Letter #86, November 24th, 1918

November 24^th, 1918

France

To My dear Mother,

Well here I am again, Gee what’s the matter with you all, I have had no word for ever so long, it is at least over three weeks.  I hope the influenza has not got out there too. I don’t know if I ever told you or not, but last fall I had a terrible dose of that influenza.  My temperature was 104 for three days.  Gee but I was a sick boy for a while.  The doctor wanted to send me to hospital, but no hospital for this chicken.  I saw enough of hospitals to do me the rest of my life. 

This looks like being a very dull Christmas for me.  You see Mother we are away up in the devastated country, not a civilian or a house for miles and miles. Of course, there are a lot of what were at one time houses, but they are blown flat with shell fire.  Well, it’s a good thing its all over anyway.  Just imagine Mother I'm going on my fifth year at this soldier business.  Gee that’s a long time when you figure it up and by all accounts, I have got to wait some considerable time yet before I am out of it. I wonder what it will feel like to have a collar and tie on again.  When we moved to this camp all the carpenters were awfully busy putting up quarters for the men to eat and sleep in and of course it was up to the rest of us to build our own huts, well you know how much I know about building anything.  Anyway, I got four German prisoners and dug in.  The darn prisoners didn’t know any more than I did and worst of all they couldn’t talk English and you know I can't speak German so you can guess what I was up against.  Anyway, I finished it but God help me when cold weather sets in because I am sure to freeze stiff in this place unless I build another shack over the top of it.

How is Dad and VV getting on?  Has VV given up the idea of quitting school teaching.  Poor kid, I am sorry she has taken up something she doesn’t care for, but I believe if she got a school in town somewhere that she would like it much better, it’s a certainty she won't get anything that’s easier and better for hours.  Well, how did the crops come out this year?  I believe they are going to let the farmers go home first.  Lord it looks like as if I am going to be one of the last to go home, as well as being one of the first to get here.  Well, there is one thing Mother, our family as small as it is, has done their bit, and that is a darn sight more than some of our relatives have.  By Jove, they get me sore, when I think of them.  It’s a mighty good job we are not all of the same breed.

          I may get a few days in England soon, if I do I’ll send the kid something for Xmas, but if I have to stay here I wouldn’t be able to send her anything only a few shell holes and they are not packable. 

Well, Mother, I have no news. There is no such thing here so I will close Remember me to Dad and VV and write soon.  I’ll close now

With love

Chas

Letter #85, November 11th, 1918

November 11th, 1918

Dear Mother

Just received your letter and VV’s note.  We are settled again and things are coming on as well as can be expected.  Well Mother what do you think of the news.  By Jove the boys are sure in great spirits lately.  Things are surely looking good.  But now that when we have got them where they once had us, I would certainly like to see them get what they gave us in 1914.  The Bosh is a squealer when he is beat but darn little he ever thinks of justice when he is winning.  Anyway, things are fine and the fellows are in as good spirit as the day we first landed in France.

          Since I started this letter, Mother, I hear that the Armistice has been signed.  Gee Mother can you realize it.  Just imagine back home and into civilian clothes again.  Really you know I can’t believe it.  It is just too good to be true.

          Well, Mother cold weather is setting in again, but we are all so tickled with the war news that we don’t give a darn if it was forty below zero.  The French towns we passed on our way up were all flags and the people were nearly crazy with delight.  Oh Lord, but it did look good.  Never mind Mother we shall all be together before long as I think I am on the first list to go home.  Of course, I don’t know for sure but that’s the general opinion of the fellows.

          Now ask that Richmond crowd what they did in the great war.  How are Dad and the kid keeping?  In VV’s note, she was saying that Dad was not altogether himself just lately.  I hope he is himself before I come because I want to see him looking good.  I suppose VV will be looking forward to seeing her new sister in law.  Ha Ha Joke. No. Four. 

Tell her for me Mother that I shall bring the family along with me. I mean all the little Baileys. I want to teach them all about pigs and I am convinced she is all expert on that subject.

          Well, Mother, I must close forgive me for not writing just lately as we have been on the move.  Remembrance to Dad and the kid.  I’ll close Mother with

Love

Chas

Letter #84, October 20, 1918.

