Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I should have wrote you before this but I have been neglecting it looking for to sail any day. But I made up my mind to write today suppose I was to sail tomorrow.
I could tell you a lot of news that has happened here lately. But I guess you know all about it before this. I think it will be a big talk in Canada. You know about the first of March they cut off the sailings from this camp and were using all the boats to send the 3rd division home. The boys got tired waiting on going home, they heard about the 3rd division going home which is over half Conscrips and they put a big piece in the papers here saying Canada’s fighting men are now going home. Now you can just understand how that looked to men that has fought out here for two or three years and men that had never seen a days fighting going back home.
Well about 9 o’clock Tuesday night a big riot broke out, can you just imagine what 20,000 men would do when they broke loose. First thing they raided was the officers’ quarters where they got whisky. Well that started them good. The next was the canteens where they got barrels of beer and cigarettes and everything then they took to the YMCA and took everything there and then they cut loose on the tobacco stores and tin town and the riot had quieted down about 3 o’clock Wednesday morning. But it broke loose again about 9 o’clock they then raided all the clothing stores and the ration huts. A lot of them still drinking beer which got them into a firm madness. Well they keep going on till about two o’clock that afternoon. When they got some men together out of No. 1 district and give them rifles and ammunition, they shot five of the fellows dead and wounded about 24 which was rushed into the hospital right close here and are getting along fine. Well the raid died away then. So that afternoon they paid everybody two pounds each and the next morning we had General Farmer here giving us a speech. He is the head officer over Canadians in England.
He told us when there would be sailing for us. And said we would all get home this month that is here in this camp now. He said it was not his fault that the 3rd Div was getting home before us but it was somebody over him, that would be Currie I believe, and from now on they are sending 50 percent of the troops in this camp and another 50 of the Battns coming from France. There was a bunch left on Monday and there is another bunch going tomorrow but I do not expect to be in it, but expect to be in the bunch on Saturday any way. That is the 15th then there is another sailing on the 22nd and two more at the end of March.
Well it snowed here last night and it has been a very dirty day underfoot out today. Art O’Shea was just in a little ago wanting to know if we would go to Rhyl tonight but we made up our mind not to go tonight.
Say I had a great dream last night I thought I was home. I felt disappointed when I woke up and found myself still here. I hope this letter finds you well as it leaves me dandy just anxious to get away home.
Say I rec’d two letters from you a few days ago. They were dated Oct 21st Nov 8, Nov 4. I never dreamed that I was going to be so long at getting home. When in the 18 American Hospital the time does fly. Maybe it is better that I was held back a little you know it will amount to about two hundred more dollars of gratuity money with out counting the pay we are drawing all along. There would not be much for me to do if I had been home this winter and I will be home for the spring to make things fly and we will make a home that can never be beat. I think all the boys who have been to France know how much a home means.
Well bye bye do not be worrying. I expected to be home nearly as quick as this letter. With love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
- Last letter
March 2 - #2 Military District, Concentration Wing, Kimmel Park Rhyl
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping this letter finds you well.
I am still waiting here for a sailing, it has been over a week since the last one left. It looks as if it may be another week before we get away. The third division is started to go home. It is some of old Curries’ doings, sending them home as most of the Battns are nearly all Conscrips. There is a lot of men here waiting to get home that has seen from three to four years over here and if they do not soon get them home and be sending those Conscrips home they’re going to have a fine time in this camp. It would only take about two words to cause a fine riot.
They are telling us they will try and get most of us in this camp away this week but we are not sure of that. They may be just telling us that to keep us quiet. But we have got to make the best of it. I will get home soon as I can. Maybe it will be better for us to get home in the spring, We will not feel the cold as bad then after being used to this country.
Well I was out for a nice walk this afternoon. Art O’Shea and I were through a big field. We saw 18 deers. I don’t mean two legged ones, of course there is lots of them around here too. Say did you ever hear the language of the Welsh people talk. They have one of their own. Of course they talk English too.
Say you should see the way they do their hair up in this country. In big knobs behind their head. It is anything but nice. If they would do the hair up like some of the French girls do they would not be bad looking. But oh man they are great for dressing up in good clothes. Well I guess you have been looking for me coming along every day. Well I hope it does not be long until I be there.
I hear Clarence is home, has he had much to say. I guess he has pretty nearly told you all about the big war. See if my story and his is anything alike when I tell you how I found things. I think this will be my last letter from England. The next word may be a wire that I will be home in a day or two. Well bye bye with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Ps I will be with you a few days after this letter I expect. Bye bye B.S.
Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping this letter finds you well.
I am still waiting here for a sailing, it has been over a week since the last one left. It looks as if it may be another week before we get away. The third division is started to go home. It is some of old Curries’ doings, sending them home as most of the Battns are nearly all Conscrips. There is a lot of men here waiting to get home that has seen from three to four years over here and if they do not soon get them home and be sending those Conscrips home they’re going to have a fine time in this camp. It would only take about two words to cause a fine riot.
They are telling us they will try and get most of us in this camp away this week but we are not sure of that. They may be just telling us that to keep us quiet. But we have got to make the best of it. I will get home soon as I can. Maybe it will be better for us to get home in the spring, We will not feel the cold as bad then after being used to this country.
Well I was out for a nice walk this afternoon. Art O’Shea and I were through a big field. We saw 18 deers. I don’t mean two legged ones, of course there is lots of them around here too. Say did you ever hear the language of the Welsh people talk. They have one of their own. Of course they talk English too.
Say you should see the way they do their hair up in this country. In big knobs behind their head. It is anything but nice. If they would do the hair up like some of the French girls do they would not be bad looking. But oh man they are great for dressing up in good clothes. Well I guess you have been looking for me coming along every day. Well I hope it does not be long until I be there.
I hear Clarence is home, has he had much to say. I guess he has pretty nearly told you all about the big war. See if my story and his is anything alike when I tell you how I found things. I think this will be my last letter from England. The next word may be a wire that I will be home in a day or two. Well bye bye with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Ps I will be with you a few days after this letter I expect. Bye bye B.S.
Feb 16 – Witley
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am still in Witley yet. I expect this to be my last letter from this camp. I expect to leave this camp Tuesday night or Wednesday morning for Rhyl which is about 30 miles of Liverpool. It is about an hour ride on the train from Liverpool. I do not know how many days I will be kept at Rhyl. I expect to be there two days anyway.
I will wire you from Halifax or Toronto when I get there. So you will know when I am coming. I hope this letter finds you well as it leaves me fine and in the best of spirits, looking for soon to be home. The boys tell me here that I am fatter now then they ever saw me. Far fatter than I was ever in Canada. So do not be surprised if you see a big fat fellow of course I am not so fat that you will not know me. I don’t think I have changed much in looks. Of course it is not very long since I came away, it will soon be two years. I hear Clarence has reached home. I guess he feels pretty happy.
I wonder what you would say if I brought a nice bride home with me. I guess you would feel disappointed. Well don’t worry I don’t think I will. I can find one in Canada to suit me I think. Of course I have met some very nice girls out here.
How is Allies hope they are well. If you see them tell them I will soon be home. How is Ada still looking for me coming. I guess she will have forgotten me by now.
Well I will ring off I can not think of much to say. Will talk you blind when I get home. Bye bye with love from your ever loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am still in Witley yet. I expect this to be my last letter from this camp. I expect to leave this camp Tuesday night or Wednesday morning for Rhyl which is about 30 miles of Liverpool. It is about an hour ride on the train from Liverpool. I do not know how many days I will be kept at Rhyl. I expect to be there two days anyway.
I will wire you from Halifax or Toronto when I get there. So you will know when I am coming. I hope this letter finds you well as it leaves me fine and in the best of spirits, looking for soon to be home. The boys tell me here that I am fatter now then they ever saw me. Far fatter than I was ever in Canada. So do not be surprised if you see a big fat fellow of course I am not so fat that you will not know me. I don’t think I have changed much in looks. Of course it is not very long since I came away, it will soon be two years. I hear Clarence has reached home. I guess he feels pretty happy.
I wonder what you would say if I brought a nice bride home with me. I guess you would feel disappointed. Well don’t worry I don’t think I will. I can find one in Canada to suit me I think. Of course I have met some very nice girls out here.
How is Allies hope they are well. If you see them tell them I will soon be home. How is Ada still looking for me coming. I guess she will have forgotten me by now.
Well I will ring off I can not think of much to say. Will talk you blind when I get home. Bye bye with love from your ever loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Feb 13 – Witley
Dear mother and sister
Do you know I wrote you a letter on Sunday and forgot to post it. And when I went to get my pad just now to write I found your letter in it. I felt like kicking myself. So I am going to put these few lines in with it. I hope you are keeping well.
Well my papers have come at last. I signed my last pay sheet yesterday and expected to get a teeth, nose and ear inspection this afternoon. I was told that we would be leaving here on the 19th and sailing on the 21st, but I’m not sure. They get some great stories going. Any way I will get away this month.
That Smith that was in the 177th Battn that is a cousin of ours. He is here too waiting on going home. He was telling me he owed Lizzie a letter. He has just come from Germany a short time. He put ten months in Germany a prisoner of war. But he don’t look any the worse of it.
Well I must ring off. I will be following this letter shortly of course. I expect to write you another before I leave here. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Do you know I wrote you a letter on Sunday and forgot to post it. And when I went to get my pad just now to write I found your letter in it. I felt like kicking myself. So I am going to put these few lines in with it. I hope you are keeping well.
Well my papers have come at last. I signed my last pay sheet yesterday and expected to get a teeth, nose and ear inspection this afternoon. I was told that we would be leaving here on the 19th and sailing on the 21st, but I’m not sure. They get some great stories going. Any way I will get away this month.
That Smith that was in the 177th Battn that is a cousin of ours. He is here too waiting on going home. He was telling me he owed Lizzie a letter. He has just come from Germany a short time. He put ten months in Germany a prisoner of war. But he don’t look any the worse of it.
Well I must ring off. I will be following this letter shortly of course. I expect to write you another before I leave here. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Feb 9 – Witley
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines hoping they find you well as it leaves me fine. I am still waiting on my papers coming from Head quarters, London. I am sure of being here another week at least. And I would not be surprised if they keep us here and send us back with the Battn when it comes from France. Any way there is no use worrying the longer I be here the more money I will have. In fact it would be better if I did not get home until the 1st of April. Then I would have my three years in the army and would be entitled to the three year gratitude. Were I to get discharged before the 23rd of March I will only receive the two year one. Of course I do not care, the two year one will do me if I get away home soon.
Well mother how is Ada and you getting along. I suppose she keeps you and Lizzie busy tending to her. How is Allies tell them I will soon be home. Say do you know who I saw the other day. Lieut Orr that used to be in V. Harbour he is waiting on going home too.
Say I got a big surprise the other day. I received 3 parcels, one of them were from you and I rec’d them on Friday, my birthday. They were quite a treat. I have rec’d no letters yet. Well I must ring off. Will write you another letter soon. Do not be worrying I will be home right away. Bye bye with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines hoping they find you well as it leaves me fine. I am still waiting on my papers coming from Head quarters, London. I am sure of being here another week at least. And I would not be surprised if they keep us here and send us back with the Battn when it comes from France. Any way there is no use worrying the longer I be here the more money I will have. In fact it would be better if I did not get home until the 1st of April. Then I would have my three years in the army and would be entitled to the three year gratitude. Were I to get discharged before the 23rd of March I will only receive the two year one. Of course I do not care, the two year one will do me if I get away home soon.
Well mother how is Ada and you getting along. I suppose she keeps you and Lizzie busy tending to her. How is Allies tell them I will soon be home. Say do you know who I saw the other day. Lieut Orr that used to be in V. Harbour he is waiting on going home too.
Say I got a big surprise the other day. I received 3 parcels, one of them were from you and I rec’d them on Friday, my birthday. They were quite a treat. I have rec’d no letters yet. Well I must ring off. Will write you another letter soon. Do not be worrying I will be home right away. Bye bye with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Feb 4 – Witley
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I hope this letter finds you well. I guess you have lots of snow to plough through around home now. It is quite like winter here a little snow on the ground which makes it very slippery.
Well I believe I will be away from here by the 20th. The O.C. told us the other morning that any man who had seen service in France he would get them away home by the 20th of Feb. Any that don’t get away by this will be keep here until after May for the Battns that is in France they are going to start home in the beginning of March.
I have met some of the boys that came from around home lately. George Morrison he is in this reserve and I met George McFarland and George Kent from Eady and Ed Sykes is in the same reserve as them. I saw them all on Sunday. Herb Crooke was here with me but he had to go back to France yesterday morning. I guess Clarence will be home by now. I bet he will give the people some line ha ha.
Well it is not lonesome here anyway. I was over to Jack McNaughton’s room last night, you know he was my section commander in France for a long time. He is now a Lieut with the reserve here. He will make the best of an officer. If some of the officers had been as good as him in France there would be a lot more poor fellows alive today.
Well not many days now until my birthday. It is on Friday. I pretty nearly forget how old I am. 23 I believe.
Well I must ring off do not be worrying for I am quite well and will soon be home. Bye bye with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I hope this letter finds you well. I guess you have lots of snow to plough through around home now. It is quite like winter here a little snow on the ground which makes it very slippery.
Well I believe I will be away from here by the 20th. The O.C. told us the other morning that any man who had seen service in France he would get them away home by the 20th of Feb. Any that don’t get away by this will be keep here until after May for the Battns that is in France they are going to start home in the beginning of March.
I have met some of the boys that came from around home lately. George Morrison he is in this reserve and I met George McFarland and George Kent from Eady and Ed Sykes is in the same reserve as them. I saw them all on Sunday. Herb Crooke was here with me but he had to go back to France yesterday morning. I guess Clarence will be home by now. I bet he will give the people some line ha ha.
Well it is not lonesome here anyway. I was over to Jack McNaughton’s room last night, you know he was my section commander in France for a long time. He is now a Lieut with the reserve here. He will make the best of an officer. If some of the officers had been as good as him in France there would be a lot more poor fellows alive today.
Well not many days now until my birthday. It is on Friday. I pretty nearly forget how old I am. 23 I believe.
Well I must ring off do not be worrying for I am quite well and will soon be home. Bye bye with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Feb 1 – Witley Camp
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to let you know I am now back with the reserve. I had a real good time on my leave. This is my first day in camp but it seems very good. They are not doing much drill just waiting on getting back. I think I am safe at saying I will be sailing home some time this month. But you know it takes time to put papers through for a bunch of men. But after I get my board I may get a few more days leave if I want it. I may take it then for it will take a few days after that before my papers are finished.
I hope this letter finds you well as it leaves me just fine. I weigh now more than I ever weighed. I guess you will think that the scales did not weigh right. 168 is what I weigh today. I just got weighed a few minutes ago. When I came from France to Basingstoke Hospital I only weighed 142. So you can see what I have gained this last while.
Well I had a fine time on leave. Enjoyed myself good. Would have like to stayed longer only I thought I would get away home quicker by getting here and have them start my papers through.
Well we got a little snow on the ground here today but I don’t think it will amount to much. How is Allies hope they are well. Bye bye from Bruce
Oh yes in case you right address my mail to the 3rd Can. Reserve Witley Camp, England of course. I don’t think you need to write for if I am not on my way home by the time you get this letter I would be before I would receive an answer. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a line to let you know I am now back with the reserve. I had a real good time on my leave. This is my first day in camp but it seems very good. They are not doing much drill just waiting on getting back. I think I am safe at saying I will be sailing home some time this month. But you know it takes time to put papers through for a bunch of men. But after I get my board I may get a few more days leave if I want it. I may take it then for it will take a few days after that before my papers are finished.
I hope this letter finds you well as it leaves me just fine. I weigh now more than I ever weighed. I guess you will think that the scales did not weigh right. 168 is what I weigh today. I just got weighed a few minutes ago. When I came from France to Basingstoke Hospital I only weighed 142. So you can see what I have gained this last while.
Well I had a fine time on leave. Enjoyed myself good. Would have like to stayed longer only I thought I would get away home quicker by getting here and have them start my papers through.
