Orillia
Dear mother and sister
Just a line I may be home on Saturday. I can just spare a dollar, maybe it will help you a little bit. I am going out to league now, you want to write a little oftener it is a good practice. I have got to write Clarence and Eda tomorrow. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
May 30
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well as I am feeling fine. But I expect to be kept up here in the hospital for fourteen more days anyways. I guess about the time you get this letter I will be on my pass. I don’t just know where I am going yet. Well I think our mail must have went to the bottom of the ocean. This is the fifth letter I have wrote to you.
There has not been any Canadian mail come in for us yet, only what was here before we came. It seems a long time to do without mail but it was just what I was hoping for I will be getting this spring, mail next winter. Well how are you making farming going. Tough enough I suppose. Well this is a good place to save money. The last pay I got was the first of May. 5 dollars and I have a few cents yet. I guess I won’t get paid till I go on pass now. And I don’t want any till then. I want to save a bit if I can, there is nothing to spend it on here and I am glad of it.
How is Ada. I just wish I could go for a drive with her this evening. I will be able to tell you lots after I come off pass. How is you and the garden coming on. Do you ever see Bud. Tell him to write, it will get here some time. Any garden parties or picnics around Moonstone, I suppose you will take in the 12 of July in V. Harbour. I bet there will be a good time. Well you want to get hold of some good strawberries for I expect to be back to help eat them before next year. Did you get many potatoes in I guess not. It will be just as well any way there is a lot of work preparing them. Well I guess I will have to close for this time. It is supper time and the nurse wants me to help her to carry the meals around, eggs and strawberries and bread and butter for supper and a cup of good tea. Well I must ring off. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xx
I hope this letter will find you well as I am feeling fine. But I expect to be kept up here in the hospital for fourteen more days anyways. I guess about the time you get this letter I will be on my pass. I don’t just know where I am going yet. Well I think our mail must have went to the bottom of the ocean. This is the fifth letter I have wrote to you.
There has not been any Canadian mail come in for us yet, only what was here before we came. It seems a long time to do without mail but it was just what I was hoping for I will be getting this spring, mail next winter. Well how are you making farming going. Tough enough I suppose. Well this is a good place to save money. The last pay I got was the first of May. 5 dollars and I have a few cents yet. I guess I won’t get paid till I go on pass now. And I don’t want any till then. I want to save a bit if I can, there is nothing to spend it on here and I am glad of it.
How is Ada. I just wish I could go for a drive with her this evening. I will be able to tell you lots after I come off pass. How is you and the garden coming on. Do you ever see Bud. Tell him to write, it will get here some time. Any garden parties or picnics around Moonstone, I suppose you will take in the 12 of July in V. Harbour. I bet there will be a good time. Well you want to get hold of some good strawberries for I expect to be back to help eat them before next year. Did you get many potatoes in I guess not. It will be just as well any way there is a lot of work preparing them. Well I guess I will have to close for this time. It is supper time and the nurse wants me to help her to carry the meals around, eggs and strawberries and bread and butter for supper and a cup of good tea. Well I must ring off. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xx
May 26
Moore Barracks Hospital, Shorncliffe
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you both well. I have got the mumps at last and they sent me up here to the hospital on Wednesday the 23rd and believe me, I have lots of company here with me. I am not at all sick but they keep me in bed until today. I am up around, there is not a bit the matter with me. I had a mighty slight touch of mumps. But I expected that they will keep us here for twenty one days anyways. Anything that is contagious they have to keep you so long. But I am sure I be quite satisfied if I had to stay here for two months. I bet if I told you what all we got to eat here you would not believe me. I get chicken, eggs, good beef, fried potatoes. And lots of milk. Oh anything you want I just finished eating a big apple.
Well I did not get my letter finished yesterday. I started fooling with some other fellows and did not get time to finish it. I feel as large as life. I am getting outside today. Well this is Sunday May the 27th and a dandy day it is too. This is some hospital over two thousand people in it. But you know not all mumps. A lot of crippled soldiers. Some shell shocked.
Well how goes farming, which of you acts as teamster. I would like to be watching you trying to plough the garden. I bet you would not plough much. How is Ada, no little colt yet. Where is she pasturing.
Have you seen anything of Alex’s lately do they be down I hope they are well. I for one think that I should have gone up to seen Allie the last pass I had. I could have went up on the train. He maybe thinking I wasn’t wanting to, for I had promised him to go up. But when I get back I will often go to see him, and if I know their address I would write to them. I bet young Roy is making things fly this spring. I hope Annie is better.
Well there has been no Canadian mail come to us yet. Only some which had been over here before we came. There was three letters for me, one from V. Harbour, and two from Orillia with some snaps in it. How is everybody around Moonstone. I suppose they often be asking if you have word from me. I hear they are going to get Conscription in Canada. Is it right? I bet that will get some of them going, a lot of cold feet. Ha. Ha. It will take some socks for them.
Well how did you spend the 24th of May. I spent it in the hospital in bed that day. I mind where I spend it a year ago, it was my last day home on the spring furlough and I was to a box social at Rosemount that night. They have some pretty looking little towns here. I will be able to tell you more when I get my pass. I don’t know where I am going yet but I want to see some of the boys from home. They will be looking for me.
Well it will soon be two months since I was home and it only seems like two weeks to me. We have been seeing so much, it has been taking up the time. Has any of Uncle Tom’s ever been up, and do you ever hear from Aunt Maggie or Aunt Harriet. Say if you want to see some good flower gardens you should just come over here. I seen a lot coming from the camp up to the hospital.
Well I don’t know what they are going to do with our Battn. I understand that us machine gun fellows is going to a school near London. Well I must ring off. My address here is Moore Barracks Hospital, Shorncliffe. But I will be out of here before you get this letter. Well now don’t you worry about me for I am alright and have the best of care. Putting in a gay time. Well must close, bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you both well. I have got the mumps at last and they sent me up here to the hospital on Wednesday the 23rd and believe me, I have lots of company here with me. I am not at all sick but they keep me in bed until today. I am up around, there is not a bit the matter with me. I had a mighty slight touch of mumps. But I expected that they will keep us here for twenty one days anyways. Anything that is contagious they have to keep you so long. But I am sure I be quite satisfied if I had to stay here for two months. I bet if I told you what all we got to eat here you would not believe me. I get chicken, eggs, good beef, fried potatoes. And lots of milk. Oh anything you want I just finished eating a big apple.
Well I did not get my letter finished yesterday. I started fooling with some other fellows and did not get time to finish it. I feel as large as life. I am getting outside today. Well this is Sunday May the 27th and a dandy day it is too. This is some hospital over two thousand people in it. But you know not all mumps. A lot of crippled soldiers. Some shell shocked.
Well how goes farming, which of you acts as teamster. I would like to be watching you trying to plough the garden. I bet you would not plough much. How is Ada, no little colt yet. Where is she pasturing.
Have you seen anything of Alex’s lately do they be down I hope they are well. I for one think that I should have gone up to seen Allie the last pass I had. I could have went up on the train. He maybe thinking I wasn’t wanting to, for I had promised him to go up. But when I get back I will often go to see him, and if I know their address I would write to them. I bet young Roy is making things fly this spring. I hope Annie is better.
Well there has been no Canadian mail come to us yet. Only some which had been over here before we came. There was three letters for me, one from V. Harbour, and two from Orillia with some snaps in it. How is everybody around Moonstone. I suppose they often be asking if you have word from me. I hear they are going to get Conscription in Canada. Is it right? I bet that will get some of them going, a lot of cold feet. Ha. Ha. It will take some socks for them.
Well how did you spend the 24th of May. I spent it in the hospital in bed that day. I mind where I spend it a year ago, it was my last day home on the spring furlough and I was to a box social at Rosemount that night. They have some pretty looking little towns here. I will be able to tell you more when I get my pass. I don’t know where I am going yet but I want to see some of the boys from home. They will be looking for me.
Well it will soon be two months since I was home and it only seems like two weeks to me. We have been seeing so much, it has been taking up the time. Has any of Uncle Tom’s ever been up, and do you ever hear from Aunt Maggie or Aunt Harriet. Say if you want to see some good flower gardens you should just come over here. I seen a lot coming from the camp up to the hospital.
Well I don’t know what they are going to do with our Battn. I understand that us machine gun fellows is going to a school near London. Well I must ring off. My address here is Moore Barracks Hospital, Shorncliffe. But I will be out of here before you get this letter. Well now don’t you worry about me for I am alright and have the best of care. Putting in a gay time. Well must close, bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
May 20
Otterpool Camp, England
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you in the best of health and getting along fine. This is my third letter since landing but you know that there is so many ships sunk, I wanted to make sure you got one. We arrived here safe last Monday, May 14th and do you know I never was a bit sick all the way over. I enjoyed the trip fine.
We are quarantined in here for mumps. I have not got them but I don’t know how I have missed them. Soon as we get out of our quarantine we are going to be moved to another camp, I expect that the Machine G.S. will be going to a camp near London and the rest is going to West Sandling camp it is only three miles from here.
England is quite a spot but I prefer Canada. Things seem too old fashioned here. I hope we will soon get our pass. We will have a few pretty good days then. I haven’t spent much money since I left. I bought a piece of cake once and a while, things are too dear over here. I will make up for it when I go on my pass. It is no trick to count English money. I have seen a few fellows I know already.
How are you making out farming. No little colt yet. How is Allies. Well I think I had better close. Have any of the boys got brave enough to enlist yet. I hear that they are getting Conscription in Canada, that will make them come to it.
Write often and tell me lots of news for I often wonder how things are at home and I know that you be wondering about me but don’t worry over me. I am fine and it won’t be long to I be home again with you. I guess old Ada will have pretty near forgotten me by this time. Well I must close. Bye bye. My address is #853160 Machine Gun Section 177th Battn, BEF, Army Post Office, London England.
From your loving son and brother Bruce xx
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you in the best of health and getting along fine. This is my third letter since landing but you know that there is so many ships sunk, I wanted to make sure you got one. We arrived here safe last Monday, May 14th and do you know I never was a bit sick all the way over. I enjoyed the trip fine.
We are quarantined in here for mumps. I have not got them but I don’t know how I have missed them. Soon as we get out of our quarantine we are going to be moved to another camp, I expect that the Machine G.S. will be going to a camp near London and the rest is going to West Sandling camp it is only three miles from here.
England is quite a spot but I prefer Canada. Things seem too old fashioned here. I hope we will soon get our pass. We will have a few pretty good days then. I haven’t spent much money since I left. I bought a piece of cake once and a while, things are too dear over here. I will make up for it when I go on my pass. It is no trick to count English money. I have seen a few fellows I know already.
How are you making out farming. No little colt yet. How is Allies. Well I think I had better close. Have any of the boys got brave enough to enlist yet. I hear that they are getting Conscription in Canada, that will make them come to it.
Write often and tell me lots of news for I often wonder how things are at home and I know that you be wondering about me but don’t worry over me. I am fine and it won’t be long to I be home again with you. I guess old Ada will have pretty near forgotten me by this time. Well I must close. Bye bye. My address is #853160 Machine Gun Section 177th Battn, BEF, Army Post Office, London England.
From your loving son and brother Bruce xx
May 15
Otterpool Camp
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you both well. Did you get my other letter. I am writing another for fear you didn’t get it. Well I have landed in England safe and sound. I never was seasick on my trip. We arrived at camp on Monday evening. We are quarantined for mumps. There was a few cases of mumps on the boat. One fellow died with them, his name was Kerr he came from Elmvale. We are going to be shut in here for ten days. I expect then we are going to another camp I think it is called Sandling Camp. They call this one Otterpool.
It is raining here this evening, the fields are nice and green, the gardens are up nice. They have some good looking cows in this country and lots of sheep. I wish you were here to see the country. It is a lot better then I ever expected but I think the food is a little scarcer here. Lots of the girls are working in the fields here.
Well, I started this letter last night but I didn’t get it finished. This is Wednesday. We were out for a short route march this morning. There is six hours difference here and the time at home, we be in bed when it is only about 3 o’clock in the afternoon here. Hugh was sick when we came off the boat and they put him in the hospital. I think our Bttn will soon be broken up.
We see lots of aeroplanes here. How are you and Ada getting along. Are you getting along farming. We had a medical exam yesterday. I made out fine on it. Fred Holt is right along side of our Battn. I was talking to him the first night I was here. Oh it will not be long to I be back home again. I think the war will soon come to end.
Has anybody enlisted around Moonstone lately. Well I guess we will have to ring off for this time. Write often from your loving son and brother Brucexx
#853160 Pt
Machine Gun Section
177th Battn Army P,O London, England
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you both well. Did you get my other letter. I am writing another for fear you didn’t get it. Well I have landed in England safe and sound. I never was seasick on my trip. We arrived at camp on Monday evening. We are quarantined for mumps. There was a few cases of mumps on the boat. One fellow died with them, his name was Kerr he came from Elmvale. We are going to be shut in here for ten days. I expect then we are going to another camp I think it is called Sandling Camp. They call this one Otterpool.
It is raining here this evening, the fields are nice and green, the gardens are up nice. They have some good looking cows in this country and lots of sheep. I wish you were here to see the country. It is a lot better then I ever expected but I think the food is a little scarcer here. Lots of the girls are working in the fields here.
Well, I started this letter last night but I didn’t get it finished. This is Wednesday. We were out for a short route march this morning. There is six hours difference here and the time at home, we be in bed when it is only about 3 o’clock in the afternoon here. Hugh was sick when we came off the boat and they put him in the hospital. I think our Bttn will soon be broken up.
We see lots of aeroplanes here. How are you and Ada getting along. Are you getting along farming. We had a medical exam yesterday. I made out fine on it. Fred Holt is right along side of our Battn. I was talking to him the first night I was here. Oh it will not be long to I be back home again. I think the war will soon come to end.
Has anybody enlisted around Moonstone lately. Well I guess we will have to ring off for this time. Write often from your loving son and brother Brucexx
#853160 Pt
Machine Gun Section
177th Battn Army P,O London, England
May 13
England
Dear mother & sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I had a big long letter written to send to you all about my trip but I find out I cannot send it. I will keep it till I come back with it myself.
I have never been sick. The sea don’t bother me at all. There has been a lot of sick boys. A quite a few cases of mumps, one fellow died with them. His name was Kerr. He came from Elmvale.
Lance Rumball was on the same boat as I was. We had a pretty good trip of it. It was rough for two days but the rest was good and calm. We put 12 days on the boat.
How are you getting along with the spring work. I don’t think it will be very long till I be back to help you. How is Allies. I hope they are well. Have you to take pills yet Lizzie. I hope you are better. How is mother and Ada getting along farming. I supposed they have a big time. Where do have you her pasturing when you write, do tell me lots of news. I may be able to tell you a little more about my trip in my next letter. I wanted to get a few lines to you before we got to Camp. I know you would be worrying about me to know if I landed safe. I guess you will hear before you get this letter. I was hoping you would any way. I will write again in a day or two and tell you my address. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xx
Dear mother & sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I had a big long letter written to send to you all about my trip but I find out I cannot send it. I will keep it till I come back with it myself.
I have never been sick. The sea don’t bother me at all. There has been a lot of sick boys. A quite a few cases of mumps, one fellow died with them. His name was Kerr. He came from Elmvale.
Lance Rumball was on the same boat as I was. We had a pretty good trip of it. It was rough for two days but the rest was good and calm. We put 12 days on the boat.
How are you getting along with the spring work. I don’t think it will be very long till I be back to help you. How is Allies. I hope they are well. Have you to take pills yet Lizzie. I hope you are better. How is mother and Ada getting along farming. I supposed they have a big time. Where do have you her pasturing when you write, do tell me lots of news. I may be able to tell you a little more about my trip in my next letter. I wanted to get a few lines to you before we got to Camp. I know you would be worrying about me to know if I landed safe. I guess you will hear before you get this letter. I was hoping you would any way. I will write again in a day or two and tell you my address. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xx
April 30
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well as I am fine. I have all my kit packed ready to leave any time now. I expected that we will be going right after dinner. We have got to go to Halifax again to take the ship. I may get a chance to drop you a card before I sail yet. But don’t you ever worry over me. I am in the best of health and will be all right whenever we go. And if you ever hear about our ship going down don’t believe it for the Germans just get it going to keep the people on edge. There is no danger of our ship getting sunk for they are too well guarded. There never was one sunk yet.
So I will write to you soon as I land. If you inquire you will hear from Orillia when we landed for Major Wallace will likely send a cable gram or it will be in the Toronto daily papers. Well I put in a pretty good evening yesterday. Well I guess I had better close. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Will Douglas told me to tell you to tell his people that we are leaving today.
God be with you tell we meet again
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you
Smite death’s wave before you
God be with you till we meet again
I hope this letter will find you well as I am fine. I have all my kit packed ready to leave any time now. I expected that we will be going right after dinner. We have got to go to Halifax again to take the ship. I may get a chance to drop you a card before I sail yet. But don’t you ever worry over me. I am in the best of health and will be all right whenever we go. And if you ever hear about our ship going down don’t believe it for the Germans just get it going to keep the people on edge. There is no danger of our ship getting sunk for they are too well guarded. There never was one sunk yet.
So I will write to you soon as I land. If you inquire you will hear from Orillia when we landed for Major Wallace will likely send a cable gram or it will be in the Toronto daily papers. Well I put in a pretty good evening yesterday. Well I guess I had better close. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Will Douglas told me to tell you to tell his people that we are leaving today.
God be with you tell we meet again
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you
Smite death’s wave before you
God be with you till we meet again
April 28
Dear mother & sister
I thought I would drop you a few lines and tell you that I expect we will be leaving here tomorrow some time. I think we have to take the train back to Halifax and sail from there. I will try and drop you another card just before we sail. We haven’t been doing a thing today it’s a holiday for us. We haven’t to be in until 12 o’clock tonight.
Well I will try and tell you all the news I can about the trip across but I don’t think they let you tell everything, though. Will you be sure and write often for it will take quite a while before I get a letter back. But don’t you stop writing and I will write soon as I get over. Well I had better close. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
I thought I would drop you a few lines and tell you that I expect we will be leaving here tomorrow some time. I think we have to take the train back to Halifax and sail from there. I will try and drop you another card just before we sail. We haven’t been doing a thing today it’s a holiday for us. We haven’t to be in until 12 o’clock tonight.
Well I will try and tell you all the news I can about the trip across but I don’t think they let you tell everything, though. Will you be sure and write often for it will take quite a while before I get a letter back. But don’t you stop writing and I will write soon as I get over. Well I had better close. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
April 24
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well as I am just fine. Tell the people around Moonstone that we will soon be home, the war is near over. We will soon be home, say tell me if you got your cheques alright. How is all of Allies. Does little Roy ever speak of me. How is you and Ada getting along, have you put the top on the buggy, yet. Well how is Tommy Cowan coming on. Well I am glad to hear the hens are laying good.
There is entertainment here for us soldiers every night. Do you ever be up at the harbour. How is everybody up there. Has any of Uncle Tom Lawson’s been up lately and have you ever seen Will Cowan?
Well I am in the machine gun section now. I am going to try it for a while. I made out good on the gun. I studied in Toronto, but I have three more to learn yet. But they say they are easy to learn. They are much bigger you know, they haul them around with horses. Well I guess I must close for this time. Write soon from your loving son and brother Bruce xx
#853160 Pt. J.B. Speerin
Machine Gun Section
117th OS Battn CEF
St. John, NB
I hope this letter will find you well as I am just fine. Tell the people around Moonstone that we will soon be home, the war is near over. We will soon be home, say tell me if you got your cheques alright. How is all of Allies. Does little Roy ever speak of me. How is you and Ada getting along, have you put the top on the buggy, yet. Well how is Tommy Cowan coming on. Well I am glad to hear the hens are laying good.
There is entertainment here for us soldiers every night. Do you ever be up at the harbour. How is everybody up there. Has any of Uncle Tom Lawson’s been up lately and have you ever seen Will Cowan?
Well I am in the machine gun section now. I am going to try it for a while. I made out good on the gun. I studied in Toronto, but I have three more to learn yet. But they say they are easy to learn. They are much bigger you know, they haul them around with horses. Well I guess I must close for this time. Write soon from your loving son and brother Bruce xx
#853160 Pt. J.B. Speerin
Machine Gun Section
117th OS Battn CEF
St. John, NB
April 22
St. John New Brunswick
Dear mother & sister
In answer to your letter I received the other day, I hope this letter will find you well. Well, we are still here at St. John. I heard that the people around Orillia got it going that we are quarantined for the fever or mumps but it is not true. Well, have you got any of the garden in yet. It rained here yesterday.
On Friday we had a little march out as far as Rockdale Park. It is a dandy park. They have all kinds of wild animals out there and you can take a mountain walk up over some large rocks. We were to St. James church this morning. It is an old military church built over 60 years ago. After church we came up to King square, where we followed the returned soldiers and the 217th. The 236 came after us, it was a big parade. The streets were just crowded to see it.
Have you heard from Allies yet. What is the people doing around Moonstone, have they sowed any grain yet, how is Ada. She hasn’t had a little colt yet I guess she ain’t going to. Well when you write tell me all the news. Myrtle sent me a box of maple sugar and I have had a couple of letters from her.
Well I guess I will close for this time, it is just a fine day here and I think I will go out to the park this afternoon again. So bye bye from your loving son and brother, Bruce xx
Dear mother & sister
In answer to your letter I received the other day, I hope this letter will find you well. Well, we are still here at St. John. I heard that the people around Orillia got it going that we are quarantined for the fever or mumps but it is not true. Well, have you got any of the garden in yet. It rained here yesterday.
On Friday we had a little march out as far as Rockdale Park. It is a dandy park. They have all kinds of wild animals out there and you can take a mountain walk up over some large rocks. We were to St. James church this morning. It is an old military church built over 60 years ago. After church we came up to King square, where we followed the returned soldiers and the 217th. The 236 came after us, it was a big parade. The streets were just crowded to see it.
Have you heard from Allies yet. What is the people doing around Moonstone, have they sowed any grain yet, how is Ada. She hasn’t had a little colt yet I guess she ain’t going to. Well when you write tell me all the news. Myrtle sent me a box of maple sugar and I have had a couple of letters from her.
Well I guess I will close for this time, it is just a fine day here and I think I will go out to the park this afternoon again. So bye bye from your loving son and brother, Bruce xx
April 17
St. John
Dear mother & sister
I received your welcome letter on Monday and was more than pleased to hear from you. I guess you know how glad I was to get it. I guess the people is busy plowing around home. It must be nice there now for I know it is dandy here. We had a little route march this afternoon and got paid this afternoon, they paid us in cash this time instead of cheques.
How are you making out for stuff. I was sorry to hear that Annie is sick. Say if you ever be at Allies be careful where you put Ada so she will not get kicked for one of Allies horses kicks bad.
Whenever you see them tell them I be asking about them and would like to know if they would get their mail at Midland so as if I was to write I would like to know if they got it or not.
I got some papers today I don’t know where they came from though, the Orillia Times and Packet. Does any of the people ever be asking where I am.
Lt Orr told me today we may be here two more weeks yet, we never know though. The officers don’t know much more than we do. It only takes a letter about two days to come from Coldwater here. We are putting in a pretty smooth time here. The way the war looks in the papers we may never see the front. Say has Lou Douglas got his discharge, I hear he was getting it. We will be getting pretty lazy boys if they keep us here for another two weeks with out much drilling to do.
Be sure and tell me lots of news the next time you write. I must write another letter or two tonight yet I want to go to an entertainment. If you be talking to Dunlops tell them I was asking about James’ foot, and tell them I said that maple sugar was just grand. It wasn’t Ada that stepped on James foot was it. Looking for a big long letter right away. I must close from your loving son and brother Bruce Bye Bye xx
Dear mother & sister
I received your welcome letter on Monday and was more than pleased to hear from you. I guess you know how glad I was to get it. I guess the people is busy plowing around home. It must be nice there now for I know it is dandy here. We had a little route march this afternoon and got paid this afternoon, they paid us in cash this time instead of cheques.
How are you making out for stuff. I was sorry to hear that Annie is sick. Say if you ever be at Allies be careful where you put Ada so she will not get kicked for one of Allies horses kicks bad.
Whenever you see them tell them I be asking about them and would like to know if they would get their mail at Midland so as if I was to write I would like to know if they got it or not.
I got some papers today I don’t know where they came from though, the Orillia Times and Packet. Does any of the people ever be asking where I am.
Lt Orr told me today we may be here two more weeks yet, we never know though. The officers don’t know much more than we do. It only takes a letter about two days to come from Coldwater here. We are putting in a pretty smooth time here. The way the war looks in the papers we may never see the front. Say has Lou Douglas got his discharge, I hear he was getting it. We will be getting pretty lazy boys if they keep us here for another two weeks with out much drilling to do.
Be sure and tell me lots of news the next time you write. I must write another letter or two tonight yet I want to go to an entertainment. If you be talking to Dunlops tell them I was asking about James’ foot, and tell them I said that maple sugar was just grand. It wasn’t Ada that stepped on James foot was it. Looking for a big long letter right away. I must close from your loving son and brother Bruce Bye Bye xx
April 14
St. John
Dear mother & sister
I am just fine hoping this letter will fine you in the best of health. I have been around through the city today and I just run in to the soldiers club this evening to write a letter to you. I expected to get a letter from you today but did not. I had a look at the Orillia Packet today there was some of them came to us. Say we are putting in a swell old time down here, no drill to do.
How is Ada, tell me all the news about Moonstone when you write. Say has Allie been down home yet.
Do you mind that little other boy that used to be at Gilbert Nelson, I meet him here the other night. He is in the 217th Battn comes from Regina in the west and I also met a boy from the Harbour, Bruce Crooke, and there is two or three nice little girls here from the Harbour too. I hear one of my old girls in Victoria Harbour is married too. Grace Lylie, ha ha, I shouldn’t worry. Boys can find girls wherever they go. Talk about good looking ones it is down here where you find them.
Say I had a good chat to Frank, yesterday. He is worrying about Nellie, he told me lots of news about her. By his talk they were engaged to be married she even got some of his money and put it in the bank in her own name. Do you mind the time you drove her to the Harbour she went to see him at Barrie that time. I have lots of news to tell you. I don’t know how much longer we are going to be here so if you don’t happen to get any mail we will likely be sailing, so don’t worry I am fine wherever I am and lots of friends wherever I go. Oh yes I forgot to tell Lizzie about a nice young fellow was asking about her. He is in 6 platoon no 2 Coy. He is from Waubashine. Raymond is his name, he has not the red curls he had when he used to see us in Waubaushine.
Well I think I had better close. By the time I go and call on my friend it will be time for us to go to the show and it is such a nice night too. Both Douglas and Hugh are fine and so is little Dave and all my chums. I will write often when I am here and soon as I get over there I will write. I expect I will get a letter from you Monday or Tuesday anyway and keep writing they will send them to us wherever we are. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
(did a trademark with a heart shape, cross in the middle with barbs around the perimeter)
Dear mother & sister
I am just fine hoping this letter will fine you in the best of health. I have been around through the city today and I just run in to the soldiers club this evening to write a letter to you. I expected to get a letter from you today but did not. I had a look at the Orillia Packet today there was some of them came to us. Say we are putting in a swell old time down here, no drill to do.
How is Ada, tell me all the news about Moonstone when you write. Say has Allie been down home yet.
Do you mind that little other boy that used to be at Gilbert Nelson, I meet him here the other night. He is in the 217th Battn comes from Regina in the west and I also met a boy from the Harbour, Bruce Crooke, and there is two or three nice little girls here from the Harbour too. I hear one of my old girls in Victoria Harbour is married too. Grace Lylie, ha ha, I shouldn’t worry. Boys can find girls wherever they go. Talk about good looking ones it is down here where you find them.
Say I had a good chat to Frank, yesterday. He is worrying about Nellie, he told me lots of news about her. By his talk they were engaged to be married she even got some of his money and put it in the bank in her own name. Do you mind the time you drove her to the Harbour she went to see him at Barrie that time. I have lots of news to tell you. I don’t know how much longer we are going to be here so if you don’t happen to get any mail we will likely be sailing, so don’t worry I am fine wherever I am and lots of friends wherever I go. Oh yes I forgot to tell Lizzie about a nice young fellow was asking about her. He is in 6 platoon no 2 Coy. He is from Waubashine. Raymond is his name, he has not the red curls he had when he used to see us in Waubaushine.
Well I think I had better close. By the time I go and call on my friend it will be time for us to go to the show and it is such a nice night too. Both Douglas and Hugh are fine and so is little Dave and all my chums. I will write often when I am here and soon as I get over there I will write. I expect I will get a letter from you Monday or Tuesday anyway and keep writing they will send them to us wherever we are. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
(did a trademark with a heart shape, cross in the middle with barbs around the perimeter)
April 11
St. John
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you both well as I could not be better. St. John agrees with me pretty good. I only wish you were here to see the city. We have over nine inches of snow here just like winter, it fell the other night. I think it will be away again tomorrow.
