WORLD WAR I LETTERS FROM THE RICHEY FAMILY Letters written to Lily (Richey) and John Morrison at Yellow Grass, Sask., and their little daughter, Jean (in later years called by Reche). Their hired girl was Lena. * * * * Winnipeg, Man. Dec. 30 - 14 Dear Aunt Lily, Am a little late in wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year but you can accept it for all now. I just arrived in from Toronto where I spent five days, leaving Winnipeg for home on the 21st Inst. The folks were glad to see me as you can imagine and as mother kept me home nearly all the time we had some crowds out to the house. Well, I saw some big changes in the City but the most in Jessie and Lilian and Jean Galloway and so on, they are regular young ladies now. Am sending a photo that Alex made of me at the Camera Club. He makes a hobby of this work and is pretty good at it. Tomorrow it is a case of dig in again. We do not know when we will be going away but are in hopes it is by the 15th of next month. Received that pair of socks which are dandies and I thank you for same. Well, will close hoping you are all well. Your loving nephew, Louis * * * * Toronto , Jan. 9/15 Dear Lily, Received yours of the 1st, am glad Miss Jean had such a good time Xmas day. We did not send to the children this year. All my Christmas work was a scramble. I could not centre my mind on anything until I knew for sure Lou would be home for Xmas, then when I did get his telegram there was no time left to do anything but get ready for his coming. It made a blessed day for us, to be once more all together, and I pray God we may have such another. We had fifteen for dinner, sixteen for tea and seventeen for supper that day. Saturday and Sunday was not much better. I told Lou he was privileged to have as many as he liked in, but we could not spare him to have a meal anywhere else. We all wished it was a month instead of five days he could be with us, but we are very thankful for the five days. A Mr. Brough came down with Lou (he is a sergeant also). He happened to have friends on Fern Ave. so called on us Sunday night. We were pleased to meet him, he seemed a very sensible man. We met his mother and sister the night they left for Winnipeg, his mother is more optimistic than I am. She says there is no use crossing a bridge until we come to it, the boys are having a good time in the meantime, why not we do the same, but all people are not built alike. Well, every day passed by the boys in Canada seems one day longer before they will be ready for action, if they ever get into action. Just think of the terrible slaughter that must take place before that. Well, I must say no more along that line..... Love from all, Rosa [Rosa is Lily's sister, Lou and Cecil's mom.] * * * * Toronto, Feb. 26, 1915 My dear Aunt Lily, ..... Gordon has been laid up for the past two or three weeks with jaundice. The poor kid is certainly having bad luck. His exams start a month earlier this year so as to allow the University Corps to get in training. Things are beginning to look pretty serious now over in Europe don't you think? I don't read very much because it is too dreadful. Gord is thinking he might go if there is still no signs of peace after school is over. I suppose if he thinks it his duty we shall not be able to say much to him for going. Enough said on that line...... Ever your loving Jean * * * * Toronto, April 18, 1915 Dear Lily, Just a note tonight to say how much I enjoyed your & John's letters. While we miss our boy very much I can assure you I would worry a good deal more about him if he were not such a good boy. And I do not think he will do a weaker boy any harm, he is always trying to help the other fellow. It is certainly a world war. How ever it ends & when, it has made every one sit up & think a little more than usual & not before it was time. We are all just a little careless. I am glad you had a visit from Rose. I had mother up to see her a few days after Rose came home. Harry & Florence were there too. Their little girl is a dear.... Little Jean is certainly growing & will be lots of company for you. Now Lily I find letter writing hard. I hear from Gordon almost every other day, he writes a good letter as a rule. I do not know whether Louis Duff has left Winnipeg yet or not. There are 38 men from our church gone now & so many of the students. Now Lily I will end this now sending love to yourself & Jean & kind regards to John. Tot [Gordon Galloway is Tot's son.] * * * * Dibgate Camp, Shorncliffe, England 29th June 1915 Dear Aunt Lily, Just a line to let you know we arrived O.K. and am well. We had a glorious trip across the water, fine weather and comparatively calm sea. Only a few of the 2000 on board suffered from sea sickness, as for myself, I was really sorry the trip was so short, 10 days from Montreal to Plymouth. Plymouth as you know is one of the big naval bases and the harbour was alive with all kinds of fighting craft. The port itself is beautifully situated about five miles up the sound. We left Plymouth about one o'clock noon travelling by the Great Western Ry across the South of England as far as London, where we switched on to the South Eastern and Chatham Ry and made for the south coast. Our camp is seven miles west of Dover on a height overlooking the sea. We have two very pretty coast towns close by, Hythe west of us about an hours walk and Folkestone, a popular sea side resort, east of us a couple of miles. On a clear day the coast of France shows up very plainly. Submarines and Torpedo Boat Destroyers are patrolling the sea all the time. Aeroplanes and dirigible balloons are a common sight. We thought we were training pretty hard in Winnipeg but we are going at it even harder now. About another four weeks and they figure we will be fit for the firing line. Well, I must drop a line to Birdie so will close hoping you are all well and that the crops are coming along satisfactory. Remember me to John, Jean and Lena. Love to all, Lou * * * * * 28th (North West) Battalion, 2nd Canadian Division, Otterpool Camp, Kent, 21st Aug 1915 Dear Aunt Lily, Received your letter, also John's enclosure and snap of Jean and her little playmate.There is sure a big improvement in the lad since I saw him in Moose Jaw, he will be just fine company for Jean. Well I have sure had some seige with my ankles, exactly one month in the hospital. I arrived back in Camp on the 1st of Aug with my ankle anything but strong so I got a 10 days sick leave and went up to London for a "quiet time". Well it is certainly a wonderful old city and although I was handicapped with a bad ankle I managed to see a good many interesting places, such as Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Crystal Palace, Tower of London, St. Paul's Church, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, etc., etc. The wax figure exhibit, etc., etc. Too numerous to name in fact. So you see I didn't have my quiet time. I arrived back in camp a week ago but have not gone on parade yet, my ankle is pretty weak yet. I expect to be on light duty around camp for the next week or so. By that time we will be figuring on striking camp and pulling out for "Somewhere in France" or the Dardonelles. The first week in Sept. is when we expect to move. Will close for "the noo", hoping you are all well and you get the crops in safely. Had a card from Cecil saying he is away west again. With love to all, Your nephew, Louis * * * * Toronto, Oct 24, 1915 Dear Lily, Received your letter long ago but as usual put off writing. Well, Alex gave me the price and I went to the Provincial Convention (W.C.T.U.) at Ottawa last week. Rosamond was there also. Before going I had a letter from Lou saying on account of the condition of his ankle, which he hurt taking part in the Dominion day sports, he was afraid he would not get away with the 28th, but the Colonel got him a position on the orderly staff and he thought it would be two months before he would be able to get in the fighting line; naturally I was not sorry and felt satisfied when I was away he was all right. But when I came home there were three letters waiting for me and a field card and he has been in the trenches for some time, their last march to the trenches was in a down pour of rain, they were soon soaked to the skin. After being 10 days in the trenches they had two days rest, and they had their first bath, and some swim it was, he said, each man had a tub with about 4 or 5 inches of hot water. However, it refreshed them some and a change of clothing made them feel much better. He is in good health and has a good appetite, they get plenty to eat. Bacon, bread & tea for breakfast, a mulligan (Meat, potatoes & onions stewed up) bread & tea for dinner, Bully beef (canned meat), bread, tea, cheese & jam for tea. While in France they only receive 2 francs, equal to 40 cents of our money. The rest is credited to them in the pay office and can be drawn when they return or have been wounded. I asked Lou if they ever saw any of the Red Cross socks. The 28th have yet to see the first pair come their way, he could not speak for any other Battalion. When they left Shorncliffe they could only take two pair of socks, so he said a pair now and again would not go amiss. I finished a pair I had on the way and Mrs. Isaac had sent me a pair for Lou and I got three pair from our W.C.T.U. and mailed at once along with some Chicklets, Oxo, biscuits, soap and shaving stick. I told him to pass some on if he had more than he needed. Well, Lily, there is no need to tell you how I feel, every time the phone rings I am in dread of a message from Ottawa, and God only knows how we are going to live through these times. I can only pray & trust & wait. We are all well. Lovingly, Rosa * * * * (postcard)France, 14 Oct 1915 Dear Aunt, Received a letter of yours several days ago but lost it in the trenches. Am glad to hear you are all well and that the crops on the whole are so good. There is a lot of grain all along the firing line going to waste. Frequently we are close to a deserted farm building, all in ruins, vegetables going to waste so we help ourselves to spuds, corn, turnips, etc. which helps out wonderfully for the change. Love to all, Lou * * * * Toronto, Nov.1, 1915 Dear Lily, Just a line to say am enclosing Lou's last letter (or a copy of it). You may judge for yourself how I am feeling. Am quite busy today making my Xmas cake and some grape jelly. Will make my pudding tomorrow, so I will be able to send some on to Lou in time for Xmas. God has been good to him, he has had some narrow escapes. I pray God he may be spared through this awful war. Lovingly, Rosa (enclosure), Somewhere in France, Oct. 11, 1915 Dear Rosamond, Received your letter of Sept. 20th and mother's of the 23 and 27th. We are getting along pretty well and myself and men have been lucky. The day before yesterday we were having our dinner, and some dinner it was, a steak and onions, fried potatoes, and bread, butter, jam and coffee. This last trip into the trench, Fred Rowlandson, Oldershaw and myself bought a few extras, such as canned coffee, cocoa, butter, etc. to help out. At present I am in a position with my platoon with orders to hold at all costs. We are away from the Battalion entirely. I have so may men on guard and the rest of us are busy night and day strengthening our position. Well to get on with the dinner, we were just about half way through when a high explosive shell drops about 30 yds. to the rear of us making our dug outs tremble. A few minutes late a second one lights not more than ten years to the north of us and a third one somewhere in the rear but does not explode. We tried to trace this one later on to determine the angle from which it came, also get the range, but did not succeed on account of so much tall grass and scrub. Needless to say our dinner was spoiled. Our dug outs got a severe shaking and the mud flew in all directions. The tops of our dug outs and the parapet were damaged slightly but I soon got a working party going after dark to make repairs. After things had quieted down a little, Fred and I scouted around to examine the holes make, also dig up some pieces of shell. We got all kinds from an inch long to ten inches long, the holes were easily six feet deep with a diameter of about fifteen feet. I kept a couple pieces of the one which lit so close to us, they are two small pieces of the steel casing and a piece of the copper band off the end of the shell. About 3:20 in the afternoon the German artillery opened up again but their shells fell short of us and at least six out of about 15 did not go off and are still buried in the ground. About 3:40 I was sitting down writing my diary when a shell burst in front of us and I had