Pte Horace Victor Battams, serving with the 5th Lincoln Battery, Royal Field Artillery, wrote home to 51 Hartley Road, Luton, to tell of his experiences in the battle of Loos.

"We have done some good work out here," he wrote. "I helped in the charge for I was a bomb thrower, but, thank the Lord, He spared me. There was many a poor fellow killed, but they took what they went for.

"It was like being in hell to hear our guns. You say it is not so bad as being in the Dardanelles, but I know it is after nine months' experience. How I should like to come home for a few days' holiday. I think I deserve one. Perhaps I may get one when I have been out here a year. Never mind, I shall see you some day.

"I dread the winter coming, for we have to sleep anywhere. I have made a place on the floor with some ammunition boxes. I shall be glad to see the bed again.

"I am glad I am with such a lot as the North Midland, as they have made a name out here. The Guards who saw the charge said it was the best they had ever seen, but we had to pay for it. Many a poor mother's son will never see England again."

Prior to enlistment Pte Battams  (pictured) was in the straw trade, employed by Messrs Sanders and Brightman, Upper George Street. He enlisted about November (1914), and was drafted to the Front in February last.

[Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: November 13th, 1915]