LIFE CAN BE........

Welcome

2008-11-11T08:33:00.002Z

Hello and welcome to my blog.
I created this blog back in 2006 specifically to publish a series of postcards to/from my Great Grandfather Edward Culling and to tell his life story, what little I now of it. I left the blog for some time because I did not know what direction to take it and to do some more research. Unfortunately I have not had the time to do much, if any research.
Recently a friend (Duncan) started a facebook account for his Auntie Nell after she died, a tribute to her and this gave me the idea to do the same for Edward but take it a step further.
To help navigate this blog there is a list down the right side of the page, at the top of the list there are links to sites I used in some of my research, these are full of interesting facts and information. At the bottom of the list is there is a heading Archives, to start at the beginning click on 2006-02-05 in the archives list then work your way down through the dates to get the story and my thoughts.
I thank you for visiting and hope you find Edwards story interesting. Who knows, you may feel inclined to start your own project, if so I would be interested in reading it.
Once again, thanks for visiting.
Kevin Ritchie.

Still here

2006-04-17T18:22:00.001Z

Just a post to say I have not abandoned this blog. I have been VERY busy of late, both personally and work wise. I have done some on line research but this has proved fruitless. PLEASE IF YOU CAN HELP FEEL FREE TO DO SO. Any information on Edward Culling or a relative of his would be greatly recieved.

The last cards

2006-04-05T15:53:00.000Z

Well thats the cards done. Iknew I would feel slightly down but not like this, I do feel bloody sad.
A mans life set out in a short series of postcards. I have to ask myself how will I be remembered!! Have I or will I do anything that will keep my memory alive nearly 100 years after I die!! I hope I do.............

Click on image to enlarge

That's it.
I hope you have found the cards and the story of Edward Culling interesting.
I am now going to take a bit of a break and cocentrate on my other projects and think on my next move.

Take care.

Broadsheet King Postcards

2006-03-27T07:12:00.000Z

I have been a bit busy of late and have neglected this blog. So I will now continue where I last left off.

Well I am nearly out of cards, and I have not had the time to do any more research.

I will try and keep this blog going, probably as a short journal.

I feel I have done more than I set out to do, now the world has access to Edwards life. I would love to see his face if some one had tried to explain to him about WWW or blogs etc, everthing we take for granted really. Edward, like so many, died so we can have the freedom to do these things. When I sit and think about what I have thanks to their sacrifice I feel very humble indeed, I think you should to.

Broadsheet King Folk Cards

2006-03-17T08:09:00.000Z

This next series of cards are from the Broadsheet Folk King Cards, these cards are in perfect condition, and I mean perfect. I do not know if it is a complete series though, if you know.......

Double click on images to enlarge.

Well thats all I have time for today, more next week.

Midget Message Cards

2006-03-13T07:44:00.000Z

Time is running out for this blog. I have not had anytime to do the research I wanted, this is because of both work and private commitments. I have eleven more cards to post on this blog so I had better get moving.
The first of the midget cards on this page is probably from between the wars, I believe it may have some thing to do with Eva's marriage, when exactly this was I am unsure.

No 6. Some day in god's good time the hills of home we'll climb. Copyright

The second card has some text on the reverse side.

On the front of the card is 'No2. Dear old Blighty. Copyright'

The reverse has the text 'Best love from Eva, your loving wife'.
I believe this card is from the Second World War. I haope by the time I do my next instalment to have resolved when Eva was married.

That, I am afraid to say is it for now.
If anyone is interested I have a second blog on the go, this is in conjunction with two others and has a totally different content, some may find it strange I do not. The address for this blog is in the listings on the right.

More Cards.

2006-03-07T08:00:00.000Z

Well it's been a few days since I last posted a blog. Things have been a bit hectic both at work and home. So I will keep this short and sweet. The following (shorter) series of cards are from both World Wars and belonged to both Eva and Isabelle.

I have only just realised this as the first card has text on from Isa to her husband, as far as I am aware Isabelle was only married to Edward so the date of this card is between 1915 and 1917.

The first cards are 'Midget Message Cards'. No hand written text on the reverse sides and no makers/printers details, all there is is the afore mentioned title and in small lettering'Presented with "The Red Letter".

