Letter from Lieut Martin J Sheehan to his mother, page 4, 10th July 1918, the last page continues: He never went Home. I met Eileen in Boulogne and she is down beside the Sea, and in one of the finest Hospitals in France. She is very lucky. We sat together on the Sands and talked a lot. We had several meals together and Eileen is very fond of Sweet things indeed. She will get along very well where she is. Good Bye for a while. Always your loving Son Martin. PS. Bishop the famous Canadian Airman used to be in this Squadron. || Back

Front || Martin J Sheehan's four page letter to his mother dated 10th July (1918 as only possible year) is the only surviving (very faded) (poignant) family letter from the Western Front. Martin describes how they now had the Bosche (Germans) licked upside down sending one down in flames yesterday. How he was sure of coming home alright. Last page relates meeting his sister (a VAD nurse) in hospital recuperation. His address at the top of page one: Lt M J Sheehan, 13 Squadron, R.A.F., B.E.F., France, then goes on: My dearest Mother, I am very sorry indeed that I could not have written before but I am sorry to say that they have sent me up the line again. Sorry for your sake, for I do not mind it at all. I will send your cheque as soon as possible, but I have been getting just flying pay for some time past, and one does not get the various Corps Allowances when in Hospital. In a month or so I will try and manage it.

Front || Letter from Lieut Martin J Sheehan to his mother page 3, 10th July 1918, continues: 600 rounds a minute, - or in plainer language. It fires 600 bullets a minute. And it is a better gun and is better mounted than the Bosche gun. A year ago was different from today. I have not been brought down yet, and have flown a decent amount over the lines. I am quite sure of coming home alright. Yesterday we brought a Bosche down in Flames. He dared to come over the Lines.