Oct 20^th, 1918 (postmark)

France

Dear Mother, 

Received a letter today from you saying you have had no mail from me for three weeks, well Mother I can’t understand it, because it’s a fact when I say I write at least once a week.  Ah well, as long as you know I am well and I know you all are then alls well.  Say Mother do you mean to say old Jim Brown “Shakespeare” is out here, for heaven's sake get me his address.  Give his address and I’ll find old Spoke shaves if I have got to travel to France from one end of it to the other.  Gee I should like to see him.  

         So VV is going to give up teaching, well if she doesn’t like it why not let her try something else, there is one consolation Mother, she can always fall back on it.  Although I am sure she shall find the business world a great lot harder to get on in than she imagines, but as I said she can do herself no harm in trying it.  She can always go back to teaching.  Seems so long since I did anything but soldiering that it sometimes makes me wonder if I shall ever be any good for anything else.  Never mind Mother just give me the opportunity.

          Have given up cigarettes.  I suppose it will only be for a day or so and maybe not that long, this infernal pipe has got my tongue just about four times its normal size.  Gee but its hard to get accustomed to a pipe.

          Some great news in the papers just lately.  I should like to tell you all I know but of course Mother you know I am not allowed to tell you anything but what you have already seen in the papers.  Anyway, all the boys are in the very highest of spirits.  So that means a lot.  We don’t expect to be in this locality long but may be up farther soon.  Oh well I have absolutely nothing to complain of as it has been a very decent summer for us and I suppose only right that we should take our share of any of the hardships so by the time you receive this it will be a case of “you're far, far better off in the mud”

          

       Annie seems to be having quite a nice stay with you.  Say Mother you don’t mean to say Ireland is going blind, lord I hope it's not serious because I like that fellow better than any of them.  VV was saying that Harry and Ruby are having some queer old spats together at the coast.  Let them fight they don’t belong to us, but if the men folks were to come over here and do their fighting the rest of us would like them much better and would consider them more as men. Instead of staying home and quarreling with women.

          You were asking me about my medal.  Well, Mother, it came through in orders authorizing me to wear it, but the medal itself, of course, has not been issued.  I have been issued with a ribbon to wear on my tunic to show I am entitled to it so don’t worry you shall have it as soon as I get it.

          

        Well, Mother, I have no news only that I am enjoying good health and that I don’t think it shall be long before I get a few days leave in Blighty, which will surely help some.  Remember me to Dad and the kid I’ll close with love

Chas

Letter # 83, October 9th, 1918 "We are all in the highest of spirits."

37 Coy Can Forest

Can Exped Forces

France

Envelope postmarked

October 9^th, 1918

Dear mother

          Just received your letter saying Annie was out there.  You are well fixed for visitors just lately.  Well, I am glad to hear it as it helps to make things much easier for you when you have company in the evenings.  I suppose you have seen in the papers our great victories well Mother believe me we are all in the highest of spirits.  If things continue we may be home before we anticipate.

           What had got into VV that she had taken such a dislike to teaching?  I am like you mother; I think that if she got into a town or city for awhile she would like it much better.  By the way, do you ever hear anything about the Richmond outfit joining up!  So Harry is a father, seems as if I am the only one left.  Yes, I guess my lot is a bachelor’s life.  “Eh What” Of course it is not much use trying to make you believe that.  But we shall see, No more word of my getting leave even to Blightly, never mind Canada.  Still, all the first contingent men that have kiddies and wives in Canada really should go before me, but after them, I come first.

          The weather has been rather wet here the last while, I hope it has been better at Holland, or poor Dad will surely feel it.  I should like awfully well to have you and Dad see this little dispensary of mine.  I have got it fixed up splendid it is by far the best around the locality.  In the back of it I have a little room for myself; the only thing that’s wrong about it is that the stove is so darn small it keeps me going all day chopping wood for it.  Oh yes, I am a regular lumber-jack now.

