A limerick officer stationed in North France has penned a letter to his mother, dated the 10th of the previous month, detailing a harrowing encounter with the brutality of war. Despite escaping physical injury, the officer recounts how an exploding shell left him dazed and disoriented, with a lingering sensation of deafness and unease in his head.

The incident occurred while the officer and his comrades were taking shelter and enjoying a brief respite in a dilapidated cottage. Without warning, a shell tore through the building, detonating in the passage nearby. Miraculously, although the roof collapsed around them, none of the occupants suffered physical harm from the debris.

However, the officer’s letter takes a darker turn as he describes the appalling treatment inflicted upon wounded soldiers by the enemy. Shockingly, he reveals that German forces callously turned machine guns on a group of British wounded, resulting in numerous fatalities. The cruelty did not end there, as some unfortunate souls had paraffin poured over them before being set ablaze by their captors.

The officer’s anguish and anger are palpable as he expresses a fervent hope for the complete destruction of the German Empire. He reflects on the resilience and bravery of his fellow soldiers, who remain undaunted in the face of such barbarity. Despite the horrors they witness, he acknowledges the restraint exercised by British forces, who resist the urge to seek retribution in kind.

The letter serves as a poignant reminder of the inhumanity of war and the sacrifices made by those who serve on the front lines. It highlights the stark contrast between the camaraderie and courage displayed by British troops and the depravity of their adversaries. Even in the midst of such darkness, the officer’s resolve remains unbroken, fuelled by a determination to see justice served and the triumph of righteousness over tyranny.

As the conflict rages on, stories like these underscore the urgent need for an end to hostilities and the establishment of lasting peace. The officer’s words resonate not only with his fellow countrymen but with all who yearn for an end to the suffering wrought by war. May his plea for justice and his unwavering faith in the righteousness of their cause inspire hope amidst the chaos of battle.

Irish Independent – Monday 05 April 1915