Soldier's letter, Brocton Camp, Cannock Chase

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Date:27th of November 1916

Description:In this view is page one of a two page letter sent from Private Joseph Bean to a friend who lived in Grimsby. At the time of writing the letter Pte. Bean was stationed at Brocton Camp, Cannock Chase. He was a Pte in the Lincolnshire Regiment, 11th (Reserve) Battalion 16632. He also had service as a Pte in the Royal Flying Corps 12645 and as a Pte in the Labour Corps 65490. Pte. Bean survived the First World War.

Both pages of the letter have been reproduced below.

"Pt. J Bean no. 16632
L Lines, no. 22 Hut
G Coy
11th L R Batt
Brocton Camp, Staffs.

My Dearest Friend Ma,
I am just writing a few lines hoping to find you much better than you was when you wrote your last letter. I am no better I’m sorry to say what has become to my legs and feet and the pain in my bones I can feel it all over me. And it’s no use going to our doctor here, they have started to put them in the guard room for going sick.

We have just had dinner and its half cooked, you never saw such stuff. I am fed up with the Army altogether. I have been to church this morning and I quite enjoyed the service. I was very good indeed. I went to the Board last Friday and they gave me BII that is Garrison duty at home or abroad. I can see myself in Foreign Lands again before long. They can’t do anything with my foot they no (know) very well I can’t hardly walk at all. But I have made my mind up if they intend sending me out again I certainly will do something serious. I have had enough of it. I am taking things to heart. I carnt help it.

The (They) are going to start us training again to morrow forming fours and drill. I shall look well at it sharnt I. Well ma this is a rum place here. We are up to the knees in slug (sludge) and mud. It’s not fit for a pig to go in never mind men. It’s always raining, snowing and hailing. I wish this blessed war was over. Well I think I have told you all this time.

Well I will draw to a close. Good bye May, may God keep you all and protect you all from harm till we meet again. It might not be in this world But by God’s grace I hope it will be in the next. You must excuse me being like this my spirits is very low indeed.

Give my love to Lilley, Sam and all friends please. Ta, Ta, Ta, Ta, Farewell.

From your ever loving friend, Pte. J Bean".

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