Well we got a little snow on the ground here today but I don’t think it will amount to much. How is Allies hope they are well. Bye bye from Bruce
Oh yes in case you right address my mail to the 3rd Can. Reserve Witley Camp, England of course. I don’t think you need to write for if I am not on my way home by the time you get this letter I would be before I would receive an answer. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Jan 28 – London, England
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to let you know I am now in London on sick leave. I think I will go to the reserve about Thursday. But my leave is not up unitl the 6th Feb but I think I will go back before I should be on my way home by that time.
Well old London is quite a lively spot now. It is very crowded here. You would wonder where all the people came from. This letter is going to be short. One of the boys are waiting on me to go to the Strand Theater with him. I do not want you to think it is a girl for I do not look at them. I am too anxious to get back home. Say I will put in the picture I cut out of the paper see if you know any body in it. It is just L/Cp and Corpls in it. Well bye bye I will write on the Thursday again. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a line to let you know I am now in London on sick leave. I think I will go to the reserve about Thursday. But my leave is not up unitl the 6th Feb but I think I will go back before I should be on my way home by that time.
Well old London is quite a lively spot now. It is very crowded here. You would wonder where all the people came from. This letter is going to be short. One of the boys are waiting on me to go to the Strand Theater with him. I do not want you to think it is a girl for I do not look at them. I am too anxious to get back home. Say I will put in the picture I cut out of the paper see if you know any body in it. It is just L/Cp and Corpls in it. Well bye bye I will write on the Thursday again. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Jan 19 – Basingstoke, England
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know my ankle is better. I am just waiting to go to the Reserve any day now. I can have 12 days leave if I want it but I don’t think I will take it. It would cost me about 50 dollars. I have got that much coming to me but I don’t think I will take it. I could have a better time around home on that money than here.
I hope this letter will find you well. I guess you are looking for me coming home every day. Ok it will not be long now until I get there. Of course you will get word a few days before I get there. I will not take you on a bit of a surprise.
It will soon be two years since I came away. I will be back before the first of April. It has seemed about like five years to me. The boys that has put in over four years out here must think it is a long time since they left home. But believe me I have saw some great sights on this side of the pond. I will have a lot to tell you of what I saw when I get back.
I saw one of the Eady boys this morning. He is in this hospital just come from France too. Herb Spence I guess you mind him. He is not at all sick he is able to walk around too.
I was at a good concert in the dining hall last night. I will put a list of the program in the letter.
Has Alexs been down lately. Hope they are all well. I guess they find it pretty hard to get down very often to see you when the snow is so deep in the winter.
Have you still got the same teacher. I thought Tom or Alf Cowan would have been married to her before this.
Say there has been a lot of the boys got married over here. But not Bruce ha ha. They don’t catch me like some of the poor simps. You know the girls all think that the Canadians are so rich and they are all just crazy on going to Canada. They think it is so easy to make money there. Well I think I had better ring off. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to let you know my ankle is better. I am just waiting to go to the Reserve any day now. I can have 12 days leave if I want it but I don’t think I will take it. It would cost me about 50 dollars. I have got that much coming to me but I don’t think I will take it. I could have a better time around home on that money than here.
I hope this letter will find you well. I guess you are looking for me coming home every day. Ok it will not be long now until I get there. Of course you will get word a few days before I get there. I will not take you on a bit of a surprise.
It will soon be two years since I came away. I will be back before the first of April. It has seemed about like five years to me. The boys that has put in over four years out here must think it is a long time since they left home. But believe me I have saw some great sights on this side of the pond. I will have a lot to tell you of what I saw when I get back.
I saw one of the Eady boys this morning. He is in this hospital just come from France too. Herb Spence I guess you mind him. He is not at all sick he is able to walk around too.
I was at a good concert in the dining hall last night. I will put a list of the program in the letter.
Has Alexs been down lately. Hope they are all well. I guess they find it pretty hard to get down very often to see you when the snow is so deep in the winter.
Have you still got the same teacher. I thought Tom or Alf Cowan would have been married to her before this.
Say there has been a lot of the boys got married over here. But not Bruce ha ha. They don’t catch me like some of the poor simps. You know the girls all think that the Canadians are so rich and they are all just crazy on going to Canada. They think it is so easy to make money there. Well I think I had better ring off. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Jan 11 – Basingstoke, England
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to let you know I am now in England. I am in No. 4 Canadian Gen. Hosp. My ankle is not healed up yet so I have to stay here to it does.
I hope this letter finds you well as it leaves me quite well, only waiting for my ankle to heal so I can wear a boot on it. And then I will be on my way home. Just the matter of a week or two. I came to 3rd Can Hosp at Boulogne on the 9th and stayed one night there and came over on the boat yesterday. It was a little rough, it made me sick for about a hour. I don’t think it would have bothered me only for seeing the other fellows sick. That is four times for me across the Channel and I was never sick before neither I was sick coming from Canada.
Well when I got here the Sister brought me a couple good slices of toast and a cup of good tea. It was about two o’clock in the morning when I got here.
But is a lovely place to be (incomplete)
Just a line to let you know I am now in England. I am in No. 4 Canadian Gen. Hosp. My ankle is not healed up yet so I have to stay here to it does.
I hope this letter finds you well as it leaves me quite well, only waiting for my ankle to heal so I can wear a boot on it. And then I will be on my way home. Just the matter of a week or two. I came to 3rd Can Hosp at Boulogne on the 9th and stayed one night there and came over on the boat yesterday. It was a little rough, it made me sick for about a hour. I don’t think it would have bothered me only for seeing the other fellows sick. That is four times for me across the Channel and I was never sick before neither I was sick coming from Canada.
Well when I got here the Sister brought me a couple good slices of toast and a cup of good tea. It was about two o’clock in the morning when I got here.
But is a lovely place to be (incomplete)
1919
Jan 2 – France, South African General Hospital, Ward 32, Abbeville
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know where I am. I am not at all sick but have got another one of those nasty old boils on my ankle. I came from #5 Convalescent Depot Cayeux up here.
I was just going to go to the Base the next day.
But am not in a bad place here. I expect to go to England in a few days. They lanced the boil the Tuesday morning and it is doing nicely. Of course I don’t think they will let me walk on it for a few days for it would be hap to make it worse again. But it will soon be better.
(incomplete)
Jan 5 – France, South African General Hospital
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to let you know I am coming along fine. My ankle is almost better. I am up walking a round on it now, there is no soreness in it now at all. But they will not let me go out until where he lanced it is healed right up again.
I hope this letter finds you well. I know it must be quite a job for you to get along now. I know just about how deep the snow is around home. I can just see mountains of it. It worries me to think of you trying to get wood and stuff in the snow. And me out here doing nothing at all.
But if I get home soon I will make up for it. I will get right down to work this spring.
Well this is the first Sunday in the new year and it seems a dull day in here. But I guess by next Sunday I will be back at my Base or in England. The sooner I get there the sooner I get home.
I just had a good laugh a few minutes ago. We have a stove in the ward and it is trying its best to smoke us out today. And the Sister came along and she thought she would stop it. And when she was poking at it, the stove pipes came down and we all started to laugh. That got her angry. So we had a good laugh then. She is an old maid and cannot stand much teasing and I guess you have an idea how much a bunch of boys can tease.
How is Allies. I hope they are keeping well. I wrote them a letter a few days ago. How is Cowans getting along. Alf or Tom not married yet. How is the old people keeping well.
I have never had any mail since I left the Battn. You see how moving around a little bit put a fellow’s mail out badly. I will be getting letters that you sent after I get home.
Well I must ring off. Do not be worrying for I am quite well. Will likely be on my way home by the time you get this letter.
Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know where I am. I am not at all sick but have got another one of those nasty old boils on my ankle. I came from #5 Convalescent Depot Cayeux up here.
I was just going to go to the Base the next day.
But am not in a bad place here. I expect to go to England in a few days. They lanced the boil the Tuesday morning and it is doing nicely. Of course I don’t think they will let me walk on it for a few days for it would be hap to make it worse again. But it will soon be better.
(incomplete)
Jan 5 – France, South African General Hospital
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to let you know I am coming along fine. My ankle is almost better. I am up walking a round on it now, there is no soreness in it now at all. But they will not let me go out until where he lanced it is healed right up again.
I hope this letter finds you well. I know it must be quite a job for you to get along now. I know just about how deep the snow is around home. I can just see mountains of it. It worries me to think of you trying to get wood and stuff in the snow. And me out here doing nothing at all.
But if I get home soon I will make up for it. I will get right down to work this spring.
Well this is the first Sunday in the new year and it seems a dull day in here. But I guess by next Sunday I will be back at my Base or in England. The sooner I get there the sooner I get home.
I just had a good laugh a few minutes ago. We have a stove in the ward and it is trying its best to smoke us out today. And the Sister came along and she thought she would stop it. And when she was poking at it, the stove pipes came down and we all started to laugh. That got her angry. So we had a good laugh then. She is an old maid and cannot stand much teasing and I guess you have an idea how much a bunch of boys can tease.
How is Allies. I hope they are keeping well. I wrote them a letter a few days ago. How is Cowans getting along. Alf or Tom not married yet. How is the old people keeping well.
I have never had any mail since I left the Battn. You see how moving around a little bit put a fellow’s mail out badly. I will be getting letters that you sent after I get home.
Well I must ring off. Do not be worrying for I am quite well. Will likely be on my way home by the time you get this letter.
Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Christmas Morning - #5 Convalescent Depot France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping that you are well and spending a real merry Xmas. I know it would be a much better one if we were all at home together. But when we can not be we have got to make the best of it and I hope that next Christmas we will all be at home together and it be one of the best we ever spent. We will make up for those two I have been away.
Well this is a peach of a day here. I was to church service in the YMCA this morning. Just got back and thought it was my best chance to write you a few lines because there is concerts on and picture shows all afternoon and evening.
And I would feel mad at myself if I did not write you a few lines today. You will have to accept this letter as a Christmas present from me for there is nothing out here that I see fit to send as a present. Well in about a half a hour we are having our great dinner and we are having tea in the different huts this evening. There is the YMCA hut, Scottish hut, Salvation Army hut, Church Army hut and Catholic hut. I do not know which one I am going to yet. I will tell you in my next letter which one I was at and what all we had to eat.
Last Christmas I had in a little town called Divine. We were out for a little rest just then. We used to call Divine our home in France. The people were good to us there the two or three little rests we spent. We had turkey and chicken last year but I do not expect it this year.
I am looking for to go to the base. I believe they have got to send us there before we are sent to England to our demobilising camp. I expect to go from here some day this week. I think they will start demobilisation up in the beginning of the new year.
I did not tell you what groups I was classed in. 28 for service group, 1 for occupation group. I know my occupation group means a lot. They want to get us back so we will be ready to start work on the farms in the spring.
I do not know but I have a good idea that I will be home about the first of Feb. I have not got any mail from you since I left the Battn. But am sure watching for it now. I got a letter two days ago from Myrtle. It had followed me to the hospital from #6 Con Camp from there here.
How is Allies I hope they were down to have Christmas with you. For I know it would be lonely for you two at home alone.
Cheer up. We will all be at home for Christmas 1919. How is Ada as gay as ever. Have you had many cutter drives this winter. I will be home to have a few before the snow is gone.
Myrtle told me Lizzie was over and stay a night with her and that you enjoyed the show you were at. I wish that you could have come to some of the shows with me that I was at in London when I was on leave. Well mother get the hens laying and just see how well I like hen fruit when I get back.
Well I must ring off. Happy new year to you and heaps of love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping that you are well and spending a real merry Xmas. I know it would be a much better one if we were all at home together. But when we can not be we have got to make the best of it and I hope that next Christmas we will all be at home together and it be one of the best we ever spent. We will make up for those two I have been away.
Well this is a peach of a day here. I was to church service in the YMCA this morning. Just got back and thought it was my best chance to write you a few lines because there is concerts on and picture shows all afternoon and evening.
And I would feel mad at myself if I did not write you a few lines today. You will have to accept this letter as a Christmas present from me for there is nothing out here that I see fit to send as a present. Well in about a half a hour we are having our great dinner and we are having tea in the different huts this evening. There is the YMCA hut, Scottish hut, Salvation Army hut, Church Army hut and Catholic hut. I do not know which one I am going to yet. I will tell you in my next letter which one I was at and what all we had to eat.
Last Christmas I had in a little town called Divine. We were out for a little rest just then. We used to call Divine our home in France. The people were good to us there the two or three little rests we spent. We had turkey and chicken last year but I do not expect it this year.
I am looking for to go to the base. I believe they have got to send us there before we are sent to England to our demobilising camp. I expect to go from here some day this week. I think they will start demobilisation up in the beginning of the new year.
I did not tell you what groups I was classed in. 28 for service group, 1 for occupation group. I know my occupation group means a lot. They want to get us back so we will be ready to start work on the farms in the spring.
I do not know but I have a good idea that I will be home about the first of Feb. I have not got any mail from you since I left the Battn. But am sure watching for it now. I got a letter two days ago from Myrtle. It had followed me to the hospital from #6 Con Camp from there here.
How is Allies I hope they were down to have Christmas with you. For I know it would be lonely for you two at home alone.
Cheer up. We will all be at home for Christmas 1919. How is Ada as gay as ever. Have you had many cutter drives this winter. I will be home to have a few before the snow is gone.
Myrtle told me Lizzie was over and stay a night with her and that you enjoyed the show you were at. I wish that you could have come to some of the shows with me that I was at in London when I was on leave. Well mother get the hens laying and just see how well I like hen fruit when I get back.
Well I must ring off. Happy new year to you and heaps of love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Dec 15 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to say I am well hoping this letter finds you well. I am at No 5 Convalescent Camp. It is about all Canadians that is here. I will tell you the place we are at, Cayeux, right near the coast. I just come here last night. The boil I had on my little finger is not quite better yet but is coming along as good as I can expect it. I get it dressed twice a day with good hot dressings.
Well I think I will soon be on my way home. They are grouping us here by whatever trade you are. I will know tomorrow what group I am in. I know I will be in one of the first groups to get home. I will let you know in my next letter what group I get and I think I will be able to tell you when I will be sailing for home. Of course I guess it wouldn’t be much use telling you for I expect I will be on my way home by the time you get this letter. So cheer up your son will soon be back to stay.
So get the hens laying mother and Lizzie you can get Ada well brushed up. So we can do some driving when I get home. Well I must close I am going to put a few lines in for Allies. You can give it to him and tell them to look for a letter from me. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to say I am well hoping this letter finds you well. I am at No 5 Convalescent Camp. It is about all Canadians that is here. I will tell you the place we are at, Cayeux, right near the coast. I just come here last night. The boil I had on my little finger is not quite better yet but is coming along as good as I can expect it. I get it dressed twice a day with good hot dressings.
Well I think I will soon be on my way home. They are grouping us here by whatever trade you are. I will know tomorrow what group I am in. I know I will be in one of the first groups to get home. I will let you know in my next letter what group I get and I think I will be able to tell you when I will be sailing for home. Of course I guess it wouldn’t be much use telling you for I expect I will be on my way home by the time you get this letter. So cheer up your son will soon be back to stay.
So get the hens laying mother and Lizzie you can get Ada well brushed up. So we can do some driving when I get home. Well I must close I am going to put a few lines in for Allies. You can give it to him and tell them to look for a letter from me. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Dec 15 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to say I am well hoping this letter finds you well. I am at No 5 Convalescent Camp. It is about all Canadians that is here. I will tell you the place we are at, Cayeux, right near the coast. I just come here last night. The boil I had on my little finger is not quite better yet but is coming along as good as I can expect it. I get it dressed twice a day with good hot dressings.
Well I think I will soon be on my way home. They are grouping us here by whatever trade you are. I will know tomorrow what group I am in. I know I will be in one of the first groups to get home. I will let you know in my next letter what group I get and I think I will be able to tell you when I will be sailing for home. Of course I guess it wouldn’t be much use telling you for I expect I will be on my way home by the time you get this letter. So cheer up your son will soon be back to stay.
