Life story: Edward Darlington | Lives of the First World War

Timeline

1880

birth Preston United Kingdom Source:8502002 1880

1882

sibling Hannah Darlington Source:8502005 1882

1884

sibling Thomas Darlington Source:8502005 1884

1888

sibling Joseph Darlington Source:8502005 1888

1891

sibling Fleetwood Darlington Source:8502005 1891

1895

sibling William Darlington Source:8502005 1895

1901

employment Electric Car Builder and Labourer Source:8502005 1901

1901

location 33 Waterloo Terrace, Preston United Kingdom parents address Source:8502005 1901

1905

marriage Bessie Matilda Robinson Source:8617304 14th June 1905

1905

children Gladys Robinson Darlington Source:8502002 1905

1908

children Alice Darlington Source:8502002 1908

1910

children Joseph Darlington Source:8502002 1910

1911

children Thomas Darlington Source:8617304 1911

1911

employment Dock Labourer Preston Corporation Preston, lancs United Kingdom Source:8617304 1911

1911

location 111 Wellington Street United Kingdom their own address Source:8502002 1911

1913

children Bessie Darlington Source:8617304 1913

1914

children Dorothy Darlington Source:8617304 1914

1914

children Janet Darlington Source:8617304 1914

1916

employment Dock Labourer. Preston, lancs United Kingdom Source:8617258 21st November 1916

1916

location 7 Prospect View, Penwortham, PRESTON. United Kingdom their own address Source:8617258 21st November 1916

service British Army Private 17128 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 7th battalion Source:8617281

1916

death Died on active service an obituary in the local paper stated whilst marching to the trenches EDWARD dropped out and died possibly of a heart attack. France Source:8493693 Source:8617304 Source:8617258 21st November 1916

burial Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension CWGC Cemetery/Memorial Somme France M.29 Source:8493693

Details

Names

Type	Name
First Names	Edward
Initials	E
Last Name	Darlington
Source	1096577

Gender

Gender	Source
Male

Locations

Address	Country	Type	Date
111 Wellington Street	United Kingdom	their own address	known 1911
33 Waterloo Terrace, Preston	United Kingdom	parents address	known 1901
7 Prospect View, Penwortham, PRESTON.	United Kingdom	their own address	known 21st November 1916

Contribution

Military Service

Service	Number	Unit	Section	Rank	Source
British Army	17128	Loyal North Lancashire Regiment	7th battalion	Private

Awards

Award	Type	Source
British War Medal	First World War Campaign/Service Medal
Victory Medal	First World War Campaign/Service Medal

Family

Children

Name	Relationship	Dates
Gladys Robinson Darlington	daughter	1905
Alice Darlington	daughter	1908
Joseph Darlington	son	1910
Thomas Darlington	son	1911
Bessie Darlington	daughter	1913
Dorothy Darlington	daughter	1914
Janet Darlington	daughter	1914

Parents

Name	Relationship	Dates	Source
Mary Ellen Darlington	mother
Joseph Darlington	father

Siblings

Name	Relationship	Dates
Hannah Darlington	sister	1882
Thomas Darlington	brother	1884
Joseph Darlington	brother	1888
Fleetwood Darlington	sister	1891
William Darlington	brother	1895

Spouse

Name	Relationship	Dates	Source
Bessie Matilda Robinson	wife	14th June 1905

Media

Edward Darlington

Studio portrait of Edward Darlington in uniform

Contributed by:
Preston43158
Letter from Ethel Finch to Mrs Darlington

Penwortham Hall Preston Dear Mrs Darlington I have today heard from Lieut. Col. Hill of your husband’s Btn. He says your husband died on the night of the 19th-20th as the battalion was proceeding to the trenches. “He fell out on the line of march & immediately expired. He was taken to 59 Field Ambulance near by & examined: The medical authority concluded from his appearance that death was due

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter from Ethel Finch to Mrs Darlington

To heart failure. He was buried at “St. Pierre Divion”. I have copied this so that I could leave it at your house, in case you were in. I think you said he had suffered from his heart a good deal. I will call in on Saturday if I can. Yours sincerely Ethel M Finch

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife

Sat July 8th 1916 My dear wife I now find time to send you a line of two. We are fighting at a place (blocked out probably by censor) and I think that is the beginning of the end, for we are beating the Germans back, and I hope that we get them on the run soon. We have a lot of prisoners & they all look mighty glad to be out of it, many of them surrendering without fighting. You talk about bombardment. Well I have never heard the likes of it before and we can’t give our artillery too much praise. It fairly struck terror into the hearts of the Huns for at the best of times they are poor fighters in close quarters. Of course we have had our losses and many a man that I have got to know and respect has gone west. But we are prepared to

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife June 4th

Sunday June 4th My dear wife I received your paper yesterday and am glad that you and the children are keeping well. (Line erased) I am still with the ‘RE’. We have been wood cutting today away out in the country, and I quite enjoyed it I have just sent you a card for I was late with this letter. The weather still keeps fine, and the country looks a treat. I saw some roses today and it made me wonder if the roses in my garden are out. I should like to just have a peep at it. You will not have to throw anything away, t make ends meet, now that food is so dear. But I think the Government aught to give our wives a little more.

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife June 4th

Well dear I will now say goodnight and god bless you all I remain your loving husband Ted XXXXXXXX

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie

Friday Oct 23rd My Dear Bessie I have not got your parcel as yet, but I got one from mother yesterday I heard that (line erased) a chance of seeing him. I don’t think he is very far from where I am. Just a little further south. Well dear I am still doing very nicely. That other man of the same name as me, has got killed. That makes two of them to be killed out of the same family. You will no doubt see his name in the paper, so it wont startle you if you see it. Well dear I hope you have got

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie

that little note that I sent you. It will buy one of the children a pair of clogs or something. We shall be going out on Sunday for a long rest I think, so we shall get a good brush up and bath for we are nearly walking, but what can you expect after going without a change of shirt for a month. The Germans are dusting us up a bit but I have been lucky so far. But they have it to come in. It makes us vexed because we can’t hit back, for we are in what they call the supports. That means the trench just behind the firing line, and it is the supports that catch it the most. Well dear I should not have told you anything for it will upset you. It is a hot shop, but we are here only till Sunday and then we start our rest. Hoping that this finds both you and the children in the best of health. I remain ever your loving husband XXXXXXXXXXX Ted XXX God bless you all XXXX

