tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72914599311016804382024-03-13T13:21:39.618-07:00Charley Bailey The WW1 letters of Charles Roy Bailey. Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-23427535037181254692019-02-07T16:35:00.000-08:002019-02-07T16:35:02.306-08:00Letter #87, January 26th, 1919 <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">It's Nicola here; Charley Bailey's biographer. I have been dragging my heels on posting this letter as it is the last letter of Charley's that I have in my possession. I do know more of his story but have none of it from here in his own words. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">There is one more letter written by his beloved Elizabeth dated 1942. She wrote it to his mother after Charley's death. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Today I am mourning the last of Charley's letters. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">My first post on this blog was August 13, 2014. Today is Feb 7th, 2019. Prior to 2014, I had spent another full year organizing and transcribing his letters. I have spent so much time with Charley. I've cried and laughed with him, and I continue to be angered and saddened at the horrendous loss of lives that is the hallmark of the 'Great War'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">My 'Charley Bailey' project took on a life of its own as his voice joined thousands of others these past five years. So many of us from all over the world; descendants of those who served and lived through the First World War, joined forces again in 2014 on Twitter and Facebook, and with personal websites and blogs; sharing letters and diaries and stories of the Lost Generation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Do stay tuned for more news about Charley. Over the next few months, I'll post updates when he finally gets to go home, and who he's taking with him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Thank you So much for joining us (me and Charley) on this journey. So many of his letters sign off with "Remember me". It has been my honour and my privilege to have had this opportunity to Remember Charles Roy Bailey. With Love. Nicola</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">January 26<sup>th</sup>, 1919 (posting February 7th, 2019)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Can Gen Base<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Mother<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well here I am at the Base Depot Mother but I find they are not sending any CAMC men back from here as there is a lot of clearing up to be done in Hospital etc. I went down to the embarkation camp with the CFC expecting to get across to Blighty and to go from there to Canada but found I had to stay behind and report to my own Base. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So here I am mother. So far I don’t know where they are going to send me, so there is no use you’re writing here as I shall be away from here perhaps before you receive this, but just the minute I am able to send you a permanent address I will. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> It is like being shut off from the entire world not having a letter from anyone for over three weeks. There must be a lot of mail on the way here, but I have been moving around so much lately that it cant keep in touch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well, Mother how has this winter been on the farm, better than last I hope. It is snowing here so you can imagine how living in tents suits me in this weather. How has Dad stood the cold weather this winter? Gee, I often wonder how the cold is affecting him. VV I suppose is still teaching I hardly think she will leave the school teaching and I think she is wise to stick to it. I only wish she could get a school in town somewhere and then the poor kid would be able to get out among other young people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Well, Mother, there is nothing to tell you only that I am well and that I am on my way somewhere but don’t know where.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember me to Dad and VV and as soon as I get somewhere I shall send you the address. I’ll close Mother with love to all<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Love Chas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-71120477712960015092018-12-03T20:16:00.000-08:002018-12-03T20:16:28.694-08:00Letter #86, November 24th, 1918<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">November 24<sup>th</sup>, 1918<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">France<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To </span></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My dear Mother,</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With love<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chas</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-75433953599930489042018-11-11T00:11:00.000-08:002018-11-11T00:11:15.639-08:00Letter #85, November 11th, 1918<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">November 11th, 1918</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Mother<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> 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. <i>Four.</i> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> 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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-76167155527814701022018-10-21T23:02:00.000-07:002018-10-21T23:02:01.175-07:00Letter #84, October 20, 1918. <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oct 20<sup>th</sup>, 1918 (postmark)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">France<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Mother, </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chas</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-90947163114519811892018-10-21T22:53:00.000-07:002018-10-21T22:53:39.674-07:00Letter # 83, October 9th, 1918 "We are all in the highest of spirits."<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">37 Coy Can Forest<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can Exped Forces<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">October 9<sup>th</sup>, 1918<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear mother<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chas.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-19446829404363261572018-09-28T21:33:00.000-07:002018-10-01T21:35:46.625-07:00Letter #82, September 28th, 1918 to Holland Manitoba<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To Holland Manitoba <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dear Mother & Dad<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How does the kid like her new school? When she encloses a letter to my friend tell her to start it as “Dear Mabel”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-82989390192477018762018-09-25T21:16:00.000-07:002018-10-01T21:20:51.766-07:00Letter #81 September 25th, 1918<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">September 25, 1918<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Mother,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chas</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<img alt="Related image" src="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/02/c2/60/02c260c12f2561e560b6f16a1dfa51e6--vintage-girls-vintage-hair.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLz2SFdqlQaaoCz1Swuj2k_p-ZUGg1EgzurORwrrFJhkrgYFTCSCSocmCgdteWGLj0osPGoATlI_JE3RsUlslyf3c35SyzGrHOl5J5lw62tRvVq_T-wpwY-A4J-ytrIaxei_H85qEYzp1/s1600/Vida+Valerie+Lloyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLz2SFdqlQaaoCz1Swuj2k_p-ZUGg1EgzurORwrrFJhkrgYFTCSCSocmCgdteWGLj0osPGoATlI_JE3RsUlslyf3c35SyzGrHOl5J5lw62tRvVq_T-wpwY-A4J-ytrIaxei_H85qEYzp1/s320/Vida+Valerie+Lloyd.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-4623813509523422682018-08-09T23:16:00.000-07:002018-08-09T23:27:44.950-07:00Letter #80, August 8th, 1918<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">August 8<sup>th</sup>, 1918<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sgt CR Bailey<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">#34260<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dear Mother<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just imagine Mother,
three more days and I will have completed four years Army Life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hardly seems possible to have had four years
of it and goodness knows how much longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Has VV left for Sask yet, someway I hardly think she will like it out
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how I liked it and I
believe it will strike her about the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s too lonesome, not enough young people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Say Mother will you send me Ireland's address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should like to drop him a line or two, just
to hear how all the boys are going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am enclosing the photograph of the kiddies, so you can send it to them and say
it has been over to France.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just for fun
Mother, say that part of the family reached France if it was only the kiddies
photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But really Mother it is a nice
looking little boy and I would have liked very much to keep the picture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What has Richmond gone
back to Dawson for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it that he had to
finish his law examinations there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
under the impression he was through, and VV was saying that Karl has gone in
for dentistry or was it chemistry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tell VV that Miss
