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208200 Pte. Robert Henry Earl British Army 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers from:Workington (d.13 April 1917) My husband's great uncle who died 13 April 1917 in France. Here is a poem he sent to his local paper from the front: "Doing your Little Bit" 'When the Allemans blow off your hat, or helmet with a crump When the ariel torpedoes scarcely give you time to jump: When you're always in the hottest place, and never have no luck: ... ... When the whizz-bangs come so thick you haven't time to duck: When trench mortars, bombs and shrapnel seem to have a love for you: When trying to retaliate other guns shell you too: When you hear the bullets singing, and your head they nearly hit: Never mind but just remember, you are doing your little bit. When you're sleeping on a firestep, with your blanket soaking wet When the mud is in your eyes and mouth and in your hair you bet, When the rain comes through your dug out roof and drips down on your nose When your feet are blinking icebergs, and you cannot feel your toes When the neighbours in your shirt are dancing....... Sadly I dont have details of the end of the poem, but it paints a picture of life on the front Another letter he wrote to the West Cumberland Times 28/9/1916 Dear Sir, Just a few lines to let you know that I am back in the firing line again, and hoping that it won't be long before the war is over. I was very sorry that I was not in li...ne when you sent me the grand parcel of Old Toms: I was hit three days before the landed and I was along day down the line by then. My platoon Sergeant told me that he shared them among my platoon so you can see that they did not get lost. I don't think it will be long before I am down the line again for when I walk any way fast the piece of shrapnel that is in my thigh gives me stick. Wishing you and all the readers of the 'Star' every success. My sergeant and all my platoon send their best wishes to all the town people who support the 'Star' Smoke Fund. Good Night and best of luck to you all Robert is buried in Feuchy Chapel British cemetery Pas de Calais France. We visited his grave in 2009. Such a moving experience Please type your message:      We recommend you copy the text about this item and keep a copy on your own computer before pressing submit. Your Name:             Email Address:       @ **Please put first part of your email, (before the @ sign) in the first box, and the second part in the second box. Do not include @, it is automatic. Do not enter your full email in each box or add an @ sign or random spaces.**