How is Ada. Say has Allie been down yet I bet he was sorry he did not see me but it could not be helped, the roads were too bad. Say there is only about five hundred and 50 men in our Battn now. Just enough for two companies so we had a change today, they put D. Coy in with B. Coy and C in with A Coy. We have Major Scott for our Coy Commanding officer. Major Wallace is 2nd in command. Douglas was put in No 7 platoon with me and Hugh is going to try and get in with me too. It is the best platoon in the Battn. Col McPhee said and I think we always have been. We have four sections in each platoon,
I am sending a little parcel with this letter. You can have whichever one you want. Lizzie you can have the apron or the cushion top, whichever you like and mother can have the other. Just so to say you have some thing from St. John. Well I must close for this time. Looking for a letter from you soon. From your loving son and brother Bruce.
#853160 Pt. J.B. Speerin
No 2 Coy, 177th Battn CEF
7 Plattoon
St. John New Brunswick Canada
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you both well as I could not be better. St. John agrees with me pretty good. I only wish you were here to see the city. We have over nine inches of snow here just like winter, it fell the other night. I think it will be away again tomorrow.
How is Ada. Say has Allie been down yet I bet he was sorry he did not see me but it could not be helped, the roads were too bad. Say there is only about five hundred and 50 men in our Battn now. Just enough for two companies so we had a change today, they put D. Coy in with B. Coy and C in with A Coy. We have Major Scott for our Coy Commanding officer. Major Wallace is 2nd in command. Douglas was put in No 7 platoon with me and Hugh is going to try and get in with me too. It is the best platoon in the Battn. Col McPhee said and I think we always have been. We have four sections in each platoon,
I am sending a little parcel with this letter. You can have whichever one you want. Lizzie you can have the apron or the cushion top, whichever you like and mother can have the other. Just so to say you have some thing from St. John. Well I must close for this time. Looking for a letter from you soon. From your loving son and brother Bruce.
#853160 Pt. J.B. Speerin
No 2 Coy, 177th Battn CEF
7 Plattoon
St. John New Brunswick Canada
April 9
St. John
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well. We have been doing some travelling lately. We got to Halifax on Saturday morning and started back to St. John about 6 o’clock Sunday morning and I think we are going to stay here for a while now. We will likely be here three or four weeks anyway. I don’t know what they mean though.
I didn’t think much of Halifax but I like this place. Say there is a very nice place between here and Halifax. It is called Moncton. We were out of the train going through there yesterday evening and had a little march through the town.
Say things are like olden days coming through lower part of Quebec. They’re good looking farming country but their barns are very small. I don’t know where they put the stuff they grow. There is some great R.C. Churches and all French people. They don’t drive in nice buggies like we do. They have the old fashioned riggs, the first I ever saw. I wouldn’t care if I had a nice farm down near this city.
How many letters did you get from me I sent 2 letters and a card or two.
It is snowing here today. We will have a good time drilling here, we have no rifles to bother with and we are invited out to tea to one of the Presbyterian churches tomorrow evening and we had this afternoon a holiday. So we are in for a good time. You can write for I expect to be here for a while. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
#853160 Pte J.B. Bruce Speerin
B. Coy. 177th Battn CEF St. John New Brunswick
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well. We have been doing some travelling lately. We got to Halifax on Saturday morning and started back to St. John about 6 o’clock Sunday morning and I think we are going to stay here for a while now. We will likely be here three or four weeks anyway. I don’t know what they mean though.
I didn’t think much of Halifax but I like this place. Say there is a very nice place between here and Halifax. It is called Moncton. We were out of the train going through there yesterday evening and had a little march through the town.
Say things are like olden days coming through lower part of Quebec. They’re good looking farming country but their barns are very small. I don’t know where they put the stuff they grow. There is some great R.C. Churches and all French people. They don’t drive in nice buggies like we do. They have the old fashioned riggs, the first I ever saw. I wouldn’t care if I had a nice farm down near this city.
How many letters did you get from me I sent 2 letters and a card or two.
It is snowing here today. We will have a good time drilling here, we have no rifles to bother with and we are invited out to tea to one of the Presbyterian churches tomorrow evening and we had this afternoon a holiday. So we are in for a good time. You can write for I expect to be here for a while. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
#853160 Pte J.B. Bruce Speerin
B. Coy. 177th Battn CEF St. John New Brunswick
April 8
Truro – Easter Sunday
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well, as I am just fine at present. We spent yesterday in Halifax and we are on our way back towards home again. I don’t know what is the matter but I think we will be going to St. John. We got to Halifax on Saturday morning. We had a little march up through the city yesterday. We sure have had some time.
How is Ada. Well we have had a trip well worth seeing. I don’t know when I will be able to write to you again we were not allowed to mail any yesterday. But I will write again soon as I can again.
Well this is a pretty nice day for Easter Sunday. How many eggs have you eaten today. We have lots of books in the cars to read. All the boys are fine when ever I get back I will have something worth telling you. And I guess we have lots more to see yet.
Well I guess this is all hoping you will keep well. I forgot to ask Lizzie if she was better but I hope she is well. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well, as I am just fine at present. We spent yesterday in Halifax and we are on our way back towards home again. I don’t know what is the matter but I think we will be going to St. John. We got to Halifax on Saturday morning. We had a little march up through the city yesterday. We sure have had some time.
How is Ada. Well we have had a trip well worth seeing. I don’t know when I will be able to write to you again we were not allowed to mail any yesterday. But I will write again soon as I can again.
Well this is a pretty nice day for Easter Sunday. How many eggs have you eaten today. We have lots of books in the cars to read. All the boys are fine when ever I get back I will have something worth telling you. And I guess we have lots more to see yet.
Well I guess this is all hoping you will keep well. I forgot to ask Lizzie if she was better but I hope she is well. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
April 5
St. Rosalie
Dear mother & sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well having a fine time, I just wish you were here with me to see some of the sights they are grand.
When we come through Toronto yesterday the people were all standing waving flags and rags at us. Mrs. Russell was down to see us she had a box for me and Myrtle give me a box too at the station so I have lots of good eatables to eat and the people of Orillia gave Major Wallace a sum of money in cash to buy comforts for us on our trip. We have candy of all kinds to eat lots of maple sugar, oranges and everything.
There is some fine farming country between here and home. We came through Montreal about 7 o’clock this morning. There was big crowd at Orillia station yesterday when we left.
I don’t know where we are going to sail from but I expect it will be Halifax. There is to be 50 different trains of soldiers to come through Montreal today. The 227th is just gone ahead of us. We are not alone.
Say I don’t know if I will get a chance to write to you from Halifax or not. I heard that they wouldn’t let us write from there it may not be right though. I dropped you a card last night I think it was about Belleville where I posted it. I will write right away again. I expect we will be travelling all night, it may be near noon tomorrow before we get to Halifax. Don’t worry about me I will write again soon. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
I was sorry I did not see Allie but tell him to get somebody to write him a letter to me once and a while. If I thought they would get their mail at Midland I would write to them. I hope they are well. I was told Allie was come down to Orillia on Thursday, it was too bad if he got down there and me not there or did you phone him. I guess it will be a while before I get a letter from you. You can soon send a letter to the Army Post Office for me.
Dear mother & sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well having a fine time, I just wish you were here with me to see some of the sights they are grand.
When we come through Toronto yesterday the people were all standing waving flags and rags at us. Mrs. Russell was down to see us she had a box for me and Myrtle give me a box too at the station so I have lots of good eatables to eat and the people of Orillia gave Major Wallace a sum of money in cash to buy comforts for us on our trip. We have candy of all kinds to eat lots of maple sugar, oranges and everything.
There is some fine farming country between here and home. We came through Montreal about 7 o’clock this morning. There was big crowd at Orillia station yesterday when we left.
I don’t know where we are going to sail from but I expect it will be Halifax. There is to be 50 different trains of soldiers to come through Montreal today. The 227th is just gone ahead of us. We are not alone.
Say I don’t know if I will get a chance to write to you from Halifax or not. I heard that they wouldn’t let us write from there it may not be right though. I dropped you a card last night I think it was about Belleville where I posted it. I will write right away again. I expect we will be travelling all night, it may be near noon tomorrow before we get to Halifax. Don’t worry about me I will write again soon. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
I was sorry I did not see Allie but tell him to get somebody to write him a letter to me once and a while. If I thought they would get their mail at Midland I would write to them. I hope they are well. I was told Allie was come down to Orillia on Thursday, it was too bad if he got down there and me not there or did you phone him. I guess it will be a while before I get a letter from you. You can soon send a letter to the Army Post Office for me.
March 25
Orillia
Dear mother & sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. It has been three weeks since I was home but I will be home on Saturday if not on Thursday. Say it is nice here today. We were to the Presbyterian Church this morning.
I got back from Toronto about 11 o’clock on Monday night. I like the course fine. I pass my examination all right. I had a fine time, the trouble will be I will want to go back before the week is over.
I am invited out for tea this evening. I don’t know to go or not, they want to get some snaps. It is just a fine day for it too. I hope Ada is fine. Just watch if you have her out not to let her get down in the snow. It will soon be all away and then you can drive as much as you like.
Is any body making sugar around home. I would just like to get home for a week. How are you making out for hay and wood. How is Ada’s oats. Have the hens laid any eggs yet. It will soon be Easter. I will have lots to tell you when I get home. I heard that the people around home are sending Hugh and I a pair of socks. Well be sure and write soon. I remain your loving son and brother Bruce
Dear mother & sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. It has been three weeks since I was home but I will be home on Saturday if not on Thursday. Say it is nice here today. We were to the Presbyterian Church this morning.
I got back from Toronto about 11 o’clock on Monday night. I like the course fine. I pass my examination all right. I had a fine time, the trouble will be I will want to go back before the week is over.
I am invited out for tea this evening. I don’t know to go or not, they want to get some snaps. It is just a fine day for it too. I hope Ada is fine. Just watch if you have her out not to let her get down in the snow. It will soon be all away and then you can drive as much as you like.
Is any body making sugar around home. I would just like to get home for a week. How are you making out for hay and wood. How is Ada’s oats. Have the hens laid any eggs yet. It will soon be Easter. I will have lots to tell you when I get home. I heard that the people around home are sending Hugh and I a pair of socks. Well be sure and write soon. I remain your loving son and brother Bruce
March 18
Toronto
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well as I am fine at present. Hoping you are having a good time believe me I am. We were dismissed Sat at one o’clock and haven’t got to report till 9 o’clock Monday morning. I expect to be going back to Orillia on Thursday.
