8th Sept 1943

Another long day on the front. We lost two good men today. Pvt James "The Carpenter" Woods and Pvt Dylan "Espresso" Martini. We did not manage to recover either of the bodies as they were scattered around us in pieces. Corp Derek Jones was not impressed when he found "Espresso" in his brew. We made good progress as we flanked around the eastern lines. Pvt Victor Denley destroyed a whole enemy garrison with one spray of his Browning LMG. What a moment. I could faintly hear Pvt James Shorts shouting with delight as those bastards were shredded to pieces. The ringing in my ears is getting worse. Sugar butty for tea again.

I carry the echoes of battle in my mind. Everyday sounds trigger memories of the front lines, where camaraderie and fear intertwined. The scent of diesel or a distant firework transports me back, a reminder of a past that refuses to fade. Life after war is a delicate dance between embracing the present and navigating a haunting past.

Dear Julie,

I'm in the trenches and you wouldn't believe the smell of Vic's feet - send my love to Timmy and Jimmy,

All the best,
Shorts

Dear Mom,

Been out to the front again, saw a lot of blood and mud. Got the trench foot. Tell Pa I love him.

Yours sincerely,
Vic

Proud member of this survivor group!