Fortunino Matania, R.I. (1881-1963)

"Many surprise visits from the trenches characterised the Christmas of 1915. Owing to late arrivals and closed post offices men were not able to let their kinsfolk know of their impending return. The first intimation was a ring or a knock at the door at some unlikely hour. "Who is that?". A rush to the door, and father or brother, in "Christmas-tree order," is discovered on the threshold. those who were held up on their way owing to lack of train connections were looked after by the Y.M.C.A and other kindred institutions."