          Say Mother did you hear anything about returned soldiers getting any land, we hear all kinds of rumour, but of course, you can’t believe any of them.  Did you ever hear anything more about that rich uncle or aunt or whoever it was that was going to leave me millions, say how did that rumour ever get around?  Gee, you had me all upset.

          Well, Mother, there is nothing I can tell you from this side, as you know, so I really can’t make up a decent letter.  Tell the kid to drop me a line once in a while.  Tell Dad I am in the very best of health and I hope he is feeling well again.  With love to all, I’ll close for tonight Mother with

Love

Chas.

Letter #82, September 28th, 1918 to Holland Manitoba

Envelope postmarked

September 28, 1918

To Holland Manitoba

Dear Mother & Dad

Just received your letter, the first for three weeks so here goes to answer it at once. So, Hessie is married, well I am pleased to hear it.  She is getting on in age now and had she not taken that chance probably she never would have been married, it’s a certainty she would have been out of luck had she waited for yours truly. 

The girl from Buxton has been going around singing for the wounded lately.  Gee, she had a beautiful voice, and a darn nice girl but Mother I am not own of those marrying kind and sometimes I think I am not doing what is right by accepting their hospitality.  I know darn well they are under the impression that I intend on doing something.  However, we shall see later. 

Tell VV if she wants to drop a line to a nice girl in England, she can enclose a line or two in a letter to me and I shall forward it on to her.  I am so sorry to hear that Dad is ill.  Never mind I think he will feel better after all the hard work is done and he can rest for a while. 

How does the kid like her new school?  When she encloses a letter to my friend tell her to start it as “Dear Mabel”.  

We had a wonderful game of Ball yesterday.  By Jove, it was a good game.  Of course, we won.  Say Mother for Goodness sake let the Richmond crowd fight their own battles. Aunt Rach would be the first to criticize you if you were to side in with either of them.  Poor old Bud.  God help me if I ever get married and they start henpecking me.  I’ll beat it.

Well, Mother, there is nothing I can tell you of any occasion.  Only tell VV if she does enclose a letter to Mabel, she is never to mention it to a soul because I don’t want that Portage outfit to know a darn thing about me.  Remember me to Dad and VV I’ll close with love

Chas

Letter #81 September 25th, 1918

September 25, 1918

Dear Mother,

          It’s a long while Mother since I last had any word from you, but I suppose you are busy now that it is harvest time.  It has been miserable weather here for the last few days nothing but rain all the time. Still, I have nothing to quibble about, my hut here is nice and as comfortable as one can expect on active service.

          Have you heard anything of the Richmond outfit joining up?  It’s a darn shame Mother that those fellows get off, if it was me, I should be ashamed to look a soldier in the face. Still, I suppose if the war lasts much longer they will have to come.  You know Mother the people of England seem to think that it won't be long before it is finished.  Just imagine I am going on my fifth year of soldiering.  Well, there is one thing comforting to know that is our little family have done their share.  But you know that Richmond crowd kind of makes me sore when I stop to think of the boys out here.

          How has Dad been feeling lately, I got a letter from VV not long ago, enclosed was a snapshot of herself, well I sent the photo over to England and in a few days had a reply saying that they never thought I had a Gladys Cooper for a sister.  Some compliment to VV “Eh What” Gladys Cooper is considered one of England’s foremost beauties.

          I expect to go on leave shortly, and as before expect to spend it in Buxton.  Gee Mother but those people are good to me.  A big majority of our boys are taking home English wives.  In future, the Canadian girls won't be so stuck up.  There will surely be some surprised people when the fellows get back.  It is hard to tell who is married and who isn’t nowadays.  Like an English woman once said to me “How many wives did you fellows leave in Canada” I told her we didn’t leave any more than we could handle and one or two extra never did anyone any harm.

          We went down to the District Sports a few days ago and were lucky enough to win the championship of all the forestry Corps in this part of France in Baseball.  Oh yes, we have got a good team here. 

          Say Mother you don’t know what outfit Albert Lloyd is in do you.  How does VV like her new school?  It being so near home will help to break the monotony for her.  Gee, she writes a funny letter, nothing but kids and pigs in them.

