Leeds Mercury 1914: Letters from the Front

Following the outbreak of war in August, 1914, the Leeds Mercury encouraged readers to send in letters sent to them from relatives on active service. A century on, we are re-publishing a selection of these in the coming months.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Feb 2014, 09:21 BST

“JACK AS HAPPY AS A SANDBOY”

Mrs. Russell, of Lavinia-street, Camp-road, Leeds, sends us a letter she has just received from her son Percy, who is on board the Sentinel, a light cruiser. Mrs. Russell, who is a widow with two sons serving their country, expresses the hope that this letter “may comfort other mothers who have Sons at the War.”

The writer of this letter is certainly cheerful, and his words will prove a stimulus.

“It is no use worrying about me being at the war,” he writes, “as it is for home and country, and we are all going with stout hearts like true Britishers. I am proud to be in such a Navy. The war has come as a blow to the country, but we were all ready, as we always are, and you must cheer up and look on the bright side of things.

“I do not think the war will last so long as some people think. Drop me a line and don’t worry. Be like me, as happy as a sandboy.”

Leeds