Bombardier Bertram Howard Cox
59th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery
60th Battery, 14th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery
Canadian Army - 1916 to 1919
"Oh, how we'll appreciate freedom and liberty,
if we ever get out of this thing." B.H. Cox
59th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery
60th Battery, 14th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery
Canadian Army - 1916 to 1919
"Oh, how we'll appreciate freedom and liberty,
if we ever get out of this thing." B.H. Cox
BERT COX BIOGRAPHY - by Grandsons, Steve and Frank Schmidt
Bertram Howard Cox was born on the island of Barbados, British West Indies on Dec. 13, 1894. After finishing high school he worked for the Canadian Bank of Commerce in Barbados.
Bert came to Canada in 1913 via Ellis Island, New York on the ship Guiana. The ship left Barbados on May 10 and landed at New York on May 20th. It says he was headed to his cousin Ada (or Ida) King at 37 Classic Ave, Toronto, Ontario. He was travelling with a friend Arthur E. Clarke, who was headed to the same place. (This info is from the site http://www.ellisisland.org/.)
Bert worked as a teller for The Canadian Bank of Commerce, first in Sherbrooke, Quebec and then in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Several of his fellow employees joined the war effort and Bert soon enlisted in the Canadian Army as a Gunner in the 59th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery on March 26, 1916. He was 19 1/2 years old and unmarried.
Perhaps the government established a requirement for new immigrants to Canada (able bodied men of a certain age) had to serve in the local "home guard" or militia for a time period. It could be that when Bert's service time was fulfilled he was allowed to move on to another job (bank) in Winnipeg.
His 53rd unform looks a lot like the enlistment group of 8 uniforms (see photo above) except the later ones have more brass on collars. A lot of young men enlisted in the militia when WW1 broke out and later when it did not end in a few months they decided to enlist when the call went out for re-enforcements. We cannot confirm this, it is just a scenario.
Bert Cox served until June 28, 1919 and at that time was Honorably Discharged at Toronto. He then emigrated to the United States, finding work in Detroit, Michigan. He became a United States citizen in approximately 1935.
Bert married Carrie Davenport in 1921 in Birmingham, MI. They had one daughter, Molly (Cox) Schmidt. He worked for the Buick Motor Company and later for a steel supplier to General Motors Corp. as a buyer for the Hall Steel Company of Flint, MI. He resided at 1502 Welch Blvd. After retirement in 1965, Bert enjoyed his family, traveling back to Europe and Barbados, his garden and visiting a nursing home each week.
B.H. Cox died in Flint, MI in May of 1981. He and his wife are buried in Pine Tree Cemetery, Corunna, MI.
After Bert's death, his family found up in the attic of his home a box of war mementos including a few buttons, assorted medals, a German belt buckle, his canteen mess kit, one silver watch, several letters, a history book of his Division and some large photos of his unit. Many items were moth eaten after 60 plus years in storage. Bert rarely talked of his war experiences and suffered his whole life from back pain, whether imagined or real. Several times during his life, the 'back problem' kept him bed ridden for months. This could have been as a result of his days in the cold damp trenches, but it is not known. Bert did not belong to any veteran organizations or attend re-unions during his lifetime. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was not recognized in those days.
Thanks to Bombardier Cox's family who have put together Bert's story from family research and letters that were sent across the Atlantic during the war.
Bertram Howard Cox was born on the island of Barbados, British West Indies on Dec. 13, 1894. After finishing high school he worked for the Canadian Bank of Commerce in Barbados.
Bert came to Canada in 1913 via Ellis Island, New York on the ship Guiana. The ship left Barbados on May 10 and landed at New York on May 20th. It says he was headed to his cousin Ada (or Ida) King at 37 Classic Ave, Toronto, Ontario. He was travelling with a friend Arthur E. Clarke, who was headed to the same place. (This info is from the site http://www.ellisisland.org/.)
Bert worked as a teller for The Canadian Bank of Commerce, first in Sherbrooke, Quebec and then in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Several of his fellow employees joined the war effort and Bert soon enlisted in the Canadian Army as a Gunner in the 59th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery on March 26, 1916. He was 19 1/2 years old and unmarried.
Perhaps the government established a requirement for new immigrants to Canada (able bodied men of a certain age) had to serve in the local "home guard" or militia for a time period. It could be that when Bert's service time was fulfilled he was allowed to move on to another job (bank) in Winnipeg.
His 53rd unform looks a lot like the enlistment group of 8 uniforms (see photo above) except the later ones have more brass on collars. A lot of young men enlisted in the militia when WW1 broke out and later when it did not end in a few months they decided to enlist when the call went out for re-enforcements. We cannot confirm this, it is just a scenario.
Bert Cox served until June 28, 1919 and at that time was Honorably Discharged at Toronto. He then emigrated to the United States, finding work in Detroit, Michigan. He became a United States citizen in approximately 1935.
Bert married Carrie Davenport in 1921 in Birmingham, MI. They had one daughter, Molly (Cox) Schmidt. He worked for the Buick Motor Company and later for a steel supplier to General Motors Corp. as a buyer for the Hall Steel Company of Flint, MI. He resided at 1502 Welch Blvd. After retirement in 1965, Bert enjoyed his family, traveling back to Europe and Barbados, his garden and visiting a nursing home each week.
B.H. Cox died in Flint, MI in May of 1981. He and his wife are buried in Pine Tree Cemetery, Corunna, MI.
After Bert's death, his family found up in the attic of his home a box of war mementos including a few buttons, assorted medals, a German belt buckle, his canteen mess kit, one silver watch, several letters, a history book of his Division and some large photos of his unit. Many items were moth eaten after 60 plus years in storage. Bert rarely talked of his war experiences and suffered his whole life from back pain, whether imagined or real. Several times during his life, the 'back problem' kept him bed ridden for months. This could have been as a result of his days in the cold damp trenches, but it is not known. Bert did not belong to any veteran organizations or attend re-unions during his lifetime. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was not recognized in those days.
Thanks to Bombardier Cox's family who have put together Bert's story from family research and letters that were sent across the Atlantic during the war.
Diary
A rough diary of my experiences as a soldier. Written in Jauche, Belgium on March 3, 1919.
March 25, 1916 Saturday. Enlisted with 59th Battery C.F.A. Winnipeg.
March 27, 1916. Thrown from horse first and only time.
May 26, 1916. Battery dance.
A rough diary of my experiences as a soldier. Written in Jauche, Belgium on March 3, 1919.
March 25, 1916 Saturday. Enlisted with 59th Battery C.F.A. Winnipeg.
March 27, 1916. Thrown from horse first and only time.
May 26, 1916. Battery dance.
Stock photo
Gunner B.H. Cox
59th Overseas Battery
Exhibition Grounds
Winnipeg, Man., Canada
From:
Ina Cox
458 3rd St.
Brooklyn, NY
Tuesday April 4th 1916
My Dear Old Snoops,
Your letter came yesterday. I can't tell you what a surprise it was to me and to us all. The end of the day found me with a headache worth a Pound and a Crown because I was foolish enough to mind the news of your being a soldier and weeping over it. But if you feel that you are doing the right thing---as I know that you must---we can say nothing, and I know that the drilling and exercise are the things to make you even a bigger man than you are---so I can only pray that before you are ready to go, this terrible war will be over.
I dread the news for Mother, but God will help her bear it. I have always thought that one of her sons, at least, should go to help the Old Country but now it has come to the decision, I do not wish it so much.
How was it that you chose the Artillery? And how is it that they passed you with the bad eye? You must write and let me know everything.
Carl is away for a few days for his firm? I know how surprised they will all be to hear. I sent your letter to Herbert and Hellen to read last night.
Today is dismal weather but the last few days have been like Spring. I'm glad the winter is over on your account. I hate to think of the sack of straw---do be careful with the horses and don't let them throw or kick you. Your uniform must be fine.
Mabel cried too when she heard you had joined the Colours, so you see, B., you must take as much care of yourself as you can. Doris (about 4 years old) , is still with me and sends you this kiss XXX. She is a dear little soul and I shall miss her dreadfully when she leaves next week.
Ella and Murrill have been to B/does for four weeks. I wrote you a long letter on Thursday. I suppose you got it yesterday. Nothing new, my way but lots of love for you, dear Bertie.
From your loving sister,
Ina
59th Overseas Battery
Exhibition Grounds
Winnipeg, Man., Canada
From:
Ina Cox
458 3rd St.
Brooklyn, NY
Tuesday April 4th 1916
My Dear Old Snoops,
Your letter came yesterday. I can't tell you what a surprise it was to me and to us all. The end of the day found me with a headache worth a Pound and a Crown because I was foolish enough to mind the news of your being a soldier and weeping over it. But if you feel that you are doing the right thing---as I know that you must---we can say nothing, and I know that the drilling and exercise are the things to make you even a bigger man than you are---so I can only pray that before you are ready to go, this terrible war will be over.
I dread the news for Mother, but God will help her bear it. I have always thought that one of her sons, at least, should go to help the Old Country but now it has come to the decision, I do not wish it so much.
How was it that you chose the Artillery? And how is it that they passed you with the bad eye? You must write and let me know everything.
Carl is away for a few days for his firm? I know how surprised they will all be to hear. I sent your letter to Herbert and Hellen to read last night.
Today is dismal weather but the last few days have been like Spring. I'm glad the winter is over on your account. I hate to think of the sack of straw---do be careful with the horses and don't let them throw or kick you. Your uniform must be fine.
Mabel cried too when she heard you had joined the Colours, so you see, B., you must take as much care of yourself as you can. Doris (about 4 years old) , is still with me and sends you this kiss XXX. She is a dear little soul and I shall miss her dreadfully when she leaves next week.
Ella and Murrill have been to B/does for four weeks. I wrote you a long letter on Thursday. I suppose you got it yesterday. Nothing new, my way but lots of love for you, dear Bertie.
From your loving sister,
Ina
Herbert.H. Cox
c/o The Estate of Henry Weil
192 Broadway,
New York, NY
To: Gunner B. H. Cox
59th Overseas Battery
Exhibition Grounds
Winnipeg, Man.,Canada
April 4th,1916
My Dear Bertie,
Your letter to Ina was brought by Mabel last evening. You can imagine my surprise. I have been to write you for quite some time and particularly to know more of the eye trouble, but Norman's being here, the extra work I have had to do at the office and at the same time, my venturing into the molasses business etc. ( I have sent to Arrindell for 10 puncheons, and if the price is satisfactory, I will have a large order), however that was why I have not written to you, and not because I forgot you in ANY WAY, on the contrary, I often have wondered in the evenings, where you were, and so now you write to tell us that since February 29th you notified the Bank of your intention to resign and join the Army.
Well, what must I say? As you are now in the King's Army, see to it that you are a good soldier and not to be found wanting in the discharge of your duty. I must however, bring to your notice, something which you should have considered before deciding your new career and that is: Mother's health and happiness and if , as you say that you were uncomfortable on account of not belonging to a Regiment, you could have sought another field, for this world is large.
Please don't misunderstand me, a coward and what I mean, are two different things. Your first duty is to your family and no amount of coaxing, or the whole office joining, could not change me, all the more, it is easy to go along with the crowd.
The exercise, you are now receiving, is excellent for you, and if your Regiment does not go out until September, I hate to think that the war will still be on. I don't know how the Germans can keep it up another winter, but never underestimate their strength or ability.
Maybe I would have joined when I was 19 years of age had a war been on. I shall want to hear from you as often as I can. Don't mind my writing you as I have; it is only what I think. I don't blame you for joining the Army, my thought is only of Mother.
What about that paper, Mother signed for you, did you get it back? And can you return to the Bank at the close of the war? Always feel that you can rely on me for sympathy and protection of whatever kind, I have to offer.
Norman left us on March 25th. His steamer arrived at Liverpool yesterday and he leaves for Lagos on Wednesday April 12th by the S/S " Barbutee".
Write soon to your same loving brother,
Herbert
c/o The Estate of Henry Weil
192 Broadway,
New York, NY
To: Gunner B. H. Cox
59th Overseas Battery
Exhibition Grounds
Winnipeg, Man.,Canada
April 4th,1916
My Dear Bertie,
Your letter to Ina was brought by Mabel last evening. You can imagine my surprise. I have been to write you for quite some time and particularly to know more of the eye trouble, but Norman's being here, the extra work I have had to do at the office and at the same time, my venturing into the molasses business etc. ( I have sent to Arrindell for 10 puncheons, and if the price is satisfactory, I will have a large order), however that was why I have not written to you, and not because I forgot you in ANY WAY, on the contrary, I often have wondered in the evenings, where you were, and so now you write to tell us that since February 29th you notified the Bank of your intention to resign and join the Army.
Well, what must I say? As you are now in the King's Army, see to it that you are a good soldier and not to be found wanting in the discharge of your duty. I must however, bring to your notice, something which you should have considered before deciding your new career and that is: Mother's health and happiness and if , as you say that you were uncomfortable on account of not belonging to a Regiment, you could have sought another field, for this world is large.
Please don't misunderstand me, a coward and what I mean, are two different things. Your first duty is to your family and no amount of coaxing, or the whole office joining, could not change me, all the more, it is easy to go along with the crowd.
The exercise, you are now receiving, is excellent for you, and if your Regiment does not go out until September, I hate to think that the war will still be on. I don't know how the Germans can keep it up another winter, but never underestimate their strength or ability.
Maybe I would have joined when I was 19 years of age had a war been on. I shall want to hear from you as often as I can. Don't mind my writing you as I have; it is only what I think. I don't blame you for joining the Army, my thought is only of Mother.
What about that paper, Mother signed for you, did you get it back? And can you return to the Bank at the close of the war? Always feel that you can rely on me for sympathy and protection of whatever kind, I have to offer.
Norman left us on March 25th. His steamer arrived at Liverpool yesterday and he leaves for Lagos on Wednesday April 12th by the S/S " Barbutee".
Write soon to your same loving brother,
Herbert
Ellerslie
Thursday 19th April 1916
My dear old Bert:
Your letter to Mother was a great shock, for although Beryl told us that Arnold had written to say you had joined, I did not believe it. Even now, it does not seem possible to be true. I need not tell you how cut up Mother is, over it, as she had no idea you would be going. I do hope you realize the step you have taken and will live accordingly. Make a good honest soldier boy and trust in God for all things.
I'm very glad that you won't be going to England just yet, and please God the horrid war will be over before you have to go to France. I know you don't want that and I can understand your feelings but for us here at home, to have to stay and wait for news would be too awful, not knowing what it would be.
Winnipeg will soon have no men in it and I don't think it right for them to press the young fellows so.
Your letter to Papa came on Tuesday. Tell us all about the life, we like to know what you have to do and how you live. How is it that you write at the Bank Office? Do you still go there?
Of course, when you get this letter, you will have left for Ottawa or be leaving soon. I wonder if you will see Ernie Hoad, as he has gone too. Bertie Thomas left here last week to go, and Leonard Inniss and Bertie Seal, sometime before. They are in Yorkshire, I believe. This letter is very disjointed, I'm afraid, as I am talking to Beryl all the time. She and Marguerite come over almost every day.
When we last heard from Brooklyn, they said Norman was expected to leave England on April 11th for Africa. You know that he would like to join the war too, and I'm just longing to get his next letter, for I believe, if he was pressed much, he would go. I trust, he has not.
Have you learnt to stick on your horse, yet? I hope he has not thrown you, again. Your gun must be a quick firing one. I'm glad you are a gunner and not an ordinary soldier.
Dear, I had a bad time when your letter came, but I feel better about it now, and will trust in God that some day we will all meet again. Take care of yourself and don't go doing rash things.
Write us every week, as it will be a long anxious time now, to know how you are. Lots of Love and Kisses from your ever affectionate sister,
Leila.
Jack sends his love.
Thursday 19th April 1916
My dear old Bert:
Your letter to Mother was a great shock, for although Beryl told us that Arnold had written to say you had joined, I did not believe it. Even now, it does not seem possible to be true. I need not tell you how cut up Mother is, over it, as she had no idea you would be going. I do hope you realize the step you have taken and will live accordingly. Make a good honest soldier boy and trust in God for all things.
I'm very glad that you won't be going to England just yet, and please God the horrid war will be over before you have to go to France. I know you don't want that and I can understand your feelings but for us here at home, to have to stay and wait for news would be too awful, not knowing what it would be.
Winnipeg will soon have no men in it and I don't think it right for them to press the young fellows so.
Your letter to Papa came on Tuesday. Tell us all about the life, we like to know what you have to do and how you live. How is it that you write at the Bank Office? Do you still go there?
Of course, when you get this letter, you will have left for Ottawa or be leaving soon. I wonder if you will see Ernie Hoad, as he has gone too. Bertie Thomas left here last week to go, and Leonard Inniss and Bertie Seal, sometime before. They are in Yorkshire, I believe. This letter is very disjointed, I'm afraid, as I am talking to Beryl all the time. She and Marguerite come over almost every day.
When we last heard from Brooklyn, they said Norman was expected to leave England on April 11th for Africa. You know that he would like to join the war too, and I'm just longing to get his next letter, for I believe, if he was pressed much, he would go. I trust, he has not.
Have you learnt to stick on your horse, yet? I hope he has not thrown you, again. Your gun must be a quick firing one. I'm glad you are a gunner and not an ordinary soldier.
Dear, I had a bad time when your letter came, but I feel better about it now, and will trust in God that some day we will all meet again. Take care of yourself and don't go doing rash things.
Write us every week, as it will be a long anxious time now, to know how you are. Lots of Love and Kisses from your ever affectionate sister,
Leila.
Jack sends his love.
"Thus may He bless and keep thee,
The Lord bless thee.
How shall He bless thee?
With the gladness that knoweth no decay,
With the riches that cannot pass away,
With the sunshine that makes an endless day.
Thus may He bless thee.
And keep thee,
How shall He keep thee?
With the all covering shadow of His wings
With the mighty love that guards from evil things,
With the sure power that safe to glory brings,
Thus may He keep thee.
Copied Easter Day 1916 a prayer for my Dear Son.
Ellerslie
Easter Day April 23rd 1916
My dear Bertie,
I have just copied the above, from a book I am reading, lent me by Charlotte Leacock.
I wonder if you have been to church? I hope so---to pray for the strength to do your duty as in the sight of God. Are you with those who pray? I trust indeed for your sake and for their own, that you are.
We have had letters of the 14th of April. Jack just brought them, from Ina and Herbert They were put into Jack's box. I still hope that we shall have a letter from you. It is a big mail, he says. (By ship)
Ina does not seem to have been well, although she wishes she could walk and do so much without being tired. I wish she were here. I earnestly hope that her stay in that climate will benefit her, but she really has no home, from Carl's to Herbert's all the time, and nothing to depend on. And so much has been pressed into these last few weeks, I do not wonder that she is thinner.
The Lord bless thee.
How shall He bless thee?
With the gladness that knoweth no decay,
With the riches that cannot pass away,
With the sunshine that makes an endless day.
Thus may He bless thee.
And keep thee,
How shall He keep thee?
With the all covering shadow of His wings
With the mighty love that guards from evil things,
With the sure power that safe to glory brings,
Thus may He keep thee.
Copied Easter Day 1916 a prayer for my Dear Son.
Ellerslie
Easter Day April 23rd 1916
My dear Bertie,
I have just copied the above, from a book I am reading, lent me by Charlotte Leacock.
I wonder if you have been to church? I hope so---to pray for the strength to do your duty as in the sight of God. Are you with those who pray? I trust indeed for your sake and for their own, that you are.
We have had letters of the 14th of April. Jack just brought them, from Ina and Herbert They were put into Jack's box. I still hope that we shall have a letter from you. It is a big mail, he says. (By ship)
Ina does not seem to have been well, although she wishes she could walk and do so much without being tired. I wish she were here. I earnestly hope that her stay in that climate will benefit her, but she really has no home, from Carl's to Herbert's all the time, and nothing to depend on. And so much has been pressed into these last few weeks, I do not wonder that she is thinner.
April 28th
Dear son,
No letter. I hoped it would be our Easter gift, and the "Trinidad" (ship from NY) came yesterday and no letter.
I hope you are keeping well and the outdoor exertion in such cold is not troubling you. I hope there have been no more night marches. The winter lasts so long in those regions. I have not heard from Mrs. Yarwood. She must know of you through Cambell. Is he with you? You must have plenty to do and if you can stand the climate, I have no doubt, your general health will benefit and I pray you will. I try to think of you at those duties, now.
Carl sent me the batteries for the Acoustican he gave me and I am hearing much clearer than when I was in Brooklyn.
Last Sunday night was very still and I could hear the organ at church.
I hear that Stanley Patterson is to take over Mr.Baque's school. I hope so. It is dreadful for him with his wife and child to be dependent on his father and she is not even there with him. Mr. Baque is to be an oculist, I believe. Douglas Carber's son is doing a fine business as one.
My dear, I am glad to write you that Mr. Patterson now says that there is NO judgment against Notton (the Family home in Passage Road where all of the Cox children were born). The judgment was not renewed at the proper time or has lapsed. The law is , that they should be renewed every 5 years and this was not done. ( I think that Mr. Thorne died about then) so no paper will need to be signed. But of course, Coleridge must pay that balance of money to me as part of his purchase of Notton. It will be the same to all of you at my death, or if I sell the cottage, that amount will be as Grandpapa's legacy to my children. Unfortunately it is very little.
I haven't heard from Norman since he left Brooklyn. Hope to hear by the Liverpool boat that is expected. He ought, with God's blessing, to be nearing Africa by today, if he left England on the 12th.
Leila is to spend Sunday at the Crane (hotel) with the Emtages and is busy with a dress. Can't write, sends her love.
I begged your papa to write to you last Monday. I don't think he did. He never writes the others. He has some canes (sugar) planted and is preparing for the rains, but wants manure and proper turning up.
Dear Bertie try and don't miss the regular writing, dear son, even a few lines to comfort me. Jack will take this to post tomorrow. I pray may God bless and keep you my dear child.
Your loving Mother.
PS from Leila:
Sorry I can't put in some of my scrawl too. Have been very busy and there is not any fresh news. Will hear from me soon though. Hope you are keeping well. Take care of yourself and don't forget to write us. Jack is waiting to be kissed and so must go!! Love, Leila
Hello, Bertie there is a certain little girl here waiting to be kissed, too. Good Luck Jack.
Dear son,
No letter. I hoped it would be our Easter gift, and the "Trinidad" (ship from NY) came yesterday and no letter.
I hope you are keeping well and the outdoor exertion in such cold is not troubling you. I hope there have been no more night marches. The winter lasts so long in those regions. I have not heard from Mrs. Yarwood. She must know of you through Cambell. Is he with you? You must have plenty to do and if you can stand the climate, I have no doubt, your general health will benefit and I pray you will. I try to think of you at those duties, now.
Carl sent me the batteries for the Acoustican he gave me and I am hearing much clearer than when I was in Brooklyn.
Last Sunday night was very still and I could hear the organ at church.
I hear that Stanley Patterson is to take over Mr.Baque's school. I hope so. It is dreadful for him with his wife and child to be dependent on his father and she is not even there with him. Mr. Baque is to be an oculist, I believe. Douglas Carber's son is doing a fine business as one.
My dear, I am glad to write you that Mr. Patterson now says that there is NO judgment against Notton (the Family home in Passage Road where all of the Cox children were born). The judgment was not renewed at the proper time or has lapsed. The law is , that they should be renewed every 5 years and this was not done. ( I think that Mr. Thorne died about then) so no paper will need to be signed. But of course, Coleridge must pay that balance of money to me as part of his purchase of Notton. It will be the same to all of you at my death, or if I sell the cottage, that amount will be as Grandpapa's legacy to my children. Unfortunately it is very little.
I haven't heard from Norman since he left Brooklyn. Hope to hear by the Liverpool boat that is expected. He ought, with God's blessing, to be nearing Africa by today, if he left England on the 12th.
Leila is to spend Sunday at the Crane (hotel) with the Emtages and is busy with a dress. Can't write, sends her love.
I begged your papa to write to you last Monday. I don't think he did. He never writes the others. He has some canes (sugar) planted and is preparing for the rains, but wants manure and proper turning up.
Dear Bertie try and don't miss the regular writing, dear son, even a few lines to comfort me. Jack will take this to post tomorrow. I pray may God bless and keep you my dear child.
Your loving Mother.
PS from Leila:
Sorry I can't put in some of my scrawl too. Have been very busy and there is not any fresh news. Will hear from me soon though. Hope you are keeping well. Take care of yourself and don't forget to write us. Jack is waiting to be kissed and so must go!! Love, Leila
Hello, Bertie there is a certain little girl here waiting to be kissed, too. Good Luck Jack.
From:
Charles H. Cox
Corporate Registered Accountant
31 Pine St.
New York
To: Gunner B. Howard Cox
59th Overseas Battery
Exhibition Grounds
Winnipeg, Man. Canada
May 3rd, 1916
My dear Bertie,
Have not had a chance to write you since your joining the Colors. I can't blame you and yet I am sorry that you may have to give your life for a country which is not your native land.
Ina was very much ashamed that she did not have a brother in the army, now she is very sorry she has ( just like a woman).
Was talking to a chap who has returned from service, having been buried by a 'Jack Johnson', and was dug out 4 hours later, that got his discharge. He told me to advise you not to join, as the care of the horses is most irksome.
Also, that if you ever have to place a gun in a new position, to be sure that the position is well screened, before you even start to dig the foundations, as one 15" gun, he knew of, only fired one shot and was blown to pieces because they had not screened their foundation, and which had been noted by an enemy aeroplane and six shells burst right on top of them as soon as the gun was fired.
I do not suppose you are so crazy about fighting now, as you were before you joined. Maybe one of these days, I will be doing the same thing, but in that case I will belong to the aero division; who knows, we may be fighting together before we die.
Was talking with a chap yesterday and he saw how you noticed that the Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and other Colonial troops are doing the brunt of the fighting. The English are not in the front ranks and everything that they have had a hand in, has turned out rotten.
I have them ( the English) all around me in the office and from those I've met, no wonder they muddle everything. By the time you finish showing them, foot by foot, what to do, you could have done it yourself.
I have no doubt that the US will be in the war before long. We have to wait for our present Pussy footing President to complete his term of office.
Mabel sends her love and all good wishes and if your Battery should ever be charged by the enemy, I trust you will have the chance to account for a score of them, at least? personally. Your Affectionate brother,
Carl
Charles H. Cox
Corporate Registered Accountant
31 Pine St.
New York
To: Gunner B. Howard Cox
59th Overseas Battery
Exhibition Grounds
Winnipeg, Man. Canada
May 3rd, 1916
My dear Bertie,
Have not had a chance to write you since your joining the Colors. I can't blame you and yet I am sorry that you may have to give your life for a country which is not your native land.
Ina was very much ashamed that she did not have a brother in the army, now she is very sorry she has ( just like a woman).
Was talking to a chap who has returned from service, having been buried by a 'Jack Johnson', and was dug out 4 hours later, that got his discharge. He told me to advise you not to join, as the care of the horses is most irksome.
Also, that if you ever have to place a gun in a new position, to be sure that the position is well screened, before you even start to dig the foundations, as one 15" gun, he knew of, only fired one shot and was blown to pieces because they had not screened their foundation, and which had been noted by an enemy aeroplane and six shells burst right on top of them as soon as the gun was fired.
I do not suppose you are so crazy about fighting now, as you were before you joined. Maybe one of these days, I will be doing the same thing, but in that case I will belong to the aero division; who knows, we may be fighting together before we die.
Was talking with a chap yesterday and he saw how you noticed that the Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and other Colonial troops are doing the brunt of the fighting. The English are not in the front ranks and everything that they have had a hand in, has turned out rotten.
I have them ( the English) all around me in the office and from those I've met, no wonder they muddle everything. By the time you finish showing them, foot by foot, what to do, you could have done it yourself.
I have no doubt that the US will be in the war before long. We have to wait for our present Pussy footing President to complete his term of office.
Mabel sends her love and all good wishes and if your Battery should ever be charged by the enemy, I trust you will have the chance to account for a score of them, at least? personally. Your Affectionate brother,
Carl
Ellerslie
May 28, 1916
Bertie, dear son,
Your letter of 6th of May to hand, by return of the boy who took ours down to post. So glad to get it, dear child.
I have had such depression. I am sure that I feel in my body, the aches of my children. I am so glad that you thought of going to the hospital,. It was certainly best for you. I trust that the 3rd inoculation did not make you any more ill. Well, by this letter you have written me of the dance and I hope you enjoyed it and Miss Dorothy's company.
June 1st, 1916
Jack says that a boat is expected to leave tomorrow, so I'll finish this for him to take down tonight.
He is not well at present. His digestion is always troubling him, seems to me. He says his liver has been always his trouble. He misses an evening, sometimes, when he has much pain---and we miss him.
There was a nice service at the church one evening last week. Leila didn't know it in time, or we'd have gone. It was for all the Barbadians in the war. 15 clergymen Mr. Dalton read out the names, yours among them. Prayers and hymns sung. Ina writes me that when you are at Petawawa, she thinks Murrill will be able to go see you. I am so very glad if that is so. You will be soon going, now, I suppose. Hope this letter will reach you
I can't think why you should be inoculated a 3rd time if you have been through the fever. It couldn't have been fully developed. I am longing now for the coming letter. Very glad, my darling that you are enjoying the change of season and trust you are going through with the exams all right. This illness must have lost you some time at them.
Beryl is writing you, she tells me. Marguerite is full of the idea of going away either to the college or to learn to be a nurse. Mrs. Agard don't like it.
Fancy, the kitten had 2 kittens last night! We had no idea that they were so near. Lovely rains, we had, last night. Just in time to save the corn planted. Your Papa sent up a small skillet of Sling from Mrs. Yarwood, very nice, but she hasn't answered my last two letters. I can't think why. She has been talking and writing of Cambell's joining. It may be that. I saw Dr. Colin Bowen yesterday about my throat and the hoarseness.
Leila has to paint it with some stuff he ordered. It is most uncomfortable but I trust it will benefit me. Dr Parris never has done me any good. I think I wrote you of his going to NY. Some operation on the last child required.
Miss Padmore asked me yesterday to send her kind wishes for you. I think I have mentioned her mother's death. And Rebecca the cook is also dead.
The school, has a good piece in the bank now $526.00.
Dear sonny, I pray you are well and in God's loving care. Don't fail in the letters to home and your Loving Mother.
May 28, 1916
Bertie, dear son,
Your letter of 6th of May to hand, by return of the boy who took ours down to post. So glad to get it, dear child.
