Harrocks family memorabilia: Death of a ‘Zeppelin’ in 1916

Danger ahead: About 2.05am, September 3, 1916

Inkerman Barracks
Woking

Dear Mother,
This is a fairly good representation of what Charlie and I had the pleasure of seeing a month ago, though the real thing was about unpicturable in its grandeur.
I have had a letter from Tooting asking me to go there for a week end. I shall put in for next week, and don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t go. If you think of coming let me know what you will be doing. If for any reason I can’t get away I’ll send you a wire about Friday morning.
We went in a military efficiency competition yesterday for various subjects. I was in the signalling team, and we won easily, beating the whole of the Aldershot command, so we are no end proud now, as that is as good as beating the whole army. I’ve got a medal for it.
Woking is no great shakes as a town but ~~are~~ our barracks are tip-top, and we are better off than we have been since Margate. The town amusements are in plenty, but nothing any good — very small rink, theatre open about once a month, and three cinemas, but only one worth going to. Luckily we can get leave till midnight any time we ask, so will be able to get to London for amusements — it’s only 40 minutes journey.
That’s all the news, so will close with best love,
from
Willie

This letter, on the reverse side of the concertina series of photographs, is from William Harrocks, eldest son of William Harrocks and Priscilla (“Illa”) Knowles (born 1870) — an elder sister of my grandmother, Jessie Knowles (see the Knowles family register). It was posted in Woking on October 2, 1916 (see below).

Cover of series of postcards