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Our Roll of Honour. I
Our Roll of Honour. I 44 He who fights well without being killed has not only more good fortune than those who lie dead on the field; he has also the same moral worth. The man who is hit is to be lamented. But he has no precedence over the sur- vivor. "—German soldier. We here publish what we hope will eventually be a complete list of all those patriotic and praiseworthy men of East Carmarthenshire who are doing military service for the welfare of the nation and the safety of the British Empire. We shall be glad to receive intimation of the names of those numerous young men who have enlisted from this part of the county at recruit- ing stations beyond the possible sphere of our enquiries. We shall be glad also of the names of allamen who have been called up from the district to join the Colours, with particulars, if any, of their pre- vious service with His Majesty' s Forces, or of their ordinary occupation, the Regiments or the Ships they have joined, or are joining, together with any other items that may be of interest. No detail need be too insignificant to notice. Letters from the Front will be wel- comed, as well as particulars of all promotions from Lance-Corporal up- wards, and the names and addresses of men who come home on leave. All communications should be ad- dressed to the Editor. A mman V alle Chronicle and East Carmarthen News, Quay Street, Ammanford. RECRUITED IN AUGUST, 1915.1 James Mansfield, Llandilo Road, Brynamman, 3rd Welsh Regiment. Frank Murphy, Penybank House. Brynamman, 3rd Welsh Regiment. Thomas Williams, Uskdale, Bryn Avenue, Brynamman, A.S.C. Stanley Robert Fox, 6. Pentwyn Road. Ammanford, 15th Batt. Welsh. Alfred Richard Maidment, Leices- ter House, Station Road, Brynamman, A.S.C. Frank Wilson, Wooolwich, London, A.S.C. Willie Thomas. Ivy Villa, Fferws Hill, Ammanford, A.S.C. Thomas Bona, 2. Field Street, Ammanford. Depot Welsh Regiment. I William Davies, Margaret Street, Ammanford, Depot Welsh Regiment. Willie Williams, Deslwyn Arms, Brynamman, Royal Flying Corps. John Henry Morgan, Rhuddlan House, Dyffryn Road, Ammanford, R.A.M.C. Evan Thomas Howells, Aarli wydnd House, Waunariwydd, R.A.M.C. William Ambrose. Maerdybach, Llandilo, 3rd Welsh Regiment. Gwilym Evans, Ynvsbont, Upper Cwmtwrch, 3rd Welsh Regiment. Thomas Williams, Violet Villa, Fferws Hill, Ammanford, A.S.C. James Shingler, 35, Harold Street. Ammanford, P.I.Y. Phillip Smith, Pentrebedw, Morris- ton, A.S.C. William Saunders, 1, Paddock Sct., Llanelly, R.F.A. William McGrane, Rose Villa, Llandebie, 12th Batt. Welsh Regt. Gomer Phillips, Woodlands, Glan- amman, A.S.C. John Price. Workmens Rest, Ammanford, 12th Batt. Welsh Regt. Hubert Sydney Stock, 3, Norman Road, Ammanford, A.S.C. Jos. Thomas, Southgate, Henllys Lodge, Llandovery, R.F.A. Henry David Thomas, 26, High Street, Llandovery, R.F.A. Ernest Morris, Armley Road, Leeds, South Lanes. Regiment. Thos. Price, King's Road, Llan- dovery, 12th Batt. Welsh Regimes. Jonah Rees Williams, Ffrwd Villa, Glanamman, R.A.M.C. < Leonard Williams, Hawthorn v ilia, Glanamman, R.A.M.C. William