Historian Arthur R. Nicholls has scoured past editions of The Westmorland Gazette and discovered letters from soldiers serving during the First World War.

DOCUMENTARIES about The Great War often show a surfeit of images of soldiers climbing over the ramparts of trenches or marching along in the open country.

But what was it really like for the ordinary soldier on the front line? The official reports give only a one-sided account. Letters from soldiers printed in The Westmorland Gazette give another, indicating how they accepted events just as they came.

Private Ralph fisher, of the King's Own Lancaster Regiment, wrote; "Our division marched seventeen miles and arrived at Cambrai about 2.30am where we laid down to rest at the roadside properly tired out.

"At 4.45am we marched right into a death trap and got a peppering with shot and shell from the enemy. It was an awful sight but, thank God, we gave the Germans more than they gave us".

Captain A. Bingham, of Kendal, wrote of his experience; "I had a rather hair's-breath escape this morning. Any nearer and you wouldn't see me again for a while.

"A ruddy great shell burst right on top of my trench and buried me in loose earth. Great lumps of steel flew all around me and ne'er a one touched me".

Towns and villages in Westmorland collected eggs for sick and wounded soldiers and sailors. Ambleside had sent over 2,000 .

Mary Wilkinson, a schoolgirl of Grasmere, wrote her name and address on one and Driver B. Nicholson wrote to her while in hospital; "I received your egg for breakfast this morning.

"I take the liberty of writing to you about my big accident. We were riding along with big guns and wagons when some sixty of the horses took fright. We could not hold them for love nor money.

"We were descending a very steep hill and the wagons had six or seven tons on them. In the runaway the horses knocked down eight lamp posts and caused an explosion.

"I was trampled on by my horse and kicked in the head and was knocked unconscious. Then the wagon passed over my leg and broke it.

"I have a compound fracture and had five operations. I have been a raving maniac with the pain and am afraid that I shall never be able to ride a horse again. I am 24 years old".

Even King George V was not immune from accident. While inspecting the troops in France, his horse was excited by the cheers of the men and he fell, sustaining severe bruising, being confined to bed for a few days.

There were brighter moments. At Christmas, people at home showered the soldiers with puddings, tobacco, mittens and pocket handkerchiefs, but one man said what he really wanted was a mouth organ to relieve the boring times when he was just waiting.