Anybody in doubt about the survival spirit need only read the cheerful letters of the average soldier. In Pte Sidney Smith, of the Bedfordshire Regiment, a Luton Terrier, a cheerful and unconquerable spirit of optimism flourishes to a remarkable degree.
Prior to the war, Pte Smith was employed in the packing room of Messrs T. Burley, Bute Street, Luton. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment in November 1914, and has been with them, without a break since, during the fighting in Gallipoli and in Egypt. His home in Luton is at 79 Wenlock Street, where he was at the time of joining up.
In a letter dates some time ago he says: "I suppose you have heard of the fighting in Palestine. I had the luck, usual, to get through both attacks but had some very exciting times and experiences.
"I have touched lucky for once to get a rest for change. I am in hospital at Alexandria. I was taken a bit queer last Sunday. When the doctor took my temperature it was 104, so you may guess I felt a bit rough. I was brought a distance of over 300 miles, so you will see they did not keep me hanging about long, and when I got here I felt A1.
"I had to ride a camel to -----, and it was a marvel how I got there as I was in a poor way and I hardly remember it. We are looked after well here. We have plenty of food and we sleep nearly all day. The first feather bed I have lain in for nearly two years...it seemed like heaven. Hardly knew where I was the first morning, and the first piece of butter I have had. I never thought there were such luxuries knocking about.
"I don't think I shall be here long, as it is a bit dull, with nothing to do or go to. I get fed up messing about after being used to roaming about. There is nothing like being back with the 'bhoys'.
"Things are very quiet up the line now, but we had it a bit rough when the first two attacks were made on Gaza. It looks a pretty place, but I could not say what it will be like when we do take it, as the Turks have some very strong positions to break up, but we shall get through, and very shortly too.
"They have put up a good fight all the way through, but we gave them more than they bargained for, and they never think of attacking us. The fields looked fine when we first went up there, nearly all corn and nearly ripe, but now it looks like the desert itself.
"I had the pleasure of seeing out tanks in action as they followed us up. My word, they don't half mow things down. It is a sight worth seeing. I think they fairly put the wind up the Turks.
"They say the first seven years out here are the hardest, but I hope I don't have the pleasure of seeing what it is like after that. I don't get homesick, I just take things as they come."
In his next letter, dated September 12th, he says: "I was only in 'dock' (hospital) six days, so, you see, I soon got fed up. Things are a bit hot up here at times, not saying anything about the weather, which is almost unbearable, but yet very chilly at nights.
"I got back to the regiment just in time to be in the scrapping, so I haven't missed anything this battalion had been in all the time we have been out here. I fancy I must hold the record for being with them longest, only having been away 16 days all the time.
"There are about 100 of the old battalion which left Blighty two years ago. I am an old hand if I don't go and get the sack. I would give anything if I could have a leave home, and I think it is about time they did something for us. Some people think it is a holiday, but I would like to run up against them.
"We have something else to fight besides Turks. What with diseases of all kinds, it's marvellous how we stick it. Just fancy going without water for over 36 hours in heat like this, besides fighting at the same time, as we did when we first attacked Gaza. If this is the Holy Land, roll on the next. I have seen enough of Palestine to last me, but we may get to Jerusalem yet.
"I suppose you heard of the scrap we have been in. It was nothing fresh for us. I can tell you it comes natural, like going into a football match each week. You read of a successful raid, but little do people dream what they are like - worse than any general advance, as we have to take the position and then come back, which is the worst part of it.
"The boys go for it, hand-to-hand fighting, and it was 'sick' enough in there. We made a mess of everything. We only had two casualties until coming back, and then the Turks set up a heavy barrage. It seemed impossible to get through it. I counted my chickens that night if ever I did in my life.
"We lost some, worst luck. Some of them were men who had been out here two years. Rotten luck after going all that time. I must have a charmed life, as I came out without a scratch, but it is better to be born lucky than rich is my motto.
"It seemed to me that night as if every place I had just left got blown up. There was only one word for it - hell! You can tell it was a success, and no little job for our regiment to take on, as there were 30 Military Medals, four Military Crosses and a D.C.M. Of course, I was not lucky enough to get one. The General said every man deserved one, but all could not have them. I was more than satisfied. The only souvenir I want is myself.
"I would not live out here if they gave it to me. Not a house in sight except Gaza, and we cannot go swanking up there just when we feel like a stroll.
"I could do with a bit of plum duff. I have to walk myself twice to see my own shadow. I often wonder what we shall be like when we get 95 years old, as this life puts years on you."
[Sidney Smith is shown on the 1918 Absent Voters' List as Pte 200690, 1/5th Bedfords.]
[The Luton News: Thursday, October 18th, 1917]