A BRAVE ATTEMPT AT RESCUE
Mrs S Moore, of Aldington Siding, near Evesham, has received a letter from her son Corporal W Moore, of the 1st Worcesters, who writes:
“We are in the trenches at present, but are having it very quiet. I had a bit of a shock the other day though. In our trench we have what we call a bomb-house, with a small hole to go in and out. Our sergeant went in and five stood at the door; the sergeant caught hold of one of the bombs; I went to the next dug-out, where I stopped, but as soon as I left, I heard the report of the bomb. I rushed back to see what had happened; the sergeant was blown nearly to pieces, but he was still alive, for I heard him groaning. I went inside the bomb-house, although I could not see, because of the smoke; but I could not breathe and had to come out for air. Yet he had to be saved if possible, so I went in again, and this time I got him out, but he died a few minutes afterwards. The place was still full of smoke, so I sent men for water; they got it quickly as it was handy; then I went in again and put it on the remainder of the bombs. I was expecting to be blown up every moment, but luckily no more went off, and all was clear. It was a very trying time for me. They all tell me I have earned a medal, but I don’t think our own officer has taken the trouble to recommend me for one. However, it was my duty, so I don’t worry.”