Dear Veronica
It is estimated that there were over 16 million military deaths in
WW1.
This
composition was inspired by an emotional visit to the World War 1 war graves
around Ypres in
Belgium.
The words are based on letters written home by the men who fought and died
in the trenches.
It reflects the short journey from the naive excitement of shipping out to the
stark reality of battle, and almost certain death...
and the impact on those left behind.
These letters, some of which are reproduced below, tell a human -
and moving - story that brings home
a true picture of the 'war to end all wars'
R.T: 5'55" Recording Quality: Demo
Written by: phil hampson Artist: phil hampson
Copyright Information: Unpublished
Notes
I think it would work well as a piece for
multiple soloists, with choir and orchestral/band backing and am
currently looking
for a suitable vehicle for the
arrangement and performance,
with a view to the
centennial of
World War One.
*
I would love to see it used in a concert situation
as a base to tell a
fuller story, with voice over, video
projection, pyrotechnics and sound effects being
used to enhance the emotional experience.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lyric
LETTER 1 - TRAINING
DEAR VERONICA, I HOPE THIS LETTER FINDS YOU WELL.
THE LADS ARE READY NOW, AND WE'RE GOING TO GIVE 'EM HELL.
AND THEY ALL SAY, THAT WE'LL
BE HOME BY CHRISTMAS.
LETTER 2 - TRENCHES
DEAR VERONICA, I MUST ADMIT NOW I'M FEELING SCARED
I'VE LOST SO MANY FRIENDS, YET NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE,
SO I THINK OF YOU, AND THAT MAKES IT SEEM MUCH BETTER, BUT THERE'S A
CHORUS 1
COLD WIND ON MY FACE, COLD BLOOD IN MY VEINS,
I JUST PRAY THAT GOD WILL KEEP YOU SAFE
'TIL I COME HOME, HOME AGAIN TO YOU
------------------------------
BRIDGE 1 - WAR
YOU MUST DO WHAT YOU ARE TOLD; DON'T EVER THINK TWICE;
BUT THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD; WHO PAY THE PRICE
------------------------------
BRIDGE 2 - HOME
LAST TRAIN TONIGHT, SHE SITS THERE WAITING,
THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT, HE'D ALWAYS BE THERE
BENEATH THE CLOCK AT EIGHT, OH HOW LONG MUST SHE WAIT.
MUCH LATER ON, BACK IN HER ROOM,
SHE PLAYS THEIR FAVOURITE SONG, IT'S THE SAME OLD TUNE, BUT
SOMEHOW THE WORDS HAVE CHANGED, THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.
SHE SITS ALONE, WITH HIS LAST LETTER HOME...
--------------------------------
LETTER 3 - OVER THE TOP
DEAR VERONICA, IF YOU GET THIS LETTER I'LL BE GONE.
WE'RE GOING OUT TONIGHT, AND GOD KNOWS WHO'LL BE COMING HOME.
OH, WE WILL FIGHT, BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHY, MY
DEAR VERONICA, IF I SHOULD GO TO MEET MY GRACE,
THE LAST THING I WILL SEE, IS A VISION OF YOUR FACE
AND MY LAST BREATH WILL SPEAK YOUR NAME, AND I'LL FEEL THAT
CHORUS 2
COLD WIND ON MY FACE COLD BLOOD IN MY VEINS, FEEL THAT
COLD WIND ON MY FACE, FEEL THAT COLD BLOOD IN MY VEINS, I'LL FEEL THAT
COLD WIND ON MY FACE, FEEL THAT COLD BLOOD IN MY VEINS...
BUT I GO TO A MUCH BETTER PLACE,
WHERE SOMEDAY, WE'LL MEET AGAIN,
DEAR VERONICA
For more information or other download file formats please email or call.
LETTERS
TRAINING...
Just a few lines in answer to your letter which I received today.
Yes I have got used to the puttees, as they have shaped to my legs by now. And I am getting used to my other things now, as I have been dished out with a rifle and bayonet, and now when I go on parade I have got to wear my belt, bayonet and cartridge pouch and also take the rifle.
They have been teaching us bayonet fighting today and I can tell you it makes your arms ache, when you make a point that is, when you lunge out at imaginary enemy, with the rifle at arms length. I think with this hard training they will either make a man of me or kill me. You ought to see me in my Shrapnel Helmet and Gas Mask, it would make you laugh, especially as the helmet wobbles from side to side, every time I walk.
