ID: WW1_HWH

TitleWorld War I - Harris William Hoy died 17 February 1917
AbstractHARRIS WILLIAM Hoy
Rifleman A/200880
21st Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps (transferred from 3/8th Battalion Essex Regiment)
Died 17 February 1917
Buried Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Belgium
Commemorated West Mersea War Memorial

Harris William Hoy was born in 1894 on Mersea Island, the fourth child of Henry and Ruth Hoy of Haycock's Farm, East Mersea. He was always known as William. He was one of ten children born to the couple and was baptised 14 September 1894. The 1911 Census shows him employed as a Cowman on a farm.

Harris joined the 5th Essex Territorials in 1914 and after training, was transferred to the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. February 1917 the Corp were in the line south of Ypres and on 17th they were in an area known as Ridge Wood. The enemy commenced a violent bombardment of the reserve line and redoubts in Bois Carre and caused severe damage. Casualties suffered by the Corps that evening were 7 killed, 14 wounded and 5 missing. One of the seven killed was William Hoy, who was buried in Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Belgium.

This account is based on that in Not Just a Name by Roger Bullen - there is more detail in the book.
Mersea Museum also has a Notebook and an Army Prayer Book carried by William Hoy in WW1.

Many letters from William Hoy to his sister Ivy 1916-1917 have been carefully saved by Ivy's family - they give a touching view of life in the trenches, and tell us just how much time they spent yearning for the life at home. Willie does say "if we meet again" as if he was not sure he would ever be back home. The are listed below and are all available online. The dates are not clear on some letters and they may not be in the right order.

SourceMersea Museum
IDWW1_HWH
Related Images:
 William and George Hoy. William on the left was on his last leave and was killed in action 17 February 1917. The back of the postcard is addressed to Ivy Hoy, Haycock's Farm, East Mersea Essex - see <a href=mmphoto.php?typ=ID&hit=1&tot=1&ba=cke&bid=JRN_002>JRN_002 </a> 
 Another copy names Chummy and Bill - Chummy was George's nickname.
</p><p>Harris William Hoy baptised 14 Sep 1894, killed in action 17 February 1917. See Not Just a Name by Roger Bullen, page 61.
 George Henry Hoy baptised 6 Aug 1882.
    HH04_HOY_001
ImageID:   HH04_HOY_001
Title: William and George Hoy. William on the left was on his last leave and was killed in action 17 February 1917. The back of the postcard is addressed to Ivy Hoy, Haycock's Farm, East Mersea Essex - see JRN_002
Another copy names Chummy and Bill - Chummy was George's nickname.

Harris William Hoy baptised 14 Sep 1894, killed in action 17 February 1917. See Not Just a Name by Roger Bullen, page 61.
George Henry Hoy baptised 6 Aug 1882.

Date:24 September 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Heather Haward Collection
 From loving brother Willie to Lucy [ written on back of photograph ]
 
William Hoy was killed 17 February 1917 at the Battle of the Somme.  HH04_HOY_003
ImageID:   HH04_HOY_003
Title: From loving brother Willie to Lucy [ written on back of photograph ]
William Hoy was killed 17 February 1917 at the Battle of the Somme.
Date:c1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Heather Haward Collection
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.
</p><p>Tell Cooty his putties are alright after he has read his letter, but tease him first
</p><p>
2967 Pte H. Hoy
 B Copy 3/5 Essex Reg. 
 I Lines No. 9 Hut,
 Halton Camp East
 Bucks.
</p> <p> 
I had a letter from Harry at last, he made out he lost my address, I sent him a letter like this, Have all the pencils gone astray and all the paper burnt and just a little more added to it.
</p><p>
My Dear Sis,
</p><p>
I hope you are still in the best of health as it leaves me the same. I am glad to say many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive and also thank Ma for the photos she sent. We have nearly been washed out here today. The rain poured through our tents, I shall try to get out of this next week so I go back into the huts again.
The reason I put No. 9 hut is because it's the hut we use for drying our washing, we wash every Monday and let it hang up all the week. I don't know if any of our boys are coming down here tonight for there are some coming from Blakeney, I will tell you next time. I won't half rub it into them if they are.
</p> <p>
We are confined to camp now and not allowed to go anywhere. I am writing this letter Saturday but I don't know when you will get it.
</p><p>
Well dear Sis, I think this is all I have to say so I will close.
</p><p>
With best love from your Loving B Will
<p>Letter is undated. He is in camp in Englad and could be any time before William went to France.</p><p>
Transcribed by Heather Haward's family
</p>  HWH_100_003
ImageID:   HWH_100_003
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.

