Transcription
[Front of Envelope]
Mrs: James. Stewart
Richmond, West.
Ontario, Canada.
[Back of Envelope]
Anderson’s Hotel,
Melrose, N.B. [abbreviated: New Brunswick]
[Page 1 of 6]
Y.M.C.A.
On Active Service
WITH THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
Some Where In France
Sept. 12/16 [abbreviated: September 12, 1916]
Dear Mother
Have at last got started to write, received several letters from around home, but didn’t get a chance to answer them, also got the three parcels which are certainly nice to get here.
We are now in a camp a piece out of the trenches, were in them for two weeks and are going back in Fri [abbreviated: Friday] night I hear, anyway I would just as leave be in the trenches as here, because we don’t get any more rest. when out.
(2)
I am that sleepy at present that I can hardly write, besides it is too dark. You told me in your letter that Grandpa came down, well I wrote answered his letter quite a while ago. This is certainly a beautiful country it being too bad to have it all cut up as it is. The lads are all fine, but I think have gotten somewhat thiner [spelling error: thinner].
Everything is going as well as could be expected, we have had a few more wounded but A co. [abbreviated: company] especially has got off lucky.
(3)
When first intering [spelling error: entering] the trenches which was one Sunday night, it was very wet, making everything miserable, but when the weather is suitable it is all right. It is something awful the work that has to be put on a trench to keep it in proper condition. It is thought by some of the people the war will be over by Xmas [abbreviated: Christmas], but it is hard to say, I suppose you were surprised when hearing of us being in France, this is the only address we are allowed to give, our own officers are now censoring the letters.
(4)
Got word from Clystal a while ago saying she intended to go to Toronto, but afterwards she said she had changed her mind. I guess George is now enjoying himself at the Ottawa fair, I hope he does well with the horses did Frank Tierney go down this year.
In a letter which I received from you this evening you mentioned us being in France, you don’t want to worry as there is no use or need for it, we are just as well here as any where [spelling error: anywhere] else.
(5)
How did Da and George get along at the harvest, I suppose it wasn’t quite as heavy as the hay crop, but Clystal me of you getting 1st. [abbreviated: first] prize on the six acre field, that was fine. Did you ever receive my old 77 [illegible] badges that I sent from Bramshott. School will now be started again Evyleen will be at work again, George will want to start as soon as possible. You never heard what Batt. [abbreviated: Battery] Hugh Ramesay was in. I would like to meet him.
(6)
Today we were issued with the new lee-enfield rifle, which is much better and handier than the big e Ross [abbreviated: Model E Ross Rifle]. I hear Eric Neelin and a few other of the lads have gone west, he is a lucky lad, how is the 207th getting along? I expect they will send a draft order soon. How is Charlie making it go? We are soon getting issued with trousers I hear, are now wearing our fatigue pants. Will write soon again.
Best Love To All
Sefton.Language
English