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie 21st Nov

Sat Nov 21st C/O The Priory Recreation Room. Felixstowe 17128 L N Lancs My dear wife I got your parcel today and I was quite ready for it, for we have only had butter twice this week. We had a long route march this morning, and this afternoon I have been playing football. We had a lively time on Wen night, I had first got into bed, when someone came rushing into the house and said that the alarm had gone and when the alarm goes everyone has to rush out on parade, so out of bed I had to jump I got one key into my drawers and the

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie 21st Nov

Other one out and I had not time to put my stockings on as I was the only one in bed and when we got out into the street it was someone having a game with us, for the alarm had not gone at all. Well love I am glad your hens are laying well for you, you must give them plenty to eat and keep their place clean. The men in my room did stare when I got my parcel, one of them said bye gum mate that’s (?) like a wife and I said I know I have and I would not swap her for all the women in Felixstowe, I have brought a pan so I can boil some water when I want it. So I had them puddings for tea, but the next time you send a parcel you must put everything into a bag so it wont get so mixed up. Well love I can’t tell you for certain whether we are getting a big lunch at xmas but if I hear I will send you word straight away

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie 21st Nov

Well I think I must close as I don’t think I have anything more to say, but I will write you a long letter soon. So good night my own darling wife kiss the children for one and I shall always remain your loving husband XXXXXXXX Ted X Give the bag I used to Alice

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Dec 7th

My dear wife I got your parcel yesterday and I was very glad of those tins that you sent, I had a letter from our Fleet, and I wondered who it was from when I saw the handwriting. Well love I hope your cold is better as I don’t want you ill, for what will the children do with no one to look after them, I should have to pull your ears for not looking after yourself. Well we have the been digging trenches today for the big guns but we only did half a day before

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Dec 7th

We went back in the afternoon, we found that some else had got our job, but we was not sorry for we got the afternoon off. Well dearest how are the hens doing are you getting many eggs, I could just eat a couple of eggs for breakfast in the morning (next line unknown). We are getting a lot better food (next few lines unknown). I hope the children are keeping well, how I should like to see them and I know they would like to see their father, I’ll bet they will be jumping all over me and smothering me with kisses, bless their (?) faces, but it will come in good time. (Next few lines unknown). Love I have nothing more to say so I will say goodnight and god bless. (Next line unknown). Your loving husband XXXXXXX Ted XX

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie Jan 15th

Fri Jan 15th c/o Soldiers Club, Bath Road, Felixstowe 17128 LNS Regt 11 Batn My dearest Bessie I once more take the pleasure of writing to you hoping that both you and the children are quite well I hope our little Tom has quite recovered, I have wrote Joe again, in mistake, I wrote it in the last letter. But you know that Joe is a dear name to me. Well love I am sending you this little present from Felixstowe

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie Jan 15th

Of course you can see it is an any (line crossed out) I think I will go and get my photo took on Sunday, I expect you would like to see me, So I will not disappoint you. There is not much to write about is this love, for we keep saying the same over and over again in every letter, but still I am very glad to get one and I am sure you are the same. We are having very nice weather here at present I saw a rose tree in flower today and I don’t think there are many in my garden at present. Well darling I will close wishing you all that is good and remain your loving and devoted husband Ted XXX XXXXXXX

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife

(No date) Soldiers Club, Bath Road Felixstowe My own darling wife I am waiting for your parcel and letters and it has got Wen night, but I expect I shall get it tomorrow. Well love I am feeling grand, and I ran a mile the other day, so you see it is doing me good. But what else can we expect for we get plenty of food and plenty of sea air. How I wish you all could

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife

Come and stay here for about 3 months, it would do the children a world of good. I am longing for a nice cake, so you can send me two the next time you bake love. I will send our Gladys for her birthday when it come I think it is the 16 Feb isn’t it, but I expect I shall have to send the lot some things as they will feel disappointed “bless them”. Well dearest time still goes on, and every day brings us nearer to the day, when I shall come home for good, if god spares me. I shall have a long holiday then for I don’t think I shall do any work for a week or so. They gave us a pair of sand-shoes today, but they look well to our feet for they know that without good feet we can do no long marching, and I expect we shall have to do a lot (?). They gave us hard biscuits for tea and breakfast today, they are the same as

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife

They give them at the front, and they are as hard as a brick, I broke one of my teeth trying to eat them, but I managed get 2 of them down in about half an hour, I will send you one sometime and blacklead it and it will come in handy for the keeping the door open in the summer. Well good night and god bless my darling wife and children, Your loving and faithful husband Ted Ihu(?) children XXXXXXX for you XXX

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie

(No date) Soldiers Club, Bath Road Felixstowe My dear Bessie, I got your letters today and am glad to hear that you and the children are all right I was beginning to get a little bit bothered as I have not had a letter since I got your parcel on Sat and it is now Thursday, but I went up to the Priory tonight without my tea, and I was rewarded with a letter from you. Well love I shall be with you next Tuesday, I think I shall land Preston about 6 o’clock, but you must not come and meet me unless you can get a Platform(?) ticket

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie

For you know that you know that you cant stand much, and I don’t want you to get tired of waiting for me. But you can let me know if you do come and tell me where you will be standing. Well darling, you must tell that lady that is going to send me a Christmas Box that I am coming home, then she wont need to send it, and you don’t need to send me any more parcels for I think I can make my bacca last out till next Tuesday, and Burkes sent me an oz. of bacca yesterday, he told me that you was at there house the other night, but you never told me, I expect you forgot. Well love I can hardly sleep at night for thinking about coming home to see you and the children. I should

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie

liked to have seen them dancing around, you never say anything about our darling kiddies now I don’t think I can remember their faces but I expect they will be getting quite fat now, nut I shall see for myself all in good time. I was sorry to here about Esmey Melling being missing, but he might be a prisoner of war and that is better than being killed, but I admit neither is pleasant. I was pleased to hear that you are getting the Dow so can have a good fire this xmas, my word its better living in the country than the Town “isn’t it” in the town one can die and no one is the wiser. I haven’t much more to say so I will close, but you must write straight away and let me know if you are coming to meet me

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie

And don’t forget to tell me where you will be for I don’t want you to have to stand much so good night love and god bless you and the kiddies Your loving faithful husband Ted XXX XXXXXXX

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife

(No date) Soldiers Club, Bath Road Felixstowe My dear wife I got your letter and parcel quite safe and I hope that all is well at home. I went up to see Joe Gose on Sat and we had a walk together around the town I have not had a letter from Alice yet, I hope she is not ill, you must let me know if you get one. Well dearest how are the children you must