So get the hens laying mother and Lizzie you can get Ada well brushed up. So we can do some driving when I get home. Well I must close I am going to put a few lines in for Allies. You can give it to him and tell them to look for a letter from me. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to say I am well hoping this letter finds you well. I am at No 5 Convalescent Camp. It is about all Canadians that is here. I will tell you the place we are at, Cayeux, right near the coast. I just come here last night. The boil I had on my little finger is not quite better yet but is coming along as good as I can expect it. I get it dressed twice a day with good hot dressings.
Well I think I will soon be on my way home. They are grouping us here by whatever trade you are. I will know tomorrow what group I am in. I know I will be in one of the first groups to get home. I will let you know in my next letter what group I get and I think I will be able to tell you when I will be sailing for home. Of course I guess it wouldn’t be much use telling you for I expect I will be on my way home by the time you get this letter. So cheer up your son will soon be back to stay.
So get the hens laying mother and Lizzie you can get Ada well brushed up. So we can do some driving when I get home. Well I must close I am going to put a few lines in for Allies. You can give it to him and tell them to look for a letter from me. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Dec 11 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to let you know I am well. I just came out of the hosp today to convalescence it is right at Etapes. I expect to go to my Base from here in a few days, although I believe there is another boil coming on my little finger. If it is as sore as the first one I had I will be back in the hospital in a few days again.
I feel ashamed of myself for not sending you a little Christmas card or something but it was impossible for me to get any around the hospital. But I will see what I can get around here. It might be late for Christmas but you will know I will have not forgotten you. I have had no mail since I came into the hosp. it sure seems a long time.
Art O’Shea went to Blighty from the same hosp as I was in a few days ago. I may be home by my birthday but I don’t think much before it.
Hope Allies are all well too. Tell them we will all spend Christmas 1919 at home all us again together. Well I will ring off. Bye bye merry Christmas and happy new year to all from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a line to let you know I am well. I just came out of the hosp today to convalescence it is right at Etapes. I expect to go to my Base from here in a few days, although I believe there is another boil coming on my little finger. If it is as sore as the first one I had I will be back in the hospital in a few days again.
I feel ashamed of myself for not sending you a little Christmas card or something but it was impossible for me to get any around the hospital. But I will see what I can get around here. It might be late for Christmas but you will know I will have not forgotten you. I have had no mail since I came into the hosp. it sure seems a long time.
Art O’Shea went to Blighty from the same hosp as I was in a few days ago. I may be home by my birthday but I don’t think much before it.
Hope Allies are all well too. Tell them we will all spend Christmas 1919 at home all us again together. Well I will ring off. Bye bye merry Christmas and happy new year to all from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Dec 1 – France – 18th Gen Hospital
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to let you know I am pretty well. I am still in the hospital. The sore that was on my finger is almost better but I have another coming up on the back of the same hand. They are like boils. I guess I will be here for another week. If I could have got to the Base tomorrow or the next day I would have been sailing for home before the end of the week. 14,000 Canadians to go from France to Canada this week, that is men that is in Railway Battn or men at Base here.
I expect now that I will be on my way home before Christmas.
I hope this letter will find you well. I want to find you good and well when I walk in home of course I will let you know may be a few days before I come. You are going to see a big fat fellow. You may hardly know me but I don’t think I have growed that much.
Well it has been cold here today. Much like winter.
Of course it has been very nice sitting in the ward here around the fire. How is Alexs I hope they are well. I am ashamed of myself for not writing them before this. But I will try and get some more paper tomorrow and write then. I will ring off. Do not be worrying I will soon be home. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a line to let you know I am pretty well. I am still in the hospital. The sore that was on my finger is almost better but I have another coming up on the back of the same hand. They are like boils. I guess I will be here for another week. If I could have got to the Base tomorrow or the next day I would have been sailing for home before the end of the week. 14,000 Canadians to go from France to Canada this week, that is men that is in Railway Battn or men at Base here.
I expect now that I will be on my way home before Christmas.
I hope this letter will find you well. I want to find you good and well when I walk in home of course I will let you know may be a few days before I come. You are going to see a big fat fellow. You may hardly know me but I don’t think I have growed that much.
Well it has been cold here today. Much like winter.
Of course it has been very nice sitting in the ward here around the fire. How is Alexs I hope they are well. I am ashamed of myself for not writing them before this. But I will try and get some more paper tomorrow and write then. I will ring off. Do not be worrying I will soon be home. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Nov 29 – France – 18th Gen Hospital
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to say I am pretty well. But still in the hospital. I was told today to hustle up and get to the base that they were going to send some to Canada right away from there.
I wish they would. I would be home for Christmas. It sounds too good to be true. I don’t think peace will be signed until the new year. Any way I will be home for the spring. Just in time to have a couple of weeks of good time before the spring work starts.
I have not had a letter for a long time. It is on count of my coming down here. But I wrote for it. It should be here by now. Well I must ring off will write a bigger letter next time. Do not be worrying I am well.
Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a line to say I am pretty well. But still in the hospital. I was told today to hustle up and get to the base that they were going to send some to Canada right away from there.
I wish they would. I would be home for Christmas. It sounds too good to be true. I don’t think peace will be signed until the new year. Any way I will be home for the spring. Just in time to have a couple of weeks of good time before the spring work starts.
I have not had a letter for a long time. It is on count of my coming down here. But I wrote for it. It should be here by now. Well I must ring off will write a bigger letter next time. Do not be worrying I am well.
Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Nov 24 – France, L Ward, 18th Gen Hosp
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to let you know I am getting along fine. You will know by my writing that my hand is better.
I have not had any mail for near a month now. I was expecting mail every day before I left the Battn for I had not had any for over a week then. But I wrote to the post Cpl of the Battn and told him to send it on to me. That was a week ago, so I am looking for mail any day now.
It is raining here today. It seems better to me to be sitting here than doing a route march or parade. Of course it gets tiresome sitting around here. And just hoping to soon get back home. But I think I will manage to get home by March any way. It may take to the first of the new year before peace is signed. Get Ada good and fat for I will be home to do lots of ploughing and other work with her this coming spring. I will show some of those folks around home how to farm.
A lot of people get it into their head that a man is no good after spending three or four years in the army. I think they will find they’re wrong. I think the most of the boys will take a larger interest in the work than ever. A lot of us really never knew what home meant to us until we came to France and believe me it did not take long then to find out how much it meant.
Now do not get it in to your heads that I am sorry I came to France. I never kicked myself about that. I am glad I came. It has done me a world of good. I am proud to be able to fight for a home and a country like I live in.
Any returned men that tells you tales about our Canadian YMCA being no good tell him to his face he is a liar. Men that says that have never seen the front line, never been with the fighting men. Been holidaying down in some bomb-proof job in England. I have put 15 months around the front line and have found the Canadian YMCA right up the line with the men. Believe me if I hear any one running them down they can prepare for a darn good striking.
I wish I could have been out of the hospital so I could have sent you a little Christmas present. Say I would not send any more parcels to me unless I let you know because very likely I will be on my way home before they would get here.
Any parcels that has came for me while I am away from the Battn I never expect to see for there is too many around the post office that likes parcels when you’re not there to get them.
For addressing any mail send it to the Battn. Use the same address. Very likely I will be kept at the base until the Battn comes there. They are near into Germany now. Been having some big route marches. Some of the boys have been coming down with sore feet. I guess I am lucky to be down here for I have a good idea what the marches are like with full march on those hard cobblestone roads.
Well I must ring off. Do not be worrying about me just think it will not be long until I march in home. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a line to let you know I am getting along fine. You will know by my writing that my hand is better.
I have not had any mail for near a month now. I was expecting mail every day before I left the Battn for I had not had any for over a week then. But I wrote to the post Cpl of the Battn and told him to send it on to me. That was a week ago, so I am looking for mail any day now.
It is raining here today. It seems better to me to be sitting here than doing a route march or parade. Of course it gets tiresome sitting around here. And just hoping to soon get back home. But I think I will manage to get home by March any way. It may take to the first of the new year before peace is signed. Get Ada good and fat for I will be home to do lots of ploughing and other work with her this coming spring. I will show some of those folks around home how to farm.
A lot of people get it into their head that a man is no good after spending three or four years in the army. I think they will find they’re wrong. I think the most of the boys will take a larger interest in the work than ever. A lot of us really never knew what home meant to us until we came to France and believe me it did not take long then to find out how much it meant.
Now do not get it in to your heads that I am sorry I came to France. I never kicked myself about that. I am glad I came. It has done me a world of good. I am proud to be able to fight for a home and a country like I live in.
Any returned men that tells you tales about our Canadian YMCA being no good tell him to his face he is a liar. Men that says that have never seen the front line, never been with the fighting men. Been holidaying down in some bomb-proof job in England. I have put 15 months around the front line and have found the Canadian YMCA right up the line with the men. Believe me if I hear any one running them down they can prepare for a darn good striking.
I wish I could have been out of the hospital so I could have sent you a little Christmas present. Say I would not send any more parcels to me unless I let you know because very likely I will be on my way home before they would get here.
Any parcels that has came for me while I am away from the Battn I never expect to see for there is too many around the post office that likes parcels when you’re not there to get them.
For addressing any mail send it to the Battn. Use the same address. Very likely I will be kept at the base until the Battn comes there. They are near into Germany now. Been having some big route marches. Some of the boys have been coming down with sore feet. I guess I am lucky to be down here for I have a good idea what the marches are like with full march on those hard cobblestone roads.
Well I must ring off. Do not be worrying about me just think it will not be long until I march in home. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Nov 19 – France
Dear mother & sister
Just a line to say I am well and still in the hospital. Hope that this letter finds you well.
My hand is getting better nicely. I do not know how much longer I will be in here but expect to be a little while yet.
Art O’Shea came in here this morning, he has a sore foot. It is an American hospital I am in, I find it pretty good. Well I must ring off hoping to soon be home. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a line to say I am well and still in the hospital. Hope that this letter finds you well.
My hand is getting better nicely. I do not know how much longer I will be in here but expect to be a little while yet.
Art O’Shea came in here this morning, he has a sore foot. It is an American hospital I am in, I find it pretty good. Well I must ring off hoping to soon be home. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Nov 15 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a line to say I am well. My finger will soon be better. I would not be surprised if I go to Blighty any day. If that be the case I will be home by Christmas or on my way. So cheer up. I will be home with you again soon. I do not know if you can make the writing out but my hand will soon be better and I will do better writing then. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a line to say I am well. My finger will soon be better. I would not be surprised if I go to Blighty any day. If that be the case I will be home by Christmas or on my way. So cheer up. I will be home with you again soon. I do not know if you can make the writing out but my hand will soon be better and I will do better writing then. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Nov 13 – France
Dear mother & sister
Just a few lines to say I am in the hospital. Now do not think I am sick because I say I am in the hospital. I had a “whitton” (probably whit on – piece of shrapnel) on my right hand that brought me here. You may notice the writing poor because I have to do some with my left hand so this letter will be short.
My hand is not very sore. You know I am able to be up around. It is nothing serious so do not be worrying. I was admitted into the (hospital) on the 8th of Nov and expected to be discharged from the hospital any day. I will be back with my Battn again.
I guess you have heard the good news about peace. Believe me the boys are feeling good and happy here tonight. So I may have a good chance to be back home by Christmas or shortly after. I believe our Battn will be one of the first ones to reach Canada.
Well bye bye I will write soon again. From your ever loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxxxx
Ps please do not be worrying for I am well.
Just a few lines to say I am in the hospital. Now do not think I am sick because I say I am in the hospital. I had a “whitton” (probably whit on – piece of shrapnel) on my right hand that brought me here. You may notice the writing poor because I have to do some with my left hand so this letter will be short.
My hand is not very sore. You know I am able to be up around. It is nothing serious so do not be worrying. I was admitted into the (hospital) on the 8th of Nov and expected to be discharged from the hospital any day. I will be back with my Battn again.
I guess you have heard the good news about peace. Believe me the boys are feeling good and happy here tonight. So I may have a good chance to be back home by Christmas or shortly after. I believe our Battn will be one of the first ones to reach Canada.
Well bye bye I will write soon again. From your ever loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxxxx
Ps please do not be worrying for I am well.
Oct 30 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to say I am real well. Hoping this letter finds you well. I received a letter from you last night dated Oct 5th. Glad to hear you are well.
I also rec’d a parcel the night before. It came ok. Everything in it was good. Oh yes. I also got a dollar in this letter. I am well away now got some dollar bills some lb notes and some francs. I see when the YMCA gets a good stock in it I will live high for a few days.
You said that you send one parcel with a jar of rhubarb in it and one with a pair of gloves. I have got neither of those yet. But I think they came while I was on leave. I told my chum to get any that come for me while I was away and open them and eat the eats in them and keep the socks or anything like that for me. My chum told me there was two come but they would not give them to him. But I was told where he thought they had gone and it made me a little sore. I had a quite a chew about them. I thought I might have lost my stripe about it but have not so far. It made me a little mad. I thought my chum was more entitled to them then any body else. Any how I am back now and I will get my own parcels alright.
I saw Douglas McNaff yesterday, he is back with his Battn again. He told me that Willie Douglas was away on leave to Blighty, also Melville Belfry and Dave Sallows.
Did I tell you in some of my other letters that I had a letter from Allies and got some little snaps of little Grace and Roy. I think them just grand. That one with little Grace in the carriage and Roy standing along side is awfully good.
Say I got a big surprise a few minutes ago. I was sitting here writing and I heard a fellow outside inquiring if Speerin live in here. Of course when he came in I hardly knew who he was until I had a good look at him. And who do you think it was. Morg Edwards from Vasey. He tells me that George Morrisson is in the 3rd Reserve. Well I must ring off do not be worrying for I am quite well. With love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Ps give Alexs my love and tell I will write them soon. Bye bye B.S.
Just a few lines to say I am real well. Hoping this letter finds you well. I received a letter from you last night dated Oct 5th. Glad to hear you are well.
I also rec’d a parcel the night before. It came ok. Everything in it was good. Oh yes. I also got a dollar in this letter. I am well away now got some dollar bills some lb notes and some francs. I see when the YMCA gets a good stock in it I will live high for a few days.
You said that you send one parcel with a jar of rhubarb in it and one with a pair of gloves. I have got neither of those yet. But I think they came while I was on leave. I told my chum to get any that come for me while I was away and open them and eat the eats in them and keep the socks or anything like that for me. My chum told me there was two come but they would not give them to him. But I was told where he thought they had gone and it made me a little sore. I had a quite a chew about them. I thought I might have lost my stripe about it but have not so far. It made me a little mad. I thought my chum was more entitled to them then any body else. Any how I am back now and I will get my own parcels alright.
I saw Douglas McNaff yesterday, he is back with his Battn again. He told me that Willie Douglas was away on leave to Blighty, also Melville Belfry and Dave Sallows.
Did I tell you in some of my other letters that I had a letter from Allies and got some little snaps of little Grace and Roy. I think them just grand. That one with little Grace in the carriage and Roy standing along side is awfully good.
Say I got a big surprise a few minutes ago. I was sitting here writing and I heard a fellow outside inquiring if Speerin live in here. Of course when he came in I hardly knew who he was until I had a good look at him. And who do you think it was. Morg Edwards from Vasey. He tells me that George Morrisson is in the 3rd Reserve. Well I must ring off do not be worrying for I am quite well. With love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Ps give Alexs my love and tell I will write them soon. Bye bye B.S.
Oct 23 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to say I am well hoping this letter finds you in the best of health.
Well I am back about a week now from Blighty. Had an awfully good time on my leave. I rec’d several letters from you that was waiting for me. One of them had some money in it. Thanks very much for it. It means some fruit and biscuits at the YMCA for me.
There is sure some change here since I came back. I hardly knew any of the boys. Dave is alright yet. I am still in the pit and I also got my little friends with me again. They sure keep a fellow company.
I rec’d a letter from Allies. Was glad to hear from them with some dandy little snaps of Roy and Grace in it. Was sorry to hear Allie is not very well.
