My dearest family,

I made it to France, and I am working as an Ambulance Driver for the St Omer Ambulance Convoy. Yesterday, I drove to the front to pick up and help the wounded soldiers. My hands grasped the steering wheel tightly. As I switched the gear to drive, I could not take my foot off the brake. I gathered every ounce of courage inside of my body and drove. Still gripping the wheel firmly, I braced myself as we drove through artillery fire. I looked to my left. I looked to my right. For miles, all I saw was disaster. Dirt rose and fell as explosions went off, and the sound of gunshots and bombs surrounded me. I could hear faint screams and cries in the background. I have never been much of a religious woman, but in these moments, I prayed. I prayed for the soldiers. I prayed for myself and the other women from the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry.

We retrieved as many wounded soldiers as possible and transported the patients to the nearest hospitals. On my journey, I met a man named Harold. When I found him, he was covered in dirt and blood. His blue eyes peered through the soot that covered his face. His bloody hand grabbed mine and opened my palm, placing something inside. I looked down, and it was a small wooden elephant. I looked back at the man, and as he struggled to speak, he said, “Please don’t let me die. I promised my son I would bring his elephant back to him.” I can never promise anything in these moments, but I must deliver hope. I told him, “You are not going to die,” never knowing the actual ending of that sentence. Later, I delivered medical supplies. As a woman, it is liberating to hold such a powerful position. I do not wish pain and suffering upon anyone; however, I am glad that I finally have a voice and can help. I am gaining the respect I deserve for myself and all women.

Sincerely,

Your daughter,

Morgan Richards

iwm.org.uk/history/5-inspirational-stories-of-women-in-the-first-world-war 

historyhit.com/inspiring-women-of-world-war-one-you-should-know-about/