Summary

Single page letter on British Red Cross and Order of St John letterhead, from Private Griesbach, service number 681960 of 2/22 London Regiment, to Miss Florence Crossley, c/o Red Cross Society, Newbridge, Victoria.

Private Griesbach writes from 15th General Hospital in Alexandria, thanking Miss Crossley for sending him socks. The letter is dated the 16th and 17th of November, both before and after Private Griesbach underwent an operation on his leg, which he describes in a humorous manner.

The letter reads:

'16 -11-17
From / Pte F. Griesbach / No 681960 (2/22/London Regt) / Ward N2K 15th Gen. Hospital / Alexandria / Egypt
Dear Miss Crossley / Just a few lines to thank / you for the socks which / I received as soon as I / arrived in hospital , and / I hope that this letter / reaches you quite safe, / I was wounded; about / a week ago and this / make the third time, / but the other two were / in France. We get plenty / of amusement here, I am / invited by the doctor / (a nice chap), to the / Theatre this afternoon, / (for an operation), not to see a play, Well / I must close as they are bring the car / for me / I remain / Yours F. Griesbach.

17 -11-17
I had to leave this letter / after all, so i am pick- / ing up again now. I went / to the Theatre but it / was a rotten show, they / had a play called / "chloroform", a very sleepy / thing. I went to sleep / as soon as I got in / there, and then a very / dirty trick happened, / While I was asleep they / cut my leg and took / something out, or put / something in I am not / sure which , but I / [SECOND PAGE] / am feeling alright now / and I expect I shall / soon be well enough / to go back to the boys / and try and find the / blighter who put me / out of mess, and if I / do Well - I think I / will bring this letter / to a close with best / wishes from / yours sincerely / F. Griesbach'.

Private Frederick Charles Griesbach served with the 22nd London Regiment (no. 681960 and no. 4374) and the 12th London Regiment (no. 7766). He served 1916 to 1919, survived the war and received the British War and Victory medals.

Description of Content

LETTERS OF APPRECIATION (7) SENT FROM SOLDIERS (AUSTRALIAN AND BRITISH) TO MISS FLORENCE CROSSLEY, C/O RED CROSS SOCIETY, NEWBRIDGE, VICTORIA, 1917-1918. LETTERS DATED, 29.3.1917, 5.5.1917, 6.8.1917, 20.9.1917, 16.11.1917, 12.4.1918 AND 25.3.1918. SOME ON Y.M.C.A. PAPER, TWO ON RED CROSS.

Physical Description

Letter handwritten in pencil on single sheet of paper, folded centrally to form four faces. British Red Cross and Order of St John letterhead with red cross logo printed in red ink on front face.

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