          Well, Mother, you know its hard to write a letter from this side so please don’t think its brief.  Tell Dad I hope he is feeling well and tell VV she don’t waste much paper on her brother.  I’ll close mother for this time.

Love

Chas

Just for fun, here is a 1910's photo of Gladys Cooper (on the left below) - Dame Gladys Constance Cooper (1888-1971) was an English actress whose career spanned seven decades on stage, in films and on television. The photograph of VV  (on the right) is the only one I have from her younger years.

Letter #80, August 8th, 1918

August 8^th, 1918

Sgt CR Bailey

#34260

Dear Mother

          Just imagine Mother, three more days and I will have completed four years Army Life.  Hardly seems possible to have had four years of it and goodness knows how much longer.  Oh well I have no complaints to make, life with a Forestry Company is heaven to what some of the fellows have got to go through.

         Well Mother things in general are going along OK it has been rather nasty weather for the past week or so but after three months of perfect weather we more or less must expect a change.  Has VV left for Sask yet, someway I hardly think she will like it out there.  You know how I liked it and I believe it will strike her about the same.  It’s too lonesome, not enough young people.

Say Mother will you send me Ireland's address.  I should like to drop him a line or two, just to hear how all the boys are going on.  I am enclosing the photograph of the kiddies, so you can send it to them and say it has been over to France.  Just for fun Mother, say that part of the family reached France if it was only the kiddies photo.  But really Mother it is a nice looking little boy and I would have liked very much to keep the picture.

          What has Richmond gone back to Dawson for?  Is it that he had to finish his law examinations there?  I was under the impression he was through, and VV was saying that Karl has gone in for dentistry or was it chemistry.  Well if he had to put in the long hours I had to put in the drug line, he won't stay with pharmacy very long.  I am awfully sorry to hear Dad is getting so poor in health, but perhaps by the time you receive this he will be feeling well again. 

          Tell VV that Miss Whitesides; her old supervisor in Brandon College has taken over a ladies college in Ontario.

          Well Mother I seldom go anywhere so you can tell how hard letter writing is, absolutely no news of any interest.  Remember me to Dad and VV and write soon.  Mother I must close with fondest love.

Chas

NOTE "The Battle of Amiens, also known as the Third Battle of Picardy, was the opening phase of the Allied offensive which began on 8 August 1918, later known as the Hundred Days Offensive, that ultimately led to the end of the First World War."

This is not Charley's Corp but a good example of what he would have been doing. "Bush scene, Canadian Forestry Corps, Gerardmer [France] February, 1919"  Canadian Forestry Corp 

Letter #79 July 4th, 1918

July 4^th 1918

37 Can For Corps

Can Exped Forces

France

Dear Mother

          As you see I am still with the 37^th CFC I have been under the weather for the past few days but I am quite alright again.  It was nothing serious, just simply a touch of La Grippe just enough to make a fellow feel miserable.  Have had several letters from VV the other day and I think one from every kid in her school.  I don’t know if they're cousins of mine or just simply some of VV’s class.  There was one from a Howie and I was wondering if it was one of the Howie’s from that family at High Bluff. 

Yes mother you are of the same opinion as myself.  When are they going to get some of that Richmond crowd over here? The cold footed apron string bunch, if it wasn’t for such kind as those people, Canada would never have had to have conscription.

          Has VV decided to go to Sask for certain yet.  If she does I hope she gets a good place, but believe me she will find it a great deal different than around Portage.  The people are alright out there, but there are so very few of them, that I am afraid she would get awfully lonesome.  You were asking me about what I would like you to send me in your parcels.  Mother I appreciate a parcel but really I don’t need them.  A few smokes is worth more than a ton of cake etc.  You see Mother I have been in the Army so long now that I have long since grown accustomed to Army rations.

          So far nobody has left this unit on leave since the push took place in March, so I guess leave for me is a thing of the past for some time to come.  Things in general are just as usual around here.  The first of July we had a field day running and racing and a Ball game.  It all helps to break the monotony of the everyday army life.

