[Witley
Camp, located in the county of Surrey, England, was one of three
sites in the Aldershot Command area. The other two were Bramshott and Bordon
near Liphook, England. Mainly infantry was stationed at Camp Witley.]
England [Witley Camp]
28 Dec 1916
Dear Mother,
Arrived safely in England after a tiresome
voyage. Did not get sea sick but contracted tonsillitis which is nearly as bad.
It was very calm coming across. I am trying to write this on train bound for
some camp. What I have seen of the country so far impresses me very favorably.
All the houses are alike and built of stone
or brick with many flues. Just had tea and a sandwich at Birmingham. Liverpool
reminds one of San Francisco that is the fog.
Had Christmas dinner aboard ship. Boiled
chicken and pudding. Everyone was glad to get on land again. We were delayed in
harbor starting and arriving.
Expect there will be mail for us when we
get to our destination.
Hoping you all are well with lots of love. Errol
(258265) G.E. Winterbotham
A
Coy. #2 Platoon
211th Batt C.E.F.
Army Post Office
London, England
Association with the Canadian Forces
8 Jan 1917
Dear Mother:
Received letter and papers glad to get
both. Read even the ads.
I had $15 assigned to you let me know when
you receive it. Can use the first fifteen if you will send it. Afterwards I
think it best to save for me until I let you know. Will appreciate any papers
you will send. Can you send a couple of small 10c tins of tobacco Prince
Albert. No duty to soldiers. There is a light snow and rain to-day but it is
not cold. Glad you are enjoying good weather.
I am feeling fine. Believe I will like the
climate. Seems much like what we are accustomed to. Prices are naturally somewhat
advanced since the war. Which one of the Vial girls is Marie?
Sure would like a fruit cake. I received
one from Vancouver it came thru in good condition.
With lots of love to you both and hoping to hear from you
soon.
I am, Lovingly,
Errol
P.S. Put number on letter
(258265)
Cpl. G.E. Winterbotham (258265)
C.I. Forces
Army Post Office
London, England
10 Jan 1917
Dear Mother:
Yours of the 18th received yesterday. Expect
the papers will be here a little later.
It takes longer for second class mail to come.
With the renewed activities on the sea, it
is possible I will not receive all your letters but make it a plan to write
every Sunday.
We are watching the papers for the news
from the States for further developments. Still in lines but there is a
possibility of getting out next week.
Made a couple of trips down to a neighboring
town on the quiet. Had a good meal but everything is higher than you would
expect.
Talk about narrow streets. They sure are
here. Some places on the sidewalks one can hardly pass another. Streets wind
around and it would be an easy way to lose oneself.
Trying to make the flying corp but have not
heard with what success.
Still cold here but not as bad as it was
last week. One does not have the same privileges here as in Canada.
I hope you are both well as I never felt
better.
With all my love I am always
Your
own, Errol
C.E. Forces
Somewhere in England [Witley Camp]
29 Jan 1917
Dear mother:
It has been the coldest January here in
thirty-six years. Notice it more than I did in Calgary.
Have been doing my own cooking in the hut.
The extra rations sure fill in but it costs high to live on luxuries.
Did you receive my assigned pay? Better
send the first two allotments as it will come in handy here. When I get in
France will have no need for it.
We have plenty of amusement in our hut.
Have a couple of old "rounders" who relate experiences which would
make a humorist rich.
I have had a slight cold in the eyes, but
it is getting better.
With
love to you. Errol
[From this point on until the end of the
war, Errol’s letters were censored. Some had the above stickers covering the
slit where they had been opened, while others were in special envelopes.]
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