Tell Cooty his putties are alright after he has read his letter, but tease him first

2967 Pte H. Hoy
"B" Copy 3/5 Essex Reg.
I Lines No. 9 Hut,
Halton Camp East
Bucks.

I had a letter from Harry at last, he made out he lost my address, I sent him a letter like this, Have all the pencils gone astray and all the paper burnt and just a little more added to it.

My Dear Sis,

I hope you are still in the best of health as it leaves me the same. I am glad to say many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive and also thank Ma for the photos she sent. We have nearly been washed out here today. The rain poured through our tents, I shall try to get out of this next week so I go back into the huts again. The reason I put No. 9 hut is because it's the hut we use for drying our washing, we wash every Monday and let it hang up all the week. I don't know if any of our boys are coming down here tonight for there are some coming from Blakeney, I will tell you next time. I won't half rub it into them if they are.

We are confined to camp now and not allowed to go anywhere. I am writing this letter Saturday but I don't know when you will get it.

Well dear Sis, I think this is all I have to say so I will close.

With best love from your Loving B Will

Letter is undated. He is in camp in Englad and could be any time before William went to France.

Transcribed by Heather Haward's family

Date:c1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy at St Peters Cottage, West Mersea. Page 1.
 Posted September, probably 1916
</p><p>  HWH_101_001
ImageID:   HWH_101_001
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy at St Peters Cottage, West Mersea. Page 1.
Posted September, probably 1916

Date:c26 September 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.
</p><p>
My Dear Sister,
 
Many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive, 25th, I hope you are still in the best of health it leaves me the same I am glad to say. I should think you and ? A tender sort to be cold beside a nice fire, I wonder what you girls would think if you were out here, you don't know what you can put up with until you try, I shall never be cold if I can move myself, some people would stand and freeze before they would move, and keep warm. Dear [...] I write to one another till I don't know what to put, so you will have to excuse my short letters.
</p><p>Transcribed by Heather Haward's family</p>  HWH_101_003
ImageID:   HWH_101_003
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.

My Dear Sister,
Many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive, 25th, I hope you are still in the best of health it leaves me the same I am glad to say. I should think you and ? A tender sort to be cold beside a nice fire, I wonder what you girls would think if you were out here, you don't know what you can put up with until you try, I shall never be cold if I can move myself, some people would stand and freeze before they would move, and keep warm. Dear [...] I write to one another till I don't know what to put, so you will have to excuse my short letters.

Transcribed by Heather Haward's family

Date:c26 September 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.
</p><p>
Continued ...
 
another till I don't know what to put, so you will have to excuse my short letters.
</p><p>
Lucy tells me that she has now left The Hart, I bet you Hetty will be lonely now, I have got her a pretty card and will get you one another time when I get a chance. I had a letter from Lucy and Cooty last night, she says mother is very ill in bed and Harry is in hospital out here, France has soon upset him. Well dear, I think this is all I have to say this time so I will close.
</p><p>
With fondest love,
 From your loving B Will Xxxx
</p><p>Transcribed by Heather Haward's family</p>  HWH_101_004
ImageID:   HWH_101_004
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.

Continued ...
another till I don't know what to put, so you will have to excuse my short letters.

Lucy tells me that she has now left The Hart, I bet you Hetty will be lonely now, I have got her a pretty card and will get you one another time when I get a chance. I had a letter from Lucy and Cooty last night, she says mother is very ill in bed and Harry is in hospital out here, France has soon upset him. Well dear, I think this is all I have to say this time so I will close.

