Hi I am reading a book titled (The Soldiers War) and in it on page 187 and 188 is a letter, whitch put a lump in my throat, it is from the heart of Pte John Scollen, 27th northumberland fusiliers (4th Tynside Irish), Here is the letter.

My Dear Wife and Children
It is with regret I write these last words of farewell to you. We are about to make a charge against these awful Germans. If it is God"s Holly will that I should fall, I will have done my duty to my King and country and I hope justly in the sight of God. It is hard to part from you but keep a good heart, dear Tina, and do not grieve for me, for God and his Blessed Mother will watch over you and my bonny little children and I have not the least doubt but that my country will help you. For the sake of one of its soldiers that has done his duty. Well Dear Tina, you have been a good wife and mother and looked after my canny bairns and I am sure they will be a credit to both of us. My Joe, Jack, Tina, Aggie not forgetting my bonny twins Nora and Hugh and my last flower baby whom I have only had the great pleasure of seeing once since he came into the world, God bless them.I will try and get to do my duty whilst on this perilous undertaking and if I fall, then you will know I died in God"s Holly Grace. Tell all my friends and yours also that I bid them farwell now. My Dear Wife and children, I have not anything more to say, only I wish you all Gods"s Holly Grace and blessing so GOODBYE GOODBYE and think of me in your prayers. I know these are hard words to receive but God"s will be done.
From your faithful soldier
Husband and Father
John Scollen. B Coy. 27th. S.B.N.F.
Goodbye my loved ones, DON"T CRY.


If after reading this and drying your own tears, anyone knows what happend to this brave man Pte Jonh Scollen, I would like to know, and also what happend to his wife Tina and there children. Just one last thing THANKYOU to all the men who fort in the Great War.

Name: SCOLLEN, JOHN
Initials: J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Northumberland Fusiliers
Unit Text: 27th (Tyneside Irish) Bn.
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Service No: 27/663
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 10 B 11 B and 12 B.
Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

As has just been posted I am afraid that John Scollen was killed on 1 July. His body was never identified and he is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial.
I found that letter in the Northumberland Fusiliers Museum at Alnwick whilst researching there and it was used in Peter Barton's 'Somme – a new panoramic perspective' published in 2006. I also passed the letter on to Richard van Emden who used in the book you are reading.
I am glad that are touched by this letter. It was one of those that certainly brings a lump to the throat.
Best wishes

Hi Carlty,
If you PM me your e-mail address I will put you in touch with Brian Scollen, John's Grandson who will be pleased to communicate with you. John sent home a small crucifix carved from a bullet which Brian still has and treasures. John is one of the 121 lads from Seaham in Co.Durham who are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Welcome to the Forum. You now have Pals all over the world.

Regards

John
Edit; The original letter has another line or two which I will leave to Brian to pass on to you.

Welcome to the forum, Carlty

Be warned...it is highly addictive.

You will be able to PM pals here once you have posted ten contributions..........

Enjoy!

Bruce

You can't PM me yet but my e-mail is seahamww1@hotmail.com
Regards
John

And here is a photo of John.

If you send your e-mail address to stephengarnett@live.co.uk, when home this evening, I will send you a transcript of the 27/Northumberland Fusilier's War Diary for July 1st.

Regards,

Stephen Garnett

Hi Stephen, Would you be kind enough to send me a copy too please? seahamww1@hotmail.com
Regards
John