My 2x great-granduncle William Thomas McGrath was killed at Ypres in 1917. Less than three months earlier he wrote a postcard to friend and neighbour, Walter Hunt. The postcard has survived for over a century, and I came across it when Walter’s granddaughter shared it to a Mudgee Family History Connections group online.

Here’s a transcription of the postcard:

Dear Wallie

Just a word or two saying that I am still on deck and hope to remain so. Got some cards from your better half and children which was it. Anyhow thanks to you all for same. Am having a very strenuous time in England doing nothing for the last five months.

Kindest regards to you all from

W. T. McGrath

William’s reference to “a very strenuous time in England” was tongue in cheek. He’d been evacuated there with trench foot. He returned to his Battalion in August, and died from injuries he sustained four weeks later.