WWI+RAFT+G+Jiwon

R - Family A - Colonial Soldier F - Letter T - Aobut how life at war is so hard

To my dear family, I can’t wait until I see you again. Life in as a soldier in this war is so demanding and miserable that it is almost unbearable. There are several other soldiers from other colonies here too, both British and French. But for some reason we must seem to be worth less than the European soldiers. We’re always sent to the front of the troops to face the raging guns and other horrible weapons our opponents’ use. Every time we go to battle, the majority of the colonial soldiers die, unable to dodge the bullets and getting hit first since they are in the very front. I feel that I am lucky to even be alive; I don’t know myself how I managed to survive the last few battles. Every time I get to know somebody, they’re dead after the next battle. I don’t think I got enough sleep for the last few days. I am always tired. Not only that, every thing about this war is gloomy – including the people. There is scarce the sound of laughter or even a small smile to cheer people up. Working in the army is laborious and harder than I had thought. I will try to go back to Basutoland as fast as possible. I never wanted to join the army. Do you still remember the day those people made me join against my will, saying that I was part of the British population therefore I had to fight? That day still haunts me. I should have tried to run away! That’s how desperately I want to get out. I miss my home and cant wait to return home and see you all again. Wish me luck. Lots of love, James Knapp