I have had such depression. I am sure that I feel in my body, the aches of my children. I am so glad that you thought of going to the hospital,. It was certainly best for you. I trust that the 3rd inoculation did not make you any more ill. Well, by this letter you have written me of the dance and I hope you enjoyed it and Miss Dorothy's company.
June 1st, 1916
Jack says that a boat is expected to leave tomorrow, so I'll finish this for him to take down tonight.
He is not well at present. His digestion is always troubling him, seems to me. He says his liver has been always his trouble. He misses an evening, sometimes, when he has much pain---and we miss him.
There was a nice service at the church one evening last week. Leila didn't know it in time, or we'd have gone. It was for all the Barbadians in the war. 15 clergymen Mr. Dalton read out the names, yours among them. Prayers and hymns sung. Ina writes me that when you are at Petawawa, she thinks Murrill will be able to go see you. I am so very glad if that is so. You will be soon going, now, I suppose. Hope this letter will reach you
I can't think why you should be inoculated a 3rd time if you have been through the fever. It couldn't have been fully developed. I am longing now for the coming letter. Very glad, my darling that you are enjoying the change of season and trust you are going through with the exams all right. This illness must have lost you some time at them.
Beryl is writing you, she tells me. Marguerite is full of the idea of going away either to the college or to learn to be a nurse. Mrs. Agard don't like it.
Fancy, the kitten had 2 kittens last night! We had no idea that they were so near. Lovely rains, we had, last night. Just in time to save the corn planted. Your Papa sent up a small skillet of Sling from Mrs. Yarwood, very nice, but she hasn't answered my last two letters. I can't think why. She has been talking and writing of Cambell's joining. It may be that. I saw Dr. Colin Bowen yesterday about my throat and the hoarseness.
Leila has to paint it with some stuff he ordered. It is most uncomfortable but I trust it will benefit me. Dr Parris never has done me any good. I think I wrote you of his going to NY. Some operation on the last child required.
Miss Padmore asked me yesterday to send her kind wishes for you. I think I have mentioned her mother's death. And Rebecca the cook is also dead.
The school, has a good piece in the bank now $526.00.
Dear sonny, I pray you are well and in God's loving care. Don't fail in the letters to home and your Loving Mother.
Diary
June 1, 1916. Arrived in Petawawa, at our Bank of Commerce tent. Bill Baillie (since shellshocked). J. McEachern (died). A.R. Hewarlt (ill in England). Don Moorman (now an officer R.F.A.) Jardian (T. M's now wounded). L.C. McCallum, Alex McZennan, self
June 1, 1916. Arrived in Petawawa, at our Bank of Commerce tent. Bill Baillie (since shellshocked). J. McEachern (died). A.R. Hewarlt (ill in England). Don Moorman (now an officer R.F.A.) Jardian (T. M's now wounded). L.C. McCallum, Alex McZennan, self
From : Petawawa , Ontario
Envelope addressed to:
Mr. H. Howard Cox
142 Broadway
New York City U S A
July 10th 1916
My Dear Herbert,
Very many thanks for your letter and watch received safely about 2 days later, It's a dandy but the only points against her are, she's rather a high flyer for " $1.15 a day " guy like me to be using ; and the face is put in wrong, have to twist my head to see the time. Am enclosing a money order for $19.00. Will you give the other $5.00 to Ina for me? For some soap.
Had long letters from home last week, and thank Ina for hers of a few days ago. So you're going to be a Dad in September. "Fine, hay", as they would tell you here, like to be so doing myself. Have never worn my glasses since I joined the army.
Thanks also for the clipping of newspaper about " Kitchener". All Canadian officers wore a black band around their sleeve for a week.
Am enclosing some good photos. Show them to Mabel and around.
Spend most of the day out on mounted parades. Maneuvering in the field etc. Everything is down under cover of woods, to avoid being seen by aeroplanes. We go right thru a wood when there is no trace, and crush down trees as big as your two legs and 10 to 20 ft. high. Of course, often get stuck and have to build bridges or man handle the guns out etc. The best fun is to be on the head quarters party. They ride out with him on his reconnaissance and then are detailed for different jobs, such as to gallop back, like a fire engine to bring the Battery up into position etc. Was on the headquarters party 3 times last week.
Give my love to Hellen and tell her I am glad to hear the news and write soon to your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Envelope addressed to:
Mr. H. Howard Cox
142 Broadway
New York City U S A
July 10th 1916
My Dear Herbert,
Very many thanks for your letter and watch received safely about 2 days later, It's a dandy but the only points against her are, she's rather a high flyer for " $1.15 a day " guy like me to be using ; and the face is put in wrong, have to twist my head to see the time. Am enclosing a money order for $19.00. Will you give the other $5.00 to Ina for me? For some soap.
Had long letters from home last week, and thank Ina for hers of a few days ago. So you're going to be a Dad in September. "Fine, hay", as they would tell you here, like to be so doing myself. Have never worn my glasses since I joined the army.
Thanks also for the clipping of newspaper about " Kitchener". All Canadian officers wore a black band around their sleeve for a week.
Am enclosing some good photos. Show them to Mabel and around.
Spend most of the day out on mounted parades. Maneuvering in the field etc. Everything is down under cover of woods, to avoid being seen by aeroplanes. We go right thru a wood when there is no trace, and crush down trees as big as your two legs and 10 to 20 ft. high. Of course, often get stuck and have to build bridges or man handle the guns out etc. The best fun is to be on the head quarters party. They ride out with him on his reconnaissance and then are detailed for different jobs, such as to gallop back, like a fire engine to bring the Battery up into position etc. Was on the headquarters party 3 times last week.
Give my love to Hellen and tell her I am glad to hear the news and write soon to your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Diary
August 26 - 30. On leave in Toronto with Murrill. Met my little C.P.R. friend onboard train returning to P'wa.
Sept. 8. Left P'wa camp and trained for Halifax.
Sept. 11 - 13. On board S.S. Camaroma in Halifax Harbor.
Sept. 13. Sailed for Liverpool.
Sept. 22. Arrived Liverpool and entrained for Witley Camp.
August 26 - 30. On leave in Toronto with Murrill. Met my little C.P.R. friend onboard train returning to P'wa.
Sept. 8. Left P'wa camp and trained for Halifax.
Sept. 11 - 13. On board S.S. Camaroma in Halifax Harbor.
Sept. 13. Sailed for Liverpool.
Sept. 22. Arrived Liverpool and entrained for Witley Camp.
Witley Camp England:
Saturday Sept 23rd 1916
My Dearest Mamma,
Here we are at last across the pond as you'll see by the above address. I suppose I'd better start at the beginning and detail it right through. Did you receive my letter dated about Sept 2nd? After my Toronto trip?
The big day came on Sept 8th at 7pm for us to pull out of old Petawawa and a glad moment it was. Our train (special) stopped at Pembroke and I never saw so many girls in Pembroke before as there were to meet us at the station that night. We were not allowed to get off the train, but talked to them through the windows. One, I never saw before gave me a box of eatables about 2 ft long. We also pulled them up to the windows and kissed them goodbye. Mc Kennan, one of the Bank boys, took me in over the weekend to meet some of his relations. They also met us with candy and several pairs of socks.
Our next stop was Ottawa at mid night and arrived at Montreal at 6am. We were allowed to get off here for at a" Reviens de loup" (?) and (?) march at Moncton ( Montreal?). Did you receive my card from there?
We also passed Canada's wireless station, Newcastle, then Truros N S (Hallisey's home) and say, I never, in any city, much less town, saw so many girls in all my life. Thousands at the railway station, and we were not allowed to get off, or even talk to them through the windows, as from this point on to Halifax, the windows had to be closed and the blinds pulled down.
We struck Halifax at 6pm Sept.10th. Slept on board and went on board the SS Cameronia at 10 am Sept 11th. We anchored and coaled at Halifax harbour until 8 am Wednesday Sept 13th, when we pulled out to sea, accompanied by the Northland, Scandinavian and Mattagama , all filled to the utmost with troops, infantry, artillery and cavalry. Our escort was the dreadnought Drake and we kept this formation:
Drake
200 Yards
Scandinavian
100 Yards
Northland
" Cameronion
" Mattagama
until 24 hours out from Liverpool when we met the submarine destroyers. One destroyer escort each ship all through the war zone and at this point we all raced for England. Our boat beat the Mattagama by 3 hrs.and the other two were about 6 hours behind. We docked at Liverpool on Friday Sept 22 nd 1916 at 4 pm. Took us 9 days and in peace time this boat does it in 5.
We went away up North and did this business all the way over and especially in the war zone.( zig zag - drew a picture.) to escape mines and submarines. We only had one day sunshine. It was all fog for 7days.
Everybody was sick the 3rd. day when the sea became very rough but apart from that it was like a pond all the way. The Officers had the 1st class , and the 12th Brigade the 2nd class , and the 15th Brigade were steerage for half the voyage when we changed with the 12th.
The food was AWFUL and I need not comment on the accommodations when I say steerage . The beds at Whitley Camp are about 6 inches off the floor on stands which makes it very healthy , and very unlike Winnipeg, where we slept right on the floor, over a sewer , almost. We have glass windows and electric lights and lavatories etc. under latest improvements.
SUNDAY
About 500 yards away there is a little town for the camp and in that place a soldier can buy ANYTHING he requires. There's a moving picture show and restaurant and about 10 stores. The roads are the best I have seen since I left Barbados. Two miles away, there's a town of about 4000 people. We all went down last night... very pretty place and girls. Another town about 3 miles away also. These are all in bounds, requires no pass to go. That's the beauty of it.
We are enjoying fine weather, but very cold nights. In other words I may say in all my 21 years, I've never been so pleased as I am with conditions of this place, experienced in the last 24 hours. Petawawa was just a goal; this is the real thing and makes one feel more war- like every day. We are 40 miles from London and can get a pass quite often, so hope to see the city in a week or two.
ADDRESS:
327964 Gunner B. H. Cox
59th Battery C.F.A. ( note: The 59th Battery became the 60th)
Whitley Camp Surrey England
Well, I think you have all my news to date. Received letters from Leila and self, just before leaving P'wa. Hope to hear soon again, lots of love and kisses for all from your loving son , Bertie.
PS Many happy returns of the 26th of Sept. 1916
PSS Oct.2nd YMCA London---- on 6 day leave in the city. Will write you all about it.
Saturday Sept 23rd 1916
My Dearest Mamma,
Here we are at last across the pond as you'll see by the above address. I suppose I'd better start at the beginning and detail it right through. Did you receive my letter dated about Sept 2nd? After my Toronto trip?
The big day came on Sept 8th at 7pm for us to pull out of old Petawawa and a glad moment it was. Our train (special) stopped at Pembroke and I never saw so many girls in Pembroke before as there were to meet us at the station that night. We were not allowed to get off the train, but talked to them through the windows. One, I never saw before gave me a box of eatables about 2 ft long. We also pulled them up to the windows and kissed them goodbye. Mc Kennan, one of the Bank boys, took me in over the weekend to meet some of his relations. They also met us with candy and several pairs of socks.
Our next stop was Ottawa at mid night and arrived at Montreal at 6am. We were allowed to get off here for at a" Reviens de loup" (?) and (?) march at Moncton ( Montreal?). Did you receive my card from there?
We also passed Canada's wireless station, Newcastle, then Truros N S (Hallisey's home) and say, I never, in any city, much less town, saw so many girls in all my life. Thousands at the railway station, and we were not allowed to get off, or even talk to them through the windows, as from this point on to Halifax, the windows had to be closed and the blinds pulled down.
We struck Halifax at 6pm Sept.10th. Slept on board and went on board the SS Cameronia at 10 am Sept 11th. We anchored and coaled at Halifax harbour until 8 am Wednesday Sept 13th, when we pulled out to sea, accompanied by the Northland, Scandinavian and Mattagama , all filled to the utmost with troops, infantry, artillery and cavalry. Our escort was the dreadnought Drake and we kept this formation:
Drake
200 Yards
Scandinavian
100 Yards
Northland
" Cameronion
" Mattagama
until 24 hours out from Liverpool when we met the submarine destroyers. One destroyer escort each ship all through the war zone and at this point we all raced for England. Our boat beat the Mattagama by 3 hrs.and the other two were about 6 hours behind. We docked at Liverpool on Friday Sept 22 nd 1916 at 4 pm. Took us 9 days and in peace time this boat does it in 5.
We went away up North and did this business all the way over and especially in the war zone.( zig zag - drew a picture.) to escape mines and submarines. We only had one day sunshine. It was all fog for 7days.
Everybody was sick the 3rd. day when the sea became very rough but apart from that it was like a pond all the way. The Officers had the 1st class , and the 12th Brigade the 2nd class , and the 15th Brigade were steerage for half the voyage when we changed with the 12th.
The food was AWFUL and I need not comment on the accommodations when I say steerage . The beds at Whitley Camp are about 6 inches off the floor on stands which makes it very healthy , and very unlike Winnipeg, where we slept right on the floor, over a sewer , almost. We have glass windows and electric lights and lavatories etc. under latest improvements.
SUNDAY
About 500 yards away there is a little town for the camp and in that place a soldier can buy ANYTHING he requires. There's a moving picture show and restaurant and about 10 stores. The roads are the best I have seen since I left Barbados. Two miles away, there's a town of about 4000 people. We all went down last night... very pretty place and girls. Another town about 3 miles away also. These are all in bounds, requires no pass to go. That's the beauty of it.
We are enjoying fine weather, but very cold nights. In other words I may say in all my 21 years, I've never been so pleased as I am with conditions of this place, experienced in the last 24 hours. Petawawa was just a goal; this is the real thing and makes one feel more war- like every day. We are 40 miles from London and can get a pass quite often, so hope to see the city in a week or two.
ADDRESS:
327964 Gunner B. H. Cox
59th Battery C.F.A. ( note: The 59th Battery became the 60th)
Whitley Camp Surrey England
Well, I think you have all my news to date. Received letters from Leila and self, just before leaving P'wa. Hope to hear soon again, lots of love and kisses for all from your loving son , Bertie.
PS Many happy returns of the 26th of Sept. 1916
PSS Oct.2nd YMCA London---- on 6 day leave in the city. Will write you all about it.
Witley Camp - England
Sunday Sept. 24th -1916
My dear (sisters) Ina, Mabel, Hellen and Ella,
Here we are at last across the pond, as you'll notice. I suppose I'd better start at the beginning and detail it right through.
The time came at last at 7PM on Sept 8th of us to pull out of old P'wa (Petawawa Training Camp in Canada) and a glad moment it was. Our train (special) stopped at Pembroke and I never saw so many girls in that town before, as there were to meet us at the station. We were not allowed to get off the train, but talked to them all through the windows. One that I never saw before gave me a box of eatables about 2 feet long, then we'd pull them up to the windows and kiss them goodbye.
McLennan one of the Bank boys (Canadian Bank of Commerce employer) took me in for a week end some time ago to meet some relations of his. They also met us with candy and several pairs of socks. Our next stop was Ottawa at midnight and another at Montreal at 6 AM, we were allowed to get off here for an hour and walk around on the platform, where there were all kinds of girls. Then we had a meal at Revieres de Loup; and a route march at Moncton NB. Did you receive my card from there?
Then we passed Canada's wireless station, New Castle, then stopped at "Truno" NS (Hallesley's home) and I never saw so many girls in any city, much less town, as there are there. Thousands on the railroad station, and fancy we were not allowed to off, or even talk to them through the windows, as from this point on to Halifax, the windows had to be closed and blinds pulled down. We struck Halifax at 6 PM, Sept. 10th, slept on board and at 10 AM next morning went on board the SS "Cameronia" . We anchored and coaled in Halifax harbor until 8 AM, Wednesday Sept 13th; when we pulled out to sea, accompanied by the "Northland", "Scandanavian", and "Matragama" all filled to the utmost with troops, infantry and artillery, and cavalry, our escort was the dreadnought "Drake", and we kept this formation:
:I: Drake
200 yards
:I: Scandanavian
100 yards
:I: Northland
100 yards
:I: Cameronia
100 yards
:I: Matragama
Until 24 hours out from Liverpool, when we met the submarine destroyers. One destroyer escorted each ship, all through the war zone and at this point we all raced for England our boat beat the "Matragama" by 3 hours and the other 2 were about 6 hours behind. We docked at Liverpool on Friday Sept 22 1916 at 4 PM. Took us 9 days and in peace times this boat does it in 5. We went away up North, and did this business all the way across, and especially in the War Zone : ZZZZ, to escape mines and submarines.
We only had one days sunshine, it was one fog all the way over. Everybody was sick on the 3rd day when the sea became rough, but apart from that it was like a pond. The officers had the 1st class, and the 12th Brigade the 2nd class, and the 15th Brigade (Bert's), were steerage for 1/2 the voyage, when we changed with the 12th. The food was awful, and I need not comment on the accommodations when I say "steerage"; but I slept on deck every night. We were allowed to use the 2nd class smoker, and all the lower decks, and on a whole, being with a bunch we knew, I had a very pleasant voyage. We had physical exercise for an hour every day, and life boat drill.
From 4 PM Thursday, until 2 PM Friday (War Zone) we had to keep our life belts on all the time.
After breaking away and leaving "Northland behind on the last day her destroyer escort chased a submarine for 10 hours , but we never saw one.
(So much for the voyage.)
We went from the boat on to the train and were allowed to get off, and have some thing to eat at Birmingham, passed through "Oxford" and struck Milford station at 4 AM next morning. The trains are nothing like the ones in U.S. and Canada, very small, 4 seats facing each other, no sleepers, but very fast. We then had to walk over to Witley Camp, about 1.5 miles some walk with all these kit bags (2) , overcoat, rain coat, bandolier, water bottle, haversack. We are in huts, 1 to a subsection (4 subs to a battery) ours is "c", about 30 men, this gives lots of room with a table in the center. The huts are about 1 foot off the ground, and our beds of staws, are on stands about 6 ins. off the floor, which makes it very healthy. We have glass windows and electric lights and lavatories etc, with modern accommodations.
About 500 yards away there is a little town for the camp, and in that town a soldier can buy everything he requires. There is a moving picture show and several tea rooms and restaurants, and about 10 stores. Most beautiful roads around here and everyone rides a bycicle. Two miles away, there is a town of 4,000 people, we all went down last night , a very pretty place, in fact the whole camp is awfully pretty, hills on one side and valley on the other. Then another town of about 30,000 people about 5 miles away. All these towns except the last are in bounds, and one can go anytime to them and a pass can easily be had for the other. We are enjoying great weather, but very cold at nights. In other words in my 21 years, I have never been so pleased , as I am with the conditions of this place experienced in the last 24 hours . Petawawa was just a jail, this is the real thing, and makes one feel more war-like everyday.
We are 40 miles from London, and can get a pass, quite often (week ends), so hope to see the city in a week or 2. We also get 6 days leave in a few weeks, I'm going to spend mine in London, (3 1- return) and also hope to take a trip to Edinborough; and Glasgow. Then we get "King's leave", about a week before going to the front, travelling expenses free. (In fact Gunner Cox and the 14th Brigade stay in England for nearly a year before going across to France to fight).
Address:
Gunner Bert B.H. Cox (327.964)
59th Battery. C.F.A.
Witley Camp
Surry. Eng.
Well think you all have my news to date
Lots of love and kisses for all, write soon
Your loving brother
Bertram
Sunday Sept. 24th -1916
My dear (sisters) Ina, Mabel, Hellen and Ella,
Here we are at last across the pond, as you'll notice. I suppose I'd better start at the beginning and detail it right through.
The time came at last at 7PM on Sept 8th of us to pull out of old P'wa (Petawawa Training Camp in Canada) and a glad moment it was. Our train (special) stopped at Pembroke and I never saw so many girls in that town before, as there were to meet us at the station. We were not allowed to get off the train, but talked to them all through the windows. One that I never saw before gave me a box of eatables about 2 feet long, then we'd pull them up to the windows and kiss them goodbye.
McLennan one of the Bank boys (Canadian Bank of Commerce employer) took me in for a week end some time ago to meet some relations of his. They also met us with candy and several pairs of socks. Our next stop was Ottawa at midnight and another at Montreal at 6 AM, we were allowed to get off here for an hour and walk around on the platform, where there were all kinds of girls. Then we had a meal at Revieres de Loup; and a route march at Moncton NB. Did you receive my card from there?
Then we passed Canada's wireless station, New Castle, then stopped at "Truno" NS (Hallesley's home) and I never saw so many girls in any city, much less town, as there are there. Thousands on the railroad station, and fancy we were not allowed to off, or even talk to them through the windows, as from this point on to Halifax, the windows had to be closed and blinds pulled down. We struck Halifax at 6 PM, Sept. 10th, slept on board and at 10 AM next morning went on board the SS "Cameronia" . We anchored and coaled in Halifax harbor until 8 AM, Wednesday Sept 13th; when we pulled out to sea, accompanied by the "Northland", "Scandanavian", and "Matragama" all filled to the utmost with troops, infantry and artillery, and cavalry, our escort was the dreadnought "Drake", and we kept this formation:
:I: Drake
200 yards
:I: Scandanavian
100 yards
:I: Northland
100 yards
:I: Cameronia
100 yards
:I: Matragama
Until 24 hours out from Liverpool, when we met the submarine destroyers. One destroyer escorted each ship, all through the war zone and at this point we all raced for England our boat beat the "Matragama" by 3 hours and the other 2 were about 6 hours behind. We docked at Liverpool on Friday Sept 22 1916 at 4 PM. Took us 9 days and in peace times this boat does it in 5. We went away up North, and did this business all the way across, and especially in the War Zone : ZZZZ, to escape mines and submarines.
We only had one days sunshine, it was one fog all the way over. Everybody was sick on the 3rd day when the sea became rough, but apart from that it was like a pond. The officers had the 1st class, and the 12th Brigade the 2nd class, and the 15th Brigade (Bert's), were steerage for 1/2 the voyage, when we changed with the 12th. The food was awful, and I need not comment on the accommodations when I say "steerage"; but I slept on deck every night. We were allowed to use the 2nd class smoker, and all the lower decks, and on a whole, being with a bunch we knew, I had a very pleasant voyage. We had physical exercise for an hour every day, and life boat drill.
From 4 PM Thursday, until 2 PM Friday (War Zone) we had to keep our life belts on all the time.
After breaking away and leaving "Northland behind on the last day her destroyer escort chased a submarine for 10 hours , but we never saw one.
(So much for the voyage.)
We went from the boat on to the train and were allowed to get off, and have some thing to eat at Birmingham, passed through "Oxford" and struck Milford station at 4 AM next morning. The trains are nothing like the ones in U.S. and Canada, very small, 4 seats facing each other, no sleepers, but very fast. We then had to walk over to Witley Camp, about 1.5 miles some walk with all these kit bags (2) , overcoat, rain coat, bandolier, water bottle, haversack. We are in huts, 1 to a subsection (4 subs to a battery) ours is "c", about 30 men, this gives lots of room with a table in the center. The huts are about 1 foot off the ground, and our beds of staws, are on stands about 6 ins. off the floor, which makes it very healthy. We have glass windows and electric lights and lavatories etc, with modern accommodations.
About 500 yards away there is a little town for the camp, and in that town a soldier can buy everything he requires. There is a moving picture show and several tea rooms and restaurants, and about 10 stores. Most beautiful roads around here and everyone rides a bycicle. Two miles away, there is a town of 4,000 people, we all went down last night , a very pretty place, in fact the whole camp is awfully pretty, hills on one side and valley on the other. Then another town of about 30,000 people about 5 miles away. All these towns except the last are in bounds, and one can go anytime to them and a pass can easily be had for the other. We are enjoying great weather, but very cold at nights. In other words in my 21 years, I have never been so pleased , as I am with the conditions of this place experienced in the last 24 hours . Petawawa was just a jail, this is the real thing, and makes one feel more war-like everyday.
We are 40 miles from London, and can get a pass, quite often (week ends), so hope to see the city in a week or 2. We also get 6 days leave in a few weeks, I'm going to spend mine in London, (3 1- return) and also hope to take a trip to Edinborough; and Glasgow. Then we get "King's leave", about a week before going to the front, travelling expenses free. (In fact Gunner Cox and the 14th Brigade stay in England for nearly a year before going across to France to fight).
Address:
Gunner Bert B.H. Cox (327.964)
59th Battery. C.F.A.
Witley Camp
Surry. Eng.
Well think you all have my news to date
Lots of love and kisses for all, write soon
Your loving brother
Bertram
From: B. H. Cox (327964) 59th Battery
Whitley Camp
Nov. 29, 1916
My Dear Mabel and Carl ,
Many thanks to Carl for his letter already received and to Mabel in anticipation of the one which I know must be on it's way by this time. You get all of my news through Ina, of course, and so long as you know that I'm still here " there's no need to worry" Get her to show you that copy I sent her.
This camp has all the Canadian camps beaten in every thing, except in one respect, and in that, it falls so far short that it 's hard to say which is the better, and that is the WEATHER. It's too bad to explain. It rains every day; and a dampness that one can almost taste. The stoves we have, give no heat at all and the temperature in the hut is sometimes below freezing point.
There's a military town about 2 1\2 miles away, called Godalming. We usually go down every Saturday night and Sunday night to the concert given by a Mrs. Henderson free to soldiers. It's London talent and it's the best free show I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. We also have concerts at the YMCA about once a week, all free. You have no idea what the people will do for soldiers.
In the week nights we generally sit around the stove and smoke. This is good fun to hear the opinions of a bunch of volunteers (8 months). I suppose Ina told you all about the good time I had in London. Talk about New York for pretty girls? It's not in it with London and such easy picking . Like to send you a picture of one that writes me every week, a real queen.
Am posting you my photo in about 2 days and hope you like it.
We have 80 horses now, get more every week, need 120. I am on the Headquarters Party or as it is usually termed the "Suicide Gang". Sounds encouraging doesn't it?
Have just finished taking a telephone course, as this is our chief work at the front as soon as we get into a position. There are about 10 different phones all connected up; from guns to observing officers and to Headquarters and to Divisional Hqtrs. And Infantry Hqtrs. And to the first line trenches etc. and we have to get out and find the breaks in these wires and repair them. Great fun.
The 18 pounder field gun has a range from 1600 to 6200 yards, most effective at 2500 yards. We haven't done any firing yet, and only do so once, just before going across, which I think is not far off.
Well, must close, just posted 25 cards. Write soon. Merry Christmas.. slide an extra one down for me
Love xxxx
Affectionately, Bertie
Whitley Camp
Nov. 29, 1916
My Dear Mabel and Carl ,
Many thanks to Carl for his letter already received and to Mabel in anticipation of the one which I know must be on it's way by this time. You get all of my news through Ina, of course, and so long as you know that I'm still here " there's no need to worry" Get her to show you that copy I sent her.
This camp has all the Canadian camps beaten in every thing, except in one respect, and in that, it falls so far short that it 's hard to say which is the better, and that is the WEATHER. It's too bad to explain. It rains every day; and a dampness that one can almost taste. The stoves we have, give no heat at all and the temperature in the hut is sometimes below freezing point.
There's a military town about 2 1\2 miles away, called Godalming. We usually go down every Saturday night and Sunday night to the concert given by a Mrs. Henderson free to soldiers. It's London talent and it's the best free show I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. We also have concerts at the YMCA about once a week, all free. You have no idea what the people will do for soldiers.
In the week nights we generally sit around the stove and smoke. This is good fun to hear the opinions of a bunch of volunteers (8 months). I suppose Ina told you all about the good time I had in London. Talk about New York for pretty girls? It's not in it with London and such easy picking . Like to send you a picture of one that writes me every week, a real queen.
Am posting you my photo in about 2 days and hope you like it.
We have 80 horses now, get more every week, need 120. I am on the Headquarters Party or as it is usually termed the "Suicide Gang". Sounds encouraging doesn't it?
Have just finished taking a telephone course, as this is our chief work at the front as soon as we get into a position. There are about 10 different phones all connected up; from guns to observing officers and to Headquarters and to Divisional Hqtrs. And Infantry Hqtrs. And to the first line trenches etc. and we have to get out and find the breaks in these wires and repair them. Great fun.
The 18 pounder field gun has a range from 1600 to 6200 yards, most effective at 2500 yards. We haven't done any firing yet, and only do so once, just before going across, which I think is not far off.
Well, must close, just posted 25 cards. Write soon. Merry Christmas.. slide an extra one down for me
Love xxxx
Affectionately, Bertie
Diary
September 30 - October 6, 1916. On leave in London.
December 3 - 22. In Bramshott Hospital.
January 8 - 15, 1917 at Larkhill, Salisbury Plains for test shooting. Visit Stone Henge
January 22, 59th Battery broken up. Left section goes to 60th Battery. Now 6 guns in Battery instead of 4
September 30 - October 6, 1916. On leave in London.
December 3 - 22. In Bramshott Hospital.
January 8 - 15, 1917 at Larkhill, Salisbury Plains for test shooting. Visit Stone Henge
January 22, 59th Battery broken up. Left section goes to 60th Battery. Now 6 guns in Battery instead of 4
RCA Museum
Gunner B.H.Cox (327964) 59th Battery C.F.A.
Canadian Army Post Office London England
January 7th 1917
My Dear Carl,
Was so glad to receive your letter yesterday and many thanks also for the one enclosed in Ina's, some time back. The parcel of candy arrived on Thursday and believe me it was a pleasure to see the boys in the hut (30 of them) eating some real N.Y. stuff, which has a very different flavour to this dope we buy here. I fed them all and then had about 1\2 box to myself which I have been gradually reducing till now there is only 1 bar left.
I got a Xmas box from the lady I boarded with in Lennoxville (Canada) and from my (bank) manager's mother: a big cake, socks, hand'chiefs, tobacco, cigarettes etc. Yesterday I received another box from the (bank) steno at C.B.of C., Portage Ave. Branch. She is some queen and only sticks around with officers but I used to take her to dances when in civies. Also had more hand'chiefs from another steno at the Winnipeg branch.
At least 150 Xmas boxes of eatables have come into our hut within the last 3 weeks so we have been just living on cake and candy. You asked me if there was anything you could get me. They say one can't buy eatables in France, and that a parcel of this kind is a godsend at the front. So if the war isn't over in 3 or 4 months, why slide her along.
We had a very quiet Xmas. We drew for passes and I got stung so I stayed at home and looked after the horses. The army gave us a good dinner though, even potatoes cooked without skins, fruit, plum pudding and cigars. Each one of us got a parcel from the Ladies Auxiliary of the 59th Battery. I pulled off a pair of socks, dish towel, and cigarettes.
Finished up the day by going to a concert in Godalming. We are going to Salisbury Plains tomorrow to have our final test in firing and hope to be in France in a few weeks.
