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Pte. Robert William "Geordie" Murray
British Army 9th (Service) Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers
from:Elswick
I have two letters from Robert Murray (Geordie) which have survived, both are undated, but I think are around Christmas 1917.
Dear Mother, Just a few lines to know that I am getting on alright and keeping in the best of health and spirits. You will also be very pleased to know that I have been recommended for the Military Medal in the big advance last week. I came through alright and had some narrow escapes. I have received 1 postal order and two letters with tabs in and I was very pleased when I got them. You say that you have sent two postal orders but I have received only one. I will make enquiries about it you want to go to the post office with the number and you will get the money back. I am also waiting for another parcel as I haven't tasted bread for over a week we have been on biscuit rations. You have sent one last Friday and I think I will get it in a day or two's time. We are out of the trenches for a well earned rest after our famous victory perhaps you have read it in the papers. Well I don't think I can get my photo taken as there is no place to get it taken here. I think Reggie Lang must be swinging the lead I think he will be enjoying himself. I think he must be shell shocked.
Dear Father, Just a few words to let you know I am getting on champion and that I got a registered letter that you sent with the five shillings in. It came in very handy as I was skinned at the time. We are still out of the trenches we are going back on the 28th of this month. I have enjoyed myself a treat the time I have been out, we had a whist drive for matches and we had a supper the other night. We had rabbits, geese and plum pudding, it reminded me of the old days. I played two matches for our battalion we won one and lost one, we beat D company of our battalion 7-2 and I had the pleasure of scoring three goals. The machine gun corps beat us 2-1 with the other match. We all had new strips we played in black and red shirts and white pants the same colour Blaydon school played in. We are having a very quiet Xmas here I hope you are having a better one in England. I wonder if Newcastle are playing on Monday I would like to see them playing Sunderland again. I have seen Tommy Rickaby and Dinning they have been transferred to the Irish, I think they will have had enough of it by now. Rickaby has went down a lot since he was wounded, I met him at the YMCA. Well I think I will have to close now wishing you a merry Xmas and a very happy new year from your loving son Bob.
