagged out after seeing the museum, Cathedral and Rougemont gardens and were back in Exmouth at 6.00 p.m Write by return Dai.

21 September 1915Postcard from Gwennie Hills (London House) to Joe (Address as above)Dear JoeI hope you will not be offended with this P.C. I am sending it just to remind you that you have not written for quite a long time. So don’t forget to drop a line soon. Hoping you are in the best of health. With all good wishes Gwen Hills.

25 September 1915Exmouth from Tommy to JoeMr JH Morgan B Company 86 Provisional Battalion Newsham NorthumberlandDear JosephVery pleasant to get a word from you with your good wishes. Soldiering must be getting rather monotonous now. I hope that you are doing well and that the day will soon dawn when peace shall reign. “Homecroft” family wishes to be remembered to you and should like for your billets to be here again. I shall write you a letter later on Joe. Tommy.

19 October 1915London House Pontycymer (PC from Gwen Hills to Joe)Lnc/Cpl JH Morgans No 7 Platoon B Company 86 Provisional Battalion Newsham Park Camp Newsham NorthumberlandDear JoeThanks for the letter received a few days ago. Glad to hear you are still keeping fit. When do you intend having another leave? Should like to see you again. Will give you all the news when I have time to write a letter. With best wishes from all at home. Sincerely yours Gwen

11 November 1915Tynton House Llangeinor, from Job (addressed as above)Dear JoeHope you are in god health as it leaves us here just at present. Things are just about the same here only some of the boys are going and it is likely a lot more are going shortly, when are you coming home again, should be glad to see you. Helga asks a lot about you and wants to know all about ? report.

21 March 1916BlythDear Parents & BrotherWe are leaving Blyth tonight all Foreign Services Men. We are joining the 61st

Division – our destination is unknown. Don’t write until you hear from me. Shall write when I get to the other end. Joe

29 April 1917from Joe at an Army Post Office, 55 IBD BEF France (remainder of address censored)Dear ParentsAm still at the above address and getting on fine. Having excellent weather here now. Today it has been quite hot. Last night we had a musical treat in the YMCA – visit of an English party – Miss Lena Ashwell Co. It was fine. Do write soon – was expecting a letter today but nothing came. Hope you are all OK. Joe

29 December 1917267340 Corporal Joseph Morgan 2/6 Glost Prisoner of War No ? Altdamm, GermanyDear Parents & BrotherJust a line to remind you that I’m still living and alright. I was wounded Dec 2nd and captured Dec 3rd. I have been shot in the right ? am coming on alright now. So you need not worry. Will write again soon. Mind to write on return. Do not bother about the ??

6 January 19182/6 Gloster Regt POW No 36146 Gefangenen Lager 1 Altdamm GermanyMy Dear Father & MotherAm writing again to let you know that I’m quite alright. I am anxiously awaiting a letter from you to know how you are but I’m afraid I shall have to wait some time yet as letters take so long to come through. It is still very cold here and there is plenty of snow about. In my last card I told you to send me a parcel once a month – well lately I’ve found out that you can’t send a food parcel so don’t bother about sending any. But don’t forget to send money. You can get all the information at the G.P.O. I think you can send a parcel of cigarettes through certain tobacco firms. You might make enquiries and send me one occasionally. It is Sunday today and I am thinking of you all at home – would give anything to be with you. Don’t worry but keep cheerful. Your loving son, Joseph.

21 Jan 1918Letter sent from Tylagwyn to Joseph, addressed to him in France – but returned from the infantry record office listing him as missing.

17 February 1918Dear Parents and Bro (address as above)Just a card to let you know that I am quite well and that everything is alright. I am longing to hear from you and to know how you are. Am hoping to receive something in a week or so. Are you receiving my cards alright? I hope so. Having good weather here lately – winter seems to have broken up and the days are quite sunny. Am writing this before going to the camp service – we hold one every Sunday. My love to you all.

24 February 1918My Dear Parents and Bro (address as above)Another card to remind you that I’m still in the land of the living and getting on alright. I’m still looking forward anxiously to having a letter from you. Just fancy there are over three months since I had a word from you and I feel very, very anxious. I do hope you are all in the best of health and as happy as possible under the circumstances. Don’t worry but look on the bright side. God be with you all. Your loving son, Joseph.