Our gun the 18 pounder, is not effective against infantry in trenches, the trajectory of the shells is too flat. (Howitzers are used for this purpose), but is used against infantry advancing, or for purposes of destruction to buildings etc.
The Headquarters Party Chief work, at the front, is with the telephone, as means of communication, and is of greatest importance in this war. I might be the telephonist for the Forward Observing Officer, almost in the 1st line trenches of the Infantry, we are supporting, or might be at the battery, on either of the other 6 phones.
Nearly every day we have an inspection parade with all the equipment. I have a very nice horse, quiet animal in the stable but goes like mill (?) tail of Hell.
The accountant at Portage Ave. Branch has my trunk at his home. He's a decent sort of fellow, and I wrote him today, asking him to send it on to you C. O. D. and if he could not do that to send the bill on and you would settle. Get whatever it cost you from Herbert as he has my assigned pay. I wish you would drop this fellow a card. His address is:
H. C. Hutton Esq. Canadian Bank of Commerce Portage Ave. Branch Winnipeg , Manitoba
I understand the photos which I posted to you three weeks ago are being returned to me, on account of USA being a neutral country.
Will give you more particulars in my letter to Mabel. Had a long letter from Ella yesterday.
Write soon again.
Lots of Love for all and self;
from yours affectionately, Bertie
Canadian Army Post Office London England
January 7th 1917
My Dear Carl,
Was so glad to receive your letter yesterday and many thanks also for the one enclosed in Ina's, some time back. The parcel of candy arrived on Thursday and believe me it was a pleasure to see the boys in the hut (30 of them) eating some real N.Y. stuff, which has a very different flavour to this dope we buy here. I fed them all and then had about 1\2 box to myself which I have been gradually reducing till now there is only 1 bar left.
I got a Xmas box from the lady I boarded with in Lennoxville (Canada) and from my (bank) manager's mother: a big cake, socks, hand'chiefs, tobacco, cigarettes etc. Yesterday I received another box from the (bank) steno at C.B.of C., Portage Ave. Branch. She is some queen and only sticks around with officers but I used to take her to dances when in civies. Also had more hand'chiefs from another steno at the Winnipeg branch.
At least 150 Xmas boxes of eatables have come into our hut within the last 3 weeks so we have been just living on cake and candy. You asked me if there was anything you could get me. They say one can't buy eatables in France, and that a parcel of this kind is a godsend at the front. So if the war isn't over in 3 or 4 months, why slide her along.
We had a very quiet Xmas. We drew for passes and I got stung so I stayed at home and looked after the horses. The army gave us a good dinner though, even potatoes cooked without skins, fruit, plum pudding and cigars. Each one of us got a parcel from the Ladies Auxiliary of the 59th Battery. I pulled off a pair of socks, dish towel, and cigarettes.
Finished up the day by going to a concert in Godalming. We are going to Salisbury Plains tomorrow to have our final test in firing and hope to be in France in a few weeks.
Our gun the 18 pounder, is not effective against infantry in trenches, the trajectory of the shells is too flat. (Howitzers are used for this purpose), but is used against infantry advancing, or for purposes of destruction to buildings etc.
The Headquarters Party Chief work, at the front, is with the telephone, as means of communication, and is of greatest importance in this war. I might be the telephonist for the Forward Observing Officer, almost in the 1st line trenches of the Infantry, we are supporting, or might be at the battery, on either of the other 6 phones.
Nearly every day we have an inspection parade with all the equipment. I have a very nice horse, quiet animal in the stable but goes like mill (?) tail of Hell.
The accountant at Portage Ave. Branch has my trunk at his home. He's a decent sort of fellow, and I wrote him today, asking him to send it on to you C. O. D. and if he could not do that to send the bill on and you would settle. Get whatever it cost you from Herbert as he has my assigned pay. I wish you would drop this fellow a card. His address is:
H. C. Hutton Esq. Canadian Bank of Commerce Portage Ave. Branch Winnipeg , Manitoba
I understand the photos which I posted to you three weeks ago are being returned to me, on account of USA being a neutral country.
Will give you more particulars in my letter to Mabel. Had a long letter from Ella yesterday.
Write soon again.
Lots of Love for all and self;
from yours affectionately, Bertie
Library & Archives Canada
Whitley Camp
Sunday January 21, 1917
My Dear Mabel,
Should have written you before going to Salisbury Plains but could not make it, and here we are again; back at Whitley Camp; it feels like being back home. It's one awful camp up there, nothing but mud, and cold and damp. 1800 Canadians died there from the 1st contingent of 20,000 men.
We had a very successful shooting. More effective shots than any other Battery in the Brigade. Our hut was only a 75 minute walk from Stonehenge. 3600 years old. It's certainly wonderful how they got those stones up there in those old days.
Have been on horseback nearly every day for the past month, and very often morning and afternoon and certainly have a peach of a horse. I think it has a smoother gait than any in the stable; but there's awful news in the air, so will hold this letter over until something definite is known, anyway we hope to be in France in a couple of weeks. (note: switch to 60th Battery)
Received long letters from Ina and Herbert this AM all about your Xmas. Just wish that I had been there to help you celebrate.
Oh, how we'll appreciate freedom and liberty , if we ever get out of this thing.
Words can't express my thanks for the lovely box of candy which arrived about 2 weeks ago and also for your letter. Say, it was a pleasure to see the boys eat up that candy. The N.Y. candies are away ahead of the English 'sweets' and they thought , quite rightly too, that it was the best dope they had tasted for a long time.
Eggs are 13 cents a piece here, nevertheless, I have ham and eggs nearly every evening; meal generally costs about 60 cents ( my whole day's pay but we should worry). Did you receive the photo? Ella's was returned by the censor.
( extra page written January 22nd 1917)
Well, the news is now official, and that is that today the proud 59th Battery of Winnipeg ceased to exist. All Batteries are now to go to the front with 6 guns instead of 4. They have decided to split the best one of each Brigade and as the 59th did the best showing at Salisbury Plains, we got the axe. 1/2 are attached to the 60th and 1/2 to the 61st. All of our bunch (bank fellows) are in the 60th. Of course we were awfully sore, but they should worry! The Officers have all gone to different Brigades.
Your photo hasn't returned yet so hope that you got it, if it has not , let me know at once and I'll send another via Canada.
Write soon and lots of love for Carl and self,
Bertie
Sunday January 21, 1917
My Dear Mabel,
Should have written you before going to Salisbury Plains but could not make it, and here we are again; back at Whitley Camp; it feels like being back home. It's one awful camp up there, nothing but mud, and cold and damp. 1800 Canadians died there from the 1st contingent of 20,000 men.
We had a very successful shooting. More effective shots than any other Battery in the Brigade. Our hut was only a 75 minute walk from Stonehenge. 3600 years old. It's certainly wonderful how they got those stones up there in those old days.
Have been on horseback nearly every day for the past month, and very often morning and afternoon and certainly have a peach of a horse. I think it has a smoother gait than any in the stable; but there's awful news in the air, so will hold this letter over until something definite is known, anyway we hope to be in France in a couple of weeks. (note: switch to 60th Battery)
Received long letters from Ina and Herbert this AM all about your Xmas. Just wish that I had been there to help you celebrate.
Oh, how we'll appreciate freedom and liberty , if we ever get out of this thing.
Words can't express my thanks for the lovely box of candy which arrived about 2 weeks ago and also for your letter. Say, it was a pleasure to see the boys eat up that candy. The N.Y. candies are away ahead of the English 'sweets' and they thought , quite rightly too, that it was the best dope they had tasted for a long time.
Eggs are 13 cents a piece here, nevertheless, I have ham and eggs nearly every evening; meal generally costs about 60 cents ( my whole day's pay but we should worry). Did you receive the photo? Ella's was returned by the censor.
( extra page written January 22nd 1917)
Well, the news is now official, and that is that today the proud 59th Battery of Winnipeg ceased to exist. All Batteries are now to go to the front with 6 guns instead of 4. They have decided to split the best one of each Brigade and as the 59th did the best showing at Salisbury Plains, we got the axe. 1/2 are attached to the 60th and 1/2 to the 61st. All of our bunch (bank fellows) are in the 60th. Of course we were awfully sore, but they should worry! The Officers have all gone to different Brigades.
Your photo hasn't returned yet so hope that you got it, if it has not , let me know at once and I'll send another via Canada.
Write soon and lots of love for Carl and self,
Bertie
Diary
March 24th. McEachern dies.
March 24th. McEachern dies.
B.H.Cox 60th Battery C.F.A.
Whitley Camp
April, 17, 1917
My Dear Mabel,
Very many thanks for your letter which came along with Ina's about 2 weeks ago. You thought then, as I did myself, that we would be in France by this time, but you see here I am. Rumours this morning say that the whole of this Division is going to be left in England as a garrison unit. If this is true, I am certainly going try and transfer into something going across. We were inspected by the General , everything, harness etc. was shinning like silver. Oh! I forgot….CONGRATULATIONS to our American ALLIES. At last you've done the good deed and you didn't rush it , at that!!!
Thursday Night:
Just got back from Alldershott and am some tired. We have been shooting at the ranges all day ( rifles). Has been a great day for it I went to my first dance in England last night. ( I did go to one about a month ago, but wouldn't term it a dance) . I went with one of our boys last night and met an awfully nice lot of girls.
Well, I must get this off to night and now have to write another. Give my love to Carl, Ina and all the family and lots of love and kisses for self.
From your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Whitley Camp
April, 17, 1917
My Dear Mabel,
Very many thanks for your letter which came along with Ina's about 2 weeks ago. You thought then, as I did myself, that we would be in France by this time, but you see here I am. Rumours this morning say that the whole of this Division is going to be left in England as a garrison unit. If this is true, I am certainly going try and transfer into something going across. We were inspected by the General , everything, harness etc. was shinning like silver. Oh! I forgot….CONGRATULATIONS to our American ALLIES. At last you've done the good deed and you didn't rush it , at that!!!
Thursday Night:
Just got back from Alldershott and am some tired. We have been shooting at the ranges all day ( rifles). Has been a great day for it I went to my first dance in England last night. ( I did go to one about a month ago, but wouldn't term it a dance) . I went with one of our boys last night and met an awfully nice lot of girls.
Well, I must get this off to night and now have to write another. Give my love to Carl, Ina and all the family and lots of love and kisses for self.
From your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Diary
June 28 - July 6. Camping at Petworth
July 1st Dominion Day. Cycle with F.J. and R.W. Seejes to Arendel, Little Hampton and Worthing.
August 4 - 9, 1917. Four day moving scheme to Midhurst
June 28 - July 6. Camping at Petworth
July 1st Dominion Day. Cycle with F.J. and R.W. Seejes to Arendel, Little Hampton and Worthing.
August 4 - 9, 1917. Four day moving scheme to Midhurst
England August 15, 1917
My Dear Leila,
The next letter I write to you will be addressed to "Mrs. Bradley" I hope, and written from France too, as although we have been fooled several times, I think we are going this time. We had our final medical exam this morning and are being issued with everything we need over there. I do hope that Norman gets here within a few days or I'll miss him. I received letters from Mabel and Herbert of July 26th and both said he would be leaving in a few days ( NY ? )
I saw in the newspaper that a lot of mail going to Barbadoes was lost about early part of July and expect that the photo to you and also to Olive Austin was among them. Will you ask her if she received it? If neither arrived , I will leave your address with the photographers and have 2 more sent. I sold my bicycle yesterday for 30 shillings and glad to get rid of it at such a time for that much.
I don't think that I mentioned in my last letter that we were inspected by the King (George V) and Queen Mary about 2 weeks ago. He stood behind my gun for a few minutes talking to the Major, so I had a good look at him. We were also inspected yesterday by the Duke of Connaught and are going to be, tomorrow by General Dodds, the Commanding Officer of the Division of Artillery. These inspections mean an awful lot of work and shinning up.
I'm 'mess hog' today, so had time to get a bath before the exam and am going to write Jack as soon as I get through this. The dances around here are all closed down for a month, so there's not very much to do. "The Birth of a Nation" , is now being shown at the picture show in the camp. Will you tell Mamma this for me. There's only one favour I want to ask before I go to the front and that is, in case I am taken a prisoner, will she send me a box of eatables (cake, biscuits, anything) once per month; as they say the prisoners are starving and the only thing that keeps them alive are the parcels they receive.
We were out in the field for 4 days last week, and had a good time. I ate all my meals at farm houses, as we were moving all the time. Real good meals too, for 1 shilling - sixpence. Which would cost 3 shillings anywhere around camp.
Received letters from Poppy(?) and Mrs. Waith last week along with Mamma's and Ina's of July 1st and 8th. Thank them both very much. I have never received a letter from Mrs. Yarwood. I wrote her a long one a year ago last Xmas and never had any reply. I wrote Campbell a long one also, on my arrival here and never had a reply. I think he's ashamed of himself, but thank God conscription has passed in Canada.
Did you receive 1 pound from me in about May? I'm not sure whether you ever mentioned it. I sent Herbert a wire a few days ago , to send you $25.00 from my account. ( note: wedding gift to Leila). I must apologize for being such a cheep skate, but I think you will understand. The girl old Bill Ballee left behind is now married to some other fellow. Bill laughs heartily at it; thinks it's a big joke.
Well Leila , I must end now, and you have all my best wishes for a happy married life, dear girl, is the wish of your affectionate brother,
Bertie
My Dear Leila,
The next letter I write to you will be addressed to "Mrs. Bradley" I hope, and written from France too, as although we have been fooled several times, I think we are going this time. We had our final medical exam this morning and are being issued with everything we need over there. I do hope that Norman gets here within a few days or I'll miss him. I received letters from Mabel and Herbert of July 26th and both said he would be leaving in a few days ( NY ? )
I saw in the newspaper that a lot of mail going to Barbadoes was lost about early part of July and expect that the photo to you and also to Olive Austin was among them. Will you ask her if she received it? If neither arrived , I will leave your address with the photographers and have 2 more sent. I sold my bicycle yesterday for 30 shillings and glad to get rid of it at such a time for that much.
I don't think that I mentioned in my last letter that we were inspected by the King (George V) and Queen Mary about 2 weeks ago. He stood behind my gun for a few minutes talking to the Major, so I had a good look at him. We were also inspected yesterday by the Duke of Connaught and are going to be, tomorrow by General Dodds, the Commanding Officer of the Division of Artillery. These inspections mean an awful lot of work and shinning up.
I'm 'mess hog' today, so had time to get a bath before the exam and am going to write Jack as soon as I get through this. The dances around here are all closed down for a month, so there's not very much to do. "The Birth of a Nation" , is now being shown at the picture show in the camp. Will you tell Mamma this for me. There's only one favour I want to ask before I go to the front and that is, in case I am taken a prisoner, will she send me a box of eatables (cake, biscuits, anything) once per month; as they say the prisoners are starving and the only thing that keeps them alive are the parcels they receive.
We were out in the field for 4 days last week, and had a good time. I ate all my meals at farm houses, as we were moving all the time. Real good meals too, for 1 shilling - sixpence. Which would cost 3 shillings anywhere around camp.
Received letters from Poppy(?) and Mrs. Waith last week along with Mamma's and Ina's of July 1st and 8th. Thank them both very much. I have never received a letter from Mrs. Yarwood. I wrote her a long one a year ago last Xmas and never had any reply. I wrote Campbell a long one also, on my arrival here and never had a reply. I think he's ashamed of himself, but thank God conscription has passed in Canada.
Did you receive 1 pound from me in about May? I'm not sure whether you ever mentioned it. I sent Herbert a wire a few days ago , to send you $25.00 from my account. ( note: wedding gift to Leila). I must apologize for being such a cheep skate, but I think you will understand. The girl old Bill Ballee left behind is now married to some other fellow. Bill laughs heartily at it; thinks it's a big joke.
Well Leila , I must end now, and you have all my best wishes for a happy married life, dear girl, is the wish of your affectionate brother,
Bertie
England August 15th 1917
My Dear Jack,
I must write you a line today to give you my good wishes. It's pretty hard to write at this table as the boys are all kidding each other about when they get wounded and killed at the front. We expect to be going across within a week, so hope soon to see some exciting fighting. I sold my bicycle yesterday and have had a very pleasant summer taking in these towns around here.
We were inspected by the King (George V) and Queen Mary about 2 weeks ago; he was dressed in officer's uniform and is exactly like the pictures one sees of him.
We are enjoying great weather just now, and it is certainly the best time of the year to be going to France. I have been expecting Norman here for the past week and do hope that I won't miss him. Haven't been up to London since May 24th, when I got a 2 day pass and had an awfully good time.
Is there any 1st class cricket being played this year? And who won the 'Cup' last year? I'm awfully sorry to hear from Leila, of Mrs. Herbert's death ( probably Mrs. Sidney Herbert…Jack's uncle's wife) . She was so bright when I last saw her.
Well, old man, I wish I were in your shoes getting a home of your own and having something to live for. My future is absolutely a blank one. If I do get through this it will be at least 7 years before I am in a position to get married, and I suppose by that time I will have lost all my pep to look out for a wife. ( note …he married 4 years later)
Remember me to your people and best wishes for a happy and successful married life is the wish of
Your sincere friend,
Bertie
DON'T FORGET THE RING !!
My Dear Jack,
I must write you a line today to give you my good wishes. It's pretty hard to write at this table as the boys are all kidding each other about when they get wounded and killed at the front. We expect to be going across within a week, so hope soon to see some exciting fighting. I sold my bicycle yesterday and have had a very pleasant summer taking in these towns around here.
We were inspected by the King (George V) and Queen Mary about 2 weeks ago; he was dressed in officer's uniform and is exactly like the pictures one sees of him.
We are enjoying great weather just now, and it is certainly the best time of the year to be going to France. I have been expecting Norman here for the past week and do hope that I won't miss him. Haven't been up to London since May 24th, when I got a 2 day pass and had an awfully good time.
Is there any 1st class cricket being played this year? And who won the 'Cup' last year? I'm awfully sorry to hear from Leila, of Mrs. Herbert's death ( probably Mrs. Sidney Herbert…Jack's uncle's wife) . She was so bright when I last saw her.
Well, old man, I wish I were in your shoes getting a home of your own and having something to live for. My future is absolutely a blank one. If I do get through this it will be at least 7 years before I am in a position to get married, and I suppose by that time I will have lost all my pep to look out for a wife. ( note …he married 4 years later)
Remember me to your people and best wishes for a happy and successful married life is the wish of
Your sincere friend,
Bertie
DON'T FORGET THE RING !!
Diary
August 19th 11pm. Left Witley for Southampton.
August 21st, 8am. Arrived at Le Havre.
August 25 - September 4. At Ames.
September 4. Marched 15 miles from Ames to Carency. In range of enemy guns for first time.
September 7. In action for first time in Lievin. Detailed with others to pack ammunition. Lost until found be Lunt Bawden. (Killed August 10, 1918)
August 19th 11pm. Left Witley for Southampton.
August 21st, 8am. Arrived at Le Havre.
August 25 - September 4. At Ames.
September 4. Marched 15 miles from Ames to Carency. In range of enemy guns for first time.
September 7. In action for first time in Lievin. Detailed with others to pack ammunition. Lost until found be Lunt Bawden. (Killed August 10, 1918)
France
Monday September 10, 1917
My Dearest Mamma,
I haven't been able to write you for about 12 days as we have been on the move, and went into action for the first time on XXXXX 1917. (censor erased).
Am writing this in the gun pit on my knee. Our gun pit is the best one of the 6. We have very good dug outs, about 30 feet deep, which we loose no time in getting into when the enemy start their dirty work. We spent about an hour in the dugout yesterday while Fritz was dropping them within 50 yards of us. So far there have been no casualties in this Battery. It seems quite funny to be living below the surface all the time. There's one long communication trench that connects up all the guns etc.
Our sleeping accommodations, in the dugouts, is very much better than at the wagon lines, where the horses are kept.. We go back there for a rest after being on duty up here for a couple of weeks. Our meals are just as regular as at Whitley, and everything is better than we expected. I heard from Herbert last week, but no word of Norman yet, he must be in England , now.
I was on guard at 9 PM which must been 3 PM in Barbados on Sept. 4th, and thought of all that must have been going on. Hope to get full account of it. ( his sister, Leila's wedding to Jack Badley)
I can't write very much news as it's not allowed. ( what I'd like to say) only that I never felt in better health and that means a lot, as we get very little sleep as that's the time one knows there's a war on. ( Enemy shelling at nite).
Lots of Love and kisses from your affectionate son,
Bertie
Monday September 10, 1917
My Dearest Mamma,
I haven't been able to write you for about 12 days as we have been on the move, and went into action for the first time on XXXXX 1917. (censor erased).
Am writing this in the gun pit on my knee. Our gun pit is the best one of the 6. We have very good dug outs, about 30 feet deep, which we loose no time in getting into when the enemy start their dirty work. We spent about an hour in the dugout yesterday while Fritz was dropping them within 50 yards of us. So far there have been no casualties in this Battery. It seems quite funny to be living below the surface all the time. There's one long communication trench that connects up all the guns etc.
Our sleeping accommodations, in the dugouts, is very much better than at the wagon lines, where the horses are kept.. We go back there for a rest after being on duty up here for a couple of weeks. Our meals are just as regular as at Whitley, and everything is better than we expected. I heard from Herbert last week, but no word of Norman yet, he must be in England , now.
I was on guard at 9 PM which must been 3 PM in Barbados on Sept. 4th, and thought of all that must have been going on. Hope to get full account of it. ( his sister, Leila's wedding to Jack Badley)
I can't write very much news as it's not allowed. ( what I'd like to say) only that I never felt in better health and that means a lot, as we get very little sleep as that's the time one knows there's a war on. ( Enemy shelling at nite).
Lots of Love and kisses from your affectionate son,
Bertie
Diary
September 13, 1917. Saved Jimmy Allison's life, by forgetting to give him whistle.
September 14. McLennan killed by enemy shell.
September 17. Harry Price and I caught in enemy barrage coming back from YMCA and had to remain in trench for an hour with Wolf and McEachern
September 13, 1917. Saved Jimmy Allison's life, by forgetting to give him whistle.
September 14. McLennan killed by enemy shell.
September 17. Harry Price and I caught in enemy barrage coming back from YMCA and had to remain in trench for an hour with Wolf and McEachern
Nighttime photo of German barrage of Allied trenches at Ypres
Sept. 18th 1917
My Dear Mabel and Carl,
As you can see I was not very far off, when I wrote you my last letter. We left England on Aug. 21st; had a smooth trip across, but under pretty tuff conditions. We struck 4 of the most rainy days going, when first in France, but have enjoyed the best of weather for the past 3 weeks.
I went into action for the first time on Sept 7th and since then , Fritz has shown us a pretty lively time. He has poured hundreds of shells all around, but so far we have had only one casualty. One of the old 59th men was killed a few days ago by a direct hit. I never believed anyone , before, when they said that one could hear a shell coming; and duck in time, but it's an absolute fact.
That's something that everyone learns to do the 1st day they arrive here. To flop on the stomach at the first sound of the whistle. Of course, with a little experience one can tell by the whis almost where it is going to drop, but the splinters that fly for about 50 yards around , are fatal, and each splinter has a whis which you hear coming. But I tell you we've been keeping him busy ducking too, believe me.
One night we got to bed at 6 AM. Firing all night. They keep us working all day, improving the gun pit etc., never a moment's rest; the remainder of the time we are hauling ammunition. Usually get to bed about 1 AM. And we nearly always have a call before morning, if not 2 or 3. Each man also has to do a guard of 2 hours every night, so with no sleep in the day, you can quite understand, we need no rocking to sleep when we hit the dug out. I haven't had my pants off for a week.
Our dug outs are about 30 to 40 feet deep and I think would be safe, even with a direct hit. Of course, the next position that we take up, we might not be so lucky. It seems quite funny living in a communication trench all day. I'd like you to see the ruins of this "once-upon-a-time" big city I never saw anything like it even in the movies.
We see some great aereal fights every day, and it's fun to see the big battle planes in their formation, speeding through the air. I hope to go down to the wagon lines tomorrow for a so-called rest and also for a bath and change of underwear which is badly needed.
There is a canteen up here in a dug out, where we can get the usual stuff but everything is just as expensive as in England except cigarettes. 50 for 1 franc, 25 centimes =1shilling =25 cents in real money! They only pay us $6.00 per month over here and the other $27.00 is automatically put to our credit.
We were all confined to camp the last two days we were at Whitley so the girls had to come to say goodbye to the fellows. They could come in but we couldn't go out. It was quite a scene, but say, you should have seen the picture of health and beauty that came to bid me adieu. A hundred per cent pure stuff.
I think I've given you all my news so will wind up this epistle. I have not heard a word of or from Norman, so don't know where he is. I'm awfully sorry I missed him.
Can you imagine, Leila a married woman, by this time?
Love from your affct. brother,
Bertie
My Dear Mabel and Carl,
As you can see I was not very far off, when I wrote you my last letter. We left England on Aug. 21st; had a smooth trip across, but under pretty tuff conditions. We struck 4 of the most rainy days going, when first in France, but have enjoyed the best of weather for the past 3 weeks.
I went into action for the first time on Sept 7th and since then , Fritz has shown us a pretty lively time. He has poured hundreds of shells all around, but so far we have had only one casualty. One of the old 59th men was killed a few days ago by a direct hit. I never believed anyone , before, when they said that one could hear a shell coming; and duck in time, but it's an absolute fact.
That's something that everyone learns to do the 1st day they arrive here. To flop on the stomach at the first sound of the whistle. Of course, with a little experience one can tell by the whis almost where it is going to drop, but the splinters that fly for about 50 yards around , are fatal, and each splinter has a whis which you hear coming. But I tell you we've been keeping him busy ducking too, believe me.
One night we got to bed at 6 AM. Firing all night. They keep us working all day, improving the gun pit etc., never a moment's rest; the remainder of the time we are hauling ammunition. Usually get to bed about 1 AM. And we nearly always have a call before morning, if not 2 or 3. Each man also has to do a guard of 2 hours every night, so with no sleep in the day, you can quite understand, we need no rocking to sleep when we hit the dug out. I haven't had my pants off for a week.
Our dug outs are about 30 to 40 feet deep and I think would be safe, even with a direct hit. Of course, the next position that we take up, we might not be so lucky. It seems quite funny living in a communication trench all day. I'd like you to see the ruins of this "once-upon-a-time" big city I never saw anything like it even in the movies.
We see some great aereal fights every day, and it's fun to see the big battle planes in their formation, speeding through the air. I hope to go down to the wagon lines tomorrow for a so-called rest and also for a bath and change of underwear which is badly needed.
There is a canteen up here in a dug out, where we can get the usual stuff but everything is just as expensive as in England except cigarettes. 50 for 1 franc, 25 centimes =1shilling =25 cents in real money! They only pay us $6.00 per month over here and the other $27.00 is automatically put to our credit.
We were all confined to camp the last two days we were at Whitley so the girls had to come to say goodbye to the fellows. They could come in but we couldn't go out. It was quite a scene, but say, you should have seen the picture of health and beauty that came to bid me adieu. A hundred per cent pure stuff.
I think I've given you all my news so will wind up this epistle. I have not heard a word of or from Norman, so don't know where he is. I'm awfully sorry I missed him.
Can you imagine, Leila a married woman, by this time?
Love from your affct. brother,
Bertie
Diary
October 1. Witnessed one of the most exciting aerial scraps of the war.
October 15, 1917. Moved wagon lines to Fosse 10.
October 17 - November 2. Runner at 13th Brigade Headquarters. Took two German prisoners. Awful trip to Alviston Castle
October 1. Witnessed one of the most exciting aerial scraps of the war.
October 15, 1917. Moved wagon lines to Fosse 10.
October 17 - November 2. Runner at 13th Brigade Headquarters. Took two German prisoners. Awful trip to Alviston Castle
British troops billetted with a French family © IWM (Q 1900)
France
October 21st, 1917
My dear Herbert and Hellen,
It is the hardest thing around here for one to get time even to write a letter hence the delay in not having written before to thanks the 3 --- for the delicious box of chocolates received from Norman last week. It’s needless to say how we appreciate American candy as the stuff in England and over here is “No bon” (Everything here is either No bon or tres bon.) I do wish you were here Hellen to speel this language off for me. But with their broken English and my bad French I usually make them understand especially if there are any eats to be had.
We moved our wagon lines XXXX XXX to a nice little village. The stables are right between the residences . We are billeted around 12 of us are together in one room at our home and is the best one we’ve struck yet. A good floor and good roof, so hope we stay there all winter. Two women and 4 children love there. But the great attraction for this place is that one can buy a grand meal of eggs (any number, no scarcity) and French fried potatoes, cleanly cooked before your eyes , and real coffee, with lots of sugar. It seems quite funny, as sugar is just like gold dust in England. This meal costs about 2 Francs, 50 centimes = 50 cents in real money. I slide about 2 of these down every day that I’m back at the lines.
I’m Brigade Orderly this week so am not with the guns but at Brigade Headquarters: I had my 1st experience this morning with German prisoners. XXX came across 2 Germans out in the field next to this place XXX (& they) took them prisoners of course and they told us they were prisoners of the Somme captured by the French and were trying to get back to their own lines. We took them in our shack where they smoked our cigarettes and we had quite a pleasant conversation of broken languages. Then they took them off, heaven knows where they are now, but one could see that they were awfully sorry to leave us.
We’ve certainly been awfully lucky since we’ve been here. I think the Battery has been shelled more heavily than any other in the division and we’ve only had one casualty and not a gun touched but yet several gun-pits have been smashed and the ground around just ploughed up. We got our rum ration tonight and although it is terrible tasting stuff I always try to put it down as a medicine as it is the pure alcohol. Each man in the infantry front lines gets 2 tablespoons per day to keep his nerves in tact.
The meals in France and especially at the guns are 50 to 75 % better than in Witley. We get all tin stuff here and usually lots of it of course there’re some days when the ration wagon can’t get up on account of the road been shelled and then we only get ½ slice of thin bread per meal. My sub section also runs a mess fund and we buy extras from the canteens such as condensed milk, jam and pickles etc.
One of the fellows whom I went around with in Wpg (Winnipeg) was killed in April on _____. He has a cross over his grave and was recommended for XXXXXXXXXX honors for the act which he must have known was certain death.
Write me soon again and with lots of love for Horace and Selves,
From your affct brother
Bertram
October 21st, 1917
My dear Herbert and Hellen,
It is the hardest thing around here for one to get time even to write a letter hence the delay in not having written before to thanks the 3 --- for the delicious box of chocolates received from Norman last week. It’s needless to say how we appreciate American candy as the stuff in England and over here is “No bon” (Everything here is either No bon or tres bon.) I do wish you were here Hellen to speel this language off for me. But with their broken English and my bad French I usually make them understand especially if there are any eats to be had.
