Letter · 3 Nov 1917 · Flanders Fields, Belgium
Mentally preparing to advance
Citation for Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM): 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. He led a small party on his own initiative to fill a gap between his company and another unit. He rushed a pill-box which was inflicting casualties on two battalions and captured thirty prisoners and three machine guns. He showed the greatest initiative and courage throughout.' (London Gazette, 26 November 1917)
Extract from this letter
"You may wonder what my thoughts were as I waited for the order to advance. You may ask, 'Was I scared?' 'Did I see my past life come before me?' 'Did I repent many sins committed?' As I waited there in the darkness of the hour before dawn on that morning I had a strange feeling of perfect confidence that I would be safe."