If enyone knows what a Red Letter is please let me know.

Both cards do have text on the front, the first card has in ink 'From your loving wife Isa'.

The second card also has text on the front, this however is in pencil and very faint. The writing on this card is larger and less delicate but appears to be of the same hand.

Both cards are reproduced at actual size.

Generations

2006-03-02T11:10:00.000Z

Well I have now opened myself up for ridicule.

Below is a picture showing from left to right:

Kerry (my brother), Bobbie (My mother), Karen (one of my sisters), Isabelle (my great grand mother), Eva (my grand mother) and finally......................me, the one in shorts and sandals.

The photograph was taken on 8th July, 1965 at the Carnival Hall in Basingstoke. I was 16 days shy of a year old.

I have added links on the left to sites I visited when researching Edward. I found these sites were both interesting and useful.

I will put some cards from WWII on next time. As I stated they are not as informative as Edwards and Isabelle's postcards but they are interesting in their own right.

Family postcards 1913 - 1917, page 7

2006-03-01T08:02:00.000Z

Well that’s it really. It is rather a sad testament that a mans life, especially one who gave his all, can be reduced to half a dozen or so pages on a blog. At least now what little is known about Edward Culling is available to the world. I would have liked to see both Isabelle and Edward’s reactions if some person tried to explain the World Wide Web to them. A friend of mine said how difficult it must have been, all Isabelle wanted was a proper letter, all Edward wanted was fags, no other contact was available unlike today with mobile phones, e-mails and alike.

Although I have to say the contents of these pages are rather telling, if not amazing but very private insight into the lives of two people during both the good and the bad times. It is also remarkable how much the English language and the way it is used has changed in just under a hundred years.

So now here are the final postcards, both with and without text. Double click on an image for a larger view.

Card 26

Beagles & C0., Ltd., E. C., Printers & Publishers. Guaranteed Real Photograph.

From Isabelle to Edward dated April 10th 1917.

7 Astley St, St Pauls Rd, Preston.

Dear Ted,

Just a few lines for our wedding Day hoping we may have more happiness in the future than in the past, and to let you know that I love you more with each passing day.

Your loving wife.
xxxxxxxxxxx

Card 27

No printing company name, the only identifiers on this card are W2299. Printed in Great Britain.

A card dated April 13th 1917. Although unsigned the content of the text and the address clearly indicates that the card is from Isabelle.

7 Astley St, St Pauls Rd, Preston.

Dear Ted:-

I have been worried about you. You have never been so long in writing to me, since first went away. I have been nearly out of my mind, and unable to bear it any longer I wrote to the major in charge sending a stamped addressed envelope. I had a letter back this morning. He says you showed a marked improvement yesterday when he wrote, and that you yourself said you felt much better.

I believe that there was a second part to this card as the text ends to abruptly and that Isabelle always tried to sign her mail.

Card 28

No printers company name, simple text- Post Card, with a serial number 2863/2.

From Isabelle to Edward dated April 14th 1917.

7 Astley St, St Pauls Rd, Preston.

Dear Ted,

I was so glad to your card this morning and such a pretty one it is. Forgive me writing to the major but I was so anxious. You write so often when you are able that I felt sure you were bad. I could tell by his letter that you had been very bad. I hope you will get on now.
Keep this card because it is one you gave me before we were married and I have no paper but the words on the card are quite suitable because you are the dearest in all the world to baby and I.

From your loving wife Isa, Eva.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Card 29

(card torn) & K. London, E.C. Series No 3511 British Manufacture.

A card written by Isabelle to Edward but written as if from Eva. No date but Eva was 1 year old on January 30th 1917 and Edward died on July 7th 1917.

To my daddy.

From Eva.
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
xxxxxx

This final card with text on is the most thought provoking and moving. I am presuming that this card was sent just befor Edwards final operation. If so Edward by this time had been in hospital for nearly a year. He had undergone countless operations the majority of which, according to family legend were on his head. He must have been very weak and in great pain, Isabelle must have been extremely worried and in an attempt to rally his will she penned this as if from the daughter he probably never saw. I say this because the journey from Preston to Glasgow was a long and tiresome one and for a child so young would have been too much, there is also the fact that the journey may have been to expensive for even Isabelle to visit Edward for there is no records of her ever doing so.