I would sooner live in Toronto now then Orillia. It is just grand. You couldn’t lose me on a beat. Alma and I was going up to Russells on Friday night so we thought we would phone before we would go up. And they said that she was up in Orillia, but the expected her back that night or the next day. So I will likely see her yet. I often be up to Aunt Maggies. The girls like to see me. Aunt Maggie says she would like to go out to our place herself for a while in the spring for a rest. Maggie and Alma are two fine cousins. They laugh and talk about the times they had at our place.
We never got our cheques this pay yet I don’t know not likely I will get it to I get back to Orillia. I was at a show last night it was just great.
There is lots of returned soldiers going around here, cripples with a leg or a hand off. Say they hold some great recruiting meetings here on the streets. You wouldn’t think they would be allowed to say what they do, they just up and tell the men that it’s the hides they’re afraid of and when they get them in a crowd they get a ring around them and keep them there and make them give them their names and excuses for not going.
Well I guess this is all I have to tell you now. I will have lots to tell you when I get home on my next pass. Looking for a letter from you soon. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
B. Coy 177th Battn, CEF
Machine Gun School
89 Charles St Toronto
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well as I am fine at present. Hoping you are having a good time believe me I am. We were dismissed Sat at one o’clock and haven’t got to report till 9 o’clock Monday morning. I expect to be going back to Orillia on Thursday.
I would sooner live in Toronto now then Orillia. It is just grand. You couldn’t lose me on a beat. Alma and I was going up to Russells on Friday night so we thought we would phone before we would go up. And they said that she was up in Orillia, but the expected her back that night or the next day. So I will likely see her yet. I often be up to Aunt Maggies. The girls like to see me. Aunt Maggie says she would like to go out to our place herself for a while in the spring for a rest. Maggie and Alma are two fine cousins. They laugh and talk about the times they had at our place.
We never got our cheques this pay yet I don’t know not likely I will get it to I get back to Orillia. I was at a show last night it was just great.
There is lots of returned soldiers going around here, cripples with a leg or a hand off. Say they hold some great recruiting meetings here on the streets. You wouldn’t think they would be allowed to say what they do, they just up and tell the men that it’s the hides they’re afraid of and when they get them in a crowd they get a ring around them and keep them there and make them give them their names and excuses for not going.
Well I guess this is all I have to tell you now. I will have lots to tell you when I get home on my next pass. Looking for a letter from you soon. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
B. Coy 177th Battn, CEF
Machine Gun School
89 Charles St Toronto
March 13
Toronto
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well as I am at present. Well it is an easy course I am taking but there is a fearful lot of studying about it. We have a lot of notes to take in the day and we have to study them at night. I have to just to write six letters tonight so that is a few.
Say I was up to Aunt Maggies last night and had a fine time. I am going up there tomorrow night. They are well. Uncle Jim and Aunt had a bad cold but they are pretty well over it now. Alma and I are going out tomorrow evening and we are going to Russell’s on Friday night. Alma and Maggie are two fine cousins. Uncle Jim says for Lizzie to take care of his cat. How is Ada. I may be home a week from Saturday. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Write soon
#853160 Pte. J.B. Speerin
Machine Gun Section B. Coy 177th Batt
In care 216th Batt Davenport Barracks
Toronto Ontario
We’ll study in Victoria College, Charles St. and sleep with the little men in the 216th Bantams
Dear mother & sister
I hope this letter will find you well as I am at present. Well it is an easy course I am taking but there is a fearful lot of studying about it. We have a lot of notes to take in the day and we have to study them at night. I have to just to write six letters tonight so that is a few.
Say I was up to Aunt Maggies last night and had a fine time. I am going up there tomorrow night. They are well. Uncle Jim and Aunt had a bad cold but they are pretty well over it now. Alma and I are going out tomorrow evening and we are going to Russell’s on Friday night. Alma and Maggie are two fine cousins. Uncle Jim says for Lizzie to take care of his cat. How is Ada. I may be home a week from Saturday. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Write soon
#853160 Pte. J.B. Speerin
Machine Gun Section B. Coy 177th Batt
In care 216th Batt Davenport Barracks
Toronto Ontario
We’ll study in Victoria College, Charles St. and sleep with the little men in the 216th Bantams
Feb 25
Orillia
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I am well. I hope this will find you the same. I am off duty yesterday and today. I am going to start and drill tomorrow again. I had nice little rest last week I don’t see anything wrong with the Hospital. They used me good up there.
Say why in the world don’t you write some time. Write and let me know when you are coming over I will likely be home on Saturday I expect. Well I guess this is all this time. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I am well. I hope this will find you the same. I am off duty yesterday and today. I am going to start and drill tomorrow again. I had nice little rest last week I don’t see anything wrong with the Hospital. They used me good up there.
Say why in the world don’t you write some time. Write and let me know when you are coming over I will likely be home on Saturday I expect. Well I guess this is all this time. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Feb 22
Orillia
Dear mother and sister
I hope this will find you well as I am getting a quite a lot better. I am feeling better. I get lots of things to eat now I even get cake. We have got the best of nurses they are good to us. They do everything they can for us. I could live here all the time. I may get out on Saturday. I thought I would write today again and let you know how I was looking for a letter from you soon. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Dear mother and sister
I hope this will find you well as I am getting a quite a lot better. I am feeling better. I get lots of things to eat now I even get cake. We have got the best of nurses they are good to us. They do everything they can for us. I could live here all the time. I may get out on Saturday. I thought I would write today again and let you know how I was looking for a letter from you soon. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Feb 21
Orillia
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to let you know where I am I hope this will find you well. I am up in the hospital though I am not very sick. I don’t know what they put me up here for. I have just got a good cold. They let me sit up. I expect I will be getting out tomorrow or Friday. I will try to get sick leave for a few days.
Why in the world don’t you write I haven’t had a letter from you for a long time. I guess this is all I have to say. Don’t you worry about me for I am all right. I am not sick at all. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to let you know where I am I hope this will find you well. I am up in the hospital though I am not very sick. I don’t know what they put me up here for. I have just got a good cold. They let me sit up. I expect I will be getting out tomorrow or Friday. I will try to get sick leave for a few days.
Why in the world don’t you write I haven’t had a letter from you for a long time. I guess this is all I have to say. Don’t you worry about me for I am all right. I am not sick at all. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Jan 31
Orillia
Dear mother & sister
I hope this will find you well as I am fine and putting in the best of a time. I am awful well taking up with it . I would hate to leave the soldiering and the people of Orillia use us good. It makes us proud I have been invited out for tea on Sunday to about a half a doz different places. Say do you know who I met last night, Mrs. Seymour.
I got your letter and 3 dollars on Saturday, and the hymn book I intend it for you. I had two of them. Two or three of the boys were telling me they saw you in the Harbour. Have you seen Allie lately. How is everybody in Moonstone. Lizzie spoke of Emma having a soldier friend in Orillia. I hardly ever see her.
We are getting paid tomorrow morning. I may be home Sunday if I do I will have some company, it will be in the afternoon if it is fine. I got a letter from you today and I wrote last Saturday. I didn’t get to bed last night to near 12 o’clock so I will make up for it tonight. I will go at 10 or a quarter. I am sending Lizzie a little present after I get paid. It ain’t up to much. Just a little number of 177th I will send it tomorrow night and you will get it on Friday if I don’t forget.
Was I telling you that we expect that our Battn is going to be broken up it will be a month or more yet before we can get over seas. We have to wait on a transport. Say I will tell you what COAC is – Canadian Ordinance Army Corps. Well write soon from your loving son and brother Bruce
Dear mother & sister
I hope this will find you well as I am fine and putting in the best of a time. I am awful well taking up with it . I would hate to leave the soldiering and the people of Orillia use us good. It makes us proud I have been invited out for tea on Sunday to about a half a doz different places. Say do you know who I met last night, Mrs. Seymour.
I got your letter and 3 dollars on Saturday, and the hymn book I intend it for you. I had two of them. Two or three of the boys were telling me they saw you in the Harbour. Have you seen Allie lately. How is everybody in Moonstone. Lizzie spoke of Emma having a soldier friend in Orillia. I hardly ever see her.
We are getting paid tomorrow morning. I may be home Sunday if I do I will have some company, it will be in the afternoon if it is fine. I got a letter from you today and I wrote last Saturday. I didn’t get to bed last night to near 12 o’clock so I will make up for it tonight. I will go at 10 or a quarter. I am sending Lizzie a little present after I get paid. It ain’t up to much. Just a little number of 177th I will send it tomorrow night and you will get it on Friday if I don’t forget.
Was I telling you that we expect that our Battn is going to be broken up it will be a month or more yet before we can get over seas. We have to wait on a transport. Say I will tell you what COAC is – Canadian Ordinance Army Corps. Well write soon from your loving son and brother Bruce
Jan 27
Orillia
Dear mother & sister
Just a line in answer to your letter I rec’d today. I am real well, hoping this will find you the same. I guess you will not get this letter until Monday. I heard that you were in the Harbour on Friday. How does Ada make it on the roads. Have you got the hay yet.
Well it will be a month before we go over seas yet. Col McPhee was telling us yesterday and he expects that we will all be broken up. None of the officers over at Lewiston will go over. I may be home the end of the week if I don’t get a pass I may drive out Sunday if it is fine. I haven’t seen Jack Speerin yet. Well I may be able to tell you more the next time, I have a bunch of letters to write now. Bye bye from Bruce
Write very soon
Dear mother & sister
Just a line in answer to your letter I rec’d today. I am real well, hoping this will find you the same. I guess you will not get this letter until Monday. I heard that you were in the Harbour on Friday. How does Ada make it on the roads. Have you got the hay yet.