We moved our wagon lines XXXX XXX to a nice little village. The stables are right between the residences . We are billeted around 12 of us are together in one room at our home and is the best one we’ve struck yet. A good floor and good roof, so hope we stay there all winter. Two women and 4 children love there. But the great attraction for this place is that one can buy a grand meal of eggs (any number, no scarcity) and French fried potatoes, cleanly cooked before your eyes , and real coffee, with lots of sugar. It seems quite funny, as sugar is just like gold dust in England. This meal costs about 2 Francs, 50 centimes = 50 cents in real money. I slide about 2 of these down every day that I’m back at the lines.
I’m Brigade Orderly this week so am not with the guns but at Brigade Headquarters: I had my 1st experience this morning with German prisoners. XXX came across 2 Germans out in the field next to this place XXX (& they) took them prisoners of course and they told us they were prisoners of the Somme captured by the French and were trying to get back to their own lines. We took them in our shack where they smoked our cigarettes and we had quite a pleasant conversation of broken languages. Then they took them off, heaven knows where they are now, but one could see that they were awfully sorry to leave us.
We’ve certainly been awfully lucky since we’ve been here. I think the Battery has been shelled more heavily than any other in the division and we’ve only had one casualty and not a gun touched but yet several gun-pits have been smashed and the ground around just ploughed up. We got our rum ration tonight and although it is terrible tasting stuff I always try to put it down as a medicine as it is the pure alcohol. Each man in the infantry front lines gets 2 tablespoons per day to keep his nerves in tact.
The meals in France and especially at the guns are 50 to 75 % better than in Witley. We get all tin stuff here and usually lots of it of course there’re some days when the ration wagon can’t get up on account of the road been shelled and then we only get ½ slice of thin bread per meal. My sub section also runs a mess fund and we buy extras from the canteens such as condensed milk, jam and pickles etc.
One of the fellows whom I went around with in Wpg (Winnipeg) was killed in April on _____. He has a cross over his grave and was recommended for XXXXXXXXXX honors for the act which he must have known was certain death.
Write me soon again and with lots of love for Horace and Selves,
From your affct brother
Bertram
Illustration from Canada in Khaki
France
Nov. 1st 1917
My Dear Leila,
I was more than pleased to receive your letter yesterday, along with note from Jack, with all the news of the wedding. Also had letters from Mamma and Ina, and by the accounts everything in the eventful day must have gone off in the" Superlative Superlative". You didn't mention if the wonderful 'hubby' was nervous. Isn't it too bad that I can't even get a piece of the cake in this uncivilized part of the world? Who were the Best Man and Bridesmaids?
Did I ever tell you what I did on that day, Sept. 4th? Walked 22 miles and then went on guard duty. I must have been on my first beat while you were being married.
The house must be very prettily fixed and nicely arranged and hope someday ( notice I didn't say soon, I'm not hoping for impossibilities) to give the house a personal check over. The letters have been pouring in this week. 4 from Mamma, 1 from Ina and 1 from you, not bad at all.
Also a letter and parcel of candy from Mrs. Waith. Also heard from Poppy Burnett. Were Nellie and Gordon at the wedding? Have never heard a word from her since I left Sherbrooke. I think Gordon is sore on me for rushing too strong at the end and can't blame him now that I have come to the years of discretion.
You asked me about a certain little girl in Godalming. "Who is she?" A school teacher, very clever girl of 18 years. "Name?" Alice Knight. "What's she like?" The prettiest girl in Godalming, a sturdy girl, just about your build. "Her people?" I have only met her sister, who married a Canadian Artilleryman of the 4th Contingent ( we are 5th). Her three brothers are all over here. "Introduced?" We were never. There is no introducing done at any of those dances in Whitley, as it is practically impossible. None of the fellows know any of the girls. I spotted her the moment she made her appearance on the floor and lost no time in getting a dance. "Business?" Don't know her well enough' but will say she passes the 1st tests. Now there you have her in detail, and am really going to send you her picture so that you see I am not kidding you.
Have been working at a new job this week and sometimes within 1,000 yards of the German front lines. Of course on such occasions one has to keep very close to the ground. There have been no other casualties in the Battery except 2 accidents, one broken arm and one broken leg, both made "Blighty" in them.
(Never say, out here, that you are going to England or London, always "Blighty"). If a fellow gets wounded, the doctor will say," It's a Blighty case or if it's not too bad , a Base Case and if he has lost both arms and both legs, and both eyes shot out, one ear off and part of his nose, he might get "a Canada".
At present we are having beautiful weather which means that the air is fairly alive with planes, We see some awfully exciting air fights.
Am glad that you like , "Canada in Khaki". It is very good. I haven't much time for reading now, but am very fond of it when I get on a job that's "Bon".
Well, I think this is about all my news for the present so will say goodbye. Lots of love for Mamma and all.
From your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Nov. 1st 1917
My Dear Leila,
I was more than pleased to receive your letter yesterday, along with note from Jack, with all the news of the wedding. Also had letters from Mamma and Ina, and by the accounts everything in the eventful day must have gone off in the" Superlative Superlative". You didn't mention if the wonderful 'hubby' was nervous. Isn't it too bad that I can't even get a piece of the cake in this uncivilized part of the world? Who were the Best Man and Bridesmaids?
Did I ever tell you what I did on that day, Sept. 4th? Walked 22 miles and then went on guard duty. I must have been on my first beat while you were being married.
The house must be very prettily fixed and nicely arranged and hope someday ( notice I didn't say soon, I'm not hoping for impossibilities) to give the house a personal check over. The letters have been pouring in this week. 4 from Mamma, 1 from Ina and 1 from you, not bad at all.
Also a letter and parcel of candy from Mrs. Waith. Also heard from Poppy Burnett. Were Nellie and Gordon at the wedding? Have never heard a word from her since I left Sherbrooke. I think Gordon is sore on me for rushing too strong at the end and can't blame him now that I have come to the years of discretion.
You asked me about a certain little girl in Godalming. "Who is she?" A school teacher, very clever girl of 18 years. "Name?" Alice Knight. "What's she like?" The prettiest girl in Godalming, a sturdy girl, just about your build. "Her people?" I have only met her sister, who married a Canadian Artilleryman of the 4th Contingent ( we are 5th). Her three brothers are all over here. "Introduced?" We were never. There is no introducing done at any of those dances in Whitley, as it is practically impossible. None of the fellows know any of the girls. I spotted her the moment she made her appearance on the floor and lost no time in getting a dance. "Business?" Don't know her well enough' but will say she passes the 1st tests. Now there you have her in detail, and am really going to send you her picture so that you see I am not kidding you.
Have been working at a new job this week and sometimes within 1,000 yards of the German front lines. Of course on such occasions one has to keep very close to the ground. There have been no other casualties in the Battery except 2 accidents, one broken arm and one broken leg, both made "Blighty" in them.
(Never say, out here, that you are going to England or London, always "Blighty"). If a fellow gets wounded, the doctor will say," It's a Blighty case or if it's not too bad , a Base Case and if he has lost both arms and both legs, and both eyes shot out, one ear off and part of his nose, he might get "a Canada".
At present we are having beautiful weather which means that the air is fairly alive with planes, We see some awfully exciting air fights.
Am glad that you like , "Canada in Khaki". It is very good. I haven't much time for reading now, but am very fond of it when I get on a job that's "Bon".
Well, I think this is about all my news for the present so will say goodbye. Lots of love for Mamma and all.
From your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Diary
November 2 - 10. Gunner on Green's Group
November 2. Battery goes into action in St. Pierre corkscrew trench.
November 12. Detailed for working party for Hill 70. Great experience.
November 2 - 10. Gunner on Green's Group
November 2. Battery goes into action in St. Pierre corkscrew trench.
November 12. Detailed for working party for Hill 70. Great experience.
France Nov. 14, 1917
My Dear Ella and Murrill,
Again I have the pleasure of writing you without ever having heard a word of you since Xmas. It does seem peculiar that you should have cut me off at the moment when I think there is least cause. I wrote you several letters from England and one from France about Sept.1st.
We went into action for the 1st time on Sept. 7th and since then have learnt a lot about Fritz and his weapons and how he uses them. He has certainly shown us a lively time on several occasions, shelling our battery more than any other in this Division, but we have had very few casualties and only one killed.
The dirty work is done mostly at night when one knows there's a war on. I should like you to see the ruins of this once-upon-a-time big city. It's more than one can describe. There's not a single house or even a wall standing that is not entirely or partly down. Never saw anything like it , even in a movie.
Last night I was on a working party and was within 300 yards of the front line. It's certainly an awful place to stick around and not a bit healthy. We sleep in dug outs about 40 ft. down in the ground and this is where we take shelter when Fritz starts to "heave 'em over". For all around experience it can't be beaten, but at the same time they can sign those old Peace Terms whenever they feel like it.
We get a bath every fortnight at the Divisional baths when we hand in the dirty underwear and get so called clean ones. I pity the poor fellow who gets mine as I am horribly lousy. We all are. One gets them in the dug outs. I could easily have picked 400 lice off the shirt I took off last week.
I had long letters from NY and also from home this week, with all the accounts of the wedding " a big time was had". So you see, you're the only one of the family that has treated me in this uncalled for manner, but I'll forgive you if you write me a nice long letter soon.
And you might send me a picture of the kids. Roderick must be quite a man by this time; and Doris, I suppose, already kidding the boys.
Love and kisses for them and yourselves from your ever affectionate brother,
Bertie
My Dear Ella and Murrill,
Again I have the pleasure of writing you without ever having heard a word of you since Xmas. It does seem peculiar that you should have cut me off at the moment when I think there is least cause. I wrote you several letters from England and one from France about Sept.1st.
We went into action for the 1st time on Sept. 7th and since then have learnt a lot about Fritz and his weapons and how he uses them. He has certainly shown us a lively time on several occasions, shelling our battery more than any other in this Division, but we have had very few casualties and only one killed.
The dirty work is done mostly at night when one knows there's a war on. I should like you to see the ruins of this once-upon-a-time big city. It's more than one can describe. There's not a single house or even a wall standing that is not entirely or partly down. Never saw anything like it , even in a movie.
Last night I was on a working party and was within 300 yards of the front line. It's certainly an awful place to stick around and not a bit healthy. We sleep in dug outs about 40 ft. down in the ground and this is where we take shelter when Fritz starts to "heave 'em over". For all around experience it can't be beaten, but at the same time they can sign those old Peace Terms whenever they feel like it.
We get a bath every fortnight at the Divisional baths when we hand in the dirty underwear and get so called clean ones. I pity the poor fellow who gets mine as I am horribly lousy. We all are. One gets them in the dug outs. I could easily have picked 400 lice off the shirt I took off last week.
I had long letters from NY and also from home this week, with all the accounts of the wedding " a big time was had". So you see, you're the only one of the family that has treated me in this uncalled for manner, but I'll forgive you if you write me a nice long letter soon.
And you might send me a picture of the kids. Roderick must be quite a man by this time; and Doris, I suppose, already kidding the boys.
Love and kisses for them and yourselves from your ever affectionate brother,
Bertie
Diary
November 12. Detailed for working party for Hill 70. Great experience
November 12. Detailed for working party for Hill 70. Great experience
Hill 70 Memorial - The Globe and Mail
France
November 24th 1917
My Dear Mabel and Carl,
Here I am at last to do my duty after having received a letter from each of you about two weeks ago. I was ever so pleased to get them and also the newspaper clipping. Great Britain and US are the best of friends aren't they? Everyone on this side is looking for big things from the States. It's " Wait till the States do this and Wait till the States do that," so I hope we won't be dis appointed. For this war to be a real success we sure need your help and even then some.
We take a week, about, at the guns and horse lines, and I came back yesterday from the latter, where I spent a most enjoyable week. One can buy a real good feed of eggs and French fried potatoes nicely cooked for 2 francs, 50 centimes ( 45 cents) and I clean up on two feeds like this a day.
At the guns, we haven't a chance, luckily, to spend our money, as the canteens only keep a very limited stock and are far away. At both places we run a mess fund and have real porridge every night, made on the stove in the gun pit, which keeps us warm. I'll be able to give you some tips on cooking when I get back.
At the lines ( wagon lines), we always have a bath. We hand in our dirty underwear at the bathe and get clean stuff. Heaven help the poor fellow that gets the ones I handed in last time. I could easily have picked 300 lice off of it. 'Lousey' is no name for me. Nearly everyone has them from the dug outs. So just fancy if I came to see you now. You would have to put me on the floor, as I could never sleep in one of your beds if you ever wanted to use it again!!
She's a terrible war isn't she? But we all look on the humorous side of things if even it's a stiff being buried. There's a big burying ground right next to our Battery position and we see it getting filled up every day. They dig 6ft wide trenches and fill them in according as a body is put in.
I had a great experience on Nov.12th , when I was detailed for a working party to the 2nd line trenches. We were shot at by machine guns, gassed , the mud is indescribable and it was pitch dark.
Had long letters from home last week. They were all well The young couple seem quite pleased with their new home. I received a letter from Murrill last week; the first this year.
The boys are all sleeping around me so am going to shut down and get some shut eye myself.. Remember me to the Dr. and Mrs. Thomas and hope you'll have a Merry Xmas…think of me popping them off at Fritz…
and write soon to your affectionate brother,
Bertie
November 24th 1917
My Dear Mabel and Carl,
Here I am at last to do my duty after having received a letter from each of you about two weeks ago. I was ever so pleased to get them and also the newspaper clipping. Great Britain and US are the best of friends aren't they? Everyone on this side is looking for big things from the States. It's " Wait till the States do this and Wait till the States do that," so I hope we won't be dis appointed. For this war to be a real success we sure need your help and even then some.
We take a week, about, at the guns and horse lines, and I came back yesterday from the latter, where I spent a most enjoyable week. One can buy a real good feed of eggs and French fried potatoes nicely cooked for 2 francs, 50 centimes ( 45 cents) and I clean up on two feeds like this a day.
At the guns, we haven't a chance, luckily, to spend our money, as the canteens only keep a very limited stock and are far away. At both places we run a mess fund and have real porridge every night, made on the stove in the gun pit, which keeps us warm. I'll be able to give you some tips on cooking when I get back.
At the lines ( wagon lines), we always have a bath. We hand in our dirty underwear at the bathe and get clean stuff. Heaven help the poor fellow that gets the ones I handed in last time. I could easily have picked 300 lice off of it. 'Lousey' is no name for me. Nearly everyone has them from the dug outs. So just fancy if I came to see you now. You would have to put me on the floor, as I could never sleep in one of your beds if you ever wanted to use it again!!
She's a terrible war isn't she? But we all look on the humorous side of things if even it's a stiff being buried. There's a big burying ground right next to our Battery position and we see it getting filled up every day. They dig 6ft wide trenches and fill them in according as a body is put in.
I had a great experience on Nov.12th , when I was detailed for a working party to the 2nd line trenches. We were shot at by machine guns, gassed , the mud is indescribable and it was pitch dark.
Had long letters from home last week. They were all well The young couple seem quite pleased with their new home. I received a letter from Murrill last week; the first this year.
The boys are all sleeping around me so am going to shut down and get some shut eye myself.. Remember me to the Dr. and Mrs. Thomas and hope you'll have a Merry Xmas…think of me popping them off at Fritz…
and write soon to your affectionate brother,
Bertie
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Diary
December 1. Wagon lines at Bethume. Guns in action at Anniquin. Terribly rainy cold night
December 1. Wagon lines at Bethume. Guns in action at Anniquin. Terribly rainy cold night
Estaminet - Vimyfoundation.ca
France
Dec. 18, 1917
My Dearest Mabel and Carl,
I've just jumped out of a very hot bath and as this room is none too warm (YMCA) I'm shivering, but must write you tonight to thank you so much for the nice box of candy, and Carl's letter received last week. It was "great stuff" and Herbert's was exactly the same. I'm sure all the gun crew thanks you. It came when I was at the guns. This week I'm at the wagon lines and we're having a good time with the drivers.
We moved to another part of the lines, since last writing, and you'd never believe that we buy the papers and candy every morning, from newspaper boys, right in the gun pit. There's an Estaminet ( small café that serves alcohol) only a few yards away and also a place where we can buy eggs and chips. Doesn't it seem funny? If Fritz put over gas the civilians would all be vapored.
Have just finished smoking the last of Mildred's (Mabel's sister) cigarettes, wasn't it nice of her to think of me? Also received a nice box of eatables from the Waiths in England (Victor's people).
Now to thank you for the warm things. That vest of many colours is 'the real thing'; and today is the first time I've taken it off to bathe, since I received it. It is great for sleeping. It has been called 'the camouflage vest' by all the boys. Carl will tell you what camouflage means. ( remainder of this letter is missing)
Dec. 18, 1917
My Dearest Mabel and Carl,
I've just jumped out of a very hot bath and as this room is none too warm (YMCA) I'm shivering, but must write you tonight to thank you so much for the nice box of candy, and Carl's letter received last week. It was "great stuff" and Herbert's was exactly the same. I'm sure all the gun crew thanks you. It came when I was at the guns. This week I'm at the wagon lines and we're having a good time with the drivers.
We moved to another part of the lines, since last writing, and you'd never believe that we buy the papers and candy every morning, from newspaper boys, right in the gun pit. There's an Estaminet ( small café that serves alcohol) only a few yards away and also a place where we can buy eggs and chips. Doesn't it seem funny? If Fritz put over gas the civilians would all be vapored.
Have just finished smoking the last of Mildred's (Mabel's sister) cigarettes, wasn't it nice of her to think of me? Also received a nice box of eatables from the Waiths in England (Victor's people).
Now to thank you for the warm things. That vest of many colours is 'the real thing'; and today is the first time I've taken it off to bathe, since I received it. It is great for sleeping. It has been called 'the camouflage vest' by all the boys. Carl will tell you what camouflage means. ( remainder of this letter is missing)
Diary
December 22. Wagon lines bombed at Bethume.
December 23. Move back to Fosse 10.
December 24. On guard. Great bombardment all along the front at Midnight.
December 25. Guns in action at Liebin. Fro 3. Battery runner. Temper out of control after roaming around all day in field in full of enemy trying to find Battery. Swell dinner at Wagon lines.
January 10, 1918 Nearly shot 2 men passing a few yards in front of No. 1 gun.
December 22. Wagon lines bombed at Bethume.
December 23. Move back to Fosse 10.
December 24. On guard. Great bombardment all along the front at Midnight.
December 25. Guns in action at Liebin. Fro 3. Battery runner. Temper out of control after roaming around all day in field in full of enemy trying to find Battery. Swell dinner at Wagon lines.
January 10, 1918 Nearly shot 2 men passing a few yards in front of No. 1 gun.
Lievin or Lens - Calder collection
France
January 10, 1918
My Dear Carl,
I was awfully pleased to receive your letter of Dec. 10th along with Mabel's, yesterday. I've had more letters from you since being in uniform than ever before, and they are greatly appreciated. I went to hospital on New Year's Day with a bad cold for a few days, and on my return to the Battery, I found a bunch of letters for me. Among them was yours and one from Herbert and Murrill.
Xmas Day was a rotter to the core. I was on guard on Xmas Eve, and Battery Runner ( taking messages between the guns and horse lines, about 6 miles) on Xmas Day. We moved into action on that day in a new position, and I had a terrible time finding it. Wandered all over an open field in full view of the enemy, but they evidently let me live because it was Xmas Day! ( out skirts of Lens)
At 5 PM the Army gave us a very good dinner of turkey and plum pudding, raisins , nuts and cigarettes, beer etc. but the room which we borrowed for the occasion was bitterly cold. We have no mess room; line up for meals outside and eat them on the ground or take them into the billet. We are billeted with the French civilians, about 10 to a family. The stables are in between the houses.
I've certainly been a lucky boy for receiving parcels this Xmas. Besides Mabel's and Mildred's and Herbert's, I received cigarettes from Murrill and my friend in Godalming. A box of eatables from Victor Waith's mother. The same from Mrs. Mc Fadden, the lady I boarded with in Sherbrooke, Quebec. And also enclosed were socks and candy from my bank manager's mother. A cake and fudge from a girl in the bank in Winnipeg, who's now a teller in the main office. Candy and cigarettes from a girl who worked next to me at Portage Ave. W'pg…..
Had to leave you there, for a few minutes, to make a mess of some transports, observed behind the German lines.
So now to go back to the Xmas parcels : Handkerchiefs from one of the girls in the Superintendent's Dept. I received parcels from all these girls last year but we only correspond at Xmas time. Awfully decent of them isn't it? Had a letter from Jones and Swan of B'does, my old employers, saying a parcel was on the way for me. Murrill said he sent me a box of candy but it has not arrived yet, neither has the one from home.
All the boys have been receiving likewise so we have not been living only on army rations for the past few weeks. Say, if anybody ever offers me bully beef, cheese or jam when I get out of the army, I'll bean them.
We've been having some awfully cold days lately. No weather for this business, I assure you. We are fairly comfortable in this position ( our 5th since September) Sleep in a cellar of a blown down house and have a nice fire going all the time. No scarcity of wood, all we have to do is to take the roof or side of somebody's ruined house.
I saw the anti-aircraft bring down a Fritz plane this morning. Their average is about 1 in every 35,000 shots fired. It's only luck when they get one. Their idea is to keep him up very high so that he can't take photographs. I saw the German anti-aircraft shoot at one of our planes one day for 3/4 of an hour and our airman never took the least bit of notice he just kept on agoing and the sky was just full of little puffs of smoke, and they never touched him.
No.1 and No.2 guns are away from the other 4 guns of the Battery. We do the sniping and are kept busy all day. Our fire is observed and directed by an officer at the O.P. Old Fritz is raising Hell with bombs on these towns, Pretty nearly dropped one on our horse lines a few nights ago. Kill civilians every night.
I received a letter from Norman this morning. He had a quiet voyage over…also from Mamma and Ina a few days ago.
Three of our fellows were lucky enough to get a 14 day Xmas pass to Blighty. They were drawn for. We drew for passes last week I got 117 out of about 200. It's 14 dear days in England. Mine should figure out about May or June.
Say, don't you believe anyone who tells you that he wants to sleep out in blankets on the top of a roof when on leave..the good old linen sheets in a warm room would look awful good to me tonight.
So far we've only had 1 killed and 3 wounded, several sick, and 2 or 3 lucky beggars back in Blighty with broken arms and legs etc.
We all enjoy life much better at the guns than at the wagon lines and are sorry when our 2 weeks are up and have to go down for same. The grub is much better up here and we buy pickles and milk etc.from the YMCA canteen which is quite close to the guns. We get about 1/2 glass of rum per man, issued every night.
No, I never had a thing wrong with me in November. Enjoyed the best of health. Did the spirits say I was sick? (I believe that Mabel attended Spiritualist seances)
The Infantry very seldom take prisoners. They just line them up and turn a machine gun on them.
I wish you had given me a list of Barbadian casualties. I never have a paper. I believe Shadow Boyce is killed and I know both of Alfred Brown's sons, Tweedledum and Tweedledee. None of your letters have been censored so far. "Thank God, we have a Navy", has become quite a common expression over here.
Have been spending about 4 francs per day on eggs and French fried potatoes, down at the wagon lines ( 1 franc = 20 cents). Money goes awful fast down there.
Mabel says that she is coming over to see us march back Victorious. Ask her if she doesn't think she'll be too old to travel when the time comes? If it is a march back this year or next, it won't be Victorious, be quite sure on that point.
Well, I must close off this epistle, as I have to write Murrill and have just written Herbert. Lots of love for Mabel, Piggott and self and write soon again to your affectionate brother,
Bertie
January 10, 1918
My Dear Carl,
I was awfully pleased to receive your letter of Dec. 10th along with Mabel's, yesterday. I've had more letters from you since being in uniform than ever before, and they are greatly appreciated. I went to hospital on New Year's Day with a bad cold for a few days, and on my return to the Battery, I found a bunch of letters for me. Among them was yours and one from Herbert and Murrill.
Xmas Day was a rotter to the core. I was on guard on Xmas Eve, and Battery Runner ( taking messages between the guns and horse lines, about 6 miles) on Xmas Day. We moved into action on that day in a new position, and I had a terrible time finding it. Wandered all over an open field in full view of the enemy, but they evidently let me live because it was Xmas Day! ( out skirts of Lens)
At 5 PM the Army gave us a very good dinner of turkey and plum pudding, raisins , nuts and cigarettes, beer etc. but the room which we borrowed for the occasion was bitterly cold. We have no mess room; line up for meals outside and eat them on the ground or take them into the billet. We are billeted with the French civilians, about 10 to a family. The stables are in between the houses.
I've certainly been a lucky boy for receiving parcels this Xmas. Besides Mabel's and Mildred's and Herbert's, I received cigarettes from Murrill and my friend in Godalming. A box of eatables from Victor Waith's mother. The same from Mrs. Mc Fadden, the lady I boarded with in Sherbrooke, Quebec. And also enclosed were socks and candy from my bank manager's mother. A cake and fudge from a girl in the bank in Winnipeg, who's now a teller in the main office. Candy and cigarettes from a girl who worked next to me at Portage Ave. W'pg…..
Had to leave you there, for a few minutes, to make a mess of some transports, observed behind the German lines.
So now to go back to the Xmas parcels : Handkerchiefs from one of the girls in the Superintendent's Dept. I received parcels from all these girls last year but we only correspond at Xmas time. Awfully decent of them isn't it? Had a letter from Jones and Swan of B'does, my old employers, saying a parcel was on the way for me. Murrill said he sent me a box of candy but it has not arrived yet, neither has the one from home.
All the boys have been receiving likewise so we have not been living only on army rations for the past few weeks. Say, if anybody ever offers me bully beef, cheese or jam when I get out of the army, I'll bean them.
We've been having some awfully cold days lately. No weather for this business, I assure you. We are fairly comfortable in this position ( our 5th since September) Sleep in a cellar of a blown down house and have a nice fire going all the time. No scarcity of wood, all we have to do is to take the roof or side of somebody's ruined house.
I saw the anti-aircraft bring down a Fritz plane this morning. Their average is about 1 in every 35,000 shots fired. It's only luck when they get one. Their idea is to keep him up very high so that he can't take photographs. I saw the German anti-aircraft shoot at one of our planes one day for 3/4 of an hour and our airman never took the least bit of notice he just kept on agoing and the sky was just full of little puffs of smoke, and they never touched him.
No.1 and No.2 guns are away from the other 4 guns of the Battery. We do the sniping and are kept busy all day. Our fire is observed and directed by an officer at the O.P. Old Fritz is raising Hell with bombs on these towns, Pretty nearly dropped one on our horse lines a few nights ago. Kill civilians every night.
I received a letter from Norman this morning. He had a quiet voyage over…also from Mamma and Ina a few days ago.
Three of our fellows were lucky enough to get a 14 day Xmas pass to Blighty. They were drawn for. We drew for passes last week I got 117 out of about 200. It's 14 dear days in England. Mine should figure out about May or June.
Say, don't you believe anyone who tells you that he wants to sleep out in blankets on the top of a roof when on leave..the good old linen sheets in a warm room would look awful good to me tonight.
So far we've only had 1 killed and 3 wounded, several sick, and 2 or 3 lucky beggars back in Blighty with broken arms and legs etc.
We all enjoy life much better at the guns than at the wagon lines and are sorry when our 2 weeks are up and have to go down for same. The grub is much better up here and we buy pickles and milk etc.from the YMCA canteen which is quite close to the guns. We get about 1/2 glass of rum per man, issued every night.
No, I never had a thing wrong with me in November. Enjoyed the best of health. Did the spirits say I was sick? (I believe that Mabel attended Spiritualist seances)
The Infantry very seldom take prisoners. They just line them up and turn a machine gun on them.
I wish you had given me a list of Barbadian casualties. I never have a paper. I believe Shadow Boyce is killed and I know both of Alfred Brown's sons, Tweedledum and Tweedledee. None of your letters have been censored so far. "Thank God, we have a Navy", has become quite a common expression over here.
Have been spending about 4 francs per day on eggs and French fried potatoes, down at the wagon lines ( 1 franc = 20 cents). Money goes awful fast down there.
Mabel says that she is coming over to see us march back Victorious. Ask her if she doesn't think she'll be too old to travel when the time comes? If it is a march back this year or next, it won't be Victorious, be quite sure on that point.
Well, I must close off this epistle, as I have to write Murrill and have just written Herbert. Lots of love for Mabel, Piggott and self and write soon again to your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Lens-Bethune Road, Christmas, 1917. DND/LAC
France
January 11, 1918
My Dear Leila,
I suppose you have heard all my news of the past few weeks from Mamma and Ina. I went in a convalescsnt hospital on New Year's Day with a cold for a few days and on my return to the Battery, I found a bunch of mail, among them a letter from Ellerslie (the family home in Barbadoes).
We had a good Xmas dinner of turkey, plum pudding, raisins, cigarettes and beer etc. but I spent a rotten day, as it was my turn for the job of Battery Runner. But I never have received so many parcels in my life as I did this Xmas. They were: cigarettes from Mildred Yeo, Murrill, and my friend, whose picture you must have received by this time. A box of eatables from Mrs. Waith. The same from Mrs. Mc Fadden of L'ville, the lady with whom I boarded, and enclosed were socks and candy from my manager's mother.
Three boxes of cake, cigarettes, hand' chiefs and fudge from 3 girls of the Bank of Commerce, Winnipeg, whom I haven't heard from all year. They sent me a box last Xmas (1916). We only correspond at Xmas time. Very decent of them, isn't it? Candy from Herbert and Carl. A sweater and mittens from Mrs. Stanley Thomas. Had a letter from Jones and Swan saying that there was a parcel on it's way, but has not arrived yet, nor has the one from home. That's not doing so rusty, is it?
All the boys have been receiving likewise, so we have not been living only on army rations for the past few weeks.
The weather has been bitterly cold for the past month, with lots of snow on the ground.
I've just had quite a long stay at the wagon lines, and as I never can settle down there, my correspondence, with all these parcels is behind hand. We all prefer the guns to the horse lines. There is not so much red tape up here, and we are not worked as hard as we were in the first position.
We are pretty comfortable in this position. Sleep in the cellar of some body's shattered home, and keep a good fire going all the time. There is no scarcity of wood, as all we have to do is take the roof or side of some ruined house. There's not a single house with an untouched wall or roof standing in the vicinity.
January 15th 1918…..
I've just been talking to one of the three lucky fellows to get a pass to Blighty for Xmas. It certainly does put the spirit of leave into one, but 116 have to go before I do.
I have an "O'Pip" which I will send to you. It's very good this time.
