Below is perhaps one of the most poignant insights into the life and death of Wilfred Owen.

4 January 1917

Owen joins the 2nd Manchester Regiment at Halloy, nearr Beaumont Hamel, on the Somme. He describes his journey from Folkestone to Calais, and then on to camp. He talks about the wet conditions, the destruction of Halloy, censoring letters, and problems of getting equipment.

16 January 1917

In this letter Owen describes horrendous conditions of holding a dug-out in no man's land at Serre (Somme). An incident involving a blinded sentry is mentioned, which probably forms the basis for his poem 'The Sentry'.

4 February 1917

Now back at rest in Abbeville (France), Owen describes his most recent tour of the Front Line. Heavy snow made the conditions almost intolerable, especially as his platoon had to stay in no man's land. This event formed the basis for his poem 'Exposure'. Owen concludes by stating that he has to go on a Transport course. In a 'P.S.' Owen alludes to a previous visit to Abbeville, and continues his description of the 'ugliness' of the Western Front.

2 March 1917

Describes conditions of dug-out and being under fire. Refers to a recent parcel from home containing provisions.

18 March 1917

Owen describes falling down a shell-hole at Le Quesnoy-en-Santerre and then his subsequent journey to a Field Hospital and thence to the Clearing Station.

7 September 1917

In this letter Owen discusses an enjoyable dinner party and excursions from Craiglockhart.  He discusses his conversations with Sassoon over their poetry. Requests from his mother that she sends him two folders of his poems from their home.

September 1918

Back in France Owen describes a recent attack in which he captured a German Machine Gun post and scores of prisoners (it was for this that he was awarded the Military Cross). Says his nerves are in perfect order and notes that the War will be soon over.

6.15pm
31 October 1917

Owen's last letter before he was killed written from 'The Smoky Cellar of the Forester's House' near Ors. Describes the scene of the cellar in detail.

Wilfred Owen was killed by machine-gun fire four days later while leading his men across the Sambre Canal.

A week later the Armistice was signed.