the pleasant sensation of a piece of the shell a couple of inches long whiz toward me and bury itself in the dirt two inches from my elbow. Needless to say I dug it up. It was so hot I could not hold it for some time, however I have it now. The shells can be heard approaching at least six or seven seconds before they explode and you would laugh to see us clearing into the trenches. Yesterday I had eight of my men filling sand bags under cover of a hedge when the Germans open up again. I could hear the shells screaming towards us and would call out "Here she comes boys, jump into the trench" which they would do with little hesitation. A couple of days ago our artillery opened up on the German trenches in front of us, also on the batteries, they had the range to an inch. Fred and I were out in front of our barbed wire entanglement with a pair of strong field glasses and saw some awful destruction done. The Germans replied with a few which fell some distance in front of us. We heard another approaching and stood up until it got too uncomfortably close and then flopped on the ground expecting it to burst on top of us. It would be impossible to describe our feelings when we found out it had passed over and beyond us exploding about 40 yards in our rear. While I am writing, two of our air machines have passed over our heads, the first was fired on by an anti air craft gun which we can hear being fired quite easily. The second is being fired on at the present minute. Neither one was or is hit. We are well supplied with vegetables. We are close to the vegetable garden of some poor farmer who may be dead along with the rest of his family or a refugee. The house is just about 30 yds. away and a mass of ruins, the only evidence of habitation lately is a sewing machine all twisted up and a pair of woman's shoes and youngster's shoes. However, his vegetable garden is in good shape yet and we have all kinds of potatoes and turnips. Our Company Quarter Master Segt. stopped with us last night after bringing our rations up from the rear with a fatigue party. On the way he foraged some corn so we are having a treat today. We have a cook who looks after our meals while in the trenches for the 3 of us Sergeants. Just called to dinner by the cook. Wouldn't you like to come and sit down with us? You can't imagine how we enjoy our meals with the everlasting shriek of shells sliding over your head from our own batteries. Some of them are pretty close to us too and besides you can't tell when you are going to have a piece of one of their Jack Johnsons, Coal Boxes, or Whiz-Bangs, mixed up in mulligan or tea. Dinner is getting cold so must beat it. 3 p.m. Just finished a plan of our little home for the Battalion headquarters showing improvements we have made. The flying machines I mentioned before dinner both came back this afternoon under fire all the time. One of them who was getting it pretty hot started to plane down as though he or his machine had been injured, he was still over or back of the German lines. He got out of range of the anti air craft guns and came into range of the first line trenches. He gradually drew over our lines and started to go up again. You should have heard the cheers from our trenches. He had us guessing for a while and sure fooled the Germans. I had a bath this a.m. in a Jack Johnson hole filled with water which I thoroughly enjoyed. No rain for a week. Am feeling fine and hope you all are. With love to all, your bro. Louis * * * * Belgium, 19th Nov 1915 Dear Aunt Lily, Just a line to let you know I'm well. We have been having awful weather, continual rain and getting quite cold. Occasionally the sky clears and the sun shows up to cheer things up. At present we are in reserve near the town of . We have been here a few days and we pull out again for the trenches day after tomorrow. When up in town this a.m. I got a few souvenir handkerchiefs, one of which I am enclosing for Jean. Hoping she likes it. We will likely get this sometime before Christmas and I may be a little previous but you can hold it if so. There may be several unforseen delays on the journey. While writing this I can hear the church bell ringing on the Church tower in town and at the same time the continual boom of the enemy and our artillery. Half an hour ago or more, I witnessed an aircraft duck over our lines, both got away. These things would seem wonderful or terrible to you over home but we are getting hardened to it and take very little notice of it now unless we are in it and feel the effects personally which we have too many times for some of us. Must stop for a few minutes. Supper is ready and it won't stay warm very long. Hello. I've got that over, boiled potatoes and onions, boiled beef, bread, tea, and jam. Not too bad for troops on active service, eh, Lily. We fare pretty well in the trenches too and the most of us take in a few extras such as canned fruit, sardines, Grape Nuts, canned milk, coffee, cocoa, etc., etc. The Y.M.C.A. have a store just 550 or 600 yards back of our trenches which are 150 yds from the Germans at the particular spot and they sell all kinds of stuff - tobacco, chocolate, etc., etc. as well as all the above articles. So you see we live real civilized at times. Well, I must close hoping this finds the family all well. With love to all, Your nephew, Lou * * * * Belgium, 6th Dec 1915 Dear Aunt Lily, Received John and your letter of Nov. 7th about a week ago. Am glad to hear that Rosamond sent you a copy of my letter to her. It keeps me going to keep up my correspondence with so much occupying my time and energy over here. However, every once in a while I sneak an hour or two and scratch off ten or fifteen letters. We are having an awful time of it. The rain has been falling continually for the last six weeks and the country is in a very flooded condition. I haven't known what dry feet are for many days. A great many of the boys who have not the physical constitution to withstand the wet and cold are down with rheumatism. Thank goodness I'm not suffering in the least from it. All I can complain of is a slight cold which is common amongst us all. The sooner we make an advance the better for all concerned. And from the way things are shaping up we will be going at them properly with the bayonet and grenade very shortly. Well, Lily, I would like to go on but time will not permit. You mention in your letter about what I would like or need most. Well, I am well fitted out for clothing, I have ordered a flash light from London - They are a necessity over here, new batteries are needed frequently and a postal order for a small sum would help that end out. However I'm not complaining or asking for anything so don't worry about me. A good stout pair of gloves for handling barbed wire or fur gloves (lined) would be acceptable. Must stop. Hoping you are all well and have a very very Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. With love to all from the firing live. Your nephew, Louis * * * * Toronto, Jan. 17/16 Dear Lily, This no doubt will be a shock, but really I have very little desire to write these days. I have been so worried over Lou, not receiving any mail for three weeks. This morning I was wondering just what I would do if there was no mail, when the postman arrived with a letter. It was written on the 29th, his last was written on the 6th, so as you see there was some time between. Lou said he had been very busy for the last four weeks and spent Xmas in the trench, with very little cheer. They came out on the night of the 27th for a six days comparative rest; they expected to have a big spread in a convent near by on the night of the 31st with their band in attendance. It promises to be a big success, he says he will give us an account of it later on. Is it not wonderful how they can throw aside their troubles and come back to natural conditions, so near the battle front. From all accounts he was a fortunate boy with all his Xmas boxes; he evidently had not received them while in the trenches, for they were piled up there when he came out. I had sent him two boxes of apples from Eatons on Oct. 4th & 20th, thinking he would get them long before Christmas, but the government would not spare them the space for the Oct shipment. But evidently my 1st order must have gotten in with the Sept. orders, for in this letter he said the 1st box had actually arrived and they were in excellent shape. Lou said we must not think he devoured all the good things himself, He said some others got quite a lot and they divided up with the less fortunate. I know I am shamefully late about it, but let me thank you now for the very nice pillow slip you sent me, and the girls wish me to thank you for their handkerchiefs. We had a very quiet time Xmas day. I did not have the family in, I was not sure enough of myself; ...... All the family are in bed so I must say good night. Lovingly, Rosa Hope you are all well, Lilian had the grippe but is better now. I am not too well, I think if the war were over I might feel better. R. * * * * Toronto, Feb 10/16 Dear Lily, Just a line to give you all the news we have about Lou, this is the latest cable. Feb.7th Further reply your enquiry 24th Jan cable received today from England states, 73017 Sergt. L.R. Duff 28th Batt, Duchess of Connaught Canadian Red Cross Hospital, Taplow. Wounded behind ear; wound and ear discharging profusely, in all probability will be in hospital for two months. This soldier granted a commission as Temporary Lieutenant Jan 9th. Adjutant General Quite a lengthy cable, we had been hoping his wound would not be quite as severe, however I am sure I have much to be thankful for and we will keep on praying his wound will heal successfully. He will certainly have all the care possible and his ankle will get a chance to heal at the same time. We are all proud of the promotion, and my first letter after the news was addressed to the Lieut. I am sending them on to the hospital with only 28th Batt, 2nd Canadian Division, and his number. According to others who have had sons wounded I have been fortunate in the number of letters received. Received one from Capt. MacIntyre from the trenches, he said every one was sorry this had happened to Lou, as he was a great favourite with all ranks, and they were hoping he would be back with them again. While these were not my wishes I was glad to hear him say so for it laid to rest one of my worries. I was so afraid Lou would be blind, of course he could not go back to the trench if he was. I had a letter from the Chaplain, he said Lou's constitution and bright spirits would go a long way to help him out. I had one from the nurse at No. 2 Clearing Station, where he spent two days; and one from the nurse at Boulogne hospital saying he had a very bad wound in head but was being sent on to England where she hoped he would soon get better; then a letter from a lady visitor at Boulogne hospital, she said Lou was doing very nicely and would like to write, but had to keep absolutely still on his back, but would write as soon as he was able. Now I am looking for news from England. Everyone has been so kind, our phone the first week was in constant use, Jessie staying home to attend to that. Katie says Tom is leaving for the front in two weeks. Do you know anything about their plans? Katie is so worried about Birdie; they have had no direct word from Tom. Jean heard of from Don who is taking a Lieut. course somewhere down east, no doubt he will be needed if this terrible drive they are talking about takes place. Alex has not enlisted, he is just taking the course at the University. Must stop and go and get my breakfast. Much love. Rosa * * * * Duchess of Connaught Can. Red Cross Hosp., Taplow, Bucks, England, 11 Feb 1916 Dear Aunt Lily, You may have seen my name in the casualty lists in the papers and you may not, however that does not alter the fact that I am one and an now in the above Hosp. and doing pretty well. I was very lucky to get away with my life. On the afternoon of Jan. 17th we were heavily shelled by the enemies artillery, the portion of trench I was holding with my platoon was too close to their own trenches to drop any heavy shells into (between 35 and 40 yards apart) and one of their field batteries opened on us. One of their fourteen or eighteen pound high explosive shells struck the top of the trench not more than four feet from my head. One piece made a nice little gash on top of my head, another caught me over and back of my right ear. A third piece smashed my pipe which I was smoking at the time, cutting it off leaving an inch of the stem in my mouth. Pretty close, eh! I didn't lose consciousness which was miraculous when you consider that my skull was fractured. My healthy