I was going to put a couple of cards in this letter that I had taken while on leave but I have not got a large enough envelope to put them in. I will get one at the YMCA tomorrow. But I will send the letter tonight. Well I must close with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxx
Do not be worrying I am quite well.
Just a few lines to say I am well hoping this letter finds you in the best of health.
Well I am back about a week now from Blighty. Had an awfully good time on my leave. I rec’d several letters from you that was waiting for me. One of them had some money in it. Thanks very much for it. It means some fruit and biscuits at the YMCA for me.
There is sure some change here since I came back. I hardly knew any of the boys. Dave is alright yet. I am still in the pit and I also got my little friends with me again. They sure keep a fellow company.
I rec’d a letter from Allies. Was glad to hear from them with some dandy little snaps of Roy and Grace in it. Was sorry to hear Allie is not very well.
I was going to put a couple of cards in this letter that I had taken while on leave but I have not got a large enough envelope to put them in. I will get one at the YMCA tomorrow. But I will send the letter tonight. Well I must close with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxx
Do not be worrying I am quite well.
Oct 14 – London
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know to let you know I am well. This is my last days leave for a while so I am making the best of it I can. I have got to go back to France in the morning. Believe me these 14 days have flew. It is trying to rain this afternoon but that will not stop me from having a good time. I just had my dinner it was pretty good too. The people are not starving half as bad as they say they are over here.
I will put in some of my little ration coupons just to let you see what they have to use out here for meals. I have a lot more tickets than I ever used. I have over half of them left and have always had five or six meals a day. Believe me I am a lot fatter now then when I landed here.
I hope this letter finds you well. Now I don’t want you to be worrying about me for I am quite well and the hardships are not half as bad as you get into your heads. Why it is a picnic out here some times. And I trust that God will protect me and bring me safely though. It looks a lot like peace at present but we are never sure of it until we get it.
Well mother I have learnt a lot since I came away. I never had an idea of what London was like or some more of the cities. I can travel any place in those cities now and never get turned around. I know more now then some of those fellows around home will ever know if they live to be 190 years old and have seen places they will never sees.
Well I must soon ring off. I will be back with the Battn when I write the next letter. After this my address just put on the 4th Battn A. Coy. Do not put 4 platoon for I am not sure if I be in it when I go back. I was talking to one of the boys that came over yesterday and he said there was just three platoons to the Coy. I believe the No 4 was so badly cut up they put the few left in 1, 2 and 3 but they will be making it again so I am not sure what PLt I will be in and do not care. I would do very well to be in one.
Well bye bye dear mother and sister from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxx
Just a few lines to let you know to let you know I am well. This is my last days leave for a while so I am making the best of it I can. I have got to go back to France in the morning. Believe me these 14 days have flew. It is trying to rain this afternoon but that will not stop me from having a good time. I just had my dinner it was pretty good too. The people are not starving half as bad as they say they are over here.
I will put in some of my little ration coupons just to let you see what they have to use out here for meals. I have a lot more tickets than I ever used. I have over half of them left and have always had five or six meals a day. Believe me I am a lot fatter now then when I landed here.
I hope this letter finds you well. Now I don’t want you to be worrying about me for I am quite well and the hardships are not half as bad as you get into your heads. Why it is a picnic out here some times. And I trust that God will protect me and bring me safely though. It looks a lot like peace at present but we are never sure of it until we get it.
Well mother I have learnt a lot since I came away. I never had an idea of what London was like or some more of the cities. I can travel any place in those cities now and never get turned around. I know more now then some of those fellows around home will ever know if they live to be 190 years old and have seen places they will never sees.
Well I must soon ring off. I will be back with the Battn when I write the next letter. After this my address just put on the 4th Battn A. Coy. Do not put 4 platoon for I am not sure if I be in it when I go back. I was talking to one of the boys that came over yesterday and he said there was just three platoons to the Coy. I believe the No 4 was so badly cut up they put the few left in 1, 2 and 3 but they will be making it again so I am not sure what PLt I will be in and do not care. I would do very well to be in one.
Well bye bye dear mother and sister from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxx
Oct 9 – Edinburgh
Dear mother and sister
Just a few more lines to say I am quite well and having a good time although it has rained every day since I came here some time through the day. I tell the Scottish people this is an awful country to live in where it is raining every day. Just to hear them argue they say if I was Scottish I wouldn’t mind it, that it is just a Scottish mist. I think I can consider myself very lucky to be here instead of fighting out in France in the mud and rain.
Well mother I guess you and Lizzie have been real busy this fall digging potatoes and getting the oats in and stuff. I believe you told me in one of your letters that the apple crop was very poor. Did you have many potatoes and where did you sell them. How is Ada coming up. I supposed she is pretty gay.
Had you many chickens this year. Now mother please don’t you send them in parcels to me for it takes them too long to come and they be spoiled and besides they spoil the rest of the stuff. But there is one thing that always comes good, that is butter in all your parcels this summer. I never rec’d any spoiled. I told my chum when I left to open any of my parcels that came and he said if there was any socks or gloves in them he would keep them for me. But I’m beginning to think that very likely he will be wounded before this. The morning I came away he was in charge of the platoon, the Sergt had got hit.
How is Allies have they been down lately. I guess it is too far for them to come to be down very often. I wrote Alf a letter last night and told him a good line about the hard fighting we have been in. I was at an awfully good show last night. I was thinking of going back to London either tomorrow night or Friday morning.
The manager of the club here wants me to go out out to a farm with him on Friday. There is a busload going of about 15. But the fellow that came with me, we are chumming it here together, Overs is his name, He wants me to go back to London with him by Friday morning any way.
I know there is a lot of sights in London I would like to see too. Well I must ring off. My one pen is dry so I will finish with this one. I will write you again soon for it is a great thing to be able to write when you feel like it and you can say more here than just where you are. Do there ever be any censored out of my letters from France. My platoon officer censors them all but the green envelopes. I often say a little more in them. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few more lines to say I am quite well and having a good time although it has rained every day since I came here some time through the day. I tell the Scottish people this is an awful country to live in where it is raining every day. Just to hear them argue they say if I was Scottish I wouldn’t mind it, that it is just a Scottish mist. I think I can consider myself very lucky to be here instead of fighting out in France in the mud and rain.
Well mother I guess you and Lizzie have been real busy this fall digging potatoes and getting the oats in and stuff. I believe you told me in one of your letters that the apple crop was very poor. Did you have many potatoes and where did you sell them. How is Ada coming up. I supposed she is pretty gay.
Had you many chickens this year. Now mother please don’t you send them in parcels to me for it takes them too long to come and they be spoiled and besides they spoil the rest of the stuff. But there is one thing that always comes good, that is butter in all your parcels this summer. I never rec’d any spoiled. I told my chum when I left to open any of my parcels that came and he said if there was any socks or gloves in them he would keep them for me. But I’m beginning to think that very likely he will be wounded before this. The morning I came away he was in charge of the platoon, the Sergt had got hit.
How is Allies have they been down lately. I guess it is too far for them to come to be down very often. I wrote Alf a letter last night and told him a good line about the hard fighting we have been in. I was at an awfully good show last night. I was thinking of going back to London either tomorrow night or Friday morning.
The manager of the club here wants me to go out out to a farm with him on Friday. There is a busload going of about 15. But the fellow that came with me, we are chumming it here together, Overs is his name, He wants me to go back to London with him by Friday morning any way.
I know there is a lot of sights in London I would like to see too. Well I must ring off. My one pen is dry so I will finish with this one. I will write you again soon for it is a great thing to be able to write when you feel like it and you can say more here than just where you are. Do there ever be any censored out of my letters from France. My platoon officer censors them all but the green envelopes. I often say a little more in them. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Oct 7 – Edinburgh
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well and having a good time. Hoping this letter finds you well.
It has been raining here all day, not real heavy but enough to make it nasty for going out around. I was at a show this afternoon. Just got back and had tea. So I thought I had better get busy and write you. I was at church yesterday morning. And wrote a letter to Myrtle in the afternoon and was busting my self laughing at the Scottish girls talking in the evening. You should just hear some of those Scottish girls that speak, so very broad. It takes you guessing to understand them.
Now I do not want you to be worrying about me when I am out in France. Just pray for God to protect me. I know he has answered your prayers often for I know how close a man can come of being killed and never get scratched. I have been through the rough and smooth of it and know what gas is like. Some say that your rifle is your best friend but I believe my gas mask has been mine. I know it saved me once last winter from being gassed.
There is big peace talk in the paper now. I believe we will have peace before Christmas yet. I expect by the time I get back our Battn will be out on rest. We may not see any more fighting this fall or winter for we have fought so well this summer. I spent last Christmas and New Years in a French town called Divine. Our Battn would sooner billet there than any other town in France. Why these French people were awfully good to us there.
I had a little diary I was thinking of sending home but I have changed my mind. I am afraid it might go astray and give too much information away. Any way it will not be long until I be home and I will fetch it with me and it will get there sure. Well I must ring off. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am well and having a good time. Hoping this letter finds you well.
It has been raining here all day, not real heavy but enough to make it nasty for going out around. I was at a show this afternoon. Just got back and had tea. So I thought I had better get busy and write you. I was at church yesterday morning. And wrote a letter to Myrtle in the afternoon and was busting my self laughing at the Scottish girls talking in the evening. You should just hear some of those Scottish girls that speak, so very broad. It takes you guessing to understand them.
Now I do not want you to be worrying about me when I am out in France. Just pray for God to protect me. I know he has answered your prayers often for I know how close a man can come of being killed and never get scratched. I have been through the rough and smooth of it and know what gas is like. Some say that your rifle is your best friend but I believe my gas mask has been mine. I know it saved me once last winter from being gassed.
There is big peace talk in the paper now. I believe we will have peace before Christmas yet. I expect by the time I get back our Battn will be out on rest. We may not see any more fighting this fall or winter for we have fought so well this summer. I spent last Christmas and New Years in a French town called Divine. Our Battn would sooner billet there than any other town in France. Why these French people were awfully good to us there.
I had a little diary I was thinking of sending home but I have changed my mind. I am afraid it might go astray and give too much information away. Any way it will not be long until I be home and I will fetch it with me and it will get there sure. Well I must ring off. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxx
Oct 5 – Edinburgh
Dear mother & sister
I thought I had better write you a few more lines this morning and let you know what a grand time I am having. I hope this letter will find you well as it just leaves me fine. This is Saturday morning and looks very much like a fairly nice day. It has rained a little some time through the day every day I have been here yet.
I was through Edinburgh Castle yesterday afternoon and I may go through Holyrood Palace this afternoon. And on Sunday I will go to church morning and night and on Monday or Tuesday I want to go to see the Forth Bridge.
I got some photos taken yesterday. It will be about two weeks before I get them but soon as I get them I will send you one if they are any good.
How is Allies. I hope they are keeping well. I must send them a post card. I will put it in a letter and mail it to you and you can give it to them. This sure is a nice little place. The people sure try to do every thing they can to make a good time for the soldiers and sailors. When we got off the train at London there was cars waiting for us and took us up to the Maple Leaf Club where we got our cheques changed and got a good bath clean clothes also a dandy supper. They always meet trains at the station that Canadian soldiers come from France on. The old Channel was very rough coming over on the boat it never made me sick. I was just thinking how nice it would be to be pulling in to the port at Halifax instead of Dover.
I think I was awfully lucky on getting my leave when I did for I left the Battn fighting in a very hot place right near Cambria. I think Canada should be proud of her boys for what they have done this summer. I think they have made a better name than what they ever had done before. For French people give us great praise for what we done on the eighth and ninth of August. We put Friz’s long range gun out of reach that he used to shell Paris with. Paris is the 2nd largest city in the world and we drove him far enough back that the French people could come back to their homes in Amiens, that is the 2nd largest city in France. And now the French people are crowding back in to Arras again so I think they have a right to be proud of the Canadians for what they have done this summer. I know we have a good name here in Scotland. One I guess Canada will never lose, we are pick of the troops.
I believe that is how we get the hard places to fight in at times on count of our good name. If they know where we are going to have the hardest fighting they will put the Canadians there. They will sure get it for us alright.
Well I have had dinner since I started to write this letter. So I am well away until tea time now. I have kept a little diary with some dates in it I was thinking of sending it home for I do not want to take it back to France with me. If I do not send it I may write some of it out and send it to you. Just to have some dates when I get back that I can remember.
Well how is Ada. I guess feeling pretty gay with her oats. It will not belong until sleighing again.
I think the way things are looking I will be back before all the snow is gone next spring. I will hardly make it by Christmas for it is very likely we will have to stay here until about three months after peace is declared. But it will be pretty good here then.
Well I think I will soon have to ring off. I will write tomorrow and tell you what I saw this afternoon.
How is Cowans coming up. I must drop them a card. Say it is right about Jack Cowan and Hattie parting. Willie was telling me he heard so. Is John Speerin working at his home now. Him and George should get along good.
Well I must close with oceans of love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxx
I thought I had better write you a few more lines this morning and let you know what a grand time I am having. I hope this letter will find you well as it just leaves me fine. This is Saturday morning and looks very much like a fairly nice day. It has rained a little some time through the day every day I have been here yet.
I was through Edinburgh Castle yesterday afternoon and I may go through Holyrood Palace this afternoon. And on Sunday I will go to church morning and night and on Monday or Tuesday I want to go to see the Forth Bridge.
I got some photos taken yesterday. It will be about two weeks before I get them but soon as I get them I will send you one if they are any good.
How is Allies. I hope they are keeping well. I must send them a post card. I will put it in a letter and mail it to you and you can give it to them. This sure is a nice little place. The people sure try to do every thing they can to make a good time for the soldiers and sailors. When we got off the train at London there was cars waiting for us and took us up to the Maple Leaf Club where we got our cheques changed and got a good bath clean clothes also a dandy supper. They always meet trains at the station that Canadian soldiers come from France on. The old Channel was very rough coming over on the boat it never made me sick. I was just thinking how nice it would be to be pulling in to the port at Halifax instead of Dover.
I think I was awfully lucky on getting my leave when I did for I left the Battn fighting in a very hot place right near Cambria. I think Canada should be proud of her boys for what they have done this summer. I think they have made a better name than what they ever had done before. For French people give us great praise for what we done on the eighth and ninth of August. We put Friz’s long range gun out of reach that he used to shell Paris with. Paris is the 2nd largest city in the world and we drove him far enough back that the French people could come back to their homes in Amiens, that is the 2nd largest city in France. And now the French people are crowding back in to Arras again so I think they have a right to be proud of the Canadians for what they have done this summer. I know we have a good name here in Scotland. One I guess Canada will never lose, we are pick of the troops.
I believe that is how we get the hard places to fight in at times on count of our good name. If they know where we are going to have the hardest fighting they will put the Canadians there. They will sure get it for us alright.
Well I have had dinner since I started to write this letter. So I am well away until tea time now. I have kept a little diary with some dates in it I was thinking of sending it home for I do not want to take it back to France with me. If I do not send it I may write some of it out and send it to you. Just to have some dates when I get back that I can remember.
Well how is Ada. I guess feeling pretty gay with her oats. It will not belong until sleighing again.
I think the way things are looking I will be back before all the snow is gone next spring. I will hardly make it by Christmas for it is very likely we will have to stay here until about three months after peace is declared. But it will be pretty good here then.
Well I think I will soon have to ring off. I will write tomorrow and tell you what I saw this afternoon.
How is Cowans coming up. I must drop them a card. Say it is right about Jack Cowan and Hattie parting. Willie was telling me he heard so. Is John Speerin working at his home now. Him and George should get along good.
Well I must close with oceans of love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxx
Oct 3 – Edinburgh
Dear mother and sister
Just a line I am putting in with some cards that was given to me of a Friz’s prisoner, they will give you any thing they got on them such as a watch or money. But I do not carry any of those souvenirs on me in case a fellow was taken prisoner. I know if us fellows catch Friz’s with any watch or such stuff that had been taken of our fellows I think he would have a very poor chance of going far. Of course I never expect to be taken prisoner. But it is better to take no chances of being caught carrying such stuff.