With fondest love,
From your loving B Will Xxxx

Transcribed by Heather Haward's family

Date:c26 September 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.
 16 October (probably 1916)  HWH_103_001
ImageID:   HWH_103_001
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.
16 October (probably 1916)
Date:16 October 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.
</p><p>
200880 Pte H. Hoy 
 21st K.R.R 
 B.E.F France 
 c/o GPO London
</p> <p> 
My Dear Sister,
 
I hope you are still in the best of health as it leaves me the same I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice 
letter which I was pleased to receive. Did Mother get the card I sent last week as she never said in her last letter, 
I sent Iris one and she got that alright.
</p> <p>
We met another Mersea chap last night, it is Edwards who live against the mill,  HWH_103_003
ImageID:   HWH_103_003
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.

200880 Pte H. Hoy
21st K.R.R
B.E.F France
c/o GPO London

My Dear Sister,
I hope you are still in the best of health as it leaves me the same I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive. Did Mother get the card I sent last week as she never said in her last letter, I sent Iris one and she got that alright.

We met another Mersea chap last night, it is Edwards who live against the mill,

Date:16 October 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.
 mill, he passed us once and I said to Dickie I thought that was him, and after a bit, he came back then I spoke to him.
</p><p>
Isn't it sad about that young Willie Milgate who died last Saturday night in hospital at Colchester. [ Willie Milgate was 8 and had Downs Syndrome ]. Bob Burgess has been telling me about it, we let another know the news when we get a letter. I had a letter from Harry the other day, he said he was surprised to hear that I was out here, and he told me to be sure and write to mother as she is upset about me, he don't want to be afraid of that as I have never been
slack in writing to her yet and I know I shan't now if ever there's a chance.
</p><p>
I wrote to Mr and Mrs Bacon and Chapman (?) yesterday as I thought they don't see much of mother, so dear sister, whenever you hear from me or any of them at home just call and tell the old people how I am, as I know Master Bacon will want to know how all the boys are, I dare say the old people were glad to hear from me and were surprised too. I don't know where Hiley is, I suppose he is knocking about somewhere. I will tell you if we ever do meet.
</p><p>Well dear ...</p>  HWH_103_004
ImageID:   HWH_103_004
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. mill, he passed us once and I said to Dickie I thought that was him, and after a bit, he came back then I spoke to him.

Isn't it sad about that young Willie Milgate who died last Saturday night in hospital at Colchester. [ Willie Milgate was 8 and had Downs Syndrome ]. Bob Burgess has been telling me about it, we let another know the news when we get a letter. I had a letter from Harry the other day, he said he was surprised to hear that I was out here, and he told me to be sure and write to mother as she is upset about me, he don't want to be afraid of that as I have never been slack in writing to her yet and I know I shan't now if ever there's a chance.

I wrote to Mr and Mrs Bacon and Chapman (?) yesterday as I thought they don't see much of mother, so dear sister, whenever you hear from me or any of them at home just call and tell the old people how I am, as I know Master Bacon will want to know how all the boys are, I dare say the old people were glad to hear from me and were surprised too. I don't know where Hiley is, I suppose he is knocking about somewhere. I will tell you if we ever do meet.

Well dear ...

Date:16 October 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.
</p><p>
Well dear sister, I haven't got no time to stay and say no more now as Dickie will soon be round so I will close.
 With best love,
 From your loving Brother William.
 Bob Burgess and Dickie wish to be remembered to you all.  HWH_103_006
ImageID:   HWH_103_006
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.

Well dear sister, I haven't got no time to stay and say no more now as Dickie will soon be round so I will close.
With best love,
From your loving Brother William.
Bob Burgess and Dickie wish to be remembered to you all.

