My father, Fred Tackaberry (no. 62034), was a Lewis gunner in th Royal Irish Fusiliers which was amalgamated into the 23rd Royal Fusiliers. He lived until the age of 95, and though he kept these items he was reluctant to talk about his experience. His diaries note the "mud was the worst part" (wet, blood, excrement, urine).
I have included a photograph from 1916 taken in Templemore Barracks, when he was 18 years old. He is on horseback training. He thought there would be horse/cavalry fighting.
A letter from a friend he met from another troop, sent from Arras, North France, is also included. This man is in a military hospital describing having had a leg amputation as though it was a tooth extraction. They remained friends for years. This man sent us books for Christmas each year.
I have also included postcards from Fred to his sisters. Often said "I am still going strong".
