On Active Service.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 17 September 1915, Page 3

On Active Service.

We have been priviledged to read a letter and a postcard from Pte. A. S, Salmon, well known in this town, who is with the N.Z. Forces in Gallipoli. Though containing only a little news, they are still very interesting. The postcard is not a regulation postcard, but one which Pte. Salmon has made himself out of a portion of a cardboard box which has evidently contained cigarettes. The letter is written on what is apparently the fly-leaf out of a book, and both evidence the fact, that, in certain lines, our men are decidedly hard-up. These facts, coupled with the reading of portions of Pte. Salmon’s letters, which are given below, will give an idea of how those so inclined, can render to some of our men a very definite service. In a matter such as this, where the provision of a writing-pad, or a few sheets of paper and envelopes would be such a boon to the soldier, almost anyone can help, without feeling it at all. Among other things, Pte. Salmon says on his postcard, “ I would be very pleased to get a copy of the Huntly PRESS now and again. I am one of the fortunate ones, having been in the thick of the lighting, and getting only one bullet. It was through thejarm, but was nothing to speak of. I cannot send you any more news, as I have no more writing material.” In his letter, he says, “ I have scored a piece of paper, so these few lines I am scribbling will thank you for your long newsy letter. You cannot imagine how nice it is for us boys to receive news from New Zealand. I dare not mention war news, but I see you get a fairly true report in your newspapers. I ant in tip-top health, and can say I am blessed with good luck. It \yas only a couple of hours ago that shrapnel poured into our dug-out and I can’t imagine how I managed not to stop a y of it. My pal (two in a dug-out) was hit. A couple of clays ago I was in a fire trench fixing some respirators in a handy position in case of being wanted urgently. To do this it was necessary to sit with my back to the enemy. When I was in the middle of the job, a shell hit the top of the front of our trencb(wbich is only 10 yards from the enemy’s) knocking several sand bags on me and showering me with loose earth. It waff lucky these bags did fall o" me, as they stopped lead which otherwise would have been stopped by me. One nice sunny afternoon, a bullet found its way into my right arm, but it was nothing. I 'got it bandaged, and went on with the charge. Next morning, I had it taken out, as it is quite enough to carry your own ammunition, without carrying some of the enemy’s too. It is very hot, but most of the main-body boys are seasoned to it, though one cannot eat too weil. The way I manage is, to have a very early breakfast, and then the jiext meal at about nine o’clock at night, when the flies and sun have gone to rest. I have sent to England for writing material, and when wo are allowed to write with a free hand, I will send you some news.