Date:16 October 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy, Haycock Farm, East Mersea.  HWH_105_001
ImageID:   HWH_105_001
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy, Haycock Farm, East Mersea.
Date:2 November 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.
</p><p>
My Dear Sister,
</p><p>
I hope you are still in the best of health as it leaves me the same. I am glad to say, many thanks for your letter which I was pleased to receive, yesterday 30th. I had Hetty's photo come the other day, I think it is very good of her and I have put it in my pocket book with all the rest, I have not got yours but I should like it. Dear sister Lucy told me that Eddie Green was wounded, it must be three weeks or more ago, as your letter was posted on the 16th. I hope he won't lose his arm, is Hiley still alright? Let me know when you write and remember me to all of them up the road when you go, as they like to know how I am just the same as I do them.
</p> <p> 
I have had a letter from cousin Fred the other day and he said he is expecting to go out again somewhere. Well dear, I think this is all I have to say as I don't know what to write about so I will close.
With love to all at home, 
</p><p>
From your loving Brother Will Xxx  HWH_105_003
ImageID:   HWH_105_003
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.

My Dear Sister,

I hope you are still in the best of health as it leaves me the same. I am glad to say, many thanks for your letter which I was pleased to receive, yesterday 30th. I had Hetty's photo come the other day, I think it is very good of her and I have put it in my pocket book with all the rest, I have not got yours but I should like it. Dear sister Lucy told me that Eddie Green was wounded, it must be three weeks or more ago, as your letter was posted on the 16th. I hope he won't lose his arm, is Hiley still alright? Let me know when you write and remember me to all of them up the road when you go, as they like to know how I am just the same as I do them.

I have had a letter from cousin Fred the other day and he said he is expecting to go out again somewhere. Well dear, I think this is all I have to say as I don't know what to write about so I will close. With love to all at home,

From your loving Brother Will Xxx

Date:2 November 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy, Haycock Farm, East Mersea.  HWH_107_001
ImageID:   HWH_107_001
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy, Haycock Farm, East Mersea.
Date:8 November 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 1.
</p><p>
My Dear Sister,
 
I hope you are all still in the best of health as it leaves me the same, I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive. I was surprised to hear that Harry is coming out. I had a letter from Charlie the other day so I have been taking the pleasure of answering it.
 
Well dear, I hope when you get to your new place you will ...
</p>
<p>Transcribed by Heather Haward's family</p>  HWH_107_003
ImageID:   HWH_107_003
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 1.

My Dear Sister,
I hope you are all still in the best of health as it leaves me the same, I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive. I was surprised to hear that Harry is coming out. I had a letter from Charlie the other day so I have been taking the pleasure of answering it.
Well dear, I hope when you get to your new place you will ...

Transcribed by Heather Haward's family

Date:7 November 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 2.
</p><p>Contd.
 
be a good girl and stop as I know they will look after you if you treat them as you ought. I can tell you dear I shan't be sorry when I get back to my old place with Jumbo if it's my luck. I often think about him 11 o'clock, I can picture him on the old block in the stable, and don't make it one wishes he was there. If ever I do get there I'll make up for lost time. We don't get the best of weather now, do we? I should think it makes it bad forgetting the corn in. Is Did Lee still about? You never say in your letters as I like to know where all the boys are.
 200880
 Rifleman H. Hoy
 21st K.R.Rs 
B Comp No7 Platoon
 B.E.F. France
 
I have never heard from the boy, Harry, anymore. I suppose May will be upset now he is going, I had a nice parcel from Tris (?), the other night, fags, scarf and apples, ...
</p>  HWH_107_004
ImageID:   HWH_107_004
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 2.

Contd.
be a good girl and stop as I know they will look after you if you treat them as you ought. I can tell you dear I shan't be sorry when I get back to my old place with Jumbo if it's my luck. I often think about him 11 o'clock, I can picture him on the old block in the stable, and don't make it one wishes he was there. If ever I do get there I'll make up for lost time. We don't get the best of weather now, do we? I should think it makes it bad forgetting the corn in. Is Did Lee still about? You never say in your letters as I like to know where all the boys are.
200880
Rifleman H. Hoy
21st K.R.Rs B Comp No7 Platoon
B.E.F. France
I have never heard from the boy, Harry, anymore. I suppose May will be upset now he is going, I had a nice parcel from Tris (?), the other night, fags, scarf and apples, ...

