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.