Extracts from a letter to his son, written whilst at Fort Darland, Chatham, home of Middlesex Regiment, sometime before transfer to France and the western front. "Dear Bertie, How are you getting on. I am very pleased with your nice letter and I think there are as many kisses as there is writing. Did you do it all yourself. I am glad to hear that you got all your sums right and that you get all your other lessons correct. I hope you are taking care of mum because you are the only man at home now. Have you got your mouth organ yet. I had some nice big worms for my dinner today, you know what I mean, macaroni. Have you pulled that loose tooth out yet. I will try and bring you another badge home when I get my week end. I have made yours polish up like silver and have some dummy cartridges. Well good bye Bert for the present. Kiss mum for me and remember me to the chickens. From your loving Dadie xxxxxxxx" Well, Great Granddad Albert, your son Bertie did look after the family for you after you were gone, and your great-great grandson carries the Albert name on. Never forgotten.

Andrew Payne