During our Remembrance lunch last year (2023), David Stark OH 1971-79, shared a letter that his family had received in 1916 from a close relative, William Stark, shortly before he sadly lost his life.  The letter, written on October 1st 1916, provided an insight into life during World War I.

William was the nephew of David's paternal grandparents, William and Elizabeth Stark, and it was his grandmother, Elizabeth, who received the letter.  Within the letter, William mentioned a cousin Maud, who was poorly due to polio and was not expected to thrive.

William was in the East Yorkshire Regiment before going to Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment, 10th Battalion.

Oct 1 1916

Dear Auntie and Cousins,

I received your most welcome letter to-day Sunday, was just finishing my dinner of mutton stew when the mail arrived.

I have little time to spare, so thought I would drop you a line or two to let you know how I am going on.  Well I am pleased to say I am in the best of health, and hope that you are all the same.  We are having a fine rest now that we are out of the trenches, billeted in a quiet French village miles behind the line. I'll tell you it is quite a change to be able to clean up abit, more like living in England, the parades we do are very much like those we did in England, finishing everyday at 3.

No doubt Uncle will be sorry he is not coming out just now, last time he wrote he said his ambition was to get out as soon as he could.  Well it is no great cope being out infantry, but of course his job will not be so bad.  I hope Uncle is keeping well, and remember me to him next time you write.

The Zepps are giving you a lot of bother nowadays, but I hope they will soon be knockedout, if they can bring one or two down everytime, they will soon get downhearted.

Next time you write, will you please tell me how Mother takes it me being out here.  Remember me to all my cousins, and I hope Maud succeeds in finding a suitable situation.

Love and best wishes

From your loving nephew,

Will

Au Revoir

Excuse Writing

Pte 10 Stark 1259

A month later, on 5 November 1916, Private William Stark sadly lost his life at Flanders, due to the wounds he sustained in battle and was buried at Grove Town Military Cemetery in France.  He was only 20 years old.

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