constitution probably saved me. I will never forget being carried for 200 yards along the firing line with shells bursting all around, rifle and machine gun fire, all of which seemed to burst my head open. When we reached the communicating trench, I was put on a stretcher and hurried out to Kemmel (Belgium) a small town a mile in the rear of our trenches and four miles south of Ypres. The little town is in absolute ruins from the enemies heavy shell fire and totally deserted except for military head quarters and Medical Dressing Station. Here I was put into a motor ambulance and hurried to Westoutre, an hour later I was again moved to Bailleul across the border in France. Next morning I was operated on and two days later put on a Hosp. train for Boulogne, a French sea port. Six days later I found myself on board the Hosp. Ship St. Denis in which we crossed the channel to Southampton. And here I am in this hosp. which is on the W. Astor estate, twenty six miles from London. It was originally the home of the Duke of Westminster and is certainly most beautiful, situated on the Thames River. The wound on top of my head has closed up and is in a healthy condition, but the other over and back of the ear where it is fractured, is badly infected and is going to take some time. The drum of the ear has been completely smashed from concussion and naturally is stone deaf, and I am sorry to say the Doc. has little hopes for my recovering the hearing. If so I will be unfit for the firing line which will no doubt cause rejoicing at home. However, I hope to regain a little hearing, and if so will be back with my battalion in a couple of months. I received your parcels with enclosures from the family and Lena and want to thank you all very much. It arrived a couple of days ago being returned from the front. Also your letter and John's enclosing money order which I hope to make good use of when I get out. My head is starting to go round so must close. Hoping this finds you all well as I hope to be soon. With love to the family and Lena. Your nephew, Louis * * * * * Toronto, Feb. 18, 1916 Dear Aunt Lily, .... Well I suppose you want to hear from Lou. We received a letter written by, or I should say letters written by the sisters in the different hospitals where he has been taken. He was not able to write for himself, so the sisters or nurses wrote for him. However last Saturday, we received a letter written by him. He said in the first place that he could not write a very long one until he gets better which the doctors say will be two or three months, but he says he will be up in a few days, so that sounds better. It would not have happened if it had not been for the carelessness of some soldier under Lou. Lou was made a Lieutenant on the ninth of January. Their parapets were becoming weak and they decided to strengthen them. Lou ordered that old sand bags be piled up in front at night to act as a screen in the day-time so that they could work behind them unnoticed. Through some mistake, new sand bags were put up. They were of course very conspicuous and the trench they were in is between 30 and 40 yards from the Germans. The Germans were firing on something back of where Lou was when they saw the hated new sand bags and immediately opened up fire on them. The boys stayed until it became too hot and then Lou had them get out but he had to stay back for some reason or other. Just when he was passing a parapet a shrapnel burst and hit it, the pieces flying in every direction. Lou said that when he opened up his eyes, he did not expect to find his head or any other part joined to his body. However, it was, and he got up and hurried along the trench, then I guess he fainted. Before the explosion, he had a pipe in his mouth, and after, part of it was there but the rest of it he said he did not stay to look for. As soon as the other soldiers found out that he had been hurt, they sent word along the line to the dressing station and they soon had stretchers out. They carried him back from the line and tied up his head as best they could, then carried him a mile to the dressing station. Then he says his head was roaring and he was very sick at the stomach. He was then taken to the casualty hospital and was there two days, I think. Then he was moved to Buelluel?...or something like that...Then to the hospital in Boulogne where he was operated on. He received two bad gashes in his head behind his right ear. There are a couple of tubes inside for drainage and both the wound and ear are discharging freely. The hearing of his right ear is entirely gone, but he thinks it will come back. I certainly hope it does. From Boulogne he was taken to the hospital ship and by night crossed the channel. He says these ships are very comfortable. Next he was shipped to the Central Military Hospital, Shorncliffe, and finally (as far as we know) to the Duchess of Connaught Red Cross Hospital, Taplow, England. This place is the home of one of the Mrs. Astors. A very beautiful place. There are two Moose Jaw doctors in this hospital who Lou knows and they well sure see that he gets every possible chance of recovery. When he finished his letter he must have been pretty tired as he said his head was running on wheels. He considers himself exceedingly fortunate to get off as well as he did and I suppose he is. In the mean time he is out of the trenches. This morning's paper states that 600 yards of trenches have been taken by the Germans right where Lou was. It is better for him to be in a hospital in England than a prisoner in Germany. We address his letters as follows. Lieut. L. R. Duff, #73017, 28th Battn., 2nd Canadian Div., Duchess of Connaught Canadian Red Cross Hospital, Taplow, Eng. We do not expect that he will come home to Canada but that he will visit a Mr. Rowlandson's sister, in Winchester. This boy was a Moose Jaw boy and was in the trenches with Lou. ......... Very likely you will have heard by now, but at noon Alex phoned me and said that Galloway's had received a cable at about nine o-clock this morning that Gordon had been killed at the front. I do hope that Lou is not well enough to go back for a long time. This war is certainly dreadful. Poor Auntie Tot, she must feel awful. Mother went up there as soon as she got dressed, but even she cannot feel for Auntie Tot as Lou was only dangerously wounded. It is awful the way they send the cables, without any warning. Just yesterday they got a letter from Gord saying that he did not expect to be near the front lines for some time yet and that he was feeling fine. They were I think about twelve miles back front the front in Flanders. Of course you know we feel badly for our boy and hope that he will get better but I wish he could come home and stay. This letter did not turn out as I expected it would but that is what electricity will do for you. Still it is better that we should know and not be like in the olden times when no one knew until the war was over, what had happened. Let us hope that this cable was not true. Much love for you and don't forget Jean. Jessie * * * * Winnipeg, March 8, 1916 Dear Aunt Lily, I am sorry that I have not written to you sooner than this but I have been putting it off and off waiting for myself to be in good humour, but it does not seem to come. I am not sick in any way but feel a sort of dissatisfaction and don't know how to overcome it. I have received a letter from Lou and he apparently is coming out as well as expected. There is still a possibility of his losing the hearing of one ear, but he will not know until he has undergone an operation. If he does lose the hearing of one ear he will not be allowed to go back to the firing line, so I do not know just which way we would rather have him. He was also hit on top of the head but that sore has healed up and is not bothering him, but the wound behind the ear has penetrated the drum and is still open, but he is able to sit up or walk around. In fact the sister of Mrs. John Jacob Astor took him for a three hour auto ride around their grounds and along the Thames which he enjoyed immensely. The house of Mrs. Astor has been turned into a hospital and she is supervising some of the work there and her sister is also attending patients, reading books to them, and talking with the patients. If Lou is not allowed to return to the front he intends to work in some one of the Army offices, doing clerical work over there. Best regards to all, Cecil * * * * Toronto, Sunday, 16 April 1916 Dear Lily, Suppose you think we are very poor correspondents, and with good cause as Florence is a poor writer and I am worse. We were very glad to receive your picture and cannot help but remark how Jean has grown, and what a good healthy child she appears to be. We are pretty well here at present although Florence is suffering quite a bit from sore feet, as she is kept pretty busy chasing Betty around to keep her out of mischief. Betty is quite a baby as you will see from a small proof snap we had taken two months ago (when she was 16 months old). You will also find enclosed a proof photo of her father (only a proof as Lyons wants $15.00 per page for these, and we cannot afford to buy any, but it will give you some idea of how I look at present in uniform). With "B" Company of 227 men in the 180th (Sportsmen's) Over Seas Battalion with rank of Captain, but am kept busy from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, and about 3 nights each week. The only time I get with Betty being Sunday afternoon as we go to church every Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. However I missed most of this afternoon as I took about 300 of our Battalion with the band to the Dale Presbyterian Church at 3 p.m. today, it being one of their opening services and being an athletic church (Rev. Mr. Morrow) the minister wanted the Sportsman Battalion to assist today. I do not know when we will go to train this summer but suppose it will be at Lyons-on-the-Lake and not very far in the future as we are recruited over strength and Flo will let you know where we go. With love from all. Yours Harry. P.S. Everyone else in the family is OK. [Harry is Lily's brother.] * * * * (puzzle postcard) Duchess of Connaught Hosp., Taplow, Bucks. 18-4-16 Dear Jean, Here is a little puzzle for you to put together and you just show your big mama and daddy that you can do it. I'm going back to fight some more Germans pretty soon, then I'm coming home to see you. Give my love to Mama, daddy and you. With love from your cousin, Lou * * * * Toronto, May 15/16 Dear Lily, It really is a shame that no one has written you before this, but mother and I have written practically no letters because we have both found it an effort (Mother especially) and I have felt that I could not write the kind of letter anyone - even you - would appreciate getting. This is where my style of letter, the rambling, gossipy, egotistical one, falls down. I have been trying to go on with some of my Red Cross work although I had been relieved of some of it after Christmas, but outside of that have not been doing anything much. Of course I am not staying in altogether - I know Gord would not like that, and sometimes I simply must get away from my thoughts. I have been going to some club meetings, lectures and Red Cross Concerts, but have not the heart for any social gatherings - even small knitting teas - where I should, in respect to my hostess, have to be bright and talkative. You see, I think I have something of mother's feeling - looking back on him as a small boy, watching him develop - and above all remembering his wonderful patience when he had his broken arm and leg. And it does seem so hard to think how Dad has been watching and waiting for the time when Gord would most likely relieve him from a little responsibility. It is hard to understand why the taking off of such men as Gord (and he is only one among many) can be for the improvement of the world. Carl Farmer is leaving Ottawa yesterday or today with the Signallers - Groadie was saying the other day that now he did not count on Carl coming back; like us, he had felt that Gordon was one who would be spared to come back and carry on the work he was doing at home, but now says of all the boys he has known go away, it is the best and brightest who have gone to stay. I know we should stop to think that others have had this experience to pass through several times - perhaps, but it is the apparent needlessness of his going - in the midst of his power. I know there must be a good reason for it somewhere, but it is almost impossible to think what it can be that can overbalance the work he could have done. My faith is the more inclined to wobble because I have not been able to see why I am