Whitesides; her old supervisor in Brandon College has taken over a ladies
college in Ontario.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Well Mother I seldom go
anywhere so you can tell how hard letter writing is, absolutely no news of any
interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember me to Dad and VV and
write soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother I must close with
fondest love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chas<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">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" </span><a href="http://collectionscanada.gc.ca/ourl/res.php?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&url_tim=2018-08-10T06%3A03%3A12Z&url_ctx_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=3522521&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fcollectionscanada.gc.ca%3Apam&lang=eng" target="_blank">Canadian Forestry Corp</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br />
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-45480928406050457282018-07-04T19:15:00.000-07:002018-07-04T19:17:20.562-07:00Letter #79 July 4th, 1918<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">July 4<sup>th</sup> 1918<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">37 Can For Corps<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Can Exped Forces<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">France<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Dear Mother<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As you see I am still
with the 37<sup>th</sup> CFC I have been under the weather for the past few
days but I am quite alright again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was nothing serious, just simply a touch of La Grippe just enough to make a
fellow feel miserable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have had several
letters from VV the other day and I think one from every kid in her
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know if they're cousins of
mine or just simply some of VV’s class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was one from a Howie and I was wondering if it was one of the
Howie’s from that family at High Bluff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Yes mother you are of the same opinion as myself. When are they going
to get some of that Richmond crowd over here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cold footed apron string bunch, if it wasn’t for such kind as those
people, Canada would never have had to have conscription.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Has VV decided to go to
Sask for certain yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she does I hope
she gets a good place, but believe me she will find it a great deal different
than around Portage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people are
alright out there, but there are so very few of them, that I am afraid she
would get awfully lonesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were
asking me about what I would like you to send me in your parcels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother I appreciate a parcel but really I
don’t need them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few smokes is worth
more than a ton of cake etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see
Mother I have been in the Army so long now that I have long since grown
accustomed to Army rations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> So far </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">nobody</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> 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.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Things in general are just
as usual around here.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> 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 </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">everyday</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> army life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How has dad been feeling
lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>VV was saying he had got awfully
thin lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope he feels well even
if he is losing weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well Mother
remember me to Dad and VV and write when you can<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Love <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Chas</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-44048148714738857392018-03-26T20:44:00.000-07:002018-03-26T20:44:09.697-07:00Letter #78, March 26, 1918<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(postmark) March 26, 1918<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">37 Can Forest Comp<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can Exped Force <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">France<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sgt Bailey CR<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#34260<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Mother,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well Mother I received the first letter from you yesterday that I have
got since coming back to France.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A person can only guess the nature
of the work a unit of this kind carry on by the name of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Is Dad thinking of
taking another Hotel or is he going to the farm for this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There must be big money in farming these days
according to prices of food stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love Chas</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-52245349362766959762018-03-18T20:37:00.000-07:002018-03-26T10:16:58.339-07:00Letter #77, March 18th, 1918<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Estimated date of letter; March 18th, 1918</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Mother</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You want to know if I do
the same work as the Forestry men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No my
work is to supervise the sanitation of the camp and administrate medical aid to
all those I think need it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a hut
to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The front part is just a
small drug store, or a dispensary on a miniature scale, it is partitioned in
half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other part I use for my
sleeping quarters and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
morning a chinaman from the Chinese Labour Co comes and cleans up for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The village we are in has no doctor so I am
obliged to look after all of them as well as five hundred chinamen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you see Mother I have all I can manage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You seem to think that
Hessie Montgomery’s’ marriage would kind of hurt my feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well don’t be foolish Mother, you only know
what you hear from other people, I know what I have learnt for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take it from me, that your son had a few
brains left, when it comes to this marrying proposition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And between you and I mother -------- <i>scratched
out</i> -------.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now don’t go telling the Richmond crowd all this because it only tends
to make hard feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the less they
know of my affairs, the better I like them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Comprend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Poor old Ireland. As I sit here by myself writing this letter I have to
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, it's none of my business
I suppose I will do the same thing someday myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But VV makes me laugh when she says she
would like to see her brother boss of his own house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just tell her I will be boss alright, or
there will be no house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well Mother I must close Remember me to Dad
and VV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love Chas</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SjFD6eNRAZXV3RsCQjqPadEa431GZqyzr8dRUZufWOiMrqXbuAIksiejxu-a6IYAdUQ6WVGDp-ju-XO6RbyGHRsTyu32W-wTlJnY8JAOM0I_GmwZjsdA7kyvCuASBKTx0uh4V5Vor_2J/s1600/The_Chinese_Labour_Corps_on_the_Western_Front_1916-1918_Q8499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="800" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SjFD6eNRAZXV3RsCQjqPadEa431GZqyzr8dRUZufWOiMrqXbuAIksiejxu-a6IYAdUQ6WVGDp-ju-XO6RbyGHRsTyu32W-wTlJnY8JAOM0I_GmwZjsdA7kyvCuASBKTx0uh4V5Vor_2J/s640/The_Chinese_Labour_Corps_on_the_Western_Front_1916-1918_Q8499.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Chinese Labour Corps on the Western Front 1916-1918<br />Chinese Labour Corps labourers drawing rations at a forestry camp in Crecy Forest, 27 January 1918. Date 27 January 1918 (First World War)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://goo.gl/EULD5p" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/EULD5p</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://goo.gl/gxvL2a">https://goo.gl/gxvL2a</a></span></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-5123459268547671612018-03-15T19:54:00.000-07:002018-03-26T10:19:01.961-07:00Letter #76, March 15th 1918 From France<div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">37 Company CFC<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ca Exped Force<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">France<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sgt. CRT Bailey #39260<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(Estimated date of letter; March 15, 1918)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dear Mother<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mother I thought of you and wondered what you