Thomas, Cwmlleddau, Ammanford, R.A.M.C. William Rees, Tanner' s Road, Rhayader, Welsh Guards. Robert Coleman, 6, Llwyncelyn Terrace, Penybank, Ammanford, R.A.M.C. Jas. Godfrey Phillips, Melbourne House, New Road, Llandovery, A.O.C. Ernest Geo. Pratt, Ddolgug, Cross Hands, R.A.M.C. Martin Luther Evans Bromfield Villa, Palace Avenue, Llanelly, 12th Batt. Welsh Regiment. Bartlett Bath, 13 Pemberton St Llanelly, 12th Batt. Welsh Regiment. Morgan Davidson, 4. Newcastle Hill, Bridgend, 3rd Welsh Regiment. Formerly 2nd Welsh. t T ram Roa d Daniel Rankin. 11, Tram Road, Pontypridd, 3rd Welsh Regiment. Formerly Ayr and Galloway Volun- teers. te Thos. Jones, Round Lodge, Llan- dovery, A.S.C. Previously 2nd Dragoons. David Griffiths, Windsor House, Cwmllynfell, R.A.M.C. Jonathan Evans, 23, Woodland Ter- race, Cross' Hands, 19th (Pioneer) Welsh. David Isaac Jones, Nantyglyn, Glyn Road, Brynamman, R.A.M.C. John Llewelyn Vaughan, 5, Evans Terrace, Glanamman, R.A.M.C. Alfred Adams, Pleasant View, Gapel Hendre, South Lanes. Regt. RECRUITED IN SEPTEMBER, 1915. John Henry Jones, Nantymelyn House, Brynamman, R.F.A. Walter Ewart Morgan, Carmarthen House, Bettws, Ammanrord, R.F.A. Pritchard Jones, Rose and Crown Inn, Rhosamman, R.F .A. Alfred John Landen, I, St. Michael' s Terrace, Torquay, 3rd Welsh Regiment. Vivian Morgan, Cartrefclyd, Moun- tain Road, Brynamman, Seaforth High- landers. Albert Haydn Williams, 4, Emlyn Terrace, Penygroes, Welsh Guards. Jas. Battye, 19, Tinman's Row, Brynamman, South Lanes. Regiment. William John Davies, Hendrelas, Capel Hendre, 20th Batt. Welsh Regiment. Arthur Albert Gaunt, Penlan Farm, Llansawel, Welsh Guards. Wm. Rufus Griffiths, 9, Glyn Road, Brynamman, Seaforth High- landers. Morgan Morgan, J, Park Lane, Brynamman, Seaforth Highlanders. Evan Llewelyn, 20, Tinman's Row, Brynamman, Seaforth Highlanders. William Phillips, 15, Bank Build- ings, Llandilo, 19th (Pioneer) Welsh Regiment. William Burge. 8, Bapk Buildings, Llandilo, 19th (Pioneer ) Welsh Regt. Thomas Jones, Brynderwen House. Garnant, R.F.A. Formerly in R.E. Thos. Williams, Chestnut House, Broad Street, Llandovery, R.F.A. Wm. David Owens, 2, Maerdy Road, Bettws, Ammanford, 20th Batt. Welsh Regiment. Ernest Harwood, Plasywenol Farm, Llanwrda, South Lanes. Regiment. George Bennett, Royal Oak Farm, Llanwrda, South Lanes. Regiment. Thomas Candy, Talygarn Farm, Llangadock, South Lanes. Regiment. David Price Lewis, Sunny Bank, Llansawel, 12th Batt. Welsh Regt. Herbert Slott, 20. Pantyffynnon Road, Ammanford, Welsh Regiment. RECRUITED IN OCTOBER, I 1915. Up to the 16th, only eleven recruits had presented themsel ves.
D (Llandilo) Co. Team, 4th…
D (Llandilo) Co. Team, 4th Batt. Welsh Regt. I Winners of Sladen Cup & Stepney Cup and Medals, Welsh Rifle Association, 1908. I [Photo Williams, L'.a.idrio.] Sst. T. DAVIES. Corpl. W. O. JONES. Sgt. G. GRIFFITHS. Pte. T.jC. LEWIS. Lt. T. C. THOMAS. Lc.-Corpl. j. MORGANS. (Has been reported killed, (Now Sergeant.) (Now Capt.) Sergeant, and afterwards as wounded.) Reported woundsd.) Sladen Cup for Snap-shooting at 150 yds. Stepney Cup & Gold Medals for Team Shooting at 290, 500, and 600 yds.