Date:7 November 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 4.
</p><p>
the latter went down alright. I thought I had a large box of grub at first, as I am anxiously looking for some to come as I think this is all I have this time, except to say tell mother if she has not sent the pants yet, not to send them at all and send a piece of grub instead. Well I will close now.
</p><p>With Love to all
 From Your Loving B.
 Will
</p>  HWH_107_006
ImageID:   HWH_107_006
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 4.

the latter went down alright. I thought I had a large box of grub at first, as I am anxiously looking for some to come as I think this is all I have this time, except to say tell mother if she has not sent the pants yet, not to send them at all and send a piece of grub instead. Well I will close now.

With Love to all
From Your Loving B.
Will

Date:7 November 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy, c/o Rev. Edwards, St Peters Cottage, West Mersea  HWH_109_001
ImageID:   HWH_109_001
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy, c/o Rev. Edwards, St Peters Cottage, West Mersea
Date:24 November 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 1.
</p> <p>
My Dear Sister,
 
I hope you are still in the best of health, it leaves me the same I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice letter, which I was pleased to receive. I suppose you do seem strange after being at home for so long but you must
remember, you are not far away and you must be a good little girl and stop there, just see if can be there when I 
come home then I will see what I can get you if you are there. You have got a nice Master and Mistress now you know and if you treat ...
</p><p>Transcribed by Heather Haward's family</p>  HWH_109_003
ImageID:   HWH_109_003
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 1.

My Dear Sister,
I hope you are still in the best of health, it leaves me the same I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice letter, which I was pleased to receive. I suppose you do seem strange after being at home for so long but you must remember, you are not far away and you must be a good little girl and stop there, just see if can be there when I come home then I will see what I can get you if you are there. You have got a nice Master and Mistress now you know and if you treat ...

Transcribed by Heather Haward's family

Date:22 November 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 2.
</p><p>Contd...
 them as you should do, you will be quite alright and they will make a woman of you. Take my tip my 
dear sister, I don't run around about the roads like a little kid and after soldiers, just see if you can walk about 
in a respectful manner, and keep yourself straight. I know I shall if I ever get home to dear old Blighty again.
</p><p>
I had a letter from Brother Ernie (?) this morning, and a parcel from mother which I enjoyed very much, especially the cake as it was a Sunday night and we had a good tea as we should in Blighty. Well I suppose Harry is out here, France. Well I have not a lot to say there (????) I'm scribbling this in the trenches. Well I must close now, so goodbye.
</p><p>
With best love,
 From (???) love B. Will xxxx
</p><p>Transcribed by Heather Haward's family</p>  HWH_109_004
ImageID:   HWH_109_004
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 2.

Contd...
them as you should do, you will be quite alright and they will make a woman of you. Take my tip my dear sister, I don't run around about the roads like a little kid and after soldiers, just see if you can walk about in a respectful manner, and keep yourself straight. I know I shall if I ever get home to dear old Blighty again.

I had a letter from Brother Ernie (?) this morning, and a parcel from mother which I enjoyed very much, especially the cake as it was a Sunday night and we had a good tea as we should in Blighty. Well I suppose Harry is out here, France. Well I have not a lot to say there (????) I'm scribbling this in the trenches. Well I must close now, so goodbye.

With best love,
From (???) love B. Will xxxx

Transcribed by Heather Haward's family

Date:22 November 1916
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy, c/o Rev. P. Edwards, St Peters Cottage, West Mersea, Nr Colchester, Blighty.  HWH_111_001
ImageID:   HWH_111_001
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy, c/o Rev. P. Edwards, St Peters Cottage, West Mersea, Nr Colchester, Blighty.
Date:12 January 1917
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 1.
</p><p>
My Dear Sister,
 
I hope you are in the best of health as it leaves me the same I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive. I dare say you think I'm a beauty for keeping you so long without a letter, I lost your address so I have been trying to puzzle it out.
</p><p>
I hope you are sticking to your place. Hetty tells me she has left The Hart, I did not think she would be there long after the other one had left. I don't think Lucy ...
</p><p>Transcribed by Heather Haward's family</p>  HWH_111_003
ImageID:   HWH_111_003
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 1.

My Dear Sister,
I hope you are in the best of health as it leaves me the same I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive. I dare say you think I'm a beauty for keeping you so long without a letter, I lost your address so I have been trying to puzzle it out.

