Nanton, Alta
17 Oct 1916
Dear Mother:
I just came off guard and have been
sleeping all day. It is evening and snowing hard.
Went on guard yesterday morning and it
began to snow right after supper time and has kept up off and on ever since. Each
man does two hours on and four off for twenty-four hours. It sure was cold last
night facing the wind and snow. Sure glad when the two hours would be up so
that I might thaw out. We have heavy gloves and were issued with sleeping caps
to-day. A tent is not the warmest place in the world when there is a foot of
snow outside especially when there is no heat.
Keeping my hands warm over the candle.
I don't mind the weather very much but will
be glad when we break camp. I suppose you read about the riot the soldiers had
on the Royal Mounted Police Barracks. The first time in history that they were
beaten.
It may cause the 211th to be moved from
Calgary sooner. Expected to go to Vancouver but it is not probable unless there
is another change. This life is uncertain in that respect. Have been on the
rifle range all last week and was up with the best of the shots. I averaged over seventeen in a possible
twenty at different targets from twenty-five the three hundred yards.
I received pictures and was glad to get
them. I had mine taken Saturday will send.
My hands are getting a trifle cold so
excuse me please.
With love to you all,
Errol
Nanton, Alta.
11 Nov 1916
Dear father,
Received your welcome letter and was
pleased to hear from you. I hope Billie is getting along alright.
We are still stationed in camp but expect
to move to Calgary soon into barracks but it is still doubtful as to our
destination from there. Some say we are to leave for overseas about December
15th.
Have joined the bombing section which is
composed of fifty men from the battalion supposed to be the pick of the outfit.
We do most of our fighting at night by making raids on the enemy's trenches
throw a few bombs and return under cover of artillery and machine gun fire.
I went
to "The Battle of Somme," a moving picture which sure was
interesting. Showed the British making an attack and was taken from the first
line of trenches.
I would like to be back in the good old
U.S.A. but will stick it out. Could not quit now. Would be taken for a shirker
although many have gone over the "hump" as it is called here meaning
to go to U.S.A. More Americans enlisting every day. We have them from all parts
of the world.
Love to all and write soon.
Your
son, Errol
Victoria Park Barracks
Calgary, Canada
22 Nov 1916
My dear mother:
Yesterday was general inspection and
battalion drill. Everyone was present in the battalion to be inspected by the
general and staff.
The company commanders were called out for
examination as to their efficiency in handling the outfit. The sergeants were
called. Had to take charge of number two platoon and got away alright except
one "bull."
We were all standing on some bleachers
erected for the purpose of having the battalion picture when a portion gave
away. Several were hurt but not seriously, it was sure a miracle.
To-day everyone had to stand medical
inspection. There will be very few who will not pass as it is not very strict.
We all marched down and attended the
Orpheum in body last night. Fair show. Most everyone has left on final pass. Will
take Christmas dinner in England.
I have assigned half of my pay to you but
you will not receive any until we are in England a month. If I am in need of
any will write for it.
I hope things pick up so you can realize
something from them. When I get back will be able to help you out hope things
turn out better for you all.
Sure some busy day for them who are getting
off tonight for the coast. Have less time to myself since I became a corporal
but don't mind it.
Love
to you all, Errol
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