These last cards do not have text on them.

Card 30

Published by E. A. Schwerdtleger & Co., London E.C and New York; Printed at their works in Berlin [Germany].

Card 31

]

Bamforth & Co., LTD., Publishers Holmfirth (England) and New York, “SONGS” Series. No. 4899/3. Printed in England.

Card 32

No printers company name simply ‘Post Card’ with a serial number 2863/6.

Card 33

(card torn) D., Ltd. Publishers Holmfirth (England) and New York. Series No 5032/1 Printed in England.

To end as I started. A very scrappy card but instead of possibly being carried by either Isabella or Eva I would like to think this card was carried by Edward to France and kept with him during his long time in hospital. Most of the cards here were returned to Isabella amongst Edwards personal effects after his death.

This is not the end of this blog. As I have already stated, if anyone out there reading this can find more about Edward Culling then please do, let me know how you do. I will continue to research him but it does not look hopeful, a friend in a position to do so requested Edward's records a few weeks ago, not through the channels you or I would use and was told they were destroyed during the blitz. I will not give up.

I also plan to research some of his closest relatives who's names will be on my next page along with all the links to web sites I have used. There will be some later cards, these are not as 'in depth' and do not have much text on the reverse sides but they are still interesting. These cards belonged to Eva and date from around the Second World War.

Finally, my mother has just got a computer and is learning how to use it, not bad for nearly 70. Bobbie (my mum) intends to research other family 'avenues', who knows, in a few months time you may be reading her blog.

On the next page will be a photograph showing Isabella, Eva, Bobbie, my brother Kerry, one of my sisters Karen and my good self looking rather dashing in my large shorts and nappie with a pair of cool sandals. This will put some faces to names, also open myself up to some micky taking from my mates.

Family Postcards 1913 - 1917, page 6

2006-02-24T08:14:00.000Z

Well, I am nearly at the end of Edwards story. I have decided to research the rest of his immediate family. This may take a while as there are rather a lot of them, however I will concentrate on those who may have served during the First World War.

I will list Edwards relatives on my next page. I will also put the links of the sites I have used or perused in my research of Edwards life.

Double click on an image for a larger view.

A little help
If any readers out ther can help either with further information on Edward or that of any of the relatives I will list then I would be grateful.

And so.....
Edward returned to England injured in the February of 1917. We know this as his sister Alice writes to him and mentions his ‘next operation’, card 21. No cards exist from Edward to Isabelle from the time he was injured until the time of his death.

Letters are mentioned, alas these no longer exist. Isabelle was desperate for news of Edwards condition so she resorted to contacting a Major who replied to her, this was mentioned on card 28 dated April 14th, 1917.

The last postcard with text on it is card 29 and this is probably the most poignant of them all.

Edward’s death was recorded as 7th June 1917 at the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow. Edward is buried in Preston New Hall Lane Cemetery. His daughter Eva grew up never knowing her father, like so many other children born during war time.

Card 19

Absent card by Rotary Photographic Series, Printed in Britain. This is a real photograph.

The poem on the front is by Willmer reads:

My dearest, all’s well and I trust tis with you.
I still keep as busy as brave, dear and true
Just as I know you would have me do.
While I’m waiting for you to come home.

At twilight the shadow’s keep Not Dressed in kharki
Whispering your name. with military air.
The fire flickers pictures of Not under orders for
You in each name goodness knows where.
And your photo speaks comfort Not as a soldier, but just as you were.
From out of its frame. In your old ways.
And it’s then that I want you back home. Those dear days at home.

The card is from Isabell to Edward, although there is no date on the card Edwards birthday is 7th August. This would place the card no later than 1916 as Edward died before his birthday in 1917.

With love and best wishes for your birthday, from your loving wife. Isa.

xxxxx

Card 20

Bamforth & Co .. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth (England) and New York. “Song Greeting” Series No. 4965/2. Printed in England.

To Edward, possibly from one of his sisters Alice and her husband Jim, dated January 29th 1917.

