Letters between John Simpson Kirkpatrick and his Family, 1915 - Part 8 of 8

14 Bertram St 
So Shields 
June 15th 15 
  
Dear Jack, 
As it was mail day &  
mother was writing I just thought  
I would write you a few lines to try 
& cheer you up.  Even if  is not very  
long I know you will appreciate it.   
How are you keeping?  I expect you  
will be kept very busy tending the  
wounded as I see by the papers 
that there is a very heavy casualty 
list for the Dardanelles.  Oh! if only  
this terrible war was finished, for 
it seems dreadful to think that so  
many fine, healthy young men have to  
be used as fodder for guns.  The 

brave Australians have lost very heavily  
too.  There are some splendid accounts  
in the papers of their daring & bravery.   
Mother & I have sent you a box  
of 50 Woodbines on chance with this  
mail, so I hope you get them  
alright & I needed say I hope for 
I know you will enjoy them &  
think of mother & I at home safe  
while you are just out there in the  
middle of danger.  But you were  
always of a brave & sturdy nature,  
so I don't suppose you ever think  
of danger.  I am registering the  
parcel to ensure you getting them  
if not they will be returned back  
to me.  But I do hope you get  
them.  Mother is keeping a bit  
better just now but of course you are  

forever in her thoughts & she can't  
be happy.  I am keeping fine now  
I only wish I knew for certain  
that you were just as well.   
Now dear Jack I haven't any more  
to say just now, but will write  
again this week.  So with love  
from your mother & myself & praying  
for your safe return home again 
I remain 
Your ever loving sister 
Annie 
P.S. 
We would like a few lines in  
your handwriting if you could  
spare the time dear Jack. 
Goodnight lad, & God protect  
you for you poor old mother's sake,  
for Oh Jack! how we do love you. 

Enclosed you will find you  
packet of tabs. 
I do hope the censor will be kind enough  
to let you have them.  He will if he can I  
know.