left here at home, where I am not at all needed. I may have been needed when I was first through, but now Jean is quite able to take hold and get things done to suit mother; in fact takes mother's place as much as, if not more, than I do now. You would notice an awful difference in mother in the last few years, she has lost all her old energy for planning and accomplishing things (not just this past year as a result of Gordon's going) - also for enjoying things: yet she will not let anyone else be responsible for the housekeeping. And really the more there are to do the work, the less there is done - unless each one is responsible for some certain part of it (but mother will not hear of that either) and I think I have been too much under the sway of time tables and systems of study. So, considering all things, I feel that I should be doing something else - that, after what Dad and Mother have given up that I should have my training, I should be of some real help to them - especially now when they no longer have Gord left to look to to make things a little easier for them, and when one cannot tell what may be ahead of us all. I fail utterly to see what plan I am fitting into in this aimless way, for I do not feel I am entitled to enter into much .. work either, when I am getting as much from Dad as the girls are. Enough of a grouch - but sometimes it has to come out: it has become almost chronic the last few weeks, hence the lack of letters. Mother has just come in from Bloor St. where she has been to get some little things to give Wat Krug (one of Gord's Chesley friends, you know) who leaves for overseas tomorrow morning. He and Harry are both in town today - expect to come in to see us this evening. Something else to report. Mother went out to church yesterday a.m. for the second time since February - rather an unfortunate choice, because there were four babies baptized, among them one who, we had been told, was called after Gordon. (Mr. Hagerman, Y.M.C.A. boys sec'y at Central, has also named his baby, born the day of the Memorial services, after Gord.) Church, I find, one of the hardest places to go these days: possibly because of the enforced idleness, and the endless references in prayer and sermon to the war. By the way, how is Red Cross Work progressing with you people? There was some discussion over in the workroom this morning about the dwindling enthusiasm that many had noted; due, they thought, to the fact that the end of the war looked as far off: that when the work was fresh, and the end seemed in sight people were readier to work. To me, as to many others, it seems that our efforts should be redoubled because so many of our own boys are in the thick of the fight and hence on the casualty lists. The fact that there are so many needs and calls makes me miss my monthly cheque very much. I suppose you heard from Rose of Grandma's accident. Two weeks ago Saturday when going to bed, turning into her room, she slipped and went headfirst down the back stairs - spraining her right arm and shoulder pretty severely. Of course, the shock was about as bad as the sprain - she was in bed for two weeks, perfectly helpless, and as impatient as a child - worse, in fact, for more might have been expected of her. The last three or four days she has been getting up about noon, putting on a heavy dressing gown and sitting at the front window: but she hates to go off to bed again in the evening. It is quite a strain on our nerves because she can neither read nor play cards, and when two or three others are trying to read or write in the sitting room in the evening, you can't read to her. It has been hard on Mother - because she, of course, has had the care of her, and the rubbing and bathing has recalled our boy and his bright patient ways when he was laid up. (It is the thought of him lying wounded and suffering that hurts so - but thank God we know it was for only 24 - 30 hours, that he was attended to at once, and, according to the nurse, did not suffer. By the way, Dad sent you a copy of Canadian Manhood, did he not? We just realized yesterday that Gordon appears in the group on the cover; perhaps you have already noticed it, if not look at it again. I do wish Mother and Dad could go West this summer or fall; but that is Dad's busy time, and I'm sure Mother would not consent to leave him to our tender mercies, even if she felt she could afford the trip. Nearly at the end of these sheets, and no mention of Eleanor: that would never do. She is fine- healthy- loves to stand, but does not make much attempt to walk; has five teeth and is an imp of mischief. Love to all. J. Louise {Gordon's sister) * * * * Winnipeg, Man., May 30th, 1916 Dear Aunt Lily, Once again I made a trip to Medicine Hat and back and did not get down to see you, but we had such wet weather in Alberta that I was kept longer on my place than I expected, but we are moving to Camp Hughes to the East of Brandon tomorrow and I will have a better chance of getting around some week end. I found conditions very favourable in the West & if we don't have too much wet weather I guess there will be another crop. Mother just received a letter from Lou saying he was having a lot of trouble. The noises are so great in his head he has to dope himself. The doctors are making further X-ray examinations & hope to relieve him soon. I am trying to get mother coaxed into making a trip across to see Lou, and if she does not do that to make the trip West next month, but she may not do either. It is 4:30 a.m. so you can see I am not lazy. I am on guard duty and make the rounds every two hours, and have been writing letters filling in my spare time. This job lasts 24 hours. I hope this letter finds you all well. Everybody is getting along fine at home and I am doing the same here. Best of wishes to all. My address will be: B Company, 203rd Batt., Camp Hughes, Man. Your nephew, Cecil * * * * * Grenville Can. Spec. Hosp., Ramsgate, Kent, 4th June 16 Dear Aunt Lily, Am still in hosp as you see by above address. I have been transferred to this place for special treatment but so far there is no change. I sleep very miserably and the ringing and hissing in my ear continues without a break. Am afraid my case has the doctors fooled. They tell me now that it may take a couple or three years for the noise to die down and my nervous system in the ear to become normal. I expect to get a board before long, have a little leave and report for duty again. We have been having grand weather, which I have taken advantage of this last month to visit some of the coast towns and sea side summering places. About a week ago I visited Canterbury and had a most interesting tour thru the old Cathedral which is a very wonderful old place. I am doing quite a bit of cycling to keep myself fit and am thus able to see considerable of the country round here which is beautiful. I am eating well and looking well, a little thin probably, but getting brown as a "berry." Will close hoping you are all well at home. Love to all, Your nephew, Lou * * * * (postcard)Keswick, Cumbld., 23 June 1916 Dear Aunt Lily, Have a month's leave which I am spending in the north of England, south of Scotland. Am in the Cumberland Lake district just now for four or five days and having a most enjoyable time. Leave for Edinburgh next week. Love to all, Your nephew, Lou D. * * * * (postcard)Edinburgh, Scotland, July 16 Dear Aunt, Just arrived here from Cumberland Lake Distr. where I enjoyed a weeks stay. Can see the old castle from my hotel room. Your nephew, Lou * * * * (postcard) July 1916, Dear Lily, With many thanks for your kind remembrance, which I will take advantage of in the near future. This will be a puzzle for Jean to find her Uncle Harry. Hoping you are all well. Yours, Harry * * * * * Camp Hughes, Man, Aug. 5th, 1916 Dear Aunt Lily, Excuse the typewriter but I have a lot of letters to write and can do them much quicker on the machine. I arrived in camp in good condition and have had a fairly easy time of it since. We were out on a route march on Thursday when the wind and rain storm caught up to us and of course we had to hold on to the grass to be sure of not going up in the air, we getting our lungs filled with dust and then the rain came and wet us through, but we got home safely and were practically dried out when we arrived. The tents in camp were mostly all down and some of them were ripped to pieces, even beyond repair, the big mess tent that the 1100 men eat in being so far gone that it will not be put up again. I received a letter from Mother stating that Lou had been transferred to the 32nd Reserves of England for the time being until the doctors were able to make another examination, when he expected to be able to go over to France again. I apparently left Yellow Grass without the camera views I had with me, and if you have come across same in your straightening around I would like to have them sent to me, any that you want a copy of put a little cross on the back of same and I will have them printed and sent to you. With love, Cecil * * * * Camp Hughes, Man., Sept. 28/16 Dear Aunt Lily, Received your letter today and am sorry to learn that you had a parcel for me to bring along but am now on the lookout for same. The pictures are fine and I feel proud of myself for having taken such a good picture with Jean. We are not leaving here now until the 15th of October but I am trying to get away to Toronto about the 10th. We don't know how far we are going but they talk as though it is England for sure, but it may be only Winnipeg. If it is possible for me to get off before I go East I will make a trip to see you but I don't think I can make it. Lou has passed his training course with honours, having been, along with one other man, the highest in the class. Aunt Katie was at Moose Jaw when I passed through. They are all well at home, and I am feeling great. My crop is not threshed yet but expect it done this week. Love to Jean and all. Cecil * * * * France, 4/9/16 Dear John, Received box cigars today which you so kindly sent me. Please accept my thanks. Good cigars are certainly a luxury in this country and always so acceptable. I sometimes think that the people in Canada, especially the women, spend too much time knitting socks, etc. My experience has been that the soldiers have plenty. However I have not spent a winter here yet. It is a very strenuous life and a hard game. The people in Canada have no idea, nor can any person have unless they have been in it. The spirit of the soldiers is wonderful. They meet everything with a smile. I sometimes think that to them Death is a joke. To see them march up to the trenches smiling and joking apparently without a care in the world is wonderful to me, and I have never heard a wounded man complain. Lately I think we have the edge on the Hun, but it is only very recently. From now one it looks as if we had him going. But he is going to be a hard nut to crack and he is going to die hard. All the prisoners that I have searched are glad to be out of it although they are well nourished and well clothed. They are great fighters but man for man they are not in it with our men. They simply won't stand up to it when our men go after them. One thing I find about myself, I cannot concentrate my mind on anything outside of the war game. Reading is out of the question. Hope your crops are O.K. this year and that you are going to have a successful year. Kindly remember me to Lily and again thanking you for your kind remembrance. Yours sincerely, Tom Leask c/o Canadian Field Ambulance [Tom Leask was a doctor in Moose Jaw, married to a relation of Lily's, with a wife and young children at home.] * * * * (postcard) Saint John, N.B., 29-10-16 Dear Lily We have been quartered here for a week and are extremely comfortable, and the people of Saint John cannot do too much for us. I hope Florence has sent you one of my photos which should be ready by now. With love to all. Yours Major H.B. Richey [Harry] * * * * 32nd Res. Batt'n., Shorncliffe, Kent, 30th Oct 16 Dear Aunt Lily Received your letter of Sept 10th and glad to hear from you. If you are at all uncertain of my address Army Post Office, London, will always find me. From all accounts Cecil, Robert and Duff must have had a big time along with Jean at the farm, would like to have been along myself, the change would have been very welcome. However, I am here and may be on this side of the pond for some time yet. The rain has set in again and conditions will be frightful on the firing line once more for the third winter campaign. Sorry to hear that the crops are not as good as expected. They did poorly here as well on account of so much rain. Have not heard from Cecil just how our country in