Examples of the Field Service Post Card sent home by Wilfred Owens"

France

3 January 1918

See 42.15 for main entry containing details of where to find the letters he wrote home.

There were 44 of these field service post cards in his collection of correspondence in the Record Office.

FIELD SERVICE POST CARD

The address only to be written on this side. If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed.

REVERSE

Nothing is to be written on this side except the date and signature of the sender. Sentences not required may be erased. If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed.

Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card addressed to the sender of this card.

******

MESSAGE

I am quite well

I have received your letter dated 28.12.17

Letter following at first opportunity

Pte Wilfred Owens

Date: 3.1.18

******

Below are the texts of five ordinary postcards.

1. (no address on card)

To his dear brother on his 21st birthday.

Dear Edward

I am sending you this card on your birthday as I nearly forgot you I am sorry to say. I wish you many happy returns of the day also all the wishes which are on the other side. This is the best I could get at the moment. Hoping you are quite well as it leaves your True Brother, Wilf

( Reverse of card: A Joyous Birthday

In such a spot of peace and rest

May all your passing days be blest,

Bringing the joys you love the best.)

Addressed to : Mr Wm. Owens Esq., Motor and Cycle Agent, Brunswick Road,

Buckley, Nr. Chester, North Wales, England.

Wednesday evening

Dear Mother and Father and all at home

I have just come across this photo of the barracks so thought you would like one. It is only showing half of it as I am in a block which extends down the left which is not on it. Also there is one block on the right but it is a very good photo of it. It will give you some idea of what kind of a place I am in. Hoping it finds you alright as it leaves me, Wilfred.

3. Addressed to: Miss M. Owens, 151, Brunswick Road, Buckley, Nr. Chester, North Wales. Stamped Liverpool 6th ? 1917.

Caption on reverse: When will you be coming home on leave?

Saturday evening

Dear Brothers and Sister etc

You may have expected me on leave at the beginning of the week but no I am lucky I am to (sic) young. So it has given me time to see about getting put before the J.M B. Well you can expect me at the weekend as I am going to do my best to get a pass. So all be good and expect to see me shortly. I remain your true brother, Wilfred.

4. Addressed to: George Owens, Junr., 151, Brunswick Road, Motor Cycle Depot, Buckley, Nr. Chester, North Wales.

The reverse gives a short history and traditions and a list of Battle Honours of the Border Regiment (34th Foot and 55th Foot)

Thursday noon

Dear George and all at home

Well I was pleased to receive your letter this morning and to hear that you are coming to see me on Sunday. Hoping to see Bill, Fred and Arthur if they can get away. Well try to land here just after dinner and then I will be able to meet you. Hoping this finds you all well at home as it leaves yours, Wilfred.

5. Addressed to his father as above.

Stamped 7.15 pm, 15th Au, 1917

Dear Mother and Father and all at home

Well all the fit men for the draught have gone on 6 days leave this afternoon so we are left all alone a few of us til they return but I am expecting to hear something from the Colonel but if I don't I am going to try again to see him and speak with him myself. I am expecting a letter from you in the morning stating how Mr Rowlands got on at London. Well I hope you got my other letter of today. Hoping this finds you all in the best of health as it leaves yours, Wilfred.

see 42.20 and 42.21 for an explanation of the references to seeing the Colonel and news from home about a transfer

Author: Owens, Wilfred, 1898-1918

Examples of the Field Service Post Card sent home by Wilfred Owens"

France

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