Letter from Sapper Thomas ('Tommy') Thomson Caldwell to Mrs Sophie Gill, 4 April 1918

Letter from 37693 Sapper Thomas ('Tommy') Thomson Caldwell, NZ Engineers (Tunnelling Company), 1NZEF, 'Somewhere-in-France', to Mrs Sophie Gill, Palmerston North, New Zealand, dated 4 April 1918. (4 leaves plus envelope)

The text reads as follows:

"Dear Sophia

I am taking the opportunity of writing you a few more lines to let you know how we are doing on the Western Front, it is about three weeks since I wrote you last, and I have been looking for a letter from you for a long time now, it seems ages since I heard from you, but I have found out the cause now as I had a letter from Bert 'Somewhere in France' giving me all the news. Well Sophia I was sorry to hear that you had been in Hospital, but am pleased to know you are well again, so cheer up and don't worry and make yourselve [yourself] ill again. Bert was telling me that he had met his Brother over here, which I am sure he would be very grateful for as he would feel a sort of like at home being beside him and he

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would get all the tips of soldiering over here from him, but I suppose Bert knows what war is by now. I suppose you will be reading in your papers about the great offensive. Well Sophia I am sorry I can't discuss war news with you as we are not allowed but you can fully understand we are having a strenuous time, but you know after the storm comes a calm, and you just have to trust in providence in this game of war. I am very anxious to hear from Bert again, but I know he has no chance to write at present. I was dreaming about him last night, I hope it will soon be over now, and I have great hopes myself of it being all over this year. I had a very disappointing letter from my Aunt a few days ago telling me about my Uncle breaking down in health & having to go to

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Hospital, so with so much worry over one thing and another she is getting run down too, this world seems full of trouble for everybody, in my last letter from Mr Scott he was telling me that he was waiting for the first Hospital Ship to take him back to Australia so in a sense he is lucky. I wish I seen the time when I was waiting for a ship to take me back 'Oh,' let it be soon' Well Sophia I may tell you I am not in the best of health at present. I am on the sick list for the last four days but pleased to say on the improve now, these hard times seem to be playing up with me, but I have never been the same man since I got that touch of 'Gass' [gas] and am sure if a man lives through this war his health will pay the penalty for it but there is no use of thinking that way, it is best to look on the bright side and carry on

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Jack has got a very bad cold and not feeling the best but still carrying on. Well Sophia I will have to be drawing to a close & hope it won't be long before I get a letter from you to hear how you are all getting on and remember me to Mum & Dot and give them my good wishes. I hope little Nancy is keeping well & in the best of health also yourself and with love to all I remain still your loving (Bro) Tommy

for little Nancy from U.T.

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