were doing on the 8<sup>th</sup>. 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Love<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chas</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Charley's Mom with her second husband; Marmaduke Thomas Lorenzo Lloyd.</span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Jane (Jennie) Howie</span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Born: March 8, 1872 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada</div>
</span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-1090328321303378572018-02-17T21:47:00.001-08:002018-02-17T21:47:15.317-08:00Letter #75, February 16, 1918<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Feb 16</span><sup style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">, 1918 </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">37 Forestry Company</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Can Expeditionary Force<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">France<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sgt. CR Baily</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dear Mother,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is something quite new as
far as the sanitary work is concerned, but something that I believe will prove
very interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The unit I am with are a
lot of very fine fellows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You see Mother it is more along the lines of real camp life “Free and
Easy” so needless to say it suits me better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The words Forestry
Company construe a true meaning of the work and duties of the unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is something that I have never came in
contact with before, and the change and novelty I like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to give you the details of the
corps at work but as you know this is impossible and strictly against
regulations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However in future I hope it will be better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tell VV I received her cigarettes and needless to say how I did
appreciate my favourite smoke again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad
and yourself I take for granted are in good health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for myself mother I am fine and this open
air life suits me fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know
what I shall do when I have to work inside again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still I believe I would take the chance,
providing the war would end soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will
Mother remembrance to Dad and the Kid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lovingly <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chas.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-63966829290291544642018-02-17T21:42:00.000-08:002018-02-17T21:42:36.385-08:00Letter #74, January 10, 1918<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">37 Company CFC</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Can Expeditionary Force</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">France<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sgt. CR Baily<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">#34260<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dear Mother,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just received a letter
from VV, the first I have received from any of you for at least two
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have wrote several times but
addressed them all to the La Claire so goodness knows if you have received them
or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By VV’s letter she seems to have
grown tired of teaching and is preparing to go home again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not for me to say but really I think she
is foolish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Have you heard anything about
Harry Richmond or any of those fellows joining, or does this conscription bill
affect them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know Mother that was
the reason he got married I believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh
yes have you had any more friends telling you lately that I am married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That really was the joke of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just wait until I see Newman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will close now Mother with
Love<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-63594756066831806922018-01-21T17:01:00.000-08:002018-01-21T17:01:15.913-08:00Letter #73, January 2, 1918<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ristow Barracks <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shorncliffe Kent England<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Mother<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I received your letter
of Nov 22<sup>nd</sup> today and the one written on Dec 10<sup>th</sup> a few
days ago so you see how my mail arrives.
By Jove Mother that was a nice little calling down you gave me I know
when I asked you for that money that you were hard up and I said I would give
it back to you as soon as I could and not to worry about me being in trouble as
I was not but to believe me and some day later I will tell you all about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Now Mother you talk
about my nonsense will believe me it’s but very little fun I have had lately or
for the last couple of years and when you speak of me troubling and worrying
you well Mother it kind of hurts my feelings.
Believe me truly it is not nonsense or craziness Mother I am old enough
now to know when to draw the line and since my trip to Winnipeg I have been
anything but what was idiotic. I know I
can’t convince you by letters but it won’t be long till you will know for
yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> You asked me in your
last letter if my friends from Buxton had been writing to me. Yes they have and I told them it was
impossible for me to get up for Christmas. Mother it was simply because I
couldn’t afford it and if there had of been any where I would like to have gone
it was there. So you see its but darn
little nonsense I am carrying on. Yes my
Christmas, Birthday and News was spent working and working hard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Things here are just as
usual same old routine day in and day out.
The majority of the civilian population think the war is gong to end
this spring at the outside but personally
think if we get home a year from now we will be lucky. However we can live in hope. You we speaking about sending me a parcel as
mine was blown up. Mother I know you
would like to send me one but really I would much rather you spent the money on
yourself or Dad, we get lots to eat and for what it costs to send one over here
it is not worth it. Yes I suppose the
Richmond babies are very nice and all that but its men we need over here. Oh
well they are enjoying life so let them alone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Say mother do you ever hear anything about Harry Richmond and his
whereabouts. Well mother I am going to
close, tell Dad it will have to be a princess that I marry and a darn good one. Remember me to VV and Dad and write soon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Chas</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-30124517208476339812018-01-21T16:03:00.001-08:002018-01-21T16:03:30.080-08:00Letter #72, December 29, 1917<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ristow Barracks <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shorncliff<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kent England<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Mother and Dad<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mother I am going to give you a surprise. I am going back to France if
they will let me. In all probability it
will be back dispensing again at least I am going to try and go in that
capacity. This time I am going to prove to you that it's not my nonsense that
keeps me in the ranks, by Jove if I can't get my old rank back again my name is
not Bailey. Yes Mother there is no use
talking, I will be there before you get this letter so don’t worry. I am not going to stand back and see these
married men with kiddies etc go and a young fellow like myself stay behind just
because I have been over before. It’s
not right, it’s not fair and I am not going to do it. If some of those young fellows in Canada
will not come then Mother you can tell them, there is some of the old boys that
are not afraid to go back and do their share for them and your boy is one of
them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I have got the old
active service equipment again and I feel better, I feel as though I am doing
right. I have volunteered for this
mother and I am as happy as a pig in dirt, never let it be said that I was
picked. I was there at the start and if
I am spared, I will be there at the finish.
Dad will understand my feeling, and if everything comes out alright, I
think he will be proud to say that I was not a quitter, just because some of
them are.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Things in general are
just as usual around here, men coming and going every day, Young Faulkner came
around to see me and one or two of the Dauphin boys, but they have almost
strangers to me now, gee they have altered.