I had long letters from Carl, Herbert, Norman and Ella last week, all in the pink of condition Also from Mrs. Yearwood. She says that Cam. has been turned down, because of a weak heart.
How's Hubby getting along? Just as wonderful as ever, I suppose. Give my news to the ones at Ellerslie and write soon.
Lots of love and kisses from your affectionate brother,
Bertie
January 11, 1918
My Dear Leila,
I suppose you have heard all my news of the past few weeks from Mamma and Ina. I went in a convalescsnt hospital on New Year's Day with a cold for a few days and on my return to the Battery, I found a bunch of mail, among them a letter from Ellerslie (the family home in Barbadoes).
We had a good Xmas dinner of turkey, plum pudding, raisins, cigarettes and beer etc. but I spent a rotten day, as it was my turn for the job of Battery Runner. But I never have received so many parcels in my life as I did this Xmas. They were: cigarettes from Mildred Yeo, Murrill, and my friend, whose picture you must have received by this time. A box of eatables from Mrs. Waith. The same from Mrs. Mc Fadden of L'ville, the lady with whom I boarded, and enclosed were socks and candy from my manager's mother.
Three boxes of cake, cigarettes, hand' chiefs and fudge from 3 girls of the Bank of Commerce, Winnipeg, whom I haven't heard from all year. They sent me a box last Xmas (1916). We only correspond at Xmas time. Very decent of them, isn't it? Candy from Herbert and Carl. A sweater and mittens from Mrs. Stanley Thomas. Had a letter from Jones and Swan saying that there was a parcel on it's way, but has not arrived yet, nor has the one from home. That's not doing so rusty, is it?
All the boys have been receiving likewise, so we have not been living only on army rations for the past few weeks.
The weather has been bitterly cold for the past month, with lots of snow on the ground.
I've just had quite a long stay at the wagon lines, and as I never can settle down there, my correspondence, with all these parcels is behind hand. We all prefer the guns to the horse lines. There is not so much red tape up here, and we are not worked as hard as we were in the first position.
We are pretty comfortable in this position. Sleep in the cellar of some body's shattered home, and keep a good fire going all the time. There is no scarcity of wood, as all we have to do is take the roof or side of some ruined house. There's not a single house with an untouched wall or roof standing in the vicinity.
January 15th 1918…..
I've just been talking to one of the three lucky fellows to get a pass to Blighty for Xmas. It certainly does put the spirit of leave into one, but 116 have to go before I do.
I have an "O'Pip" which I will send to you. It's very good this time.
I had long letters from Carl, Herbert, Norman and Ella last week, all in the pink of condition Also from Mrs. Yearwood. She says that Cam. has been turned down, because of a weak heart.
How's Hubby getting along? Just as wonderful as ever, I suppose. Give my news to the ones at Ellerslie and write soon.
Lots of love and kisses from your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Diary
January 16-17-18. No. 2 gun takes up 3 different positions. Bert, Grey and I on guard at Foss 3.
January 20. Action at Loos Happy Valley. First experience as lead driver on a very dark night. Build two gun pits.
February 10. Only occasion on which enemy gassed severly in day time.
January 16-17-18. No. 2 gun takes up 3 different positions. Bert, Grey and I on guard at Foss 3.
January 20. Action at Loos Happy Valley. First experience as lead driver on a very dark night. Build two gun pits.
February 10. Only occasion on which enemy gassed severly in day time.
Canadian artillery recruiting poster
February 12, 1918
My Dear Mabel,
I've been working hard lately trying to get my correspondence up to date and I think your turn is due. I suppose that you received my last of about Jan.10th. Nothing very much has happened since then. I spent 2 weeks at the wagon lines and am at present at the guns In this position ( our 7th , I think) since we've been in France, we are digging all day with picks and shovels, making gun pits and general improvements all around. I think I'll get a job, after this war as a grave digger on salary, though, not piece work.
It'll soon be a year since the U.S.A. declared war, April 6th, 1917. I've never had the pleasure of seeing an American soldier in France. Do you know many in the army and do you see many returned ones, wounded? I suppose the majority hit for New York, when on leave from the various camps, as they do for London.
It doesn't matter when one goes to London, one always sees thousands and thousands of soldiers walking around, never think there's a war on; but I wish I were one of them right now. Did I mention in my last letter that we had drawn for our leave? I got 117th. Mine should figure out about mid-summer. ( It came Nov. 12th 1918...this note was added by B.H. Cox in 1968)
I had a letter from Murrill last week and Ella sent me a box of candy and a scarf. Also received a scarf next day from Isabel. Never intend me to have throat trouble, do they?
Jones and Swan of Barbados with whom I worked for a year, before leaving home, sent me a nice box of eatables through their agents in London. It contained all kinds of things: biscuits, salmon, cocoa, and milk, spaghetti, soups, chicken paste, pudding and roast fowl. Awfully decent of them, wasn't it?
I think I've told you before, that at the horse lines, we are billeted with French families. We have a great time making them 'compree'. At the guns, we either sleep in the dug outs, or in the cellar of some body's ruined home. All the French houses have good cellars, must have known there was a war coming. Cellars are no good for a direct hit, but they do stop splinters and we are all willing to take the chance of not getting a direct hit.
We often come across an awful bunch of stuff: tea sets, gramaphones, crockery of all kinds, etc. hidden away in a cellar by some family, who has had to get out in a hurry, expecting , I suppose, to come back some day and find them. The return will be worse than the departure, I think, when they see their homes. If a fellow could only get married over here, it would not cost him a cent, to furnish his home.
The weather has been very fine and warm for over a month ,which makes things a lot more pleasant than that frosty stuff.
My great ambition is to have a Turkish bath. That's how I'll spend my first night in London. Oh, Heavens, I'll never forget that part of the war…the lice!
It's now 2:15 AM and I'm off duty in another 20 minutes so will say goodnight. Lots of love for Carl and self and write to your affectionate brother,
Bertie
My Dear Mabel,
I've been working hard lately trying to get my correspondence up to date and I think your turn is due. I suppose that you received my last of about Jan.10th. Nothing very much has happened since then. I spent 2 weeks at the wagon lines and am at present at the guns In this position ( our 7th , I think) since we've been in France, we are digging all day with picks and shovels, making gun pits and general improvements all around. I think I'll get a job, after this war as a grave digger on salary, though, not piece work.
It'll soon be a year since the U.S.A. declared war, April 6th, 1917. I've never had the pleasure of seeing an American soldier in France. Do you know many in the army and do you see many returned ones, wounded? I suppose the majority hit for New York, when on leave from the various camps, as they do for London.
It doesn't matter when one goes to London, one always sees thousands and thousands of soldiers walking around, never think there's a war on; but I wish I were one of them right now. Did I mention in my last letter that we had drawn for our leave? I got 117th. Mine should figure out about mid-summer. ( It came Nov. 12th 1918...this note was added by B.H. Cox in 1968)
I had a letter from Murrill last week and Ella sent me a box of candy and a scarf. Also received a scarf next day from Isabel. Never intend me to have throat trouble, do they?
Jones and Swan of Barbados with whom I worked for a year, before leaving home, sent me a nice box of eatables through their agents in London. It contained all kinds of things: biscuits, salmon, cocoa, and milk, spaghetti, soups, chicken paste, pudding and roast fowl. Awfully decent of them, wasn't it?
I think I've told you before, that at the horse lines, we are billeted with French families. We have a great time making them 'compree'. At the guns, we either sleep in the dug outs, or in the cellar of some body's ruined home. All the French houses have good cellars, must have known there was a war coming. Cellars are no good for a direct hit, but they do stop splinters and we are all willing to take the chance of not getting a direct hit.
We often come across an awful bunch of stuff: tea sets, gramaphones, crockery of all kinds, etc. hidden away in a cellar by some family, who has had to get out in a hurry, expecting , I suppose, to come back some day and find them. The return will be worse than the departure, I think, when they see their homes. If a fellow could only get married over here, it would not cost him a cent, to furnish his home.
The weather has been very fine and warm for over a month ,which makes things a lot more pleasant than that frosty stuff.
My great ambition is to have a Turkish bath. That's how I'll spend my first night in London. Oh, Heavens, I'll never forget that part of the war…the lice!
It's now 2:15 AM and I'm off duty in another 20 minutes so will say goodnight. Lots of love for Carl and self and write to your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Diary
March 17-23. Hallicourt on rest.
March 17-23. Hallicourt on rest.
Rest Camp (10th Inf Bn)
Addressed to:
Mrs, Jack Badley
'Westrai '
Black Rock Barbadoes , B. W. I.
France March 25th 1918
My Dear Leila,
Today I am celebrating my 2nd Birthday in the Army by going on guard duty tonight. Last year , I hoped that I would never have another year in the army, but being a little more enlightened on the subject, my wish, today, is to be alive on March 25th 1921. and then I'll make another wish in accordance with what is going on then.
We have had fine weather for the past couple of weeks, in fact it has been awfully hot, although the nights are always cold.
I suppose you see in the papers what we're doing with the Hun's aeroplanes, they are certainly making short work of them in the air.
The Division has been back to the rear for a few days rest, but we are again in action. We played football and baseball etc. and on the whole had a pretty good time. I had a really comfortable feather bed to sleep in.
Old Bill Baillie is as big as ever and all the boys are well
I started this letter in a new YMCA that has recently been opened near our own wagon lines, which we were lucky enough to get back, on our return from rest. Am now writing on a bag of oats in the feed room.
Many thanks for your letter of February 4th…. and you say you think you know somebody like my girl? I don't think you ever saw a face like that before!! Have they posted it back yet? I hope so.
I imagine Beryl must make an awfully sturdy girl and is she still so dark? Kathleen Hutchinson sent me her picture. Good Heavens, she's as fat as a tub. Also had a picture and letter from Gladys Skinner, she's looking well, and seems to be all gone on Harold Bascombe. I know Gladys pretty well, you know, and he's getting a bit better deal than Mamma thinks ( she's not very strong for A.)
I had a nice long letter from a girl that I worked with at Portage Ave. Fancy, there are 6 girls in that office now and only 2 men to look after them. She has left the bank; says it's not like the good old days when we had tall tellers!! Her fiancé, a major, was killed at Vimy Ridge last year.
The guns are certainly doing some tall barking tonight, but thank goodness I won't hear that dismal yell in the middle of the night, "Stand To" ( pronounced too ) as I have at the wagon lines.
It's now 7:45 PM and I am writing by daylight but it is getting dark so will quit.
Give Mamma and all the news, and write soon again. Lots of Love for Jack and self. From your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Mrs, Jack Badley
'Westrai '
Black Rock Barbadoes , B. W. I.
France March 25th 1918
My Dear Leila,
Today I am celebrating my 2nd Birthday in the Army by going on guard duty tonight. Last year , I hoped that I would never have another year in the army, but being a little more enlightened on the subject, my wish, today, is to be alive on March 25th 1921. and then I'll make another wish in accordance with what is going on then.
We have had fine weather for the past couple of weeks, in fact it has been awfully hot, although the nights are always cold.
I suppose you see in the papers what we're doing with the Hun's aeroplanes, they are certainly making short work of them in the air.
The Division has been back to the rear for a few days rest, but we are again in action. We played football and baseball etc. and on the whole had a pretty good time. I had a really comfortable feather bed to sleep in.
Old Bill Baillie is as big as ever and all the boys are well
I started this letter in a new YMCA that has recently been opened near our own wagon lines, which we were lucky enough to get back, on our return from rest. Am now writing on a bag of oats in the feed room.
Many thanks for your letter of February 4th…. and you say you think you know somebody like my girl? I don't think you ever saw a face like that before!! Have they posted it back yet? I hope so.
I imagine Beryl must make an awfully sturdy girl and is she still so dark? Kathleen Hutchinson sent me her picture. Good Heavens, she's as fat as a tub. Also had a picture and letter from Gladys Skinner, she's looking well, and seems to be all gone on Harold Bascombe. I know Gladys pretty well, you know, and he's getting a bit better deal than Mamma thinks ( she's not very strong for A.)
I had a nice long letter from a girl that I worked with at Portage Ave. Fancy, there are 6 girls in that office now and only 2 men to look after them. She has left the bank; says it's not like the good old days when we had tall tellers!! Her fiancé, a major, was killed at Vimy Ridge last year.
The guns are certainly doing some tall barking tonight, but thank goodness I won't hear that dismal yell in the middle of the night, "Stand To" ( pronounced too ) as I have at the wagon lines.
It's now 7:45 PM and I am writing by daylight but it is getting dark so will quit.
Give Mamma and all the news, and write soon again. Lots of Love for Jack and self. From your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Diary
March 26. Action at Loos. (Same position) Wagon lines at Fosse 19.
March 28. March to field near Ritz Corner. Le Targette.
April 1. Easter Sunday. Guns in action at Vimy. (A. Eluis) Very cold night . Tried to sleep in shell hole at 5 am, but rained swamped Allison and I out.
April 2. Right section moves forward to Farbus Wood. Rebuilt gun pit.
April 7. Direct hit on No.2 gun pit by enemy shell. Which distroys my tunic, gas mask, boots, putties. Steel helmet and gloves.
March 26. Action at Loos. (Same position) Wagon lines at Fosse 19.
March 28. March to field near Ritz Corner. Le Targette.
April 1. Easter Sunday. Guns in action at Vimy. (A. Eluis) Very cold night . Tried to sleep in shell hole at 5 am, but rained swamped Allison and I out.
April 2. Right section moves forward to Farbus Wood. Rebuilt gun pit.
April 7. Direct hit on No.2 gun pit by enemy shell. Which distroys my tunic, gas mask, boots, putties. Steel helmet and gloves.
18 pdr battery under fire near Monchy-le-Preu
France April 12, 1918
My Dearest Mamma,
I was sorry I could not write you last week, but hope you received the Field (?) card O.K. There has been no time for letter writing the past five weeks, as we moved our positions the day before Easter. It was the hardest day's work I have done for some time. Marched miles and miles; finally reached our wagon lines ( an open field) and went into action the same night, which meant more marching.
The gunners are not allowed to ride on the vehicles in France, in fact there is no room. It looks like a circus show moving. The gun position was also an open field, so of course, we had to dig gun pits and conceal the guns before dawn. We finished at 5 :00 AM Easter Morning and after an hour's sleep in a shell hole I was floated out of my resting place. (Rain)
Anyway , we were only there a few days as our gun was detailed to go forward to do sniping work. I like this position better than any so far, although it is not as 'healthy' as some we've been in. ( Note: Battle of Vimy Ridge) We worked hard on our pit and finished it on April 7th at noon but Fritz, the mean fellow, evidently thought he'd like to keep us busy, as about 2 hours later, he landed one square on the pit. Lucky thing for me he did not delay his shot about 30 seconds, as I was making a bee line for the pit to get my stuff and then go to a dug out.
I lost my gas box respirator, note: ( each horse was issued a gas mask, too, made on the same principal as for the men, except there was no mouth piece!), my steel helmet, a pair of boots, gloves and tunic with all sorts of stuff in the pockets. Pay book photographs etc. The only things that were not entirely destroyed were 5 Postal Orders for 1 # each , which I had just received from Herbert. Found them on the ground , pretty burnt.
The rubber boots have come in very handy up here, as it has rained quite a lot, but it is quite warm. This is the first gun that the 6oth Battery has lost.
These are answers to questions Leila asked in her last (letter) received, while we were eating supper in the kitchen on April 7th along with yours and Ina's of March 3rd, 5th, and 6th: " How far are the guns from the trenches where the SOLDIERS are"? I read that part out loud to the boys. There was much laughter. You would have thought we were soldiers too if you had seen us that day. Answer: Anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 yards , Our shells go over our front line into enemy zone, which is allotted to us. If we make a mistake in range etc., we kill our own men, but this very seldom happens. Shells from other batteries, are going over our heads day and night. In some positions, we can see the enemy in the distance Our gun is a 3.3, but makes more noise than a 60 pounder, when fired.
There are no other girls for Bill Baileey to lose his heart to and he is just as fat as ever.
I'm absolutely shocked and surprised at her feelings and yours toward the United States : Quote: "They will say that we could not win without them". Well, I tell you we would be in a sorry state without them. You people, like all other British born, thought that this war was won on Aug 4th 1914 by England, because she IS England. Well, you want to forget that, and remember she is up against a real live enemy. Give the Devil his due, you know. Of course you get your information from the papers, but I am the original.
I wish you would send a list of Barbadians who have enlisted.
The horse lines or wagon lines which are the same thing, is the place where our horses are, and drivers and remaining gunners. In other words it is the base of each Battery.
Never worry about my clothes. I have more than I need . I wrote to London today for 2 suits of summer underwear.
What do you think of the gun that shelled Paris? (Big Bertha?).
Fancy, Leila thinking that Alice Knight looked about 26 or 28 in the picture. Why Heavens, the boys in Whitley Camp used to kid me that I was a cradle robber, but I admit she has a sad look in the photo. ( Bertie asked for her photo to be retuned to him, because all of his were destroyed).
Well, I think I've given you all my news today. Am writing this in the sun.
Love for Papa, Ina, Leila, and self and don't worry Dear Mamma ( be a fatalist) About your loving son,
Bertie
My Dearest Mamma,
I was sorry I could not write you last week, but hope you received the Field (?) card O.K. There has been no time for letter writing the past five weeks, as we moved our positions the day before Easter. It was the hardest day's work I have done for some time. Marched miles and miles; finally reached our wagon lines ( an open field) and went into action the same night, which meant more marching.
The gunners are not allowed to ride on the vehicles in France, in fact there is no room. It looks like a circus show moving. The gun position was also an open field, so of course, we had to dig gun pits and conceal the guns before dawn. We finished at 5 :00 AM Easter Morning and after an hour's sleep in a shell hole I was floated out of my resting place. (Rain)
Anyway , we were only there a few days as our gun was detailed to go forward to do sniping work. I like this position better than any so far, although it is not as 'healthy' as some we've been in. ( Note: Battle of Vimy Ridge) We worked hard on our pit and finished it on April 7th at noon but Fritz, the mean fellow, evidently thought he'd like to keep us busy, as about 2 hours later, he landed one square on the pit. Lucky thing for me he did not delay his shot about 30 seconds, as I was making a bee line for the pit to get my stuff and then go to a dug out.
I lost my gas box respirator, note: ( each horse was issued a gas mask, too, made on the same principal as for the men, except there was no mouth piece!), my steel helmet, a pair of boots, gloves and tunic with all sorts of stuff in the pockets. Pay book photographs etc. The only things that were not entirely destroyed were 5 Postal Orders for 1 # each , which I had just received from Herbert. Found them on the ground , pretty burnt.
The rubber boots have come in very handy up here, as it has rained quite a lot, but it is quite warm. This is the first gun that the 6oth Battery has lost.
These are answers to questions Leila asked in her last (letter) received, while we were eating supper in the kitchen on April 7th along with yours and Ina's of March 3rd, 5th, and 6th: " How far are the guns from the trenches where the SOLDIERS are"? I read that part out loud to the boys. There was much laughter. You would have thought we were soldiers too if you had seen us that day. Answer: Anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 yards , Our shells go over our front line into enemy zone, which is allotted to us. If we make a mistake in range etc., we kill our own men, but this very seldom happens. Shells from other batteries, are going over our heads day and night. In some positions, we can see the enemy in the distance Our gun is a 3.3, but makes more noise than a 60 pounder, when fired.
There are no other girls for Bill Baileey to lose his heart to and he is just as fat as ever.
I'm absolutely shocked and surprised at her feelings and yours toward the United States : Quote: "They will say that we could not win without them". Well, I tell you we would be in a sorry state without them. You people, like all other British born, thought that this war was won on Aug 4th 1914 by England, because she IS England. Well, you want to forget that, and remember she is up against a real live enemy. Give the Devil his due, you know. Of course you get your information from the papers, but I am the original.
I wish you would send a list of Barbadians who have enlisted.
The horse lines or wagon lines which are the same thing, is the place where our horses are, and drivers and remaining gunners. In other words it is the base of each Battery.
Never worry about my clothes. I have more than I need . I wrote to London today for 2 suits of summer underwear.
What do you think of the gun that shelled Paris? (Big Bertha?).
Fancy, Leila thinking that Alice Knight looked about 26 or 28 in the picture. Why Heavens, the boys in Whitley Camp used to kid me that I was a cradle robber, but I admit she has a sad look in the photo. ( Bertie asked for her photo to be retuned to him, because all of his were destroyed).
Well, I think I've given you all my news today. Am writing this in the sun.
Love for Papa, Ina, Leila, and self and don't worry Dear Mamma ( be a fatalist) About your loving son,
Bertie
Diary
April 14. Action at Thulus Woods. Vimy. Wagon lines at Le Targette. Sam Allen joins the gang.
April 21. Attached to Anti Tank gun crew, forward of Vimy Ridge in Vimy, City Crew; Carslake Corp. Metharson. McKengie, Stone, Self (Bert).
April 14. Action at Thulus Woods. Vimy. Wagon lines at Le Targette. Sam Allen joins the gang.
April 21. Attached to Anti Tank gun crew, forward of Vimy Ridge in Vimy, City Crew; Carslake Corp. Metharson. McKengie, Stone, Self (Bert).
Line of American Soldiers at a Shower Facility
France
May 1 st 1918
My dear Leila,
I've been down at the horse lines for 2 weeks and am going up to the guns today, so I' m stealing a moment of the army's time. I was very glad to get letters from Papa, Mamma and a note from Ina of the 17th of March, a few days ago. The same day , I received letters from Beryl, Norman and Carl. Thank Beryl for hers, and will write her in a few days.
I have thoroughly enjoyed myself this trip at the lines. The drivers are all good sports, and theSgt. Major has been up at the guns and our Sgt., being the senior Sgt., acting in his place, down here….consequently, there wasn't much work done. With the word 'soldier' you must always associate the word 'lazy', you know.
We have been able to have some porridge at nights this week, as I received a box of lump sugar from Carl. Also received 2 pairs of socks from some lady in Compton Que., who is a friend of Ella's and Murrill's. The Ladies Auxiliary of Winnipeg, sent us a pair of socks, each, so I have lots of them. I had May & Co., London , ( Norman's firm) send me 2 suits of Cellular (?) combination underwear; just the stuff for summer.
I had a lovely bath and change, this week; the first one for over 2 months. They only allow us 4 minutes under the water, about 5 men to a row and believe me, you have to work some, to get 2 months worth of dirt off or you're left, as I was once, covered with soap.
Am sending Mamma 3 newspaper clippings. I suppose you will understand why I'm sending one about the Canadians. I am sending the grenade which was on the collar of my tunic at the time of the blow up. It's just as I found it among the ruins. The tunic was all burnt up.
What do you think of the war, today? No Bon, is it? Are you glad the States are with us?
Have they sent the picture of the Godalming Kid back yet? I lost 6 pictures of her in the fire.
My height is : 6 ft. 4 inches and I weighed 175 lbs. when I left England, and don't think I have lost any.
Did Mamma receive "The Listen Post"? and "O'Pips"?
Well, the boys are keeping too much noise around me, so must quit. Lots of Love for Jack and self and write soon to your affectionate brother,
Bertie
May 1 st 1918
My dear Leila,
I've been down at the horse lines for 2 weeks and am going up to the guns today, so I' m stealing a moment of the army's time. I was very glad to get letters from Papa, Mamma and a note from Ina of the 17th of March, a few days ago. The same day , I received letters from Beryl, Norman and Carl. Thank Beryl for hers, and will write her in a few days.
I have thoroughly enjoyed myself this trip at the lines. The drivers are all good sports, and theSgt. Major has been up at the guns and our Sgt., being the senior Sgt., acting in his place, down here….consequently, there wasn't much work done. With the word 'soldier' you must always associate the word 'lazy', you know.
We have been able to have some porridge at nights this week, as I received a box of lump sugar from Carl. Also received 2 pairs of socks from some lady in Compton Que., who is a friend of Ella's and Murrill's. The Ladies Auxiliary of Winnipeg, sent us a pair of socks, each, so I have lots of them. I had May & Co., London , ( Norman's firm) send me 2 suits of Cellular (?) combination underwear; just the stuff for summer.
I had a lovely bath and change, this week; the first one for over 2 months. They only allow us 4 minutes under the water, about 5 men to a row and believe me, you have to work some, to get 2 months worth of dirt off or you're left, as I was once, covered with soap.
Am sending Mamma 3 newspaper clippings. I suppose you will understand why I'm sending one about the Canadians. I am sending the grenade which was on the collar of my tunic at the time of the blow up. It's just as I found it among the ruins. The tunic was all burnt up.
What do you think of the war, today? No Bon, is it? Are you glad the States are with us?
Have they sent the picture of the Godalming Kid back yet? I lost 6 pictures of her in the fire.
My height is : 6 ft. 4 inches and I weighed 175 lbs. when I left England, and don't think I have lost any.
Did Mamma receive "The Listen Post"? and "O'Pips"?
Well, the boys are keeping too much noise around me, so must quit. Lots of Love for Jack and self and write soon to your affectionate brother,
Bertie
France
May 1, 1918
My Dear Carl,
I was ever so glad to get your letter yesterday, of Easter Sunday. I'll never forget that day: it was a dirty one for us. We moved to a different sector of the front, the day before Easter. Our gun position was an open field and of course, we had to have the guns dug in and camaflouged before dawn. We finished at 5:00 AM Easter Morning and after an hour's sleep in a shell hole, we were floated out of our blankets. It poured. We were wet all day.
The next position we hit was the best one yet, only it wasn't as " healthy" as it might have been. I suppose that Herbert gave you my letter about the accident
I certainly laughed when I read your letter. It seems incredible, that it is from the same brother that told me never to fight, until the enemy was at your door, just 3 years ago. I only wish you were 10 years younger. But I have no doubt that you'll be here even at your age before it's over. (Carl was 42)
I'm not a pessimist, man, one has to look this thing square in the face and give the enemy their due. I'm glad that your wish that before your letter reached me, I'd be en route to Berlin, did not come true, as the only way we'll ever go there, is as prisoners of war. My God , surely, the (war) telegrams can't be turning black entirely into white. Size up the situation for yourself. I have no doubt about the final issues of this war. It will only end one way unless every man is buried in France, but it's going to take time and lots of it.
Canadians take very few prisoners.
Very many thanks for the socks…thank Mrs K. Skinner for me,.. but never have received the helmet (?knitted, maybe) perhaps I'll get it yet. The sugar came in yesterday and believe me, it has the honor and respect of every man in the hut. I am just about to eat a plate of porridge. We make it on the stove at night, anytime we can get ahold of anything to sweeten it with.
I'll send you a list of things most needed for winter, as I know the ropes, now.
I received the photo from Gladys and wrote her a long letter of thanks. Received long letters from Norman, Mamma, and Papa along with yours. They were all well.
It's raining to beat H. Have had my porridge. It was great.
Write soon again, and lots of love for Mabel and self, from your affectionate brother,
Bertie
PS remember me to Piggott
May 1, 1918
My Dear Carl,
I was ever so glad to get your letter yesterday, of Easter Sunday. I'll never forget that day: it was a dirty one for us. We moved to a different sector of the front, the day before Easter. Our gun position was an open field and of course, we had to have the guns dug in and camaflouged before dawn. We finished at 5:00 AM Easter Morning and after an hour's sleep in a shell hole, we were floated out of our blankets. It poured. We were wet all day.
The next position we hit was the best one yet, only it wasn't as " healthy" as it might have been. I suppose that Herbert gave you my letter about the accident
I certainly laughed when I read your letter. It seems incredible, that it is from the same brother that told me never to fight, until the enemy was at your door, just 3 years ago. I only wish you were 10 years younger. But I have no doubt that you'll be here even at your age before it's over. (Carl was 42)
I'm not a pessimist, man, one has to look this thing square in the face and give the enemy their due. I'm glad that your wish that before your letter reached me, I'd be en route to Berlin, did not come true, as the only way we'll ever go there, is as prisoners of war. My God , surely, the (war) telegrams can't be turning black entirely into white. Size up the situation for yourself. I have no doubt about the final issues of this war. It will only end one way unless every man is buried in France, but it's going to take time and lots of it.
Canadians take very few prisoners.
Very many thanks for the socks…thank Mrs K. Skinner for me,.. but never have received the helmet (?knitted, maybe) perhaps I'll get it yet. The sugar came in yesterday and believe me, it has the honor and respect of every man in the hut. I am just about to eat a plate of porridge. We make it on the stove at night, anytime we can get ahold of anything to sweeten it with.
I'll send you a list of things most needed for winter, as I know the ropes, now.
I received the photo from Gladys and wrote her a long letter of thanks. Received long letters from Norman, Mamma, and Papa along with yours. They were all well.
It's raining to beat H. Have had my porridge. It was great.
Write soon again, and lots of love for Mabel and self, from your affectionate brother,
Bertie
PS remember me to Piggott
Diary
May 2 - 23. At Divion on rest.
May 2 - 23. At Divion on rest.
Typical cookhouse - Charles Stratton collection
France
May 23, 1918
My Dear Ina,
Many thanks for your letter of April 22nd, along with Mamma's of Apr. 14th, in which she said you were having very warm weather and wondered how it was with me. It was broiling. We have had a week of real hot weather. Most of the time I didn't wear a shirt at all, so am pretty much dark brown. 8 of us are sleeping in a tent and it is certainly delightful. Everything is just as green as could be.
I haven't missed having eggs and chips ( French fried potatoes), one morning for the past 3 weeks. I draw my breakfast and take it down and have it along with the eggs and chips. We very often have another feed at night.
The boys are all in the very best of health. The army is feeding us pretty fair, considering, and our officers have all had a decided change for the better. We're out of range of Fritz's guns but close enough to hear the continual, never ceasing thud of the heavies.
I enjoyed several evenings at the picture show last week and we played 5 or 6 games of bootball and baseball. So things have been going very pleasantly, indeed.
I had a long letter from Cambell Yarwood yesterday. He told me all about the great position and fine time he is having. He's, no doubt, physically unfit, as I think he has enough man in him to be here by this time, if he weren't. It does make me mad, just the same, to hear of men going to theaters and dances and playing golf etc. and we're over here sweating blood for them.
Had another letter from a fellow I used to go around with in Sherbrooke, (one who has been a peace time soldier all his life until war broke out) and he describes his summer holiday : playing tennis, and golf, fishing, dancing and all sorts of pretty girls. Why, he doesn't care whether we win or lose or how long it lasts. But they'll pay the price, believe me.
I received the picture of The Kid yesterday. I'm awfully glad it arrived safely. She looks just as pretty as ever!
Is Edward Emtage taking out a commission?
