An opinion has gained credence that the life of the artilleryman is neither as exciting nor dangerous as that of the infantry. The large number of vivid stories from the trenches are probably responsible for this idea, but the following extracts from a letter written by Gunner-Signaller Fred Barrett, 85401, 114th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, proves conclusively that their life is not lacking adventure and thrilling ordeal.
Gunner Barrett is well known in the town. He played previous to last season for Midland Athletic FC, and was a member of the Havelock FC eleven which won the Third Division of the Luton League three seasons ago. He has also been a member of St Matthew's Cricket Club.
The son of Mr and Mrs Barrett, of 22 Jubilee Street, Luton, he was employed prior to August last by Mr W. Brown, straw hat manufacturer, of High Town Road, the well-known Luton Town cricketer. Obeying the call last August, buy the early part of this year he was able to take his place in the first line in France. Since then he had had many thrilling experiences, but they have left his cheerful nature unimpaired.
In a letter to a friend who asked him to relate some of his experiences he confides his bashfulness and gives one instance only, although he says such occurrences are part of the daily routine.
He writes: "I have had a few, but not much to talk about after what some of our chaps have gone through. Of course, my duties keep me in the trenches and we are continuously shelled. So far I have been very lucky, but time I shall never forget.
"The telephone wire from the trenches to the battery was broken and our CO was awaiting the signals to fire. It was my duty to return to the place and repair the wire. The breakage had occurred in a village, the whole of which was blown down, and I found that an enemy shell had set fire to one of the remaining buildings along which our wire ran. Apparently they had ceased shelling, so I commenced business and discovered the wire broken in three places. Two of the breaks I reconnected and started on the other when I heard a shell coming over. Then I scooted.
"About six yards away I threw myself flat on the ground just as a shell dropped on the wall of the house where I had been working, and knocked it across the road. Had I remained at the wire, even if I had escaped the shrapnel, I should have been under the wall. I returned to the wire and mended it, and was glad to be well away before the next two shells came across.
"I could tell you many similar occurrences, but what is the use? They are only daily occurrences."
Elsewhere is the Saturday Telegraph, Pte Barrett appealed for someone to send him a football. He wrote: "The football season is coming on, and as I am very partial to football I wish some kind friend would make me a present of one. I should be very grateful to any who would like to help in this matter. We can't buy footballs out here."
[Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: August 14th, 1915]