I received your parcel yesterday Mother, and I am sure enjoying the
cigarettes but really I would rather you bought some little comforts for
yourself and Dad. I can manage alright,
and the expense it takes to send a parcel over here is too much. VV wrote the other day and by her letters she
is getting to be a regular farmer, pigs, dogs, and animals seem to be her
hobby. Well Mother there is no use
looking on the dark side of things, Cheer up because by the time you receive
this I will be back in France. I will
write just as soon as I get there, don’t think I am foolish Mother, I am only
doing what’s right. Remembrance to Dad and V-V<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love Chas<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">P.S.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will write the day I
land. Chas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-48877831938986934352018-01-15T11:03:00.001-08:002018-01-15T11:03:11.130-08:00Letter #71 Dec 18, 1917<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ristow Barracks <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shorncliff, Kent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">England</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jan 18, 1917</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Mother<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Ha Ha!</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> Mother you make me laugh. For goodness sake don’t believe what those
people try to tell you. Mother I am
further away from being a married man than I was the day I left Winnipeg. Don’t think that I have lost all sense of
reason all together. (Newman?) if he
only knew, happens to be the goat in this case, and the joke is on him. I didn’t think that it would carry as far a
Winnipeg or the rumour would never have started. But believe me dear Mother you and Dad will
be the first to hear of any time I do happen to get crazy enough to get married
and you can bet your last dollar that it will never happen for a few years yet
and maybe not then.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Gee I have been laughing
to myself all morning. To think that you
and Dad really believed it beats me, the darn fools just want something to talk
about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Well Mother as you see
by the address I have moved or at lest the whole CAMC have moved and I have a
dandy job in the office. Excused from
all duties except Office work. You ask
me if I received your parcel. Yes I did Mother and I enjoyed it very much but
if I were you I would not spend money sending me eats. Because all this talk of
us fellows not getting enough to eat is simply to get people at home to send
them parcels. Every camp has a canteen
that all eats and tea and coffee can be obtained at. I received the smokes and Mother I do enjoy
them. You see in this country Murads can
not be got but eats are plentiful and if we don’t spend our money that way it
goes some other.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The weather has set in
like as if it meant winter. Rainy and
wet. Do you know after this war I am
going to some country where they never get snow or rain. I have had enough of it the last few years. I am not at all surprised to hear the price
of wheat is away up and I have been hoping the farm had a good crop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Well I have just
received VV’s letter and by Jove she has got that idea too. Mother please do forget it. It's foolishness and absolutely untrue. I have to do something now so remember me to
Dad and VV and write when you can. I will close now with love<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cha</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">s<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-88369577083531472692018-01-14T19:35:00.001-08:002018-01-14T19:39:33.510-08:00Letter #70, December 17, 1917<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ristow Barracks<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Shorncliff, Kent England<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My Dear Mother<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Why Mother do you so
want me to let VV see that photo. No I
would much rather you let no one but yourself and Dad see it. Rumors get about and I will be a Grandfather
before I return Lord everybody even in this county think I am married. One of my old friends says to me “CR I heard
you were married I kind of believe its true too” I asked him what he was
talking about. Well he says “You don’t
go out any more at nights and your not like the old CR at all.” By Jove Mother when your own Pals think your
married its getting things down pretty fine.
“Eh What” As far as those Winnipeg people go Mother just let them think
what they like. It will give them
something to talk about but to you and Dad and VV I am further away from being
married than when I left Winnipeg. Women
are like pets, they're all right in your spare time when you need something to
amuse you. I am still in the Office here
and am getting on OK. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> I
asked you for some money in my last letter, since then I find that with half
what I asked you for I could get along with and would be able to pay you back
sooner. If it is possible at all Mother
I would sure like it. But if you can’t
spare it then I can't have it and that’s finished with. You no doubt have said to Dad “ I wonder what
that boy wants with the money and I know it's hardly fair not to tell but in
this case Mother you can trust me and you won't be wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Things here are as
usual. Nothing happening of any importance.
Law and Ireland should see how these poor wounded and sick have to go through
the mill then if they were men at all they would sacrifice a little. But in both cases I think its cold feet and
if they ever do come over the old boys won’t spare them much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Well Mother how have you
and Dad been keeping winter has started here in earnest wet cold and
miserable. But I am more or less an
Englishman now and the climate don’t seem to bother me much. Yes mother I received your cigs and believe
me they are appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well Mother remember me to Dad and VV and
write when you can.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Your Son<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Love Chas</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-36306318517756991802017-12-29T16:30:00.002-08:002017-12-29T16:32:18.962-08:00Happy 25th Birthday Charley Bailey<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's the anniversary of my Uncle Charlie Bailey's Birthday. </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He'd have been 25 today 100 years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Charley was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba to Jennie Howie and Charles Bailey Sr. on December 29th, 1892<br />He was the first and only child born to Jennie and Charles. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpftDFTZlhsGK5iBlXS1JMMMFIMwB62lT7xJZSvAmYdbi6kWHwdb5BS0UBrZ3brAw7GVmIbfTyFmueClePL62kjkKlWeTgaJSjOqwhWNiwnpaXOoiQf0TZEXv2JyyqNamVcX2otwV7frL/s1600/high+bluff+town+sign.jpg"></a>The young family has set up house in High Bluff, Manitoba. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9X9mYwTKbNN07o5b8R3_USlWz-MKYE6Rjf-mj76LIBln6f0Fc_zQJI_agUryTSJNiEg9vAbpi5Mx7avIZMIuvRCERF7O0ACOmvxCJDI_PUA3pDgIiKx5QEuIrk1KwIB53oriZLtiLSal/s1600/1910+high+bluff+photo+post+card.