Last letters of servicemen killed in action published. The common theme that binds them all is love. Almost all the letters from the whole 300 years express the writer's love for someone, whether it is their wife, mother or children. Sometimes they're very flowery and poetic, others are humourous or even quite flippant. Contemplating the possibility of not making it through has forced them to say things they might not normally express in their wildest dreams. The hardest ones to read are the ones written by young men, who are full of exuberance and confidence and never really believed they might be killed. These letters are treasured by the families and passed down for generations. The unique collection covers nine major conflicts, from the Napoleonic Wars in the late 18th century to Afghanistan today. One of the most recent, written by Gunner Lee Thornton, who was killed aged 22 in Iraq in 2006, to his fiance Helen, reads: "I don't know why I am writing this because I really hope that this letter never gets to you, because if it does that means I am dead. Gunner Lee Thornton was killed aged 22 in Iraq in 2006 (PA) Just because I have passed away does not mean I am not with you. I'll always be there looking over you, keeping you safe. So whenever you feel lonely just close your eyes and I'll be there right by your side. I really did love you with all I had, you were everything to me Lee Thornton The Honourable Samuel S. Barrington, who was killed aged 19 at Quatre Bras in 1815, two days before Waterloo, wrote: "If I escape with my whole skin, I shall think myself well off and be thankful. If on the contrary some unlucky ball finished me, I trust I shall not be wholly unprepared to face danger and death. Major Arthur Rowley Heyland, who fought at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, wrote to his wife Mary just a day before he died. He said: "My Mary, let the recollection console you that the happiest days of my life have been from your love and affection, and that I die loving only you, and with a fervent hope that our souls may be reunited hereafter and part no more. I have no desponding ideas on entering the field, but I cannot help thinking it almost impossible I should escape either wounds or death. Private Ashley Goatham was killed at Isandlwana, Africa, in 1879 in the Anglo-Zulu War. His parents in Kent received his letter after his death. He wrote: "Never mind about me. I hope to pull through all safe by the help of God. So, my dear mother, cheer up. Time might come when I shall come home and surprise the lot Private Ashley Goatham Private James Coulter died in the Boer War at Bloemfontein in May 1900. He wrote to his wife Jill of his wishes for her and their baby daughter. He said: "I would give 10 years of my life to see you and Isabel for a few seconds but I see you a thousand times in the day and night. I do not require to tell you I know you can and will care for our little one, fetch her up as like yourself and she will not have many enemies in the world. I will close now with love to you and the baby. Second Lieutenant Eric Heaton, from Hove, East Sussex, was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and wrote to his parents from his dugout. Eric Heaton was killed at the Battle of the Somme in 1916 (BNPS) It is a great cause and I came out willingly to serve my King and Country. My greatest concern is that I have the courage and determination necessary to lead my platoon well. If I fall in battle then I have no regrets save for my loved ones I leave behind Second Lieutenant Eric Heaton Private George Henry Davies, who died aged 28 at Messines, Flanders, in 1917, wrote to his mother: "I give my life willingly for my country knowing that it is given in a righteous cause. I can do no more, I give my love to you all and to Jesus Christ My Maker. Captain Eric Fox Pitt Lubbock, who died at Ypres in 1917 aged 24, said: "So with all my love my darling Mum I now say goodbye, just in case. Try to forget my faults and to remember me only as your very loving son. Guardsman Neil 'Tony' Downes, from Manchester, died in Afghanistan in June 2007. He wrote to girlfriend Jane: "I'm sorry I had to put you through all this, darling. Just thought I'd leave you with a last few words. I hope you have a wonderful and fulfilling life. Get married, have children etc. I will love you forever and will see you again when you are old and wrinkly! Guardsman Neil 'Tony' Downes While most of the letters were written by British soldiers, there are some from foreign servicemen. One soldier, in the American Civil War, wrote to his mother saying: "Rest assured my death shall not be that of a wicked coward, but that of a God-fearing Patriot if I am to perish in the cause. Do not be uneasy. Remarkably, the book even contains a letter from Japanese kamikaze pilot Captain Masanobu Kuno, who was killed on May 24, 1945, as part of an operation which caused 5,000 casualties. He wrote to his children: "Even though you cannot see me, I will always be watching you. Please persevere like your father and avenge my death. The book, "If You're Reading This..." is now available from Pen & Sword publishing, priced at £19.99.