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Many youngsters who had grown up at Aberlour Orphanage in Moray went off to fight in the First World War. Because of the strong ties with the orphanage, they would write letters back whilst at the front. For many, Aberlour Orphanage was the only home they had ever known. Their letters were published in the orphanage magazine.

One of those who wrote back was John Anderson who arrived at the orphanage as a four month old baby and stayed until he was sixteen. So keen was he to join up that when he was turned down for the army because he had surplus toes, he had an operation to have them removed – and got in.

John wrote to the orphanage from France in January 1915:
“I am sending you two German mugs and a French butt of a rifle. I am sorry I missed the chance of a German helmet.