Orchard Road, Middlesbrough: Trainee Priest’s Love Letters

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The Imperial War Museums has love letters between trainee priest Percy Jefferson and his girlfriend Eve. He lived on Orchard Road while she lived on Roman Road in Middlesbrough. Percy wrote to her while in training saying he was joining the army as a medic. In 1915, he found himself in Gallipoli on duties at an advanced dressing station and as a stretcher bearer until he was evacuated to Malta on account of ill health. His letters reflect his profound Christian and patriotic beliefs, but also reveal his appreciation of the effort, suffering and sacrifice of his fellow soldiers. He went on to marry Eve. Location: Orchard Road Middlesbrough TS5 5PW Image: WW1 ambulance, courtesy of IWM