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife

get them plenty of milk and some brown bread. I want to see big boys and girls when I come marching home again. We shall soon have light nights here again “wont we” and the things in the garden will be looking green, you must get some Mucks and Ashes set (?) in the greenhouse you want to get a load of manure from somewhere. I expect you will have to pay 6 or 7 shillings for it but you know that nothing will grow without it. You will have a heap down the garden and you must tell Jack to throw it on the land. I will send you a few shillings next weekend, and I tell you what you might send in you next letter (crossed out)

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife

please a small table knife as I have lost mine (unknown text) dealing. I will bring this to a close and good night I remain your (blocked out text) XXXXXXXX God bless you all

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Monday March 14th My dearest Bessie I received your parcel this morning and I am glad to hear from you. We are out of the trenches for about 8 days so I shall have a little more time to write to you. I have had a very severe cold, but I think its much better this morning. I had a cold last week but one and six of us went to blow the Germans barbed wire up, and with crawling along the ground through the mud & snow, I got wet through to the skin, and it made me a lot worse. In fact I lost my voice for three or four days, but it is coming back now. I thought my time had come for we got the explosives under their wire, when one of the men

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

Got lost in it, and with getting loose, one of the wires made a noise, and the Germans heard us and started firing at us, but thanks to the darkness the missed us and although the Germans were only about ten yards off us, we were not afraid and to make matters much worse, they sent one of their lights up and it dropped about three yards from us. But instead of looking down amongst their wire I expect they looked about 20 yards away. But we lay quite still although we expected to get shot any second. When the light died down, one of the men happened to look to our left and he could see some Germans trying to get around us, so we had to retire, but we got back to our trenches quite safe

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3

although they turned their machine guns on us. But we dropped flat on the ground and so they missed their target. Well Dear I saw a factory looming yesterday as we were coming out of the trenches and they were weavers. It made me think of Lancashire, for it just looked like home. We had a lively time about 10 days ago. The Germans sent about 200 big shells close to where I stood and two of our chaps went up in the air. Poor lads they were only about 10 yards away from me, I was not touched, although I well knocked about, with lumps of dirt. And the shells made holes in the ground that you could bury a horse & cart in them. They called them Jack Johnsons. But whether they was Jack Johnsons

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 4

or not, I don’t want to be near any more, for they gave all the men a good shaking up. It made me jump the next day if anyone made a noise, and I could hear them coming in my sleep. Well love I don’t think the war can last long now, so cheer up for I shall be with you soon so give the children a kiss from me and accept several yourself. I remain your devoted & faithful husband XXXXXXXXXXX Ted XXXXX God bless you all, good day

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Sat The Priory Recreation Room Felixstowe 17128 11 Batn LNL My own darling wife I have not got your parcel yet, but I have got your papers, but I expect your parcel tomorrow. Well love I am just enjoying a cup of tea and a piece of cake in the Priory. We have got some more (?) today a new shit and braces and socks, my word I never had as many new clothes in my life (text cropped out of photograph).

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

Can afford in. Well darling how are the children going on, I expect they are keeping in good health. I am sending 2 matching corsets (?) for Gladys and Alice. How’s Alice? I was sorry to hear that she cried because she did not get one the last time I sent them but tell her that her father has sent one just for her this time. Well love I am doing very nicely and I don’t SOMETHING soon we go to France for I am getting tired of this life, for it is the same over and over again, but don’t think that don’t I care about you, for I don’t think a day passes without I am always thinking of my loved ones that I have

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3

Left at home, I am looking forward to (?), when I see your bonnie faces again Give my best wishes (next line unknown) and I give all my love to you and the children. So good night my own darling wife and children. I remain your loving and faithful husband. XXXXXXX Ted XXX

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Sat The Priory Recreation Room Felixstowe Pte E Darlington 17128 11th Batn L N Lancs My dearest Bessie Just a few more lines for I know you like reading my letters, it’s the only thing that can do now that we are apart, if we cant talk, we can write cant we love. How I long for Christmas to come (next line illegible due to creases in letter) They will be about 6 months older by Christmas wont they. Does the nurse come to see you? You was saying that you did not get any eggs, you should be getting some by this time (next line illegible due to creases in letter) I was wondering if Dad ever came down to see you, I sent a letter to (?), but I haven’t had a reply yet they will be doing better on the docks now they always do just before Christmas don’t the. We always had a good Christmas didn’t we love, well we will look forward to having a good time, both

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

For ourselves and the children, tell them that both their Daddy and Father Christmas is coming at the same time. They gave stopped us from going down town, but I don’t mind for I have only been down twice, we can get all that we want at the Priory rooms. We went for a long route march this morning, my word it was ankle deep in ditch, I think they have took us on (?), for we had to go through it and I (next line illegible due to creases in letter) when it gets to dry. I haven’t got that bacca yet, I think they must have took it out of the (?), and then put the wrappers back again. Have Piskthalls(?) got a house yet, you must tell them to save up and then they can buy one. How are Ted and Kate getting on, Ted hasn’t listed yet, has he, he said he was going to if things didn’t amend up. I hope you are keeping up with your rent and keeping note of debt. I have heard talk of some of the men’s wife’s that have gone on the spree, when they got their money but I know I have got a wife that is

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3

I can hear this Alice’s hearty laugh while I am writing, tell her that I will bring her something back from Felixstowe when I come, but if I give one I must give all the lot. Well tell them all that they can expects something. Well what shall I get for you love, I think the best think that I can bring for you will be myself, don’t you think so. I have wrote a letter to Tom and Joe this week, did you send that letter that I left on the dresser, if you didn’t you don’t need now, put it in the fire. Hurry up with the cake I am longing for a bit, for I know you can make some good ones and above all don’t forget the bacca. Give my best respects to all Mr and Mrs Russell also to Mr and Mrs Gore, and tell all inquiring friends that I am in the best of health as I hope you all are at home sweet home. So good night my love kiss the children for their Daddy and accept a big one for yourself, I remain your loving and devoted husband Ted X

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Down the town tonight, but I was glad to get back. I keep wondering how you and the children are getting on, but keep your heart up and do your best, but never mind the wonk, let it go, for work will keep so I think this all for the present so kiss the kiddies for one and accept one for yourself, I remain your loving husband Ted P.S. You will find my address at the top so write soon (goodnight) XXXXXXXX

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

Don’t forget to put Postern(?) for that is the name of the house that we live in.

