"Not That I Really Minded Joining. I Was Convinced That Thousands Of Others Had Done And Were Still Doing - I Could Do"

"I was just one of more of thousands who had reached 18 years of age, and had to enlist under the Conscription Act. I was fair haired, tall, strong and well built and a picture of health - as is usual when following an outdoor occupation" so wrote newly conscripted Private F.H. Hornsey, who was soon to be posted to a holding Battalion on the East Coast of England.
"A few brief minutes in the medical officers room was sufficient to pass me A1. Half an hour later, I was in an ill fitting suit of khaki. It was made to fit me later with the aid of a needle and thread, a kit bag with a spare suit and other items which help to make a soldiers outfit complete, and still later i was marched down the street to the station armed with a railway warrant - booked to a training camp on the east coast. not that I really minded joining. I was convinced that thousands of others had done and were still doing - I could do. I arrived at my destination". 
Born in Wellingborough, Frank Hadyn Hornsey, was ultimately to join 11th Suffolk in Fance in March 1918. He left behind one of the very few personal accounts of the last year of the War. Like Charles Gibbs of 4th Suffolk and Sydney Fuller of 8th Suffolk, his writings are one of a just a handful of writings, made by a soldiers of the Suffolk Regiment.
"Christmas came and went and we got our four days" wrote Hornsey, "Home for four days; breakfast in bed; a score of friends to see; my best girl to give a whirlwind visit; dances and the pictures; and before I knew where I was I had arrived back with my unit".

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