Recording of Arthur (Slim) Simpson made October 1981 - Interview by Mike Ledgard. Original tape transferred to CD. About 90 minutes. And some demob forms & records :- Certificate of Employment during the War Form Z 18. Clothing Slip 26/09/19 for demob. Form Z800 Medical Cert confirming he is free of vermin, scabies & veneral disease - given at Aubengue 13/10/19 Unit Register Card Form Z 566 Soldiers Demobilisation Account Form W 5065
Slim Simpson was my Great Uncle born 1899. He was a very tall youth and volunteered for the British Army during WW1 when he was underage because of teasing from girls in the street who believed him older. He arrived in France in 1916 aged 17. Within 3 days, 2 of his friends had died beside him. He had no idea what to expect and began regretting joining up as soon as he arrived He was a rifleman, and at one time fired from an aircraft as a sharp shot. He experienced death, muck, lice, no food, mustard gas and shrapnel scars. After the War he visited the war graves of his friends, colleagues and family almost every year and was awarded the Freedom of Calais among other accolades. He spoke often about his war experiences - not just the horror- but also quite a number of funny stories and incidents. Mike Ledgard (who was married to his great-niece Hazel) recorded his memoirs as a taped interview in 1981. I also have a few official documents which are listed below. He had no bitterness or hate. He said the Germans were only fighting for their country. If its worth living in, its worth fighting for

Interview
Joining up
Recruitment and Conscription
Arthur (Slim) Simpson
Off to France. Over the top
Artillery
Trench Life
Gas Warfare
Gas. British, German & French Soldiers
Aircraft, Transches, Officers, Commonwealth & US troops
Medical
Wounded and getting down the line
Lice & dirt
The Secret Wine Cellar
Snipers
Snipers 2
Barrage, Fighting, Fear
Acts of Bravery
Food
Other troops.KORYs
Funnier incidents
Wounded by a whiz bang. Fate
Water, Souvenirs. Thoughts on hatred
Brother's Death as POW
Prisoners of War
Transport
Arthur Simpson as a young man in peacetime
Photograph
Demob Account
Official document
Arthur Simpson
Health & Clothing Reports
Unit Register Card
Arthue Simpson