(An extract taken from 'Foot Prints of the 1/4th. Battalion The Leicestershire Regiment')

"On July 2nd no messages got through from the companies in the front line to battalion H.Q. until 4.30 p.m. and then they were brought by a runner.

As a rule a runner’s life was not a long one and it was not unexciting. No one knows except the runners themselves with what risks they had to contend. Dodging from shell hole to shell hole, up one street and down another. Waiting for a barrage to lift, and then be caught by a worse one. Sniped at by whizz-bangs and machine-guns. Diving headlong into shell holes. Bolting into cellars.

The life they led was not worth living; they soon found that out and they cared little whether they lived or died. What they did care about was getting their messages through. That was a point of honour. Everything depends on communication; they knew that. They knew that they were a tiny cog in a gigantic machine, and that if that cog broke down, the whole machine was in danger. So they toiled and sweated, and dodged, and lay doggo.

They were on friendly terms with the adjutant; they even dared to chip the R.S.M. They slept when they could; they gambled when they got the chance ; they had ready access to the rum jar (and they needed it). But they were there when they were wanted, and if Saint Paul had gone through half the perils that they went through there would be a few more of his scintillating chapters in the New Testament.

Here are four of their names SNOW, HOPKINS, CANSICK, FELSTEAD.

If it had not been for men of their mettle Leicester might now have a burgomaster instead of a Lord Mayor."

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Army Form b.104-82.

No.40904 Leicestershire Regt.

?Record Office

Lichfield Station 25 April 1917

Sir or Madam,

It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has this day been received from the War Office notifying the death of (No.) 40904 ( Rank ) Private (Name ) Frederick Snow ( Regt ) 8th Battalion

Leicestershire Regt Which occured at (place not stated) on the 11th day of April 1917 and I am to express to you the sympathy and regret of the Army Council at your loss

The cause of death was Killed in action

If any articles of private property left by the deceased are found, they will be forwarded to this office, but some time will probably elapse before their receipt , and when received they cannot be disposed of until authority is received from the War Office

Application regarding the disposal of such personal effects, or of any amount that may eventually be found to be due to the late soldiers estate , should be addressed to "The Secretary , War Office, London S.W." and marked outside "Effects"

The King commands me to assure you of the true sympathy of His Majesty and The Queen in your sorrow. Derby? Secretary of State for War

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A hand written note.

8th Leicestershire Regt B.E.F.

16. 4. 17.

Dear Madam

A hand written note on Black edged paper

12, Cheriston Gardens, Kensington. W.