From our ‘Family histories’ section: The Horn Family: ‘Fredrick Horn’: Courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn
This is the story of my Grandparents and their family during WW1. They were, I should think, a typical agricultural family of the period. They had 10 children, 5 sons and 5 daughters:
Next in the family was Frederick (Fred) who was born in 1893. Fred worked on the farm but was obviously interested in medical matters as he was part of the Boughton Ambulance Brigade. Fred joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in WW1 and sent a telegram to his brother George (my father) when he was about to go to the Front.
I have some postcards that Fred sent home. In one card he says that he has met Alf Fletcher, also of Staple Street, and a school friend. Most of the postcards are humorous and he says that he is A1. It is plain that they are sending parcels and money when needed:
The transcribed text reads:
11.5.15: ‘Dear E, Alf Fletcher is only about a stones through from us and I have walked into Aldershot with him this afternoon as we are done from 2 till half past 9 on Saturday. We have just had some tea. We did not get any money yesterday we shall get any before next week but still I have got plenty. From your L.B. Fred
‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’
The Next card shows a humorous card of a nuse and patient:
The transcribed text reads:
23.?.16: ‘Dear Edie, Just a card to let you know I got back alright I have got Harty’s letter with hankies alright and have had a letter from George and Em. I am just going to post this and then undo the parcel and do myself a bit of good. Goodbye from Y.L.B Fred
‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’
Lastly, is another humorous card sent from abroad:
The transcribed text reads:
11.8.16: ‘Dear Edith, just a card to let you know I am A.1 we had some sports yesterday and I won a prize a gold tie pin. Weather was lovely. Hoping you are all well goodbye love to all from your L.B. Fred’
‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’
Fred was killed in action in 1916 in Flanders. His memorial is in Hernhill Church:
Image and text courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn