World War I Roll of Honour - The Clove Club Hackney Downs School

We have had very little sleep; when we were in the trenches we had to work when we came
off sentry duty; when we were in support we had to go back into the village for water, wire, etc., to
take up into the lines by day, and food and ammunition by night. So, what with the strain and want
of sleep, it was no wonder that we had two fellows in hospital with nervous breakdown.
We ought to feel flattered with the position which we held during the bombardment. Our
battalion was holding both the front line and the support trenches, while some of the pick of the
Regulars were held in reserve behind us.
... I’ve seen something of our artillery, both Regular and Territorial. They’re magnificent,
and the amazing cheek of our airmen in reconnoitring absolutely takes your breath away. Another
branch that we hear little of in the papers and which have by far the most dangerous work to do (and
do it without turning a hair) is the Royal Engineers. If some of the people who sit at home and talk
would come out here and see the sort of thing the troops have to put up with and the work they are
doing, they would talk less and think more, and try to make the men a bit more comfortable.
... We are still within range of shell fire, and I expect you would have laughed if you could
have seen me shaving this morning in that little mirror Dad brought home some time ago; every time
a gun went off and shook the place it fell down.
Extract of a letter from Lance-Corporal G.E.Gardner, 7th London Regiment.
Friday, May 21st, 1915.
... I am extremely sorry to have to tell you that Harry Walters was killed on Wednesday last
... As you can imagine I was horrified when I heard about it. The reason I didn’t know before is
that our company was in the second line of trenches and all the others were in the first line. It is
rather poor, but I think it will give a little comfort to his people to know that poor old Harry knew
nothing about it. He was hit and was absolutely unconscious, and died on his way to the dressing
station. You may rest assured that everything was done for him, but I am afraid that it was quite
hopeless. I might mention that he was doing some splendid work the night before - helping to carry
the wounded on stretchers from the firing line to the dressing station, a matter of two miles, under
heavy shell fire practically the whole way. I will do my best to find out where he is buried; it may
be impossible to do it, but I think his people would like to know. He passed along our trench on
Tuesday on his way to the firing trench, and as he passed me he said “Hello, George!” and I wished
him “Good luck” in response. That is the last I saw of him. I pray that he may rest in peace; he died
for a righteous cause!