Alberta made out, it would be a surprise if they got too much rain up there, it is usually the reverse. Am still suffering from concussion in the head and this miserable wet weather which has set in makes it worse and I'm far from feeling like my old self, however I'm not complaining. Will close, hoping all are well at home, with love to all. Your nephew, Louis * * * * Halifax, N.S., 12-11-16 Dear Lily, On board train, between St John and Halifax. We have just left St. John at 6 p.m. for Halifax where I do not think we will be held very long. I am feeling find and our Battalion was simply around St. John for the last 2 weeks. We were treated magnificently. With love to all. Harry * * * * Toronto, Dec. 1st, 1916 Dear Lily, ....... We expect Lou will arrive at Halifax Monday, so we have not much time to get ready. More some other time, Love to all, Rosa. Just received a notice from Ottawa that Lou sailed on the Missanabie on the 25th Nov. so he may be here sooner than I expect. R. * * * * * (postcard) 7-2-17 Dear Lily, I am feeling fine and expect to go North very shortly. Harry * * * * France, 8-2-17 Dear Lily, Thank you very much for your kind remembrance at Xmas time. You don't know how much we appreciate anything Canadian in this country, and especially at Xmas. We are having very cold weather at present, very much like Western Canada, only there isn't any wind which is something to be thankful for. The French people say it is the coldest in seventy five years. I think we have the Boche guessing at last. We are hoping that this next summer will finish the business. One thing sure, we are going to see the finest fighting yet. Am glad I came although I often wonder if I will ever be able to settle down again when I get home. Everything will seem so tame after this affair. It is rather rough going in spots but that is to be expected. Hear from Birdie regularly and am glad that they are all keeping well. I guess the boys are rather hard to handle sometimes. Hope your crops were O.K. last fall. From what we can learn in some parts the crops were almost a complete failure. Hope you are all well and with kind regards to all and again thanking you for your kindness. Yours sincerely, Tom Leask * * * * 18th Reserve Batt., Seaford, Sussex, Feb. 12, 1917 Dear Aunt Lily, I suppose by this time you will have returned to Yellow Grass and ready for the spring work. I imagine from the tone of mother's letter you had a splendid time in the East, and the girls enjoyed Jean's visit. We are still sending men across to France and receiving wounded in return and I hope it will not last much longer. We are a 2000 strong Battalion here, having joined the 144th and are now the 18th Reserve Batt and we are sending 200 over today. We have had a long spell of frosty weather, not even getting soft in the middle of the day but today it is changed to spring weather. The cool weather has seemed to help my health and I am feeling fine. About half the Batt. are quarantined for mumps, I am amongst the unlucky. There are 20 other N.C.O.'s here in this Hut and of course we don't have to do the ordinary drill, being instructors, and therefore are having a fine time to ourselves, so perhaps we are lucky as it is giving us a chance to clear up on correspondence, in which I was away behind, as I had so much work to do in the Orderly Room. We are confined here until the 1st of March & if more cases are contracted it may be longer. Major H.B.R. (Harry Richey) is possibly 20 miles from here but my chances of seeing him are very slim but we are corresponding and may run across each other in some City while on leave. The scenery here is not as nice as in Bramshott but the sea is handy and that helps me to remember Lake Ontario. Remember me to all. Cecil * * * * France, 21-3-17 Dear Lily, Just a line to let you know that I am in good health and getting along O.K. The weather here is miserable. Cold accompanied by rain and sleet, causing lots of mud and a great deal of discomfort. Our Battalion with exception of the company I am attached to is in the front line now. We will be coming out shortly, and up to now they are having a very quiet time in their sector. The war seems to be going very well for us, and we have a great deal to be grateful for. Hoping you are all well, with love Harry. Major 60th Bn Canadian, France * * * * H.Q. Co., 18th Can. Res. Batt., Dibgate Camp, Kent, 11 Apr. /17 Dear Aunt Lily, Your very welcome letter and more welcome parcel arrived just after I moved from Seaford Camp to here. We are right next door to Shorncliffe and Folkestone now & closer to France, but I do not think it makes my chances of getting over any greater. I have been feeling fine and have not very much trouble with my rheum; in fact I am liable to become an A1 man if I don't watch myself. I was down town last night and missed the last bus and had to walk home. We travelled the Sandgate Road along the coast about 4 miles & then had to climb a hill similar to the Hamilton Mountain into Camp. I was just about as hungry as a bear so started on your biscuits & they were so good that they were finished before I crawled under the blankets. Corp. Beaton , a Toronto boy, assisted me. Mother had sent me some chocolate in her last parcel and we make a cup of it, to top off the repast, so you can be doubly assured your parcel was most welcome. The candy I am nibbling at & making it last as long as possible. Am glad you arrived home without any mishap & guess you are preparing for lost time, and I do hope Jean's cold is all gone & that she is a healthy girl again. Suppose Lou will get a chance to run down to see you now that he is located at Regina. Have not heard from Harry since he went over to France. Give my love to Jean and tell her I will try & get back in time to pick the raspberries with her. Love to all Your nephew soldier, Cecil * * * * (postcard of Windemere) (postmark mostly illegible, 1917) Dear Lily, Feeling fine. Have had a most wonderful holiday. Love Harry * * * * (postcard) (postmark mostly illegible, 1917) Dear Lily, I am faring remarkably well. England is simply glorious in the summer. With love to all. Harry * * * * Toronto, Sunday June 17/17 Dear Lily, Just a few lines to let you know that we had a cable from Harry on Friday, stating that he was leaving for France, shortly. It came as a shock as we certainly thought they would allow him a longer time for convalescence but I guess they need the men so badly that he had to go. They did not operate but if they had it would have taken a long time for the wound to heal, so are afraid that he will only sustain another rupture and make it that much worse. He enjoyed his 2 weeks at Windemere, the English Lake District, then reported to the medical board at Edinburgh, then the Military board at London, they gave him charge of 2 camps, East & West Sandling, so that his cable following by a day or two a letter with that news, which seemed that he was going to be allowed to remain in England awhile, was a great shock. I phoned the news to Florence at Jacksons tonight and she feels terribly cut up. Her mother was going to visit them from Friday until next Tuesday, so that will help her some. Yesterday afternoon Eva Galloway & Groadie Farmer were married at 3 o'clock at the Bloor St. Church and went direct to the boat for Montreal where they are going to stay for a few days, then return & go to Muskoka for the summer. Clarence & Ruby get married on June 30th, so the air is full of weddings. Enclosed are 4 snaps of Betty taken when I was up over the week end, June 2nd at Jackson's Point. She certainly is a darling, it is a pity that Jean & she could not grow up together. I do so hope & pray that Harry will come home to them if not altogether well, in some shape so that she may know a father's love. Colin Stalker is fighting in France & Mrs. Stalker is a wreck. These are awful times. Write Harry c/o Army Post Office, London & say C.E.F., France in the corner. He certainly has truly had enough. Girlie graduated June 30th instead of July 6 & we are going to spend a week at the hotel at Jackson's Point from July 7 to 14. Write soon. Your loving sister, Elizabeth * * * * (postcard of St. Pel) (France, 1917) Once more in France. Feeling very fine. Harry. * * * * Regina, Y.M.C.A., 3rd Nov 1917 Dear Aunt Lily, Just a line to say I am pretty well, am able to eat three meals a day anyway so that's not bad eh! You have been looking for me down your way for some time now and I am in hopes of spending a week end with you before the end of this month. But just listen now for I'm going to give you a tip, don"t look for me at Christmas time, and why? Well I guess I had better tell you, the answer is short and sweet, at least it is to these certain people. One you know and the other you will know soon. Penzie and I have decided that life is altogether too short and we are so lonely for one another we just can't wait till next June to be married and I am going up to Calgary to bring her back with me. Now what do you think of that. She is sure some girl and I know you will like her. Our plans for a trip are anything but definite, are depending on how much leave I will be able to get. I am hoping for three weeks from the 17th of Dec. to 7th of Jan. and if I am fortunate enough to get away then Penzie and I will be married on the 18th Dec. and leave for her home away down in Prince Edward Island spending a few days and Christmas there then a few days and New Years at home in Toronto then back "home" to Regina by the 7th of Jan. Then I am going to bring her down some time for your approval. I know you will like her, she is such a sensible girl, no butterfly. I will be able to get a pass over the road all the way. If I can only get a week or two then we figure on a trip through the mountains out to the coast. Now I must close and write the "wife" my daily letter. Tell Alex that Clarence has nothing on me when it comes to writing letters. Tell Alex I just came down from seeing Mr. Dixon at the Kings and his papers have arrived from down east. Well, must say good bye trusting all are well. Love to all Your loving nephew, Louis * * * * Regina, Sask., Winter Fair Building, 29th Nov. 1917 Dear Aunt Lily, Received your letter from Calgary telling me of your big time and you can just imagine how I longed to be up there and am longing now. Well the time will soon be here, just twelve days before I leave to go to Penzie. Isn't she some girl! I knew you would like her, every one of you, even Alex who is hard to please sometimes. Penzie is just in love with all you folks. And Aunt Lily I want to thank you and John for the lovely time you gave her, and how an I ever going to thank for the lovely comforter and the towels and the silver dish. Oh "Aunt" Lily (there, I am going to cut out the Aunt too), you and John and little Jean have made Penzie and I very happy and I trust that you will soon have the chance to visit us in our little home and share with us the love and happiness that will ever be there. There, I don't suppose you ever thought me capable of writing such words. Next you see Penzie has just turned my heart upside down and has changed my life completely. Wasn't that a great "shower" of towels from the folks? Penzie wrote me about it and was awfully excited over it. Our plans are pretty well all made for our trip, etc. I went up to Moose Jaw, called on the Supt. C.A.R., got a pass for myself up to Calgary and one for "L.R.D. and wife" from Calgary to Vancouver and return to Regina. I am also getting a half fare on the boat to Victoria all of which will help considerably. I have been granted two weeks leave and am leaving here on Tuesday the 11th of Dec. We are being married in Penzie's church on the evening of the 12th and go on board our train right after. I have reserved a stateroom which will make our trip lovely and private. We do not expect to remain at the coast any longer than a week and have decided to return to our little home and spend the rest of my leave and Christmas together alone. It would have been nice to have got down to your place for Christmas but we both feel that we would like to be alone for this time. I cannot make any definite arrangements for New Years as yet. Yes, I received the butter and in lovely condition. Alex met one of my old battalion men and sent it down with him and now I want to know just how much I am indebted to you for it. I doubt if I will be able to get down to see you before going to Calgary for my Saturday afternoon and part of Sunday as well are taken up getting things in shape around the house and I will sure have it comfortable to bring my "wife" back to. I am having a man from the barracks here to look after the furnace when away. Now I must close