WW1 soldier's wartime letters found by great-grandson

Donald Marston was from Ludlow and was first sent for army training in 1914.

His great-grandson Herbie Westhorpe, from Kimbolton, was recently given Mr Marston's letters that were sent home to his parents, and has written a 10,000-word story based on them.

Herbie Westhorpe has shared photographs and letters from his great-grandfather's time in the army (Image: ROB DAVIES) Mr Westhorpe has shared this story with the Hereford Times and Ludlow Advertiser. Here is an extract from the beginning of the story, with photographs supplied by Mr Westhorpe.

'The Twisted Truth of Donald and One More'

The battalion had received new orders to move to Singapore aboard the transport ship, Edavana. The journey was not without its risks, as the German cruiser Emden had recently been sunk in the area. Once in Singapore, the battalion was tasked with capturing rebels who had committed acts of murder and mutiny.

Donald Marston in Singapore (Image: Submitted by Herbie Westhorpe) During the trip on the Edavana, Donald discovered an opportunity. The men were asked if anyone had any knowledge of the Malay language. Assuming that professing to have some knowledge would take them to another adventure, he and his friend Geoffrey Bright raised their hands. This was a white lie that would change the course of their lives forever. Geoffrey was a confident, good-looking man who presented a polished appearance, characterized by a slicked side part in his hair. He looked impeccable in his uniform, though his tie was tightly knotted, appearing almost like a constriction between his collars. His expression was naturally serious. Geoffrey wore a pin on his uniform, with a shield design. He too was born in Shropshire where his father worked as a Quarry manager. He attended a local grammar school prior to studying at an agricultural college near Newport before war broke out. Neither of these young men had intended to have a career in the army let alone travel the world.

Playing cricket in Singapore in 1916 (Image: Submitted by Herbie Westhorpe) With both Donald and Geoffrey now on their way to Singapore, a Malayan crew member with quite the sun-kissed complexion was aboard the ship. Over the course of the blistering 72-hour journey, Donald and Geoffrey seized the chance to immerse themselves in the language – this would ensure their little white lie of knowing not a word of Malay would not be revealed. They absorbed as much as they could. This would later serve them well, allowing them both to forge connections and navigate the complexities of their environment. This chance encounter might just saved their lives.