18 April 1918 (postmarked 26 April 1918)My Dear Parents & Bro (address as above)I have been expecting a letter every day for the last fortnight but have received nothing from you. They may turn up this week – anyway I hope so. Last week I had a letter from Catherine – the first since I’ve been captured. ??? glorious sunshine every day – just the weather for a nice seaside holiday. I trust that you are having good weather at home and that you are all in the best of health and happiness. I’m looking forward to seeing you all again and hope the time isn’t very far distant. Would you mind sending me £1.0.0 as soon as it’s convenient for you. Money is always handy you know. Last week I had my photo taken in a group. I expect they’ll be ready tomorrow. I’m having half a dozen and if I’m in any way recognizable I’ll send you one. When I get my uniform sent out I’ll try and have my photo taken again. I’m expecting it any day now. Last Sunday …Ann in answer to a letter …her. I have had quite a number from her since I’ve been captured but I’m afraid I shan’t be able to answer them all. Well there isn’t much to say so I think I’d better draw to a close. I do hope you are all in the pink just as I am now. Best love to you all. Yours always Joe.

21 April 1918My Dear Parents & BroAnother card to remind you that I’m still in the land of the living and getting on alright. I am enjoying good health and quite comfortable under the circumstances. Last week I received the second 10/- that you sent me. All your letters have arrived safely and I am jolly pleased to know that everything is alright at home. I expect you are busy gardening just now. We are having excellent weather now – absolutely glorious. In fact it’s much too warm to suit me. This afternoon I went to the camp service – I generally go on Sunday afternoons. I shall be writing a letter this week. In the meantime I send you all…Joe

28 April 1918My Dear Parents & BroI was very pleased to receive another letter from you last Thursday. This letter was dated March 4th. So pleased to learn that all is well at home. You seem to have received very few letters from me but I daresay they’ll arrive more or less together. Next week I shall send you some photos – you may recognise me. Last week I received an uniform, boots, overcoat and a parcel of underclothing so now I’m well set up. I am in excellent health and rubbing along alright. I told you some time ago that I received the first 10/- alright but the second one has not turned up. Please remember me to all who are interested and accept my Best Love. Yours ever, Joe.

30 April 1918My Dear Parents & BroI am enclosing four photos taken here in the camp some time ago. I hope you’ll manage to recognise me. I intend having another soon now that I’ve had my uniform. I am still in the best of health and quite fat – parcels coming through regularly. Have had a very wet day here today – simply poured all day long. Am expecting a letter from you every day the last one I received was dated March 4th so there must be a few somewhere. I hope you’re all in the best of health and as happy as possible under the circumstances. My best love to you all, Joseph

5 May 1918My Dear Parents & BroLast week I received four letters from you – dated March 8th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Thanks so much. I was delighted to have them and to know that everything was alright at home. I’m still in the best of health and rubbing along alright. We are having excellent weather here now – makes one wish for a holiday at the seaside. Last week too I received letters from Dai Llewellyn, Annie Hills, Janet Ann and Hilda Hawkins. Please tell them that I have received them and thank them for me. You might tell Annie Hills that she is at liberty to write as often as she pleases. I have not yet had the second 10/- but am expecting it any day. I’m glad you are sending the private parcels. Please thank Aunt Harriet for the 10/-. You might remember me to all who are interested and accept My best love, Joseph.

?June 1918My Dear Parents & BroI received four letters from you last week – one of April and three of May. So pleased to learn that you are all in good health at home. I also had letters from Mr Pipe, Dai Llewellyn (2) Miss Preachers (2), Ballard and Hilda Hawkins. Please tell Mr Pipe that his letter has arrived and thank him for me – his letter was quite a nice one. I wish you’d let the others know as well – I shan’t be able to do so myself. I’m looking forward to having Helga’s letters – not come yet. I have already mentioned having had the personal parcel a week or so ago – well I should like you to send me another as soon as possible – containing – 2 sticks shaving soap, health salt, Rolene/(Kolene), toothpaste, chocolates, cotton laces (not leather), a razor strap. We are still having excellent weather here – have had no rain forever so long. I am enjoying good health and rubbing along alright under the circumstances. Of course I’m longing to see you all again – a year ago this month I was with you on leave. I wonder how many more years this war is going to last? Will write a letter next week.

14 July 1918My Dear Parents & BroOnce again Sunday afternoon is here and I’m doing the usual – writing to you. I have also written a card to Aunt Elizabeth. Last week I received three letters from you dated – May 16th, My 24th and June 6th. Thanks so much – so pleased to know that you are all enjoying good health and as happy as possible under the circumstances. I had the letter you – father wrote safely and was very pleased to have it. Believe me it makes me more eager than ever to see you all again and to be with you. How much longer I wonder? It’s just over a year since I was home on leave. Let’s hope I shall see you before another’s passed.So you got the photos alright and you did manage to recognise me? I think I’m fatter now than I was then. I shall have my photo taken, on my own, as soon as the opportunity offers itself.I’m thankful to say that I’m still enjoying good health and as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. We are having excellent weather here now – glorious sunshine every day – makes one think of “Blighty” and the summer there. On Friday last I had another nice stroll out into the country. Everything looked at its best and I thoroughly enjoyed the walk.Today i was told that there’s some money for me at the Camp bank. This will be the £1-0-0 you sent some time ago. All the money you sent has arrived now. The cigs, however, have not yet been received. Perhaps they have not been sent. Anyway it would do no harm to enquire. Don’t forget the personal parcel I asked for some little while ago – I mean the second one. The first I got quite safely.Last week I had letters from Gwennie Hills, Dai Llewellyn and Aunt Elizabeth. You might inform them that their letters have reached me safely. I also had letters from Will E Hawkins and Hilda Hawkins.Now I do hope that you are all in the best of health and not worrying in any way. Mind you don’t worry – I’m alright and looking forward to seeing you all.Please remember me to Dai Llewellyn and any others who are interested.My best love to you all. Yours always Joe.P.S. We are having some music here this afternoon – one of the boys has got a gramophone from somewhere.

