Set 4 - Notifications from the Front

Families at home in Britain waited patiently and anxiously for any news of their loved ones who had gone to fight the war in France. Often they received letters which at least meant that they were alive and well. Sometimes, however, the postman brought sad and tragic news.

DOCUMENT 1: NOTICE FROM THE RED CROSS INFORMING FAMILIES THAT THEIR SON WAS NOW A PRISONER OF WAR

How would families at home react when they received such news?

Why do you think so few other details were provided? eg which POW camp or even country he was imprisoned in?

DOCUMENT 2: NOTICE ABOUT SOLDIER "K - I - A "

Even worse were letters that brought the awful, ghastly news of a soldier killed in action.