Well I was through the Scottish museum this morning and I had a real good time yesterday and I had a dandy nights rest . I thought I was home in my feather bed it was so nice and soft. Well I must ring off will write tomorrow again hoping you are well. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxx
Just a line I am putting in with some cards that was given to me of a Friz’s prisoner, they will give you any thing they got on them such as a watch or money. But I do not carry any of those souvenirs on me in case a fellow was taken prisoner. I know if us fellows catch Friz’s with any watch or such stuff that had been taken of our fellows I think he would have a very poor chance of going far. Of course I never expect to be taken prisoner. But it is better to take no chances of being caught carrying such stuff.
Well I was through the Scottish museum this morning and I had a real good time yesterday and I had a dandy nights rest . I thought I was home in my feather bed it was so nice and soft. Well I must ring off will write tomorrow again hoping you are well. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxx
Oct 2 – Edinburgh
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to say I landed in Edinburgh this morning ok. It seems good to be free a few days. For tied down sturdy to duty is pretty hard although I never feel it that way. I was awfully lucky on getting my pass when I did for we are still in some very heavy fighting. I was sent back from the front line the night before the morning our Battn went over the top. They sent me to the horse lines till my pass came through. I had word the morning before I left that the major of my company had been killed, also my platoon officer and the corporal that took charge of my section. When I was sent back all the rest of my section got blightys but one. My platoon Sergt got a blighty also and my pal that was made L/Cpl when I was had to take charge of the platoon. But I do not know how he will be by this time for they are still fighting hard. I know I am awfully lucky to be out of it.
Down below the writing room where I am writing some body is playing on the piano. It makes a fellow feel lonely. I can just imagine I hear Lizzie playing away at the organ. Tell her to practice lots for I will be home this winter to listen to her play.
They give me a nice little bit of money before I left France a check of $75 and your way is paid where ever you go on the train. Of course it cost a quite of a bit to carry a fellow through a day, 36 cents for a bed at night, 30 cents for breakfast, 36 cents for dinner and 30 cents for supper. I bought a watch today that cost me ten dollars and I bought a pair of boots yesterday that cost me 8.50 so money slides over here and I intend getting some pictures taken tomorrow if it is good and bright.
I expect to get a whole bag of mail by the time I get back. I guess I will be back about the time you receive this letter. I have a little diary I would like to have sent home but I am a little afraid if I send it by mail it might go astray. I will see later. Well I must ring off. I want to go down to the gardens in about a half a hour. That’s where you can get your pick of all the nice Scottish Jeans. Ha ha. They would like to get a chance to come to Canada. They think it is such a rich place and wonderful to make money in. Well bye bye I will write soon again from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to say I landed in Edinburgh this morning ok. It seems good to be free a few days. For tied down sturdy to duty is pretty hard although I never feel it that way. I was awfully lucky on getting my pass when I did for we are still in some very heavy fighting. I was sent back from the front line the night before the morning our Battn went over the top. They sent me to the horse lines till my pass came through. I had word the morning before I left that the major of my company had been killed, also my platoon officer and the corporal that took charge of my section. When I was sent back all the rest of my section got blightys but one. My platoon Sergt got a blighty also and my pal that was made L/Cpl when I was had to take charge of the platoon. But I do not know how he will be by this time for they are still fighting hard. I know I am awfully lucky to be out of it.
Down below the writing room where I am writing some body is playing on the piano. It makes a fellow feel lonely. I can just imagine I hear Lizzie playing away at the organ. Tell her to practice lots for I will be home this winter to listen to her play.
They give me a nice little bit of money before I left France a check of $75 and your way is paid where ever you go on the train. Of course it cost a quite of a bit to carry a fellow through a day, 36 cents for a bed at night, 30 cents for breakfast, 36 cents for dinner and 30 cents for supper. I bought a watch today that cost me ten dollars and I bought a pair of boots yesterday that cost me 8.50 so money slides over here and I intend getting some pictures taken tomorrow if it is good and bright.
I expect to get a whole bag of mail by the time I get back. I guess I will be back about the time you receive this letter. I have a little diary I would like to have sent home but I am a little afraid if I send it by mail it might go astray. I will see later. Well I must ring off. I want to go down to the gardens in about a half a hour. That’s where you can get your pick of all the nice Scottish Jeans. Ha ha. They would like to get a chance to come to Canada. They think it is such a rich place and wonderful to make money in. Well bye bye I will write soon again from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Sept 7 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am real well hoping you are the same. It has been over a week since I have had any word from you but hope it will not be long until I hear from you again. Well this has been a lovely day we have had most splendid weather this summer.
Well I guess you have heard big things about what the Canadians have been doing. I think old Friz’s will soon be glad to give up. We have sure made it warmer for him this last month.
How are you getting along farming. I guess by the time you get this letter you will be busy digging out the potatoes. I will be back to help you eat them this winter. And keep some of those favourite apples of mine.
Well I have not had my leave yet. But was told today I was soon going to get it right away. I expect to be in Blighty before another week on leave, so I will write often then and tell you more about what kind of sport we are having.
I had a letter from Clarence Speerin a few days ago. He was down at the Base then living high. He had the scabies, that’s what took him down there. He said that Ed Sykes had been wounded and was in Blighty now.
Another one of the Harbour boys was killed a few days ago. Grant Tupper was his name. Well must close hoping to hear from you soon again. Now do not be worrying for I am quite well. And trust that god will fetch me safely home to my own loved ones from your ever loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Aug 22 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am real well. Hoping this letter finds you well. I received a letter from you today dated Aug 5th. Glad to know you are keeping well. I also rec’d a letter from you a few nights ago with a dollar in it. I went to the YMCA and got some chocolate and biscuits with it. But don’t send any more for I get along nicely with what I get out here. You know as I do not either smoke nor drink all the money I get I buy eats with it, so I mostly fair pretty good with it.
Well today and yesterday has been two of the warmest days we have had this summer. I have just come back from the cook house, I was over scalding my water bottle out with boiling water and then filled it with nice cold water. Well I must ring off to after supper, tea is up now.
Well I have had my supper and I will try and finish my letter now. I guess you have heard of the good work the Canadians have done this last while. I came through quite safe although we lost some awfully good fellows. But our casualties was small. It was sure a great sight. It was the first time I seen everybody take part out here. A lot of the boys got kit bags full of souvenirs. I did not bother with any myself. I have enough to carry without carrying them.
I think if we keep on pounding at him for a while he will be darn glad to give up before winter. Believe me we have not got much mercy for old Friz’s now, he has killed too many of our good comrades.
How is every little thing around Moonstone. Sorry to hear Allie does not keep very well. Tell him not to be worrying about me for I am having a high old time, the best of health and loads of fun. I guess Annie has a busy time minding Roy and Grace.
Well I have not got my leave yet but hope to get it shortly. My bedmate just got back a few days ago. I guess you have been pretty busy lately with the harvest.
Well I must ring off hoping to hear from you soon again. Do not be worrying for I am quite well. Trust in God and I will soon be safe back home. Bye bye from your ever loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am real well. Hoping this letter finds you well. I received a letter from you today dated Aug 5th. Glad to know you are keeping well. I also rec’d a letter from you a few nights ago with a dollar in it. I went to the YMCA and got some chocolate and biscuits with it. But don’t send any more for I get along nicely with what I get out here. You know as I do not either smoke nor drink all the money I get I buy eats with it, so I mostly fair pretty good with it.
Well today and yesterday has been two of the warmest days we have had this summer. I have just come back from the cook house, I was over scalding my water bottle out with boiling water and then filled it with nice cold water. Well I must ring off to after supper, tea is up now.
Well I have had my supper and I will try and finish my letter now. I guess you have heard of the good work the Canadians have done this last while. I came through quite safe although we lost some awfully good fellows. But our casualties was small. It was sure a great sight. It was the first time I seen everybody take part out here. A lot of the boys got kit bags full of souvenirs. I did not bother with any myself. I have enough to carry without carrying them.
I think if we keep on pounding at him for a while he will be darn glad to give up before winter. Believe me we have not got much mercy for old Friz’s now, he has killed too many of our good comrades.
How is every little thing around Moonstone. Sorry to hear Allie does not keep very well. Tell him not to be worrying about me for I am having a high old time, the best of health and loads of fun. I guess Annie has a busy time minding Roy and Grace.
Well I have not got my leave yet but hope to get it shortly. My bedmate just got back a few days ago. I guess you have been pretty busy lately with the harvest.
Well I must ring off hoping to hear from you soon again. Do not be worrying for I am quite well. Trust in God and I will soon be safe back home. Bye bye from your ever loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Aug 18 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to lets you know I am well. I know by what you see in the paper it will make you pretty uneasy. I rec’d a letter from you today and believe me I was glad to get it for I was feeling uneasy about you.
Well this is Sunday and a nice cool day it has been. I had pretty nearly forgotten what day it was until I heard the bands playing hymns for church service. So I knew at once what day it was. I guess you know about as much as I could tell you of the little battle we have been in lately. We had a day or two good sport. Say that pansy you sent in the letter was a dandy. Was such a nice large one. I am glad Lizzie received her brooch ok.
I was sorry to hear that Uncle Will had died. He dropped dead outside did he – it must have taken him much the same as Father. Has Allies been down lately hope they are well.
I have not had my leave yet but expect to get it in Sept any way. You know my pal has been away on leave, he is not back yet. He missed this little scrap and I am glad he did, he had to wait about 14 months for his but I don’t think I will have that long to wait. Well I must ring off. Bye bye with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxx
August 15 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping this letter finds you well. It has been a long time since I had a letter from you. I have been wondering if there is any thing wrong. Your last letter dated July 3rd said Lizzie had had her hand bitten by a dog. I hope it is better long before this. I have been wondering if blood poison had set in. I hope not. Not getting any mail has made me a little uneasy. I got three letters from Orillia since yours, the latest July 25th. I may get one from you today. I hope so.
Well this is lovely bright weather. It would be much nicer to be at home in the harvest field than out here trying to scrap. I guess you are good and busy at present. I will have to get busy if I am going to be home to help to dig the potatoes, but I think we will be good to be home for Christmas which will be pretty good.
Did you get the photo I sent you. Myrtle said in her last letter she had got the fellow in the centre got a nice little wound, he will be in good old blighty by now. And the other poor fellow was killed a few days ago. And I guess you will have heard about Lawson and Herb Rumney being wounded, I think they both would make blighty.
Have you seen Allies lately how are they. Tell them I will write them soon again.
Well I must ring off. Now do not be worrying for I am quite alright and I will write soon again. I have a lot of news to tell of the fun we have had lately. Hoping to hear from you soon again from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping this letter finds you well. It has been a long time since I had a letter from you. I have been wondering if there is any thing wrong. Your last letter dated July 3rd said Lizzie had had her hand bitten by a dog. I hope it is better long before this. I have been wondering if blood poison had set in. I hope not. Not getting any mail has made me a little uneasy. I got three letters from Orillia since yours, the latest July 25th. I may get one from you today. I hope so.
Well this is lovely bright weather. It would be much nicer to be at home in the harvest field than out here trying to scrap. I guess you are good and busy at present. I will have to get busy if I am going to be home to help to dig the potatoes, but I think we will be good to be home for Christmas which will be pretty good.
Did you get the photo I sent you. Myrtle said in her last letter she had got the fellow in the centre got a nice little wound, he will be in good old blighty by now. And the other poor fellow was killed a few days ago. And I guess you will have heard about Lawson and Herb Rumney being wounded, I think they both would make blighty.
Have you seen Allies lately how are they. Tell them I will write them soon again.
Well I must ring off. Now do not be worrying for I am quite alright and I will write soon again. I have a lot of news to tell of the fun we have had lately. Hoping to hear from you soon again from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxx
Aug 13 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well hoping this letter finds you well. I would have wrote you before this but have been a little busy lately. I know by what you see in the paper you will be worrying about me. Now do not be worrying for I am quite well and going strong.
It has been some little time since I had a letter from you but hope to get one soon. Hope you are getting along fine. Have you got the harvest in yet. How was the oats pretty good.
I bet you have had a busy old summer of it. Never mind I will be home soon to help you. How is Alexs hope they are well.
This letter is going to be short. I will write you a big long letter soon and tell you oceans of news. I must ring off from your ever loving son and brother Bruce
xxxxxxxxxxxx
July 26 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well hoping this letter finds you well. I received a letter from you yesterday was sure glad to know that you are keeping well.
Sorry to hear that Uncle Will Speerin is dead. Was he going around at the time or had he been sick in bed. Is John at home. Willie told me he was working in Orillia. Anyway George should be big enough to take hold of the farm.
I saw Ed Sykes a couple of days ago. I was asking him how Clarence was, but said he had not seen him for some time that Clarence was down the line a piece on a rest. Ed is full corporal now. It was just by lucky chance I had met him for our Battns never get very close together.
Glad to know that the hay was good and the grain looking good. I wish I was there now to cut it. There is a lot of talk about the war being over shortly. Some thinks August. I know things look much better out here lately. We have him beaten in the air by a long way. I know I see a big difference between last fall and this spring.
I rec’d a parcel from the V.Harbour B Class last night. Do you ever get out there. Do you ever see Everton Belfry. I was expecting to hear of Everton being married before this.
How is Alexs. Ray Belcher had a letter from old Jimmie and old Jimmie said Allies was quite well then. Have you had much rain around home this summer. We had real nice weather here. How has old Mr. Cowan kept this summer has Tom kept well. Has Uncle Tom been up to see you very often. What does he think of the war.
Well I must ring off for they are going to collect the mail right away and I want to get it away with it. Do not be worrying for I am quite well. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxxxxx
July 21 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am real well. Hoping this letter finds you the same. I received a letter from you a day or so ago was glad to know you were well. Was sorry to know that Lizzie’s hand was so sore. How did the dog come to bite it.
Well the weather is just dandy here this summer. All the gardens look good, both the heat and oats are colouring. They will soon be ripe. I saw Willie Douglas today he is quite well. Also Melville and the other boys in that Battn. Well July will soon be pretty well spent. I guess you will have the oats cut and in by the time you get this letter. Were they good this year.
I also saw Cliff White today too. He is in the same Battn as Will Douglas. I rec’d two parcels from you last week. They came in fine. Everything was good in them. The butter was dandy. And believe me a bit of good Canadian cake goes good over here. Say if I was you I would not send any more salmon. I will tell you what you can send instead if you like, that is cocoa. I mostly take some in the line with me, it comes in dandy to have a nice hot drink some nights when you’re standing on your post. Has Alexs’ been down lately, hope they are keeping well. I guess Roy will be a big boy now. He was sure a great lad the last time I saw them. And how big is little Grace. I think they sure picked a dandy name for her.
Well Lizzie how is you and Frank coming up does he be over to see you very often. He is Serg’t Major now isn’t he. Tell mother to get the chickens and ducks fat, I will be home to eat them by Christmas I think this old war will soon end. Bye bye with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
July 15th – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am real well. Hoping this letter will find you quite well.
I received a letter from you yesterday and I be sure pleased to hear that you are keeping well and getting along all right. Your letter was dated June 15th. I also rec’d a parcel from you. It was dated May. Every thing was fine in it, the butter was good and the cake was dandy. I sure have rec’d a lot of parcels from home. I also received a parcel from Alex, it was dated May 23rd. Tell Alex many thanks for it. I am writing him a letter. I will send it to Midland. Were you over to Orillia on the 19th. What kind of a time did you have. Where you to Coldwater on the 12th of July. Was there a very big crowd there.
Was Myrtle out to see you on the first. She told me that she was going to try and get out. Has Alexs been down lately. Hope they are keeping well. Have you been out to V.H., how is every body out there.
Did I tell you I saw Willie Rayfield a few days ago. He had been left out of the line. He had fell in a trench one dark night and give him self a little strain. But he is quite better again. He said Clarence was down the line on a rest and that Ed Sykes was quite well. Say will you send me Fred Shannon’s address in some of your letters.
