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23/2/1915 Dear Montgomery, You know that there is a
lot of important work to be done before we come
out this time, & you know how handicapped I
am without Haigh; I am going back for a
lessonis to let Sinclair take "a" till we
get back to Fucerrile after his your boy is
Released by C tomorrow & you've to tackle new
direction of working parties, in your own way &your
own time I'm wont a etc Redeem etc. I know
that you have already had a hell of a time, but
I am sure that if you direct the work every
energy would be saved; at the same time
you can by delegating jobs to others get some
sleep; when you are in C day out.
Will this end in views I am Telling C & D to
let you know by 6 AM what news you can have
In work, time its in the care of C til they
Relieve you in the care of D till they relieve B.
After that C can tell you what they can give
you daily and B as well also A
the General expects a lot, but this is a penalty
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We pay for a good Reputation, but I am
sure that in your hands the Reputation we
have for can be well maintained.
I am telling B to lend C 2 offers you wish
in trenches generally, as they have had good
dug outs. The more the men work the sector they remain
I am sure. Yours
Wm M 1am 22/23x11 A party of INCO & 12 men S Lancs are
to report HQ at 5pm till when
you want them sent.
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Replied 23 January 1916 Mrs HH Montgomery
Monacherra
Malone Road
Belfast
The Montgomery family lived in Malone Park, one of the wealthiest suburbs of Belfast
city. This letter is part of a large collection that their son, William, a Captain
with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles, wrote to his parents, Harford Hugh
and Sara Montgomery, throughout the war. His first letter is dated 3 December 1914.
Captain Montgomery was a decorated soldier. He was awarded both the Victoria and the
15 Star medals and was promoted to the rank of Major. His father owned a fire assessor
business.