These cigarette papers were among the personal effects returned to 62300 Private Bert Gill’s widow following his death. Cigarettes were one of the few “comforts” for men in the trenches, and a regular topic in Bert’s letters home.
These cigarette papers were among the personal effects returned to 62300 Private Bert Gill’s widow following his death. Cigarettes were one of the few “comforts” for men in the trenches, and a regular topic in Bert’s letters home:
“Got a wet canteen here fourpence a pint and they don’t drink as much as if they had to sneak it. I had a drink last night but don’t go much on it. Can’t buy a match at the canteen, they are very scarce here but cigarettes are cheap so when you send a parcel don’t forget to put a few safety matches in of course I wont say no to some yellow. Just going over to the canteen to get some now and then turn in for the night. Cold as charity, have to get up at 6 so a man wants bed. The General told us today we would most likely be here 9 weeks. Soph old Dear, I will close now and get my smokes. … Just pulled out Nancy’s photo to have a look and it made me wish I was back with you all, that is the time a man feels it. Never mind Soph, the day will come when I will be with you all again. Heaps of love and kisses for Self, Nancy, Mum and Dad. XXXXXXXX Au Revoir, Loving Husband XXXXXX [10.12.1917]
“Must ring off Soph, matches and cigarettes are more value than money here, I am on my last one now but I suspose some more will turn up. … Heaps of love and kisses for Self, Nancy, Mum and Dot. Au Revoir, Your Loving Husband, Bert” [3.4.1918]
“Had a letter from Stan when I was in the trenches last, he has got a rise, also 2 tins of cigarettes from Duke Str. And they were very acceptable too, just came in the nick of time, matches is more than money here. The latest letter I have received is 10/2/18. Old Fritz has started to shell again going over us into a little village at the back.” [9.4.1918]
I can’t buy much. I only draw 11/- a fortnight and by the time a man buys cigarettes and a few odds and ends, it is the end of the penny section, poor but am seeing life, got a very good canteen here, best we have had for some time.” [6.7.1918]
“Got a buck-shee parcel the other day, tin of milk, tin of tongues, writing tablet, cigarettes, handkerchief, etc. came in very handy. No mail lately but expecting one any time, am looking forward for it.” [4.8.1918]
“Well Soph I will be here for a while yet before going to Blighty. I got more than my share, but am doing allright, got all my limbs so cant growl. Get treated real desent[sic] here Soph, everything buckshee. We have chicken for dinner, jelly, etc, a drink of stout, a nip of brandy of a night if a man wants one. I can tell you we do live well. I have a Y.M.C.A. man comes around about every other day to see me and don’t he treat me well, A N.Zr. I am the only NZ here, brings me grapes, cigarettes, matches, books and all sorts, he is a stunner, a jolly fine fellow, always getting something here from different people. A great life this hospital life, especially when you want the bottle. Had a NZ mail last Thursday.” [14.9.18 Rouen].
“I will most likely be able to get out in about a week so that is allright isn’t it, they have knitted splendid. Padre has just called loaded me up with cigarettes, bringing me fruit tomorrow. Had mail from NZ through the week 4 from you and you can guess how pleased I was” [30.9.1918]
