Shropshire Routes to Roots

Zeppelin raids: Letter describing life on the Home Front

The envelope is stamped 14 February 1916. The letter found in the envelope is transcribed below. [Shropshire Archive reference: 5310/C/4]

Cuthbert says he as found out where you are and is jolly glad that you are not so far away. You will be sure to meet one of these Days. You will have heard about the air raids we had. We have all got to have dark blinds to all windows and the lights have got to put off out at once when we hear that Zepp are about. When they come near England again the hooters will go and out goes all lights. We start church now, at six o'clock, and finish at 7 o'clock and the churches are all being misused. We are living in funny times the street lamps are all out, and all shop lights. Monday had to leave this yesterday as I had visitors to tea and supper Lowring as usual also Lily Newman Amy's Friend and Ada brought Mr W Evans so we were a big party as usual. Agnes went off today hard times she as been with us just 3 months. She was very much cut up at having to start out in the world again. She was hoping that something would happen that she would not have to go. We all saw her off at the station and gave her a good send off. The house seems empty without her for she has been good company. We had a letter from Wilford this morning, he is alright and wants to have all the news of you. He is sure you must be having a rough time. I have sent him a cake etc. the end of the week. He wants to know, please, if you wants any money at any time just let me know. You see I drew most of his wages to bank for him so that any time you feel a bit would be welcome to you, it would be a pleasure to me to send it to you. Don't forget he thinks you don't have enough and he as got plenty.

[Shropshire Archive reference: 5310/C/4]