Dear Susan,
It is my sincere hope this letter finds you and our baby boy well. I am faring well since my last letter a month ago and I must say I miss seeing your lovely smile (at least when you’re not mad at me). I am writing from the Middle East, Gallipoli Peninsula.
Today marks exactly one year since I joined the war and I cannot help but remember the instance I decided to fight in the Great War. I remember seeing the Secretary of War, a mustachioed Lord Kitchener’s poster. His stern and cutting look in his eyes and his pointing finger with the caption ‘Your country needs you’ spoke out to me and I decided to join the war for the sake of King and Country. As you will remember the complicated situation caused by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand is the underlying reason as to why I am fighting for Britain in her honor.
Within this period, I have been able to improve my skills as an artillery soldier. I have seen one of the most impressive pieces such as the Webley .455 Mark 6 which is only allowed to officers. I believe in this war and I find it a tough, but necessary action, the world needs to be involved in for the sake of future generations. The outbreak of the Great War was inevitable. The quest and hunger for power by the Germans for purposes of world domination instigated this war and since this containment was impossible, war is the impending result.
The Central Powers is a union of power-hungry and opportunistic countries that only seek to stamp their authority and dominion in the world. This fact is revealed by the rush to war and the quick alignment of force. I specifically remember two battles: The Battle of Tannenberg that was fought by the German and Russian sides from 26th August-30th August 1914. Both sides used artillery, such as handguns and rifles. The outcome of this battle was a German victory over the Russians. Another battle was that of the First Battle of Marne that took place from 5th September to 12th September 1914, between Germany and Allied forces. The weapons used were machine guns and bolt action rifles. This battle marked the most successful victory of the Allied forces to date.
Some of the weapons used include the machine gun that has a deadly withering fire, the rifle, such as the Lee-Enfield that can hold up to 10 rounds of ammunition and barbed wire to slow down attackers. As a result of these weapons, the casualties have increased, especially by those caused by the machine gun. Being an artillery soldier, I have to survive the harsh conditions in trench life. For instance, we are required to live in these trenches until the enemy retreats. Also, the deplorable conditions in the trenches are breeding grounds for disease. In addition, during bad weather, the trenches end up filled with water and we have to withstand these conditions for the sake of our lives.
I look forward to writing more of my adventures to you in my next letter.
With Love,
Martin.
