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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)