Dearest Rosaline,
October 28, 1915
I hope this letter finds you well, my darling girl. The sun rises and sets here in a blur. I can hardly believe you are nearing your fifteenth birthday! It feels like only yesterday I held you in my arms.
I am so proud of the young woman you are becoming. Your kindness and laughter must bring warmth to our home, especially as your mother is busy with work. Please tell her to take care of herself; I worry about her carrying all the burdens alone.
It’s been pretty slow on the front. Mostly digging more trenches. We’re told that we’ll go into battle tomorrow. I count the days until I can be with you again, to celebrate your birthday and see the smiles on your faces. Keep shining bright, my little sunshine.
With all my love,
Father
——
My Dearest Louise,
December 26th, 1915
Tonight, we managed to gather as a battalion in a small makeshift hall. A few of us brought whatever rations we could spare, and we shared a simple meal of hardtack and whatever we could scrounge. It wasn’t much, but we filled the room with laughter and stories, reminiscing about the Christmases we had known. As I listened to the others speak of their families, I realized how lucky I am to have you waiting for me. Even in this strange place, surrounded by miles of mud and wire, the thought of you fills me with a sense of peace.
One of the soldiers had a small tin whistle, and he played a few carols. I could almost see you dancing in the living room. How I wish I could be there to share the warmth of the season with you!
Merry Christmas,
Leo
——
My Dearest Louise,
July 1, 1916
Each day feels like an eternity without you by my side. Your letters are my only comfort, and I savor every word.
The past few weeks have been brutal; we suffered heavy losses during the recent attack on the German lines. The commander spoke of our next move; we have received orders to advance toward the front line again. I can’t help but feel apprehensive after our last offensive, where we faced significant losses. I pray for your safety and the girls’ well-being, for the battles we face here are unforgiving.
Please give our little one a kiss for me and tell Rosaline that I love her. My heart aches for you all, and I long for the day when I can return home to you.
Always yours,
Leo
——
My Sweet Louise,
August 30th, 1916
The assault on the German trenches began at dawn. As we advanced, it became clear that our forces were overwhelmed. Many of my brothers-in-arms did not return. Please send my condolences to Georgina, losing her husband must’ve been hard. Tell her that he was doing his job well and we made sure to give him a proper burial.
The moment we went over the top, the air was thick with smoke and the deafening roar of artillery. We charged across no man’s land, but the mud clung to our boots, slowing us down as shells burst around us, throwing up earth and shrapnel. The barbed wire that we were supposed to clear was barely touched, and many were caught in it, screaming for help as the machine guns raked the field. I took cover in a crater, and from there, I saw Peter fall just a few yards ahead of me. I couldn’t get to him, Louise, I swear I tried. The barrage was too intense, and I had to press forward when the whistles blew again. The memory of it haunts me now, and I wonder how many more of us will have to make that same desperate run before this war is over.
Forever yours,
Leo
——
My Beloved Rosaline,
October 15, 1916
Your birthday is soon approaching, and I wish I could be there to celebrate. I imagine the cake your mother would bake, the laughter we would share, and the joy of being together again.
But I must tell you that the last battle was a devastating blow to our forces. We were pushed back, and now the enemy holds the line. Orders have come down, and I fear that I will have to go into battle again soon, this time without the strength of my comrades beside me. My dearest Rosaline, I hope this letter never has to be sent. But if it does, it might be the last.
Love you forever,
Leo
Photograph from Jeffrey Jiang
Article by Dharaneeswar