William Walton Glossop

This is the text of a letter that Bill Glossop lent to Totley History Group for the Totley in WW1 exhibition at Dore & Totley United Reformed Church in November 2014. It was written by Bill's father, William Walton Glossop to his wife.

Aug 19/16
Pte. W. W. Glossop
29297. 3 Batt
Hylton Camps
Sunderland

My Dear Wife,

This is the earliest possible moment that I could write a letter to you that will explain all, or nearly all, you would care to know.

I have only just had my tea not 10 minutes ago so you can see how anxious I am to write.

I am not going out Saturday and I should be far better employed in having a very pleasant half hour with you on paper. 

We had a roughish time at Pontyfract and I was glad to get away, but what a long journey it is. Four stops on the way, but it was compensated for, to some extent by the jolly good tea, we had bully beef and pickles and plenty of it. We had a long walk up to the camp from the station and carrying our kit bags was heavy work. This morning we had to go down to Sunderland to be vaccinated and they punctured me three times.

Tomorrow we shall either go on Church Parade or a short route march before dinner. 

Our equipment is a wonderful contrivance all straps and buckles, there is quite a lot of brass work on it and it all has to be cleaned. 

The fellows in my hut are on the whole a decent crowd, of course it isn't quite like a prayer meeting or a Sunday school class and the language is not all that could be desired, but all the chaps I have met will do anything for you to put you in the way and while they are, in civil life rich and poor, they convey the idea that we are all one in spirit and going to see this thing through. Now I don't want to disappoint you but (it) seems I shan't get a leave for two months. You see it is such a long way off and the ordinary passes are for a weekend that is from Saturday afternoon (arrive Sheffield about 8pm and I should have to leave again at 3pm Sunday) so as to get into Sunderland by 12 pm. I know that five minutes with you would be worth a lot but I must not put in for a pass just yet. 

I know you will be glad to know that I am very well and enjoying the life and that in due course I shall be in my right place in the trenches. I shall make myself as fit as I can so that I shall be better able to take care of myself. 

You must give my love to my little lad X. And keeps talking to them about me. I want them to keep it before them that I am very near and shall see them in due course.

Tom very thoughtfully put a bit of chocolate up for me and unfortunately we missed one meal and only had a bite or two in the morning so that it was doubly appreciated and was equally appreciated by my pal Reg Smith who is in the next bunk.

Don't be surprised if you do not hear for a day or two, for we have a great deal to do, up at 5.30am and the facilities for writing might be impounded as most of the men here are fond of writing to wives and sweethearts.

Goodbye for the present my dear sweetheart.

Your loving husband

William