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Pte E Darlington 17128 11th Batt L N Lancs Regt Co/o The Priory Recreation Room Felixstowe Suffolk My dear wife Just a few more lines to you and my bonnie children ‘bless them’. I keep wondering how they are getting on, I was sorry that Bessie had not been very well, but I hope she is better now. You must let her sleep between you and Gladys and keep her warm these cold nights. I heard today that we shall have ten days furlough at Christmas but I don’t know whether it is true or not (I hope it is). I got the stamps that you sent, but don’t send any more, for you will want all you get this winter, you must put your pennies away for some warm clothes for you and the children. I am glad that Joe attends to the greenhouse, you must tell him to shift that rose tree just going in at the door, and put it in the front garden somewhere, he will have to cut it down before he can shift it and tell him to shift that small one at

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

The front door, for it does not do so well. Remember me to Mr and Mrs Gaskell and also to Mrs Gore. I could not sleep last night I thought that something was wrong, I did not get my letter for two days, but I was cheered up today when you told me that you had got some more money. Remember me to Alice when you write and tell her that I will send her a letter soon. I hope you are keeping well yourself mind you look after yourself for I don’t want anything to happen to by bonnie wife, I wish I could give you a kiss for you deserve it for being so brave. So goodnight love and keep smiling, kiss the children owe big one for me, and hoping to kiss them for myself before long. I remain your ever loving husband Ted God bless you XXXXXXX

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1A

Sunday May 2nd 1915 My dearest Bessie, I again write you a few lines hoping that both you and the children are enjoying good health. I am writing this in bed listening to a Gramophone that is playing ragtime airs. Well dear I am in the best of health if it wasn’t for my ankle, but I think it is improving very nicely, and I am longing for the time when I shall up and doing, but didn’t do so bad yesterday for I had a walk around the Barracks “the first time in nearly a week” and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was just like a bird that has been let out of a cage. But you know that I like good long walks out in the country, and that is what I am pining for. I don’t care two pence whether I see a town or not, so long as there are plenty of nice country lanes to ramble in, enjoying the beautiful things that grow by the wayside.

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1B

How I wish sometimes when I am out that your arm was in mine, and that we could enjoy them together, but never mind darling, you shall have the time of your life when I come back, never knowed how much I loved you until we had been apart for a little while but now darling “how I love you”. I think life would not be worth living if I was not looking forward to the time when I shall be with you again, so be good my dearest, for I don’t think it will be for long and when I come home I will smother your bonnie face

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2A

with kisses. We have just had a short service in the ward, so I had to stop writing to you for a little while, and the parson nearly drove me to sleep, he was so dry, although the poor chap tries to do his best, but I think any sort of person will do for soldiers. I will send you some money next week “that is if I am out of here before Tuesday” if not you will have to wait till the week after, and you must put it in the bank, and it will give you a start, and I expect you will be able to make a bit out of the garden this summer, and should you want a change, go out in the garden and do a bit of weeding it is quite easy with that hoe, and you know a change is as good as a rest sometimes.

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2B

I expect you will have had some rhubarb by this, “I could eat some myself with custard” for we don’t get anything like that in hospital, it is bread and butter for breakfast and tea with nothing in it, and when I was in barracks we got eggs and bacon and jam, but they seem to think we don’t need it in hospital. Well darling how are my bonnie children are they keeping well, how is Gladys, you must get her a little brown bread for herself, and see that they have their windows open this summer, for there is nothing like plenty of fresh air for children. How is Alice, I should just like to hear her hearty laugh, and how are my little lads bless them, Joe will be going to school again now, and

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3

how is my little Tom, you must get him plenty of milk this summer, for he will need it after all he has gone through, and how is my little Bessie, I expect she will have forgot me again, but her Daddy has not forgot her “bless her” she will be quite a big girl when I come back for good, but I don’t want my big Bessie to grow much bigger, or else I shall not be able to hold her, for she is bigger that myself now. Well I have not had a letter from you Alice yet, and I think you said in your last letter that she wanted my address. Well darling I think I must close so wishing you all a good afternoon I remain your loving and faithful husband XXXXXXX Ted XXXXXXX XXX Ps Will you send me two stamps in your next letter XX a kiss for each “Will that do love”? Do not send your letters to the hospital just put my old address on.

Contributed by:
Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1A

Tuesday My dear Bessie I again take the pleasure of writing to you, we are having some lovely weather at present. It is a treat to take a walk out in the country around here. It would suit the children I know, for the country lanes are smothered with blue bells, and other wild flowers. The kiddies around Preston would go wild with delight, for I never saw anything so lovely in my life. Well darling, I am glad that the garden is looking well, you must give it plenty of manure, but don’t give the tomatoes any more, until they start forming fruit, and then you can give them some. And you must go round and thin those beetroot, leave one in every 6 in. And there are those turnips down at the bottom of the garden they will want thinning, you must leave them the same. I had a walk out last night, and I saw that there were plenty of lilac out, but I expect things will be sooner down here, than they are up in Lancashire.

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1B

Well dear, we had our sports on Saturday, we had plenty of fun, especially in the obstacle race, they had to run round the track jump into barrels and then get through the gates, some of the men were to fat and someone had to shove them through, and then they had to drink out of a bucket of water, and then crawl under a big tav(?) sheet, and they all had to each get an apple out of a bucket, with their teeth without using their hands, there was some laughing when they all

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

Had their heads in buckets, one man got his head fast and upset the bucket. And then there was a sack race, and a “three leg” race which was laughable. Well love I said I would send you some money, but when I got paid, they did not give me last weeks money, and I though they would. It seems the Colonel has to sanction it first, so perhaps I shall get it next week. Well darling, I got your paper this morning, and it is as you say, the Germans are a men. I bet some of you women would give the Kaiser muff if you had hold of him, but you see they know that they are licked and they are trying to get a bit of their own back with frightfulness, but I don’t think you have any cause to be alarmed, for they cant come to Preston, it is rather too far, and there are better targets much nearer. Well darling I think I will close, wishing you all good afternoon. I remain and will always remain XXXXXXXXXXXXX your loving and devoted Husband Ted XXXXXX God bless you all

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie A

I was surprised to hear that Mary Robinson had been to see you, I hope that you did not fall out with her, but I know that you didn’t for your bark is worse than your bite, but I know that you cant help it, when she starts bossing you, but all of us have our little peculiarities and short-comings, and it beloves us to remember Bobbie Burns words when he said in one of his poem ‘O would some power the gifty give us, to see ourselves as others see us’. Well love I hope that you have got those potatoes in, and also your tomatoes. I had some turnip tops for dinner yesterday, and they was lovely. I was surprised to see them selling them in the shops, I though people bought them for rabbits or goats, but when they told me that they ate them, well you could have knocked me down with a feather, and I could hardly believe them but, after tasting them I want some more.

