A Letter

It is of course a day to remember the British and Allied forces that gave their lives in a conflict so brutal and remorseless. I would however like to share a letter that Peter Jack was obviously moved by, since he had it translated and included in his diary, that gives a perspective from the other side of the lines.

"Translation of a Turkish Officer's Letter to his Wife."

"Ayesha, my my angel of beauty. How pleased I am with the Gods and Allah for the letter I received from you my dear, and also that you and my two angels and darlings are well and happy. Oh Ayesha my morning star, what reply can I give you?

God so far has granted health and strength and brought me safe, but where can it possibly end. We are troubled with the English and receive very little food, and our men are dying in hundreds from disease. Discontent is also beginning to show itself amongst the men, and pray God bring all this to an end. I can see our lovely Constantinople in ruins and our houses burnt to the ground, and the children put to the sword. Nothing but a great favour from Allah can stop it. The English are very persistent and there is no fear of death for them, and they are very cruel. They watch us like wolves in the night and are on us like our very devil.

Why did we join in this wicked War? England was very partial to us in the past, and we therefor expect no mercy from whom we have so badly injured. Ayesha my star of the night, call on Kaka the magician and see what the future holds. Kiss my little angel Tia(?) and Ages eyes, mouth, ears, hands and feet and you pray that the good God may keep them safe.

Ayesha I must take your leave as the sun is sinking and I must away to my Devotions in which I always pray for my two little angels of life. Goodbye, I wish I was at home to give you my adorations, from your husband.

Musta Mohamet, Capt. 13th Turkish Infantry. 1916"