I hope you are sticking to your place. Hetty tells me she has left The Hart, I did not think she would be there long after the other one had left. I don't think Lucy ...

Transcribed by Heather Haward's family

Date:10 January 1917
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 2.
</p><p>
Contd ...
 
Lucy likes her place much according to her letter, well what sort of Xmas did you have? I suppose you got home for an hour or two. Mrs Holt sent me a good parcel, I got it Xmas Day.
</p><p>
Have you heard from Harry lately? I have had one letter since he has been out here, I had a letter from Rhoda and Frank was expecting to come out then. Did Allan get home for Christmas or The New Year? I had a letter from him some time back and he did not know if he was going then. I had from Ernie he said he was on a big trip then. I am expecting a letter from Charlie, I wonder if he was on the big push out there poor (??) boy. I should love to see him once again he's had a good spell out there. Well this is all I have to say this time so I will say goodbye.
</p><p>
With love from your loving brother, William xxx Write soon.
</p> <p> Transcribed by Heather Haward's family</p>  HWH_111_005
ImageID:   HWH_111_005
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. Page 2.

Contd ...
Lucy likes her place much according to her letter, well what sort of Xmas did you have? I suppose you got home for an hour or two. Mrs Holt sent me a good parcel, I got it Xmas Day.

Have you heard from Harry lately? I have had one letter since he has been out here, I had a letter from Rhoda and Frank was expecting to come out then. Did Allan get home for Christmas or The New Year? I had a letter from him some time back and he did not know if he was going then. I had from Ernie he said he was on a big trip then. I am expecting a letter from Charlie, I wonder if he was on the big push out there poor (??) boy. I should love to see him once again he's had a good spell out there. Well this is all I have to say this time so I will say goodbye.

With love from your loving brother, William xxx Write soon.

Transcribed by Heather Haward's family

Date:10 January 1917
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 YMCA. On Active Service with the British Expeditionary Force.
 Letter from Rifleman Harris William Hoy to his sister Ivy Alice Hoy at Haycocks Farm, East Mersea. William Hoy was killed 17 February 1917. The letter was written 13 January 1917 but the frank on the envelope is 22 May 1917
</p> <p> 
My Dear Sis,
 
I hope you are still in the best of health as it leaves me the same I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive. Yes, it is a shame the boy Allan should go while other single ones loaf about doing nothing. Do you know if Alf Lee and Alf Chapman has gone yet? As Mrs Salmons told me that they were afraid he had got to on 1st Jan. Have you heard anything of Frank since he has been out? I wrote to Kate for Fred's address but I have not had no answer yet. How is Hiley? You might call at Marg's and remember me to them and ask how Hiley is.
</p> <p> 
200880 Riflm H. Hoy 
 21st KRR'B' Comp 7 Platoon 
 B.E.F France
</p> <p> 
Isn't young Moe Layton out here somewhere? I have wrote several letters and cards to Mrs Boley but can't get a word back so will you address and envelope and give to her when you are that way?
Well dear, I think this is all I have to say this time so I will close.
</p> <p> 
With love, form your loving B. Will.
</p> <p> 
Harris William Hoy is in Roger Bullen's Not Just a Name page 61.
</p><p> Transcribed by Heather Haward's family</p>  HWH_113_003
ImageID:   HWH_113_003
Title: YMCA. On Active Service with the British Expeditionary Force.
Letter from Rifleman Harris William Hoy to his sister Ivy Alice Hoy at Haycocks Farm, East Mersea. William Hoy was killed 17 February 1917. The letter was written 13 January 1917 but the frank on the envelope is 22 May 1917

My Dear Sis,
I hope you are still in the best of health as it leaves me the same I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice letter which I was pleased to receive. Yes, it is a shame the boy Allan should go while other single ones loaf about doing nothing. Do you know if Alf Lee and Alf Chapman has gone yet? As Mrs Salmons told me that they were afraid he had got to on 1st Jan. Have you heard anything of Frank since he has been out? I wrote to Kate for Fred's address but I have not had no answer yet. How is Hiley? You might call at Marg's and remember me to them and ask how Hiley is.