Well it will be a month before we go over seas yet. Col McPhee was telling us yesterday and he expects that we will all be broken up. None of the officers over at Lewiston will go over. I may be home the end of the week if I don’t get a pass I may drive out Sunday if it is fine. I haven’t seen Jack Speerin yet. Well I may be able to tell you more the next time, I have a bunch of letters to write now. Bye bye from Bruce
Write very soon
Jan 14
Orillia
Dear mother and sister
I am well hoping this will find you the same. Well I got through my examination fine. I have a late pass about every night. I think that over half the boys will get a weekend pass next week. I had one coming to me this week. If you are scarce of money I am getting paid in the morning. You can phone in tomorrow evening and tell me it would be all right and I will send you a dollar. And you can send me some when you get your cheque. Now if you want it be sure and let me know.
I was looking for a letter from you on Friday, and Saturday. Say in your next letter tell me when that Oyster Supper is coming off I may go out. I hear that Tom Cowan is home. It is a very stormy day here today. I haven’t been out we had a good concert the other night. We are having things fine. I have no room to kick at all. I am glad to hear that Ada is feeling good. I guess it is warm in the stable. Well Lizzie try and spare a few minutes when you are writing to that little fellow and write to me. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Dear mother and sister
I am well hoping this will find you the same. Well I got through my examination fine. I have a late pass about every night. I think that over half the boys will get a weekend pass next week. I had one coming to me this week. If you are scarce of money I am getting paid in the morning. You can phone in tomorrow evening and tell me it would be all right and I will send you a dollar. And you can send me some when you get your cheque. Now if you want it be sure and let me know.
I was looking for a letter from you on Friday, and Saturday. Say in your next letter tell me when that Oyster Supper is coming off I may go out. I hear that Tom Cowan is home. It is a very stormy day here today. I haven’t been out we had a good concert the other night. We are having things fine. I have no room to kick at all. I am glad to hear that Ada is feeling good. I guess it is warm in the stable. Well Lizzie try and spare a few minutes when you are writing to that little fellow and write to me. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Jan 11
Orillia
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to answer to your letter I rec’d this week and was glad to hear from you. I thought you had forgotten me. How is everything around Moonstone. I expect to be home on Saturday. How is Ada’s shoes have you had them sharpened lately. If you hadn’t you better get her shoed at Shannons right away for it is very slippery around here, and I wouldn’t want Ada to fall she would hurt herself. You can pay Shannon for the shoeing when you get your next cheque. I will phone from Coldwater if I want you to meet me, we are having a big concert in the Armoury tomorrow night again.
Does any of the fellows ever ask when I am coming home. How are you making out for wood, it has been very cold around here. This week we haven’t done much drill. Did I ever tell you about the big fowl supper we had here a week ago today it was a good one. It not much use of telling you to write for you won’t anyway.
Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to answer to your letter I rec’d this week and was glad to hear from you. I thought you had forgotten me. How is everything around Moonstone. I expect to be home on Saturday. How is Ada’s shoes have you had them sharpened lately. If you hadn’t you better get her shoed at Shannons right away for it is very slippery around here, and I wouldn’t want Ada to fall she would hurt herself. You can pay Shannon for the shoeing when you get your next cheque. I will phone from Coldwater if I want you to meet me, we are having a big concert in the Armoury tomorrow night again.
Does any of the fellows ever ask when I am coming home. How are you making out for wood, it has been very cold around here. This week we haven’t done much drill. Did I ever tell you about the big fowl supper we had here a week ago today it was a good one. It not much use of telling you to write for you won’t anyway.
Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce
1917
Jan 2 - Orillia
Dear mother & sister
I rec. your welcome letter today. How did you spend new years. I had a good time. It was after 12 o’clock when I got in last night. I got a letter from Fred Shannon today. The wedding came off yesterday between Divitte and Dunlop I hear.
I was out to Jack Sykes on Sunday and had lots of turkey to eat. I seen Aunt Sarah Patterson the day we were out to Marchmount. Mable Farise called me up on the phone on Sunday morning and wanted me to go out there. Fred Holt was there. Well write right away and tell me all the news. I may be home on Saturday, I don’t know. How is Ada’s new hay going.
Bye bye from your loving son and brother
Dear mother & sister
I rec. your welcome letter today. How did you spend new years. I had a good time. It was after 12 o’clock when I got in last night. I got a letter from Fred Shannon today. The wedding came off yesterday between Divitte and Dunlop I hear.
I was out to Jack Sykes on Sunday and had lots of turkey to eat. I seen Aunt Sarah Patterson the day we were out to Marchmount. Mable Farise called me up on the phone on Sunday morning and wanted me to go out there. Fred Holt was there. Well write right away and tell me all the news. I may be home on Saturday, I don’t know. How is Ada’s new hay going.
Bye bye from your loving son and brother
December 17
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I am well hoping this will find you the same. How is everything around Moonstone. Much talk about Christmas. Have you seen Allie lately. I suppose he is coming down for Christmas. I just got back from church now and had my dinner. We parade to the mid-church this morning. It was filled to the doors. The band played the hymns.
We got our new rifles on Friday. They seem a lot heavier then the old ones. They weigh 9 ½ lbs. they are called the Long Mark 3 Ross rifle.
Have you heard how Tommy Cowan is. The ones that get a pass at Christmas is getting it on Friday. The 22 to the 27th. I am pretty sure of getting one, so if you are coming in, come on Friday.
How is Ada. Put the collar and harness on her when you drive. I am going to get some more cards taken. I think I will get them taken with my rifle. Well I guess this is all I have to say this time. Looking for a letter from you soon. And tell me all the news. Bye bye from your loving son and brother, Bruce
Just a line to let you know I am well hoping this will find you the same. How is everything around Moonstone. Much talk about Christmas. Have you seen Allie lately. I suppose he is coming down for Christmas. I just got back from church now and had my dinner. We parade to the mid-church this morning. It was filled to the doors. The band played the hymns.
We got our new rifles on Friday. They seem a lot heavier then the old ones. They weigh 9 ½ lbs. they are called the Long Mark 3 Ross rifle.
Have you heard how Tommy Cowan is. The ones that get a pass at Christmas is getting it on Friday. The 22 to the 27th. I am pretty sure of getting one, so if you are coming in, come on Friday.
How is Ada. Put the collar and harness on her when you drive. I am going to get some more cards taken. I think I will get them taken with my rifle. Well I guess this is all I have to say this time. Looking for a letter from you soon. And tell me all the news. Bye bye from your loving son and brother, Bruce
December 14
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I am well hoping this will find you the same. How did Lizzie get home from Orillia. How did you get over the concert? Did you see anything of any recruiters up around Moonstone. Did you hear anything about Douglas being drunk last Saturday in Coldwater when they were going home on their pass. I heard that Cap’t McDonald give them a great talking to. They never told me anything about it then.
I am right at home here. The Moonstone people must like Orillia for there is a big bunch in here now. How is Tommy Cowan. It has been pretty cold here this last few days. Is Ada cold in her stable. If you haven’t fixed it I will be able to do it at Christmas. But keep the blanket on her if it is cold. I may drive out on Sunday. If I don’t get out I may get you to drive in when I am going on my pass for Christmas if it is sleighing. I guess this is about all that I have to say. You want to be sure and write soon and I will let you know what day I am getting my pass, either by a letter or telephone. Major Wallace give me a late pass for a week for selling tickets. I remain your loving son and brother, Bruce
Just a line to let you know I am well hoping this will find you the same. How did Lizzie get home from Orillia. How did you get over the concert? Did you see anything of any recruiters up around Moonstone. Did you hear anything about Douglas being drunk last Saturday in Coldwater when they were going home on their pass. I heard that Cap’t McDonald give them a great talking to. They never told me anything about it then.
I am right at home here. The Moonstone people must like Orillia for there is a big bunch in here now. How is Tommy Cowan. It has been pretty cold here this last few days. Is Ada cold in her stable. If you haven’t fixed it I will be able to do it at Christmas. But keep the blanket on her if it is cold. I may drive out on Sunday. If I don’t get out I may get you to drive in when I am going on my pass for Christmas if it is sleighing. I guess this is about all that I have to say. You want to be sure and write soon and I will let you know what day I am getting my pass, either by a letter or telephone. Major Wallace give me a late pass for a week for selling tickets. I remain your loving son and brother, Bruce
December 7
Dear mother & sister
I guess you will be thinking that I am writing often. But I thought I would yell you I am getting no pass this week. I don’t know if I will be home before Christmas or not. If it is sleighing I may drive out a week from Sunday.
It was a nice little route march to Cuthoff today they give us a fine dinner. I am feeling fine over it. I am having a fine time, the only thing I spend my money too quick. When are you coming over to Orillia. Write to me before you come it is not much use if you’re coming over to near Christmas. Tell Allie to come down for Christmas. I haven’t seen him since the time we were up there last summer. Well be sure and write soon. Bye bye from your loving son and brother
I guess you will be thinking that I am writing often. But I thought I would yell you I am getting no pass this week. I don’t know if I will be home before Christmas or not. If it is sleighing I may drive out a week from Sunday.
It was a nice little route march to Cuthoff today they give us a fine dinner. I am feeling fine over it. I am having a fine time, the only thing I spend my money too quick. When are you coming over to Orillia. Write to me before you come it is not much use if you’re coming over to near Christmas. Tell Allie to come down for Christmas. I haven’t seen him since the time we were up there last summer. Well be sure and write soon. Bye bye from your loving son and brother
December 1
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I am well. Why don’t you write, you are worse then somebody that couldn’t write. How is everything how is Ada. Did you get the letter on Monday. It is snowing here tonight again. We had some route march yesterday out to Hampshire Mills. It was about 18 miles there and back. They had a good dinner for us.
I think we will be sailing for England about the new year. We had another inspection this morning and we prove good and Major Wallace said he was proud of the way we done our drill. I think B Company will be going anyway. We have a fine Major. I am proud of him. Well write soon. I don’t know if I will get home this week or not. But I think I will we will get lots of passes now to we leave. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce.
