This is the heart-breaking note written by a young Scottish soldier killed in WW1.
The message is among a wealth of handwritten treasures which will be on display at the newly reopened Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum at Stirling Castle.
Private Vincent Collins, 18, of the 8 th (Argyllshire) Battalion wrote the last letter home to his parents in 1915, the night before his unit moved into the trenches.
Tragically, Vincent was wounded on 4 October that year and died from his injuries.
The note is in an incredibly fragile condition so to bring it to life the team has created a short film that is being shown on Youtube now.
Vincent went to France with The Argylls in May 1915 and in the touching note he expresses concern that he might not survive this spell at the Front.
The closing sentence underlines his love for his parents, Harry and Martha, with an emotional sign off ‘I could not have had better parents, of that I am sure. Especially you dear mum.’.
Allison Spark, Collection Development Officer at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, said: “Handwritten letters and messages like these are very precious. Not only do they give an indication of what life was like at the Front, they’re also very touching.
“Vincent’s letter in particular, while short and hurriedly written, really communicates his nervousness and fear about what was about to happen and the love he felt for his family back home. It still gives me goosebumps when I read it.
“Sadly, Vincent’s letter is in such a poor condition we aren’t able to have it on general display at the moment but our film really does bring it to life.”
Among the precious handwritten artefacts include a ‘letter to Gertie’ written by Private George Martin, 2 nd Battalion.
The heartfelt letter written from the Front expresses his desire to be back home with his sweetheart, Gertie.
‘We have not said about being engaged, we are practically… I hope this war will finish for I want to get home.’
Sadly, George was killed in August 1916, shortly after the letter was written. Many years later, Gertie wrote her response on the back of the letter as a means of personal closure, expressing her regret that they didn’t get to spend more time together.
Rod Mackenzie, Museum Curator, said: “The museum is home to a collection of over 12,500 artefacts, all with their own fascinating stories to tell.
"Handwritten items like Vincent’s letter home, the letter to Gertie, and John and Bella’s letter to their dad really do bring to life the impact war had on everyday people. We are incredibly proud to play our part in preserving these.
“We would love to hear from people out there, whether in Scotland, the UK or indeed around the world, whose relatives may have served as a member of The Argylls. Visit our social media channels and share your stories.”
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum was officially reopened to the public by the Queen in June following a three-year transformation project.
Home to a wealth of military treasures and artefacts, it brings the rich culture and heritage of one of Scotland’s great Highland regiments to life.
Weaving a rich tapestry, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum connects the fascinating history of the Regiment to the local communities around Scotland from where its soldiers and their families came from.
From its involvement in numerous global conflicts and insight into what life was like as a serving soldier and its impact on family life, to incredible personal items donated to the museum – such as the ‘last letter home’.
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