TERRIBLE BOMBARDMENT, I
TERRIBLE BOMBARDMENT, I A SAILOR'S LETTER. I The following is a copy of a letter 1 received by Mr. D. Lowe. Lower Brynamman, from his son, Gunner W. Lowe. R.M.A.R.. H.M.S. Prince George, c/o G.P.O., London:— Aug. 3rd. 1915. Dear Mother and Father,—I am again taking the pleasure of writing you a few lines, trusting they will find o u a few liies. trust ilo, you both quite well and happy; also Bessie and family. Glad to say I am quite sound and safe so far, and I thank God for it. though we have had some very narrow escapes in our ex- citing and dangerous task in fighting the Turks since we have been up the Dardanelles. We have been kept busy at it since we left England last Feb- ruary, and yet there is a bit of more severe fighting and sacrifice of life before we will see the end of it out here. Still, we have every hopes of the end being in sight before long., During the time I have been out here I have seen some terrible sights, which 'I can hardly describe to you here. Two days in particular will never be for- gotten as long as I lfte; also all who survive this great war and witnessed the terrible bombardment, which was the greatest in history the world has ever known. the 18th of March, when three ships were sunk, two of ours and one French. The French ship was close to us, and we witnessed her sinking and also saved the survivors that were struggling in the water. Roughly. about 62 were saved out of about ¡OO; and to make matters wotse, the Turks were firing at our boats as we were trying to save them. Then there was the glorious 25th of April, when our troops landed. That was, m my opinion, worse than the 18th, as our brave comrades were shot down before they could get out of the boats, and the Turks were mowing them down with their guns, which were hidden in rocks and s hrubs. Many a hero lies buried under Turkish soil to-day that landed and attempted to land from the boats. Still, they volunteered for deatip, and by their sacrifice they enabled their comrades to gain a looting; and those that did soon avenged their comrades' death by slaughtering the Turks right and left. They got them on the run at the point of the bayonet. It was the most daring and fiercest fighting ever known in this war, as our troops had to keep fighting day and night without rest to keep the Turks going. Our ships were firing big guns, blowing forts, guns and Turks sky high. It was an awful sight, and we are thankful that we escape so well. We have been in action 30 times, and the Turks have dropped a few shells into us. but they have only done very slight damage. We have given them a few thousand, and some ternble damage to them as well. So, dear father and mother, I shall not worry you with any more of my trouble and experience- I could fill a big book with it all-but hope some day to be able to talk to you about it (if God spares me). I am enclosing you a photo postcard with mine amongst them. You must look for a chap with whiskers on, as I was on land for a while in khaki, and the Turks were dropping shells over us daily, and we could not get much chance to do our toilet. Hoping this letter will find you all well; and I sliould be very pleased to hear from you soon again. My best love and [wishes to you both; also Bessie and family, and Alice and family, who, I I trust, are also quite well.-I remain, your loving and affectionate son. Willie. Best wishes to Maggie and all Brynamman friends."
