A note on the letters. The transcripts may include abbreviations or spelling inconsistencies and errors. We have chosen to transcribe the letters as they appear so that they are an accurate reflection of John Oldfield’s style and personality. We have also included his original page numbering. Where language is used that we would deem offensive, those words have been replaced with XXX.
Dear mum, Daddy & jum.
We got our first batch of letters from home late last night – one dated 3rd Dec in a green envelope from M. -Daddy one posted 5th. From mum and one from mum the same day and smiths letter posted on 6th. I was proud to hear all your news and I will try and get a letter off to-night – this is just to let you know your letters arrived. By the way, it’s Oldfield esq. is quite right, then Headquarters, 5th Division, B.E.F. France – this will reach me now.
Am very busy doing all sorts of jobs but will tell you all about everything to-night. I hope by now you will have got my last letter. A good idea from now on is to give each letter a serial number so that I can see whether any have gone astray. I will do the same and call this 1.
Must fly dears – as I want to send this off this morning.
Will write to-night.
All love
Jonny
J B Oldfield