Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954)(about) |
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Saturday 29 December 1917
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FIGHTING IN FRANCE
A LETTER FROM PRIVATE STJTTIE.
Jlr Win. Suttie, of Greta, and former ly of the Imperial Hotel, Singleton, has received the following letter from his son, Pte. Wm. Suttie, with the Austra-
lian Imperial Forces in France: — "Since writing last we have been ?over the top.' I can assure you. It was seven of the roughest days I have put in since coming to France. The morning we 'hopped' the bags' was cold and wet, and the imud was something awful. We were up to the waist in some places, and had to pull each other out. In spite of the weather we got to .our objective, but had to go back a few hundred yards on account of the left flank not getting up. Well, when we got there, I was the only signaller left in H.Q., and on account of losing all our signalling gear, and having the lamp which I was carrying smashed, I had to carry ali messages on foot. It was a rough job, but I got through all right. You will be surprised to hear I have been recommended. I might hear no more about it, but still there is a chance. As soon as I find out I will lot you know. On our way over I came across a full Fritz equipment, so I stopped and went through it. I 'sal vaged' a nice little automatic revolver, a dagger, a Prussian Guard's belt, and a pair of beautiful field glasses. Later on I got half buried, lost the belt, and had the glasses smashed to pieces. I still have the revolver and dagger, and intend sending them home first chance. After doing our seven days we came Cut, and didn't we have a time! They looked after us better than ever they had done before. When we arrived in camp we got an extra big issue of runt for a start, then a hot meal, and into bed. Wasn't it great to stretch out amongst the warm blankets after spend ing a week in a shell hole half full of mud and water, and not being able to sleep for the cold. Those of us who were left were like school kids, ?o pioased were we getting out of such a God-forsaken place. Bert (Watson) finished up in charge of the company, and has been recommended. I think he will get the D.C.M.—at least, he de serves it. "Jamie Coe was company-runner, and went over with mc. About half-way across he got shot through tlie chest. I cut his gear off and pulled him into a shell hole. He lived for about half an hour, but I knew there wes no hope for Mm, so I did what I could and stayed with him as long as possible. He told i mc to take his pocket-book out and send
it home. I did so, and am sending it :dong with a letter to his people in Singleton. On my way back with a message I came past the spot where I left him, but he had died. The day after we came out I met Billy Smith. Tie told mc Abe was somewhere about, iso we. went to look for him, and after a long search we found him at last, and by the time we finished there were 15 ot" us Greta boys together. I had a yarn with Bill Dimmock and Sam Bill has got so stout that I hardiy knew him. "Well, it is all over for the time be ing, thank goodness, and we arc far away from the noise Of the guns. We are out for a good spell and I am going to make the 'best of it. It is getting 'cold here now, plenty wind and rain. We have had a terrible lot of rain this ye:ir compared with last. It does not affect us much, however; we have good billets, plenty blankets, and not much extra work. We are in a quiet little French village where there is .peace and quietness and nothing to worry us. At night time we go to the 'Estaminet,' sit alongside the fire, drink coffee and argue the point."