Roland was killed by a German sniper in December 1915 near Hebuterne. Vera left her studies at Somerville College, Oxford to become a VAD nurse in June 1915 and became engaged to Roland Leighton in August 1915 whilst he was on leave from the Western Front. Vera is probably best remembered as the author of Testament of Youth, recounting her experiences during the War in which she lost her fiancé, brother and two close male friends.
There is one greatest joy I shall not know Perhaps some day I shall not shrink in painīut, though kind Time may many joys renew, Perhaps the summer woods will shimmer bright,Īnd autumn harvest fields a rich delight, Will make the sunny hours of Spring seem gayĪnd I shall find the white May blossoms sweet, Perhaps some day the sun will shine again,Īnd I shall see that still the skies are blue,Īnd feel once more I do not live in vain, November News from us and the goings on at No.fifty6.
