Postcards from the French Front

Mrs J.G Strangham, 7 West Avenue, Forest Hall, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England

'My dear wife and kiddies Sunday (undated)

This is a new series of cards and as I am busy with a long letter for you (so that you shall get it on Sunday (green) I thought that I would just let you know how I am getting on. I got your letter tonight and I see that you are troubling very much about me standing the weather conditions. Well dears, I am pleased to tell you that I am in good form again. The weather is much better and it has been glorious today. I was out today for a long walk and quite enjoyed it. Just got back to camp in nice time for tea. Best love and good hopes that you will...(writing is damaged at this point)...you have had bad (writing is damaged) yourself I see. (?) send another card tomorrow. God bless you all and keep you until I return again your loving hubby. xxoxxxxxxxoo'

Miss Isa M Strangham, 7 West Avenue, Forest Hall, Newcastle on Tyne, England

Wed 22/8/17

'Now my little darling, what do you think of this rose? I was pleased to get your painting it was very lovely I am sure. You want to put your hair in ringlets (?) do you? Well you can if you want to; you shouldn't have bothered to ask me about that when I am not at home, you know when I look at your photo I always see a little girl with wavy hair so you see it doesn't matter a little bit. I hope you have enjoyed your holidays but I thought you had another week yet. I was pleased to get Molly's photo. I am quite well, write later (word obscured) best love daddy oxxxxooxx Busy as usual'

Friday Nov 22 18

My darling little girl

I was very pleased the other day when I got that nice long letter letting me know all your doings at the wedding. Were you not afraid when the padre and the other two officers came in. He would look smart when he got your mother's apron on, especially when he was such a great big man. Wouldn't it have been grand if your daddy had been one of the privates, I just fancy what you would say to this. The very thing we were wishing. Well I am glad my little dear that you are helping your mother as much as you can, of course you are getting a big girl now. I am longing to see those photographs of Albert and you. I hope that all of you are still keeping clear of the flue (sp). (Referring to the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic) Poor little Betty, tell her uncle sends some xs for her. I hope your auntie Annie is a lot better now and all the others who are sick. Tell grandma she has to be careful and not any cold. I see that you have another week holiday why don't you keep it until your daddy gets home? I am quite well will close with best love and kisses to Albert and yourself from your loving daddy

I do hope he made it home to his 'kiddies' and in one piece.