No Man's Land - cover by Holly - for my great grandad

A letter from my great grandad written from the Somme.

12 July 1916

My Darling Wife and Child,
Many thanks for your most welcome letter which I am glad to say found me in the best of health. I am very pleased to hear that you are all the same at home. Well dear, I would very much like a photo of the boy if you can spare the money to get one taken. We are having a rather hot time now but it will all help to finish the war, as I think this is the starting of the finish. I have received a letter from Mrs. Lewis thanking me for the card. I will write a few lines as soon as I get the chance, as we are on the move at present and do not get much time to write. We have left the place where I told you I was when on leave. Well dear, the weather has been lovely out here this last four or five days, I hope it will continue now for a couple of weeks to help us along a bit as it is rotten fighting in the rain for the lads, but they are sticking it well. I have heard from Nance and them down London and they are all in the best of health. I am also very pleased to say that my chum is going on well in hospital and sends his very best wishes to you and the baby. I dont suppose I shall meet my brother now for a bit but I hope the war is over when I do. I hope sid is going on alright also mother and dad and all at home, give them my best love when you write to them. Give best wishes to Gran, Grandpa, Dolly and Iris, also to aunt and cousin siss. Well dear, with my very fondest love to you and the baby.

xxxxxxx I remain your ever loving hubby Charles xxxxxxx

Dear
I received the handkerchief thank you!


Great grandad was killed 15th July 1916 before his wife received this letter and never saw his son - my grandad.

He didn't know that the brother he referred to had already been killed when he wrote the letter.

VOICE: Holly Kirby
PIANO: Holly Kirby

Sources:

Our family photo collection

Imperial War Museum website
WW1photos.com
clipmarks.com

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED
I did check the footage and the images before using them but I am very sorry if I have used your images and you didn't want me to. I am gaining nothing from this commercially and created the video only to honour the memory of the brave men who fought in this terrible war.

My website address is http://www.hollykirbymusic.com

Category:

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[MrTalentSubber]

Hi Holly,

This is truly an amazing tribute. Your great grandfather must be looking down at you with so much pride. God bless all those who gave their lives in that conflict.

The way you sang this is remarkable.  You have such amazing control; just perfect articulation, pitch, dynamics, and phrasing! Not to mention the overwhelming emotion that lies underneath it all. Keep up the great work and take care.

Lots of love, MTS

[alpet07]

@MrTalentSubber

Thank you very much for your lovely comment.

Originally I was trying to write my own song to remember my great grandad and all others lost to wars everywhere, but when I heard the words to this one, it said everything I wanted to say.

It was very hard to sing though, because of the emotions involved.

I am very pleased that you like my interpretation of the song - thank you again.

Best Wishes,

♫ Hollyxx ♫

[kickass3876]

awesome!

[alpet07]

@kickass3876

Many thanks!

Best wishes,

♫ Hollyxx ♫

[ksthomas]

This is very touching. Holly you know how to make a guy cry. Great job and an Angels voice to sing it!

[alpet07]

@ksthomas

Thank you very much for your lovely comment.

It is a very sad song but says everything I wanted to say.

Take care,

♫ Hollyxx ♫

[jmhill373]

I was looking for an up to date verison of this song as on a par with June Tabor's version to share on FB for remembrance day, I've found it! A beautiful rendition using the "correct" lyrics (IMO) and excellent photo slide show as well. A fitting tribute to the fallen that brings a tear to my eye and a lump to my throat no matter how many times I hear it.

Well done and thank you.

Regards,

Jon

Bristol

[keebearfull]

Holly, this one is generating interest and discussion here in the US. Ed found it, being a history teacher, he hopes to use it in class (once he feels better again).

I really appreciate your cover and video of this topic. WELL DONE!

We have one "Willie McBride" and one "Almost Willie" in the family. Both uncles, both from WWII. One was injured, sent to a UK hospital, then home. It saved his life, I'm sure.

Thanks so much for a great post!

[ev2uk]

WOW.

This is truley amazing...

ps. I saw you at the Southampton Guildhall with Amy McDonnald. did you do just the one show with her or did you do a few.? i assumed you were local..?

Tony (Southampton)

[Madawaska03]

Thank you very much. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas!

[alpet07]

@arbeia76

Hi - thank you very much for your comment.

My great grandfather was in the Middlesex Regiment. I read all about the Somme when I was studying WW1 for my exams at school.

We still have some things that my great grandfather made too. :-)

Very best wishes,

♫ Hollyxx ♫

[alpet07]

@prochymaster

Thank you very much for your very kind comment and lovely wishes.

Take Care,

♫ Hollyxx ♫