Letter · 27 Mar 1916 · In Egypt somewhere, Egypt
Duty first
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 know it is hard for you to wait & be patient but Pray for me. That is all you can do and you know by experience that God answers Prayers. I am quite ready to go forward & do my very best and I am not afraid, I have a clean conscience"
"This life brings out the very best in a man and it is my earnest desire to work hard & do my utmost. It is all we have to live for and the responsibility is great. I work hard every day & take an interest in my work just as if it was my last day. I long to do all things well and I find also that it is so easy to do little kind actions for the boys around me. A smile & light word & a little encouragement go such a long way - make all the difference in our lives and it is so satisfactory to feel that you have done some one some good..."
"By the time you receive this letter I hope to be in thick of it"
"Dear old Chum I will be glad to get home again see you all but I must do my duty first and then I will be happy. You may rest assured if the chance comes my way I will try & earn the V.C. & be a credit to you all. Oh it is grand to feel that one is being trained to do his bit. There are so many ways of doing it."
