Letter #75, February 16, 1918

Feb 16^th, 1918  

37 Forestry Company

Can Expeditionary Force

France

Sgt. CR Baily

Dear Mother,

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

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

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

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

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

Lovingly

Chas.

Letter #74, January 10, 1918

37 Company CFC
Can Expeditionary Force

France

Sgt. CR Baily

#34260

Dear Mother,

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

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

Chas.

Letter #73, January 2, 1918

Ristow Barracks

Shorncliffe Kent England

Dear Mother

          I received your letter of Nov 22^nd today and the one written on Dec 10^th 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.

          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.

          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.

          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.

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

Love

Chas