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9X9mYwTKbNN07o5b8R3_USlWz-MKYE6Rjf-mj76LIBln6f0Fc_zQJI_agUryTSJNiEg9vAbpi5Mx7avIZMIuvRCERF7O0ACOmvxCJDI_PUA3pDgIiKx5QEuIrk1KwIB53oriZLtiLSal/s1600/1910+high+bluff+photo+post+card.jpg" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Sadly, before Charley was even a month old, his dad (who was just 30 years old) was killed in an accident while chopping wood in 30 below weather just outside of High Bluff. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A Winnipeg Free Press newspaper article from January 26th 1893 mentions the death of Charley's father. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYTNckSmtCQLHbUX597HU8J3Y0Y6Oi9tLcResLoQY1FB_NnmLbiYghS_K3hyCtoSiSLrFollodhwghmggmMCaX4nkthROClaGRB-Ug7bDaCyfwAF9cGeohtDym4D8b05xiTKRwauTla-G/s1600/charley's+dad+death+announcement+in+Winnipeg+free+press.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img bannouncement="" bdad="" bdeath="" bfree="" bin="" border="0" bpress.jpg="" bwinnipeg="" height="400" s="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYTNckSmtCQLHbUX597HU8J3Y0Y6Oi9tLcResLoQY1FB_NnmLbiYghS_K3hyCtoSiSLrFollodhwghmggmMCaX4nkthROClaGRB-Ug7bDaCyfwAF9cGeohtDym4D8b05xiTKRwauTla-G/s400/charley" width="299" /></span></a><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's titled "Portage Paragraphs" with the catchy byline; "Snow-show Tramp and Entertainment, Wedding Bells, Sudden Death" "The unexpected death of Mr Charles Bailey, of High Bluff, on Tuesday is regretted by his many friends here and sorrowing friends have the sympathy of the townspeople." <br /><br />It might have been a blue day for Charley in 1917 when once again his birthday came and went without celebration or hugs from the people he loved. No doubt they missed him terribly too.<br /><br />Through the portal of time Charley; Happy Birthday and much love!</span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-35221907910042845252017-12-16T17:18:00.000-08:002017-12-21T17:42:08.698-08:00Letter #69, Dec 16, 1917 <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">December 16<sup>th</sup>,
1917<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ristow Barracks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Shorncliff, Kent England<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Mother<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I received the money all
right Mother and my how glad I was. I
quite realize how scarce money is just now but Mother I needed it so bad. And this fall I shall be able to pay it back
to you. Thanks very much Mother you
don’t know how many ways I tried to get it, before I wrote you as I know you
and Dad haven’t got to much just now and it was only at the last minute that I
had to ask you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I am still in the office
here and working fairly hard mostly writing all day long. Young Billy Faulkner called on me yesterday,
gee but he is getting to be a big fellow he was saying that a lot of the
Dauphin boys had been put out of action, he had a slight shrapnel wound but is
fit again. Young Sutherland has just
gone over and one of the Hamilton boys are here. Our Mons medal came out the other day and the
ribbons to wear are red white and blue, about fifteen Canadian in England are
entitled to wear it and just imagine I am one of the few. Out of all Western Canada there are only
about three get it, and I am the only one from Winnipeg. “In France before Nov 22<sup>nd</sup>, of
1914” Gee I am proud of that decoration and more so because I am among the very
few Canadians that got it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> How is VV getting on at
her teaching. Say Mother if you haven’t
spent any money on me for Christmas I would rather you did not. I know how tight money is getting to be and I
am old enough now to realize all about Santa Claus. I know Mother both you Dad and VV would like
to buy me something for Christmas, just because it is Christmas. But Mother I would rather you bought
something for yourself. I can get along
all O.K. That explosion at Halifax sure
hit some of the boys here that had their parents and wives in it. Just imagine being over here and not getting
any word if your Mother and Dad were safe.
Lord it would drive a fellow crazy. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After all Mother we are lucky, taking it all around we are alive and
that’s a lot these days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I would like to go to
Buxton this Christmas I know they are counting on me being there, but I can’t
afford it. Sot that’s all there is to
it. Do you remember twenty-five years
ago the 29<sup>th</sup> of this month.
Every time my birthday comes in to my mind I think of the day Annie
heard a baby cry and we afterwards discovered VV. Do you remember. Gee I can, just as well as if it was
yesterday. Now she is a school teacher
and I am a soldier. Lord but time does
fly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Well Mother I am going
to close. I know you wonder what I
needed that money for. Well I’ll tell
you someday but for now you trust me.
It’s for nothing wrong. Tell Dad
I am feeling fairly fit and may not have to go to France for a little while
yet. Tell the kid I will drop her a line
soon but for the last month I have been working night and day in this office. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #783f04; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Bye bye<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Love Chas</span></span><br />
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(The back of the first page ~ likely figuring done by his mom after the letter was delivered and read ~ same for the sums on the back of the envelope)</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-43950960030656926702017-11-27T20:00:00.000-08:002017-11-27T20:00:27.469-08:00Letter #68, November 27, 1917 "Your brother is one of the 86 Canadians that is entitled to the Mons Medal."<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nov 27<sup>th</sup>, 1917 (postmark)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ristow Barracks<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shorncliff, Kent England<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Sister,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Say old girl this is the
third letter and no reply yet. Think I
have nothing to do only write letter s and receive no reply. You want to buck up or I am going to start
answering my own letters. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Well I have some fine
news for you this time. Your brother is
one of the 86 Canadians that is entitled to the Mons Medal. All men that were in France before November
the twenty second get a big bronze star to war on their left breast of their
uniform. We were the only Canadian unit
in France in November therefore the only ones in the Canadian Army that get the
decoration and there are only about twenty of us left. It is the scarcest decoration in the Canadian
Army and the majority of people can’t believe that any Canadians are entitled
to it but about twenty of us get the decoration. “Mons Medal of 1914” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> VV I am prouder of that
than any thing I have ever had. I am the
only one from Winnipeg and one of twenty or so out of Canada. Ha Ha conscripts, talk to an old war veteran
like me with the Mons Decoration, I guess not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Things are as usual here
I am still working in the office. I am
feeling fine and dandy so what more can one expect. Christmas will be here soon but I am not going
anywhere. The movies will have to
satisfy me that day but still I can’t complain.