          How has dad been feeling lately.  VV was saying he had got awfully thin lately.  I hope he feels well even if he is losing weight.  Well Mother remember me to Dad and VV and write when you can

Love

Chas

Letter #78, March 26, 1918

(postmark) March 26, 1918

37 Can Forest Comp

Can Exped Force

France

Sgt Bailey CR

#34260

Dear Mother,

Well Mother I received the first letter from you yesterday that I have got since coming back to France.  It was not a very big surprise to hear that you had moved, but I hope by now you are all settled again, as for myself, well Mother the longer I stay here, and the better acquainted I get with the men and officers the more I like this unit.  A person can only guess the nature of the work a unit of this kind carry on by the name of it.  To Canadians and people that come from timbered countries this kind of work is most interesting and I think I can quite safely say that I like it here far better than being in one of those hospitals in England. 

          Is Dad thinking of taking another Hotel or is he going to the farm for this year.  There must be big money in farming these days according to prices of food stuff.  I had a letter from VV but she is very reserved with news, she didn’t say if she intended to take another school stay at home or anything about herself at all. 

Now in regards to this leave for first contingent men, don’t be to anxious Mother, I know you would like to have us all together, once more, but after the three months is over its harder to come away again then ever and if the war is going to end soon, it would be better to stay with a good unit than go home and take a chance on getting with some outfit that you did not like. 

However there is plenty of time, and we can decide later, Mother don’t think I am neglecting my letters, as you know, in France we are only allowed to write a certain amount.  Remember me to Dad and VV and take this note as an apology for a letter Mother, to say I am quite fit and well.

Love Chas

Letter #77, March 18th, 1918

Estimated date of letter; March 18th, 1918

Dear Mother

I received three letters from you and two from VV today, no mail for a couple of months and then five in one day, is sure some change.  No doubt you were surprised to hear that I was back in France again, but really I got absolutely fed up with England, and even now I am glad I have made the change.

          You want to know if I do the same work as the Forestry men.  No my work is to supervise the sanitation of the camp and administrate medical aid to all those I think need it.  I have a hut to myself.  The front part is just a small drug store, or a dispensary on a miniature scale, it is partitioned in half.  The other part I use for my sleeping quarters and so on.  Every morning a chinaman from the Chinese Labour Co comes and cleans up for me.  The village we are in has no doctor so I am obliged to look after all of them as well as five hundred chinamen.  So you see Mother I have all I can manage. 

          You seem to think that Hessie Montgomery’s’ marriage would kind of hurt my feelings.  Well don’t be foolish Mother, you only know what you hear from other people, I know what I have learnt for myself.  Take it from me, that your son had a few brains left, when it comes to this marrying proposition.  And between you and I mother -------- scratched out -------.

Now don’t go telling the Richmond crowd all this because it only tends to make hard feelings.  And the less they know of my affairs, the better I like them.  Comprend.

Poor old Ireland. As I sit here by myself writing this letter I have to smile.  Oh well, it's none of my business I suppose I will do the same thing someday myself.    But VV makes me laugh when she says she would like to see her brother boss of his own house.  Just tell her I will be boss alright, or there will be no house.

          Well Mother is the farm any better, I do wish you and Dad could get at some little business where you could make a good living without all the worry and trouble.  Well Mother I must close Remember me to Dad and VV

Love Chas

The Chinese Labour Corps on the Western Front 1916-1918
Chinese Labour Corps labourers drawing rations at a forestry camp in Crecy Forest, 27 January 1918.  Date 27 January 1918 (First World War)

https://goo.gl/EULD5p

https://goo.gl/gxvL2a

Letter #76, March 15th 1918 From France

37 Company CFC

Ca Exped Force

France

Sgt. CRT Bailey #39260

(Estimated date of letter; March 15, 1918)

Dear Mother

          Seems ages since last I had a letter from any of you at home, of course I know Mother it is not your fault.  When a person moves around so much we should be grateful to the army methods of postal service that I get any at all.  Yes Mother I am still with the Canadian Forest Corps and like it just as well as ever.  And will be indeed sorry if I ever have to leave them before the end of the war. 

