Teenage soldier’s final letter of love
A POIGNANT letter from a teenage soldier killed in the First World War has been unearthed during museum renovations.
Private Vincent Collins, 18, wrote the note to his parents in 1915 – the night before his unit moved into the trenches.
The 8th (Argyllshire) Battalion soldier was wounded later that year and died from his injuries.
The letter was sent to his parents Harry and Martha and ended: “I could not have had better parents, of that I am sure. Especially you dear mum.” It was discovered during work at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum in Stirling. Bosses said the fragile note will not go on display because of its poor condition.
The museum’s collection chief Allison Spark, said: “Handwritten messages like these are precious and touching. Vincent’s letter really communicates his nervousness about what was about to happen and the love he felt for his family.
“It still gives me goosebumps.”