Herbert's last letter home written on Sat 1 July 1916, then found on his body

Herbert's last letter home written on Sat 1 July 1916, then found on his body

known 1st July 1916

On Active Service With the British Expeditionary Force Near Albert France Saturday 1st. July 1916 Dear Father and Mother and all, As I am expecting 'to go over the top' (i.e. to join in rushing the German trenches) within the next few days and may therefore never have the joy of seeing you all once again on earth, I am writing to tell you once more how much I love you all and to remind you that if you get news of my death in action, it will not be long before we shall meet again in Heaven, because we are all members of the body of Christ and are all united in our love to Him, believing and knowing as we do that our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, gave Himself once for all on Calvary as a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for our sins. It is a glorious thing just now, when I hear our guns pounding away at the German lines, and know that though I am now a few miles to the rear, - I shall soon (possibly within a few hours) be in the thick of it, - to know that I am perfectly safe because 'to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.' Don't be sad if I am killed. but rejoice in the victory for our armies, because our cause is a righteous one. I shall be proud and glad to die in such a cause, though naturally if I had my own natural selfish will I should prefer a longer life. And remember that quite soon (in God's time if not in ours) we shall all see each other again. I hope that you will all have long happy lives of service, and then meet me up above. I have been a little worried, because I have not been able to write often since we left Rouen. I am so sorry if you have been anxious. Give my love to Miss Cowan and all friends. Perhaps you would not mind writing notes to all to whom photos of me were sent. Best love to you all, Father, Mother, Elsie, Eileen, Frank, Alfred, Lydia, Stanley and 'Monkey' (!) Your loving son and brother, Herbert Houghton Au revoir! Ps. Sunday Evening July 2nd Have just heard that we shall go into action tomorrow (Monday July 3rd) morning. Best love to you all once more. H.H. (Footnotes - reported as buried near Ovillers, N.E. of Albert - 'Monkey' is Herbert's nickname for his youngest sister Freda - the original manuscript letter is held by his niece)

Created by: , Mike160780

  • Profile picture for Herbert Houghton

    Born 1890

    Died 1916

    British Army G/8224 Private Army Reserve (Home)

    British Army G/8224 Private The Queen's Regiment 3rd Battalion

    British Army G/8224 Private The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) 1st Battalion