Ps I forgot to tell you I had a letter from Clarence. He is fine. He likes it fine he says they have straw ticks to sleep on. He saw Willie Speerin. He is fine.
Just a line to let you know I am well. Why don’t you write, you are worse then somebody that couldn’t write. How is everything how is Ada. Did you get the letter on Monday. It is snowing here tonight again. We had some route march yesterday out to Hampshire Mills. It was about 18 miles there and back. They had a good dinner for us.
I think we will be sailing for England about the new year. We had another inspection this morning and we prove good and Major Wallace said he was proud of the way we done our drill. I think B Company will be going anyway. We have a fine Major. I am proud of him. Well write soon. I don’t know if I will get home this week or not. But I think I will we will get lots of passes now to we leave. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce.
Ps I forgot to tell you I had a letter from Clarence. He is fine. He likes it fine he says they have straw ticks to sleep on. He saw Willie Speerin. He is fine.
November 17
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I am well. I got your card and letter and was glad to hear from you. I have got over my knockeling (inoculation) fine. I think it was a good thing we got it, it was special for the diphtheria. There has been nobody else taking it yet but there is quite a few in the hospital for other things. I think we be getting out on Monday. I hope we do although we are having a good time, lots of music and games.
I had a card from Fred Shannon. Well you don’t need to be afraid of catching any germs off this letter for it is disinfected before it leaves here. Well write soon from your loving son and brother. Bye bye
Just a line to let you know I am well. I got your card and letter and was glad to hear from you. I have got over my knockeling (inoculation) fine. I think it was a good thing we got it, it was special for the diphtheria. There has been nobody else taking it yet but there is quite a few in the hospital for other things. I think we be getting out on Monday. I hope we do although we are having a good time, lots of music and games.
I had a card from Fred Shannon. Well you don’t need to be afraid of catching any germs off this letter for it is disinfected before it leaves here. Well write soon from your loving son and brother. Bye bye
October 22nd
Orillia
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I am well. I am having a good time now, this is a dandy town. Did you call up the other day to find out how I was. How is Tommy Cowan, write and tell me all the news. I didn’t get a pass because they had me on assistant mass orderly. I will get one this week.
Lizzie was in Orillia a week ago Saturday was she? Say how are you fixed for money. If you have lots to spare send me some this week in a letter. I could get a good horse blanket cheap. I may call you up at the end of the week. Write right away and tell me all the news. Bye bye from Bruce
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I am well. I am having a good time now, this is a dandy town. Did you call up the other day to find out how I was. How is Tommy Cowan, write and tell me all the news. I didn’t get a pass because they had me on assistant mass orderly. I will get one this week.
Lizzie was in Orillia a week ago Saturday was she? Say how are you fixed for money. If you have lots to spare send me some this week in a letter. I could get a good horse blanket cheap. I may call you up at the end of the week. Write right away and tell me all the news. Bye bye from Bruce
October 9
Dear mother & sister
I am well hoping this will find you well. It is a little wet down here today but we are fine. We have a little oil stove in our tent, the 8 of us put in 25 cents each and got a stove, oil can and oil. So we have it nice and warm in our tent.
How is Tommy. How is Ada. Have you got the potatoes raised yet. I am having it easy this week. I am acting cook. We sent some men to Orillia this week to fix up the barracks. They went today. I had a chance to go with them but I thought I wouldn’t get my weekend pass and besides they have to work to six at night. It is carpenter work. Herb Crooke and Everton and Bowen were home last week and they brought back some cakes and apples with them.
I think we will be going to Orillia about a week from tomorrow. There was a few from Vasey down here Sunday. The 157 fellows will be back tonight. Not likely I will write this week again. I may be home on Friday. Write right away from your loving son and brother
I am well hoping this will find you well. It is a little wet down here today but we are fine. We have a little oil stove in our tent, the 8 of us put in 25 cents each and got a stove, oil can and oil. So we have it nice and warm in our tent.
How is Tommy. How is Ada. Have you got the potatoes raised yet. I am having it easy this week. I am acting cook. We sent some men to Orillia this week to fix up the barracks. They went today. I had a chance to go with them but I thought I wouldn’t get my weekend pass and besides they have to work to six at night. It is carpenter work. Herb Crooke and Everton and Bowen were home last week and they brought back some cakes and apples with them.
I think we will be going to Orillia about a week from tomorrow. There was a few from Vasey down here Sunday. The 157 fellows will be back tonight. Not likely I will write this week again. I may be home on Friday. Write right away from your loving son and brother
October 3rd
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I am well. Things are nice down here now it is pretty cool in the morning. Have you seen Clarence or Fred since they came home. It seems to be a quite a lot quieter around here tonight. We miss the 157th fellows there is a lot of fellows gone home on their last leave, about 12 or 13 Battn. Did Cowans have any more word from Tom. They never said anything to me about him late. I don’t think they are really sure where we are going for the winter yet. I hear that Orillia won’t put up any money if they don’t let the 177th go there.
We got paid on Monday. Tell me when you write if there is anybody threshing. We were out shooting today again I made out good. I have made out good so far. It was 300 yards to where we were shooting and we had to load and fire ten rounds in a minute. It is pretty fast shooting. Well bye bye from Bruce.
Just a line to let you know I am well. Things are nice down here now it is pretty cool in the morning. Have you seen Clarence or Fred since they came home. It seems to be a quite a lot quieter around here tonight. We miss the 157th fellows there is a lot of fellows gone home on their last leave, about 12 or 13 Battn. Did Cowans have any more word from Tom. They never said anything to me about him late. I don’t think they are really sure where we are going for the winter yet. I hear that Orillia won’t put up any money if they don’t let the 177th go there.
We got paid on Monday. Tell me when you write if there is anybody threshing. We were out shooting today again I made out good. I have made out good so far. It was 300 yards to where we were shooting and we had to load and fire ten rounds in a minute. It is pretty fast shooting. Well bye bye from Bruce.
September 21st
Dear mother & sister
I hope this will find you both well. I am feeling good now. I just got my belt tonight. We were to Barrie Fair the other day. It was some march. We all stood it fine going down. We left camp at about eight o’clock and rested ten minutes every hour and we got to Barrie about 12:30. We had a little parade in Barrie in the afternoon and we slept in the town hall all night. But there was a lot to tell out coming back. My nose started to bleed when I was about half way back. So Lt. Orr got me into a car and brought me back to camp. I am feeling fine since.
Did you get Ada shod yet, how is she any lamer? Our whole Battn got examined today. There wasn’t many failed. I passed alright. We haven’t got to get up here now in the morning to 6 o’clock. Well I guess this is all I have to say this time. I got to camp about 7 o’clock Monday morning looking for a letter from you right away. And tell me if you hear of anybody coming down on Sunday. Bye bye from Bruce
I hope this will find you both well. I am feeling good now. I just got my belt tonight. We were to Barrie Fair the other day. It was some march. We all stood it fine going down. We left camp at about eight o’clock and rested ten minutes every hour and we got to Barrie about 12:30. We had a little parade in Barrie in the afternoon and we slept in the town hall all night. But there was a lot to tell out coming back. My nose started to bleed when I was about half way back. So Lt. Orr got me into a car and brought me back to camp. I am feeling fine since.
Did you get Ada shod yet, how is she any lamer? Our whole Battn got examined today. There wasn’t many failed. I passed alright. We haven’t got to get up here now in the morning to 6 o’clock. Well I guess this is all I have to say this time. I got to camp about 7 o’clock Monday morning looking for a letter from you right away. And tell me if you hear of anybody coming down on Sunday. Bye bye from Bruce
September 15
Dear mother & sister,
I am well hoping this will find you well. This is a long day at camp. It is Sunday. There was no passes given this week. How is Ada. Did you hear how Tommy Cowan is. What happened? Allie said he had a runaway. I hear he has got a team of bobtail horses now.
I will be glad when we get out of camp for a change. My throat is sore with the dust. The 157th went away on Friday. They were all happy singing and yelling. I would had liked to been with them. I hear that John Robinson is going to enlist in the 228. Is it true. We expect to leave camp at noon on Wednesday the 18th. There isn’t any more than half the Battalions here now that was here when you were here. When you write address it to Orillia instead of Camp.
I may call you up on the phone on Wednesday night if a get a pass on Friday I will chance a ride from Coldwater for a want of the horse that night to go to a box social at the Newtonville. Write soon. Bye bye from your loving son and brother, Bruce
I am well hoping this will find you well. This is a long day at camp. It is Sunday. There was no passes given this week. How is Ada. Did you hear how Tommy Cowan is. What happened? Allie said he had a runaway. I hear he has got a team of bobtail horses now.
I will be glad when we get out of camp for a change. My throat is sore with the dust. The 157th went away on Friday. They were all happy singing and yelling. I would had liked to been with them. I hear that John Robinson is going to enlist in the 228. Is it true. We expect to leave camp at noon on Wednesday the 18th. There isn’t any more than half the Battalions here now that was here when you were here. When you write address it to Orillia instead of Camp.
I may call you up on the phone on Wednesday night if a get a pass on Friday I will chance a ride from Coldwater for a want of the horse that night to go to a box social at the Newtonville. Write soon. Bye bye from your loving son and brother, Bruce
September 13
Dear mother & sister
I was glad to get your letter. I was in the trenches yesterday when I got it. We just got out of the trenches just before dinner. We had all afternoon to rest and I am going to bed early tonight for we didn’t get any sleep last night. But we had lots of fun. We were fighting with the 170th Batt. I got a letter this evening from Bud and was glad to get it. Say I just happened to meet Frank at the YMCA tonight. (incomplete)
I was glad to get your letter. I was in the trenches yesterday when I got it. We just got out of the trenches just before dinner. We had all afternoon to rest and I am going to bed early tonight for we didn’t get any sleep last night. But we had lots of fun. We were fighting with the 170th Batt. I got a letter this evening from Bud and was glad to get it. Say I just happened to meet Frank at the YMCA tonight. (incomplete)
September 11
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to say I am well. I got your letter tonight. Say I don’t know when I will get home. No more passes to after we move into winter quarters which I expect we will move Monday or Tuesday. Our company is going to Orillia. I don’t know what I am going to do with all my stuff. What were you doing in Orillia on Saturday? You didn’t tell me in your letter.