You make me laugh, when you're describing anyone in your letters ..as: "Ernie Hoad, George Hoad's son, and Eustice Shilston, Daisy's brother"…I haven't forgotten them, yet. I didn't know that Ernie was killed. I saw him, last, in Montreal. I had a letter last week from Miss Waith. She shoots an awfully good line about the brave Canadians. There' no doubt about it, though, that they are the best fighters on the Western Front.
Well, I'll have to quit now and get on my job. Am stable orderly today = cleaning out stables and making up the feed.
Write soon again, and if you don't hear between long intervals, always remember, that with a soldier …"no news is good news". If I ever have to write you that I have been wounded or killed, remember that before my letter arrives you will have received a telegram.
Lots of love for Papa, Aunt Laura, Mamma and self
From your affectionate brother,
Bertie
PS Bill Baillie is still as healthy as ever and in case the latter should happen, he'll write you
May 23, 1918
My Dear Ina,
Many thanks for your letter of April 22nd, along with Mamma's of Apr. 14th, in which she said you were having very warm weather and wondered how it was with me. It was broiling. We have had a week of real hot weather. Most of the time I didn't wear a shirt at all, so am pretty much dark brown. 8 of us are sleeping in a tent and it is certainly delightful. Everything is just as green as could be.
I haven't missed having eggs and chips ( French fried potatoes), one morning for the past 3 weeks. I draw my breakfast and take it down and have it along with the eggs and chips. We very often have another feed at night.
The boys are all in the very best of health. The army is feeding us pretty fair, considering, and our officers have all had a decided change for the better. We're out of range of Fritz's guns but close enough to hear the continual, never ceasing thud of the heavies.
I enjoyed several evenings at the picture show last week and we played 5 or 6 games of bootball and baseball. So things have been going very pleasantly, indeed.
I had a long letter from Cambell Yarwood yesterday. He told me all about the great position and fine time he is having. He's, no doubt, physically unfit, as I think he has enough man in him to be here by this time, if he weren't. It does make me mad, just the same, to hear of men going to theaters and dances and playing golf etc. and we're over here sweating blood for them.
Had another letter from a fellow I used to go around with in Sherbrooke, (one who has been a peace time soldier all his life until war broke out) and he describes his summer holiday : playing tennis, and golf, fishing, dancing and all sorts of pretty girls. Why, he doesn't care whether we win or lose or how long it lasts. But they'll pay the price, believe me.
I received the picture of The Kid yesterday. I'm awfully glad it arrived safely. She looks just as pretty as ever!
Is Edward Emtage taking out a commission?
You make me laugh, when you're describing anyone in your letters ..as: "Ernie Hoad, George Hoad's son, and Eustice Shilston, Daisy's brother"…I haven't forgotten them, yet. I didn't know that Ernie was killed. I saw him, last, in Montreal. I had a letter last week from Miss Waith. She shoots an awfully good line about the brave Canadians. There' no doubt about it, though, that they are the best fighters on the Western Front.
Well, I'll have to quit now and get on my job. Am stable orderly today = cleaning out stables and making up the feed.
Write soon again, and if you don't hear between long intervals, always remember, that with a soldier …"no news is good news". If I ever have to write you that I have been wounded or killed, remember that before my letter arrives you will have received a telegram.
Lots of love for Papa, Aunt Laura, Mamma and self
From your affectionate brother,
Bertie
PS Bill Baillie is still as healthy as ever and in case the latter should happen, he'll write you
Collection of postcards from the Lawrence Earl Johns collection depict some of the material that Canadian soldiers would send home while at rest camp.
Diary
May 24. Action at Roclincourt Wagon lines at Anjin. Play lots of tennis and cricket.
June...Shell lands in wagon lines a few minutes after I left for guns, killed G.B. Williams wounded Murray. Gamble brothers Bill Browney.
May 24. Action at Roclincourt Wagon lines at Anjin. Play lots of tennis and cricket.
June...Shell lands in wagon lines a few minutes after I left for guns, killed G.B. Williams wounded Murray. Gamble brothers Bill Browney.
Barrage - Library & Archives Canada
France
June 17, 1918
My Dear Carl,
Thanks ever so much for your letters of may 4th and 7th. I certainly like to receive letters from you about how we should bring the unspeakable Hun to his knees. I always read out those vicious paragraphs to the boys, and they, like myself, only wish you were 10 years younger; there'd be one more man on his track I guess Murrill ought to be pretty soon, called up, won't he?
I am as bitter against conscripts as you are against Germans. I'd soon kill with my own hand, a man who is made to fight for his country, after 3 1/2 years of war, than any German, including the Kaiser, as much as I'd like to get his wrist watch, as a souvenir.
I'd like you to come over here, just for one night to see the illuminations. It's a regular Nov. 5th every night on the battle front. (Note: Nov. 5th is Guy Fawke's Day. It is celebrated with fire works in Britain to commemorate the 1605 AD attempt to destroy Parliament, using gunpowder)
Star shells, flare lights, ( which keep no man's land lit up), rockets, search lights, and S.O.S. signals of all the colours of the rainbow. It's a very pretty sight when there's a raid on. (note the bombardment at the Arras front)
The artillery, of all sizes, open up together at a certain hour, nearly always at night, and Fritz sends up signals of all colours for his artillery to open up. With these and the flashes of the shells as they burst, the front line is just one blaze of fire. The attacking side is ranging, of course, on the enemy support trenches to prevent them from coming up and the defenders on no man's land, to prevent the enemy from coming over. It's entirely a night war. From dark 'til dawn, it's one continual pounding . The Heavies, especially, are at counter - battery work.
The observation balloons do great work in spotting the positions of the enemy guns. They stay up all day. At present, I can see eleven of ours. And can see German balloons. Through his glasses, the observer can see ten miles on any side of him. They are about 4 miles in the rear of the front line and are very often attacked by enemy planes.
I saw a German plane sail over, about 2 months ago, and set five of our balloons on fire within 5 minutes. Just planed from one to another, passing each by about 25 yards and in about 10 seconds, you'd see it in a blaze. The observers jumped in their parachutes, except for the first one, who was too unexpectedly taken. The airman shot the observer of the 3rd balloon in mid air. ! It was a wonderful feat, and given a bit of credit, even by his enemies.
We were in Loos in the early part of the year. For the first 3 months that we were in France, we fired into Lens.
I was detailed for a working party one night in November. We went up to the front line which was on top of Hill 70. It's quite a steep incline, and it was one awful dark night, with mud that's indescribable. It was just like day, up there with all the flare lights, etc. and as we were going up through the support trenches, the enemy machine gun bullets were whizzing over our heads all the time. I soon found out that I was not cut out to be an infantryman.
On our way back he dropped about 200 gas shells around us. Then instead of standing where we were, until it was over, we moved on with our gas masks on. For once , the old saying was true, I could not see my hand in front of my face, consequently, we all got lost. She was some trip.!
If I'm a casualty at all, no matter how slight, Mamma will know within 24 hours. The casualty list is called every night to the next of kin.
I'll try to find out some information as regards the trunk and let you know. The man I left it with is a crook.
The 5th Division Sports are coming off very shortly and the boys are training hard. We have played several units at football and baseball and also at cricket. I went down to the horse lines, yesterday to play a match. Any time that any of the players are at the guns when a match is coming off, we are released for the day.
We had a lovely tennis court at the last horse lines we were in. New racquets and balls and I enjoyed some fine sets. Five or six of the boys play a good game. But the army boots are ruinous for tennis courts.
I got on the good side of the Quarter Master Sgt. And he got me a new pair of breeches, tunic, puttees and cap. All swanked up. The only thing I need now to complete it is, a 14 day pass to Blighty or Paris. I see no signs of getting leave this year.
Have been digging gun pits all day and its bitterly hot, but the nights are awfully cold. We do a guard of 2 1/2 hours every night per man, in case the Hun should come over. In winter we always built a little place and put a stove in it, making it quite comfortable for letter writing, which passed the time very quickly. We have no stove in this position, and its miserably cold, hence no letter writing.
We've lost one man killed, and eight wounded within the last 3 weeks. The 'horseshoes' we've had around us, seem to be dropping off. It was a high velocity shell, and with those, there is no time to drop. The whiz of it's approach and burst of the shell come together. With all other shells, one has about a second to 2 seconds to flop on the ground. With a little experience, you can tell by the whiz where the shell is going to land ( within 10 to 20 yards) and regulate your speed of ducking accordingly.
The limber gunner and I were the official painters of the ammunition wagons and limbers of our sub Section "B", my last trip at the horse lines and I was properly camouflaged from head to foot, with green paint. Hence the new clothes.
Now I don't want to take a chance on writing many letters like this one, so will you give it to Herbert and ask him to send it to Murrill and ask Murrill to send it home?
Write soon again, lots of love for Mabel, Piggott, and self,
From your affectionate brother,
Bertie
PS Received letters from Herbert and B'dos yesterday.
June 17, 1918
My Dear Carl,
Thanks ever so much for your letters of may 4th and 7th. I certainly like to receive letters from you about how we should bring the unspeakable Hun to his knees. I always read out those vicious paragraphs to the boys, and they, like myself, only wish you were 10 years younger; there'd be one more man on his track I guess Murrill ought to be pretty soon, called up, won't he?
I am as bitter against conscripts as you are against Germans. I'd soon kill with my own hand, a man who is made to fight for his country, after 3 1/2 years of war, than any German, including the Kaiser, as much as I'd like to get his wrist watch, as a souvenir.
I'd like you to come over here, just for one night to see the illuminations. It's a regular Nov. 5th every night on the battle front. (Note: Nov. 5th is Guy Fawke's Day. It is celebrated with fire works in Britain to commemorate the 1605 AD attempt to destroy Parliament, using gunpowder)
Star shells, flare lights, ( which keep no man's land lit up), rockets, search lights, and S.O.S. signals of all the colours of the rainbow. It's a very pretty sight when there's a raid on. (note the bombardment at the Arras front)
The artillery, of all sizes, open up together at a certain hour, nearly always at night, and Fritz sends up signals of all colours for his artillery to open up. With these and the flashes of the shells as they burst, the front line is just one blaze of fire. The attacking side is ranging, of course, on the enemy support trenches to prevent them from coming up and the defenders on no man's land, to prevent the enemy from coming over. It's entirely a night war. From dark 'til dawn, it's one continual pounding . The Heavies, especially, are at counter - battery work.
The observation balloons do great work in spotting the positions of the enemy guns. They stay up all day. At present, I can see eleven of ours. And can see German balloons. Through his glasses, the observer can see ten miles on any side of him. They are about 4 miles in the rear of the front line and are very often attacked by enemy planes.
I saw a German plane sail over, about 2 months ago, and set five of our balloons on fire within 5 minutes. Just planed from one to another, passing each by about 25 yards and in about 10 seconds, you'd see it in a blaze. The observers jumped in their parachutes, except for the first one, who was too unexpectedly taken. The airman shot the observer of the 3rd balloon in mid air. ! It was a wonderful feat, and given a bit of credit, even by his enemies.
We were in Loos in the early part of the year. For the first 3 months that we were in France, we fired into Lens.
I was detailed for a working party one night in November. We went up to the front line which was on top of Hill 70. It's quite a steep incline, and it was one awful dark night, with mud that's indescribable. It was just like day, up there with all the flare lights, etc. and as we were going up through the support trenches, the enemy machine gun bullets were whizzing over our heads all the time. I soon found out that I was not cut out to be an infantryman.
On our way back he dropped about 200 gas shells around us. Then instead of standing where we were, until it was over, we moved on with our gas masks on. For once , the old saying was true, I could not see my hand in front of my face, consequently, we all got lost. She was some trip.!
If I'm a casualty at all, no matter how slight, Mamma will know within 24 hours. The casualty list is called every night to the next of kin.
I'll try to find out some information as regards the trunk and let you know. The man I left it with is a crook.
The 5th Division Sports are coming off very shortly and the boys are training hard. We have played several units at football and baseball and also at cricket. I went down to the horse lines, yesterday to play a match. Any time that any of the players are at the guns when a match is coming off, we are released for the day.
We had a lovely tennis court at the last horse lines we were in. New racquets and balls and I enjoyed some fine sets. Five or six of the boys play a good game. But the army boots are ruinous for tennis courts.
I got on the good side of the Quarter Master Sgt. And he got me a new pair of breeches, tunic, puttees and cap. All swanked up. The only thing I need now to complete it is, a 14 day pass to Blighty or Paris. I see no signs of getting leave this year.
Have been digging gun pits all day and its bitterly hot, but the nights are awfully cold. We do a guard of 2 1/2 hours every night per man, in case the Hun should come over. In winter we always built a little place and put a stove in it, making it quite comfortable for letter writing, which passed the time very quickly. We have no stove in this position, and its miserably cold, hence no letter writing.
We've lost one man killed, and eight wounded within the last 3 weeks. The 'horseshoes' we've had around us, seem to be dropping off. It was a high velocity shell, and with those, there is no time to drop. The whiz of it's approach and burst of the shell come together. With all other shells, one has about a second to 2 seconds to flop on the ground. With a little experience, you can tell by the whiz where the shell is going to land ( within 10 to 20 yards) and regulate your speed of ducking accordingly.
The limber gunner and I were the official painters of the ammunition wagons and limbers of our sub Section "B", my last trip at the horse lines and I was properly camouflaged from head to foot, with green paint. Hence the new clothes.
Now I don't want to take a chance on writing many letters like this one, so will you give it to Herbert and ask him to send it to Murrill and ask Murrill to send it home?
Write soon again, lots of love for Mabel, Piggott, and self,
From your affectionate brother,
Bertie
PS Received letters from Herbert and B'dos yesterday.
Diary
June...Wagon lines at Lewis Raid pulled off in field in railroad cutting. No. 2 gun sniping in cutting. Most terrific enemy bombardment of war experienced.
June 30. Entrained at Obiguy for Amiens. Detrained Salieux, marched to Cagney. Horse lines bombed.
June...Wagon lines at Lewis Raid pulled off in field in railroad cutting. No. 2 gun sniping in cutting. Most terrific enemy bombardment of war experienced.
June 30. Entrained at Obiguy for Amiens. Detrained Salieux, marched to Cagney. Horse lines bombed.
British Army hospital
Envelope addressed to:
Mrs. Jack Badley
c/o Herbert and Coy
Barbadoes, British West Indies
France
July 1, 1918
My Dear Leila,
I can't remember whether this is a holiday in Barbdoes - Dominion Day. A year ago today we were fighting the big battle of "Petworth" ( the day, you remember, I went to Arundel Castle and Worthing).
Today it's a very different scene. I'm in a tent at the horse lines, with about 50 other fellows of the Battery, all laid up with the Spanish Fever. It's very much like influenza and seems to be going all through the troops. 50 % of the French and German armies are in the same state. It's all over England, too. Several schools were closed last week. Unfortunately, it only lasts a few days, so one can't make Blighty on it.
July 4th…this has been declared a holiday throughout France, in honour of America, so we'll probably get the 1/2 day. I'm Battery runner, today, and have just got back from a trip to the guns. Left here at 8:45 AM and was back at 10:45 am, on horseback, you know. It's very quiet, up the line, today. There was nothing dropping near the Battery.
I am feeling quite fit again, and most of the boys are getting better. I was talking to Bill Baillie, Hewit, Mc Callum and Alex Mc Kennan at the guns this morning. They told me that my old friend, Gladys Bellman is engaged or married. She knew all the 'Commerce' boys.
Thank Ina for her letter of May 31st, received on June 26th. About the fastest one yet. Also many thanks for Jack's and yours received when I was at the guns. I often hear one of the boys say "does your sister say anything more about the SOLDIERS, now?"
I wish I could lecture you for about an hour on modern warfare, as I know you don't quite understand much about it. What you think it is and what it really is, is as different as the North from the South. But I'll tell you about it some day and the pleasure will be all mine.
It must be very nice to have a piano in your home, some class, eh? I suppose 5 or 6 years from now, the kids will be tearing everything to pieces. Don't forget, boys are needed for the next war! So you don't think that there will be enough men left to fight by March 25th, 1921 ? There are enough men, on both sides, left to carry on this war for 20 years, killing them at the same rate that there've been killed at, today. Do you know that Germany has more men right now in uniform than Great Britain?
In answer to a question : Stand To = prepare for action. Very different from Stand Down = cease firing .
Did you mean to take shelter from the enemies shells? There is no such order, It's just a natural feeling!!
We are still having nice weather. Tell Jack I'll write him soon. Lots of love for all at Ellerslie and selves from your affectionate brother,
Berti
Mrs. Jack Badley
c/o Herbert and Coy
Barbadoes, British West Indies
France
July 1, 1918
My Dear Leila,
I can't remember whether this is a holiday in Barbdoes - Dominion Day. A year ago today we were fighting the big battle of "Petworth" ( the day, you remember, I went to Arundel Castle and Worthing).
Today it's a very different scene. I'm in a tent at the horse lines, with about 50 other fellows of the Battery, all laid up with the Spanish Fever. It's very much like influenza and seems to be going all through the troops. 50 % of the French and German armies are in the same state. It's all over England, too. Several schools were closed last week. Unfortunately, it only lasts a few days, so one can't make Blighty on it.
July 4th…this has been declared a holiday throughout France, in honour of America, so we'll probably get the 1/2 day. I'm Battery runner, today, and have just got back from a trip to the guns. Left here at 8:45 AM and was back at 10:45 am, on horseback, you know. It's very quiet, up the line, today. There was nothing dropping near the Battery.
I am feeling quite fit again, and most of the boys are getting better. I was talking to Bill Baillie, Hewit, Mc Callum and Alex Mc Kennan at the guns this morning. They told me that my old friend, Gladys Bellman is engaged or married. She knew all the 'Commerce' boys.
Thank Ina for her letter of May 31st, received on June 26th. About the fastest one yet. Also many thanks for Jack's and yours received when I was at the guns. I often hear one of the boys say "does your sister say anything more about the SOLDIERS, now?"
I wish I could lecture you for about an hour on modern warfare, as I know you don't quite understand much about it. What you think it is and what it really is, is as different as the North from the South. But I'll tell you about it some day and the pleasure will be all mine.
It must be very nice to have a piano in your home, some class, eh? I suppose 5 or 6 years from now, the kids will be tearing everything to pieces. Don't forget, boys are needed for the next war! So you don't think that there will be enough men left to fight by March 25th, 1921 ? There are enough men, on both sides, left to carry on this war for 20 years, killing them at the same rate that there've been killed at, today. Do you know that Germany has more men right now in uniform than Great Britain?
In answer to a question : Stand To = prepare for action. Very different from Stand Down = cease firing .
Did you mean to take shelter from the enemies shells? There is no such order, It's just a natural feeling!!
We are still having nice weather. Tell Jack I'll write him soon. Lots of love for all at Ellerslie and selves from your affectionate brother,
Berti
A British 18 pounder field gun in action near St. Leger-aux-Bois, 5 August 1916
France
July 9, 1918
My Dear Carl,
Just finished stables yesterday when some body handed me your letter with Mabel's enclosed. I knew at once that an amusing time was in store.
I look forward to your letters more than anything with those desperate phrases and expressions and ideas of the war, which are so totally different to mine. The press is really doing it's work nobly; it has you, like everyone else properly fooled.
Blues, nothing, man…I never have the blues, nor am I a pessimist. I'm looking at it from the broad view and you are crazy if you think that Germany can't hold out on account of not having enough men, because she has more men on the Western Front, today, than the Allies have.
If it were a question of money and men this war would last for 20 years. I don't want you to imagine for a minute that I think we are going to lose in the end, because we're not; at least not until every man on this side is killed. But we can only win on points. It's not going to be a knock out, as you are persuaded it will be.
Berlin will never be ' marched through' by our soldiers, man. It's a 20th Century War, not "William the Conqueror versus Harold at Hastings."
As John Bull says " We are bound to win this war, because we've tried our damdest for 4 years to lose it".
We want a few Hindenburgs and Ludendorfs on this side to run things Our men are all right, but we fall down in our generalship. What we want are beaucoup bombing planes to bomb their cities and then armies and everything else. Then, Good Night Germany.
Say, is it very Hot in NY?…must be the heat that's effecting you. .When is the time for ripening? For Heaven's sake make it snappy , if that's the way you feel about it.
I've been down at the horse lines for 2 weeks and we change crews today. We've just had an inspection of horses, harness and vehicles this morning and I'm writing this out in an open field, on a tree stump with the wind blowing about 40 miles per, while I watch the team graze. Am playing in a cricket match today against 'the heavies' ( heavy artillery). Will then parte' tout suite to the canons tonight.
I think I've already told you that our gun No.2 is in the sniping position. We are forward of the other 5 guns by about 2,000 yards. He never shells the Battery, but just pours them around our gun. He has had 2 direct hits on it (them), but has never got a man.
Did you receive the last long epistle I wrote about 3 weeks ago? Thank Mabel ever so much for her letter and will write her next time. Do write again soon, yourself. Laughing is good for the morale of the troops, you know.
Well, must close. It's time to take the old nags in. Lots of love for Mabel, Piggott and self from your affectionate brother,
Bertie
July 9, 1918
My Dear Carl,
Just finished stables yesterday when some body handed me your letter with Mabel's enclosed. I knew at once that an amusing time was in store.
I look forward to your letters more than anything with those desperate phrases and expressions and ideas of the war, which are so totally different to mine. The press is really doing it's work nobly; it has you, like everyone else properly fooled.
Blues, nothing, man…I never have the blues, nor am I a pessimist. I'm looking at it from the broad view and you are crazy if you think that Germany can't hold out on account of not having enough men, because she has more men on the Western Front, today, than the Allies have.
If it were a question of money and men this war would last for 20 years. I don't want you to imagine for a minute that I think we are going to lose in the end, because we're not; at least not until every man on this side is killed. But we can only win on points. It's not going to be a knock out, as you are persuaded it will be.
Berlin will never be ' marched through' by our soldiers, man. It's a 20th Century War, not "William the Conqueror versus Harold at Hastings."
As John Bull says " We are bound to win this war, because we've tried our damdest for 4 years to lose it".
We want a few Hindenburgs and Ludendorfs on this side to run things Our men are all right, but we fall down in our generalship. What we want are beaucoup bombing planes to bomb their cities and then armies and everything else. Then, Good Night Germany.
Say, is it very Hot in NY?…must be the heat that's effecting you. .When is the time for ripening? For Heaven's sake make it snappy , if that's the way you feel about it.
I've been down at the horse lines for 2 weeks and we change crews today. We've just had an inspection of horses, harness and vehicles this morning and I'm writing this out in an open field, on a tree stump with the wind blowing about 40 miles per, while I watch the team graze. Am playing in a cricket match today against 'the heavies' ( heavy artillery). Will then parte' tout suite to the canons tonight.
I think I've already told you that our gun No.2 is in the sniping position. We are forward of the other 5 guns by about 2,000 yards. He never shells the Battery, but just pours them around our gun. He has had 2 direct hits on it (them), but has never got a man.
Did you receive the last long epistle I wrote about 3 weeks ago? Thank Mabel ever so much for her letter and will write her next time. Do write again soon, yourself. Laughing is good for the morale of the troops, you know.
Well, must close. It's time to take the old nags in. Lots of love for Mabel, Piggott and self from your affectionate brother,
Bertie
|
|
Diary
August 3. Detailed as loader for 1st trip to new position near Villiers Bretonneaux. 10 teams with ammunition cut off from main body and lost. Got badly shelled. Finally found position at 2 am.
August 5. Packing more ammunition working on gun pit, and digging fox holes, shells all night. Return wagon lines at 7 am.
Auguat 7. Front very quiet. Work all night preparing for the big show.
August 8. Greatest bombardment of the war opens up at 4:20 am. Very misty. Finest picture ever before my eyes. Enemy out of range at 8 am. Went up at noon to front line. (of morning) Terrible site. Rest of day spent in checking over prisoners.
6 pm. Move to Stanguard Wood.
August 9. On piquit at night. Bright moonlight. Enemy bombs all around. Beckman accidently wounds himself.
August 10. March to field of Assembly. Great aerial activity. Major Ringword killed in village of Rouvroy while making reconnaissance. Action in field to right Thoray.
Aust 11. Am one of 8 to go out to find and bring in the Major's body. Great difficulty. Enemy shells heavily. Very hot weather.
August 17. Action in field with trench, forward of Rouvroy 18 guns in line. Wagon lines at Beaufort.
August 21. March back to Hanguard Wood.
August 22. Entrain at Salieux for Aubigny. (London)
August 25. Rains heavily all evening. Leave field at 10 pm. March through Arres.
August 26. And stay in position of readiness as "Opportunity Battery." Very cold. Battle opens up at 3 am while on line of march. Action at Orange Hill at 8 am. Fired 2,500 rounds of ammunition. Biggest days shoot of war.
August 29. Action in cutting. No. 3 gun knocked out.
August 3. Detailed as loader for 1st trip to new position near Villiers Bretonneaux. 10 teams with ammunition cut off from main body and lost. Got badly shelled. Finally found position at 2 am.
August 5. Packing more ammunition working on gun pit, and digging fox holes, shells all night. Return wagon lines at 7 am.
Auguat 7. Front very quiet. Work all night preparing for the big show.
August 8. Greatest bombardment of the war opens up at 4:20 am. Very misty. Finest picture ever before my eyes. Enemy out of range at 8 am. Went up at noon to front line. (of morning) Terrible site. Rest of day spent in checking over prisoners.
6 pm. Move to Stanguard Wood.
August 9. On piquit at night. Bright moonlight. Enemy bombs all around. Beckman accidently wounds himself.
August 10. March to field of Assembly. Great aerial activity. Major Ringword killed in village of Rouvroy while making reconnaissance. Action in field to right Thoray.
Aust 11. Am one of 8 to go out to find and bring in the Major's body. Great difficulty. Enemy shells heavily. Very hot weather.
August 17. Action in field with trench, forward of Rouvroy 18 guns in line. Wagon lines at Beaufort.
August 21. March back to Hanguard Wood.
August 22. Entrain at Salieux for Aubigny. (London)
August 25. Rains heavily all evening. Leave field at 10 pm. March through Arres.
August 26. And stay in position of readiness as "Opportunity Battery." Very cold. Battle opens up at 3 am while on line of march. Action at Orange Hill at 8 am. Fired 2,500 rounds of ammunition. Biggest days shoot of war.
August 29. Action in cutting. No. 3 gun knocked out.
German prisoners
France
August 13, 1918
My Dear Carl, Herbert, Murrill,
I'd give anything to see a New York paper of this date to read the headlines, I'll bet that there's no less than three inch type being used. I'd like to be able to tell you all about the details, but will do my best to explain the main points.
For four nights before the 8th we worked from dark to dawn preparing our position. It rained quite a lot at this time, and the heavy mud made a good silencer for the traffic on the roads . The battle opened up at 4:20 AM the morning of the 8th of August under a heavy mist which lasted until 10:00 AM. It was the sort of ideal morning for a battle which one seldom sees.
Every gun shot together and the thing was off. I never heard anything like it in my life, neither has anyone else, as it was about the biggest show that has ever been staged on the Western Front. Several times I could not hear my own gun fire, and for half the series, I laid and fired the gun myself. After 3 hours, I was practically deaf. We fired our first shot at 4:20 AM at 800 yards and in three hours, the enemy was out of our range ( 6,500 yds).
Within ten minutes of the start, the tanks, by the hundreds, and cavalry, by the thousands, were passing our guns. It made an awful pretty picture to see the tanks and cavalry looming up in the mist, over the crest, just about dawn. The field guns began to pass us at a gallop, too, not to mention the infantry by the hundreds of thousands.
By 5 AM, the prisoners began to go by and this procession continued all day. The thing that struck me as being most funny, was, the way the prisoners would dangle right along by themselves, no escort, to the prison cage about a mile away. If there were 30 or 40 together, they would have an escort, but they mostly passed in twos or threes, all alone or four would carry one of our wounded on a stretcher. We spent considerable part of the day checking them over; getting souvenirs and talking to those who could speak English. They nearly cleaned us out of cigarettes and emptied our water bottles.
They all seemed tickled to death to be taken prisoners. They said the attack was a complete surprise. They were used all day, as stretcher bearers. The Major brought up some of them, to watch us fire our guns. Must have given them an awful feeling to think those shells were going over to kill their own flesh and blood.
The wounded Canadians, Imperials, Australians, Americans, and Germans just streamed by all day. The Infantry said the barrage was perfect. Every gun lifting together. I forgot to mention that the flashes of the guns for miles back, figured conspicuously, in the picture described above.
About noon, I took a walk up to the front lines of the night before, and it was a terrible sight of dead and wounded. The Red Cross men were then taking them away. Only one enemy plane came over our lines that day and he didn't get back. I saw a Hun plane brought down yesterday, and I went over to see it. It was smashed into small strands and the airman was in a pulp among the pieces.
We followed up the advance right along, so the gun pit, I am writing this in now, probably had a Fritz gun in it last week. It is hard work, but it is great fun to have them, for once, on the run. We are not allowed to use any light after dark on account of the enemy planes are quite busy with bombs.
On the first day, we had one Officer and one man wounded. The second day ..one man wounded and on the third, we lost our leader, Major Ringwood, while making his reconnaissance for our present position. He's the man we need at this moment, more than at any other time. He knew his own and every other artilleryman's job perfectly and was never stuck. He was the instructor at Kingstown, Ont. for ten years and has trained over 50% of the Canadian Artillery officers in France.
His horse's head was blown off, but he had only one wound, right through the heart. His body was left in a trench over night and the next day, I volunteered with 7 others to bring it in. We looked for hours, before we found it, but finally did so, near the front lines. The Hun was strafing us furiously and several times I thought we would need more than one stretcher. We had to carry him two miles and he weighed 225 pounds…no easy job.
The troops have been held up on cigarettes, something awful, since the push started, because, of course, the canteens could not advance as fast as we did. Yesterday the YMCA got a stock in, quite close to our guns and believe me, it is like finding a gold mine. The weather is ideal and the health of the troops, like my own, is in the pink of condition. If there are any points that you do not understand, write and ask me and I will do my best to explain if I can.
Write soon, will send the next "Circular" to Murrill.
Lots of Love to the wives and kids and selves, from your affectionate brother,
Bertie
August 13, 1918
My Dear Carl, Herbert, Murrill,
I'd give anything to see a New York paper of this date to read the headlines, I'll bet that there's no less than three inch type being used. I'd like to be able to tell you all about the details, but will do my best to explain the main points.
For four nights before the 8th we worked from dark to dawn preparing our position. It rained quite a lot at this time, and the heavy mud made a good silencer for the traffic on the roads . The battle opened up at 4:20 AM the morning of the 8th of August under a heavy mist which lasted until 10:00 AM. It was the sort of ideal morning for a battle which one seldom sees.
