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Posted by on Sep 19, 2016 in Jollyman |

First experiences of Chatham Barracks in World War I

First experiences of Chatham Barracks in World War I

My great grandfather, Herbert Jollyman, was sent to Chatham Barracks in Kent for training at the beginning of the First World War.

He wrote almost 200 letters home to his wife, which have survived as a remarkable account of his experiences.

Here’s an extract from his first letter home:

In the first place, I am feeling very well, much better than I anticipated. At Warley one of the first duties was to draw my pay which I did, and asked no questions, but understood it was for 3 days pay & rations. & amount was 7/9 & the first thing I did after getting my clothes on was to go to the canteen & have a meal, Ham Tomato, Bread & Butter & a Cup of tea for which I paid 7d.

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Posted by on Sep 11, 2016 in Millman |

A visit to Brading Church, Isle of Wight in 1892

A visit to Brading Church, Isle of Wight in 1892

In 1892, my great great grandfather, George Millman, visited the Isle of Wight with his family. Here’s an interesting extract from his diary, describing a visit to St Mary’s Church, Brading:

However, on we walked until we reached Brading & immediately made for the place where we had tea last year & also arranged for the supply of hot water & cups & saucers & a nice room where we could all enjoy our Tea.

& whilst the good lady was boiling the kettle we went into the church cemetry & recited “Little Jane’s Grace” of whom we read so much about in “Annals of the Poor” by Leigh Richmond & while thus engaged the woman who cleans out the church intimated to us that if we desired it (& of course tickled the palm of her hand) she would show us over the church.

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Posted by on Sep 5, 2016 in Jollyman |

The Jollyman Letters: a 100-year-old story of love and war

The Jollyman Letters: a 100-year-old story of love and war

In June 1916, my great grandfather, Herbert Jollyman, marched off to war, leaving behind his “darling little wife” Hephsibah and their four children in Billericay, Essex.

During the course of World War I, he wrote almost 200 fascinating, detailed letters home, and after his return in 1919, Hepsy saved and treasured them for the rest of her life.

In addition to his letters and their interesting envelopes, I have some of his Middlesex Regiment badges, various family photographs and mementos, a beautiful Belgian lace birthday card he sent to his son George, and even the pressed flowers sent in one of the letters.

As a record of military and social history from a century ago, it’s an incredible collection of documents. I believe others would love to share their story, as Herbert begins his training at Chatham in Kent, then is sent to France, Belgium and back to England at last.

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