OSE WWI Transcriptions from the Archives

23: C. C. Prior – Adstock Manor, Bucks. – 01 Jun 1915 Dear Mr Sing,

So very many thanks to you for writing to me, and also for your kindness in writing to Mother about me. I am much better now, my foot being practically all right and my nerves very much quieter. However, a Board of doctors decided yesterday that I was unfit for any military service for at least 1 month. So, I am to go quietly and ‘slack’ for a bit. They strongly advised angling, so I went and bought a new rod on the strength of it. I hate sudden noises, which make me feel very sick and I get tired very easily, otherwise I feel quite well. I got on very well out there and never had any difficulty with men or anything else. The men always acted in these awful first 10 days of May, as if they were on parade at home. I see Cardew [OSE] is wounded and missing, afterwards unofficially prisoner of war, I hope they treat him well. I was hit in the heel; the shrapnel tearing the boot and only contusing the heel, also in the back by a “Vimmy piece” which did not get into my coat but tore my mackintosh. Twice I was buried alive and once knocked down by a shell into a 7 foot hole. So, I have something to be very thankful for and I am. My friend got both his arms very badly broken. It is very sad; he played the piano simply like a dream. My poor good servant got hit in the leg 5 weeks ago when doing some of my work. He had I suppose been instrumental in saving my life on more than one occasion and it was a very bitter day when he went. I dressed his wound and there were no complications set in. I went over to Bury to see him, and he seemed very well but weak for he bled for a week and then was in bed for 3 weeks. His successor was hit by my side his leg being simply shattered by shell and he has now lost it. They were both good fellows and both would willfully have risked their lives to save mine. I wonder if it is the same all through the army. The Daily Mail has done a splendid work about H. E. [High Explosive] shells – the army owe them a debt of gratitude. Every word they say is true. Please remember me to Miss Sing and thanking you again for your kindness. I remain, Yours sincerely, Charles C. Prior 9. A & S. H & S.

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