Dear Brother,

Just a few lines to let you know that Jim has arrived home safe on Friday night for 10 days and is in the best of health the same as myself. I remain your sister and brother.

Alice and Jim.

Card 21

W &K. London, E.C.Series No 3784 British Manufacture

A card from Edwards sister Alice dated Feb 26th 1917, the 26th having been altered from 23rd.

Also of note is the end of the poem on the front of the card has had a word scribbled out and replaced with 'us'.

P.S Stamp inside envelope

87 Victoria St. Preston, Lancs.

Dear Brother,

Just a few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter sorry to hear that you are no different but we must put trust in God to see you safe through your next operation and let us hope it is a success Well I have just received a field postcard from Jim dated 18th Feb and he is quite well so far I myself am in the pink at present no more this time so will close with best love from your loving sister Alice.(494)

Card 22

W & K. London, E. C. Series No. 3504 British Manufacture.

A card from Edwards wife Isabelle dated March 20th 1917.

7 Astley St, St Pauls Rd, Preston.

Dear Ted,

Just a few lines in answer to your letter. I hope you won’t be long before you get home. I don’t let Eva forget you. If she is crying and I say where’s daddy she stops crying as if by magic and gives your photo such a sweet smile it’s a pity it was’nt yourself instead of the photo.

Best love from Eva & Isa

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Card 23

J.Beagles & co., E C., Printers & Publishers. Guaranteed Real Photograph.

A card from Isabelle to Edward dated 23rd March 1917.

7 Astley St, St Pauls Rd, Preston.

Dear Ted,

Just a few in answer to your letter. I hope you will come through your operation alright, let me know as soon you can. I like your photo, but you seem awfully fat. Have they been feeding you up. You looked badly in the little photo’s.

Best love from your loving wife Isa.xxxxxxxx
Eva xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Card 24

Printed in England. The Regent Publishing Co. Ltd., London. N. W.

From Edwards sister Alice dated 6th April 1917.

87 Victoria St, Preston, Lancs.

Dear Brother,
Just a line in answer to your card which I like very well. I have put it in my album along with some yours from France now I am quite well and so is Jim hoping to hear some good news very soon from you. Now I am sending you 2 packets of fags and in side one of them there is 6 pence. Hoping you enjoy your Easter. Well no more this time.
From your loving sister Alice 494.

Text in bold not clearly legible.

Card 25

The Regent Series, No. 2019. Printed in England. The Regent Publishing Co., Ltd., London, N.W. (All British).

From Isabelle to Edward dated April 7th 1917.

7 Astley St, St Pauls Rd, Preston.

Dear Ted,

I hope you have got over your operation alright. I am longing to hear how you are. If you are better, do you think it will be long before get home. There is no pleasure without you. Hoping to see you soon.

I remain your loving Wife.
Isa and Eva,
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Although the story has finished (for the moment) there are a few more cards to go.

Family postcards 1913 - 1917, page 5

2006-02-23T08:23:00.000Z

The family story stated that Edward survived an allied creeping barrage on the Somme near a wood or forest with the name that sounded like devil. There is only one instance of the Loyal North Lancs being involved in such an incident.

According to Chris McCarthy’s book such an incident took place on 18th August 1916. This entry is reproduced below:

Friday 18th August. Temperature 70° F; overcast (1mm rain). III Corps, 1st Division.

Zero hour was at 2.45pm.

Two companies of 1st Loyal North Lancs (2 Brigade) attacked. The right company went too soon and walked into the British barrage and was practically wiped out.

This action took place north of Bazentia le Pt, south of Martinpuich, west of High Wood. High Wood lays some 1500 yards north-west of Delville Wood.

Double click on an image for a larger view.

Card 10

Bamforth & Co .. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth (England) and New York. “Song Greeting” Series No. 4899/2. Printed in England.

To Edward possibly from Isabella dated June 30th 1916, written in pencil and very faded.

Dear Ted.

I have just got your express letter and cards this morning. You see there is a door leading into the umbrella department and the footman must have locked them behind that door and was ###### was cleaning the shop and ##### them.

They do not clean it every week and that is why they were not found #####. I only missed once not handing you cigarettes and the ### week I sent two (scribbled out word) boxes. What more can I do on any bit. I have a box of tea tablets to send you but could not (the next few lines are not legible).

