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Letter from Chester Trelease back home to Redruth

March 9, 2016 by Susan Roberts Leave a Comment

Chester Trelease was one of many young men who wrote back home to Redruth Wesleyan Chapel from the Front. The Cornwall Records Office, Truro, holds a letter from him. He had left Cornwall some years earlier to seek his fortune further afield. But he remembers fondly the congregation and thanks them for the kind gift of a wallet for Christmas. Four months later, he was dead. ‘Killed in action’ is written in pencil at the top of the letter, dated 12 February 1918.

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“It affords me very much pleasure in replying to the parcel and letter that I received from the people of Wesley at Xmas. Though I am a little behind time in my answer I trust I am not too much so for circumstances has placed me in a rather active position of late. But at present I am resting in a peaceful village away from the scenes of war and I have an opportunity.

 

I thought it best to reply to you because I do not personally know either of the gentlemen who jointly sent the letter but I know you will make it known to them as I reply to ‘One and All’. It was a very acceptable gift I can assure you and I shall always treasure the pocket wallet as a memento from the people of Wesley, Redruth of the Great European War.

 

I am going on pretty well myself up-to-date and so far have escaped personal injury. I trust that the struggle will soon end and the democracy for which we fight will once and for all time triumph over Prussian tyranny and oppression. I have heard nothing of the whereabouts of either H Webber of G Berryman, both as you no doubt aware being members of the Australian Imperial Forces on Active Service. I trust they are both well. A friend of mine has just gone to England on leave named Trezillian Australian born of Cornish parents. Having told me he might he paying a visit to Cornwall I have him your address if he chose to call on you. Trusting you are well and hoping to hear form at any time, I remain

 

Your old scholar

T C Trelease.

 

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