Gunner Ernest Nutter
2228 120th Brigade Royal Field Artillery
Lived at 39 Harold Street

Below are letters written to his pal Pte Albert Garside who was killed in 1917

From Gunner E. Nutter
B Battery 120th Brigade R.F.A.
K Camp Avington Nr. Winchester Hants.
22 July 1915

Dear pal
Just a few lines to let you know that I am still in the land of the living and the “MUD”. It is raining very hard here to-day. I am liking my new job A.1. With it raining this morning we had nothing to do but we will get paid for it all the same. It is a navvy’s job using the pick and spade. I will tell you that I feel a lot better for it as it is the first time I haved worked since I have been in the army but we watch for overworking ourselves. You can expect me home for the first week of August. I have said that many a time but it is as good as said this time. I have nothing more at present. Wishing you and your family are in the best of health as it leaves me at present.
Your pal Ernest

Trumpeter E Nutter
No. 2628
23 Battery 120th Brigade
Welsh R.F.A.
Avington K Camp
Date Unknown

Dear Pal
Just a few lines to let you know that I have not forgotten you. I am now very pleased to say that I am … very well and I am a lot different to what I was at home for eating anything, if you want any bread or anything you shout out for some and it comes flying across the table, we are getting very good food here now and we have nothing to grumble at. I see a lot of aeroplanes down here, we never miss a day without half a dozen at least, I think they come from Salisbury Plain ? as it is only about 12 miles from where we are. I ….. told yesterday that we might move from here in three weeks but we do not know where to, some say we are going to Preston others say just outside Manchester but I think it is to good to be true. It is holidays now in Burnley and I wish I was over but you cannot do what you want in the army, especially in war time. I am sorry that I cannot …. Not get to come but all the same I hope you enjoy yourselves. We are only 3 ¼ miles from the City so we have to get a pass before we can go. I have been down three times now and it is a very nice place. You will have heard of what we have got to sleep on, and all like that from the boys. I hope you are keeping in special training and keeping yourself fit. I am expecting to be home before long, as I would like to see the good old clogs and shawls. I think I have forgotton how to weave now. Give my best respects to all at home
With best “luck”
Ernest
PS If you know anyone … wants to buy a bike try to sell mine please

Letter Page 1
Letter Page 2
Letter Page 3
Letter Page 4

14/11/1917

Dear Mr & Mrs Garside
Sad news has come to my ears concerning the your son my bosom “Pal” long rest and Mrs Garside my deepest sympathy is with you in your sad bereavement. He was a good pal to me and he will be sorely missed for he was welcomed by all. And mother he is a lad you can be proud of for he gallantly gave his life for the noble cause. Try to look on the sunny side, for I am positive that we shall meet him again on that “Golden Shore”
Yours faithfully
E Nutter X