WAR NOTES

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 15 September 1917, Page 2

WAR NOTES

A TURK’S LAMENTS

The following is a copy of a letter written by a Turkish officer fo his wife and captured on the field of battle in Palestine Tjy a British officer, who has sent it home to his parents:

Ayesha.—My Angel of Beauty, how pleased I am with God and Allah for the letter received from you, my dear and also that my two smaller angel darlings are happy and well. Oh, Ayesha } my morning star, what reply can I give you? God has so far given me health and strength, and has brought me safely through, but when can it possibly end?. We are bombarded by the English; no rest we receive and very little food, and our men are dying in hundreds from disease. Discontent is also beginning to show itself among the men, and I pray to God to bring this all to an end. I can see our lovely Constantinople in ruins, and our houses burned to the ground and our wives and children put to the sword. Nothing but some favour from Allah can prevent it. These English are very persistent, and there is no fear of death for them. They are very cruel. They watch us like wolves in the night, and are upon u s like the devil in the May. why did we join this wicked war? England was partial to us in the past, and we may therefore expect no mercy from one who is so badly injured. Oh, Ayesha, star of night, call in Meher the magician and see from him what my future holds. Prior to thi s kiss my two angels, Hasta Ma and Ayes —eyes, mouth, ears ; hands and feet —and pray that the good God keep me safe. Ayesha, I must now take leave of you, as the sun is sinking. I must away to my devotion, in which I always pray for you, my star of the morning, and for my two angels of night. God bless you ; Ayesha, I wish I were at home to-night to give you my adoration. To my high-born royal wife Ayesha.— From your husband, MM., Captain 13th Turkish Infantry.