RAT HUNTING IN THE TRENCHES.I
RAT HUNTING IN THE TRENCHES. I CHATTY LETTER FROM FRANCE. I The following letter has been re- ceived from Quarter-Master T. F. James, of College Street, Ammanford, and Conservative agent for East Car- marthenshire, by Councillor D. Mor- gan, White Horse Hotel, Llandilo:- My inspiration has always been great and ready to write to you, and my pencil swift to respond; but oppor- tunity has not presented itself until this moment. Doubtless you have already learned from brother Burgess that I arrived safely in France, and was soon conveyed with my battalion 'n trucks similar to goods and cattle trucks to the zone of battle. How our hearts went up in praise when we realised, after a twelvemonths' hard training, that we were at last face to face with the Huns, with bayonets sharpened, plenty of ammunition and bombs, and, what is all-important, stout hearts and willing hands; overflowing with grit and determination to do our whack for Old England and the loved ones at home. As you would imagine, men who have not been subject to fire before have a strange sensation in going to the firing line. We all had this feel- ing, but not accompanied with any feeling of fear. The boys went smiling, full of confidence, and with a strong feeling cemented in their hearts that at all times would they live and fight to uphold the traditions of our regiment, the Welsh, and to fight like men, to number in the roll of millions who are helping to keep and maintain the glories of our Empire. After our arrival near the fighting line, when all were tired and had anchored down for the night in a wood, the order came along secretly to pack up, and when I mean a pack it is enough for an ammunition mule. We were about to have our first experience in the trenches. The first trenches we took over were held by the French. They gave us a good reception, and were delighted to give us all information regarding the tactics of the Huns in the trenches 200 yards away. The Huns. with their usual keen eye to business, knew we were coming to relieve the French, for I the day prior to our arrival they kept on shouting to the French asking when the b- British were going to arrive, for they had stored nice presents in the way of shells for us. Little did they think that our artillery who were at- tached to us had equally good presents for them. HUNS GIVE A WELCOME." Wnen dawn came upon us we noticed the Huns had put up a board, which was kind of them, with the word Wel- come on it. This was soon a target for our bo £ 3, ^vvho immediately hit it to pieces. Lariy in tne morning, oetore we had our breakfast, the Huns com- menced giving us their promised recep- tion, sending all sizes of shells, bombs, and rifle ifre. We all got to work immediately and retaliated with con- siderable e ffect. Our artillery gave them the surprise of their lives by blow- ing their trenches to bits. No words of mine can show you the greatness and ability of our artillery; their fire is regular, effective, and most accurate, and from what I gather and see, are more than a match for the Huns. The evening of the same day as I refer to above, the Germans blew up some mines near the trenches of the South Wales Borderers, who were on our right. Immediately the mines exploded the Germans charged, only to be met with the bayonet and driven back by the Borderers. After holding these trenches for a week we were relieved, and went back to billets, in barns, stables and outhouses. These build- ings are roofless, having been bom- barded by the Germans in the early stages of the war. Our rest soon came to an end, and we were on the march again, taking over a new line of trenches, which we now hold. My battalion and the Royal Welsh Fusiliers are together in these trenches. Most of the artillery fighting is done in the evening or at dawn. The countryside quakes and is lighted up, as if it was day, when the big guns commence barking. How the boys delight to watch our artillery at work, for the shells come right over our heads in the trenches, and as they go on their errand of destruction to the German trenches the boys say, Another mes- sage to Fritz. We are now quite accustomed to trench life. We generally do seven days in the trenches and six days* rest, or supposed to be rest, in billets. These days of rest are generally busy days, for we have to dry our clothing, which is generally inches thick with mud; repair our clothes, clean rifles, and -oute marching to keep fit. The rest gives us opportunity to have a bath, quite a rare treat. Our bath consists of two biscuit tins. We put one leg in each tin, and do the best we can. I should like to see D. M. having a (urn in biscuit tins. DUEL IN THE AIR. I The trenches have many occupants who live rent and taxes free, with meals whenever they like, and are always found in the trenches and billets in France. These occupants are rats as large as rabbits, and thousands of them; beetles, mice, frogs, and lice. The rats attack the men' s rations, and often we have to put a guard with fixed bayonets to guard the rations. Need- less to say, the rats afford good sport for the boys. The only pity is we can- not stuff them with sage and onions when we are hungry. There is an ample supply of goodr food in the trenches. We