Description

“1918 (Dec 20) Plain stampless roughly opened envelope endorsed On Active Service to Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania from A.I.F. soldier cancelled in transit Army P.O. 3 (8 Jan 1919) machine located Boulogne & with violet oblong Passed by Censor /No 5087 hand stamp together with 3 page letter headed Hautmont 20 Dec 1918 giving condolences to addressee for the loss of her brother & son followed by a vivid account of the battle of Epehy 18 September*. The writer goes on to say the Bosch evacuated this place 7 weeks ago & looted it just before the Armistice.
……………………………………………………………………………………
*Somme Area….6,800 Australians were involved in the Battle of Epehy that commenced early morning 18 Sept. 1918 & was conducted over a 16 mile front N.W. of St. Quentin. The Australians advanced almost 3 miles suffering 1,260 casualties but captured 4243 German prisoners plus Artillery, Mortars, small arms & other equipment.