A fine descriptive letter of the doings of the Ammanford boys who have enhanced Kildare , Ireland , and which also casts interesting sidelights on their morale , has
been written by Abbot Griffiths the well know Ammanford inside-half, to Mr. D. J. M. Jones, chemist, Ammanford is a popular committee man of the club.
“You are probably anxious the (letter reads) to hear something about the Ammanford boys that are stationed in Ireland . We are twenty here in the barracks, and are doing fine.
We managed to keep together so far and trust that we will until the end, and return home as good little soldiers that has struck a blow for our dear country. By way of drilling we have done barely nothing yet, the reason being scarce accommodation. We have at last now secured a nice barrack room that is a decent little home.
You can understand by that that we are making strides now and will soon have to go through hell. We are all ready and anxious to do our thing – our leaving home was never for a good time.
Kildare is no place for a holiday either; it's the poorest place I have ever dropped into. They are as poor as church mice.
“Up to yesterday all the soldiers were penniless. I have wished a few times I were near that grate, full of boys in that little back room of yours. Don't be under the impression though that we suffer in any way. We get pleasant food, and although it is not all horse, we dig into it as if it were an Xmas bird and each one wears the smile of a saint.
I believe we are all going to be plump little soldiers. We often hear the comments passed by our Cockney brothers, “these Welsh lads are hot stuff.” We mean to keep the same ginger as when playing football. Somehow, the lads here have come to know that we played football, and they want us to select a team to play them. We are going to amply beat them.
“Pity Stanley and Ossie are not here then we would be more complete. We all miss them very much, especially the banter, with his original funny way. Bach makes up a little though for he's quite of the same breed. you are bound to be very quiet at Ammanford now, and the little dears must be ....W....
I don't believe though that I cause a moment's anxiety to anyone. I can't help observing that the young fellows are rich for girls now, for they must be around ten to one. I have not heard anything of Dai Thomas nor Shaw bach yet. I have no idea where they are, and I don't think they know we are in Ireland . I see It's nothing doing with regard to Rugby for this season on the Cross Inn front, if the season goes out without a game played, we will have another year's great record, and then we would certainly deserve a medal each. Ha, ha! What about the blaziers? Have you heard anything? However, I have no doubt Mr. Hewlett will stick to his promise. He is very patriotic and honourable.
“We had a piece of good news from the Tirydail Colliery to-day, Mr. ....W.... has promised each one his workers who have enlisted a cheque each on their return. Possibly, though, he will have no one to give it to, for we may yet have to face fire. The allies are playing havoc with the enemy just how, but I hope that it will end soon but not for fear of fire. I would indeed go today if I were trained a little, and you ....W.... and win that the rest would do ....W.... I'll conclude now; we are about have our dinner – spuds and bully.”
