Letter · 9 May 1916 · Flanders Fields, Belgium
A new baby
Harry Norton was killed in action on 15 September 1916, at Flanders. His family were not informed of his death for 5-6 weeks, and continued to write to him. Their letters were returned marked with 'deceased'. Harry wrote to his wife everyday - his letters are very descriptive and personal.
Extracts from this letter
"I am dreadfully homesick and full of it, being so far away"
"I have not had any word or cable yet from you about the 'New Recruit' [birth of baby]. I do hope you are well, and all has gone well."
"Dearie, I have written so far in this letter as Husband & father. Now I must write as a soldier. You know dear when I joined the 'Colours' I had to sacrifice you & the children, your love & my love for King & Country. I felt it was my duty & I do not regret it. I think every man must do the same and do his bit with all his might. If he is a man he will give up all to do his duty. Oh, it is hard."
"I had prayed & thought over it, and found it was the right thing to do. If I had not come, I would have felt guilty all my life. I know Dear wife, it made things very hard for you, especially in your state of health and the 'wee one' coming too, and I left such a lot of responsibilities on you, but I know with your Strength of Character, that you could do it, and so I trusted you Chum..."