I think I have had my share of leave this summer. Do you like chasing kids any better. I do hope you get a school in the city. If you are home it will be better for you and
far nicer for both Mother and Dad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The winter has set in
here for ----, it’s raining nearly every day and cold miserable winds, we are
billeted in very decent huts so we’re are not so bad. Two years ago today I was in mid ocean on my
way to dear old Canada, but I guess I am here for duration this time. Unless I go back to France and get a --- one. But the thing is would I get a --- one You see the
square heads are not at all fussy as to how they handle a fellow. And to say the least they are very, very rude
in their actions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Well Dear Sister I have
no news only about this medal business.
Tell Mother she is the only mother in Winnipeg with a boy entitled to
the mons decoration of 1914. Well VV
remember me to Dad and Mother and write me soon. Just see if you can squeeze one in some time
before spring. Say if you want to spend some of that kid chasing money, just
send me along a few smokes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love Chas</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/medals-decorations/details/6">About the 1914 Star</a> (Mons Medal) from Veterans Affairs Canada </span></div>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 11.5px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were 160 awarded to 2nd Canadian Stationary Hospital members who served with the British Expeditionary Force beginning 6 November 1914.</span></li>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-40213724844754079032017-11-26T19:41:00.000-08:002017-11-26T19:42:36.325-08:00Letter #67 November 24, 1917 "The cold footed sons of Canada"<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Postmark November 24<sup>th</sup>, 1917<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Folkstone<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">CAMC Camp<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Westenhaugen, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Kent England <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dear Mother,</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> What do you think of
your big daughter now. Some
schoolteacher “Eh What” Well Mother I am sure glad to hear she has got through
and was fortunate enough to get a school.
She seemed quite delighted over getting 60 a month I don’t know but I
have an idea she was trying to remind me that at last she is getting as much in
one month as I am in two. By Jove that’s
the limit but believe me I am sure glad to hear she is a teacher it’s a great
deal better than a counter hop or a stenographer and there about the only two
other occupations that girls take up these days. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> So at last the cold
footed sons of Canada have to do their bit.
I have heard that all those over twenty-one, married or single will have
to join. Will that get Richmond and
Ireland, it will be too bad if they have to come. It’s a pity the war would not
end before that “The great big cold footed calves”. Conscripts from Canada. Mother, all the old boys are proud of them
and a great deal prouder of the parents that would try and keep their men at
home and see their neighbours boys going back for the second, third and fourth
times. While they subscribe to the
cigarette fund and mighty little of that.
It was at one time one of our boasts over here “that Canada did not have
to be driven to fight” Ah well they
will get a good reception from us. The
chicken-hearted sissies. I tell you
straight Mother it’s a good job for you that you have no other son if he was
brought away from home on that scheme I would lick him before he ever saw a
German.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Do you know it has been
raining here for two days steady so heavy that we have no parades of course the
boys are not a bit sorry, still it makes it very uncomfortable in camp
life. How has Dad been keeping you tell
him I would like a letter by gosh he owes me one now, tell him that its not
necessary to wait as long as I did before he answers it. I don’t know if I told you in my last letter
or not that I expect to go to Buxton for a day or so to see my friends. They wrote and told me that they had made all
preparations for a motor party to Rudyard Lake and all they were waiting on was
me to complete the party. Gee they are
fine people I would like VV to meet them they are just the kind that she would
like. Well just imagine they traveled
very near across England to see me and in this country that’s a mighty long
journey. Gee they nearly went into
hysterics when I told them I was here and may have to go to France. They got the letter in the morning and that
night they were on their way here. They
were always asking for a picture of my big sister so I sent them that snap shot
of the kid and the cat. The old man said
she had a very sweet face and that she was a very kind hearted girl. Regular big hearted Colonial and when I asked
for the snap back again they wouldn’t give it to me. They want one of me but I told them that even
my mother didn’t have one so it was very little chance of their ever getting
one for awhile anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> I would like to have Dad
here to see the Aeroplanes ----- -----(censored) and some of the stunts they go
through. Gee they are as thick as birds and they sure can handle them down to
perfection. If you could only see them
you would sure say that England was as supreme in the air as she is on the
sea. Well Mother one of the boys is
going over to the Post office so I am going to give him this. Remember me to Dad and tell VV that she has
been congratulated by her big brother long before this ever will reach
her. Love Chas</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-71909503981526178042017-10-09T21:57:00.001-07:002017-10-09T22:33:13.753-07:00Letter #66 October 9, 1917 Lots of Portage boys killed or wounded just recently..<span style="font-size: 14pt;">October 9th, 1917</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Folkstone</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">CAMC Camp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Westenhaugen, Kent England <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Mother,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By Jove here it is two weeks and not one
letter from you. You know Mother there
is something wrong with the mail delivery somewhere. Some of the boys have not
heard from Canada for a couple of months.
Well, have you received my photos and say, are they not the limit. I look like Von Hindenburg. Oh well I
promised you one for a long while so now you have it. The first time I said I would send you one
well I had them taken but really they were worse than the last ones so you can
hardly blame me for not sending the. Now
can you. I think I inherit the dislike for having my photo taken from you Mother.
Because one time, I remember you having your picture taken in Dauphin and you
would not even let Dad or I see them for a long while and then you eventually
destroyed them. Do you remember?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Things
in general are just as usual here. I
have a very good job and by all accounts I may be here for some time yet. Drafts coming in and going out every day but
I am regimentally employed and I may say that I like it as good as any job I
have had yet and am getting on just fine.
Do you know Mother; I am considerably heavier now than I ever was in all
my life so you see this place is agreeing with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
was up to the flying corps the other night and one of the imperials was good
enough to show me all around it. He
described all the different class of machines and the different purposes they
were used for and all about them. It
sure was interesting. I was wishing that
Dad had of been there he would of enjoyed it.
