The letters were written from the trenches. Included is an account, dated 9 May, of action seen, probably during the Second Battle of Ypres, 1915, after Henry had been transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Kings Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment); 12th Brigade, 4th Division.

Another letter, dated 7 May, details his conditions: "Our dug out is a hole in the ground shrapnel & we hope splinter proof but we have to take a chance of a shell hitting us direct. It is rather like playing in huts we used to make as children & I look forward to the time when I can stand up & not have to crawl about on my hands & knees... I want Bible & Prayer Book can you get me one a [sic.] serviceable binding that I can carry about".