Say what ones of the McFarlanes have to come so they think it alright to come now. Young Lawrence was wishing the whole bunch of them would have to come.
Well I must close hoping to hear from you soon and do not be worrying for I am quite well hoping that this old war will soon end. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxx
July 7 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping this letter finds you quite well. It has been about a week and a half since I had any word from you but I expect to get a letter today. Well this is Sunday morning and a dandy morning it is. This would be just a dandy morning to take a nice car drive if I was at home. I guess Alf and Tom Cowan will be busy driving their girls around today. Who is Alf’s school teacher. How is Mr. and Mrs. Cowan keeping. The old man was sick for a while in the spring was he not. Well it will soon be harvesting. I hope you get the oats cut and in all right. I guess help will be pretty scarce alright. How is the apple crop around home this year are you going to have many.
I am putting in a couple of little flowers I got in a letter from Scotland for you. And I am putting in a photo for Allies. I sent you one in my last letter, hope you got it alright.
Has Alexs been down lately. Hope they are keeping well. Does Bud ever be in to see you. I have never had any word from him for a long time. Well I cannot think of much to tell you. It is about the same old thing out here all the time. Say will you get Fred Shannon’s address and send it to me. I have never met him out here yet, but I dare say I have been close enough often enough to him but did not know what he is with or I would have hunted him up. Well I must close hoping to hear from yours soon. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxx
Ps. I feel like kicking myself. I burned an old writing pad yesterday with my photos in it. And I never new it until now when I went to go to put one in this letter and found out I had none. So I will have to get some more taken before I can send one. Bye bye Bruce
July 2 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am real well. I wrote you a letter on Sunday but did not get it away on count of being at the sports on Monday so I thought I would not send it, I would write another and tell you how I spent the first.
I had a real good time. I saw a lot of the fellows I had not seen for some time. I saw Melville B and Dave. I did not see Will Douglas they said he was there but the crowd was too large to get seeing every body. I tried to find out if Alex had been wounded very badly. It was not too bad. He got a couple of pieces of shrapnel in the back. Will has had a letter from him and he says he is getting along fine. I saw Willie Speerin too he looks quite well. He is full corporal now. I did not see Clarence or Ed, they are in the line now. George Bailey is billeted right close where I am at present. He says he often gets a letter from Dalton Heaship and that Dalt had bought a farm. So Verna and George Morrisson has to come. I guess that hurts them. I saw two of the Harbours boys that had just enlisted before the Conscription Bill at the sports.
Well what kind of a time did you have on the first, was there a picnic at Moonstone.
I am glad to know you are getting along alright. Have you had any new potatoes to eat this year yet. I had some last Saturday. Glad to know Ada is keeping in good shape. I guess mother has a dandy bunch of chickens this year too. I would just like to get home this fall I see where we would have some nice roast.
I got some photos taken a short time ago. I am putting one in this letter. They are sure not very good but I thought I would send one anyway.
I will tell you the fellows that are taking with me Herbert Beckett in the centre and Louis Bender on his left. Herb is sure a jolly lad he is married and have two little kiddies. They live in Dunnville Ont.
Well I must close dear mother and sister hoping to hear from you soon and remember that I love you. Do not think because there is a few miles between us that I forget you. Heaps of love from your ever loving son and brother Bruce xxxxxx
Ps. Tell Alex I will send him a card in my next letter hoping they are all well.
May 24 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well hoping this letter will find you in the best of health. I received a letter from you a few days ago and believe me I sure be pleased to hear from you. It was dated April 27.
Well this is the twenty fourth of May. It has been raining here all morning. I am glad I have not got to stay out in it. You said in your letter that you were going over to Orillia the next day. What kind of a trip did you have. Did you drive over.
I am glad you put your garden in. You had Willie Robertson doing the back field. I think he would put it in good shape.
So Willie Finney got married. Did he think he would get exempted doing that. I heard that all the fellows that got exemption has got to turn out now. I hope it is written why everybody that asked for one got it.
No I never seen Harold or Frank. I was close to Harold’s Battn a month ago but did not know it until about two hours before we moved so I had no time to go to see them. I would have liked to seen Clarence and Ed too. I know a lot in their Battn.
Well mother how are you and Ada getting along. Where do you pasture her in the orchard. Do you wash the buggy and shine the brass on it the way I did. Ha ha. Some class I guess. Did you get any snaps taken this spring. Send me some if you did. I must ring off hoping to hear from you soon from your loving son and brother Bruce S. xxxxxxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well hoping this letter will find you in the best of health. I received a letter from you a few days ago and believe me I sure be pleased to hear from you. It was dated April 27.
Well this is the twenty fourth of May. It has been raining here all morning. I am glad I have not got to stay out in it. You said in your letter that you were going over to Orillia the next day. What kind of a trip did you have. Did you drive over.
I am glad you put your garden in. You had Willie Robertson doing the back field. I think he would put it in good shape.
So Willie Finney got married. Did he think he would get exempted doing that. I heard that all the fellows that got exemption has got to turn out now. I hope it is written why everybody that asked for one got it.
No I never seen Harold or Frank. I was close to Harold’s Battn a month ago but did not know it until about two hours before we moved so I had no time to go to see them. I would have liked to seen Clarence and Ed too. I know a lot in their Battn.
Well mother how are you and Ada getting along. Where do you pasture her in the orchard. Do you wash the buggy and shine the brass on it the way I did. Ha ha. Some class I guess. Did you get any snaps taken this spring. Send me some if you did. I must ring off hoping to hear from you soon from your loving son and brother Bruce S. xxxxxxxx
May 12 - France - Mother's Day
Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping that this letter finds you in the best of health. We were all asked to be sure and write home today.
I just came from church service at the YMCA this evening. It has been over a week since I have had a letter from you but hope to hear soon again. I rec’d a parcel from Allie a few days ago. It was OK. You tell him I rec’d it. I sent him a card to Midland a few days ago and will send him a letter tonight. But you tell him I sure enjoyed it for fear he do not get my letter.
I am billeted on a nice farm at present. I am right at home to be able to walk through a big orchard all out in blossom. Some of my pals was helping the old lady to milk this evening. I have had lots of good fresh milk to drink lately. I buy it for 4 pence, that is 8 cents a quart.
Well how are you getting along farming. I would just like to be able to help you these nice days. All the boys are busy writing tonight. I see where Mr. Censor be busy. So I think I had better cut my letter short. I will close. I will send you oceans of love and bushels of xxxx from your loving son and brother Bruce
Ps do not be worrying dear mother and sister I am quite well.
April 28, 1918 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I hope this letter find you well. I rec’d a letter from you a few days ago and believe me I be glad to hear from you. Your letter was dated Mar 30th. I am glad to know you had a visit to Orillia. Give me all the news when you write.
Well this is Sunday again. It has been a pretty quiet day. Lawson Rumney and I am batching at present. I wish you could call in and have a meal with us. Believe me we are some cooks. We mostly have about four meals a day. It has been some little while since I have been in the line. I have been one of the lucky ones to have a little rest. I have been at moving picture shows or concerts every night.
Well I guess seeding is the order of the day around home now. I often wonder how in the world you are managing. But I know you done well last year better then I could do so there is no need of me worrying. But do not work too hard, what you can not get done let go. I must ring off. Do not be worrying dear mother or sister. I am in the best of health and have been ever since I came to France. I will close. Heaps of love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I hope this letter find you well. I rec’d a letter from you a few days ago and believe me I be glad to hear from you. Your letter was dated Mar 30th. I am glad to know you had a visit to Orillia. Give me all the news when you write.
Well this is Sunday again. It has been a pretty quiet day. Lawson Rumney and I am batching at present. I wish you could call in and have a meal with us. Believe me we are some cooks. We mostly have about four meals a day. It has been some little while since I have been in the line. I have been one of the lucky ones to have a little rest. I have been at moving picture shows or concerts every night.
Well I guess seeding is the order of the day around home now. I often wonder how in the world you are managing. But I know you done well last year better then I could do so there is no need of me worrying. But do not work too hard, what you can not get done let go. I must ring off. Do not be worrying dear mother or sister. I am in the best of health and have been ever since I came to France. I will close. Heaps of love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
June 23 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. This has been Sunday and it has been trying to rain too. I have not had any letters from you for a week but I have got a lot of parcels lately. I got another parcel from you today. That is about six I have had from you the last two weeks and I got one from Mrs. Dunlop, one from Myrtle also one from the IODE from Victoria Harbour. So I have done pretty good for parcels lately, and also some magazines from May R.
Well how are you coming along farming. I guess you finds lots of hoeing to do. I hear Moonstone is looking up. Is it right about Tom Sykes purchasing a nice Overland Car. Has any the rest of them bought cars this year. I had a letter from Marjorie Burns a few days ago wanting to know all about Wallace. I wrote her and told her as much about him as I could.
I am sending Lizzie a little brooch tomorrow. I am going to make this letter short. There is church service in the YMCA in about a half a hour. I intend going. I saw a nasty piece in the Jack Canuck paper a few days ago about the YMCA. It was a returned soldier which had put it in. I don’t think he must have ever saw France or if he did he must have had a bomb proof ten miles from the line. He said that he never saw a YMCA any closer than 10 miles of the line. Any of the boys here can tell you they have YMCA’s within one mile of the front line and they serve good hot tea there too free of charge. That is Canadian YMCA. Imperial YMCA mostly charges a penny though.
Well I must soon close. I saw Capt McDonald just passing by the door now. You know his brother is in this Battn.
Say every thing was just dandy in the parcel I rec’d today. The honey and butter were of the best and the candy was dandy. Now do not be worrying dear mother and sister. I am quite well. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce S xxxxxxxxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. This has been Sunday and it has been trying to rain too. I have not had any letters from you for a week but I have got a lot of parcels lately. I got another parcel from you today. That is about six I have had from you the last two weeks and I got one from Mrs. Dunlop, one from Myrtle also one from the IODE from Victoria Harbour. So I have done pretty good for parcels lately, and also some magazines from May R.
Well how are you coming along farming. I guess you finds lots of hoeing to do. I hear Moonstone is looking up. Is it right about Tom Sykes purchasing a nice Overland Car. Has any the rest of them bought cars this year. I had a letter from Marjorie Burns a few days ago wanting to know all about Wallace. I wrote her and told her as much about him as I could.
I am sending Lizzie a little brooch tomorrow. I am going to make this letter short. There is church service in the YMCA in about a half a hour. I intend going. I saw a nasty piece in the Jack Canuck paper a few days ago about the YMCA. It was a returned soldier which had put it in. I don’t think he must have ever saw France or if he did he must have had a bomb proof ten miles from the line. He said that he never saw a YMCA any closer than 10 miles of the line. Any of the boys here can tell you they have YMCA’s within one mile of the front line and they serve good hot tea there too free of charge. That is Canadian YMCA. Imperial YMCA mostly charges a penny though.
Well I must soon close. I saw Capt McDonald just passing by the door now. You know his brother is in this Battn.
Say every thing was just dandy in the parcel I rec’d today. The honey and butter were of the best and the candy was dandy. Now do not be worrying dear mother and sister. I am quite well. Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce S xxxxxxxxxx
June 18 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few more lines I had to cut my letter pretty short last night and I have a few minutes before the mail goes.
I guess you heard before this about Alex Douglas been wounded. I had a letter from one of my pals of that Battn a few days ago. He said that he had been talking to Will and he had told him Alex’s wound was pretty bad, that he had been hit in the back. Dave Sallows was down at the Base for three weeks he had blood poisoning in the hand but is better now.
Has Alex’s been down lately hope they are well. I had a letter from Mrs. Charlie Russell and she said she had been up to Midland to Joe Cowan’s funeral. Do you ever see Will Cowan’s. You want to take a drive out there believe me you would have a good time for a few hours. How is the Conscripts coming up.
I saw in the Orillia Packet in V.H. news where they had I was knocked down and got a few scratches with the shell the time Wallace was killed. Not that bad I was close enough though that my steel helmet jumped about six inches up off the top of my head. But I received no scratches of any kind.
I didn’t tell what kind of sports we had yesterday. Well there was base ball, indoor ball, football, lacrosse and all kinds of races and jumping. Well I must ring off.
Bye bye with love to all Bruce xxxxxx
Just a few more lines I had to cut my letter pretty short last night and I have a few minutes before the mail goes.
I guess you heard before this about Alex Douglas been wounded. I had a letter from one of my pals of that Battn a few days ago. He said that he had been talking to Will and he had told him Alex’s wound was pretty bad, that he had been hit in the back. Dave Sallows was down at the Base for three weeks he had blood poisoning in the hand but is better now.
Has Alex’s been down lately hope they are well. I had a letter from Mrs. Charlie Russell and she said she had been up to Midland to Joe Cowan’s funeral. Do you ever see Will Cowan’s. You want to take a drive out there believe me you would have a good time for a few hours. How is the Conscripts coming up.
I saw in the Orillia Packet in V.H. news where they had I was knocked down and got a few scratches with the shell the time Wallace was killed. Not that bad I was close enough though that my steel helmet jumped about six inches up off the top of my head. But I received no scratches of any kind.
I didn’t tell what kind of sports we had yesterday. Well there was base ball, indoor ball, football, lacrosse and all kinds of races and jumping. Well I must ring off.
Bye bye with love to all Bruce xxxxxx
June 17 - France
Darling mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping this letter will find you in the best of health. I was looking for a letter from you yesterday but I did not get it. I got one from Emma D. I am anxious to get a letter hoping to hear that Lizzie is better.
I rec’d four parcels from you this last day or two. They came in good shape. Three of them had butter. The butter came nice and hard and the parcel that had the little white jar was good too. The maple sugar was dandy. I think my self pretty sweet after eating all of it.
I have been at a big sports day today. All the boys are feeling tired tonight. My pals that sleep on both sides of me are in bed so I am going to make my letter short. Will write soon again hoping to hear from you shortly. From your loving son and brother xxxxxxxx Bruce
Ps will you please thank Mrs. George and Art Dunlop for the parcel rec’d from them. I will write them soon. Bye bye B.S.
Just a few lines to let you know I am well hoping this letter will find you in the best of health. I was looking for a letter from you yesterday but I did not get it. I got one from Emma D. I am anxious to get a letter hoping to hear that Lizzie is better.
I rec’d four parcels from you this last day or two. They came in good shape. Three of them had butter. The butter came nice and hard and the parcel that had the little white jar was good too. The maple sugar was dandy. I think my self pretty sweet after eating all of it.
I have been at a big sports day today. All the boys are feeling tired tonight. My pals that sleep on both sides of me are in bed so I am going to make my letter short. Will write soon again hoping to hear from you shortly. From your loving son and brother xxxxxxxx Bruce
Ps will you please thank Mrs. George and Art Dunlop for the parcel rec’d from them. I will write them soon. Bye bye B.S.
June 12 - France
Dear mother & sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you. I received a letter from you today. Sorry to hear that Lizzie is sick. I hope she is better by now. I believe it is worrying and work that made Lizzie sick. Now don’t you be worrying about me for I am quite well. I think this war is near over and I will soon be safe home again. I am fatter and stronger now then I have ever been. Quite able to stand again Old Friz’s. I think you work and worry too much. Take things easy. It is all the same price. I must ring off. Waiting for a letter to hear Lizzie is well again and do please take the best of care of your selfs. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you. I received a letter from you today. Sorry to hear that Lizzie is sick. I hope she is better by now. I believe it is worrying and work that made Lizzie sick. Now don’t you be worrying about me for I am quite well. I think this war is near over and I will soon be safe home again. I am fatter and stronger now then I have ever been. Quite able to stand again Old Friz’s. I think you work and worry too much. Take things easy. It is all the same price. I must ring off. Waiting for a letter to hear Lizzie is well again and do please take the best of care of your selfs. From your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
June 9 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I was thinking of you. Hoping that you are well as I am in the best of health. I received a letter from you a few days ago and I sure was glad to hear from you. I have not had any parcels from you for a long time but there has been no body getting any until this last day or two. They were held back for some reason or other and I was thinking if you put any butter in them they would be spoiled. So I think it would be better not to put any more butter in the parcels for the weather is too warm for it.
