Reprinted from The Packet, December 20, 2015
by Lester Green
Letter from Private Shaw
This year with the festival season approaching , let us take time to reflect upon our history and consider the hardship suffered by the people of Random during the Great War of 1914-1918.
There were around 125 soldiers who served from our region and many families spent their Christmas worried about their loved ones overseas. With the 100th year anniversary of Beaumont Hamel fast approaching, let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men of the South West Arm during the First World War.
Visit our site and look at some of the information posted on our relatives. Attached is a letter from Private Andrew Shaw. As we read, let us give thought to his parents and family members and the countless hours they must have endured waiting to hear some good news.
The letter was written by Private Andrew Shaw who went missing in action on April 12, 1918. He was later located in a German Prison Camp suffering from wounds to his leg which occurred during the Battle of Baileul. Private Shaw was from Little Heart’s Ease.
20/7/1918
Dear Sir,
I am writing to see if you will be so well pleased to inform the red cross to sent me some parcels as soon as possible. I am wounded Prisoner of War in Germany. i have been here going on four months an haven’t received knew parcels yet I am sufering (suffering) very bad with my leg.
Pte. Andrew Shaw Regt No 2740
1st R Newfoundland Regiment