for I have an appointment with the dentist up town and must beat it. Hoping you arrived home safely after your lovely trip. Penzie surely enjoyed your visit. Give my love to all. Your loving nephew, Lou * * * * * Regina, 10 Dec. 1917 Dear Aunt Lily I have your letter of the 2nd before me and have been wanting to answer it for some time, but as you can imagine between my army duties and keeping the home fires burning I have been a busy man. Even yesterday morning (Sunday) I got busy and washed up the bath room, dining room and kitchen floors and made a good job of it too, but I don't think I did wrong for it's all for the little girl away up in Calgary and I love her so. You start off in your letter " Well, Lou, you are the happy boy" and I sure am and Penzie is too. Words cannot express our happiness. Love is a wonderful thing, isn't it. And now I'm going to thank you and John for your very kind desire of wanting to send Penzie and me our first Christmas turkey. I wrote and told Penzie and she just thinks it's lovely of you folks. You have certainly been very good to us two. It will never be "me" any more for it will soon be "us" for ever and ever. It's only a couple of days now, or 48 hours from the very minute we are going to be married "9:30 p.m. Wednesday". I am packing up a few things in my kit bag tonight and am away to Calgary on #1 tomorrow morning at 10:30 which will arrive at Cal. 5:40 Wed. morning if on time. And Penzie is just going to do as you said for her to do, come down and meet me for we long very very much to meet again. And now about sending up the "Christmas turkey". We fully expect to be back here by about the 20th and if you send it so as to reach here by that date or the 21st we will be here to receive it. The first chance I get of a little leave again you may be sure to expect "us" down. And now bye-bye. I know you wish us the greatest happiness and I just hope we will be as happy as you and John are. Give my love to all. Your loving nephew, Lou * * * * France, Oct. 30th, 1918 Dear Lily, Your very welcome letter received and indeed glad to learn that Birdie and the children are well. It seems a long time since I have left home . I guess the children will not know me when I return. It looks as if the war will soon be over. I hope the powers that be will not let up until we have the great pleasure of destroying some of Germany's cities. However I do not think the Boche will ever let us do it. I have had a great time since July chasing the Huns. The only enjoyable time spent in France. I hope you are all well. Kind regards to all. Yours sincerely, Tom Leask * * * * * LETTERS FROM YELLOW GRASS MEN Portage La Prairie, Man., March 3rd, 1916 Mrs. Morrison, Just a few lines to thank you very much for the letter and photo, also Lena's note enclosed. That is a very good snapshot. Jean seems to have grown since I saw her last. I was sorry I did not see you all before I came down here. If I knew for sure when we are going overseas, would try and get a two weeks pass, and would come the Weyburn route to Regina, and call at Y.G. and Lang. The C.A.S.C. came through here Friday morning, had arranged to see Edgar at the station, but the train went through half an hour ahead of time, and missed seeing him. Had word they were all aboard yesterday morning. That is sure going some, in the time. Military life is not too bad, when one gets used to it. We get physical exercise everyday, and rifle drill, sometimes a 2 mile run for a change. The food is good considering there is so many to cook for. There are a pretty good behaved bunch of men here, they admit being a dry town has quite a bit to do with it. They held a C.M.R. concert last night, it was very good. Supposed to be the last before we go, the proceeds to go towards buying luxuries aboard ship. I have not had my photo taken yet, may be next week. Tell Lena will write to her later. Hoping this will find you all well as it leaves me at present. I remain yours etc. Harry Gwillim [Harry, Edgar & Kitty Gwillim were young English brothers & sister who had settled at Yellow Grass.] * * * * Reg. No. 511167 C.A.S.C., Training Depot, Shorncliffe, May 26th, 1916 Dear Friends; You will all think I am very mean not to have answered your letters before, to tell you the truth I never did as much writing before. That is the worst of having so many relations; it is very nice receiving letters but awfully hard for a soldier to answer them. I expect you have heard all about my trip over from Kitty. England looks to me just like a garden after the broad prairies, you would hardly know that there was a war on if it was not for so many soldiers. We are camped right on the sea shore close to Folkestone. Yesterday I saw three boats full of soldiers going to France. In the evening they came back loaded with wounded men & some were on leave. They were well guarded having six destroyers with them & air craft above. It is quite a sight to see those dirigibles flying along. They are something similar to the Zep. I think the British will soon be able to cope with them; the aeroplanes are very thick here guarding the channel. We have had the very best of weather since we arrived. I have had six days at home. I could not hardly realize I was there after staying away so long. Found them all looking well. Have not seen my sister at Bristol yet but expect to visit her tomorrow. Harry arrived here a week ago on the Olympic with 7,000 passengers. We are lucky to be so close together, in fact, he may transfer to the same unit. The 68th Batt from Regina are here also. It seem's like old times when we go around their camp to see the same faces. We have not done hardly any training yet so we don't expect to get to France for some time. I am not particular how long we stay here as we are having a swell time. We were living in huts at Bramshott, now we are in tents sleeping on the ground. It is alright so long as it keeps dry. They bake the bread in sod ovens & do all the cooking outside. We fall in like a lot of sheep & get our rations & then sit round the tent & eat it, that is if you are awfully hungry. Anyhow, we are getting fat on it, I weigh 10 lbs heavier now. The farmers here are getting very high prices for their stock & produce, eggs selling @ 8 for a shilling. They are having great trouble to find men to work the land; it is amusing to see women police & postwomen & I have seen them ploughing. I expect the men will have to cook when this war ends. They are also driving in the tube at London. I could tell you a whole lot more but I don't think you would be interested in it. Harry wishes to be remembered to you all & says to think you for your letters. He will write later. You will excuse me not writing to you separately. Thanking you for your letters, I remain Yours Sincerely, Edgar [Gwillim] * * * * Somerset Bks, Shorncliffe, Eng., July 16, 1916 Dear Friends, It's sometime ago since your letter, addressed to Portage just after we had left there, reached me. I have just heard from Alf Hill about the sad drowning of those two young fellows working for you, and the one being related too. Y.G. seems to have had a spell of bad luck all at once. Poor old Mr. Purrell doing away with himself, and one or two others. Well, since I have been here everything seems to have gone against me; have not had a pass to see my mother yet. I also managed to get a transfer to the A.S.C. with Edgar, but through some blunder it was thrown out again, and will have to start over again. I expect you have heard of my sea trip on the "Olympic", she is a monster carrying about 7,000 of us. If I ever get back west, it will be my last sea-trip, I am no sailor - was feeding the fishes all the way over. I think the war will be over by Xmas, and we will all be glad to get back to the land of the free once again. I expect you will have a big crop this year, lots of rain by all accounts in the Canadian papers. Everything is very dear over here now, especially meats, etc. - the principal ration seems to be fish. We have had lots of riding exercise since we came here; also sword exercise, and bomb throwing. This is a very fine camp overlooking the sea. One can hear the big guns booming on a calm day. I don't think that we will go just yet, they only send drafts at a time. Well, good-bye for now, with best wishes to all. I remain your sincere friend, Harry Gwillim P.S. Will be very pleased to a letter any time. [Stuart Bristow, John's second cousin; drowned in the dugout at Yellow Grass: letters from his brother Tom and mother Maggie appear later.] * * * * Camp Hughes, Manitoba, Oct. 2, 1916 My dear friend, I guess I will soon be on my way to fight for my country now, so I thought I would write a few lines before I left and also send my picture as promised. I am going over as a baker, so I am not quite sure whether I shall go with this bunch or with the army service corps, but I hope to go with the 195 Batt & there go into the bakery. I had my trial in the field bakery last Saturday and passed everything as a 1st class baker. I would have liked to come back to Yellow Grass to say goodbye with the boys, but I hardly thought it worth while to spend $20 just for one day down there. I am making $2.50 a day while I am baking down here but I don't know what the pay will be when I get on the other side. Here the A.S.C. pays $1.40 & then I get my regimental pay besides. I hate to leave the Yellow Grass boys but I guess I will have to do it. I will try & remember what you said about being a Christian Soldier & will always remember you & will try & lead a straight & better life. It seems to be harder to do that in this life than it was as a civilian. No one seems to care much what happens next & we're liable to get the same as no influence brought to bear to make us think otherwise, but a letter from you would help to remind me. Sometimes nearly all the boys are away on their last leave. We had a snowstorm last night & it is so cold now I can hardly write sitting in the tent with the writing paper on my knees, but I hope you will be able to read it, so think I will close. With love to all, Clarence L. Pullen One picture for you and one for Lena. I also enclose one picture for Mrs. J. Rooney. I believe they would not be so liable to get broken two or three together. You will have to decide among yourselves which ones you like best & you can give her the other one when you go to church next Sunday. [Clarence Pullen was another young settler from England. At the time he left for the war he was sweet on Lena.] * * * * Horse Transport, C.A.S.C., Depot 3, Witley Camp, Surrey, England, Oct. 3, 1916 Mr. John Morrison, Dear Friend, I am taking the pleasure of writing you a few lines. I believe it's your turn, as I wrote to Mrs. Morrison and Lena last. You will see from the above have been transferred since the middle of last August, and was sent up to this camp with a draft of 300, as Headquarters of the 5th Division forming here. It was an Imperial camp this summer and turned over to the Canadians, and is very modern, all huts lit up with electric lights - it's better than those dirty tents. This is a joke after the Calvary drill. Two drivers look after a team, and fatigue parties do the loading, just sit on the seat and drive, and are not allowed to overload more than a ton. We get first class food, the best I have had yet, but we have to work 7 days a week - no rest for the wicked. We get zeppelin raids pretty often, and get done out of a lot of sleep. This is no life for a minister's son, but I have a clean conduct sheet so far. It's going to make a lot of hobos after it's all over, I'm afraid. I think will have to hire a "fatigue" party to do the stooking when I get back to the farm. The Artillery has arrived here from Petewawa, it's surprising who one meets. I met George McEwen the other night. I hardly knew him, he had grown so. We are in the same camp, it's nice to meet someone from Y.G. George has gone on 6 days leave to London, and will see Horace. The poor kid he must feel lonesome all by himself and no one to see him. Edgar wrote me a letter from the front last week, not allowed to say much. We are lucky in a way to be in this, the artillery and Army service are the only mounted corps left now. The Calvary is a joke - they turned the "Fort Garry Horse" and Strathconas into infantry. Believe me, my names rider every time. I have been home and seen all my relations. The farms look pretty, but it's sure on a small scale after those mile stretches of wheat. They wanted to know all about the West. They don't mention war much, they are all sick of it. I believe it will drag on another winter yet. It's surprising how the Germans hold out. But we have nothing to grumble about at this