Soldier’s last letter home unearthed in museum renovation

A heartbreaking note written by a young Scottish soldier killed in WWI is among handwritten treasures unearthed during a museum renovation.

Footage of the letter, which turned out to be Private Vincent Collins’ last, can be viewed via the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum at Stirling Castle.

The 18-year-old, from the 8th (Argyllshire) Battalion, wrote the letter home to his parents in 1915, the night before his unit moved into the trenches.

Tragically, Vincent was wounded on October 4 that year and died from his injuries.

In the touching note he expressed concern that he might not survive his spell at the Front.

The closing sentence underlined his love for his parents, Harry and Martha, with an emotional sign off: “I could not have had better parents, of that I am sure. Especially you dear mum”.

Allison Spark, collection development officer at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, said: “Handwritten letters and messages like these are very precious. Not only do they give an indication of what life was like at the Front, they’re also very touching.

“Vincent’s letter in particular, while short and hurriedly written, really communicates his nervousness and fear about what was about to happen and the love he felt for his family back home. It still gives me goosebumps when I read it.

“Sadly, Vincent’s letter is in such a poor condition we aren’t able to have it on general display at the moment but our film really does bring it to life.”