Gee this place is slow but there is one good thing about it we cant get
into to town only about once a week and we cant spend any money here so it
enables us to live on army pay or at least try to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
suppose by this time VV has settled down and is a full-grown
schoolteacher. I sent her one or two
letters but I can’t say if the address was correct or not. However when I hear from her I will make it a
point to write often it will tend to cheer her anyway. Saw a bunch of the Portage boys the other
night and by what they told me a lot of them have been killed and wounded just
recently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> My
friends from Dauphin may be down here in a day or so for the weekend and if I
can get a day or so pass I will have a fairly good time for a few days. Gee Mother but they have been good to me you
would think I was one of the family and when I was up there on pass they could
not do enough for me. The only thing I
don’t like is that they call us Canadians “Gee Whizzers” Just imagine chippers calling
us fellows “gee whizzers”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> How
is Dad keeping I guess he is feeling his usual self or you would have mentioned
it in your letter. Well Mother I am
going to get this off in the Post. I
will have to stop. Tell Dad and VV I am
still well and write often. Be sure and
tell me what you thought of your big son’s picture in the uniform.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Love Chas<br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgaciG8cwloAz_Cn7exZ6kSQMRXGHhODf7mO4D8djQh7mRErymMuJWfcLPIdQpUfrhP0prjjxGVwgAditSKFYwOzYKL5v-EMW-36ISnRcZjMik0vlKwvBsXae3iZKfp_OOEre5Txjfn18/s1600/von+hindenberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="305" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgaciG8cwloAz_Cn7exZ6kSQMRXGHhODf7mO4D8djQh7mRErymMuJWfcLPIdQpUfrhP0prjjxGVwgAditSKFYwOzYKL5v-EMW-36ISnRcZjMik0vlKwvBsXae3iZKfp_OOEre5Txjfn18/s200/von+hindenberg.jpg" width="135" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Unfortunately, very few photographs of Charley have survived and this particular portrait that has been a topic of conversation in many of his letters, has not surfaced. However, since Charley likens his mug to that of Paul von Hindenburg, here's a pic of Paul. I think Charley's being hard on himself.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><i>"Saw a bunch of the Portage boys the other night and by what they told me a lot of them have been killed and wounded just recently." </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Below are the names of 44 mostly </span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">very</i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> young men from Portage la Prairie who died in 1917. The dead and wounded Charley was hearing news of would have been friends and acquaintances. In the summer of 1914 when Charley answered the call, he was renting a flat in Winnipeg, he played hockey and worked in a pharmacy. He was just beginning to find his way in the world, beyond home, beyond Portage. It must have been so for most of his contemporaries. These 44 young men were Charley's age, in their 20's. Dead. Some were students, one was a student at law. They were clerks, labourers, farmers, millers,</span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> barbers, plumbers, teachers, tinsmiths and accountants. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> These are just the losses from 1917, just the losses from one community in Manitoba. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Their names. My hope for each of these young men is that someone who knows even a tidbit of their story remembers them and sometimes speaks their names.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Andrew Bremner / Labourer</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">George William Cochrane / Teacher</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">George Arthur Cockhead / Fireman</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Percy Robert Cook / Farmer</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">James Alfred Corfield / Farmer</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Walter Evan Cox-Smith / Farmer</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gordon Richardon Thomas Cumming / Carpenter</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Francis Cuthbert Malcolm Cummings / Farmer </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Elmer Cecil Dalzell / Hardware Clerk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">William Daum / Hardware Clerk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Alfred Dent / Farm Labourer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Thomas Birtwistle Douglas / Clerk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Charles Samuel Dyer / Barber</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">H. C. “Jack” Favel / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Allan Francis / Clerk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">John Henry Froats / Plumber</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Arthur Taylor Fulford / Telephone Lineman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Lorne Talmage Graham / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">James Frederick Harrison DCM / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Edmund Huddlestone / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Thomas Kaines / Labourer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Russell George Kemp / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">John Frank Little / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Alexander Mackie / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Colin Archibald MacLennan / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Claude Elliott Matthews / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">William Lee Mawhinney / Barrister </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Albert Milton McCaig / Clerk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">William Harvey McDonald / Labourer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Frederick Conroy Mills / Miller</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">James Moffat / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">John Nicholson / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Ira Stanley Nixon / Tinsmith</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0px;">Bruce Hutton Parkinson / Bank </span><span style="text-indent: 0px;">Clerk</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">David Peden / Trackman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Aylwin Murray Pratt / Student at Law</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Ernest Prout / Tinsmith</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Henry Alexander Robertson / Broker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">John Henry Sanders / Accountant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Charles Samuel Saunders / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Alfred Saxton / Farmhand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Thomas Alfred Singer / Farmhand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Norman James Thomas MM / Student</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">James Harrison Thompson / Farmer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "candara" , "segoe" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span>
<i>The names and occupations of these 44 young men comes from the excellent Manitoba Historical Society website <a href="https://goo.gl/cG47hk">Portage la Prairie War Memorial</a></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And my response: </span></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r0CZLQDQgk">Down by the Riverside</a>" Sweet Honey and the Rock </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-39071794207303703332017-09-25T21:58:00.000-07:002017-09-27T22:02:19.295-07:00Letter #65 September 25, 1917 "I am sure a lucky cuss."<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">September 25<sup>th</sup>, 1917 (postmark)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Folkstone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">CAMC Camp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Westenhaugen, Kent England <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Mother,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Have not heard a word from you for at least two weeks I can't make out
just what is the matter. I hope nothing
is wrong at home. I guess not or you
would have told me. Things here are as
usual. Yesterday I went down to the
Docks to see a bunch of the boys off. There were sure a happy bunch all going
over for the first time and glad to go, glad to have the chance at the square
heads. It was good to see the spirit
they went away in. The boys were
singing, bands were playing, the returned boys were shouting and women crying. Say, it was some mixture. They will be
over there by now and by this time next week they will realize what war means.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I have the same old job
here and by all accounts I will keep it for some time to come although a person
can never tell five minutes beforehand what they are going to do with
him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> My friends from Buxton are down
here for a week or so and on Thursday I motored to Canterbury with them. Went all through the cathedral and all
through the hospital that I was put in on my return from France. It's quite an ancient town and was very
interesting. We visited two of the
places that Dickens mentioned in his books probably Dad will recognize the
names “The ?? Inn and Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe” That’s the way they are spelt or were spelt
in the days of Dickens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> A lot of our boys were
turned into infantry the other day and some of them transferred into the
kilter’s. Gee it is a scream to see some
of them in Kilts. I don’t think they are
all overjoyed with their lots. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Well how
is Winnipeg and all the people.
