Letter from C. Smyth probably to Colonel Henry Grattan Bellew, 7 July 1916 Letters 1916-1923 C. Smyth

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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.

 National Library of Ireland Bellew of Mount Bellew Papers, Collection List No. 33, Ms. 27,290 https://letters1916.ie/item/1327 English C. Smyth 1916-07-07 Boyle, Co. Roscommon Sir Henry Grattan Bellew Male World War I (1914-1918)

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 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 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 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 C. Smyth Letter from C. Smyth probably to Colonel Henry Grattan Bellew, 7 July 1916 Boyle, Co. Roscommon Letter from C. Smyth probably to Colonel Henry Grattan Bellew, 7 July 1916