200880 Riflm H. Hoy
21st KRR'B' Comp 7 Platoon
B.E.F France

Isn't young Moe Layton out here somewhere? I have wrote several letters and cards to Mrs Boley but can't get a word back so will you address and envelope and give to her when you are that way? Well dear, I think this is all I have to say this time so I will close.

With love, form your loving B. Will.

Harris William Hoy is in Roger Bullen's "Not Just a Name" page 61.

Transcribed by Heather Haward's family

Date:13 January 1917
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy.
c/o Mrs Francis, 87 Darenth Road, Stamford Hill, London N16.  HWH_115_001
ImageID:   HWH_115_001
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy. c/o Mrs Francis, 87 Darenth Road, Stamford Hill, London N16.
Date:27 January 1917
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy
</p><p>
My Dear Sister,
I hope you are still in the best of health as it leaves me the same I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice 
letter which I was so pleased to receive. Well, what sort of weather are you getting? We are getting it very cold here and the ground is like rocks. We had about a foot of snow here last week, there is still plenty still left, it don't seem to thaw at all.
</p><p>
Have you heard from Allan yet? I received a letter from him the other night, poor boy. I bet he was done when he had to leave all those poor kiddies, he told me he thought he was
going to the 9th Essex, if so, he will be with Fred Pullen. I have wrote to Fred but I haven't had no answer yet.
</p><p>
How do you get on with Mr Edwards now? Is he still the same as ever? I suppose he asked you how Charlie is very often as he was out there with him last summer 12 month.
</p><p>
Well dear, I think I have said about all for this time except to say let me know how Hiley Green is next time, I never hear anything of him.
</p><p>
Well, goodbye dear sister and God bless you all! 
 From your loving B, Will xxx
</p><p><b>This is the last known letter from William. He was killed at Ypres 17 February 1917 and is in Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Belgium. </p>  HWH_115_003
ImageID:   HWH_115_003
Title: Letter from Harris William Hoy to Ivy Hoy

My Dear Sister, I hope you are still in the best of health as it leaves me the same I am glad to say. Many thanks for your nice letter which I was so pleased to receive. Well, what sort of weather are you getting? We are getting it very cold here and the ground is like rocks. We had about a foot of snow here last week, there is still plenty still left, it don't seem to thaw at all.

Have you heard from Allan yet? I received a letter from him the other night, poor boy. I bet he was done when he had to leave all those poor kiddies, he told me he thought he was going to the 9th Essex, if so, he will be with Fred Pullen. I have wrote to Fred but I haven't had no answer yet.

How do you get on with Mr Edwards now? Is he still the same as ever? I suppose he asked you how Charlie is very often as he was out there with him last summer 12 month.

Well dear, I think I have said about all for this time except to say let me know how Hiley Green is next time, I never hear anything of him.

Well, goodbye dear sister and God bless you all!
From your loving B, Will xxx

This is the last known letter from William. He was killed at Ypres 17 February 1917 and is in Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Belgium.

Date:27 January 1917
Source:Mersea Museum / Julie Rison
 RIP. A/200880 Rfn W. Hoy.
 21st K.R.R.C. Yeoman Rifles. 
 Killed in Action 17/2/17
</p>
<p>Harris William Hoy was killed Bois Carre, Ypres and buried Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Belgium
 The original painter is not known.</p>  WW1_HWH_001
ImageID:   WW1_HWH_001
Title: RIP. A/200880 Rfn W. Hoy.
21st K.R.R.C. Yeoman Rifles.
Killed in Action 17/2/17

Harris William Hoy was killed Bois Carre, Ypres and buried Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Belgium
The original painter is not known.

Date:17 February 1917
Source:Mersea Museum / Roger Bullen Collection
 Rifleman Harris William Hoy. Kings Royal Rifle Corps.  WW1_HWH_003
ImageID:   WW1_HWH_003
Title: Rifleman Harris William Hoy. Kings Royal Rifle Corps.
Date:17 February 1917
Source:Mersea Museum / Roger Bullen Collection