Letter · 3 Nov 1917 · Flanders Fields, Belgium
Revenge for a mate's death
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)
Extracts from this letter
"At 5.55 am the word came ‘Get Ready!’ Just once I looked at my loaded rifle, just once I thought of Home…"
"The scene as we moved forward was awful but magnificent, I shall never forget it. Of all that happened the... I have only a hazy recollection but I was mad & out to kill."
"More than one German paid the price of poor old Wills' life that day & it was with a feeling of fiendish joy that I used that rifle and bayonet."