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie B

So you must get some in, and when you pull the turnips you must cook the tops too, just try them, for I think we both have the same taste. Well darling I wish I could home and see

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

My dear Bessie I again send you a few line hoping that you and the children are in the best of health. We are having some very nice weather at present. I have just been reading the paper about the air raid(?) I see they got as far as Manchester. It would make you a bit afraid of them but I don’t think they would be able to see Penwortham for they are not bothered with many lights. I know it has taken me many time a while to get home in the dark. Well dear

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

We are till enjoying our rest although we hear rumors, about getting in the trenches, but I don’t think we shall get in yet awhile. Well dear kiss the children for me, and accept the best of love from your devoted XXXXXXX Husband Ted XXX God bless you all

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1A

Monday Jan 3rd 16 My dear wife I now find time to send you a few lines I know you will be just a bit anxious about me, but I really could not write before now. We are out of the trenches again for a few days, and I hear that we are going away back shortly. We have had the misfortune to lose our Captain, for he got shot through the head. He was just telling some of the men to keep their heads downs when he got hit himself. He was quite a young chap and he only got married just before he left England for France. I feel heartily sorry for his young wife, for she would be looking forward to a long life of married happiness. When her hopes would be dashed to the ground. “Such is War”

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1B

Well love I got your card and thank you very much, and I was glad our friends did not forget our children this Exmas, for it goes to show that you will not be forgotten even if anything should happen to me. Well dear, another year has come and gone, and the new year has come, let us hope that it wont be another year of war, for I am sure they will be feeling the pinch all round, for the “watch words”

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

of war are ‘Kill and Destroy’ so let us hope that the coming of Spring will turn our thoughts towards peace, for nothing is more beautiful than to see the trees bursting forth into leaf. How thankful we feel when we can see the first flowers peeping forth and the birds start their songs on a warm spring morning, and they will come dear, so cheer up and don’t get down hearted, for as sure as the dark and dreary days of winter will pass away and the warm rays of the sun flood the earth so will the dark days of war pass away and the spring of peace will come to flood the South with happiness so let us hope dear, before the summer comes that I shall be with you all again to take you all into my arms and thank God, that I have such a good wife and bonnie children. Well good day dear, and God bless you all I remain your loving and devoted husband XXXXXXXXXXX Ted XXXXX

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. A

We have lost our commanding officer he got wounded so I expect we shall be getting another. I am writing this in bed “I mean on floor” and it has just turned six o’clock but there is nothing to stay up for and the warmest place is under the blanket. I expect you have your dog yet, you never say anything about it, you will have had to pay the 7/6 for the tax. I have not had a letter from your Alice for a long time, but I expect she will be busy. It is still very cold here at nights but we haven’t many more weeks to go before it starts coming warmer. What are you going to do about your greenhouse you must dig it up and put some radish roots in about now, and then I expect Dad will put you some tomatoes in. My word you should see the women out here most of their husbands have gone to the front, and they do all the farm work ploughing and sowing the seed. I saw one woman dressed in mens clothes and she was digging in her garden and she was doing it as good as any man.

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. B.

Well love I think I will close wishing you goodnight, and may God bless my darling wife and children. I remain ever your loving and faithful husband XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Ted XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Sunday Feb 13th My dearest Bessie I once more take the pleasure of sending you a few lines. We shall soon be going back in the trenches and day now, and I expect we shall be doing some very severe fighting. But you must not bother your head over it for no doubt I will pull through. We have given up all hopes of a pass home, for I think they have stopped them, for more of the men have got them for a week or so, and the time is at hand when they will need every man at the front. It is our Gladys birthday this week, Let me see she will be 11 wont she. How time flies. It only seems

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

like yesterday since she was a baby. I was just thinking about when we took her up town with us, and she wanted the Town Hall block, and how she did dance because we would not get it for her. I expect she will be wanting to go to work for her mother, but there is plenty of time, and you must let her go to school as long as you can. I was reading in the paper about the price of food, and I was thinking you wont have much left after you have paid your way. But it is the same out here. I went in a fish shop last night for I though I should like a friend fish, and what do you think they charged me for it.

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3

They did me ‘ten pence’ 10d and the worst of it was only half cooked and smelt a little high, so I left it. It was barefaced robbery. I was mad, but I did not get my Franc back. How are you going to do about your garden I expect you will get someone to put something in for you. How I wish this lot was over and I could look to it, and I’ll bet you with the same. But cheer up love it cant last much longer now, and then I shall be back home sweet home once more. You must let Gladys and Alice help you with the

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 4

housework, then it wont be so hard on you. You will be quiet during the daytime for I expect you send them all to school. It is very nice the school being so near to home, Well love kiss all the children for me, and you will have to wait till I come home. So goodnight and god bless you all I remain your loving an faithful husband XXXXXXXXX Ted XXXXXXX

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. A

Sat Feb 19th My dearest Bessie We are out of the trenches for two days so I though I could not do better than send you a long letter. We are going in again tomorrow night (Sunday). Most of the people will be making their way to church just at the same time tat we shall be making our way through the communication trenches. As we shall be perhaps in the line firing away at the Germans. I fired at a “German” last night just as it was going dusk. I could just see his head sticking up. But I missed him for he tied a red handkerchief on the end of a stick and waved it in the air just to let me know. We was tired out when we came out, for we had to do sentry at night, and then work during the day and we only got about three hours sleep all the time. I have just got your letter to say that you did not put a stamp on my papers. I did not notice it but I got it so it does not matter very much. I wish this lots was over for I am getting more fed up every day.

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. B.

The place we are staying in is an empty house and it rains in and half the floor is wet through. No wonder we keep getting colds and to mend matters we are really worried with lice for we never get a chance to wash our shirts and pants but what is the use of washing them for the blankets are the same for we should be just as bad…

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Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Preston (Card) Feb 19th 1916 My dear Bessie Glad to get your papers & twist. We are in the trenches again and we have just finished our first 48 hours so we are in reserve now. I am glad to hear that you are well I am A1 at present so hoping that you

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Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 2.