All text in bold is partially legible all ## means not legible.

Card 11

Words by permission of Ascherberg, Hopwood & Crew, Ltd., Music Publishers, 10 Mortimer Street, London, W. Valentines Series 4233. British Manufacture.

From Edward to Isabelle, no date but was composed during training giving a time frame of July or early August 1916.

Dear Wife
Just a line hoping you are in good health also baby. I am in the pink of health myself, I have a letter of your mother and she is alright, our Ernest is in the trenches. He went in on Thursday, we may be warned anytime now. Hoping you are suited to this card. No more at present from your loving hubby Edaward Culling. Xxxxxxxxxx.

No 23935, 3 L N L, Hut 25, E Company, Felixstowe, Suffolk.

In the top right corner he has written: Do not to forget to send me some fags.

In the bottom left:

Give Maggie these fag cards
from Ed C.

Card 12

“Art and Humour” Publishing Co., 27, Chancery Lane, London, W.C. The “A & H” “Message” Series. No 211. British Manufacture.

From Edward to Isabelle dated July 27th 1916.

Pte E Culling

E Company Hut 25

3 LNL Felixstowe

Suffolk.

Dear Wife

Just a line to thank you for this card. I would like to keep it but I cannot, it would only get torn or someone steal it so I am sending it back with thanks please send me some fags for I have none. Next week you can send me a parcel for I might not get any more from you. I might have to go out to France about next Friday we do not know we get warned one day and on to France the next day or I might be hear a month.

Card 13

Bamforth & Co .. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth (England) and New York. “Songs” Series No. 4900/1. Printed in England.

To Ted from Isabelle, undated.

69b Newhall Lane, Preston. Saturday.

Dear Ted,

I have sent a parcel off today and when you lift the paper off the top there is some soap wrapped and I would love to come to Felixstowe very much but I made enquiries at the station and found it would cost one pound and four pence to go changing at Rugby, Peterbourough and twenty four (shillings?) and ninepence to go by London and then I would have to change to get to London and then go right across town to get a train to Felixstowe. I think it would be a fortnight befor I could get enough money to come. It would be better for me if I could come. I will make a big effort to come. Will send money and stamps on Monday have only got a halfpenny left.

Love from Isa, mum, baby xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Card 14

Bamforth & Co .. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth (England) and New York. Series No. 4857/1. Printed in England.

Undated card from Edward to Isabelle written in pencil.

Dear Isa

Do write oftener with best love for you and the baby.
From your loving hubbby.

E Culling

Card 15

Bamforth & Co .. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth (England) and New York. “Songs” Series No. 4900/1. Printed in England.

A card from Isabelle to Edward, undated. “Dear Ted” is in pencil, the rest of the text is in ink.

Monday Morning. 69b Newhall Lane, Preston.

Dear Ted
I will write tonight when I get some paper. I was not going to send you the cigarettes till you sent me a desent letter. I will send them today. I do hope you get your discharge though it will take a lot of money to keep us. The thought of you going to France is a load on my heart. Baby is cutting a double tooth and it is nearly through. She is bigger and fatter than ever, you would hardly know her Ted. I would like to see the letter that you received, if you were anything like a man you would make the writer sit up. If you don’t I will.

Card 16

Bamforth & Co .. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth (England) and New York. “Songs” Series No. 4900/3. Printed in England.

A card to Edward from Isabelle, undated.

Tuesday Morning.

Dear Ted.
I am sending you a parcel, see that you get it. I have sent you two cage birds and three comics. You did not tell me that Ernest was coming once on leave. The woman opposite your mothers told me that he came over on Saturday and stays till Thursday. Did you not know. Your mother is telling everybody that you would never have gone away but for me and that you have never written to me since you went. There is last weeks cigarettes and this weeks. I hope will be pleased I can do no more.

From Isa,

Xxxxxxx from baby,

Card 17

Bamforth & Co .. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth (England) and New York. “Songs” Series No. 4899/1. Printed in England.

A card unsigned and undated but from the text appears to be from Isabelle to Edward. The text is scrawled in pencil and difficult to transcribe.

