The County of Middlesex War Hospital

Napsbury near St. Albans.

Sept 18th 16

Dear Mother:-

As you will see by the above address I have made Blighty all right. I landed at Dover this morning and sent to this hospital. I am now quite well, thanks, for some time.

Our brigade made an advance on the 15th and when we were digging in a sniper got me through the flesh on my hip. I bandaged it up and the sergeant major took my name and told me to go back with one of the runners. When we got about 300 yards back another sniper got the runner through the thigh. When I caught up with the runner the same sniper got me through the left forearm, smashing it up some. We both flopped into a shell hole but I could do nothing for the runner and he could do nothing for me so we both crawled back to a trench which was occupied by another battalion where I got bandaged up with some field dressings and had splints tied with my puttees. Fritz started to shell the trench pretty heavy so one of the boys told me I'd better take another chance on getting out as that trench was getting knocked to pieces. I crawled out and beat it as fast as I could go. I had to stop once or twice but at last got back to our old front line and managed to walk out although I was pretty groggy.

I got back to the horse ambulances who handed me over to the motors who took me to the dressing station where I got my arm fixed up properly and my hip dressed. I was put on the motor ambulances again and was taken to the casualty clearing station where I stayed a day. I was put on a train late at night and woke up at Boulogne where we'd landed exactly a year before. Stayed at a hospital near Boulogne and was put on the boat at night.

I woke up at Dover this morning and had a very pleasant journey via Canterbury, Chatham and Hendon. Among some of the sights seen I might mention the famous flying ground at Hendon and some women porters in long pants with whom we had a brisk conversation.

Well I've just had to stop for supper. Everything looks pretty good to me. This is a swell place. I shall have to write and let Dad and Syd know I am O.K. Syd wasn't back yet when I left so I guess he will be O.K.

Well dear you will have to excuse this writing as I cannot hold the paper still. You'd better pass this letter on as it will save me writing any more long worded letters. Tell the kids to drop us a line. Give my love to all and grab off a little yourself.

Jack

M. C. Ward

Be sure and put the above on your letters.

J.R.