1
3 Abbey Terrace, Boyle, Co.Roscommon. 26.7.16 My dear Colonel Just a line
to let you know
how I am getting on
I am improving every day
I am nearly back into my
old form again I have
gained a lot in weight
since I came to Boyle and
I have started to get fat
The tube is a bit of an
2
inconvenience as I cannot
do a lot of things I would
like to do, such as have
a swim, or hull a boat.
I cannot do much stooping
as two and a half inches of
metal in ones stomach is
not pleasant to have pushed
farther in when I stoop, but
take it all round I am
doing well and hope to come
back to duty on the 9th of
August. Of course the
Military doctors may think
I am crocked up by having
3
a tube but there is a
lot in me yet. I was very sorry to see
that poor Vernon got
killed he was a nice quiet
youngster and will be a loss
to the service I had a letter from old Sgt
Ryder a few days ago
and he told me the Bere Island
damages were reduced from one
£180 to £49 that was a great
reduction and I am very glad.
You can always manage a reduction
if you write nicely to the proper
authorities. I am also very glad for
Wratislius sake as he now won't have
Letter from C. Smyth, probably to Colonel Henry Grattan Bellew (1860-1942). Smyth
is clearly writing while convalescing from a stomach wound and writes about his recovery
and hopes of returning to service. He mentions the death of 'a nice quiet youngster'
and about damages at Bere Island which it seems the Company was liable for.This letter
is from a collection of miscellaneous letters, relating to the Bellew family. Sir
Henry Christopher Grattan Bellew was the third baronet of Mount Bellew in County Galway.
He held the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, 4th Battalion Connaught Rangers. His son,
sir Charles Christopher (1887-1948) held the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, King's Royal
Rifle Corps. He was decorated with the award of the Military Cross (M.C.) in 1918.