have four meals a day, and steaming hot, and more so when it is accompanied by German artillery fire. All hours of the day do we watch our daring aviators, who fearlessly fly over the- German trenches. The Huns fire hun- dred of shells at them. I have seen as many as 120 shells explode near the aeroplanes, and still never touch them. The aeroplanes seem to turn round and laugh at them. Some time ago we wit- nessed a duel in the air between Ger- man aircraft and ours; we could see- the machine-guns which they carry spitting forth their fire. On this occa- sion the German was put out of action, and loud cheers went gaily through the air from our boys. We have had a few casualties. We lost one man the first night in the- trenches. He is buried on a slope near a wood, alongside the graves of many a gallant soldier. The regiment put up a wooden cross with his name and regi- ment and the Prince of Wales' feather, our badge, inscribed on it. All the roads, lanes and fields here are dotted with rough wooden crosses, marking the resting-place of those who have fought the good fight The French put the caps and bayonets of the brave ones on their graves, with the inscription, Here lies a brave son of France,' marked on a rough wooden cross. The graves of brave sons of England are well cared for. White to and from the trenches we often pass English, Scotch, and Irish regiments, and are always greeted by Stick it, the Weish.' and shouts of delight from Welshmen serving in. these regiments. It is, indeed, a cheer- ful sight to witness the meeting of two chums who have been parted for years, and who are brought together while fighting for the land they love. The villages near the firing line are in a pitiful plight. The houses and public buildings are almost level with the ground: houses are rootless, and some with simply the bare walls stand- ing. In the village near our trenches are a few old inhabitants. The younser generatiOil fly back to the interior for safety, but the old people refuse to move. A fellow-sergeant and I visited an old lady some days ago, whose ex- perience i3 quite a tragedy. There we found her, stricken with years, being about 70, sitting around a smouldering wood fire in her cottage, which was once her dear home, now simply three walls, devoid of anv furniture. She seems los, a'if reason. Her I band and two sons and daughter re hL:S b an6lt,,?'o sops ard daLP,, hter are ourieo logeiner in a grave opposite the cottage, 1:1 a field. They suffered dcaih at the hands of the Huns. who shot the two sons and father, who at- termed to save them. The daughter. poor- t¡!LJ. This makes me think how our loved one at home would be treated if ever the Huns got the chance, and it makes me hapoy sometimes when I think, at anv rate, I am doing my whacli for the homeland. I would much rather die a horribl dath than to think that any Britisher should meet such a death. (As I am writing, the Huns are at it again; the shells are bursting overhead). It is just after dinner time. I suppose they have had a good dinner, and are sending us the dessert. RATS AS BIG AS HARES! How are things going with you? I trust j. R. and Burgess are stiff strong supporters of a big Navy and Army, rum for the troops, and Tariff Reform. (Hope the reputation is being kept up of best calico and best vinegar in town). How often I think of you I all while in the trenches. I can pic- ture myself often with you all. I don't suppose I will have the honour of cele- brating New Year's Eve with you this year. How often do you go golfing and enjoy the refreshing tea at Tafam Bach? I wish D. M. was here with us last night and had his sporting gun and dogs with him; we have shooting rights and no license. We are swarm- ing with rats. A crowd of us went forth in the moonlight on our hunting expedition, led by our master cook. who is a great chap for fun. He keeps us going; we don't want to go to a music hall. However, armed with stout poles and an electric torch, we went after Mr. Rat. We soon came across hundreds of them and had fine sport. I could pick a good team from you to fight the rats, with D. M. and Ossie Jones as forwards, Dai and Taffy half-backs, J. R. and Duke on the- wing, and Burgess in goal. After our- rat hunting we sized them on a table- They were nearly as large as the haresr D. M. used to shoot at Gwynfe. After rat hunting the party's attention was drawn to our underclothing, which has considerable game. Again armed" with poles and an electric torch we had' great captures. It does not matter how often we wash and change, we are- always annoyed with lice. Not very pleasant, is it? To keep them away and to destroy them we use Keating's; powder, which we sprinkle over out underclothing, and Harris' pomade,, which we apply to the skin. If D. Mr was near he would soon sell out. I hope you are all keeping welL Give my kindest regards to all friends, including Mrs. Morgan and Monav Simon, Pencoed, &c. How is the weather with you?; We have had some heavy rains. Now it is very good, but is very cold af night, having white frost. How would' you like to get up in the morning and' find your bed and carpet which Dame Nature gave you-the ground—covered I with frost? I assure you it is nippy.- • — 1 mi iirrtrTilitf
I■_ j PEN i GROES SLACKERS.