All continue to have good health I remain you loving husband XXXXX Ted XXXXX

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie

March 11th My dear wife I received your paper last night and I was pleased to hear from you I also had a letter from your Alice. I haven’t very much to write about today. We go in the trenches again tonight for two days and then I think we shall be out for about eight. I trust that both you and the children are well and keeping in good spirits. You must not trouble to send any parcel, as I am not in the need of anything. Well dear I will now close wishing you good day. I remain your devoted husband Ted God bless you

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Thursday march 30th My dearest Bessie I once more take the pleasure of sending you a few lines. Well dear, I am still in good health & spirit. We are in the trenches again listening to the thunder of big guns and the rattle of machine gun fire and the bursting of shells. There has been a bombardment on our left, but I don’t know how they have gone on. We could see the clouds of smoke rising in the distance. It has been grand today “just like summer” and the larks have been singing all day. And at sunset I could hear the thrushes singing in the wood just behind the German lines. The birds don’t seem

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

to mind the noise at all. They are one of the things that help to cheer us up when we are feeling a little down. I have a little dugout all to myself. But I had none last night so I had a look around and spied one that wasn’t quite finished, so I set to and finished it, so I have made a fire in an old bucket and as I am off duty tonight I am feeling comfortable. Well love, you don’t send me many news, and I sure you hear quite a lot. I wonder what you are doing tonight, “thinking of me” eh, and wondering if I am safe. Cheer up love, this isn’t a very bad part of the line and we don’t get many shells so that

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3

is something to be thankful for. We don’t see much of the Germans, I looked several times today but could not see any, but I could see plenty of smoke from their fires. I fired at one the other day I could just see his head moving. But I missed him for he tied a handkerchief to a stick and waved it in the air, so I must have been pretty near him. Some times we can hear them playing mouth organs, we heard them the other day, so one of our sergeants had some bag-pipes so he brought them out and gave them a tune, and they didn’t like it, for it made them believe it was a Scotch regiment that was in, and

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 4

they don’t like the scots for they know (to their sorrow) what terrors they are. Well love just write me a nice long letter and tell me all about the children “bless them how I would like to see their bonnie faces. I keep looking at the photo, but it is getting very much the worse for wear as I have put it in a tin box for I treasure it more than anything I have. Well goodnight love, and God bless both you and the children. I will have a smoke and then I will roll myself up in my coat and dream of my loved one at home in bonnie England. I remain with fondest love you devoted XXXXXXXX husband Ted XXXXXX

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Preston43156
Envelope of a letter to Bessie Darlington

19th April 1916: Mrs Darlington 7 Prospect View Middleforth Penwortham Nr Preston Lancs Eng

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife.

April 18th My dear wife I am still doing very nicely, and we have come out of the trenches again for a time. I am sorry to inform you that passes have been cancelled again but I think they will start again after Easter. I shall be one of the last to get home. Thanking you for your paper I remain ever your devoted husband XXX Ted X Kiss the children for me and may God bless and keep you safe till I return XXXXXX

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Thursday April 20th My dear Bessie I again take the pleasure of sending you a few line, I got you paper and letter also tobacco today and I was glad to get them and I think you must have forgot to send any twist in my last paper for I did not get any last week, and I would rather a bit of twist than a bucketful of fancy tobacco and they send us some poor stuff out here, it is not fit to smoke. Well love you keep asking about passes. I expect you got my short letter telling you passes was stopped for a time. I don’t think that they are treating us fair, in making

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

the 11th Battalion men wait till last, for we came out to France only three weeks after them and we went in the trenches with them for the first time. So you see we have done quite as much as them. And another thing, I think they ought to have sent the married ones home first. And never mind love, my turn will come, if I can keep out of harms way. We are out for a long rest at present,, ad we are a long way back out of the sound of the guns, so it is quite a change. This place looks more like home, for in the distance we can see some coal pits, and it is more up hill and down hill, instead of

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3

the more flat country near the front line. I am sorry love to disappoint you all again just the same as you want to see me. But I hope the war will soon be over for I don’t think I could stand another winter out here. I am glad that Mr Roskell is doing the gardens up for you, everything will looking nice now. How I long to see England again, and doing a little bit of my garden. But cheer up my love it’s a long lane that hasn’t a turning, we will have a good time when I come home. I will hardly know my children for they will have grown to. Mother was telling me that

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 4

Bessie was talking champion, she will be shy when she sees her father, but it wont be for long ‘will it’. I have not heard from Alice later, have you. Well love I must draw to a close, kiss the children for me and also accept several for yourself. So wishing you goodnight and God bless you all XXX I remain you loving and devoted husband XXXXXXXXXXXX Ted XXXXX You must not send me any parcels, as I shall blow you up as you cant afford them it will take all you have got for the children and yourself.

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Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 1

Field post card service Mrs Darlington 7 Prpspect view Middle forth Penwortham Of Preston Lancs England

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Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 2.

Ted May 12th (posted May 14th 1916)

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Sunday May 14th My dear wife I got your paper and letter yesterday but I wish you would try and send it sooner. Try and send it on Sat so that I can get it at the beginning of the week. The tobacco was falling out when I got it so will make it more secure. They have stopped us sending green envelopes, for some men have been putting things in that they ought not too. We are still out resting and enjoying ourselves. You must not send any money for I can mangage with what I get. I had a paper from mother yesterday also a letter from your Alice. Well love keep smiling and don’t get down in the dumps. Kiss the children for me also accept several for yourself. I remain ever your devoted husband Ted XXXXXXX God bless you all

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

May 23rd 1916 My dear wife I am still in the best of health and hope that you are the same. I am with the R6 for a few days but you can send my letters to the old place. We are not far away so I might get a chance to go up for them. We are having grand weather at present as I expect you are. I expect Mother & Dad came on Sunday so you would have quite a pleasant time. Well wising you good night and God bless both you and the children. I remain Your loving and devoted husband Ted XXXXXX

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Preston43156
Envelope to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Envelope dated 21st June 1916: To Mrs Darlington 7 Prospect View Penwortham Preston Lancs England

