In September 1916 we landed in a portion of German trench and I was
given orders to hang on. Shells were bursting all around us, so we
decided to have a smoke.
My two Cockney pals--Nobby and Harry, who were a goalie and
centre-forward respectively--were noted for their zeal in keeping us
alive.
Nobby was eager to see what was going on over the top, so he had a
peep--and for his pains got shot through the ear. He fell back in a
heap and exclaimed, "Well saved, goalie! Couldn't been better if I'd
tried."
"Garn," said Harry, bending over him, "it's blinkin' well gorn right
frew, mate."--_Patrick Beckwith, 5 Duke Road, Chiswick, W.4._