Well this is Sunday and a dull day it has been. There was a little base ball game this evening, our team got beat.
Well haven’t much news to tell you. The French people are all busy hoeing their gardens and sugar beets. They grow lots of beets in this country. And some of the farmers are cutting hay. A good rain would do oceans of good. You would see the grain pick up a bit.
I often think you be wondering what kind of beds we have to sleep on. Quite often it is wire bunks made of chicken coop wire. There is more spring to it than laying on the floor. And I often think you be wondering what kind of officers we have in charge of us. On the whole they are pretty fair. We have an awfully good officer in charge of our platoon. Now I only hope we can keep him for he is the best I have had any thing to do with.
Well I guess it will be the first of July or more when you get my letter. I hope you have a good time. I hear that the 12th of July is to be held at Coldwater, is it right. Oh say those snaps were pretty good. I have not had my leave yet, I guess you know that the leave had been shut down when Friz’s started his funny work but they have opened again and I hope it does not be too long before I get it.
Oh say was Myrtle and her people out to see you she told me in her letter she was going out. Write me a big long letter and tell me lots of news.
Well I must close do not be worrying dear ones for I am quite well with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I was thinking of you. Hoping that you are well as I am in the best of health. I received a letter from you a few days ago and I sure was glad to hear from you. I have not had any parcels from you for a long time but there has been no body getting any until this last day or two. They were held back for some reason or other and I was thinking if you put any butter in them they would be spoiled. So I think it would be better not to put any more butter in the parcels for the weather is too warm for it.
Well this is Sunday and a dull day it has been. There was a little base ball game this evening, our team got beat.
Well haven’t much news to tell you. The French people are all busy hoeing their gardens and sugar beets. They grow lots of beets in this country. And some of the farmers are cutting hay. A good rain would do oceans of good. You would see the grain pick up a bit.
I often think you be wondering what kind of beds we have to sleep on. Quite often it is wire bunks made of chicken coop wire. There is more spring to it than laying on the floor. And I often think you be wondering what kind of officers we have in charge of us. On the whole they are pretty fair. We have an awfully good officer in charge of our platoon. Now I only hope we can keep him for he is the best I have had any thing to do with.
Well I guess it will be the first of July or more when you get my letter. I hope you have a good time. I hear that the 12th of July is to be held at Coldwater, is it right. Oh say those snaps were pretty good. I have not had my leave yet, I guess you know that the leave had been shut down when Friz’s started his funny work but they have opened again and I hope it does not be too long before I get it.
Oh say was Myrtle and her people out to see you she told me in her letter she was going out. Write me a big long letter and tell me lots of news.
Well I must close do not be worrying dear ones for I am quite well with love from your loving son and brother Bruce xxxx
May 2 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines hoping they will find you well as it leaves me fine at present. I have not had any letters from you for a few days but hope to hear from you soon. There has been no Can mail for a few days.
Well mother I was wondering what you was doing this nice day. I can just imagine how busy you and Lizzie is this spring. Who did you get to plough the garden and how did you manage to get the rest of the ground in. How is Ada this spring. I suppose she pulls the buggy along pretty smooth. Did you get all the old hair curried out. Well Lawson and I am still holding down our job.
Herb Crooke and Herb Rumney was over to see us a while this evening. How is Alex’s have they been down since the wheeling got good. Write and tell me lots of news. Oh say I heard that there was some body around Moonstone that had been stealing oats. But I did not hear who it was. I hope they were well punished for it. And who was it they stole from.
Did Robert Ferganzie have a sale and where are they living now. Herb Crooke was saying his father had been at some sale around Vasey and the cows sold from 90 to 140 a piece. Some price. Well I must close hoping to hear from you soon. From your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxxxx heaps of love
Just a few lines hoping they will find you well as it leaves me fine at present. I have not had any letters from you for a few days but hope to hear from you soon. There has been no Can mail for a few days.
Well mother I was wondering what you was doing this nice day. I can just imagine how busy you and Lizzie is this spring. Who did you get to plough the garden and how did you manage to get the rest of the ground in. How is Ada this spring. I suppose she pulls the buggy along pretty smooth. Did you get all the old hair curried out. Well Lawson and I am still holding down our job.
Herb Crooke and Herb Rumney was over to see us a while this evening. How is Alex’s have they been down since the wheeling got good. Write and tell me lots of news. Oh say I heard that there was some body around Moonstone that had been stealing oats. But I did not hear who it was. I hope they were well punished for it. And who was it they stole from.
Did Robert Ferganzie have a sale and where are they living now. Herb Crooke was saying his father had been at some sale around Vasey and the cows sold from 90 to 140 a piece. Some price. Well I must close hoping to hear from you soon. From your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxxxx heaps of love
April 21 - France
Dear mother and sister
I hope these few lines will find you well as it leaves me fine. I rec’d your card the other day its date was Mar 23rd. I sure be glad to hear from you if it is only a card it lets me know you are well and that means a lot.
Well this is a nice warm spring day. We had a little snow here the other morning but it did not last long. I suppose every body will be through sugar making around home now. Was it a good year for it. Was there much of a flood around home when the snow started to go. I had a letter from Hattie Rayfield and she said they were flooded out of their home.
Well I am glad to know that the snow is all gone for I know it will be much better for you getting around. I often thought of the hard time you would be having through the stormy old winter trying to do the chores. I know it is hard enough for a man to do them in the winter. But do not worry dear mother or sister I expect to be back to do them next winter. A lot of the fellows think we will be on our way home inside of four months.
I was at church service in the YMCA this morning. Have they changed the time of services at home yet, they had at night last summer, had they not. I be to a concert or show every night. It keeps me too busy to get any letters wrote.
I guess you seen in the paper where Friz’s has been making little pushes along the line. But I think he is pretty nearly done with it somebody else will soon be doing the driving. Now do not be worrying for I am quite well. I must close hoping to hear from you soon again. From your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxxxx
I hope these few lines will find you well as it leaves me fine. I rec’d your card the other day its date was Mar 23rd. I sure be glad to hear from you if it is only a card it lets me know you are well and that means a lot.
Well this is a nice warm spring day. We had a little snow here the other morning but it did not last long. I suppose every body will be through sugar making around home now. Was it a good year for it. Was there much of a flood around home when the snow started to go. I had a letter from Hattie Rayfield and she said they were flooded out of their home.
Well I am glad to know that the snow is all gone for I know it will be much better for you getting around. I often thought of the hard time you would be having through the stormy old winter trying to do the chores. I know it is hard enough for a man to do them in the winter. But do not worry dear mother or sister I expect to be back to do them next winter. A lot of the fellows think we will be on our way home inside of four months.
I was at church service in the YMCA this morning. Have they changed the time of services at home yet, they had at night last summer, had they not. I be to a concert or show every night. It keeps me too busy to get any letters wrote.
I guess you seen in the paper where Friz’s has been making little pushes along the line. But I think he is pretty nearly done with it somebody else will soon be doing the driving. Now do not be worrying for I am quite well. I must close hoping to hear from you soon again. From your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxxxx
April 16 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. Hoping this letter finds you well.
I rec’d a parcel from you a few days ago. It date was Mar 4. I sure enjoyed it. Everything was ok. Well I guess you are busy at the spring work now. I bet you find lots to do too. Let me know what all you put in and who helped you. I guess help will be scarce.
How is Cowans coming up. How is old Mr. Cowan, is he any better yet.
Alf has not got married yet. Is he watching the teacher pretty close. He had better get a hustle on for this war will soon be over and when the boys get back he will be out of luck. Have you been out there lately.
Has Allies been down. How is the baby. Ray Belcher was showing me a letter he had from old Jimmy Woods and he said Allie had been keeping pretty poorly, that he was going to see some specialist. I hope he is better by now. Did I tell you I rec’d a parcel from the Red Cross from Moonstone. Mrs. McCreight packed it. Will you kindly thank the ladies for it mother for I am a very poor hand at writing and I want them to know I enjoyed it. Not me alone but my whole section. Was it cut out of my letter what I told you about Wallace. I think Lawson Rumney sent his people the snaps he had.
Well I guess there is some of the boys getting back from around home now. Do not pay any attention to what they have to tell you about the hard times they had in France. They will make things about ten times worse then they are. I know if find things much better then they told me what they would be like. Well I must close. Do not be worrying for I am in the best of health and can stand the roughest of it. From your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. Hoping this letter finds you well.
I rec’d a parcel from you a few days ago. It date was Mar 4. I sure enjoyed it. Everything was ok. Well I guess you are busy at the spring work now. I bet you find lots to do too. Let me know what all you put in and who helped you. I guess help will be scarce.
How is Cowans coming up. How is old Mr. Cowan, is he any better yet.
Alf has not got married yet. Is he watching the teacher pretty close. He had better get a hustle on for this war will soon be over and when the boys get back he will be out of luck. Have you been out there lately.
Has Allies been down. How is the baby. Ray Belcher was showing me a letter he had from old Jimmy Woods and he said Allie had been keeping pretty poorly, that he was going to see some specialist. I hope he is better by now. Did I tell you I rec’d a parcel from the Red Cross from Moonstone. Mrs. McCreight packed it. Will you kindly thank the ladies for it mother for I am a very poor hand at writing and I want them to know I enjoyed it. Not me alone but my whole section. Was it cut out of my letter what I told you about Wallace. I think Lawson Rumney sent his people the snaps he had.
Well I guess there is some of the boys getting back from around home now. Do not pay any attention to what they have to tell you about the hard times they had in France. They will make things about ten times worse then they are. I know if find things much better then they told me what they would be like. Well I must close. Do not be worrying for I am in the best of health and can stand the roughest of it. From your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
April 12 - France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I have not forgotten you. I hope this letter finds you well as it leaves me fine.
I guess you will be busy at the spring work now. Let me know how you made out and what you put in. I hope you are having as nice a weather as we are having here. Well I have not had my leave yet. I don’t think it will be awfully long until I should get one. I think I will go back where I was last year, Edinburgh. So when I get it I will write you a letter about every day. I saw some of the boys out of Clarence’s Battn they said he was quite well.
Oh yes I am glad to know that Foster got back. He will tell you where I was when he saw me. I am a quite a piece from there now. Well I must close. Do not be worrying.
From your loving son and brother xxxx Bruce Speerin
Just a few lines to let you know I have not forgotten you. I hope this letter finds you well as it leaves me fine.
I guess you will be busy at the spring work now. Let me know how you made out and what you put in. I hope you are having as nice a weather as we are having here. Well I have not had my leave yet. I don’t think it will be awfully long until I should get one. I think I will go back where I was last year, Edinburgh. So when I get it I will write you a letter about every day. I saw some of the boys out of Clarence’s Battn they said he was quite well.
Oh yes I am glad to know that Foster got back. He will tell you where I was when he saw me. I am a quite a piece from there now. Well I must close. Do not be worrying.
From your loving son and brother xxxx Bruce Speerin
April 8 - France
Dear mother and sister
I hope these few lines will find you well as it leaves me fine at present. I rec’d two letters from you a short time ago. The later one was dated Mar 9th. I also rec’d two parcels you sent me. Also one from the Red Cross and one from Mrs. Charlie Russell. One thing I know is I get more parcels then any of the boys and I am always sure of getting a box from home whenever any Can mail comes in. It has been over a week since I wrote you my last letter. It seems pretty hard to get writing at times.
Well how are you making out with the spring work. I guess you are pretty busy. Oh yes I was glad to hear Allie and Roy was down to see you. Have you seen little Grace yet. They will be down to see you when the weather gets warmer. I wrote them a card to Midland. I hope they get it.
I guess you have heard about some of the Harbour boys being killed lately. I was thinking it would be making you worry more. I was going to write and tell Burns about Wallace, but being as the Rumney boys be in his Coy and them being friends, it was their place, so I told them just how he was killed. I was just a few feet from him when he was killed. It was the shock, he never new what happened to him. I guess you will mind him he was my old platoon Sarg in Canada and we came to France on the same draft and were in the same platoon. It was about 11:30 the first night of April when he was killed and I will tell you in some of my letters later on where he was buried. And Frank O’Shea got a dandy blighty. I also hear that Walter Stephens was killed.
Now do not be worrying and if you get lonesome just pick up the good old book and read a chapter. That is what I do if I get lonesome. And will sure find it to help you.
The mail has just come in I got another letter from you its date is the 16th of Mar. Now you have no idea how glad I be to hear from you. I guess things will be pretty quiet around home. But they will be better than ever when this war is over.
You want to know which candles are the best. The white one are those trench candles and are very poor for showing light. I use them for Tommy coopers. Well must close. Lots of love from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxxxx
I hope these few lines will find you well as it leaves me fine at present. I rec’d two letters from you a short time ago. The later one was dated Mar 9th. I also rec’d two parcels you sent me. Also one from the Red Cross and one from Mrs. Charlie Russell. One thing I know is I get more parcels then any of the boys and I am always sure of getting a box from home whenever any Can mail comes in. It has been over a week since I wrote you my last letter. It seems pretty hard to get writing at times.
Well how are you making out with the spring work. I guess you are pretty busy. Oh yes I was glad to hear Allie and Roy was down to see you. Have you seen little Grace yet. They will be down to see you when the weather gets warmer. I wrote them a card to Midland. I hope they get it.
I guess you have heard about some of the Harbour boys being killed lately. I was thinking it would be making you worry more. I was going to write and tell Burns about Wallace, but being as the Rumney boys be in his Coy and them being friends, it was their place, so I told them just how he was killed. I was just a few feet from him when he was killed. It was the shock, he never new what happened to him. I guess you will mind him he was my old platoon Sarg in Canada and we came to France on the same draft and were in the same platoon. It was about 11:30 the first night of April when he was killed and I will tell you in some of my letters later on where he was buried. And Frank O’Shea got a dandy blighty. I also hear that Walter Stephens was killed.
Now do not be worrying and if you get lonesome just pick up the good old book and read a chapter. That is what I do if I get lonesome. And will sure find it to help you.
The mail has just come in I got another letter from you its date is the 16th of Mar. Now you have no idea how glad I be to hear from you. I guess things will be pretty quiet around home. But they will be better than ever when this war is over.
You want to know which candles are the best. The white one are those trench candles and are very poor for showing light. I use them for Tommy coopers. Well must close. Lots of love from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxxxx
March 30 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. It has been a little while since I have heard from you but hope you are well. Yesterday was Good Friday and a cold windy day it was and tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Last Easter Sunday I was on the train travelling from Halifax to St. John.
Well we are having pretty fine weather here at present. I guess you will be finding it pretty busy doing the spring work by the time you receive this letter. I thought a year ago I would have been back to help you this spring but I guess it is going to be later on in the summer before I get back but I hope to soon be back. I must ring off from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xx
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. It has been a little while since I have heard from you but hope you are well. Yesterday was Good Friday and a cold windy day it was and tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Last Easter Sunday I was on the train travelling from Halifax to St. John.
Well we are having pretty fine weather here at present. I guess you will be finding it pretty busy doing the spring work by the time you receive this letter. I thought a year ago I would have been back to help you this spring but I guess it is going to be later on in the summer before I get back but I hope to soon be back. I must ring off from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xx
March 25 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I hope these few lines will find you well. It has been several days since I have had a letter from you but expect one soon. I received a parcel from you a few days ago. It was OK. It’s date was Feb 7th. The socks fitted dandy. I always receive a parcel from you while in the line and it sure comes in good.
Well I guess it will be getting like spring around home now the weather is dandy here now. I just finished having a shave so I am pretty smooth now. How are you and Ada coming up. Has Allies been down lately. I hope they are keeping well. Well my letter is going to be short this time. I will write soon again.
