A last letter home.

[51highland]

A relative of a 5th Cameron sent me this, the last letter home, dated 30/12/44, from 3131652 Cpl Hugh Clearie, D Comp, 5th Camerons. It was not to his maternal mother but to the mother of his best friend. He was talking about the people of Holland and the xmas dinner interrupted by the Camerons sudden move to the Ardennes.

Dear Mother Hunter
Many thanks for your excellent xmas gift which I received a few days ago. It arrived on the 28th, my Birthday, so I had a great celebration. Although I havent written for some time, I am always thinking of you all and I'm only sorry I couldn't get enough xmas cards to go round, however I hope to be seeing you all soon.
We have travelled many miles since I left home last, and seen many exciting events, but, I think what struck the boys most was the hospitality of the people of the liberated countries. No matter where we go, there is always a door open to us, and a lovely warm fire to sit at, especially when we are behind the lines resting. The Germans have taken practically everything from them, so they are always sorry they haven't more to offer us, but what more could a soldier ask for than the comfort of a home at this time of the year, when there is so much flooding, snow and cold weather.
Regarding that story you had about me and the German, I never dreamt it go as far as home. However don't get worried Mother, I don't go doing daft things like that all the time.
Our Xmas dinner this year was a little bit interrupted as you probably have read' but we had it later, and a grand night was had by all. We had a few speeches but best of all was the sing song afterwards.
So Mother with these few lines I'll sign off, hoping this finds you all keeping in perfect health, and may 1945 bring prosperity and happiness to the Hunter family. Give my regards to Auntie, Chris, Alex, Jim and Dad. Cheerio till I see you.

Highland Laddie
Hughie

Hugh Clearie was promoted to Lance Sergeant in the new year and killed in action in the Reichswald Forest 9th February 1945.

[Owen]

Name: CLEARIE, HUGH
Initials: H
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lance Serjeant
Regiment/Service: Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Unit Text: 5th Bn.
Age: 26
Date of Death: 09/02/1945
Service No: 3131652
Additional information: Son of Agnes Clearie, of Troon, Ayrshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 4.
Cemetery: MOOK WAR CEMETERY


Lovely letter Richard.
I have my Great-Uncle's last postcard home a week or so before he was killed in 1918. Nothing like this one though.