We are still doing the same kind of work as I described to you in my last letter.  My duties do not call for a great lot of dispensing, it consists more of medical aid work and I think I prefer it, after being used to so much dispensing in the hospitals.  The mess here is splendid, it is good plain food and plenty of it, quite a contrast to the mess in England, and the open air life makes a fellow eat so hearty.

I had a letter from my friends in England yesterday and by all accounts we are having much nicer weather here than in England in fact this spring in France has been most favourable I tell you Mother it’s a great difference to the spring of 1915. 

Mother I thought of you and wondered what you were doing on the 8^th.  No I did not forget that it was your Birthday, in fact I started a letter to you but could not find time to finish it. 

So mother if it’s not too late allow me to congratulate and hope that before you have another, we will all be together again.  You know dear, on active service we are only allowed to write a certain amount and I think I am beyond my limit now.  So remember me to Dad and VV and don’t worry about me as I am as safe as can be I will come to a close Mother with

Love

Chas

On the back of Charley's letter is his mom's simple note; Answered.  Jennie often sent Charley's letters on to his sister, V.V. and vice versa.  

Charley's Mom with her second husband; Marmaduke Thomas Lorenzo Lloyd.

Jane (Jennie) Howie

Born: March 8, 1872 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada

Letter #75, February 16, 1918

Feb 16^th, 1918  

37 Forestry Company

Can Expeditionary Force

France

Sgt. CR Baily

Dear Mother,

            At last I have arrived at my destination, as you can see by the address I am attached to a Forestry Company and I must say Mother that I like it much better than Hospital Dispensing.  It is something quite new as far as the sanitary work is concerned, but something that I believe will prove very interesting.

          The unit I am with are a lot of very fine fellows.  The Officers and men are fine so there is no doubt but what I shall like it much better than simply dispensing from morning till night.  You see Mother it is more along the lines of real camp life “Free and Easy” so needless to say it suits me better.

          The words Forestry Company construe a true meaning of the work and duties of the unit.  It is something that I have never came in contact with before, and the change and novelty I like.  I would like to give you the details of the corps at work but as you know this is impossible and strictly against regulations.  I have had no word from any of you since arriving back in France, but of course, me moving around so much; make it very difficult as regards mail.  However in future I hope it will be better.

          I met several of my old unit during my few days at the General Base and it seemed like old times to have a little chat on some of my past experiences.  Some of the first contingent are getting three months leave in Canada, so far they have all been married men so you see Mother, the rest of us, are what you would call “the Unfortunates” Maybe.

Tell VV I received her cigarettes and needless to say how I did appreciate my favourite smoke again.  Dad and yourself I take for granted are in good health.  As for myself mother I am fine and this open air life suits me fine.  I don’t know what I shall do when I have to work inside again.  Still I believe I would take the chance, providing the war would end soon.  Will Mother remembrance to Dad and the Kid.

Lovingly

Chas.

Letter #74, January 10, 1918

37 Company CFC
Can Expeditionary Force

France

Sgt. CR Baily

#34260

Dear Mother,

          Just received a letter from VV, the first I have received from any of you for at least two months.  I have wrote several times but addressed them all to the La Claire so goodness knows if you have received them or not.  Since last writing, we have changed our location again, and are now back in the civilian belt again and believe me it is a treat to see somebody else other than soldiers all the while.  By VV’s letter she seems to have grown tired of teaching and is preparing to go home again.  It’s not for me to say but really I think she is foolish.  To be away from home for a while would be a good experience for her, and one that would do her no harm, but after all she is no more anxious to get home than I am, but there is no use me talking of home for awhile yet.  All the married men of the first contingent are not home yet, so there is very little prospects of the rest of us going for some time yet.

          Have you heard anything about Harry Richmond or any of those fellows joining, or does this conscription bill affect them.  You know Mother that was the reason he got married I believe.  Oh yes have you had any more friends telling you lately that I am married.  That really was the joke of the season.  Mother when I tell you all about it you will certainly have to laugh, but I hardly think it was such a joke to you at the time.  Just wait until I see Newman.  Well Mother I must close now. Tell Dad and VV I am quite well and like France considerable better this time than in 1914 and 15.  I will close now Mother with Love

Chas.