■_ j PEN i GROES SLACKERS. I To the Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle. Sir,-Allrw me, with kind permis- sion, a small space in your paper. I am writing to you these few lires on behalf of my comrades who are doing their bit for their King and country somewhere in France. I am appealing to the slackers of Penygroes and dis- trict who can't afford to give thei: labour for Is. a day. Possibly, Ml. Editor, if they can't do that, they can subscribe between themselves a small sum to provide their fellow-comiades with a little comfort for the coming winter. We have seen some hard times cut heie, and nothing else is to be anticipated, with the cold winds of November and December soon on our heels. One morning last week, in the trenches, I had a few minutes spare tin c. I lc oked rcund some of the dug- outs for something to read, and the first paper I came across was the Amman Valley Chronicle. It was left there after some of my chums, I expect. I felt rather surprised to see that one of our chums, Johnny Bach Thomas, who was wounded in the recent fighting in the Dardanelles, has been home and back again. Needless to say, the slackers didn't even* make a smoking concert for him. If it was only a packet of fags, it will be better than nothing for him to enjoy on his journey. Pri- vate Evan Roberts, of Penygroes, has been wounded and a prisoner of war in German. I hope the Huns will show better comradeship than the Peny- groes. FROM THE BOYS IN FRANCE." I
I CWMAMMAN SURVEYOR'S EXPERIj…
CWMAMMAN SURVEYOR'S EXPERI- ENCES. I To the Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle. The following letter, addressed to Mr. H. Herbert, J.P., Brynmarlais, by Gilbert Davies, R.E., Surveyor of Cwmamman Urban Council, from Somewhere in Gallipoli, on August 17th, will be read with interest:— At last I am able to write you from the trenches, and as my supply of paper is not exceedingly plentiful, I shall have to economise by writing close and small, for our chances of replenish- ing are very remote. We left Bedford on July 18th and embarked for the South. After a voyage of about twenty days, and calling at several places en route, we eventually' got here and landed. The landing had already been forced-the third on the peninsula —so we disembarked in comparative peace. We had to stand off shore for a few hours, during which time the battleships close in shelled the surround- ing hills incessantly. The enemy s batteries were replying occasionally, so we may say our baptism of fire was re- ceived on the water. No damage was, however done. but on the contrary, it did us a lot of good by making us accustomed to the roar of the guns and the whizz of the shell just before the burst. I was left on the ship to bring off the stores, and when I got on shore about 11 p.m. there was no trace of the company, although we searched all round. There was only one thing to do. i.e., sleep on our stores where we stood and try again at dawn. Next morning we found the company miles away, and then we were told that we had been dumped down on the wrong beach. Under the circumstances, one hardly wonders that little things of this kind happen, and the best thing to do is to grin and bear it, or, as one of the landing officers told me. think of the humorous side of the matter. We had a few days at the base, putting our house in order and awaiting stores, and then were sent up to the firing line. I DIGGING IN. The journey up was a terror, and we only got about li miles up by day. As the shells were falling rather thickly aiong our way, we decided to lie down and wait for darkness. Off we went at a verv slow pace, loaded up with full packs, and also our tools and pro- visions to carry, and got here safely- having been sniped at all the way, and having to clear some of the open spaces at the double, owing to the attention given them by the enemy. On our arrival at our part of the line we imme- diately dug ourselves in. and some went to sleep. We were all tired, and were awakened about 3 a.m. by a furious fusillade all along the line. The firing continued continuously for about 20 minutes, and then ceased almost as sud- denly as it started. We thought the Turks were going to attack, but appa- rently they thought better of it, as all were alert. The jumpy ones soon settled down after this, and by to-day every one of the company is like a veteran under fire, and not a hair turns. I can hardly express one' s first impres- sion of being under fire, as it is a funny feeling, something like that one experi- ences on a premier journey underground, but also similarly it very soon