Irelands, Laws and the rest. You
never told me if they will have to join up if conscription comes into
effect. I hope to the Lord they do and
then they won't be so darn quick to criticize.
They get a smash of it and then we will be able to see who’s got cold
feet and have to hide behind their women folk.
I got no use for slackers and especially when they are from Canada.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The weather here is
surely ideal. It's as warm as the middle
of summer. How does VV like her job I
have never heard from her since she went to Westbourne I hope she likes it
alright. I know it will be lonely for her but if she likes the work it will
help a lot. Oh say Mother did I tell you
that the hospital I was in in Ramsgate is going to move. Yes in one of the Air raids a bomb was
dropped through the roof into the recreation room doing considerable damage, by
Jove I think I got out of there just in time.
You know Mother I am sure a lucky cuss. It seems I have a lucky star
that tells me where and when not to move.
Well I have got to get to work.
Tell Dad I hope he is well and that I will ans his letter shortly. Remember me to VV when you write and tell her
I am well. I will now go back to work or
they will be over after me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Chas </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The " ?? " Inn and the Olde Curiosity Shoppe" Any ideas? I've darkened the letter and the text below and welcome your input. This particular letter is very faded and I'm finding it really difficult to make out the name of the Inn. He may have visited "The Little Inn' in the Sun Hotel. Dickens set a scene in his novel "David Copperfield" at this inn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://goo.gl/LxHYJ1" rel="nofollow">The Sun Hotel </a>was built in 1503 and, although the name has changed, the building still stands today. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The history of this famous stopping-in place is preserved with a small historic marker in the first floor, as follows</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">THE SUN HOTEL </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Formerly known as The Little Inn </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Made famous by Charles Dickens </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In his travels thro’ Kent </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Built 1503</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Old Curiosity Shop still stands ...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUUhiGhisdXapc9kv7rzYbM_GR5-Jm3aiR4elwDSEWcQAiIcmf0DfQoqDaiTHfJZ2N-HdeJSi5ZnNrl92QgpJCnZW5VTkjN2AnNgs-Zkx6dicGr07OQARAkBY-EQIe7XxQS4jKdO1A7F-/s1600/oldcuriosity+shoppe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="250" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUUhiGhisdXapc9kv7rzYbM_GR5-Jm3aiR4elwDSEWcQAiIcmf0DfQoqDaiTHfJZ2N-HdeJSi5ZnNrl92QgpJCnZW5VTkjN2AnNgs-Zkx6dicGr07OQARAkBY-EQIe7XxQS4jKdO1A7F-/s320/oldcuriosity+shoppe.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Charley mentions the air raid attack on the Canadian Hospital in Ramsgate where he had recently worked. This is a link to </span><a href="https://goo.gl/v5jpNw" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">an excellent account </a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of that day written by another young Cdn soldier from Winnipeg. </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">William Markle (Mark) Pecover </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Company D, 27th (City of Winnipeg) Battalion</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291459931101680438.post-26657717676787071832017-09-03T12:19:00.000-07:002017-09-11T12:21:06.741-07:00September 3, 1917 Letter #64 "By Jove You Can't Beat the British"<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">September 3<sup>rd</sup>, 1917 (postmark)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">CAMC Camp<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Westenhaugen, Kent England <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Mother,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I just finished a letter
to VV and told her I was sending you and her a photo. The proofs came up all right and the pictures
will be along as soon as this letter so I have kept my promise at last. Gee the kid must feel lonesome out there all
by herself and you and Dad must be just about lost. But as I tell her it won't be long till the
war is over and she has had enough experience to teach in a city school and
then we will all be together again. Some
people seem to think the war has gone about its limit so let us hope it has.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> As yet there is nothing
to tell you in regards what I am going to do or where I am going. There are
more here than I have ever saw in the Depot before but I think another big
offensive and a lot will be cleared out.
One of my old friends from the Buxton staff landed in here a few days
ago and the poor devil got four days punishment before he was here a day. Gee
mother is it fierce. He sleeps in the
same hut as myself and I don’t give him a minutes rest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Don’t criticize the
paper, as it is all that is available at present. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The weather here the last week or so is
absolutely rotten it is raining all the time and when a person is in camp on
wet weather it is miserable. Especially
when you are three miles from a village and eight from a town.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Did I tell you that I
saw the last German Air Squadron that came over here, fifteen machines. They were spotted away down the coast no
sooner had they been seen than our fellows up and after them. They then headed
down towards Ramsgate but our planes right on their heels firing away as fast
as their guns could fire. By Jove you can't beat the British, it was just like a big bulldog after a cat the way our
men up and after them. I would have
given anything for Dad to have seen it.
Best race I ever saw. Anyway our
fellows got five of their latest giant type machines and the navy got another
as they were beating it for home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Well how is things in
general. I met young Rufus Lions from Portage last night. Do you know Mother his is as big as I am
now. Gee it's fierce how those kids do
grow. Seem to spring up in a night. By the way Mother you have never said
anything to any of those photos I sent home did you. I sincerely hope you don’t any way. Because I don’t want anyone to know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> How is Dad’s health is
he looking any better than he did on the farm.
I hope so. VV was telling me that
the fellow on the farm may not be dishonest but he needed someone to watch him
is that right. I suppose men are so hard
to get that he can do very near anything he likes and you can’t fire him. Well Mother there is nothing here to write
about that is of any interest. I am as
well as ever I was as you will see by my photo.
Remember me to Dad and VV and write soon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love Chas</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Nicola Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07896014117767633488noreply@blogger.com0