Letters to the editor

Throughout the war a constant stream of letters to the editor flowed into the paper. It could be thanks from troops for sending copies of the paper or parcels of ‘comforts’; letters urging people to help support the wounded, urging women to join up for war work or munitions; advice for farmers and fishermen or just a good old grumble.

The work taking place on building an improved road to the Kinlochleven smelter, vital for armaments, was considered an outrageous blot on the Highland landscape by many.

In the latter stages of the war the sheer number of dead and wounded overwhelmed the system and many people were left for months and years not knowing whether loved ones were dead or alive or where bodies might have been buried.

Heartbreaking appeals, of just name, rank number and regiment along with last known sightings appeared for months after the end of the war. Some people never found out. A LETTER OF THANKS FROM THE APPIN MEN [TO THE EDITOR OF ‘THE OBAN TIMES’] Salonica Army, 26th Feb.,

1917.

Sir, I should be glad if you would in insert this letter of thanks in your paper. A parcel arrived for the Appin men here. There was no name or address enclosed, so we cannot personally thank the donors. Your paper is the only medium through which we can convey our thanks for a very kind and welcome gift. The proper men received the articles, and the messages from their own countryside was fully appreciated by them. Such gifts help the men in the field. They work better when they know they are remembered at home, – I am etc.,

J. M. RICHARDSON, C.F THE NATIONAL EGG COLLECTION FOR THE WOUNDED

[TO THE EDITOR OF ‘THE OBAN TIMES’] Dunollie, Oban, Mar 20 1917 Sir, Will you allow me to bring to the notice of your readers the great need for a constant supply of fresh eggs for our wounded men who are daily arriving in hospitals. Will every poultry keeper put aside some eggs regularly for the wounded?

These men have risked their lives, their all, and are sent to the country to be nursed back to health and strength. We now have our local hospital – Dungallan Auxiliary Red Cross Hospital – to which at present 10 dozen eggs per week are sent from this dept.

Over 23,000 eggs passed through this depot last year and most grateful thanks are due to those who have done their utmost to keep up a supply during the winter, especially to the people of North Uist who have given liberally during the most difficult months.

Eggs sent to me at Dunollie, Oban, will be promptly packed and forwarded and official receipts sent to the donors. Eggs are carried free by coaches and steamer to this dept.

I am, etc.,

Colina E MacDougall of MacDougall.