camp. We are liable to be here till spring. I have given up trying to get with Edgar. I knew quite a few in his bunch. This last week struck another good job looking after two saddle horses, and keep the bridles and saddles clean. Am through at noon, and go exercise riding in the afternoon. It's not too bad, a dollar a day. Of course this army life gets monotonous at the very best, and I don't recommend it for a living. Sorry to hear the rust damaged the wheat. It must have been general all over Sask. Such a good price too. Excuse this poor writing but my pen is very bad for one thing. Must close now, give my kind regards to Mrs. Morrison and Jean, and Lena from your sincerely. Harry Gwillim * * * * Napsbury, Dec. 15/16 Mr. Dear Mr & Mrs Morrison and Lena; Some heading to a letter eh. You see I want you to know that I'm writing to all of you. It does my little heart good the way my friends are remembering me. It's rather hard to write to three people at once but I'll do the best I can. I received a dandy little parcel from the Y.G. Patriotic Aid Society, cocoa, chocolate, cigarettes, chewing gum, handkerchiefs, etc., etc. Our favourite nurse swipes milk and makes cocoa for us with it. They are going to put a plaster cast on my leg tomorrow, so I will be up the next day. I'll be mighty glad too you may be sure. It's eighteen weeks ago last night since I left Ypres on a stretcher, and it's a long time when you have to lay in bed and gaze at the ceiling. I was up for a week and a half, during the afternoons, late in October. I can get into more trouble in half an hour up, than I could in a week in bed. I like England in the summer time, but oh nix, nix, nix, on their winters. Just think, the natives of this measly island never saw a hockey match, and don't know any thing about the joys of sleigh ride parties and all those things that make life worth living. And then when any argument starts, it's the Canadian winters that they bawl out. Our dear old Canadian winters. Say when I get back to God's country I'll appreciate it in a way I never did before. George was up to see me last Sunday and we had a great old talk of course. He doesn't expect to go to France till about Feb. 1st. I just had a letter from "Piffles" Taylor, saying that he would be up to see me this Sunday. He is in the R.F.C. at Denham, only sixteen miles from here, and has been to see me before. I have had letters from several of the boys in the new batt'ns since they arrived in France; Lovell Davidson, Howard Hay, Warner Williams, Nelson Hill, etc. The English people have been very depressed over the war situation the last few weeks, part of it is a natural reaction after the high spirits that went with the September successes, partly Rumania, and partly by the trouble in the Imperial cabinet. It seed like a final realization of the extent of task that strafing the Hun comprises. The Kaiser's peace proposal is not taken very seriously around here, but by this time next year most people expect him to be making more satisfactory ones. Well, I guess it's too late to wish you a Merry Christmas but it may get to you before New Year, so I hope you consider your New Year's resolutions carefully. With best wishes to you all, including Jean. Sincerely, Horace McEwen (Horace McEwen lived on the neighbouring farm. Although he returned from the war, his brother George - referred to in the letter - did not. "Piffles" Taylor was shot down and a prisoner of war for 15 months in Germany; returned, finished University and ran the Drake Hotel in Regina - Taylor Field in Regina was named after him. The others mentioned are also Yellow Grass area) * * * * Somewhere in France, 15/1/17 Dear Friends, Was very pleased to receive parcel from you yesterday & everything was O.K. I read the passages indicated in the testament & will try to think of them in the mix up. I am reading a little of it every day. I also have one from the Women's Auxiliary, 195 Batt, so I carry one in the right pocket of my tunic & one in the left. I suppose it will be pretty hard to get farm help in the west this spring. I guess we won't be back in time for seeding but hope to be back for harvest. I regret to say we cannot give you very much news from over here on account of a strict censorship but we will have all the more to tell when we come back if that is possible. In my family there are just six, all boys & all in uniform, so I think we have done pretty good. One of my brothers got the military cross the other day, he has been out here 18 months & has never been injured yet & he has been through some of the worst of it. He is coming back to Yellow Grass with me when it is over. I believe Lena must have helped make the candy, it was certainly good. It kind of set me thinking of days gone by. Who is working the other place where Les used to be. I read of the motor accident in the Y.G. paper. Sincerely hope John is better. Our batt. has one of the best fighting records among the Canadians up to the present so we have something to keep up and we will keep it up some way. My address is: 908046 102nd Batt, C.E.F., France. I guess you know we have been here nearly 2 months so are getting climatised by this time. I can stand it a good deal better than when we first came out. Well I guess I must close. With kind regards to all, Yours very sincerely, Clarence L. Pullen * * * * 15th Brigade, C.E.F., Army Post Office, London , Jan. 17th, 1917 To Mr and Mrs Morrison, Just a few lines to thank you all very much for the parcel which arrived in good shape. It was a surprise to me. The home made candy tasted good, and will find the other stuff very useful. I also notice some peanuts from Jean, she has not forgotten me. You will see from the above have changed my address, the C.A.S.C. has all been split up and sent away in drafts. We are going to reinforce the fourth division where Edgar is, and I thought it would be a good chance to see him again. It's 12 months ago since I enlisted and have not had too bad a time, but expect it will be pretty rough out in France, and will likely get over the beginning of Feb. I hope this awful war will be over this coming summer. Everybody is getting sick of the monotony of it. It's lasting too long to suit the most of us. The food question is getting very serious now; the Submarine menace makes things worse. It would not be a bad idea if they had "prohibition"; they are talking of taking over government control. The drink is a great hindrance to finishing the war, and it has ruined a lot of young fellows in this army life. Well, I have been in four different units and 1/2 dozen different camps, and I never met a steadier bunch of fellows than these artillery boys. This battery is from Vancouver Island, the 60th (Regina) Battery is here with us. George McEwen is in another a few huts away from me. I Think George is like myself, won't be sorry when its all over, and get back to the wheat country. I was very pleased to hear that your crops turned out so good, especially Rosetown district. Farming is pretty interesting now wheat is 2 dollars a bushel. This soldier's life is a bankruptcy job after farming, but this won't last for ever. This will be the biggest battle ever fought in history this coming spring, and Britain is prepared to lose a million men, and the boys are all anxious to be there for the big drive as soon as spring shows up. Will good bye for now, am just off to bed, I remain Yours sincerely, Harry Gwillim * * * * Granville Can. Spl. Hosp., Chatham Annex, Ramsgate, England, 13/5/17 Dear Friends, I received a letter from you today that was mailed in Toronto on Jan 3rd, so it took quite a little time to get here but better late than never. I am pleased to hear you are all so & sincerely hope you all enjoyed your winter's vacation. I guess you will probably have heard by now that I was wounded. I got hit at Vimy Ridge on April 9th. I got a big piece of shrapnel through my left arm & it was so badly smashed up it had to be taken off just above the elbow, but I am pleased to say it has healed up & is better now. I am going before a board tomorrow so I shall most likely be back in Canada before very long, two or three months. It is kind of hard losing an arm, I would rather it had been a leg, but the fortunes of war left me no choice. But it is no use crying over spilt milk & I have seen fellows worse off over here. I do not get my artificial limb until I get back to Toronto so I guess I shall be there for a couple of weeks or maybe more. The Canadians have had some heavy casualty lists lately but we had a pretty stiff mix up on the 9th. We had quite a little fun that day too, that is, if you could see the funny side of it. I did, but I will tell you more about that some day in the near future. I have been in a hospital in the north of England until 3 days ago, but I am now on the south coast of England, at an old castle, at the address quoted & it is very nice down here. But I like the people in the northern part the best; we could distinctly hear them bombarding Zeebrugge today. It shook the windows around here a little. Well, I think that is all this time, will send a card when I get to Toronto. Hope all are quite well. Yours sincerely, Pte. C.L. Pullen 908046 * * * * France, Aug. 19,1918 Dear Friend, It must be three months ago now since I received your most welcome letter, and intended to answer long before this, but we only get a green envelope twice a month and I reserved this one for you. Its not much use trying to write with a plain one owing to the censor. I expect you people in Canada would be more than pleased with the war news lately about the Spring drive. The Canadians were all on the Arras front until we received sudden orders to entrain for Amiens, and it's no secret to tell you that whole Canadian corps were here and took part in the most successful battle ever fought on the Western front. Considering the magnitude of the operation, the casualties were slight as they advanced so quick the first two days. This unit the army trench mortars were to have been in action but we couldn't keep pace with the tank and field artillery, and we had a fine time following up. I shall never forget the preparations the day before, it was a sight to see the masses of infantry, cavalry, artillery and Tank Corps all ready to go over the top. The excitement was intense when the barrage lifted and away they went, all you have read is quite true as we were over the same ground a few hours later. It was great fun seeing the Hun prisoners coming down in thousands, some of them speak perfect English and said they were taken by surprise, didn't even know the Canadians were on the front. They seem glad to get captured except those Prussian officers, with the boys poking fun at their "goose step walk", which included a couple of generals. This is a fine part of the country we are in now and Amiens is a fine city, something similar to the Western cities with the Avenues and Boulevards with rows of trees down the main streets. The cathedral is a grand piece of architecture and is only slightly damaged with shell fire, and the people are beginning to come back to live already. It was a deserted place a week ago when I was riding through it. There is no doubt the Hun is going back for good this time. He's further away from Paris now than he ever was, and we certainly have a fine commander in Marshall Foch. He's another Napoleon alright on strategy. They should have had him in command before this, and everybody out here has more confidence now and I never saw the morale and enthusiasm better than it is today even after 4 years of warfare. If the Germans are foolish enough to prolong this another winter, you'll see the Allies signing peace in Berlin before another year is passed. I hope to see the day our artillery will have the pleasure of destroying some of his own country beyond the Rhine, they deserve all they get. But as for starving them out we never will. The prisoners had the appearance of being well fed, but their rations are not as good as ours. We have had splendid food lately. I hope they keep it up. We very rarely get any hard tack biscuits. Judging by the ground we captured they must be short of forage and grain in Germany, they had grazed the standing crop down to the ground, as bald as a summer fallow. This has been real open warfare alright. It's a sight to see all the guns wheel for wheel blazing away out in the open and no cover. I was up alongside some 60 pounder batterys and the ground fairly shook with the concussion, it does one good to see the way our gunners are surely but slowly pounding him back. His observation is very poor, sending his shells wide of the mark all the time. Our air superiority accounts for it