We expected to have a big day here tomorrow. It is an opening day for the 157th they get their colours tomorrow. I think our Battn will leave in about 6 weeks. We are better than a lot that is going. Bye bye from Bruce
Just a line to say I am well. I got your letter tonight. Say I don’t know when I will get home. No more passes to after we move into winter quarters which I expect we will move Monday or Tuesday. Our company is going to Orillia. I don’t know what I am going to do with all my stuff. What were you doing in Orillia on Saturday? You didn’t tell me in your letter.
We expected to have a big day here tomorrow. It is an opening day for the 157th they get their colours tomorrow. I think our Battn will leave in about 6 weeks. We are better than a lot that is going. Bye bye from Bruce
September 7, 1916
Dear mother and sister
I hope this will find you well as I am at present. I got your letter today and was exceedingly glad to hear from you. We had a big rain storm here today and it is much nicer, it is pretty warm here yet. I am on guard out near Angus tomorrow. It is duty day for 177th. They are talking about taking us soon back to Orillia and Barrie. If the 157th don’t go across soon they will take them to Toronto.
I think Mack Sykes is going to get his discharge, he be’s sick a quite a lot. They only want good men any way. Things are looking good and they’re more particular now. I am going to try and get a weekend pass next week again. How is Ada, is she getting any fatter. I wish she would, because you will have to come over to Orillia a few times this winter to meet me. I bet that will suit Lizzie. She will be able to see him a few times then. Well I guess I had better ring off anyway. Looking either to see you or a letter right away.
Bye bye from your best friend son and brother
I hope this will find you well as I am at present. I got your letter today and was exceedingly glad to hear from you. We had a big rain storm here today and it is much nicer, it is pretty warm here yet. I am on guard out near Angus tomorrow. It is duty day for 177th. They are talking about taking us soon back to Orillia and Barrie. If the 157th don’t go across soon they will take them to Toronto.
I think Mack Sykes is going to get his discharge, he be’s sick a quite a lot. They only want good men any way. Things are looking good and they’re more particular now. I am going to try and get a weekend pass next week again. How is Ada, is she getting any fatter. I wish she would, because you will have to come over to Orillia a few times this winter to meet me. I bet that will suit Lizzie. She will be able to see him a few times then. Well I guess I had better ring off anyway. Looking either to see you or a letter right away.
Bye bye from your best friend son and brother
September 2nd
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I got home alright and was in time. How did you get home. Did you get wet? Jack Lidstone went home today he got his discharge. He felt bad when he was going away, he hated to leave the rest of us here.
The Duke is here now, he is going to inspect us on Wednesday. I got a snapshot coming up to the guy, Herb Rumney and I. The cake is just going fine. Well I guess this is all tonight as I got a card or two to write. Be sure and write right away. I will write soon of those nights again.
Bye bye from your son and brother
Just a line to let you know I got home alright and was in time. How did you get home. Did you get wet? Jack Lidstone went home today he got his discharge. He felt bad when he was going away, he hated to leave the rest of us here.
The Duke is here now, he is going to inspect us on Wednesday. I got a snapshot coming up to the guy, Herb Rumney and I. The cake is just going fine. Well I guess this is all tonight as I got a card or two to write. Be sure and write right away. I will write soon of those nights again.
Bye bye from your son and brother
August 23rd
Dear Mother & Sister,
I hope this will find you well and I am at present. I got back about 5 o’clock we have got the same bunch in our tent. How is Ada. Have you much bother catching her. I saw Dan and Gordon working on the wires here today. Cliff and I were over to see if we could find Jack Lawson last night but he was away to Orillia. The 157th has a good show.
Are you coming down Sunday. I will get my money for the month. I was at home alright we won’t get it to the first. Well tell the people that things are just fine since we came back to camp, all kinds of fun. I forgot to take the soap out of the buggy that day. But I got some down here just as good. I am now going over to the show at the YMCA. Well this is all. Bye bye from Bruce
I hope this will find you well and I am at present. I got back about 5 o’clock we have got the same bunch in our tent. How is Ada. Have you much bother catching her. I saw Dan and Gordon working on the wires here today. Cliff and I were over to see if we could find Jack Lawson last night but he was away to Orillia. The 157th has a good show.
Are you coming down Sunday. I will get my money for the month. I was at home alright we won’t get it to the first. Well tell the people that things are just fine since we came back to camp, all kinds of fun. I forgot to take the soap out of the buggy that day. But I got some down here just as good. I am now going over to the show at the YMCA. Well this is all. Bye bye from Bruce
July 13
Dear mother and sister
We got back alright. Did Lizzie get home alright. Say we have to have a letter from home asking for the month’s help. You write a letter as soon as you can get it here, put this on it:
Lt. Col. J.B. McPhee
177 Batt C.E.F
Sir, I would like help of my son Pte. J.B. Speerin to help with haying and harvest for a month on my farm, from the 15th of July to the 15th of August. As he is my only help.
Yours truly, Mrs. J. Speerin
Write this as soon as you can. We want to get off Saturday if we can. Send the letter to me and I will hand it to the Col. Only put on the Col’s address inside. You know how to do it.
Bye bye from Bruce
We got back alright. Did Lizzie get home alright. Say we have to have a letter from home asking for the month’s help. You write a letter as soon as you can get it here, put this on it:
Lt. Col. J.B. McPhee
177 Batt C.E.F
Sir, I would like help of my son Pte. J.B. Speerin to help with haying and harvest for a month on my farm, from the 15th of July to the 15th of August. As he is my only help.
Yours truly, Mrs. J. Speerin
Write this as soon as you can. We want to get off Saturday if we can. Send the letter to me and I will hand it to the Col. Only put on the Col’s address inside. You know how to do it.
Bye bye from Bruce
June, Camp Borden
Dear mother & sister
I have been looking for a letter from you all week and never got any. Have you started to dig the potatoes yet. How is Ada, I suppose Clarence is having a fat time, he was telling me that he might have a party. Tell me if he had it or not and if there was many there.
We had a pretty hard day of it yesterday. Out Battn walked to Alliston and back, it was the first day of the fair. Everybody stood it fine. Did you hear about B Company going to Orillia, the Orillia people doing their best to get us there. And B Company I think is going to get there now if they don’t change their mind. I don’t know if we get a pass next week or not. We may be moving. I will let you know before we move. If Allie (his brother Alex) comes down on Sunday tell Roy I have a little present for him. How is Tommy Cowan getting along. I got my picture of my company. Is there anybody coming in from Moonstone on Sunday. Well be sure and write right away and tell me all the news.
By bye from Bruce
I have been looking for a letter from you all week and never got any. Have you started to dig the potatoes yet. How is Ada, I suppose Clarence is having a fat time, he was telling me that he might have a party. Tell me if he had it or not and if there was many there.
We had a pretty hard day of it yesterday. Out Battn walked to Alliston and back, it was the first day of the fair. Everybody stood it fine. Did you hear about B Company going to Orillia, the Orillia people doing their best to get us there. And B Company I think is going to get there now if they don’t change their mind. I don’t know if we get a pass next week or not. We may be moving. I will let you know before we move. If Allie (his brother Alex) comes down on Sunday tell Roy I have a little present for him. How is Tommy Cowan getting along. I got my picture of my company. Is there anybody coming in from Moonstone on Sunday. Well be sure and write right away and tell me all the news.
By bye from Bruce
March 25, Barrie
157th Battalion, Borden Camp
Dear mother & sister,
I am having a jolly old time things are just fine. If you were here you would be lost. I have met pretty near everybody I know. There is over 15 (batt) in here now they expect there will be over 16 thousand men in here before the 15 of July. I will have a lot of stuff to tell when I go home. How are you getting along with Ada. I may try and get home for a few days at the 12th. Will you send me my boots this week I want them for Sunday if I can get them and send me the five dollars if you can too. We have a good bunch in our tent. Good bye, be sure and put all the address on:
Pte. J.B. Speerin
177th Batt
B Company
7th Plattoon, Camp Borden, Ontario
Dear mother & sister,
I am having a jolly old time things are just fine. If you were here you would be lost. I have met pretty near everybody I know. There is over 15 (batt) in here now they expect there will be over 16 thousand men in here before the 15 of July. I will have a lot of stuff to tell when I go home. How are you getting along with Ada. I may try and get home for a few days at the 12th. Will you send me my boots this week I want them for Sunday if I can get them and send me the five dollars if you can too. We have a good bunch in our tent. Good bye, be sure and put all the address on:
Pte. J.B. Speerin
177th Batt
B Company
7th Plattoon, Camp Borden, Ontario
Jan 7, 1916
Orillia
Dear Mother & Sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well, hoping this will find you the same. I have lots of time today to write as I am on guard. It is the first Sunday I have ever been on guard. It is a pretty good job here, we get a half a piece for supper. Hugh said he would relieve me for a couple of hours this after noon if I want to go down town. Well how is every body around Moonstone. How is Ada is she feeling good.
I hear that Tommy Cowan is coming home or is at home. Did you get my letter. I have been looking for answers a quite while. I will likely be home this Saturday. I would like very well to get up to see the people at the harbour. I haven’t been up there since they give us the fowl supper.
They want me to go down to school to Barrie tomorrow, but I refused. I ain’t going unless they make me and I don’t think they will do that. I couldn’t leave Orillia to go to Barrie. I had a big letter from Fred this week. Have you got the school over again – did you make any arrangement about the cutter. Write and tell me all the news right away. I got all my teeth filled last week. I have got to get my plate fixed yet. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother.
Bruce
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