St. Johns, New Brunswick
11 Dec 1916
Dear mother:
Well, we have been in St. Johns for two
days after a very enjoyable trip although a trifle tiresome. Big reception at
Ottawa where the Duke of Devonshire inspected us. About a hundred of pretty
girls distributed apples, magazines, and cigarettes among us. Like that city
better than any we passed through.
The people of St. Johns turned out and gave
us quite an ovation on our march thru the city to barracks where the women gave
us a spread. The people of the east are more patriotic and hospitable. Our
band, which made a hit, will give a concert tonight at one of the theaters. They
classed it with Sousa's band at the show house in a speech. The fact that we
are mostly Americans is well known and they claim that the U.S. will be proud
of us someday.
Regular Portland [Oregon] winter day. Snowing
and melting as soon as it hits the ground.
This is a quaint old fashioned city. Odd
homes and is somewhat dirty but picturesque. Poorly lighted streets. I suppose
father has been here. Tell him I don't believe it has changed in appearance
from the last century.
Uncertain as to our date of departure but
expect it will be soon. Probably be on the deep blue sea Christmas, so will
wish you all a merry one.
Received the cigars. Thanks very much. It
seems good to get a cigar once in a while.
With lots of love to you all for a Merry
Christmas, I am
Lovingly, Errol
P.S. Better address mail for the present.
G.E. Winterbotham (258265)
A Coy #2 Platoon
211th O.B.C.E.F.
Calgary, Alberta
Please forward.
[In a letter
written by Lt. Col. W.M. Sage on February 6, 1917, he mentioned that the band
which Errol wrote about in the above letter was made up of professional
musicians and was directed by Clate
Chenette, who was the youngest band master of a Canadian regiment during
WWI. Chenette’s band was much sought after in London during the two years he
was stationed there.]
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