Love in the Great War: See the Documents, Hear the Story

First World War service record of William Crawford 1917-1919

William Crawford was enlisted in the Household Cavalry in 1917. He served in France for three months before being wounded, eventually dying of his injuries in February 1918, aged just 25.

His service records are unusual as they contain his personal letters, which were usually sent back to the soldier's next of kin. These letters, sent to Crawford from his beloved Hetty, reveal the anguish of separation during the war and communicate the fear that loved ones would not return.

Listen to the podcast: Voices of the Armistice: with love from Hetty to hear the series of love letters written to Crawford by Hetty, or visit the museum at The National Archives to view one of the letters.