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Monday June 19th My dearest Bessie I again take the pleasure of sending you a few lines. I have not got your paper as yet, but I hope to get it later on. How are the children? ‘Fine I hope’. How I wish I could see them, even if it was just for 5 minutes, but I don’t expect I shall until the war is over. “Which I don’t think will belong now”. I hope that you are having nice weather just now, we have had very few fine days lately and it is very chilly at night & I can’t keep warm. I am with the R.Es(?) yet and it is fine, for we have to work instead of drilling, and it is a change, I thought we had done with drill when we left England, but we jumped out of the frying pan, into the fire. For we do more than we ever did in England and carry more weight. Do cheer up love wishing you a very good night I remain your ever loving and devoted husband Ted XXXXXX God bless you all kiss the children for me XXX

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Sat June 24th 16 My dear wife I received your paper today and I was very pleased to get it, I have joined my Battn again so I shall get your letter as they become due. I am glad to hear that you are all well at home I also got a paper from Mother and tobacco. I have not very much to write so now I will close wishing you good night and may God bless you all I remain your devoted husband Ted Thousands of kisses for you and the children

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Thursday July 13th My dearest Bessie, I am still quite well and in good health. I expect you have heart that our Will has been killed. It will be a great blow to Mother I am sure, as it is to me. I did not get to see him over here. Well cheer up love we have all to do our duty in spite of all things. I can’t write more so now I will close I remain your devoted husband XXXXX Ted XXXX God bless you all

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Monday July 24th 16 My dear Bessie I am still A1 and doing fine. We have just come out of another engagement and I came out alright. Well I have not much time to write letter and I want to send Mother one. We are in reserve at present so good day and god bless again. I remain Your loving husband Ted XXXXX

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Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 1

Field post card service Mrs Darlington 7 Prospect view Middle forth Penwortham Of Preston Lancs

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Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 2.

Ted Aug 7th

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Monday Aug 7th My dear Bessie You will think I am a long time sending you a letter. I did not feel like writing tonight but I thought it was my duty. Well dear I hope that both you and the children are keeping quite well. What a long time it seems since I seen them last & yet it is only twelve months ago. I’m sure it looks years to you doesn’t it. We are having lovely weather just at present and everything looks fine. You never said if Alice has been on her holidays yet and it is a long time since I had a letter from her.

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

We go in the trenches again in a day or so but I will keep you posted as much as possible. So cheer up dear kiss the children for me and accept the same for yourself so good night God bless you all I remain ever yours devoted husband Ted XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 1

Field post card service Mrs Darlington 7 Prospect view Middle forth Penwortham Of Preston Lancs

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Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 2.

Ted Aug 15th 1916

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Aug 16th My dear Bessie I am still quite well as I hope both you and the children are the same. We have been in the trenches & we are out again. We are in a quiet part on the line again so you can rest more content. I don’t think this war can last much longer for Russia is making headway and before long they ought to be in Berlin. Well I will say good-day and God bless you I remain ever your devoted husband XXXXXXXXX Ted XXX

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Envelope dated 26st Aug 1916: Mrs Darlington 7 Prospect View Penwortham Preston Lancs England Aug 25th My dearest wife I received your welcome letter last night & I am glad that both you and the children are in good health. I am in a very quiet part of the line so that is much better. I was only a few miles from the place where Will met his death, but I did not know at the time or I should have got leave to have seen him. Well dear keep your heart up just a little longer for I hear that we shall be coming home on pass shortly so wishing you good day & god bless you and the children. I remain ever your loving and devoted husband Ted XXXX XXXXXX

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Envelope date- Not readable. Mrs Darlington 7 Prospect View Penwortham N Preston Lancs My dear Bessie I again take the pleasure of sending you a few lines. I had a letter from Alice yesterday & I see she is at Preston, you would be glad to see her again wouldn’t you. Well dear I have been thinking that you had better get out of the fold & find a nice house somewhere you will be comfortable. You can sell the greenhouse but don’t take less than £5 for it anyone that buys it can take it to pieces for it is put together with screws and bolts. Don’t take any less for it for if you can’t get that you must let Dad have it

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

but anyhow you can see Dad and see what he says about it. You know I intend moving if I get out of this. But if you can get out before I come home well and good. I am only thinking about your comfort for I know they will be nasty with you seeing I am away. Well cheer up love, don’t let anything down heart you, always look at the bright side, so wishing you good day I will ever remain your loving & devoted husband. Xxxxxxxx Ted xxx God bless you Get as much as you can for the green house for it is worth more than that!

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Letter dated- Friday Sept 15th 1916 My dear Bessie I received your paper & letter today and I am glad to hear that both you & the children are well. I expect you got my letter telling you to move & to sell the greenhouse. It will help to buy some warm blankets for you & the children, for the winter will soon be upon us.

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

I expect Alice will have gone back to Herme Bay. Was she looking any better? I expect she is thin as ever. You must write and let me now as soon as you find a home and mind you don’t hurt yourself with lifting more than your strength will allow. Well I will say goodnight dearest & may god bless you all. Ever your loving & devoted husband Xxxx ted xxxxx Well dear we are still in the trenches. A bomb dropped at our door last night & wounded my pal, but left me untouched. I am longing to see you all again & I expect you are the same. You will be getting sick of me telling you about passes going to start. They have not started yet in our Battn but we keep living in hopes that they will start soon. X X

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Letter dated- Sept 19th My dear Bessie I again take the pleasure of sending you a few lines. I am quite well as it says on the field cards. But I am full of an intense longing to see you all again. I expect you find my letters rather dull but you understand I can’t (… difficult to make out) to put on paper what I would like to say. We can’t send any green envelopes now you know so you will have to

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

put up with common place letters. What a short letter you sent me last time. I was disappointed when I saw it. Surely you can write more than that I, if you try. There was some talk of us being relieved this week sometime. But when I don’t know. Where we shall get to after I haven’t the slightest idea. But I hope that we get a rest, and a good one at that. I haven’t heard from mother lately so I should have to do a grumble

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3

all round just to liven you up a bit. Sometimes when I think when I read in the papers about the sacrifices the men out here are making in giving up life and limb for their country that they give us too much praise, and not enough to the wives and mothers that are left behind, for our duty is nothing compared with your sorrow. Well dear I don’t need to tell you to look well after the children this coming winter. Get them something good to their feet. For cold and wet feet don’t go hand in hand with good health, for I experienced

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 4

a little of it last winter. Well love I must close. Kiss the children for me and accept the same yourself, hoping to see you all before very long. I remain ever your loving husband Xxx Ted xxx God bless you all Goodnight xxx

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Envelope date- Thursday Oct 7th 1916 (or 1915?) My dear Bessie I again take the pleasure of sending you a few lines, for I know you will be wondering how I am getting on. Well I am still alright although very dirty and I could do with a change of clothes for we had to leave our change behind and I have had this shirt on three weeks and if I don’t get to change it very soon it will walk off my back. But we shall shortly be going out of the firing line this weekend I hear, for we have been in the trenches a three weeks now so I will be able to get my clothes and a good wash. Well dear I hope that you and the children are keeping well I got a parcel from your Alice yesterday, and I want you to send me one, and send me some twist about 2oz and send me a brown loaf ‘make it yourself’ but don’t go and spend a lot. Well dear I must close so good afternoon I remain your loving husband Ted xxxxxx God bless you P.s. send me some matches.

