The following letter has been received from a cousin by Miss Gwen Evans, Red Lion Hotel, Llandebie : —
“I received your most welcome letter and parcel safe to-day, which I am very thankful for. I am writing this letter to you from the firing line.
It’s rather quiet here at present, although we had it very hot two days ago. The Germans tried to break through our line, and we repulsed three attacks.
The Prussian Guards were the first lot that came up against us, and we had orders not to open fire on them till they were within 30 yards. As soon as they were within that distance to us we opened rapid fire on them, machine guns and rifle fire; we mowed them down. They are piled outside our trench, dead and wounded; it’s a pitiful sight to see.
They made two counter attacks in the night, each of them being repulsed. Our reinforcements had come to the first line when they made the two counter attacks, and were well off then and ready for them.
I was rather timid on the first attack they made. Five of the men in my section were killed; we were only eight left behind. It was an exciting time for us; in fact, I thought my time was up. We fired at them till we were fairly done up; my rifle was red hot.
When they made the second attack our officer said: “Now, my lads, stick it, and fire like hell at them.” Try as they would they couldn’t come to our trench; our machine guns and rifle fire were too deadly for them, and they suffered heavy losses.
Well, I am glad now that I was in the firing line. It was just what I longed for, to see them attacking us, as to have a bit of my own back and for my comrades that fell on September 25th in the battle of Loos.
I thank God that I have come out safe. It was hell; I can’t call it anything else. What we have got to do and suffer for our country! It’s time for the young men to enlist so as to fill the gaps in battalions out here. If they were only to see the ruined towns and villages of Flanders, and the graves of their comrades alongside of the roads and in the fields, some not buried at all, they wouldn’t hesitate about enlisting.
I am glad now that I am doing my bit here. I have been one of the lucky boys so far. This battalion has been cut up three times. We have had eight draughts from Liverpool to fill the gaps up.
We are having very bad weather, raining every day, and perishing cold at night. I daresay we will go out of the trenches to-morrow for a rest. We deserve it, as we are done up. I am quite happy and making the best of it. I can tell you I was pleased to-day when the postman came round with letters and parcels. It’s the only bit of comfort we get in the trenches when we get a letter or a parcel from my home. I shared the parcel with my mates, and we all wished you luck, and my God be with you till we meet again.
I will draw my letter to a close by wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year when it comes. Give my best love to all.”
