A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: ‘Dearest Win, I have a feeling that I shall not come back again’
Frank Bracey, of the Royal Garrison Artillery, was on leave and staying with his mother when he wrote this letter – to be opened in the event of his death
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dearest Win,
I am writing just a line, Win, in case of accidents. Just to let you know how I have always loved you, Dear. You are the best little girl on God’s earth, have I told you before?
But I am writing this because I have a feeling that I shall not come back again. I have most of your letters in this box, Dear, and I wish you to have them and the cards. You may think I am a bit taped writing this, Dear, but I cannot help it.
If I do come back, Dearest, you will never see this letter, but I have a strong feeling that I shall never see England again. In case I do pop under the earth, I want you to be happy and look out for a worthier chap than your Humble, you have been every thing to me, Win. I know your love is mine forever, Dearest, but if I do not come back I wish you the best of happiness and a good husband. I know you told me what you would do for yourself if I did not return but Win, for the sake of our love, I wish you to be brave, it would be hard for you, little girl, I know, but do nothing of the kind.
My last wish is that you marry a good man and to be happy and to think of your Humble now and then. I felt I must write these few lines, Win, but whatever happens, Dear, just keep a stout heart and think that your Frank did his bit for the women of this little isle. I expect you will think your Humble crazy but I was never saner than I am now.
Frank
Gunner Frank Bracey, of the 103rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, was killed in Pas-de-Calais on 3 August 1916. He is buried at the British military cemetery at Saint-Amand
Tomorrow the corpse in the crater
The '100 Moments' already published can be seen at: independent.co.uk/greatwar
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments