Letters 
Letter Tags
Stats
Gilson writes that Barnsley tried to persuade him to join the Old Edwardian recruits in the 'Birmingham Battalion'. He also says that his father (Robert...
Writing to Edith on the first day of Michaelmas Full Term, Tolkien describes the situation at Oxford. His college is empty and the Examinations School h...
Writing to Edith, Tolkien mentions that Oxford is a place of gloom.
Robert writes that the rifles used for training had been taken away for deployed soldiers to use.
Gilson writes about how heroic F. L. Lucas is, and that the military lectures he has attended have shown him the "fearful responsibility" of a officer f...
Gilson writes that while he previously was certain that the war would end in six months, he now would not be at all surprised if it lasted ten years.
Rob writes about a training exercise involving a Witch-Doctor / wizard.
G.B. Smith replies to Tolkien that he is joining the 8th batallion and hopes to get Tolkien a place but he is not certain. He believes that Tolkien shou...
Writing to Tolkien, G.B. Smith confirms he is now with the 19th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers. They are stationed at the grand Hotel, Penmeanmaw...
Tolkien informs Edith that his friend, W.E. Hall has been killed in service. He says that Hall is the first of his friends to die, but he knows that soo...
Tolkien had asked G.B. Smith about being posted with Smith to his regiment and Smith replies saying that he should contact Colonel Stainforth of the 19t...
Replying to a letter from Tolkien (at this time I have no date for that letter but it is almost certainly to congratulate Tolkien that both of them had ...
Robert has moved to Lindrick Camp.
Smith writes to Tolkien offering him advice on the equipment he will need for camp. A large portion of the letter is available to read in The J.R.R. Tol...
Smith informs Tolkien that Colonel Stainforth has offered him a place, he asks Tolkien to write to the Colonel. He again says he will try to get Tolkien...
The day after Tolkien's exam result (First Class Honours) was published in The Times, Smith sends a congratulatory note to Tolkien. He also (again) tell...
G.B. Smith writing to Tolkien while he was visiting his Aunt Mabel at Abbotsford, Moseley, Birmingham suggesting, again, that he ask Stainforth what he ...
Tolkien writes to G. B. Smith informing him of his news from the War Office in a letter, see #TCGLetter1268. He will also write to Christopher Wiseman g...
Tolkien writes to Christopher Wiseman giving him the news of his army appointment (see #TCGLetter1268) and also mentions he will be visiting Moselye and...
The War Office writes to Tolkien c/ o Father Francis Morgan at the Birmingham Oratory. This letter is signed by King George and Col. W. Elliot. He has b...
G.B. Smith wrote to Tolkien on or around 10 July 1915, he suggests the notice Tolkien would receive from the War Office would be the ‘gazetting’. To...
Christopher Wiseman writing to Tolkien, says that in June he had seen a notice that the Royal Navy wants mathematicians as instructors, and is now await...
Tolkien writes that he has been "gazetted". See #TCGLetter1273
There is some question whether Tolkien sent this letter, Hammond and Scull say that "Tolkien drafts and probably sends a letter from Abbotsford to a Mr ...
Smith writes to Tolkien while he is at Abbotsford, Moseley, Birmingham (which will be forwarded to him at the Incledons, Barnt Green, on 15 July). He ad...
Smith feel "philosophick" about Tolkien's appointment to the 13th Lancashire Fusiliers, though he would like Tolkien to be able to transfer to Smith's u...
Likely in reply to a letter from Tolkien (currently unknown), Smith says that Tolkien can still try to be transferred once his training is completed. He...
In this letter (along with #TCGLetter2349) Gilson writes about T. K. Barnsley becoming a professional soldier as part of the Coldstream Guards.
Smith, Wade-Gery and others from Oxford joined together to be officers in the Lancashire Fusiliers.
Rob Gilson writes to Tolkien from No. 3 Camp, Sutton veny while Tolkien is at Brocton Camp, Staffordshire that he is likely to be sent ot he front soon....
In this letter (along with #TCGLetter2348 ) Gilson writes about T. K. Barnsley becoming a professional soldier as part of the Coldstream Guards.
Estelle King's father writes to Gilson, warning him that his marriage proposal to Estelle is not appropriate, as he is too low-class and there is a war ...
G.B. Smith, who is in the trenches in France, writes to Tolkien asking for the long letter Tolkien promised in his last postcard to Smith.
Wiseman writes to Tolkien at Brocton Camp. He has been posted to the HMS Superb. He has received 'Kortirion among the Trees' from Gilson (#TCGLetter1302...
Rob Gilson writes informing Tolkien that he will be leaving for the front on 8 January.
G.B. Smith writes to Tolkien while he is at Brocton Camp praising him for his poem 'Kortirion among the Trees' saying that "it is a great and a noble po...
Hilary Tolkien writes to Edith thanking her for her letter and parcel. He gives an update on matters in France and the hopelessness of the war. He remar...
G.B. Smith writes to Tolkien at Brocton Camp, thanking him for the letter he wrote to him. Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull note that "Tolkien probably...
Hilary Tolkien writes to Edith with news of his time in France during WWI. He says that his party have returned from the front lines are on training and...
Gilson describes Tolkien's authority on etymology, and writes about Tolkien finishing school in Oxford before joining the Army. He mentions how "despera...
Tolkien's brother Hilary writes to him with news from his own part of the war effort in France. He mentions that in the England they have had terrible w...
Hilary writes to Edith. It has been some time since his last letter and Edith has now moved from Warwickshire and he does not know her new address. He h...
Tolkien writes to the Adjutant of the 13th Battalion requesting leave for 13 to 17 May after he has completed his signalling course. His address if his ...
Following Tolkien's request for leave, requested on 8 May (#TCGLetter1328), they say that leave is not being granted at present, but then the order is s...
While at Brocton Camp, Tolkien receives a telegram from Smith who is at West Bromwich and on leave until 29 May. He wonders if they could meet.
Tolkien is informed by telegram that he is to join the British Expeditionary Force in France. He must first report to the Embarkation Staff Officer at F...
Smith writes to Tolkien on his return to France, "attached 11th Lancashire Fusiliers, 25th I.B.D., 25 A.P.O. (S) 17, B.E.F." to say that he is sorry Tol...
G.B. Smith writes, wishing Tokien well "in all that may happen to you within the next few months, and may we live beyond them to a better time". This le...
Smith writes to Tolkien, he has seen the newspaper and Rob Gilson is named among the dead. He had died on 1 July but had originally been named among the...
Cary Gilson, Rob Gilson's father, writes to Tolkien and likely includes a memorial card for Rob who had been killed at the Battle of The Somme in early ...
Mrs. Weatherhead, the mother of a soldier killed in action during WW1 writes to Tolkien to ask if he has any news about her sons death.
Hilary, writing to his brother gives news of his time near the front lines. They are resting currently. He had heard from Edith a few days ago. He has b...
Tolkien writes to Commanding Officer offering his regret at suffering from trench fever. He hopes to return to the same Batallion when he is well enough.
Captain E. Munday, Adjutant of the 11th Lancashire Fusiliers, writes to Tolkien, in reply to his letter to Lieutenant-Colonel Bird. He says that while i...
This letter, sent to Tolkien with a letter dated 8 November was to be passed to the War Office after Tolkien was determined fit for a return to service....
Smith replies to Tolkien's earlier letter. He is relieved to hear that Tolkien is "still alive". Tolkien is at this time recovering at 3 South General H...
The 3rd (Reserve) Battalion writes to South General Hospital in Edgbaston, directing that orders should be issued for Tolkien's next movements at the ea...
Wiseman writes to Tolkien on politics, and the war. Thanking Tolkien for his letter and more of his poems. He says that R.W. Reynolds thinks that Tolkie...
Christopher Wiseman writes to Tolkien, G.B. Smith has died. Smith was injured by shrapnel on 29 November. He wrote to his mother saying that his wounds ...
Tolkien writes to the War Office from Great Haywood where he is currently residing to inform them of this change of address. On 23 January he was examin...
Tolkien replies to Wiseman to say he has to report for military duty on 19 April.
A letter from an unknown department to Tolkien at Thirtle Bridge Camp, Withernsea. No details are known currently.
A letter from an unknown department to Tolkien at "R.E. Signal Depot, Dunstable, Bedfordshire". No details are known currently.
A letter from an unknown department to Tolkien at "R.E. Signal Depot, Dunstable, Bedfordshire", redirected to Thirtle Bridge Camp, Withernsea. No detail...
Hilary writes to Tolkien giving updates on his current circumstances. He asks him to send his wishes to Edith. He will write to her, but not for a few d...
Tolkien writes to Wiseman while he is at sea and the letter takes seven weeks to reach him. No details are known of the letter. Wiseman replies on 16 De...
Wiseman apologizes that he was unable to visit Tolkien in Oxford but he has now to return to HMS Monarch afterwhich he will take up his teaching post at...
Tolkien replies to a letter from his son Michael where he had evidently spoken about his feelings about events of the world, studies, etc. Tolkien is re...
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
World War I
(70 letters match)1914
4 October 1914
Robert Quilter Gilson to Estelle King
#2313
Gilson writes that Barnsley tried to persuade him to join the Old Edwardian recruits in the 'Birmingham Battalion'. He also says that his father (Robert...
11 October 1914
J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt
#1194
Writing to Edith on the first day of Michaelmas Full Term, Tolkien describes the situation at Oxford. His college is empty and the Examinations School h...
13 October 1914
J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt
#1195
Writing to Edith, Tolkien mentions that Oxford is a place of gloom.
5 November 1914
Robert Quilter Gilson to Marianne Cary Gilson
#2318
Robert writes that the rifles used for training had been taken away for deployed soldiers to use.
9 November 1914
Robert Quilter Gilson to Marianne Cary Gilson
#2322
Gilson writes about how heroic F. L. Lucas is, and that the military lectures he has attended have shown him the "fearful responsibility" of a officer f...
1915
13 February 1915
Robert Quilter Gilson to Marianne Cary Gilson
#2324
Gilson writes that while he previously was certain that the war would end in six months, he now would not be at all surprised if it lasted ten years.
4 March 1915
Robert Quilter Gilson to Marianne Cary Gilson
#2329
Rob writes about a training exercise involving a Witch-Doctor / wizard.
19 April 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1227
G.B. Smith replies to Tolkien that he is joining the 8th batallion and hopes to get Tolkien a place but he is not certain. He believes that Tolkien shou...
?14 May 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1241
Writing to Tolkien, G.B. Smith confirms he is now with the 19th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers. They are stationed at the grand Hotel, Penmeanmaw...
1 June 1915
J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt
#1243
Tolkien informs Edith that his friend, W.E. Hall has been killed in service. He says that Hall is the first of his friends to die, but he knows that soo...
?10 June 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1244
Tolkien had asked G.B. Smith about being posted with Smith to his regiment and Smith replies saying that he should contact Colonel Stainforth of the 19t...
11 June 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1245
Replying to a letter from Tolkien (at this time I have no date for that letter but it is almost certainly to congratulate Tolkien that both of them had ...
19 and 22 June 1915
Robert Quilter Gilson to Marianne Cary Gilson
#2330
Robert has moved to Lindrick Camp.
?20 June 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1246
Smith writes to Tolkien offering him advice on the equipment he will need for camp. A large portion of the letter is available to read in The J.R.R. Tol...
28 June 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1247
Smith informs Tolkien that Colonel Stainforth has offered him a place, he asks Tolkien to write to the Colonel. He again says he will try to get Tolkien...
[4 July 1915]
Geoffrey Bache Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2331
The day after Tolkien's exam result (First Class Honours) was published in The Times, Smith sends a congratulatory note to Tolkien. He also (again) tell...
9 July 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1267
G.B. Smith writing to Tolkien while he was visiting his Aunt Mabel at Abbotsford, Moseley, Birmingham suggesting, again, that he ask Stainforth what he ...
9 July 1915
J.R.R. Tolkien to G.B. Smith
#1269
Tolkien writes to G. B. Smith informing him of his news from the War Office in a letter, see #TCGLetter1268. He will also write to Christopher Wiseman g...
9 July 1915
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Wiseman
#1270
Tolkien writes to Christopher Wiseman giving him the news of his army appointment (see #TCGLetter1268) and also mentions he will be visiting Moselye and...
9 July 1915
The War Office to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1268
The War Office writes to Tolkien c/ o Father Francis Morgan at the Birmingham Oratory. This letter is signed by King George and Col. W. Elliot. He has b...
c. 10 July 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1273
G.B. Smith wrote to Tolkien on or around 10 July 1915, he suggests the notice Tolkien would receive from the War Office would be the ‘gazetting’. To...
11 July 1915
Christopher Wiseman to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1272
Christopher Wiseman writing to Tolkien, says that in June he had seen a notice that the Royal Navy wants mathematicians as instructors, and is now await...
11 July 1915
G.B. Smith (?) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1274
Tolkien writes that he has been "gazetted". See #TCGLetter1273
11 July 1915 (likely)
J.R.R. Tolkien (?) to Mr. How
#1271
There is some question whether Tolkien sent this letter, Hammond and Scull say that "Tolkien drafts and probably sends a letter from Abbotsford to a Mr ...
13 July 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1275
Smith writes to Tolkien while he is at Abbotsford, Moseley, Birmingham (which will be forwarded to him at the Incledons, Barnt Green, on 15 July). He ad...
[22 July 1915]
Geoffrey Bache Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2333
Smith feel "philosophick" about Tolkien's appointment to the 13th Lancashire Fusiliers, though he would like Tolkien to be able to transfer to Smith's u...
?23 July 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1279
Likely in reply to a letter from Tolkien (currently unknown), Smith says that Tolkien can still try to be transferred once his training is completed. He...
23 August 1915
Robert Quilter Gilson to Marianne Cary Gilson
#2348
In this letter (along with #TCGLetter2349) Gilson writes about T. K. Barnsley becoming a professional soldier as part of the Coldstream Guards.
12 September 1915
Robert Quilter Gilson to Mrs. Cary Gilson
#2328
Smith, Wade-Gery and others from Oxford joined together to be officers in the Lancashire Fusiliers.
19 October 1915
Rob Gilson to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1294
Rob Gilson writes to Tolkien from No. 3 Camp, Sutton veny while Tolkien is at Brocton Camp, Staffordshire that he is likely to be sent ot he front soon....
31 October 1915
Robert Quilter Gilson to Marianne Cary Gilson
#2349
In this letter (along with #TCGLetter2348 ) Gilson writes about T. K. Barnsley becoming a professional soldier as part of the Coldstream Guards.
30 November 1915
Wilson King to Robert Quilter Gilson
#2336
Estelle King's father writes to Gilson, warning him that his marriage proposal to Estelle is not appropriate, as he is too low-class and there is a war ...
2 December 1915
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1300
G.B. Smith, who is in the trenches in France, writes to Tolkien asking for the long letter Tolkien promised in his last postcard to Smith.
30 December 1915
Christopher Wiseman to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1303
Wiseman writes to Tolkien at Brocton Camp. He has been posted to the HMS Superb. He has received 'Kortirion among the Trees' from Gilson (#TCGLetter1302...
1916
7 January 1916
Rob Gilson to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1306
Rob Gilson writes informing Tolkien that he will be leaving for the front on 8 January.
12 January 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1307
G.B. Smith writes to Tolkien while he is at Brocton Camp praising him for his poem 'Kortirion among the Trees' saying that "it is a great and a noble po...
14 January 1916
Hilary Tolkien to Edith Bratt
#1821
Hilary Tolkien writes to Edith thanking her for her letter and parcel. He gives an update on matters in France and the hopelessness of the war. He remar...
February 3, 1916
Geoffrey B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1112
G.B. Smith writes to Tolkien at Brocton Camp, thanking him for the letter he wrote to him. Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull note that "Tolkien probably...
9 February 1916
Hilary Tolkien to Edith Bratt
#1876
Hilary Tolkien writes to Edith with news of his time in France during WWI. He says that his party have returned from the front lines are on training and...
10 March 1916
Rob Gilson to Estelle King
#2304
Gilson describes Tolkien's authority on etymology, and writes about Tolkien finishing school in Oxford before joining the Army. He mentions how "despera...
7 April 1916
Hilary Tolkien to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1877
Tolkien's brother Hilary writes to him with news from his own part of the war effort in France. He mentions that in the England they have had terrible w...
19 April 1916
Hilary Tolkien to J.R.R. Tolkien, Edith Tolkien
#1878
Hilary writes to Edith. It has been some time since his last letter and Edith has now moved from Warwickshire and he does not know her new address. He h...
8 May 1916
J.R.R. Tolkien to Adjutant, 13th Battalion
#1328
Tolkien writes to the Adjutant of the 13th Battalion requesting leave for 13 to 17 May after he has completed his signalling course. His address if his ...
11 May 1916
Adjutant, 13th Battalion to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1329
Following Tolkien's request for leave, requested on 8 May (#TCGLetter1328), they say that leave is not being granted at present, but then the order is s...
23 May 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1535
While at Brocton Camp, Tolkien receives a telegram from Smith who is at West Bromwich and on leave until 29 May. He wonders if they could meet.
2 June 1916
Army Headquarters, Cannock Chase to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1539
Tolkien is informed by telegram that he is to join the British Expeditionary Force in France. He must first report to the Embarkation Staff Officer at F...
?18 (possibly 11) June 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1540
Smith writes to Tolkien on his return to France, "attached 11th Lancashire Fusiliers, 25th I.B.D., 25 A.P.O. (S) 17, B.E.F." to say that he is sorry Tol...
25 June 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1543
G.B. Smith writes, wishing Tokien well "in all that may happen to you within the next few months, and may we live beyond them to a better time". This le...
15 July 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1545
Smith writes to Tolkien, he has seen the newspaper and Rob Gilson is named among the dead. He had died on 1 July but had originally been named among the...
c. second half of July 1916
Cary Gilson to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2070
Cary Gilson, Rob Gilson's father, writes to Tolkien and likely includes a memorial card for Rob who had been killed at the Battle of The Somme in early ...
25 August 1916
Mrs. Weatherhead to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2071
Mrs. Weatherhead, the mother of a soldier killed in action during WW1 writes to Tolkien to ask if he has any news about her sons death.
14 September 1916
Hilary Tolkien to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1880
Hilary, writing to his brother gives news of his time near the front lines. They are resting currently. He had heard from Edith a few days ago. He has b...
Between 30 October - 7 November 1916
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lieutenant-Colonel Bird
#1559
Tolkien writes to Commanding Officer offering his regret at suffering from trench fever. He hopes to return to the same Batallion when he is well enough.
8 November 1916
[Captain] E. Munday to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1560
Captain E. Munday, Adjutant of the 11th Lancashire Fusiliers, writes to Tolkien, in reply to his letter to Lieutenant-Colonel Bird. He says that while i...
9 November 1916
Lieutenant-Colonel Bird / 11th Lancashire Fusiliers to The War Office commissions Office
#1561
This letter, sent to Tolkien with a letter dated 8 November was to be passed to the War Office after Tolkien was determined fit for a return to service....
16 November 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1565
Smith replies to Tolkien's earlier letter. He is relieved to hear that Tolkien is "still alive". Tolkien is at this time recovering at 3 South General H...
27 November 1916
3rd (Reserve) Battalion to South General Hospital, Edgbaston
#1568
The 3rd (Reserve) Battalion writes to South General Hospital in Edgbaston, directing that orders should be issued for Tolkien's next movements at the ea...
8 December 1916
Christopher Wiseman to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1569
Wiseman writes to Tolkien on politics, and the war. Thanking Tolkien for his letter and more of his poems. He says that R.W. Reynolds thinks that Tolkie...
16 December 1916 (postmarked 18 December)
Christopher Wiseman to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1570
Christopher Wiseman writes to Tolkien, G.B. Smith has died. Smith was injured by shrapnel on 29 November. He wrote to his mother saying that his wounds ...
1917
12 February 1917
J.R.R. Tolkien to War Office
#1579
Tolkien writes to the War Office from Great Haywood where he is currently residing to inform them of this change of address. On 23 January he was examin...
c. 15 April 1917
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Wiseman
#1586
Tolkien replies to Wiseman to say he has to report for military duty on 19 April.
12 July 1917
?Unknown Army Department to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1591
A letter from an unknown department to Tolkien at Thirtle Bridge Camp, Withernsea. No details are known currently.
14 July 1917
?Unknown Army Department to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1590
A letter from an unknown department to Tolkien at "R.E. Signal Depot, Dunstable, Bedfordshire". No details are known currently.
21 July 1917
?Unknown Army Department to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1592
A letter from an unknown department to Tolkien at "R.E. Signal Depot, Dunstable, Bedfordshire", redirected to Thirtle Bridge Camp, Withernsea. No detail...
10 September 1917
Hilary Tolkien to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1881
Hilary writes to Tolkien giving updates on his current circumstances. He asks him to send his wishes to Edith. He will write to her, but not for a few d...
1918
c. 28 October 1918
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Wiseman
#1604
Tolkien writes to Wiseman while he is at sea and the letter takes seven weeks to reach him. No details are known of the letter. Wiseman replies on 16 De...
27 December 1918
Christopher Wiseman to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1605
Wiseman apologizes that he was unable to visit Tolkien in Oxford but he has now to return to HMS Monarch afterwhich he will take up his teaching post at...
1940
12 July 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1377
Carpenter #38a
Tolkien replies to a letter from his son Michael where he had evidently spoken about his feelings about events of the world, studies, etc. Tolkien is re...
3989
1734864