Yes I got my food alright and you can have supper if you like to go for it, and you can bet I always go for supper. I am taking your advice and eating all I can.
Yes I did remember Dolly's birthday and I have sent her a little badge of my Regiment which she asked for and which I expect you have received by now.
You will have to tell Miss Farmer that I think she will have to wait another two months before she sees me on leave.
I will see the officer about the allowance in a day or so, as I have heard today that two or three boys mothers are receiving an allowance, but I don't know how much.
Well, I think I will have to close now. As I haven't anything more to say just at present. Hoping you are quite well.
From your loving son,
TRENCHES...
Now barring accidents you will get to know all about it. I know you will have a big surprise when you get this letter - I hope it lands without mishap. If anybody in authority was to see it -!
Of course you have guessed by now where I had my first experience of the line. Yes, it was on the Ypres salient... Oh it was a lovely 'baptism of fire' that night. We had to dig ourselves in and early in the morning Fritz started straffing.
Oh Lord, if ever a fellow was afraid, absolutely frightened to death, it was this child. Then one of my Section took shell shock when a big 'un dropped a couple of yards off the parapet and then the instinct of the leader, or one whose place it is to lead, came to the top and I became as cool and steady as a rock. I had twelve men when we went in, I came out with three. Oh it was ghastly.
Perhaps you would like to know something of the spirit of the men out here now. Well the truth is (and as I said before I'd be shot if anyone of importance collared this missive) every man Jack is fed up almost past bearing, and not a single one has an ounce of what we call patriotism left in him. No-one cares a rap whether Germany has Alsace, Belgium or France too for that matter. All that every man desires now is to get done with it and go home. Now that's the honest truth, and any man who has been out within the last few months will tell you the same.
In fact, and this is no exaggeration, the greatest hope of a great majority of the men is that rioting and revolt at home will force the government to pack in on any terms. Now you've got the real state of affairs 'right from the horse's mouth' as it were.
I may add that I too have lost pretty nearly all the patriotism that I had left, its just the thought of you all over there, you who love and trust me to do my share of the job that is necessary for your safety and freedom. It's just that that keeps me going and enables me to 'stick it'. As for religion, God forgive us all, it hasn't a place in one out of a million of the thoughts that hourly occupy men's minds...
God bless you darling and all those I love and who love me, for without their love and trust I would faint and fail. But don't worry dear heart o' mine, for I shall carry on to the end be it bitter or sweet, with my loved ones ever my first thought and care, my guide inspirations and spur.
Au revoir my own sweetheart and God will keep you safe till the storm's over, with all my heart's deepest love. Your own loving
Laurie
P.S. There are only I believe about 40 in this company due to leave before me now, so I may not, with any sort of luck, be more than six or eight weeks after this epistle
OVER THE TOP...
My own beloved wife
I do not know how to start this letter. The circumstances are different from any under which I ever wrote before. I am not to post it but will leave it in my pocket, if anything happens to me someone will perhaps post it.
We are going over the top this afternoon and only God in Heaven knows who will come out of it alive.
I am in his hands and whatever happens I will look to him in this world and the world to come. If I am called my regret is that I leave you and my bairns. I go to him with your dear face the last vision on earth I shall see and your name upon my lips, you the best of women. You will look after by Darling Bairns for me and tell them how their daddy died.
Oh! How I love you all and as I sit here waiting I wonder what you are doing at home. I must not do that. It is hard enough sitting waiting. We may move at any minute. When this reaches you for me there will be no more war, only eternal peace and waiting for you.
It is a legacy of struggle for you but God will look after you and we shall meet again when there will be no more parting. I am to write no more sweetheart... Kiss the Bairns for me once more. I dare not think of them my Darlings.
Goodbye, you best of women and best of wives, my beloved sweetheart. May God in his mercy look over you and bless you all... May he in that same mercy preserve me today.
Eternal love from
Yours for evermore
Jim xxxxxxxx
HOME...
Dear Mrs Hodson
I am taking the liberty to write and tell you that I am sorry to say your
husband was killed in action on 21st August. We buried him in the evening. He died a gallant death.
We were all very sorry to lose him. He was a cheerful, good comrade. I have his pocket book and watch, which I will send you on first opportunity. I hope to call and tell you all about it.
Please accept all our heartfelt sympathy in your terrible bereavement, but you must remember he died a soldiers death, thinking not of himself, but of his dear ones at home.