HARDING

Hotel de Bourdeaux

Place Gambetta, Le Havre

29.1.1915

Dear Fr Nevill,

I have been wanting to write for a long time to tell you how sorry I was to see your brother's death in the papers. I do feel for you most sincerely. I always think that those who are not regular soldiers give so much more than those who are. It is nothing to gain and all to lose for them as they have no career in the army. They are undoubtedly martyrs in the sense of giving their lives for a just cause. It must be dreadfully hard on his wife – they had only been married about a year, hadn't they?

I am working here with Mrs Berners, who has had the same hard lot, and I must say she is admirably brave. We are putting up a hut or club for Catholic Tommies in the camp here, and it is the amount of work that I have had to do with that that has stopped me writing any non-begging letters. Money is an awkward difficulty, but I trust that my appeals will be successful. Things have not been too easy but the red tape part is clear now. This war is a terrible thing, but I have been very lucky and my three brothers are unhurt so far. God grant it will soon be over.

Your is very sincerely,

Stephen Harding

Catholic club.

c/o N0. 1 Gen. BAse Depot

Le Havre

7.5.1915

Dear Fr Paul,

Just a word to tell you that I have at last got off a sort of account of this place in the shape of a letter which is touring round my friends. It should reach you soon, but I shall be glad if you will send it on to "W. Fitzherbert-Brockholes Esq, Claughton Hall, Garstang, Lancs". I believe you saw Mrs Berners when she was home. She was knocked up then, but on the whole I think she is far better than she was three months ago. Is it true that you may be coming out? Come via Havre if you do & w'll sell you a Woodbine. I hope you will manage to get leave.

Yrs ever, Stephen Harding

Hotel Terminus

Etaples.

21 6.1915.

Dear Fr Paul,

You have, I know, only too many to pray for, but when you can, remember one of my greatest friends who is I am told, lying unconscious & unlikely to live many days through drink. I have just got here & should have time for a proper letter in a few days.

Yours sincerely

Stephen Harding