Thursday
7 Nov 1917
Mother dear:
Just a line to let you know I am well and
happy as can be expected under the prevailing conditions.
Have been fortunate to secure huts which
are warm and comfortable even tho it is somewhat cold and wet. We now have a
very good camp with the best of accommodation.
Received the P.A. [Prince Albert] and
several rolls of papers which contain a lot of news.
Don't think I remember Helen's intended.
U.S. currency in the future will be better
than a money order. It is possible to get it exchanged over here now. Lelia's
arrived alright.
Well will write more next time mother. With
all my love to you both, I am
Lovingly, Errol
Thursday
29 Nov 1917
[Kemmel near Wytschaete]
My dear mother:
Your letter of Oct. 30th rec'd tonight in
which you stated that it had been several weeks since you had heard from me. I
do not know why they did not get thru. I write about every ten days. I get the
papers and magazines and tobacco regular. It is all appreciated.
Still in the old quarters and have no
complaints to make. I sent you a small rememberance (sic) for Xmas. I might get
a chance to see Paris this winter in which case will need a little extra money.
I heard from Alex [Donaldson] to-day and he
seems feeling fit. I have a good idea where he is located but it has been
impossible for me to get there to see him. The weather is still mild with the
exception of one day when the wind blew from off the coast. Some chilly then.
Hoping this will find you all well and
happy, I remain,
With love, Errol
[This is the inside of a Christmas card
which Errol sent to his parents in December of 1917.]
Somewhere in France
Sunday
9 Dec 1917
Dearest mother:
Received your letter also papers and
magazines for which I am very thankful.
Brightens many a idle hour. Received a parcel from Aunt Allie and one
from Lelia.
Are having a mild winter from all the
accounts of winters before. Only been a few cold days some rain but as you know
I am used to that.
I can not account for you not hearing from
me for so long a period. Must have gone to the bottom of the sea.
I am trying to get leave to see Alex. Judging
from his last letter he seemed a bit "fed up" already. I sent by
registered letter a few souvenirs I have picked up. Expect you will get them
alright.
Hoping this will find you all well and
happy as it leaves me.
With love, Errol
Christmas Day
25 Dec 1917
Dearest mother:
Your letter of Nov. 22nd and the Posts were
received yesterday. Expect the parcel will come thru after the rush is over.
This is an ideal Xmas day with light
flurries of snow. Not too cold. Went to church services this morning. Had a well
cooked dinner consisting of roast chicken with dressing, green peas, mashed
potatoes, minced pie, tea and rum punch. Supper time will have plum duff. Rum
and beer before retiring. Not faring bad "a tall" and just think all
this and the battle front.
Last night we had quite a concert in our
hut. Every one was happy and joined in the singing. There is nothing on for
tonight. Every hut was lively last night, plenty of good cheer flowing.
I am going to send some souvenirs home for
you to keep.
The whistle blew so will have to get in
line for supper.
With love to you and father I am,
Always, Errol
[The photo above, taken at Ilwaco, Washington shows Errol's mother Sarah Plimpton Winterbotham and her two grandsons, twins Glen and Will Blackstone. They were the sons of Errol's sister, Lelia and would receive most of the souvenirs Errol sent home. Notice the blue star flag in the background.]
10 P.M. Tuesday
25 Dec 1917
Mother dear:
Have just received a leave to Paris for a
fort-night. A very welcome Xmas present.
Have to hurry to get all" dolled" up for the occassion. [sic]
It is snowing hard and there is
considerable snow on the ground already with good prospects for more.
To-day has been an eventful one all good
things coming to-gether. Two of the best meals you could ask for. Everyone is
happy and in the best of spirits within and without.
With fond love to you all, I remain, Errol
[Shown below are photos of the front and back sides of a pass that would be filled out and given to a soldier who was granted leave. Soldiers were expected to carry this at all times and be prepared to present it should they be asked. At the end of the war Errol was acting as a clerk and was commissioned with preparing to ship home much of the paperwork for the battalion. This is when he probably obtained a blank pass.]
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