Every gun shot together and the thing was off. I never heard anything like it in my life, neither has anyone else, as it was about the biggest show that has ever been staged on the Western Front. Several times I could not hear my own gun fire, and for half the series, I laid and fired the gun myself. After 3 hours, I was practically deaf. We fired our first shot at 4:20 AM at 800 yards and in three hours, the enemy was out of our range ( 6,500 yds).
Within ten minutes of the start, the tanks, by the hundreds, and cavalry, by the thousands, were passing our guns. It made an awful pretty picture to see the tanks and cavalry looming up in the mist, over the crest, just about dawn. The field guns began to pass us at a gallop, too, not to mention the infantry by the hundreds of thousands.
By 5 AM, the prisoners began to go by and this procession continued all day. The thing that struck me as being most funny, was, the way the prisoners would dangle right along by themselves, no escort, to the prison cage about a mile away. If there were 30 or 40 together, they would have an escort, but they mostly passed in twos or threes, all alone or four would carry one of our wounded on a stretcher. We spent considerable part of the day checking them over; getting souvenirs and talking to those who could speak English. They nearly cleaned us out of cigarettes and emptied our water bottles.
They all seemed tickled to death to be taken prisoners. They said the attack was a complete surprise. They were used all day, as stretcher bearers. The Major brought up some of them, to watch us fire our guns. Must have given them an awful feeling to think those shells were going over to kill their own flesh and blood.
The wounded Canadians, Imperials, Australians, Americans, and Germans just streamed by all day. The Infantry said the barrage was perfect. Every gun lifting together. I forgot to mention that the flashes of the guns for miles back, figured conspicuously, in the picture described above.
About noon, I took a walk up to the front lines of the night before, and it was a terrible sight of dead and wounded. The Red Cross men were then taking them away. Only one enemy plane came over our lines that day and he didn't get back. I saw a Hun plane brought down yesterday, and I went over to see it. It was smashed into small strands and the airman was in a pulp among the pieces.
We followed up the advance right along, so the gun pit, I am writing this in now, probably had a Fritz gun in it last week. It is hard work, but it is great fun to have them, for once, on the run. We are not allowed to use any light after dark on account of the enemy planes are quite busy with bombs.
On the first day, we had one Officer and one man wounded. The second day ..one man wounded and on the third, we lost our leader, Major Ringwood, while making his reconnaissance for our present position. He's the man we need at this moment, more than at any other time. He knew his own and every other artilleryman's job perfectly and was never stuck. He was the instructor at Kingstown, Ont. for ten years and has trained over 50% of the Canadian Artillery officers in France.
His horse's head was blown off, but he had only one wound, right through the heart. His body was left in a trench over night and the next day, I volunteered with 7 others to bring it in. We looked for hours, before we found it, but finally did so, near the front lines. The Hun was strafing us furiously and several times I thought we would need more than one stretcher. We had to carry him two miles and he weighed 225 pounds…no easy job.
The troops have been held up on cigarettes, something awful, since the push started, because, of course, the canteens could not advance as fast as we did. Yesterday the YMCA got a stock in, quite close to our guns and believe me, it is like finding a gold mine. The weather is ideal and the health of the troops, like my own, is in the pink of condition. If there are any points that you do not understand, write and ask me and I will do my best to explain if I can.
Write soon, will send the next "Circular" to Murrill.
Lots of Love to the wives and kids and selves, from your affectionate brother,
Bertie
British 18 pounder gun crew in action
France
August 29th 1918
My dear Murrill, Herbert, and Carl,
I've just got back from a great trip……souvenir hunting in the country that belonged to the Hun, a few days ago. It's great sport, going through his dug outs etc. etc. There's all kinds of stuff, but of course, the Infantry grab the best of it and they are always there ahead of us.
I went into one of his dug outs, today, quite close to his original front line, about 50 ft. deep, fitted up as a forward dressing station. Bundles of bandages and dope to put in wounds etc. etc. All kinds of medical apparatus. Everything all along the trenches and dug outs is left just as it was when they heard the enemy coming.
Am quite a distance away from the place, I wrote my last letter. We were rushed down here on short notice, to take part in another big offensive, which started at 3:00 AM on August 26th. It was carried out on the same principle as the battle of Aug. 8th ( 3rd. battle of the Somme), only this time the weather wasn't quite as good.
Not bad enough to interfere with the advance, but kept drizzling all the time we were in action, which, of course, was in an open field. We didn't get any sleep for 3 nights, so at every opportunity, we'd flop on the ground, and rain or no rain, we were soon asleep. Terribly cold nights too, but none of us are any the worse for it. The days are very warm, but the nights never warm up.
I very often go around without even a shirt on during the day, but have to wear a sweater, tunic and overcoat on guard at night. One thing about it, the lice haven't got a chance, these days, to bother us. There's no lying on the ground, rolling and tossing and scratching one's skin off. I'm asleep just as soon as I get under the blanket.
The Canadians have suffered terrible losses during the last 3 days. Some companies have fought to the last man, but we have taken all our objectives.
The Allies are certainly punching the enemy heavily, all along the Western Front. The news of the past month should be very encouraging to the people at home. The morale of the German troops must be very bad at the present time. The Infantry coming back from the line, tell us that they have never seen them give themselves up, as they have done lately. They throw their hands up and dance with joy . They are falling back so fast in front of us, here, that we have to take up new positions about every other day, or they are out of our range.
Our new Major observed and controlled the fire of the Battery from the O.P. on the first day and he said it was the best shoot he had seen since he had been in France, and he has been over here, for 3 years. Gives him a good impression of the new bunch he has at his command.
Please send this on to the others in NY. Haven't heard from Ella or self for a long time. Had letters from home a few days ago Write soon and love for Ella and the Kids, from your affectionate brother,
Bertie.
PS August 30th…Still Going Strong!
August 29th 1918
My dear Murrill, Herbert, and Carl,
I've just got back from a great trip……souvenir hunting in the country that belonged to the Hun, a few days ago. It's great sport, going through his dug outs etc. etc. There's all kinds of stuff, but of course, the Infantry grab the best of it and they are always there ahead of us.
I went into one of his dug outs, today, quite close to his original front line, about 50 ft. deep, fitted up as a forward dressing station. Bundles of bandages and dope to put in wounds etc. etc. All kinds of medical apparatus. Everything all along the trenches and dug outs is left just as it was when they heard the enemy coming.
Am quite a distance away from the place, I wrote my last letter. We were rushed down here on short notice, to take part in another big offensive, which started at 3:00 AM on August 26th. It was carried out on the same principle as the battle of Aug. 8th ( 3rd. battle of the Somme), only this time the weather wasn't quite as good.
Not bad enough to interfere with the advance, but kept drizzling all the time we were in action, which, of course, was in an open field. We didn't get any sleep for 3 nights, so at every opportunity, we'd flop on the ground, and rain or no rain, we were soon asleep. Terribly cold nights too, but none of us are any the worse for it. The days are very warm, but the nights never warm up.
I very often go around without even a shirt on during the day, but have to wear a sweater, tunic and overcoat on guard at night. One thing about it, the lice haven't got a chance, these days, to bother us. There's no lying on the ground, rolling and tossing and scratching one's skin off. I'm asleep just as soon as I get under the blanket.
The Canadians have suffered terrible losses during the last 3 days. Some companies have fought to the last man, but we have taken all our objectives.
The Allies are certainly punching the enemy heavily, all along the Western Front. The news of the past month should be very encouraging to the people at home. The morale of the German troops must be very bad at the present time. The Infantry coming back from the line, tell us that they have never seen them give themselves up, as they have done lately. They throw their hands up and dance with joy . They are falling back so fast in front of us, here, that we have to take up new positions about every other day, or they are out of our range.
Our new Major observed and controlled the fire of the Battery from the O.P. on the first day and he said it was the best shoot he had seen since he had been in France, and he has been over here, for 3 years. Gives him a good impression of the new bunch he has at his command.
Please send this on to the others in NY. Haven't heard from Ella or self for a long time. Had letters from home a few days ago Write soon and love for Ella and the Kids, from your affectionate brother,
Bertie.
PS August 30th…Still Going Strong!
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Diary
September 2. Action near Jigsaw wood to left of Boux Notre Dame. Attack for Drvcourt - Quaint line opens up at 5 am. Move forward at 8 am over battlefield of many dead and wounded to position at Dury. Witness many aerial fights. German airmen jumps from burning plane at height of 5,000 feet. Enemy shells us all day Sam and I sleep in cubby hole together. An unpleasant night of gas. Enemy fighting. rear guard action many dead lying in field all around.
September 7. No. 2 gun knocked out. Crew return to wagon lines at Vis-en-Artois. Left section in action in Sandemount.
September 17. Enemy shell lands in wagon lines at Vis-en-Artois causing greatest one-day's casualties on Battery. Killed: Bob Hunter, Hill and Tribe die of wounds, 12 others wounded, 17 horses killed. Wagon lines move to Wancourt. I remain as guard all night. Dismal sight.
September 21. Move to Reincourt.
September 22. Move to Cagnicourt. Detailed as loader with pack horses to position at Inchy. Return to wagon lines with salvaged horse after 1st trip. Enemy shells heavily.
September 26. Work on gun pit all night.
September 27. Battle of Cambrai opens up at 5:20 am. Enemy promply retaliates heavily on our positions. Cross canal du Nord at noon and take up position in field. Move to position in field to left Bourlon Village at midnight.
September 29. Take up position in field in front of Bourlon wood at 4 am. 5 pm. Move to position at Raillencourt. Dig in at side of wall. Enemy shell kills Luuts, Jones and Steer. And wounds Major Armour and Luut Thompson while sleeping. We live in burned out cellars in perfect luxury with a stove.
October 7. Take up position in Epigny in field left of Raillen court.
October 9. Return to wagon lines in Bourlon. Cambrai taken.
October 11. Position in Blecourt.
October 12. Position in Eswars.
October 13. Guns horse lines at Tilloy.
October 14. Wagon lines at Ramilles. Bud Edwards and I go back near Arras for canteen supply.
October 19. Enemy evacuating so rapidly, he is lost and we stay for our night in field Marquette.
October 20. Spend rainy dad at Rouelx and move in evening to Escoudain.
October 21. Take up gun positions and also wagon lines at Haveluy.
October 29. Move wagon lines in rear of slag heap, but are shelled and return immediately to Haveluy.
September 2. Action near Jigsaw wood to left of Boux Notre Dame. Attack for Drvcourt - Quaint line opens up at 5 am. Move forward at 8 am over battlefield of many dead and wounded to position at Dury. Witness many aerial fights. German airmen jumps from burning plane at height of 5,000 feet. Enemy shells us all day Sam and I sleep in cubby hole together. An unpleasant night of gas. Enemy fighting. rear guard action many dead lying in field all around.
September 7. No. 2 gun knocked out. Crew return to wagon lines at Vis-en-Artois. Left section in action in Sandemount.
September 17. Enemy shell lands in wagon lines at Vis-en-Artois causing greatest one-day's casualties on Battery. Killed: Bob Hunter, Hill and Tribe die of wounds, 12 others wounded, 17 horses killed. Wagon lines move to Wancourt. I remain as guard all night. Dismal sight.
September 21. Move to Reincourt.
September 22. Move to Cagnicourt. Detailed as loader with pack horses to position at Inchy. Return to wagon lines with salvaged horse after 1st trip. Enemy shells heavily.
September 26. Work on gun pit all night.
September 27. Battle of Cambrai opens up at 5:20 am. Enemy promply retaliates heavily on our positions. Cross canal du Nord at noon and take up position in field. Move to position in field to left Bourlon Village at midnight.
September 29. Take up position in field in front of Bourlon wood at 4 am. 5 pm. Move to position at Raillencourt. Dig in at side of wall. Enemy shell kills Luuts, Jones and Steer. And wounds Major Armour and Luut Thompson while sleeping. We live in burned out cellars in perfect luxury with a stove.
October 7. Take up position in Epigny in field left of Raillen court.
October 9. Return to wagon lines in Bourlon. Cambrai taken.
October 11. Position in Blecourt.
October 12. Position in Eswars.
October 13. Guns horse lines at Tilloy.
October 14. Wagon lines at Ramilles. Bud Edwards and I go back near Arras for canteen supply.
October 19. Enemy evacuating so rapidly, he is lost and we stay for our night in field Marquette.
October 20. Spend rainy dad at Rouelx and move in evening to Escoudain.
October 21. Take up gun positions and also wagon lines at Haveluy.
October 29. Move wagon lines in rear of slag heap, but are shelled and return immediately to Haveluy.
Cambrai
France
October 3rd, 1918
My dear Carl and Mabel,
Well, I suppose, the N.Y. papers, these days are only printing 4 words to the page. Big war news and good stuff, isn't it? I wrote Herbert all the latest news about a week ago and asked him to pass it on.
The 3rd battle I spoke of, on the 2nd of Sept. was really only a continuation of the second battle, the battle of Arras . Our 3rd big show, opened up at 5:20 AM on Sept. 27th….The battle of Cambrai. We worked hard a few nights before, preparing the position.
The Infantry say the barrage was perfect …at 4:20 AM an aeroplane dropped a flare and every gun on the Front roared together. As the barrage would lift every 4 minutes, the Infantry would advance, and they say every gun seemed to have lifted together.
The Hun retaliated heavily on our position. Shrapnel was flying past in all directions, but we were busily giving him his ration, and had no time to think about it. One piece hit me on the chest, but it was too far spent to go through. I can assure you it has been no picnic from that date to this. Constantly on the move. Digging gun pits, digging funk pits, digging holes in the ground to sleep in. Just get them finished, then another move.
The one redeeming feature about it, is we're on the advance and not the retreat. The weather, on the whole has been fairly good for the offensive, but several days we had to stand out in the open and take the rain all day, and believe me, it's bitterly cold at night and in the day, too, sometimes. He's putting up an awful tough fight for Cambrai, it's one of his biggest railway centers. The old timers say it's the hardest nut the Canadians have ever had to crack, and they always have the biggest nuts, too, as you may have noticed.
It's a recognized fact that the Canadian Corps is the best fighting force in France today, (Americans included ). In fact it has not once retreated since the war began. Some record, eh? Our new Major and another Officer were wounded and 2 Officers killed a few days ago then 2 more men wounded. The Battery's lucky star has evidently left it.
Blighty leave looked so far away that I transferred my name to the Paris leave list, which seems to be making better headway. I expect to get 14 days to Paris in November. She's some live town by all accounts from fellows, who have been.
The YMCA follows up the advance very creditably and the forward ones usually have the best stock. Only trouble is, one has to wait in the line up about 2 hours to get served.
Have enjoyed the best of health right along; never even a cold, ( looking for wood to knock), and I'm sure one week of this life, would kill any civilian. There's nothing like getting used to a thing.
Had letters from Barbadoes a few days ago. Mamma seems to be feeling a little better. The army certainly has a great mail system; no matter how many miles we move in a day, we get our mail that night just the same.
As we follow up the retreating enemy, we pass though these towns, one sees on the map, printed in fairly big letters. They are only there in name and that's all. Not a single wall standing in any of them. The very foundations pounded out of the ground. Even a city the size of Arras, where all the millionaires of France lived in peace times, a beautiful place, is just a wreck. It's not flattened , like the rest, but all the walls are full of holes.
We see lots of scraps in the air every day. Some end in his favour and some in ours. Very often see them come down in flames.
Many thanks for the clippings you sent me. Read the bottom paragraph: It's an awful lie, I was there myself. It was just a walk over. ( clipping , missing).
I was awfully glad to get your letters of Aug.11th and 20th, and am looking forward to the one you are writing about this date. It should be good!!
We get magazines of all sorts from the YMCA.
October 3rd, 1918
My dear Carl and Mabel,
Well, I suppose, the N.Y. papers, these days are only printing 4 words to the page. Big war news and good stuff, isn't it? I wrote Herbert all the latest news about a week ago and asked him to pass it on.
The 3rd battle I spoke of, on the 2nd of Sept. was really only a continuation of the second battle, the battle of Arras . Our 3rd big show, opened up at 5:20 AM on Sept. 27th….The battle of Cambrai. We worked hard a few nights before, preparing the position.
The Infantry say the barrage was perfect …at 4:20 AM an aeroplane dropped a flare and every gun on the Front roared together. As the barrage would lift every 4 minutes, the Infantry would advance, and they say every gun seemed to have lifted together.
The Hun retaliated heavily on our position. Shrapnel was flying past in all directions, but we were busily giving him his ration, and had no time to think about it. One piece hit me on the chest, but it was too far spent to go through. I can assure you it has been no picnic from that date to this. Constantly on the move. Digging gun pits, digging funk pits, digging holes in the ground to sleep in. Just get them finished, then another move.
The one redeeming feature about it, is we're on the advance and not the retreat. The weather, on the whole has been fairly good for the offensive, but several days we had to stand out in the open and take the rain all day, and believe me, it's bitterly cold at night and in the day, too, sometimes. He's putting up an awful tough fight for Cambrai, it's one of his biggest railway centers. The old timers say it's the hardest nut the Canadians have ever had to crack, and they always have the biggest nuts, too, as you may have noticed.
It's a recognized fact that the Canadian Corps is the best fighting force in France today, (Americans included ). In fact it has not once retreated since the war began. Some record, eh? Our new Major and another Officer were wounded and 2 Officers killed a few days ago then 2 more men wounded. The Battery's lucky star has evidently left it.
Blighty leave looked so far away that I transferred my name to the Paris leave list, which seems to be making better headway. I expect to get 14 days to Paris in November. She's some live town by all accounts from fellows, who have been.
The YMCA follows up the advance very creditably and the forward ones usually have the best stock. Only trouble is, one has to wait in the line up about 2 hours to get served.
Have enjoyed the best of health right along; never even a cold, ( looking for wood to knock), and I'm sure one week of this life, would kill any civilian. There's nothing like getting used to a thing.
Had letters from Barbadoes a few days ago. Mamma seems to be feeling a little better. The army certainly has a great mail system; no matter how many miles we move in a day, we get our mail that night just the same.
As we follow up the retreating enemy, we pass though these towns, one sees on the map, printed in fairly big letters. They are only there in name and that's all. Not a single wall standing in any of them. The very foundations pounded out of the ground. Even a city the size of Arras, where all the millionaires of France lived in peace times, a beautiful place, is just a wreck. It's not flattened , like the rest, but all the walls are full of holes.
We see lots of scraps in the air every day. Some end in his favour and some in ours. Very often see them come down in flames.
Many thanks for the clippings you sent me. Read the bottom paragraph: It's an awful lie, I was there myself. It was just a walk over. ( clipping , missing).
I was awfully glad to get your letters of Aug.11th and 20th, and am looking forward to the one you are writing about this date. It should be good!!
We get magazines of all sorts from the YMCA.
The Regimental Rogue
Envelope Addressed to:
Miss Ina H. Cox
Ellerslie
Black Rock, Barbadoes B.W.I.
France
October 5th 1918
My dear Ina,
I wrote Papa, I think, a short note last week, and am also posting you another letter with 30 francs. Hope you'll receive them OK.
I suppose you've read of the way in which we are smiting the Hun at present on our Western Front. If they don't cut it out, we're all soon going to be out of a job!!
The Canadians put on their 3rd big show on Sept 27th at 4:20 AM. The battle of Cambrai. (The 3rd battle, I wrote of, in my last letter, was only a continuation of the 2nd, the battle of Arras.)
It opened up with all the pep and fury of the two previous ones and soon the enemy was out of our range. He retaliated heavily on our position with his artillery and shrapnel was flying in all directions, but we were too busy giving him his ration to think about it. One piece hit me on the chest but was too far spent to go through, and believe me, it's been no picnic from that date to this. Digging gun pits, digging funk holes, digging holes to sleep in, and just as we get them finished the order comes through to move forward. The one redeeming feature about it is we're on the advance and not on the retreat.
We've certainly got him going now, and he's going to catch H--- as long as the weather keeps favorable.
We had some awful rainy cold days and have had to stand out in the open and take quite a few wettings. But have felt right 'up in the collar', through it all. In fact can't help feeling fit with the war news as it is---Bulgaria , hopelessly beaten; and since I started this letter, the news has come in that Turkey has surrendered unconditionally, too. Austria will be out of it before we get through with the fall campaign.
Keep the maps and clippings I send you and will explain them all when I get back.
There's not a wall left standing in any of these towns on the map that I last sent you. Guemappe and Wancourt ect. ect., the very foundations are pounded into the ground. This part of France is certainly a terrible wreck. Don't know how they'll start to rebuild it at all.
Have just written to Norman, Carl, and Florence Waith.
The boots I ordered from Canada have arrived; they are dandies; soft leather, very comfortable and absolutely water proof and very warm. They cost $19.00. Am enclosing the style exactly.
A few nights ago we had two of our lieutenants killed, and our new Major and another officer wounded. The shell landed right between the heads of the 2 that were killed. Of course, they never knew anything about it, as they were all asleep. I was sleeping about 30 yards from them, but did not know anything about it , until next morning.
I have letters here, from you of: July 21st, May 31st; Aug11th; June 23rd and May 19th. Will read them through and answer. If I wrote you all the slang of the army you would never understand a word I wrote. It's a language in itself. It's fierce on ones English grammar.
You're awfully hard on a family, when you want them all to die just because a husband dies, aren't you? It's a very good thing that mothers and wives can't see their sons and husbands lying out in a shell hole for days with the sun working on them . It's a ghastly looking sight at first, but doesn't fig a bit on me, now.
Remember me to Hally and Olive. I'll write them as soon as I get a chance.
Well, guess this is all the news at present. Write soon.
To give you some idea of the bombardment in the morning of Aug. 8th : there was more ammunition fired, on that one morning, than fired in the whole year of 1915!! Imagine the ROW.
Lots of love for Papa, Mamma, Leila and self, from you affectionate brother,
Bertie
Miss Ina H. Cox
Ellerslie
Black Rock, Barbadoes B.W.I.
France
October 5th 1918
My dear Ina,
I wrote Papa, I think, a short note last week, and am also posting you another letter with 30 francs. Hope you'll receive them OK.
I suppose you've read of the way in which we are smiting the Hun at present on our Western Front. If they don't cut it out, we're all soon going to be out of a job!!
The Canadians put on their 3rd big show on Sept 27th at 4:20 AM. The battle of Cambrai. (The 3rd battle, I wrote of, in my last letter, was only a continuation of the 2nd, the battle of Arras.)
It opened up with all the pep and fury of the two previous ones and soon the enemy was out of our range. He retaliated heavily on our position with his artillery and shrapnel was flying in all directions, but we were too busy giving him his ration to think about it. One piece hit me on the chest but was too far spent to go through, and believe me, it's been no picnic from that date to this. Digging gun pits, digging funk holes, digging holes to sleep in, and just as we get them finished the order comes through to move forward. The one redeeming feature about it is we're on the advance and not on the retreat.
We've certainly got him going now, and he's going to catch H--- as long as the weather keeps favorable.
We had some awful rainy cold days and have had to stand out in the open and take quite a few wettings. But have felt right 'up in the collar', through it all. In fact can't help feeling fit with the war news as it is---Bulgaria , hopelessly beaten; and since I started this letter, the news has come in that Turkey has surrendered unconditionally, too. Austria will be out of it before we get through with the fall campaign.
Keep the maps and clippings I send you and will explain them all when I get back.
There's not a wall left standing in any of these towns on the map that I last sent you. Guemappe and Wancourt ect. ect., the very foundations are pounded into the ground. This part of France is certainly a terrible wreck. Don't know how they'll start to rebuild it at all.
Have just written to Norman, Carl, and Florence Waith.
The boots I ordered from Canada have arrived; they are dandies; soft leather, very comfortable and absolutely water proof and very warm. They cost $19.00. Am enclosing the style exactly.
A few nights ago we had two of our lieutenants killed, and our new Major and another officer wounded. The shell landed right between the heads of the 2 that were killed. Of course, they never knew anything about it, as they were all asleep. I was sleeping about 30 yards from them, but did not know anything about it , until next morning.
I have letters here, from you of: July 21st, May 31st; Aug11th; June 23rd and May 19th. Will read them through and answer. If I wrote you all the slang of the army you would never understand a word I wrote. It's a language in itself. It's fierce on ones English grammar.
You're awfully hard on a family, when you want them all to die just because a husband dies, aren't you? It's a very good thing that mothers and wives can't see their sons and husbands lying out in a shell hole for days with the sun working on them . It's a ghastly looking sight at first, but doesn't fig a bit on me, now.
Remember me to Hally and Olive. I'll write them as soon as I get a chance.
Well, guess this is all the news at present. Write soon.
To give you some idea of the bombardment in the morning of Aug. 8th : there was more ammunition fired, on that one morning, than fired in the whole year of 1915!! Imagine the ROW.
Lots of love for Papa, Mamma, Leila and self, from you affectionate brother,
Bertie
France
October 15th 1918
My dearest Mamma,
Just a few lines to let you know that I am in the very prime. But, how could any body not be, in such a glorious period of history? The Hun is very cheeky at times, but we are punishing him in due fashion.
The weather is getting colder and we 're having lots of rain, which makes it sort of rotten, as we're in a different place almost every night, being in close pursuit.
Poor Bill Ballie was shelled shocked a few days ago. He had a very narrow escape, as the shell burst just a few feet from him. I was talking to him afterwards, and he was quite conscious, only shaking all over as though it were 100 degrees below zero. He has gone to the base for a few months. Another fellow, standing next to him was badly shelled shocked, bleeding from his nose and ears, and unconscious. We also had an Officer wounded the same night.
Had a letter from Moorman not long ago, from England. He had had 3 smashes, in one of which, he had broken his nose, but hopes soon to be dropping bombs on the enemy towns.
Received a lovely box of candy and cake from one of our fellows on leave in England, today. Awfully decent of him when he is having such a good time.
With the war as it is today, I figure this will be our last leave, and as I certainly want to see Paris, I've transferred my name from the Blighty to the Paris leave list. Should get away, about Nov.15th for 14 days. Intend to go also to Nice on the Mediterranean; Rouen, and Marseilles. The boys are coming back with glowing accounts of Paris and Nice.
Had a long letter from Carl yesterday, in answer to mine, written after our first battle of Aug. 8th. I had to laugh when he said he had had it copied and sent to Aunt Laura, to forward to you. It was practically word for word with yours. He's full of war, isn't he? It's a terrible shame that he is too old.
You hate to have me in this war, don't you? But you believe it's a fight for right and justice. Now, you know, Mamma, you'd feel awfully ashamed if you did not have one son, at least, to represent your family. Is that not so? I don't care what your answer is on paper, I know it's "Yes" in your heart.
Write soon , Lots of Love for all , from your affectionate son,
Bertie
October 15th 1918
My dearest Mamma,
Just a few lines to let you know that I am in the very prime. But, how could any body not be, in such a glorious period of history? The Hun is very cheeky at times, but we are punishing him in due fashion.
The weather is getting colder and we 're having lots of rain, which makes it sort of rotten, as we're in a different place almost every night, being in close pursuit.
Poor Bill Ballie was shelled shocked a few days ago. He had a very narrow escape, as the shell burst just a few feet from him. I was talking to him afterwards, and he was quite conscious, only shaking all over as though it were 100 degrees below zero. He has gone to the base for a few months. Another fellow, standing next to him was badly shelled shocked, bleeding from his nose and ears, and unconscious. We also had an Officer wounded the same night.
Had a letter from Moorman not long ago, from England. He had had 3 smashes, in one of which, he had broken his nose, but hopes soon to be dropping bombs on the enemy towns.
Received a lovely box of candy and cake from one of our fellows on leave in England, today. Awfully decent of him when he is having such a good time.
With the war as it is today, I figure this will be our last leave, and as I certainly want to see Paris, I've transferred my name from the Blighty to the Paris leave list. Should get away, about Nov.15th for 14 days. Intend to go also to Nice on the Mediterranean; Rouen, and Marseilles. The boys are coming back with glowing accounts of Paris and Nice.
Had a long letter from Carl yesterday, in answer to mine, written after our first battle of Aug. 8th. I had to laugh when he said he had had it copied and sent to Aunt Laura, to forward to you. It was practically word for word with yours. He's full of war, isn't he? It's a terrible shame that he is too old.
You hate to have me in this war, don't you? But you believe it's a fight for right and justice. Now, you know, Mamma, you'd feel awfully ashamed if you did not have one son, at least, to represent your family. Is that not so? I don't care what your answer is on paper, I know it's "Yes" in your heart.
Write soon , Lots of Love for all , from your affectionate son,
Bertie
Envelope Addressed to:
Mrs. Chas. H. S. Cox
Ellerslie
Black Rock , Barbadoes, BWI
France
Oct, 24th 1918
My dearest Mamma,
We've put in some very toilsome and yet interesting days, since last writing you; in hot pursuit of the enemy, whom, on several occasions, we could not find, for hours, owing to his speedy retreat.
In a very short time I hope to be dating my letters from Belgium instead of France . As I have said before, the war map would change considerably this fall, but I don't think that many anticipated such a complete collapse. Although at many points, he is putting up a very stiff fight, as he did at Cambrai. All the prisoners we take now, have the same tale to tell, that they are fighting a loosing war; and that's bad stuff for their troops.
Cambrai is a nice city; large buildings and Cathedral and although many of them are damaged by shells and bombs, it is not anything the wreck that Arras or St. Quentin are. Of course, the Hun blew up all the bridges over the canal which runs through Cambrai and set fire to several places which illuminated the sky for miles and miles for nights before we took it.
At present, we are having a great time with the civilians. You'll wonder how on earth I come to be in contact with civilians in the midst of battle. So I'll explain: We left civilians for the last time on Aug. 8th, when we kicked off the battle of Amiens. Since that time, until the present, we have been advancing through towns that have been battle fields over and over again, consequently, no one was in them. But now we are taking from the Hun, places that have never been battlefields.
Just a mere walk over for him in 1914. Therefore the remainder of the population ( he has taken many away to work in Germany), are still here, living a life of bondage for 4 years. You can quite understand their enthusiasm and joy, as we drive the enemy out and take possession. They can't do too much for us. They won't take any money, but about all they have to offer, is coffee and cocoa; and any beer and wine that has escaped the eyes of the Hun, is ours for the asking.
The Union Jack is flying from every window.
While I write this in a nice warm room, the lady of the house is singing The Marseilles (the French National Anthem) and finishes up with "Vive les Canadians!"….. …. " Vive la France". Then we have another cup of coffee!!
These people have been supplied with food right along by the American Relief Fund, for which they are very grateful.