I am that miserable and ill that people are beginning they always ask me if I am tired but its not bodily tired. It is worry of the mind trying ####. I ### best(!) ### my bible, and send you a parcel and still put a bit of #### in baby and #####. I only get nice letters when I send you a parcel and when I can afford one I get different ones. Your people are turning you against me, they have tried a long time and I am afraid they will sway, seeing (if) that you are all against. Don’t believe what they write. Isa

The content of the text especially towards the end of the card seems disjointed probably reflecting the anxiety Isabelle is feeling at the time of her writing the card. All symbols ## represents illegible text.

Card 18

A French postcard, no printers name just ‘ CARTE POSTALE’ J.J(torn at this point) Paris (Marque déposé).

Possibly the only card from Edward after being drafted to France, almost certainly en route to the Somme. Dated August 12th 1916.

Just a line to let you know I am in the pink please send me a book to read & my parcle is done do not forget that I have change my hut to 24 I am warned for a draught at the end of this month with best love to you and Eva from your loving hubby.

E Culling
Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx

To both of you.

Family postcards 1913-1917, page 4

2006-02-21T12:52:00.000Z

For reasons unknown Edward was trying to get discharged shortly after his stay in the home, Isabelle writes about this on card 16. She also mentions a letter Edward received and appears to be from a ‘comrade’ possibly accusing Edward of cowardice.

Edward was drafted to France during August 1916 in E company, 3rd Loyal North Lancashires. There is a very fine French (fabric) card from Edward dated August 12th 1916, postcard 18. Although on the card he asks for parcels to be sent to Hut 24 the card being French may be a message to Isabelle that he was going over imminently or possibly already in France.

Remember, double click on an image for a larger view.

Card 8

Bamforth & Co .. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth (England) and New York. “Song Greeting” Series No. 4857/3. Printed in England.

From Edward to Isabelle.

Prt Edward Culling, No 23935 LNL.

Cobbolds Convalesant Home, 64 Quilter Rd, Felixstowe, Suffolk.

Dear Wife.
Just A line to let you know that I am a little better but nothing to speak of you say that I had never send you any letters well I received that Post Office express letter back which I send you, and you may not get them when you send me your wrong number in one or two letters.

Your number is 6B9 and others 96B which is your right number. Isa I have sold one of my pups so will you let Fred have a pedigree so that he can fill it in and send it to me.

I enclosed the Post Office letter so that you can see it for yourself weather I sent it or not.

Card 9

Bamforth & Co .. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth (England) and New York. “Song Greeting” Series No. 4857/2. Printed in England.

From Edward to Isabelle dated June 21st 1916, written in pencil.

Prt Edward Culling, No 23935 Hut 44, D Company. Felixstowe, Suffolk.

Dear Wife,
Just a line from your hubby to say that I received your parcel Tuesday morning. Well dear I am a little better and the doctor says that I have to go on duty on Friday. If I keep well I will be home on furlow in a fortnight.

I have only my firing to do and then I will come home. All letters & parcels to be sent to my Hut 44.

E C

Family postcards 1913 - 1917, page 3

2006-02-15T09:53:00.000Z

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

2006-02-14T08:39:00.000Z

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.

Family postcards, 1913 to 1917, page 1

2006-02-10T20:27:00.000Z

The following collection of postcards represent correspondence between Edward Culling and his sweetheart later to be wife Isabelle Jane Culling nee Jones, and other relatives, between the years 1913 and 1917.

Some of the postcards are either to worn to transcribe all the text or they simply do not have text on them. The text from the reverse of the cards has been reproduced, mistakes and all, beneath an image of the original card along with any other details such as printers and country of origin.

Double click on images for larger view.

The story begins

Edward Culling married Isabelle Jane Jones, my great grandmother, in June 1914. Their daughter Eva was born in the March quarter of 1916, to be exact January 30th. Edward was employed as an overseer in a cotton mill in Preston, he also bred Canaries and Budgies which he ‘showed’ locally. Where Edward and Isabelle met is unsure, it is possible they met in Blackpool, a popular day out of the period. They possibly met in early 1913, this is surmised by the fact that the earliest post card is dated August 1913 and the text indicates they were already travelling to see each other on a fairly regular basis.