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Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 1

Field service post card. Address: Mrs Darlington 7 Prospect View Penwortham N Preston Lancs Stamped: 18 OCT 16

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Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 2.

Ted Oct 15th

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1A

Envelope dated- Monday Oct 16th (has to be 1916 with reference to ‘wills’ death) My dearest Bessie I received your welcome paper and letter today and I was very pleased to hear from you. We have done another move & since I last wrote we have been in the trenches and out again. The nights are very cold and as we are under canvas, we are nearly stiff by morning. But we are at war & not out for a picnic, so we cant grumble. I had a nice letter from our Joe today, and I was glad hat he had not forgotten me. I also had a parcel from mother and that also was very acceptable. Well love, I don’t know when I shall get home but don’t run away with the idea ‘passes’ can be got for asking. Passes have been cancelled, and are only granted in cases of sickness or death. And I don’t want one of those sort, for I think I have had enough. You can send one oz of twist in my next paper for I have run short. But don’t send anything else for I know it takes you all your time to make ends meet.

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1b

You don’t tell me enough of what the children say about their father. Bless them they must be getting quite big. Well love it looks like we are out for another winter. I really dread it coming, for I haven’t forgot

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2A

the last yet. I am not very far from where poor Will met his death. I should very much like to see his grave, so that I can plant something on it, for I don’t suppose any of us will be able to come out here after the war. Well love, you must cheer up and smile in spite of all. It has been a blow to me not getting a pass for I really did think that I was going to get one at last. So Alice has gone back to Herme Bay! I haven’t had a letter from her lately and I think she must think that I told you what she had said in her letter. But I didn’t. But you are too sharp, for you guessed it. Well love, kiss my children for me. How I wish I could kiss both you and them in the flesh, but the world is full of surprises, and who knows but what I shall be with you shortly. Well good night love & god bless you all. I will just have a peep at my guardian & then try to dream of my loved ones in Bonnie (…?)

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2B

I remain ever your loving & faithful husband ted Ten thousand kisses x x x x x x x Goodnight & god bless you

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1

Letter dated: Oct 19th Tuesday 1916. My dearest Bessie I again take the pleasure of writing to you. I am so sorry that I caused you any anxiety for I know you were nearly out of your mind, wondering how I was. But you’ll excuse me I know won’t you. We had rather a rough time of it, the last time we was in the trenches, we was caked with mud and from head to toe and our feet we through and we were not allowed to pull our clothes off while in the trenches and when we got a little sleep we had to just roll ourselves up in a blanket just as we were. We have been out for four days now but we are going back tonight for another few days, and then I think we shall get a long rest. Mother will be waiting

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2

for a letter, for she had had more the same as you. I would have sent you a card if I could have got one, but everybody was alike, all their writing material was wet through. Well love I hope that you and the children are keeping well, for it is coming winter and that is the time for colds, so look well after them dear. I am sending you a five franc note in this letter you will be able o change it at frames. So you must get something warm for one of the children. You will only get 3 & 9 for it but it will buy about three pairs of stockings wont it. Well love I don’t know how soon the war is over for I am longing to see my children again and your bonnie self. But cheer up love it wont

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Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3

be for long I hope. You must tell the children to pray for their daddy’s safe return, also give my respects to MR Eccles and tell him I thank him for his nice letter, also give my best respects to all inquiring friends. Well love I will say good day and may god bless my dear wife and children I remain always your loving and devoted husband xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ted Don’t bother sending me anything you will need all you get for the children this winter x Let me know if you get this letter

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Preston43156
Envelope to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.

Envelope dated- 21 Oct 1915 Mrs Darlington 7 Prospect View Middle forth Penwortham N Preston Lancs England Envelope signed by: E. Darlington

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Preston43156
Edward Darlington

Edwards Roll of Honour form held in the HARRIS Museum in Preston.

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Preston43149
Edward Darlington

Edward,s obituary from the newspaper.

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Preston43149
Penwortham War Memorial

Listing those who fell in the Great War from Penwortham, Preston, Lancashire.

Contributed by:
Gill49

Communities

Penwortham War Memorial

Penwortham War Memorial

More about Penwortham War Memorial
South Ribble in the Great War

South Ribble in the Great War

More about South Ribble in the Great War

Evidence

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Official Records

Title	Connected by	More information
Medal Index Card
Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription	Preston43158
Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Casualty Records Transcription	Preston43158
1911 England, Wales & Scotland Census Transcription	Preston43158
1901 England, Wales & Scotland Census Transcription	Preston43158
England & Wales marriages 1837-2008 Transcription	Preston43158

External Evidence

Reference	Connected by	More information
http://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/ record details.	Preston43149
http://www.loyalregiment.com, soldiers stories	Preston43149

Multimedia

Title	Connected by	More information
Edward Darlington	Preston43158
Letter from Ethel Finch to Mrs Darlington	Preston43156
Letter from Ethel Finch to Mrs Darlington	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife June 4th	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife June 4th	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie 21st Nov	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie 21st Nov	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie 21st Nov	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Dec 7th	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Dec 7th	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie Jan 15th	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie Jan 15th	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 4	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1A	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1B	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2A	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2B	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1A	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1B	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie A	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie B	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1A	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1B	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. A	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. B.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 4	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. A	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. B.	Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 2.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 4	Preston43156
Envelope of a letter to Bessie Darlington	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 4	Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 1	Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 2.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Envelope to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 1	Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 2.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 1	Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 2.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 4	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 1	Preston43156
Post card to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. 2.	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1A	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1b	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2A	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2B	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 1	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 2	Preston43156
Letter to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie. Part 3	Preston43156
Envelope to Edward Darlington's wife Bessie.	Preston43156
Edward Darlington	Preston43149
Edward Darlington	Preston43149
Penwortham War Memorial	Gill49

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We remember Edward Darlington

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We remember Edward Darlington

We remember Edward Darlington

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We remember Edward Darlington