Sitting on some sandbags and surrounded by scattered debris, this officer is writing a letter home. He is wearing puttees (protective leggings) over his lower legs. Mail to and from home was strictly censored during the conflict. Soldiers were not allowed to mention the name of wherever they were located. As many of the soldiers were illiterate, officers also had to read out and transcribe letters for the men. It is interesting to note that although the establishment was keen to suppress news and opinions about the war, the press did like to give the front line soldiers a voice.

[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT. An officer writing home.']