Family postcards 1913 - 1917, page 3

Apart from the text from the postcards my most rewarding avenue of research came from a single book, The Somme, The day-by-day account by Chris McCarthy. A very enlightening book of which lists all actions and allied forces involved.

Unfortunately

On June 13th 2003 the laptop I was using (supplied by my employers) was nicked. On that computer was all the research into Edward, in the carry case for the laptop were several sheets of research notes, all gone, thanks scumbags. This was as you may be able to tell was a most upsetting time for me and this was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I only mention this because this criminal act set me back and I just lost interest. It took a while but I decided to try and complete as much as possible. Fortunately I had made copies of the scanned postcards on our home PC, and most of my research notes were also left at home. So in November 2005 I started again.

The story continues

The following is all the information I have on Edward’s life. It is a mix of research and information from the postcards. I will serialise it because I need the 'hits'. So here is the first part, remember, double click on an image for a larger view.

Edward Culling was born in Preston, Lancashire on 8th August 1889. In 1913 Edward met Isabelle Jones, and started a long distance courtship where both he and Isabelle had to travel to be together. No record has been obtained for the birth of Isabelle so for now I do not know her age. Edward lived at 18 Camebridge Street, Preston, Lancashire.

Edward and Isabelle married in the June ¼ of 1914 (April to June), it is unclear if they lived together after they wed however Eva was born in the March ¼ of 1916 in Preston, this may suggest that Isabelle lived with Edward for a short period before Edward enlisted.

Edward enlisted in the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in Preston North End in March or April 1916. Private Culling 23935, did four weeks training in Felixstowe in D Company, hut 44/24. During this time Edward was either ill or wounded and stayed at Cobbolds Convalesant Home, 64 Quilter Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk. The length of his stay is uncertain but was probably under a week.

More next time, for now some more postcards. All text in bold or stars were partially legible.

Card 5

Caring card by The Regent Publishing Co., Ltd, London. N. W. The Regent Series, No. 2375.


The card is from Isabelle to Edward and is undated, the front would suggest war was either imminent or had started, this would put the card in 1914 - 1917 .


Dearest Ted.

You know very well that I do care for and my heart aches without ceasing day and night.
I lie every night till the daylight comes in.

Best love from Isa. xxxxxxxx

Card 6

Caring card by The Regent Publishing Co., Ltd, London. N. W. The Regent Series, No. 2365.

A card to Edward from a female relative, not signed or dated.

Dear Ted:-

I am sorry I have not mentioned Flossie, she had not ****ct when I saw her last and that was a week last Monday. I have not been to him. I have been looking for lodgings. You know Maggie can’t put me up as she has no spare bed.

But Will has been on nights and this is the last week and then he starts days and so I have to look to look for lodgings, but they have been very good to me. I am going to live with Lily Tenn, but I will ***y lodgings and keep myself it will be cheaper than boarding.

Card 7

Bamforth & Co .. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth (England) and New York. “Song Greeting” Series No. 45. Printed in England.

From Ted to Isabelle.

Monday June 19 – 1916

Dear Wife.

I have not received no fags from you for a long while, hoping that this card will remind you of me in bed and hope to find your heart to send me some fags and a word or two. Hoping you and the baby are in good health. I spent my last few coppers in stamps & cards.

From your loving hubby.

Edward Culling

Eva Isa
Xxx xx
Xxx xx
Xxx xx
xx
xx

Family postcards 1913 to 1917, page 2

During my research two ‘errors’ came to light, the first may simply be attributed to poor memory on Isabelle’s part, the second a patriotic lie by Edward or a clerical error.

Double click on an image for a larger view.

The first error.
Isabelle always stated to family and friends that Eva was three months old when Edward enlisted and that Eva was born in 1917. However records show that Edward enlisted in 1916. I know from conversations with my mother that there has always been a ‘discrepancy’ over Eva’s age.

The second error.
How old was Edward when he died? The Culling family tree shows that Edward Culling was born on 7th August 1889 and died on 7th July 1917 making his age 27 years and 11 months exact. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission states that Private 23935 Edward Culling died on Saturday 7th July 1917 aged 26 years. The c.21 month’s discrepancy could simply be that Edward was considered to old to go to war at the grand old age of 26 years and 7 months, so he lied about his age like so many others of the time and claimed he was 24 years of age.

Card 2

A sweetheart card, no publishers or printers name, the only identifiers are: Made in Germany, Imp, 1246.

From Edward to Isabelle dated August 10th 1913

Dear sweetheart,
Just a few lines to let you know that I have landed home all right ½ x12 train Saturday night. Hoping you are in good health. So no more at present from your sweetheart.

Edward Culling, 18 Camebridge St, Preston, Lancs.

In lower right corner of the card the following:

2 sweetheart, I will let you know more before week end. If I do not come myself. But I will try and come if I can.

From Ed.

In the lower left corner:

Let god look down appon us both until

we meet again, sweetheart, Ed. xxxxxxxx

Card 3

Sweetheart card printed in Saxony, series 1933. No publishers or printers name on card.

From Edward to Isabelle, card dated August 15th 1913.

Dear sweetheart,

Just a line to you hoping you are like this postcard and to tell you that I will try and come on the first train so you will have to come and meet me at the station. I have been working nearly night and day. I am coming to stay all night if your mother will let me and come home on Sunday after noon or els on Saturday after noon and go to the Empire. So no more at present.

From yours,

Sweetheart xxxxxxxx

Edward Culling, 18 Camebridge St. Preston. Lancs.


Hoping your mother & all is keeping in good health for I am all right. (Ed)

In a heart of hand drawn crosses in the lower left corner of the card:


Let heart be for both of us and be constant & true and let god stand over us both until we meet again.
From Ed.

Card 4

Sweetheart card by Holmfirth & Bamforth & Co, Publishers (England) and New York, Series 2069, Printed in England.

The card is from Isabelle to Edward, no date. The content of the text suggests that Edward and Isabell were still courting and would thus place the card in either 1913 or early 1914.

Dearest,
I received your pretty card, and I liked it very much, But oh I do miss you so much. Sunday was such a dreary day and so long I never went out till I went to a church and when we came out I came straight home. I could bear to for a country walk without you. I could not help thinking of last Sunday when I was with you. Love I dream of you then thou art with me till I wake and find it all a dream.

Always your loving sweetheart. Bell.