Now do not be worrying for I am quite well and pray for God to protect me. You may see in the paper where Friz’s is trying to make a little push in some places but do not let that worry you. All that Friz’s can push will not amount to much. Well bye bye dear mother and sister from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. I hope these few lines will find you well. It has been several days since I have had a letter from you but expect one soon. I received a parcel from you a few days ago. It was OK. It’s date was Feb 7th. The socks fitted dandy. I always receive a parcel from you while in the line and it sure comes in good.
Well I guess it will be getting like spring around home now the weather is dandy here now. I just finished having a shave so I am pretty smooth now. How are you and Ada coming up. Has Allies been down lately. I hope they are keeping well. Well my letter is going to be short this time. I will write soon again.
Now do not be worrying for I am quite well and pray for God to protect me. You may see in the paper where Friz’s is trying to make a little push in some places but do not let that worry you. All that Friz’s can push will not amount to much. Well bye bye dear mother and sister from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
March 15 – France
Dear mother and sister
Just a few lines in answer to your welcome letters I rec’d last night. Their dates was Jan 30th, Feb 2nd and believe me I sure be glad to hear from you. I hope these few lines will find you well as it leaves me fine at present.
Well I guess you have had a cold old winter at home. I know we have had it cool out here at times. But we are having dandy weather here now. The old French men are all busy digging and planting their gardens.
Well I have seen a lot of the boys lately. I see Will Douglas and Alex quite often. Also Melville Belfry and Jimmy and believe me Dave was sure glad to see me. And Douglas McNaff is with them too. I also was speaking to Capt McDonald on Monday. He was wanting to know how you were keeping. Will Rayfield is in Clarences Battn. I had a letter from him today. He said that Clarence was not very well the time he wrote. Well news is scarce out here so I will have to close. I am your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
Just a few lines in answer to your welcome letters I rec’d last night. Their dates was Jan 30th, Feb 2nd and believe me I sure be glad to hear from you. I hope these few lines will find you well as it leaves me fine at present.
Well I guess you have had a cold old winter at home. I know we have had it cool out here at times. But we are having dandy weather here now. The old French men are all busy digging and planting their gardens.
Well I have seen a lot of the boys lately. I see Will Douglas and Alex quite often. Also Melville Belfry and Jimmy and believe me Dave was sure glad to see me. And Douglas McNaff is with them too. I also was speaking to Capt McDonald on Monday. He was wanting to know how you were keeping. Will Rayfield is in Clarences Battn. I had a letter from him today. He said that Clarence was not very well the time he wrote. Well news is scarce out here so I will have to close. I am your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
March 10 – France
Dear mother and sister
I hope these few lines will find you well. I am fine at present. I have just brought my blanket out to lay on the grass and write letters and sun myself. It is a peach of a day here. I see the farmers working in a field close by. It don’t make any difference to them. Suppose it is Sunday and I can hear the old guns roaring away as usual. Burns is laying a long side of me writing too. The rest of the boys are all quite well.
Say I have had a little sleep since I wrote the first page. I fell to sleep in the sun and sleep until Burns called me for supper. And when I got in a found a letter and parcel waiting for me from you. Your letter was dated Feb 11th and the box was the one Lizzie sent me with the writing pad in it. And now you have no idea how glad I be to hear from you and know that you are well. I believe that you have had awfully cold stormy winter. I know it must have been hard for you to manage getting wood and doing chores. But I hope the snow will soon be all gone and you will be able to get out around a bit.
I saw in the Orillia Times tonight where the Hearlys (sp) boys and Lumree and Morrisson was exempted. Some of them must have a pitiful tale. I didn’t think there was so many around home with cold feet. But never mind, wait until the boys get home. Believe me then they will have to take a back seat.
Well I sure enjoyed your box. Not me alone but my whole section and the boys say ‘Well Bruce your mother seems to know just what to send.’ How good it is to get some good home made butter. Some change to margarine. I do not think there is anything better to send then what you dear ones send me.
I have not seen Douglas or Melville Belfry or Dave for a long time but expect to see them tomorrow. I will let you know if I do. I got two or three more snaps sent me that we had taken in England. Herb Rumball sent them to me, he is in France too. Well I must close do not be worrying dear mother and sister I am quite well and trust in God to take care of me and bring me safe home again. I am your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
Ps give Allies my love.
I hope these few lines will find you well. I am fine at present. I have just brought my blanket out to lay on the grass and write letters and sun myself. It is a peach of a day here. I see the farmers working in a field close by. It don’t make any difference to them. Suppose it is Sunday and I can hear the old guns roaring away as usual. Burns is laying a long side of me writing too. The rest of the boys are all quite well.
Say I have had a little sleep since I wrote the first page. I fell to sleep in the sun and sleep until Burns called me for supper. And when I got in a found a letter and parcel waiting for me from you. Your letter was dated Feb 11th and the box was the one Lizzie sent me with the writing pad in it. And now you have no idea how glad I be to hear from you and know that you are well. I believe that you have had awfully cold stormy winter. I know it must have been hard for you to manage getting wood and doing chores. But I hope the snow will soon be all gone and you will be able to get out around a bit.
I saw in the Orillia Times tonight where the Hearlys (sp) boys and Lumree and Morrisson was exempted. Some of them must have a pitiful tale. I didn’t think there was so many around home with cold feet. But never mind, wait until the boys get home. Believe me then they will have to take a back seat.
Well I sure enjoyed your box. Not me alone but my whole section and the boys say ‘Well Bruce your mother seems to know just what to send.’ How good it is to get some good home made butter. Some change to margarine. I do not think there is anything better to send then what you dear ones send me.
I have not seen Douglas or Melville Belfry or Dave for a long time but expect to see them tomorrow. I will let you know if I do. I got two or three more snaps sent me that we had taken in England. Herb Rumball sent them to me, he is in France too. Well I must close do not be worrying dear mother and sister I am quite well and trust in God to take care of me and bring me safe home again. I am your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
Ps give Allies my love.
March 8 – France
Dear mother and sister
I hope these few lines will find you well as it leaves me fine at present. I have had the best of health out here. It has been some time since I have heard from you. But expect a letter any time.
I am sorry that I do not get a chance to write to you oftener but I think you know that we can not write every day. We are having splendid weather here now. Every thing is so much like spring you could not imagine the difference between this country and Canada. I guess you have mountains of snow around home.
I guess it will be about the first of April by the time you get this letter. Well a year has went pretty fast to me. I have sure seen some sights. But I know it has been a long year to you. But it shall not be long until I be home again, in about two or three months time. We will show Friz’s where they get off at. I have been in France better than six months now.
Well how is you and Ada coming up. Is she feeling as gay as she did last spring. How is the hens laying. You asked me if I thought eggs would keep coming this far. No they wouldn’t be very good and besides I have all the eggs to eat that is good for me. I think I have eaten more eggs this last two months then I ate in a whole year at home.
How is Allies have you seen them lately. I suppose he is butchering. Tell Alf Cowan and Tom Sykes I will answer their letters right away.
I will have to ring off. Remember dear mother and sister I love you all ways. And be wondering how you are for you are so dear to me. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
I hope these few lines will find you well as it leaves me fine at present. I have had the best of health out here. It has been some time since I have heard from you. But expect a letter any time.
I am sorry that I do not get a chance to write to you oftener but I think you know that we can not write every day. We are having splendid weather here now. Every thing is so much like spring you could not imagine the difference between this country and Canada. I guess you have mountains of snow around home.
I guess it will be about the first of April by the time you get this letter. Well a year has went pretty fast to me. I have sure seen some sights. But I know it has been a long year to you. But it shall not be long until I be home again, in about two or three months time. We will show Friz’s where they get off at. I have been in France better than six months now.
Well how is you and Ada coming up. Is she feeling as gay as she did last spring. How is the hens laying. You asked me if I thought eggs would keep coming this far. No they wouldn’t be very good and besides I have all the eggs to eat that is good for me. I think I have eaten more eggs this last two months then I ate in a whole year at home.
How is Allies have you seen them lately. I suppose he is butchering. Tell Alf Cowan and Tom Sykes I will answer their letters right away.
I will have to ring off. Remember dear mother and sister I love you all ways. And be wondering how you are for you are so dear to me. Well bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
Feb 18 – France
Dear mother and sister
I hope these few lines will find you well. I am just fine at present. I rec’d the box you sent last night. You have no idea how good the eats went. Just imagine having peaches to eat in the trenches. I just finished eating my breakfast. I toasted some bread over a little fire and I put lots of the good butter on you sent me and had some of the peaches. Believe me it was the best breakfast I have had for some time, and the cake my pals and I had for lunch last night. A parcel sure comes in good in the line.
Well mother I guess you and Lizzie is having a big time doing chores through the stormy winter. Has Allies been down lately. I hope they are well. I guess they don’t be down very often for it is a quite a ways to fetch little Grace in the cold. But I bet it would not bother Roy.
How is Cowan’s. Alf told me in his letter that he was turned down.
Well we are having dandy weather here at present. I bet it is different to the stormy weather you will be having around home. Well I must ring off. Hoping to hear from you soon again and do not be worrying I am quite well. From your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
I hope these few lines will find you well. I am just fine at present. I rec’d the box you sent last night. You have no idea how good the eats went. Just imagine having peaches to eat in the trenches. I just finished eating my breakfast. I toasted some bread over a little fire and I put lots of the good butter on you sent me and had some of the peaches. Believe me it was the best breakfast I have had for some time, and the cake my pals and I had for lunch last night. A parcel sure comes in good in the line.
Well mother I guess you and Lizzie is having a big time doing chores through the stormy winter. Has Allies been down lately. I hope they are well. I guess they don’t be down very often for it is a quite a ways to fetch little Grace in the cold. But I bet it would not bother Roy.
How is Cowan’s. Alf told me in his letter that he was turned down.
Well we are having dandy weather here at present. I bet it is different to the stormy weather you will be having around home. Well I must ring off. Hoping to hear from you soon again and do not be worrying I am quite well. From your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
Feb 14 – France
Dear mother and sister
I hope these few lines will find you well as it leaves me fine at present. I am just ready to get into bed, I have my blankets already laid down. My bed mate is sleeping. I thought I had better write a few lines tonight in case that it might be a few days before I could get another chance to write. We are having nice weather here at present. I rec’d a letter from you the other night, glad to know that you are well and over your cold. I had a letter from Alf Cowan and Tom Sykes the same night. Tom sent me a picture of young Murra it was just dandy of him. He sure has grown a lot since I saw him last.
Did you get any Valentines today. I forgot all about it. I intend on sending you some but never thought about it until this evening. I heard the boys speak about it.
You sure must have had some snow storm, how did you manage with the chores then.
I rec’d an Ontario parcel the other night. There was a dandy pair of leather mitts in it.
Well I must close I will write soon again. Don’t be worrying I am quite well and trust in God I will soon be home again. I remain your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin
I hope these few lines will find you well as it leaves me fine at present. I am just ready to get into bed, I have my blankets already laid down. My bed mate is sleeping. I thought I had better write a few lines tonight in case that it might be a few days before I could get another chance to write. We are having nice weather here at present. I rec’d a letter from you the other night, glad to know that you are well and over your cold. I had a letter from Alf Cowan and Tom Sykes the same night. Tom sent me a picture of young Murra it was just dandy of him. He sure has grown a lot since I saw him last.
Did you get any Valentines today. I forgot all about it. I intend on sending you some but never thought about it until this evening. I heard the boys speak about it.
You sure must have had some snow storm, how did you manage with the chores then.
I rec’d an Ontario parcel the other night. There was a dandy pair of leather mitts in it.
Well I must close I will write soon again. Don’t be worrying I am quite well and trust in God I will soon be home again. I remain your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin
Feb 9 – France
Dear mother and sister
I hope these few lines will find you well as I am fine. I am just ready for bed but thought I had better write you a few lines tonight for I might not get time to write before the mail is collected in the morning. And I know that you be worrying and wondering why you are not getting mail from me. I try and write just as often as I can. But you know how it is sometimes it be’s quite a few days before we get a chance to write.
Well we are having regular spring weather here now the farmers are plowing and harrowing. It is hard to imagine there being snow and frost around home now. This letter is going to be short this time. I will write soon again from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
I hope these few lines will find you well as I am fine. I am just ready for bed but thought I had better write you a few lines tonight for I might not get time to write before the mail is collected in the morning. And I know that you be worrying and wondering why you are not getting mail from me. I try and write just as often as I can. But you know how it is sometimes it be’s quite a few days before we get a chance to write.
Well we are having regular spring weather here now the farmers are plowing and harrowing. It is hard to imagine there being snow and frost around home now. This letter is going to be short this time. I will write soon again from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
Feb 7 – France
Dear mother and sister
I have now got a chance to write you a few lines. I know that you will be worrying about not getting any mail from me. But I guess you will know how it is, we cannot get a chance to write every day. I hope these few lines will find you well as I am just fine at present.
I was just thinking this is my birthday. I am spending it in the trenches. But I hope to spend it at home next year. I rec’d two parcels from you the other night and believe me they sure went good. There is sure some difference between the cake and the hard tack biscuit we have. The butter was dandy. Everything was just fine. The boys said, ‘Bruce your mother just knows the right things to send a fellow out here.’
The fruit was OK. I believe it was the best I ever tasted. I see I am going to have lots of good fruit to eat when I get home. Was it you that made the candy, Lizzie that was in the one box. It was a round cake. I know you cannot buy candy like it. My mouth is just watering for more of it. The salmon and sardines went good. It is sure some better than bully beef.
And the sugar came fine. We had some cocoa we brought in the line with us so the Corps of my section would make up a mess tin of good hot cocoa and fetch it out to us on our post about 12 o’clock at night and believe me it makes the rest of the cold wet night pass quicker. So don’t worry about me. Our section Corp will have the best for his section that can be got.
I received a card from May Robinson the other night. Tell her I will write to her right away. I guess you will have bushels of snow around home now. How long did Aunt Hattie stay at Christmas, I often have a letter from cousin Hattie. How is all Allies. I suppose Alf and Tom Cowan is busy doing chores. Do you ever hear from Will or Alex Douglas. I haven’t for a long time. Who have they got for a minister at Moonstone now. Have you ever been down to Dunlops lately. I think they feel bad over Jack having to go. I think it was pretty near time for one out of a big bunch of them to go.
Well I must close hoping to hear from you soon again and do not be worrying I am quite alright. It will not be long until I be home again.
Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
Dear mother and sister
I have now got a chance to write you a few lines. I know that you will be worrying about not getting any mail from me. But I guess you will know how it is, we cannot get a chance to write every day. I hope these few lines will find you well as I am just fine at present.
I was just thinking this is my birthday. I am spending it in the trenches. But I hope to spend it at home next year. I rec’d two parcels from you the other night and believe me they sure went good. There is sure some difference between the cake and the hard tack biscuit we have. The butter was dandy. Everything was just fine. The boys said, ‘Bruce your mother just knows the right things to send a fellow out here.’
The fruit was OK. I believe it was the best I ever tasted. I see I am going to have lots of good fruit to eat when I get home. Was it you that made the candy, Lizzie that was in the one box. It was a round cake. I know you cannot buy candy like it. My mouth is just watering for more of it. The salmon and sardines went good. It is sure some better than bully beef.
And the sugar came fine. We had some cocoa we brought in the line with us so the Corps of my section would make up a mess tin of good hot cocoa and fetch it out to us on our post about 12 o’clock at night and believe me it makes the rest of the cold wet night pass quicker. So don’t worry about me. Our section Corp will have the best for his section that can be got.
I received a card from May Robinson the other night. Tell her I will write to her right away. I guess you will have bushels of snow around home now. How long did Aunt Hattie stay at Christmas, I often have a letter from cousin Hattie. How is all Allies. I suppose Alf and Tom Cowan is busy doing chores. Do you ever hear from Will or Alex Douglas. I haven’t for a long time. Who have they got for a minister at Moonstone now. Have you ever been down to Dunlops lately. I think they feel bad over Jack having to go. I think it was pretty near time for one out of a big bunch of them to go.
Well I must close hoping to hear from you soon again and do not be worrying I am quite alright. It will not be long until I be home again.
Bye bye from your loving son and brother Bruce Speerin xxxx
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