Having a Fine Time

Luton Modern School c.1910 [Z1306/75/2/3]

Thursday 12th November 1914 (Luton): A letter has been received by Luton Modern School from one of its old boys, Private A. Haworth, who is now serving with the 12th Battalion of the King’s Liverpool Regiment.[1] He appears to be thoroughly enjoying his training, despite some discomforts.

We’re having a fine time now, with Company training this week: all sorts of sham fights, skirmishing, etc. – and it is jolly good fun. Of course it is not exactly like being at home in your cot, you know, with sixteen of us in a tent! But it is really jolly amusing – not to say enlightening – to wake up at night about sixteen times with the rain dripping all over your blankets and somebody’s feet round your neck. All these little things break the monotony of “stew” dinner – a treat you don’t know. Still, for all that I am growing remarkably on it, and feel as fit as a horse.

Source: Luton Modern School Magazine, December 1914 [SDLutonSFC2/7]

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[1] This would appear to be Arthur Haworth who was born in Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire, but was living in Luton by 1901. Second Lieutenant Haworth was killed on 19th July 1916 at the age of 20.