'A CHEERY LETTER
FROM A WHITLEY SOLDIER IN HOSPITAL
The friends of Sergt. Thomas Reavely, of Whitley Bay, and indeed all who know him, will be glad to learn that he is now well on the way to convalescence.
A shatter leg compelled amputation, haemorrhage followed, necessitating further operations and for many days, if not weeks, Sergt. Reavely lay at the door of death. Yet, he has pulled through, and the following cheery and interesting letter to a friend will show that the ill fortune of war has not damped his spirits and that, handicapped though he may be, he is glad to be alive, and in no wise fears the future. That Tom will again make good in civilian life is a certainty:
A1 Ward, War Hospital, Bradford
Just a few lines to let you know I am getting along as well as can be expected, and to thank you for the kind words about me which I read in your little "Seaside Chronicle". It has not failed to reach me more than three or four times since I left the happy home (Whitley Bay), therefore I am always a little in touch with the doings of the old spot.
The people of Whitley Bay have been very kind to me since my arrival in Bradford. Letters of sympathy and parcels of good things in galore I have had sent. How I should like to thank them all personally, but I am afraid I will not get the chance this year.
No doubt I am sorry when I begin to think about losing me leg. But there are thousands worse off than me, and look at the poor fellows who have gone out to France never to come back. They are the real heroes. So on the whole I think I can consider myself lucky.
About hospital life. It is not so dull as one would imagine. We have our sport just the same as in France, but of a different kind. Here we have piano playing, gramophone, singing, dancing, telling stories (and lies), having the nurses on (who will do any blooming thing for us), whereas in France it is "bang, bang, bang." We sometimes have a bit of bombardment during the night with slippers, shirts, socks, pillows, cushions, etc., anything we can lay our hands on once we get started. Each side of the Ward bombard the other. Then the attack follows in the way of "going over" and stripping each others' beds, that is those who can get out. I myself take part in the strafe, but not the attack. I remain in bed and so the clothes do not leave it. "Some" warfare, eh? Then the night sister will put in an appearance, and "the band begins to play." If there is no damage done I dare say she will have many a good laugh on getting out of the ward. Then the boys that can get about are up first thing in the morning and get cleared away.
I often think I was lucky to get to Bradford, the people are so good and kind. The wounded Tommies never really want for anything here. The people of Bradford see to that. There is a Ladies' Committee who provide special teas three days a week. Then we have our visitors' two days, bringing us all sorts of good things, and they take the convalescent boys out, and give them such good times. I think I have about fifty invitations to tea when I am well enough to be pushed about, and there is plenty of willing hands to push you about. I am to be taken around the town and all the parks, etc.
What times to look forward to, eh?
And the Nurses, I am afraid it would take a much weightier pen than mine to put in words what should be said of them. Their motto is "If my patient is easy and making improvement with as little pain as possible, I am happy." And anything that can be done to that end is done by them. I can assure you I know that is how I find mine, and I can speak for others. I consider that when this war is over they should all have Victoria Crosses as big as the "White City."
I must tell you al about yesterday. It was a big day for us. We were honoured with a visit from Her Highness Princess Marie Louise here opening a new wing of the hospital. Our Ward was specially selected for inspection by her previous to the opening ceremony. She seemed very much interested with the Tommies. So on going out we showed her the spirit that would win the war, by giving her three cheers. She afterwards told the Matron that it was the first time she had heard cheering in a hospital. So you can see we are all in the best of spirits here. Of course this is all the bright and humorous side of hospital life. Of course there is a sad side to it all, but perhaps it is best not to talk about it. It only serves to make a fellow downhearted. A good heart, along with pluck, patience, and perseverance, is a great help to the Nurses, and we must do what we can for them.
Some other time, when I am convalescent, I may give you the sad side. A bad case from being hit to convalescence. About myself. I am quite happy here and feel very well in myself, never felt better, putting weight on rapidly, never had a better appetite in my life. Only "Little Willie" (my stump) is keeping me back, as you will know a job like mine is a slow one and takes time, and I have not had the best of luck with it.
I expect to have many more weeks here yet. Then a trip to Brighton Convalescent Home for amputations and await my turn for Roehampton to be fitted up. So you can guess it will be a while before we can say "Here's the best of health and good luck." with a jink of the glasses, and have a chat about old times. Remember me to any inquiring friends. Again thanking you.
Yours as before
TOMMY REAVELEY'
Acknowledgment: Angela Conroy