Transcription
[Front of envelope]
“On Active Service”
[Stamp]
Montreal P.O.
Jan 16
12:30 ON
1917
[Stamp]
[illegible] ELD POST OFFICE [illegible]
2N X
[Postage stamp]
CANADA POSTAGE
1T [abbreviated: War Tax] ￠[abbreviated: cent]
2 Two Cents 2
Mrs. Jas. Stewart,
Richmond,
Ont. [abbreviated: Ontario]
Canada.
[Stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR
699
“Via Ottawa”
[Back of envelope]
Jan 17 17 [abbreviated: January 17, 1917]
ONT [abbreviated: Ontario]
[Page 1 of 5]
Somewhere,
In France,
Jan. 14/17. [abbreviated: January 14, 1917]
Dear Mother
Just a few lines to let you know I rec’d [abbreviated: received] the parcel containing the fountain pen + ink which I was certainly glad to receive, of course the eatables were also good. The canned chicken you mentioned in one of your letters I haven’t yet received, but chances are good yet, as I didn’t expect to get the sweater nor boots.
We haven’t been getting many letters lately for what reason I don’t know, mostly get them in bunches. The boots are very nice hardly coarse enough for the trenches, of course, when going right into the front line we put on those long rubber hip boots on account of the mud.
(2)
This is sunday evening, we had a short service this morning in the Y. [abbreviated: Young Men’s Christian Association] where I am now, those Y.M.C.a’s [abbreviated: Young Men’s Christian Association] are certainly a good thing for soldiers. You don’t forget me in the parcel line, Charlie Harbon said to tell you that was good cake, he is a good aged man + a good natured comical old fellow, is always a great friend of mine.
Sid + Ervie are now back in company again all these different details are being sent back to their companies, there is to be a reorganization of all battalions. Had a card from Earl the other saying he was doing fine + had gone into a convalescent home, he says it takes his mail as long to reach him there as it those [spelling error: does] us here. We are still expecting to get our furloughs, hear we will in a month or so, I think it is
(3)
the transportation that is keeping them back. Did I ever tell you of receiving the dollar you sent some time ago it came in very good as there are little Y’s [abbreviation: Youth Men’s Christian Association] even up quite close to the line. Haven’t seen the Rev. [abbreviated: Reverend] Stacey for some time he is now Colonel, being head chaplain of the Canadian Forces.
I suppose you are having pretty frosty weather around Rich. [abbreviated: Richmond] now, the weather here is very damp + miserable. When we are out of the line like this they have different concerts in these Y’s [abbreviation: Youth Men’s Christian Association] the lads of the different battalions get them up. On this front we go in for six days out three days then in for six more, out for six days this time I think. Have the 207th left Ottawa yet? I guess they won’t until spring. How is Eric + Channon I have never got writing them, it is so hard to write everybody.
(4)
Mrs. Brown must of [spelling error: have] been in a stew when she heard that false report about Ervie. You never want to believe half the reports you hear. One of the Carp lads had the Carp Review with his picture in it telling of his wound, it was only a mere scratch on the side of his face. Did any of them get the souvenirs I sent before Xmas [abbreviated: Christmas]. The district we are now is a very hilly rather mountainous country. I would like to get a snap of the horses on the furse, they be in good condition now, how is George getting along at school? he will want to keep going as steady as possible. If I do happen to get a furlough I hardly just know where to go can go anywhere in the British Isles. There is such a noise going on in these crowded hut that it is almost impossible to write. There is now great talk of peace but I rather
(5)
think it will awhile for them to come to terms. There doesn’t seem to be any limit to this war Fritz seems to have plenty ammunition yet. They certainly had a well organized army. There is always too much going on to be lonesome I hope you are not worrying or any of you as it does no good. Got that snap of Wilsie + the baby, I like to get any snaps from Rich. [abbreviated: Richmond].
I guess school will have started again, does Evyleen keep at the studies as good as ever, I know Ivy is good at it, has she got started on skates yet? What kind of health is Pa having? If not getting mail regularly don’t worry, because it is only at times I can write I also send some field cards.
With Love To All.
Sefton.Language
English
