A LETTER from the trenches tells the poignant story of a First World War soldier who was all too aware of his likely fate.

Private Thomas Hubbard wrote a letter to his father two weeks before an allied attack on Montauban, Flanders.

Aged 24, he was fatally injured in the assault on July 11, 1916, and died after being taken to a field dressing station.

Great great nephew Martin Watts, of Sandford Street, Radcliffe, found a copy of the letter in a box belonging to his late mother Hazel.

It appears that the young soldier had some idea of the fate that was to befall him with the 17th Manchester Regiment.

Martin (38) said: "When I read the letter I decided to find out more.

"It turned out to be quite poignant because he died so soon after writing the letter.

"From the way he has written everything he must have known that he was going to be sent 'over the top'.

"I seem to remember my mum telling me about it years and years ago."

Pte Hubbard lived in Bury and worked in a Manchester office. He was the son of Robert and Betsy Hubbard and was a lay preacher.

He was buried along with 900 other men at Corbie Communal Cemetery, near Amiens.

"It certainly does make you think," said Martin, "His age was no age to die, but it wasn't as though it was just him. There were hundreds of thousands of others.

"I will go there some time to see the grave."

What Pte Hubbard wrote:

My Dear Father,

Thank you very much dad for your letters and cigarettes. I have also received a letter from our Charlie. He appears to be in the pink. I am glad to to know that Charlie has met Uncle Arthur and Uncle Jim. I am also glad to know that they have both come out of the fray alright.

I wish to write this letter for you to let you know that I am well. If you do not hear from me for some time please do not worry, you will get some intimation one way or other.

I am glad to hear that you are well at home and I hope you will keep so.

If there comes a time when I am no more please do not grieve for me but trust in God, in who's hands I shall be.

It is my wish that you do not mourn but know you that my soul rests in peace in a land fair and bright. I know that my memory will be ever dear to you.

I have a special motive in writing to you like this. I cannot tell you anything, but you will know later.

Goodbye and God bless you all.

From your ever loving son, Tom.