A Lassie O' The Vale

Weldon’s Practical Knitter: Men’s Socks and Women’s Stockings. Knitting pattern c.1914-1918. [Z160/60]

Thursday 24th September 1914 (Bedford): A consignment of knitted socks was received from Scotland this week and distributed to some of the Territorial soldiers. Inside one of the socks was this letter:

The hand that knitted these
Has also penned this note,
So keep your mind at ease,
In that foreign land remote. 

I know not who or where you are,
Don’t even know your name,
So whether you are near or far,
My feelings are the same. 

My heart goes out to every seed
Of Scotland’s noble sons,
Who in the hour of direst need
Have shouldered up their guns,

And sallied forth to meet the foe,
At home or yont the seas,
To whatever land you go,
Be sure, Remember me. 

Signed: “A Lassie o’ the Vale”

The letter was found by a Colour Sergeant. Unfortunately for the young lady author he was a married man!

Source: Beds Times 25/9/1914