The Boche, as these people call them, have stripped them of every bit of brass. The Germans are very short of brass and of course, so much is needed for ammunition.
The weather has been rotten and the visibility very poor, owing to heavy fogs for the past 2 weeks, consequently, the enemy has been able to evacuate without being seen; and lucky for him, too. If we had had bright days, so that our planes and balloons could have observed his retreat, and then have directed the fire of our heavy batteries on the roads, he would suffered great casualties. Such cold days too, to be standing around, it seems like Heaven to get back to the billet, around the stove.
We have a lovely big stove in our room and we all sit around in a circle and toast our feet and discuss "war "and "leave", in the evenings. The horrible part of it is that we are so much on the move that these comforts of home only last a day or two, and then our next move might be into an open field, when the pick and shovel come back to their own again!!
My long boots have paid for themselves already. Nearly all the boys have been going around with soaking wet feet and my socks have not been even damp. It was a great investment.
We can't get a thing to eat from the canteens, now. Haven't been able to spend a franc for the past 2 weeks. They say there are more supplies for canteens at the base than there ever has been, but they can't get it up to the front, as they are using every available means to bring up ammunition and guns and things most necessary to hasten the end of the war.
I happened to be about 15 miles behind the lines, a few days ago and one might have thought it was Broadway for the amount of traffic. But considering the times we live in, the army rations, as a rule, are not bad at all.
You certainly would laugh to hear the conversation that is going on around me. Everybody "parley vouses the ding dong" One word, French and the next one "English--Frenchimind". It's really good!
Next to the ever present subject of "war", the topic of the moment, is "leave". The boys are going and others coming back, every day, with great accounts of their trips. Evidently, the girls are just as keen on "les soldats"as ever.
Alex Mc Lennan came back today from his home in Scotland. There are only 12 to go, now, before my turn comes, which should be within the next two weeks. "Leave" is a far more important event in the life of a soldier than it might seem on paper. The programme is as follows: About a week before he goes, if he happens to be at the guns, he is brought down to the horse lines, where he is in one degree more safety. As at such a time, he is likely to become nervous and hates to take chances. This is termed "sweating on leave". Three days before, he gets a bath. Two days before, he gets a complete new uniform which takes all the next day to be fixed up. Sewing on the colours and putting on badges and shining up buttons etc.
Then as soon as he receives his 40 and one documents, he departs with broad smiles and given all kinds of good wishes by those who would like to be in his shoes. So, you see, it's quite an occasion!!!
We hear that the Major ( who was wounded) is very keen on coming back to the Battery if he does not loose his hand, and we hope he does, ( the former) as he is an awfully good head.
I had not heard from B/dos for a long time and was very glad to receive your letter of Sept. 19th along with Leila's yesterday.
The YMCA 's hold services on Sundays in "peace times", but it's naturally impossible in the present state of war. They certainly do their part.
The deafness I spoke of on Aug.8th, soon went away. It is the only time it has ever affected me. Most of the fellows wear cotton in their ears, but I never do, unless the gun is in a gun pit, and then the concussion is fierce.
Well, I must bring this book to a close. Now, don't worry, and remember about no news being good news, if you do not happen to hear.
We have, and are, putting up with some awful rough stuff, in fact, I would not go through this summer again for a fortune, but one never hears a kick now aday from the troops. There's an awful difference in the temper of the men when we're winning and when we're losing. We're all buoyed up with the good news, whereas, the other side must be terribly downhearted, for our guns of all sizes are strafing them day and night.
Lots of love for Papa, Ina, Leila and self from your loving son,
Bertie
PS : I go to Paris on November 13th.
Mrs. Chas. H. S. Cox
Ellerslie
Black Rock , Barbadoes, BWI
France
Oct, 24th 1918
My dearest Mamma,
We've put in some very toilsome and yet interesting days, since last writing you; in hot pursuit of the enemy, whom, on several occasions, we could not find, for hours, owing to his speedy retreat.
In a very short time I hope to be dating my letters from Belgium instead of France . As I have said before, the war map would change considerably this fall, but I don't think that many anticipated such a complete collapse. Although at many points, he is putting up a very stiff fight, as he did at Cambrai. All the prisoners we take now, have the same tale to tell, that they are fighting a loosing war; and that's bad stuff for their troops.
Cambrai is a nice city; large buildings and Cathedral and although many of them are damaged by shells and bombs, it is not anything the wreck that Arras or St. Quentin are. Of course, the Hun blew up all the bridges over the canal which runs through Cambrai and set fire to several places which illuminated the sky for miles and miles for nights before we took it.
At present, we are having a great time with the civilians. You'll wonder how on earth I come to be in contact with civilians in the midst of battle. So I'll explain: We left civilians for the last time on Aug. 8th, when we kicked off the battle of Amiens. Since that time, until the present, we have been advancing through towns that have been battle fields over and over again, consequently, no one was in them. But now we are taking from the Hun, places that have never been battlefields.
Just a mere walk over for him in 1914. Therefore the remainder of the population ( he has taken many away to work in Germany), are still here, living a life of bondage for 4 years. You can quite understand their enthusiasm and joy, as we drive the enemy out and take possession. They can't do too much for us. They won't take any money, but about all they have to offer, is coffee and cocoa; and any beer and wine that has escaped the eyes of the Hun, is ours for the asking.
The Union Jack is flying from every window.
While I write this in a nice warm room, the lady of the house is singing The Marseilles (the French National Anthem) and finishes up with "Vive les Canadians!"….. …. " Vive la France". Then we have another cup of coffee!!
These people have been supplied with food right along by the American Relief Fund, for which they are very grateful.
The Boche, as these people call them, have stripped them of every bit of brass. The Germans are very short of brass and of course, so much is needed for ammunition.
The weather has been rotten and the visibility very poor, owing to heavy fogs for the past 2 weeks, consequently, the enemy has been able to evacuate without being seen; and lucky for him, too. If we had had bright days, so that our planes and balloons could have observed his retreat, and then have directed the fire of our heavy batteries on the roads, he would suffered great casualties. Such cold days too, to be standing around, it seems like Heaven to get back to the billet, around the stove.
We have a lovely big stove in our room and we all sit around in a circle and toast our feet and discuss "war "and "leave", in the evenings. The horrible part of it is that we are so much on the move that these comforts of home only last a day or two, and then our next move might be into an open field, when the pick and shovel come back to their own again!!
My long boots have paid for themselves already. Nearly all the boys have been going around with soaking wet feet and my socks have not been even damp. It was a great investment.
We can't get a thing to eat from the canteens, now. Haven't been able to spend a franc for the past 2 weeks. They say there are more supplies for canteens at the base than there ever has been, but they can't get it up to the front, as they are using every available means to bring up ammunition and guns and things most necessary to hasten the end of the war.
I happened to be about 15 miles behind the lines, a few days ago and one might have thought it was Broadway for the amount of traffic. But considering the times we live in, the army rations, as a rule, are not bad at all.
You certainly would laugh to hear the conversation that is going on around me. Everybody "parley vouses the ding dong" One word, French and the next one "English--Frenchimind". It's really good!
Next to the ever present subject of "war", the topic of the moment, is "leave". The boys are going and others coming back, every day, with great accounts of their trips. Evidently, the girls are just as keen on "les soldats"as ever.
Alex Mc Lennan came back today from his home in Scotland. There are only 12 to go, now, before my turn comes, which should be within the next two weeks. "Leave" is a far more important event in the life of a soldier than it might seem on paper. The programme is as follows: About a week before he goes, if he happens to be at the guns, he is brought down to the horse lines, where he is in one degree more safety. As at such a time, he is likely to become nervous and hates to take chances. This is termed "sweating on leave". Three days before, he gets a bath. Two days before, he gets a complete new uniform which takes all the next day to be fixed up. Sewing on the colours and putting on badges and shining up buttons etc.
Then as soon as he receives his 40 and one documents, he departs with broad smiles and given all kinds of good wishes by those who would like to be in his shoes. So, you see, it's quite an occasion!!!
We hear that the Major ( who was wounded) is very keen on coming back to the Battery if he does not loose his hand, and we hope he does, ( the former) as he is an awfully good head.
I had not heard from B/dos for a long time and was very glad to receive your letter of Sept. 19th along with Leila's yesterday.
The YMCA 's hold services on Sundays in "peace times", but it's naturally impossible in the present state of war. They certainly do their part.
The deafness I spoke of on Aug.8th, soon went away. It is the only time it has ever affected me. Most of the fellows wear cotton in their ears, but I never do, unless the gun is in a gun pit, and then the concussion is fierce.
Well, I must bring this book to a close. Now, don't worry, and remember about no news being good news, if you do not happen to hear.
We have, and are, putting up with some awful rough stuff, in fact, I would not go through this summer again for a fortune, but one never hears a kick now aday from the troops. There's an awful difference in the temper of the men when we're winning and when we're losing. We're all buoyed up with the good news, whereas, the other side must be terribly downhearted, for our guns of all sizes are strafing them day and night.
Lots of love for Papa, Ina, Leila and self from your loving son,
Bertie
PS : I go to Paris on November 13th.
Diary
November 1. Position in Herrin. Jim Pottenger killed, and 16 wounded at 11 pm am awakened to go to gun position, to move guns to Le Sentinel about 500 yards to left.
November 3. Move to Ansin, guns take up position in Valeniennes City is forward and dangerous temperary bridge spans canal which we cross.
November 4. Guns move to Saulve.
November 6. Guns move to Onnaing whenever we fire our last shots.
November 9. March along Mon Valencummes road and spend night in field at Quivechain.
November 10. Move to Thulin, Belgium. I go ahead of Battery to get my pass and start at 7 pm on my 14 day leave to Paris.
November 11 - 18 11am. Bloody war is over.
December 7. Find Battery on line of March on my return at 10:30 am. Cross German frontier at 11:30 am. Billeted at Recht.
December 8. Krinkelt
December 9. Wildenburg
December 10. Kommern
December 11. Wielerwist
December 12. Barracks just outside Cologne and battery prepare for big inspection.
December 13. Crossed the Rhine River to Ostheim across from Cologne.
November 1. Position in Herrin. Jim Pottenger killed, and 16 wounded at 11 pm am awakened to go to gun position, to move guns to Le Sentinel about 500 yards to left.
November 3. Move to Ansin, guns take up position in Valeniennes City is forward and dangerous temperary bridge spans canal which we cross.
November 4. Guns move to Saulve.
November 6. Guns move to Onnaing whenever we fire our last shots.
November 9. March along Mon Valencummes road and spend night in field at Quivechain.
November 10. Move to Thulin, Belgium. I go ahead of Battery to get my pass and start at 7 pm on my 14 day leave to Paris.
November 11 - 18 11am. Bloody war is over.
December 7. Find Battery on line of March on my return at 10:30 am. Cross German frontier at 11:30 am. Billeted at Recht.
December 8. Krinkelt
December 9. Wildenburg
December 10. Kommern
December 11. Wielerwist
December 12. Barracks just outside Cologne and battery prepare for big inspection.
December 13. Crossed the Rhine River to Ostheim across from Cologne.
Entering Germany 1918 Library & Archives Canada
Germany
December 13th 1918
My dear Carl,
Haven't a minute to write any lengthy details about the Victory or my great trip to Paris, as we're on the march everyday. We do about 20 miles per day and today (my birthday… 24 yrs.), we marched triumphantly through the heart of the city of Cologne and crossed the Rhine at noon.
There were thousands of people out to see the procession, but naturally, we never got a smile or a cheer!! Our Brigade ( the 14th) lead the Canadian Corps of Artillery, and as it was our day to lead the Brigade, the 60th Battery was the first Battery to cross the Rhine.
We had to work hard, last night on harness, horses, and guns as we were inspected by several Generals on the bridge. Cologne is the 3rd. largest city in Germany.
We billet with German families every night, and so far they have treated us fine.
If I get time, I'll write you about Paris. Say, I did meet some pipans, not kites (them as well). But you should see my Russian Ambassador's daughter. Man Oh Man!
Have to mention Brussels, where I spent 2 days on my way back. That city even has Paris beat for gay life. Also stayed over at Mons, Namur and Liege.
But the thing that I can't seem to realize is that the war is over.
I never had so much news to write and so little time to do it in, before. I could fill a book with experiences of the past month, but will have to wait until I see you, probably in April or May. Will have to go back to Winnipeg to get my discharge.
There's no telling how long we will be across the Rhine.
One word I must say about Paris. It's the prettiest city I've ever seen. Wonderful boulevards, and avenues and architecture and just as crazy and wild on the day after Armistice and every succeeding day, as your description of New York.
On my return to the Battery, I found letters from you dated Oct.24th and Nov. 11th and Mabel's, of Oct. 29th; Herbert's of Oct. 28th. Many thanks. Will answer at some future date when we get to our destination.
Love to all, your affectionate brother,
Bertie
December 13th 1918
My dear Carl,
Haven't a minute to write any lengthy details about the Victory or my great trip to Paris, as we're on the march everyday. We do about 20 miles per day and today (my birthday… 24 yrs.), we marched triumphantly through the heart of the city of Cologne and crossed the Rhine at noon.
There were thousands of people out to see the procession, but naturally, we never got a smile or a cheer!! Our Brigade ( the 14th) lead the Canadian Corps of Artillery, and as it was our day to lead the Brigade, the 60th Battery was the first Battery to cross the Rhine.
We had to work hard, last night on harness, horses, and guns as we were inspected by several Generals on the bridge. Cologne is the 3rd. largest city in Germany.
We billet with German families every night, and so far they have treated us fine.
If I get time, I'll write you about Paris. Say, I did meet some pipans, not kites (them as well). But you should see my Russian Ambassador's daughter. Man Oh Man!
Have to mention Brussels, where I spent 2 days on my way back. That city even has Paris beat for gay life. Also stayed over at Mons, Namur and Liege.
But the thing that I can't seem to realize is that the war is over.
I never had so much news to write and so little time to do it in, before. I could fill a book with experiences of the past month, but will have to wait until I see you, probably in April or May. Will have to go back to Winnipeg to get my discharge.
There's no telling how long we will be across the Rhine.
One word I must say about Paris. It's the prettiest city I've ever seen. Wonderful boulevards, and avenues and architecture and just as crazy and wild on the day after Armistice and every succeeding day, as your description of New York.
On my return to the Battery, I found letters from you dated Oct.24th and Nov. 11th and Mabel's, of Oct. 29th; Herbert's of Oct. 28th. Many thanks. Will answer at some future date when we get to our destination.
Love to all, your affectionate brother,
Bertie
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Canadian YMCA Hotel d'Iéna brochure
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THE 60th C.F.A. BATTERY BOOK
...the Battery reached Jauche early on the morning of Saturday the 18th of January, 1919, and at once settled down to the usual routine of morning parades, stables, and the inevitable " spit and polish." The men were billeted on the inhabitants, and the horses were accommodated in the numerous stables of the village, which provided ample space for the purpose. The guns and vehicles were parked in a field on the outskirts.
Jauche is a quiet little place of some twelve hundred inhabitants, situated on the Brussels-Liege main road, and is some seventeen miles south-east of Louvain. It has not suffered materially from the effects of the war, although it was in the direct line of the Belgian retreat from Liege in August, 1914. The inhabitants, on the whole, appear to have been well treated by the Germans during the occupation, and there were few complaints made of their severity. It was a pleasant contrast to find some place in Belgium which still had copper utensils and ornaments left, and where the people could still sleep between linen sheets. In the midst of so many evidences of barbarity, robbery and violence, it is only fair to mention the existence of a small oasis where such conditions were not met with. In fact, Jauche being in a purely agricultural district, many of the farmers had made large profits, and even handsome fortunes, out of the high prices paid by the Germans for produce; the fact that the money had a purely fictitious value, being merely the product of a local printing press, does not seem to have affected the matter.
...the Battery reached Jauche early on the morning of Saturday the 18th of January, 1919, and at once settled down to the usual routine of morning parades, stables, and the inevitable " spit and polish." The men were billeted on the inhabitants, and the horses were accommodated in the numerous stables of the village, which provided ample space for the purpose. The guns and vehicles were parked in a field on the outskirts.
Jauche is a quiet little place of some twelve hundred inhabitants, situated on the Brussels-Liege main road, and is some seventeen miles south-east of Louvain. It has not suffered materially from the effects of the war, although it was in the direct line of the Belgian retreat from Liege in August, 1914. The inhabitants, on the whole, appear to have been well treated by the Germans during the occupation, and there were few complaints made of their severity. It was a pleasant contrast to find some place in Belgium which still had copper utensils and ornaments left, and where the people could still sleep between linen sheets. In the midst of so many evidences of barbarity, robbery and violence, it is only fair to mention the existence of a small oasis where such conditions were not met with. In fact, Jauche being in a purely agricultural district, many of the farmers had made large profits, and even handsome fortunes, out of the high prices paid by the Germans for produce; the fact that the money had a purely fictitious value, being merely the product of a local printing press, does not seem to have affected the matter.
Canada's Triumph
Janche, Belgium
February 17th, 1919
My dear Carl,
Am writing this at the desk in my office!! This job is certainly a good reward for my hard toil during the past 3 years. Pretty "cushy". Rising at 8:30 or 9:00 AM, from a lovely bed between linen sheets and walking straight to a table with a well prepared breakfast, fit for a prince. Then after performing the usual toilet, indulge in a game of ball, or ride on horseback etc. The afternoon is spent in reading or writing or playing cards.
Of course, you quite understand, that, as the head of a business institution, I am open for business at all times, and am therefore kept moving in between the acts, attending conferences and arranging dances etc., in order that our stay here may be a pleasant one. ( sort of Lloyd George, don't you know?).
The weather is very mild at present. The Battery dance about two weeks ago was a great success and the Mademoiselles had a good time. But such a homely bunch!! And their graceful way of dancing, is even worse than that.
The latest rumours are, and I might as well tell you from good authority, that we leave Belgium on May 2nd for England, where we are given an 8 day leave and also have numerous inspections etc; then sail for Canada on June 15th.
It'll take me 8 days to cross the continent and after taking the boat from Vancouver to California, I'll have to spend at least a week in San Francisco and Los Angeles. And as I'll most likely, have to take a boat for some South American port, before finally setting sail for Barbadoes, I do not expect to reach the latter before the end of July.
I received long letters from Mamma and Ina yesterday. Norman is expected home about June, and it'll certainly surpass all dreams if we are there and return to New York together.
I'm sorry I have no exciting battles to describe now-a-days, consequently, the letters are unusually short. But, old cock, we'll fight 'em all over again when I get over the other side.
I'm sending you a book, "Canada's Triumph". Check it over…. Recommended by an eye witness. Give it to Herbert. And then please mail it to Barbadoes, as it is the only copy that I can buy.
Lots of Love for Mabel, Piggott and others. Haven't heard for a long time, from USA, so am eagerly looking forward. I hope, now that the war is over, your letters will still produce that broad smile, as of old, while I read them.
Bye Bye feeling in the best of form. ( effect of good food)
Ever your affectionate brother,
Bertie
February 17th, 1919
My dear Carl,
Am writing this at the desk in my office!! This job is certainly a good reward for my hard toil during the past 3 years. Pretty "cushy". Rising at 8:30 or 9:00 AM, from a lovely bed between linen sheets and walking straight to a table with a well prepared breakfast, fit for a prince. Then after performing the usual toilet, indulge in a game of ball, or ride on horseback etc. The afternoon is spent in reading or writing or playing cards.
Of course, you quite understand, that, as the head of a business institution, I am open for business at all times, and am therefore kept moving in between the acts, attending conferences and arranging dances etc., in order that our stay here may be a pleasant one. ( sort of Lloyd George, don't you know?).
The weather is very mild at present. The Battery dance about two weeks ago was a great success and the Mademoiselles had a good time. But such a homely bunch!! And their graceful way of dancing, is even worse than that.
The latest rumours are, and I might as well tell you from good authority, that we leave Belgium on May 2nd for England, where we are given an 8 day leave and also have numerous inspections etc; then sail for Canada on June 15th.
It'll take me 8 days to cross the continent and after taking the boat from Vancouver to California, I'll have to spend at least a week in San Francisco and Los Angeles. And as I'll most likely, have to take a boat for some South American port, before finally setting sail for Barbadoes, I do not expect to reach the latter before the end of July.
I received long letters from Mamma and Ina yesterday. Norman is expected home about June, and it'll certainly surpass all dreams if we are there and return to New York together.
I'm sorry I have no exciting battles to describe now-a-days, consequently, the letters are unusually short. But, old cock, we'll fight 'em all over again when I get over the other side.
I'm sending you a book, "Canada's Triumph". Check it over…. Recommended by an eye witness. Give it to Herbert. And then please mail it to Barbadoes, as it is the only copy that I can buy.
Lots of Love for Mabel, Piggott and others. Haven't heard for a long time, from USA, so am eagerly looking forward. I hope, now that the war is over, your letters will still produce that broad smile, as of old, while I read them.
Bye Bye feeling in the best of form. ( effect of good food)
Ever your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Paris fashion
Belgium
May 3rd, 1919
My dear Carl,
Many Happy Returns of the Day…. What is it 43 ?
This will be the last letter, I hope, from Belgium. We expect to leave here on May 6th. Should be in England in about a week's time. We'll probably be there for about a month.
I returned last week from a trip to Paris. Spent 10 days there on a 3 day Brussels pass!! There were no less than 15 of the boys of this Battery there at the same time, all without passes Some Army now-a-days!!
I think the most wonderful exhibition of dress is to be seen on the Bois de Boulogne on an Easter Morning. It was a fine day, too, in Paris and there were hundreds of thousands of people just showing off how nicely they could dress. It must cost a man a fortune to keep a wife in Paris.
We are having rotten weather. So certainly hope it will break before I get my leave to Scotland.
Thanks very much for your letter of Jan 28th and the Barbadoes Roll of Honour, enclosed, and also for yours of April 2nd.
You're welcome to all your stars and crosses, Old Cock, … I've got all I want: good health and a fine experience.
Will write from England. Lots of love for all.
Yours,
affectionately Bertie
May 3rd, 1919
My dear Carl,
Many Happy Returns of the Day…. What is it 43 ?
This will be the last letter, I hope, from Belgium. We expect to leave here on May 6th. Should be in England in about a week's time. We'll probably be there for about a month.
I returned last week from a trip to Paris. Spent 10 days there on a 3 day Brussels pass!! There were no less than 15 of the boys of this Battery there at the same time, all without passes Some Army now-a-days!!
I think the most wonderful exhibition of dress is to be seen on the Bois de Boulogne on an Easter Morning. It was a fine day, too, in Paris and there were hundreds of thousands of people just showing off how nicely they could dress. It must cost a man a fortune to keep a wife in Paris.
We are having rotten weather. So certainly hope it will break before I get my leave to Scotland.
Thanks very much for your letter of Jan 28th and the Barbadoes Roll of Honour, enclosed, and also for yours of April 2nd.
You're welcome to all your stars and crosses, Old Cock, … I've got all I want: good health and a fine experience.
Will write from England. Lots of love for all.
Yours,
affectionately Bertie
Cushion cover
Whitley Camp England
May 15, 1919
My dearest Mamma,
Have just this minute received your letter of April 6th and Leila's, enclosed, and say, I laughed for about 10 minutes, when I got to this part : "I was so much in love, I'd forgotten my duty" and your conception of military discipline. You're quite right but, only in war time !! One would never know that this is the same army that it was a year ago. Anyway, don't be afraid; I'm not in love. Just passing the time.
We left Janche, Belgium on May 4th, for Le Havre and sailed for England on May 11th……..arrived at the old Whitley Camp on the 12th. It seemed like getting back home again.
Of course, we trotted off to Godalming at the earliest opportunity and I saw several of the old faces. Haven't seen Alice yet. Her husband has gone back to Canada, I believe. I told you , didn't I, that she was married last December?
70% of the Battery go on leave tomorrow for 8 days. But I am staying until they return, because I’m having a new uniform made to order by tailors in Godalming….$25.00 This is the one I'll land in. I'll go on leave about May 25th. Will see Yarwood and Poppy in London…Go to Devonshire for a day and then to Scotland.
We should sail for Canada about June 10th or 15th. Had a letter from Norman, yesterday. I do hope he'll be out in July. ( in Barbadoes)
They have SOME system of demobilization, here. Each man goes through about 6 medical boards (tests). Inspections of all kinds. Signs hundred of forms and answers innumerable questions.
After the end of May, address my letters in care of :
Murrill, Detroit.
I'll be there for a few days on my way to the coast. We are having glorious weather.. Lots of love for everybody and thank Leila for her letter and don't worry, dear Mamma. Will see you soon. Your affectionate son,
Bertie
PS Did you receive the letter from the lady, that I was billeted with, in Janche? Good wasn't it? Don't let anyone claim my cushion cover. THAT is mine. It was painted by one of the fellows in the Battery.
May 15, 1919
My dearest Mamma,
Have just this minute received your letter of April 6th and Leila's, enclosed, and say, I laughed for about 10 minutes, when I got to this part : "I was so much in love, I'd forgotten my duty" and your conception of military discipline. You're quite right but, only in war time !! One would never know that this is the same army that it was a year ago. Anyway, don't be afraid; I'm not in love. Just passing the time.
We left Janche, Belgium on May 4th, for Le Havre and sailed for England on May 11th……..arrived at the old Whitley Camp on the 12th. It seemed like getting back home again.
Of course, we trotted off to Godalming at the earliest opportunity and I saw several of the old faces. Haven't seen Alice yet. Her husband has gone back to Canada, I believe. I told you , didn't I, that she was married last December?
70% of the Battery go on leave tomorrow for 8 days. But I am staying until they return, because I’m having a new uniform made to order by tailors in Godalming….$25.00 This is the one I'll land in. I'll go on leave about May 25th. Will see Yarwood and Poppy in London…Go to Devonshire for a day and then to Scotland.
We should sail for Canada about June 10th or 15th. Had a letter from Norman, yesterday. I do hope he'll be out in July. ( in Barbadoes)
They have SOME system of demobilization, here. Each man goes through about 6 medical boards (tests). Inspections of all kinds. Signs hundred of forms and answers innumerable questions.
After the end of May, address my letters in care of :
Murrill, Detroit.
I'll be there for a few days on my way to the coast. We are having glorious weather.. Lots of love for everybody and thank Leila for her letter and don't worry, dear Mamma. Will see you soon. Your affectionate son,
Bertie
PS Did you receive the letter from the lady, that I was billeted with, in Janche? Good wasn't it? Don't let anyone claim my cushion cover. THAT is mine. It was painted by one of the fellows in the Battery.
Whitley Camp , England
May 20th 1919
My dear Carl,
Back at the old camp once again, where we spent 11 months, 2 years ago Came over from France on May 11th. Seems like getting back home
Am going on leave to Scotland on Saturday. Expect to sail for Canada about June 15th. But the strikers, over here, are holding everything up!
We are having the most beautiful weather but things are very dead around camp, as all the boys are on leave except 10 of us. We go when they return. I stayed behind because I'm having a snappy uniform made to order by tailors in Godalming…. 25 bucks, but worth it, as I'll have to be wearing a decent rig, when I land at home.
The first 5 days we were here, we did nothing but parade before medical boards, answer questions, sign papers etc. SOME demobilization system.
Thanks very much for your letter, received a few days ago. Expect to spend about a week with Murrill in Detroit on my way out…getting some civie clothes. So address letters, after this, in care of him.
Lots of love for Mabel and self from your affectionate brother,
Berti
May 20th 1919
My dear Carl,
Back at the old camp once again, where we spent 11 months, 2 years ago Came over from France on May 11th. Seems like getting back home
Am going on leave to Scotland on Saturday. Expect to sail for Canada about June 15th. But the strikers, over here, are holding everything up!
We are having the most beautiful weather but things are very dead around camp, as all the boys are on leave except 10 of us. We go when they return. I stayed behind because I'm having a snappy uniform made to order by tailors in Godalming…. 25 bucks, but worth it, as I'll have to be wearing a decent rig, when I land at home.
The first 5 days we were here, we did nothing but parade before medical boards, answer questions, sign papers etc. SOME demobilization system.
Thanks very much for your letter, received a few days ago. Expect to spend about a week with Murrill in Detroit on my way out…getting some civie clothes. So address letters, after this, in care of him.
Lots of love for Mabel and self from your affectionate brother,
Berti
Envelope Addressed to:
Chas. H. Cox
537 8th Street
Brooklyn, N. Y.
USA
Glasgow , Scotland
June 1st 1919
My dear Carl,
Just a line to let you know, I'm on my last leave in the army.
Went to see Poppy Burnett in London and the Waiths ( Victor's people) in South Devonshire. Also went to Torquay, one of England's best sea side resorts. Got back to London in time to see the Hawker Procession. London's absolutely nuts over him.
Took part in the celebration next day in Edinburgh, for Douglas Haig.. (note: Scotsman, Sir Douglas Haig, was Commander and Chief of British Forces on the Western Front)
Stayed there 3 days. Played golf all day yesterday on one of the famous links of Scotland and arrived in Glasgow, today. My leave is up on June 3rd.
It is pretty official, that we sail for Canada on June 11th. Should be in Detroit on the 20th.
Left France on May 11th and arrived at our good old pre-France camp, Whitley, on the 12th. Seemed like getting back home again. For the first 4 days we did nothing but go through medical boards and sign demobilization papers. Of course, now, there are no parades.
We have had ideal weather since we've been in England. Will wire you when I get on the other side.
Lots of love for Mabel and self, from your affectionate brother,
Bertie
Chas. H. Cox
537 8th Street
Brooklyn, N. Y.
USA
Glasgow , Scotland
June 1st 1919
My dear Carl,
Just a line to let you know, I'm on my last leave in the army.
Went to see Poppy Burnett in London and the Waiths ( Victor's people) in South Devonshire. Also went to Torquay, one of England's best sea side resorts. Got back to London in time to see the Hawker Procession. London's absolutely nuts over him.
Took part in the celebration next day in Edinburgh, for Douglas Haig.. (note: Scotsman, Sir Douglas Haig, was Commander and Chief of British Forces on the Western Front)
Stayed there 3 days. Played golf all day yesterday on one of the famous links of Scotland and arrived in Glasgow, today. My leave is up on June 3rd.
It is pretty official, that we sail for Canada on June 11th. Should be in Detroit on the 20th.
Left France on May 11th and arrived at our good old pre-France camp, Whitley, on the 12th. Seemed like getting back home again. For the first 4 days we did nothing but go through medical boards and sign demobilization papers. Of course, now, there are no parades.
We have had ideal weather since we've been in England. Will wire you when I get on the other side.
Lots of love for Mabel and self, from your affectionate brother,
Bertie