My Dearest Mother,

I have recently finished my training at Rivers Bridge and will be sent to fight very soon. We do not know where we will go. I have learned what all the things issued to me are used for and they will help me come home again safe. As we have been training we have seen men returning from the front lines of battle. Mother I cannot describe to you the horror of the wounds I have seen. Please tell my brother that I hope this conflict ends before he is forced to join it, for it is not a game as I had once believed. Men are dying in this war and as I look around at the familiar faces of the men in my company I know that some will not return home, and perhaps I will be among the fallen. With a new idea of what I am to face I bid you and my dear family farewell.

Your Loving Son,

Bryan