wears I off. Since we arrived there has been no advance, only a consolidation of the line we now hold, and the R.E. work we have done so far is to improve the trenches, supervise the construction of them, level up detailed portions of the line, sink wells, protect existing ones, and generally control such matters. Most of the work has to be done at night, during which period we put in an 8—4.30 shift; but there is also a iot to do during the day as well. Furious bursts of firing go on frequently during the night and day. and sniping goes on constantly. The enemy's snipers are very daring, but poor shots, on the whole. They get up into the trees, and even paint themselves the coiour of the foliage to avoid detection. During the night they approach some- times within 50 yards of our trenches and blaze away, and then take up a different position to resume their solos on the rifle when our return fire has ceased. The mere showing of a head during the dav immediately draws a hurricane of bullets, whilst at night they have their rifles trained on to various parts of the line, and they auto- matically charge the magazine and pull the trigger on the off chance of catch- ing someone. I BATH IN A BUCKET. I h they were anytnmg like decent shots they would have done lots more damage, considering the amount of ammunition they expend. Life in the trenches is not at all bad after settling down to it. The biscuits may be hard, but there are plenty of them, and when soaked for about 30 minutes in tea they are quite eatable. Bully beef, jam, onions, and compressed potatoes form the menu. and with a little judicious mixing we make a fine stew, rather original in taste. Tobacco and cigar- ettes sometimes come up. but as with many other luxuries they often get lost.' With us. water is plentiful, but it has to be rigorously controlled. To-day I had the first fresh water bath since landing, and considering that the bath was a canvas bucket, I pride my- self that I'made a neat job of it. Any- way, I feel far fresher after it. The troops in the trenches are periodically relieved, but we shall stay up con- tinuously and follow the advance, and take part in it. The surrounding coun- try is very much like that part of the Black Mountain near the Creigiau at Garnant, with the left of our line on the hill to the north and facing towards Pwll-du. The country is covered with a low scrub, with very few cultivated parts. The Turkish batteries are behind the crests in front of us, whi!st the enemy are in a hollow at the foot. Both sides are entrenched, so it is going to be a battle royal when it starts. The climate is fine, very hot during the day, but a nxe dry air which is very invigorat- ing. The only drawback is that a heavy dew falls between' 2 and 4 a.m., which soaks all through our clothing. We have -had no maii since we left Bedford, so have no idea how things are moving at home or in the country, or. as a matter of fact, anywhere but this little rustic spot. I hope you and all are quite well and as fit as I am. Up to the present we have only three chaps wounded-all slight. Everyone is in good health and in fine spirits. I never felt better in my life than now, and hope to go through all right. You must now be tired of this long epistle, but as I had time to-day, I thought it best to say all I had. Cofion goreu i bawb yn Brynmarlais ac ereill."
Letters from the Front. I
Letters from the Front. I A CALL. I To the Editor, Amman Valley Chronicle. I Somewhere in France, October 12th, 1915. Sir, -On reading through your weekly paper, namely the Amman Valley Chronicle (which I have sent me every week), I came across a very good and sacred song that gives' the composer great credit; but I think the same com- poser would get far more praise if he was to put his words into practice and he himself— List to the rousing trumpet call That sounds o'er land and pea; Take up the sword of justice, Awake, and follow me Out to the trenches in Flanders, Out o' er the deep blue sea, Or far away in the Dardanelles; Come, fight the foe with me." The above comment is not written with any malice, but with a true patriotic spirit; and I sincerely trust that within a short period I shall see a little bit in your splendid paper bearing his name underneath and running something like this:— I AND THEY OBEYED THAT CALL. At last At last I have awoke And heard that trumpet call; My comrades in the firing line I'll help before they fall. I've heard the voice of the wounded As they lay there in awful pain; So God. give me help and the courage To take part in the victory wèïl gain. I SOMEONE IN FRANCE.