I suppose, but he certainly does do some damage at night with his bombing squadrons, and we lose lots of horses and some casualties, we have to dig in at nights for protection from his daisy cutter spring bombs. I don't mind a shell but I'm off those deadly bombs. Have lots more to say but have forgotten at present. I haven't seen any Yellow Grass boys lately. Edgar is around here somewhere but haven't seen him for over three months. Had a letter from Regina last week saying the crops were poor in places, but the Soo Line was pretty good as usual and am glad to hear it. Y.G. can generally hold her own on a dry year. Farming would look good to me just now for a change, but I've had a fairly good time out here up to now, and expect to get leave in Sept if nothing happens. Excuse this scrawl, am writing this on an old soap box. Remember me to all the family. Will close for now. I remain Yours sincerely, Harry Gwillim * * * * * (postcard to John Morrison) 4 Divisional Cyclists, #6 Platoon, Exhibition Camp, Toronto, Apr. 18, 1916 Just a little note to let you know I am still in Toronto. I just got out of hospital after six weeks of measles. I am feeling good now, though I had an inoculation today and am sore and stiff. We are under orders to leave for overseas any moment. With best regards to Mrs. Morrison. Alex * * * * * * * Bramshott Camp, June 13, 1916 Dear Mrs. Morrison, Tuesday evening and before "lights out": I am going to answer your very welcome letter of May 7th. I only received it last week, so you see it has taken quite a long while to reach me, for I was in England when your letter was posted. We left Toronto Tuesday evening, April 25th, arriving in Halifax Thursday evening, Ap. 27th, but did not go on board our transport, The Olympic, till the forenoon of the next day. We remained in Halifax till Monday, May 1st, when we lifted anchor arriving in Liverpool the afternoon of May 6th, after an uneventful and a most enjoyable trip. The fact that we were on such a fine boat made it so. We had between six and seven thousand troops on board and with such a large boat it never seemed very crowded. Two destroyers met us the North of Ireland, and only with us for twelve hours before landing. There were two big guns on The Olympic, and four machine guns always ready for action in case of a submarine attack which never came. From Liverpool we were taken to Chiseldon Camp, the training centre for all Divisional Cyclists, which is situated near Swindon in the south of England, in a very picturesque part. The country certainly looked good on our way to camp, for everything was so green, and such fine scenery. The country is just one immense park. The farms are all divided into fields by hedges, never fences, even the roads have hedges along the sides, which certainly makes the country look good. We were only a couple of days in camp when we all got six days leave. Of course most of us having no friends here, we went to London. We certainly had a fine time, but found six days was not a sufficient time to see London in. It has many fine buildings, and parks are quite numerous. While in London I stayed at the Maple Leaf Club which is just opposite Hyde Park, one of the finest parks in the city, and only about fifteen minutes walk from Trafalgar Square, the central part of the city. One could hardly realize in London that there was a war on for business and pleasure seem to go on the same, but at night it became to dawn upon you that something was wrong, for then the city is in darkness with large search lights playing over the city from time to time. On returning back to camp, I was one of seven chosen from our platoon to fill some vacancies in the 4th Division cyclists, so consequently was moved to Bramshott which is the training centre for the 4th Division. We came here on May the 24th, and since then all divisional mounted troops have been disbanded with, so without an option we were all drafted into the 74th Batt. which is a Toronto regiment and has recently sent a draft to the front. We expect to be here awhile yet before going to France but one can never tell. About twenty five hundred soldiers left here last week, and by all reports an equal number are going this week. They seem to be rushing the troops to the front very quickly at present and I am sure we all hope that a final drive will soon take place. The Canadians have been getting it pretty hard lately, as the Germans seem to be concentrating their forces on the Canadian front. The Russians are certainly gaining ground these days by all reports. We have a very fine camp here, situated in one of the highish parts of England. It is forty miles north of Portsmouth and about seventy miles South-West of London. We have huts which hold thirty men each, with electric lighting, and a splendid water system through out the camp. There are quite a number of stores here, Y.M.C.A. huts, canteens, Salvation Army quarters, a cinema or picture show, bath houses, which all tend to make camp life very comfortable. I must thank you for sending your sister's address, and too bad that I left Toronto so soon. No doubts your nephew tried to look me up at the Exhibition but found that I had left, so when you write them Mrs. Morrison, you can explain the circumstances and that I would very much liked to have called on them. I read the account of your nephew's casualty in the paper before leaving and hope that he is quite well again. As it is near bed time and about all I have to say so will have to close. With best regards to yourself & Mr. Morrison — Your sincere friend Alex B. Sinclair * * * * * * * Less than 3 months later, on September 5, 1916, Pte. A. B. Sinclair, of the 87th Battalion, C.E.F., was killed in action at St. Eloi. [The Sinclair boys were nephews of Bill Jones & Ed Jones of Yellow Grass. They used to come back to Yellow Grass to visit their uncle's homes.} * * * * * * WORLD WAR I - MORRISON FAMILY LETTERS * * * * Islington, Ont., Nov. 26, 1916 Dear Folks, ....... She misses Mr. Whitlock, there is so much fixing up to do at a new place and no man to do anything. You cannot get a man now for love or money. Every one is in the same fix and all the cry is for more men for king and country. If the war lasts much longer we will be bankrupt, if there doesn't be a change soon. I hear Streights sends ten pounds of eatables every week to Everest. The food he gets in Germany isn't fit for to live on; rye bread he can't eat, other things inferior. It's not much fun to be a prisoner in Germany. Our town is nice and quite now - never see a drunk man, not even Arthur Wood that was such a topper; and our butcher, he was a terror for drink, he is doing a fine business - looks a different man altogether. That is so much for Islington. Well, Lily, you do manage well to do so much good work - getting parcels ready to send to the boys at the front. I haven't even knit one pair of sox this summer. I think I played myself out last year. My eyes can't stand the strain of knitting; I have to watch my needles. Some can knit without looking at it, I can't........ Good Bye, with Love to all From Mother [Letter from Mary (Coulter) Morrison, to her son John, his wife Lily, and daughter Jean Reche.] * * * * Glenwilliams, July 2, 1917 Dear Lily & John, I have not been very prompt this time at answering your letter have I; and I wonder why for your letters are so very comforting Lily. I love to get them. I am glad last week is over. I lived it all over again, only worse I think. It seems to me I have just woke up to the reality of it and such a longing comes over me to see him come racing in, so full of life or energy, but I don't want to murmur and I won't. It was kind of you Lily to send money for flowers. I bought a whole armful of cut flowers, peonies & carnations, and took them down yesterday and covered his grave, with your & John's card on it. I had enough left to buy some kind of a plant too, I will get a lily of some kind that will stay in the ground. We have just got the plot fixed up. ..... Tom is in England, and I don't think he likes it very well, although he writes very cheerfully to me. I will send you his address if you care to write him. Has your brother been in the trenches yet Lily? The war does not look much better does it....... My love to Jean & Lena, Yours lovingly, Maggie [Maggie was a first cousin of John Morrison. The death referred to was that of her son, Stuart Bristow, who drowned a year earlier at John's farm. Following letters are from Tom Bristow.] * * * * No. 249 996, Somewhere in France, March 5th, 1918 Dear Cousin, Just a few lines to let you know I am in the best of health, hoping this will find you all the same. I am up at the line now and a pleasant place it is. There is quite a lot of mud and it makes it awkward walking in the dark when in no man's land. I am sleeping in an old German dugout, it is pretty warm and comfortable. Please excuse writing as I am laying down for we haven't any writing tables or such luxuries, though the Hun had electric lights but destroyed the apparatus when he was driven out. And rats are plentiful around here. Well, what kind of a winter had you out there. They say there was plenty of snow. Well as it is near time to go on a working party as we work at night here, I will close for this time. Hoping to hear from you soon. My address is 58 Can. Batt. B Co. 5 Platoon, B.E.F., France. With love to all, I remain Yours sincerely, Tom * * * * Somewhere in France, Apr. 22nd, 1918 Dear Cousin, I wrote you quite a while ago and I thought it was about time I was writing again. I am a very poor letter writer and I don't fancy the job very much. Well, I am still in the best of health; hoping this will find you all the same. We are having pretty fair weather now, thought it was pretty wet till a week ago. Well, things go on about the same as usual and there isn't much to tell you. We are in a cellar of an old French town, the rest of the building is level with the ground. It seems a pity, the town and cities are all smashed up. Nothing remains but a pile of brick and stone. I have just finished my supper. It consisted of bully beef and hard tack. It is a good job I haven't got false teeth. Though we get fed pretty fair. Well, how are the fall crops after the severe winter. I hear they are pretty short of farmers now. I suppose wages will be pretty high too. Well, I think I have written enough for this time. I Will close. Give my love to Mrs. Morrison and Jean. I remain, Your loving cousin, Tom * * * * Somewhere in France, May 16, 1918 Dear Cousin, Received your box a few days ago and it was appreciated very much. You can't tell how glad we are to get parcels from home and I thank you all very much. I am keeping pretty well at present. I was in the hospital with a touch of gas but am feeling fine again. Hoping this will find you all the same. We are having a rest now and we are having fine weather for it too. We are in a town and the French people use us fine. The Fritz lets us know there is a war on occasionally. Well as there is never any news in this country to tell, I will close for this time with love to all. I remain Your loving cousin ,Tom * * * * Somewhere in France, July 14th, 1918 Dear Cousin, Just a few lines to let you know I am in the land of the living and enjoying the best of health, hoping this will find you all the same. I am back in the trenches again after two months out on rest. It's a lot easier in the trenches than doing peace time soldiering as so far as rest is concerned, we get more in the trenches. It's trying on the nerves dodging shell. The party I was in last night had seven wounded. It's only once in a while he ever makes a direct hit. The weather is ideal, we just have enough rain to keep the dust down. Well I suppose help is pretty scarce in Canada. I see by the paper the farmers are putting up an awful kick. But I guess it isn't much use now. Well, there is never much news to tell, so I will close for this time. Give my love to Mrs Morrison and Jean. I remain Yours sincerely, Tom * * * * B.E.F., France, 18/9/1918 Dear Cousin, Received your welcome letter dated Aug the 11th a few days ago and was glad to hear you were all well as this leaves me the same at present. I have had a pretty trying and exciting time of it lately, of course. You see by the papers what we are doing and know more about the war than we do, as we get very little news here. The Yanks are certainly doing good work, if they keep it up the war won't last long. The weather has been fine and dandy. It is just beginning to get wet now. I hope it stays dry for another month. Well as news is rather scarce I will close for this time. With love to all, Yours as ever, Tom P.S. Please excuse scribbling.