Even less was known about Edward’s time in the army. The family knew he joined the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment at some point in 1916, possibly March, and that he was one of a few in his regiment who survived being caught in a creeping allied barrage on the Somme near a wood or forest with a name that sounded like devil. Several months later Edward died of his wounds in the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow and that he was probably buried in Preston, Lancashire.

The postcards will be placed in date order where possible.

Card 1

Undated remembrance postcard published by Valentine & Sons Ltd, Dundee & London. Possibly collected by Isabel or their daughter Eva after the death of Edward in 1917.

The above postcard is in a poor condition possibly indicating that the card was handled or carried often by either Isabelle or Eva. The photograph does not do the card justice. The poem on the front of the card is by Laurence Binyon entitled For The Fallen:

They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning,
We will remember them.

Edward Culling, 23935, 7th August 1889 – 7th July 1917

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I would like to take this opportunity thank Mr Eddie Pritchard and Mr Brian Mountjoy who assisted with the on-line research into Edward’s life and family and also helped with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission temperamental web site. I have never met these gentlemen, they responded to a post I left on a web page.

Thanks also to the Regimental Headquarters of The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, Preston and Mark Roberts (ex) Wessex Archaeology for their assistance in researching Edward’s service in the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and especially Mark for visiting the Glasgow Library on my behalf.

An extra special thanks goes to the archivist office, Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Special thanks go to Mr Harold Culling (no relation), President of the Liverpool and S.W. Lancashire Family History Society who’s dedication and generosity for researching and providing a comprehensive history of the Culling family. And finally Karen Walker and Dave Farwell for lending me the books that proved invaluable.

The start

How did this all start, well way back in the middle of 2002 my mother, Bobbie, showed me a small bundle of postcards the majority of which were from World War 1. These cards were given to my mother by her mother Eva.

Eva died died after a stroke and subsequent long illness on 13th September 1993.

How I did it

The majority of the cards were correspondence between Isabelle Jones and Edward Culling. Some of the writing on the reverse of the cards was in ink, some in pencil, the latter making difficult reading due to the effects of age. The cards and the legible text intrigued me so I borrowed them in order to peruse at my leisure and attempt to decipher the non legible writing.

I started by scanning the backs of the cards but found that the faded text still did not show well in normal scan mode so I scanned them using various settings i.e. negative view, high and low gamma etc. I found that the negative view (in effect a photographic negative) enabled me to read some of the less effected text, then by using high or low gamma settings in the negative view enabled me to read the vast majority of the faded text.

I then decided to scan the front of the cards and print of copies with a transcript of the text beneath and any other information about the card such as printers/companies and country of origin. This I did so people could enjoy the cards without handling the originals thus helping to preserve them. One thing led to another and I started to research Edward’s life.

My family knew very little about Edward’s life and the majority of what is known was passed down the generations verbally.

But for now you will have to wait a bit longer.

A WW1 tribute, dedicated to Eva

2006-02-08T21:57:00.000Z

Yeah, I know, I wanted to keep this blog a bit light hearted, but there's a whole life to do that.

My first attempts were 'testers', I had no drection, well I think I have found it now.

After a lot of thought I have decided to 'let the world know' what little I do about one of the million or so brave souls who fought and died during the First World War. This brave soul is my great grand father Edward Culling, not to forget his devoted wife Isabelle and their only child Eva.

Edward was injured on the Somme and died just under a year later from his injuries. This tribute is also to those he left behind, Isabelle, Edwards wife, my great grand mother, and Eva, my grand mother who died not too many years ago.

A personal note here. I am sad that Eva did not recognise me after the stroke and sorry I did not visit her from that time up to her death. This is why I dedicate this page to Eva.

Some time ago my mum (Bobbie) showed me some old postcards between Edward and Isa, written during thier courtship and after his enlistment into the Loyal North Lancs and ultamately from his hospital bed in the Glascow Royal Infirmary. There were also a couple of cards from other members of the family. All give an interesting and emotional insight of those years of conflict.

I have done a paper copy for my mother (it took a few years), now I have to try and transpose it, copies of the postcards and all to this blog. This should keep me busy for a while.

Let us see how it goes!