Wed 14 August 1918My Dear Parents & BroWell letter day has come around again and here I am doing the usual. I am still in the land of the living and enjoying good health. Everything is as usual so I haven’t much news for you this time again.Since I last wrote I have received a number of letters from Hilda Hawkins, Dai Llewellyn and Evan Job. Please let them know and thank them for me. I have already told you about Barnett having been killed on April 29th and of my receiving a letter from his young lady with that sad news. Last letter day i wrote her a letter and that accounts for my not sending you the usual letter. I have also written a P.C to Dai Llewellyn. Hope he gets it alright.We are still having excellent weather here – just an occasional thunderstorm when it comes down with a vengeance.Football is still going strong here and helps to break the monotony. There is a match tonight and when I finish this I’m going to see it.I’m sorry that these letters are so dry but really I can’t find anything to say.Of course as you can realise I’m looking forward to the end and being with you again. The sooner the better.Time passes quickly and soon I shall be a nine months’ old prisoner.I do hope you are all having a good time and enjoying the best of health.Remember me to all who are interested and accept My best love. Yours ever Joe

25 August 1918My Dear Parents & BroLast night I received a letter from you dated June 24th. So pleased to learn that things are still going well at home and that you are all in the best of health. Things are still alright with me – still enjoying good health and comfortable. We are having excellent weather here now and beautiful moonlight nights.Don’t forget the second personal parcel – I wish you could send me some cigs occasionally. The first lot you arranged to be sent have not reached me. Are you sure they were sent. Please make enquiries. My parcels come now from the Evening Express and Evening Mail Fund Cardiff. Best love and Wishes to you all. Joe

Sun 22 September 1918My Dear Parents & BroLast week I received two letters from you – one dated July 31 and the other July 12th. So pleased to learn that everything is alright at home and that Mother is much better after the influenza. It was quite prevalent here in August. I had about four days of it myself. Now it’s quite cleared off again.I’m rather surprised to hear of myself having had the Fisher Grant. It’s quite a good idea!Thins are as usual here – still having excellent weather and fine moonlight nights. On Tuesday next we are unveiling a monument to “Britishers who have died in Captivity”. It’s going to be a great affair too. There will be a holiday for all English that day. I’ll let you know more when I write again. On Friday last I had a nice long letter from SA Hawkins. Ballard’s letter and Maggie Lloyd’s have not yet reached me. Has Helga had the photo I sent her yet? Remember me to all who are interested and accept my best love yourselves Joseph

10 November 1918AltdammMy Dear Parents & BroLast week I received three letters from you, two Oct and one Sept. So pleased to learn that all is well at home. I also heard from Janet Ann and Aunt Elizabeth. Things are as usual with me – still enjoying good health. Having excellent weather here now – quite exceptional for November. Today it’s lovely – like a summer’s day – makes me think of Blighty. Am looking forward to seeing you in the near future. Remember me to all who are interested and accept My Best Love yourselves. Joe

14 November 1918AltdammMy Dear Parents & BroTonight I received a letter from you dated Sept 23rd. So pleased to learn that all is well at home and that my letters are arriving more or less regularly. Pleased to say that I am still in my usual… Colder here now and reminds one that winter is on its way. During the last day or so it has been quite miserable – dense mists and very cold. Well the great “thing” has come about – the war has come to an end. It seems hard to realise that at last there is no war. I’m sure you must all be overjoyed. Here too the news was received with much rejoicings and now we are all anxiously awaiting for the time to start for Blighty. I don’t know how soon – not long I hope. What price Xmas dinner at home? There’s a sporting chance yet. I have no news this time again – things are as usual. I’m sorry Gwennie Hills is unwell and I hope that it’s not going to be anything serious. Trusting that this finds you in the best of health and happiness and hoping to be with you very soon.Always yours Joe

14 December 1918Printed postcard stating:I have just landed at Leith and am going on to Prisoners of War Reception Camp, South Camp, Ripon “Hope to be home within the next day or two. Best love, Joe”