OSE WWI Transcriptions from the Archives

17: N. B. Hudson – B.E.F. [British Expeditionary Force], France – 05 Apr 1916 My Dear Mr Sing, It seems ages since I last wrote to you. I hope you will forgive me. I have really been rather bust lately. We have moved out of our last trenches and are now the southernmost of the British Army. Culham [OSE] and I have at last met some people, with whom we were at school. We went to hear Father Waffet, who is chaplain to a neighbouring brigade, preach the other Sunday, and met the most recent Hobb[s] [Eric, OSE]. I cannot quite place him, but I think I was at school with him. Of course, he at once thought I was Eric, and that Arthur was Tom. He told us Bernard Driver [OSE] was transport officer to his Batt [Battalion]: so next day we went and had tea with him. It was really great meeting some people from school, especially as there are so many out here, and we have never met them up to now. Our trenches run thru’ a village and in the graveyard is the grave of Dr E.E.A. Collison. I wonder if that is the fellow who was at school. I have an idea it is. Perhaps you could tell me. I suppose you saw the death of Standen [OSE] and Fairweather [OSE]. I was very sick indeed about [their deaths]. They were both most excellent fellows. I have – owing to casualties etc. – now been transferred to another Company, of which for the last month I have been in charge. As I only have two officers it makes pretty hard work. Of course, I don’t see so much of Arthur, which I miss very much, tho’ I can always see a certain amount of him. This name has gone in for Captaincy, but if, or when, I shall get it I really don’t know, and honestly don’t care. Tho’ of course the money side is always a consideration! We are having a pretty quiet time except that half an hour ago 10 heavy shells burst round my dugout, which was extremely unpleasant!! A man has just been brought in suffering from shell shock. He was “all of a shake, sir”!! As a matter of fact, I think it was a genuine case! I must stop and have dinner. Please write soon. My kindest regards to Miss Sing, please. Yours affectionately, Noel B. Hudson

51