Letters From World War One Trenches

During World War I, soldiers were encouraged to write letters home, but many chose to hide the brutal realities of trench warfare. The Defence of the Realm Act of 1914 required these letters to be censored by officers, limiting what could be shared.

Harold Chapin, in a letter filtered through self-censorship, shares a glimpse of his exhausting work treating the wounded during an attack. Despite being assigned to night duty, the constant flow of injured soldiers meant there was no distinction between night and day. He describes the physical toll of transporting a severely wounded man across muddy fields, emphasizing the challenging conditions they faced.

Guy Chapman, reflecting on his wartime experiences in the 1930s, looks back at a list of his platoon members. He remembers the faces and stories behind the names, including those who didn't survive. His role in censoring their letters made him privy to their personal hopes and fears, highlighting the emotional distance imposed by war.

Arthur Savage recalls the terror and horror of life on the Western Front. He speaks of the physical and psychological agony of trench foot, the nuisance of lice, the presence of rats, and the constant cold and mud. The dead were a common sight, making the reality of war inescapable.

Philip Gibbs, a journalist, comments on the traumatic impact of shell shock, initially dismissed by generals as cowardice. He witnessed strong men reduced to trembling, speechless figures, highlighting the profound physical and psychological damage caused by war.