The Letters of Arthur Martin-Leake July 1915
World War One letters from a double VC
Read by Nicholas Blatchley
To listen to the audio clip, click play on the bar below the image on the right.
1/7/15 — No. 5 Field Ambulance
My dear Mammy
Leave is going now for the Div[isio]n, so I have just put in an application. As I am first on the list here, I may get away about Sunday if the leave is granted. I will send a wire first opportunity which may be done in London.
Don’t be surprised if I don’t get away as nothing is certain in the show. Best love & hoping you are quite fit.
Y[ou]r affect[iona]te
A.M. Leake
{HALS reference 87001}
July 4th 1915 — Grosvenor Hotel, London
My dear Mammy
Arrived this afternoon & will come tomorrow by train leaving L[iver]pool St 10.42. Have some urgent business in town tomorrow which prevents my coming tonight.
Hoping to find you very fit.
Y[ou]r affect[ionate] son
A.M. Leake
{HALS reference 87002}
Thursday [P/M 8 Jul 15] — UCH [University College Hospital]
My dear Mammy
Operation a huge success. Feeling quite fit this morning & doing well.
Will write again later.
Y[ou]r affect[ionate] son
A.M. Leake
{HALS reference 87003}
Sunday [P/M 12 Jul 15] — UCH
My dear Mammy
Willie has just been (5 pm). He has given me all the local news.
My surgeon has departed for a fortnight’s leave & will not hear of my return to France till he has seen me. So this means a good long time at Marshalls as I am to leave hospital on Wednesday.
I will let you know on Wednesday which train I can catch. Thank Bella for her letter; they must have had quite a nice trip in the motor.
Willie tells me that you are sending me to the King when I get back.
Best love & hoping you are all well.
Y[ou]r affect[iona]te son
A.M. Leake
{HALS reference 87004}
{The comment about “sending me to the King” referred to the investiture for Arthur’s VC bar, which was held on the 24th July, taking the opportunity when he had leave for a minor medical procedure.}
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