25 Mar 1918
Dear mother:
Well from all accounts the storm has
brought but far from here. You will have read long before this of the Hun's big
attack. He might have been successful in gaining some ground but only at
enormous losses. Everyone is confident that we will be able to hold him from
going thru, and when he weakens himself, well, watch our dust.
Things are quiet but always on the alert. You
can never tell where the next thrust will be. Enjoying wonderful weather.
There are all kinds of rumors, good and
bad, afloat to-day. Having had no papers for a couple of days, everyone is up
on their toes.
You ought to see my canteen. Have the walls
covered with pictures from the French magazines and those from the Red Book add
a little home like touch. Remember how I used to save all of them? Well I am
able to realize the wild notion I had those days.
I will have to be here all alone now as
they have taken my assistant away. Of course have a man to sweep out and keep
the place clean.
There seems to be an awful lot of delay
across the pond. It is about time they were having a political house cleaning. Have
been reading the investigation started after the senator from Oregon's speech. It
is about time the people realized what they are up against and showed some
life. Talk less and a little more action would be more suitable. I have come in
for a great deal of ridicule but still have hopes of them showing their real
stuff.
With fond love to all, I am awaiting a
letter.
Errol
[The Hun's big attack refers to the attack
on the Somme by the Germans on March 21, 1918. The Allies were forced to
retreat leaving behind many miles of intact railroad track. At times the
Canadian Railroad Troops were forced to join in the fight by helping to defend
Amiens and other areas until reinforcements could be sent to the front to stop
the advancement of the Germans. The Canadian Railroad Troops worked on building
approximately 120 miles of rear defense trenches before adding to the existing
railroad lines.]
4 Apr 1918
My dear mother:
Received your letter and also Lelia's note
glad to hear you are feeling better. The papers are coming thru better now.
Yes, that is my new badge. The medal you
wrote of is a souvenir from Notre Dame, Paris.
I sent you yesterday number two parcel
containing a part of a Hun spike helmet and a piece of one of his airplanes
brought down nearby. I sent a minature(sic) airplane and a Hun gas mask. Please
advise when you receive anything from me.
You must have read all about the big
battle. I have talked with several who took part. Can not comment.
Believe by putting General Foch in command
the allies have made the best move of the war. I can not write all.
You can tell them for me that these Yanks
that are over here are not any too popular.
They talk too much. A little action would
be more suitable. You know [the Canadians] have been here since the first of
the war and they don't take kindly to what these "birds" from the
West are always going to do.
There are many who know that I am an
American but I have often regretted speaking about it. I don't know where they
find all these "swanking boles" but there sure is a bunch alright. Of
course, there are a lot good fellows who know how to talk and act when away
from home. Believe me I tell them off when I get a chance.
With love to all until next time, I am, Lovingly, Errol
[On April 9, 1918, the Germans launched
“Operation Georgette” as they continued their push to take the allied positions
in Armentieres, France on the Lys River. The Canadian Railway Troops were once
again pushed back.]
Active Service
17 Apr 1918
Dear mother:
This is the first chance I have had to
write you for some days. Have been moving.
Located in a fine camp a good way from the front. Don't know for how
long. Fritz is about in the old camp.
Have no mail thru for over a week. No
papers out, so do not know what is going on since leaving the forward area. There
was a wild rumor out that we were cut up but got away in time. Can not explain
the sight in detail. Believe me there is a war on now.
We have a wonderful camp with electric
lights, the best yet. Don't know how long we'll stay. I am still in the
canteen. Was on special work for a few days but returned to my old job.
With love to all, I am
Sincerely, Errol
[A quotation regarding the move mentioned
above from IRON RATIONS, a newspaper put out by Co. 1, 8th Battalion, at
Christmas time 1918.
"We had a home we were much attached to, and were loath
to depart, but after several days and nights of `pressing invitations,' we
hurriedly commenced loading our goods and chattels on light railway wagons,
preparatory to `retiring.' This was one job the men worked 100% without urging.
The retirement was without incident except that someone had committed a
grievous crime by putting a chalk sign on our cars, such as we saw on the
coaches coming across Canada `on to Berlin,' but we were taking a circuitous
route. On April 18th we camped at Elverdinghe, and from there worked on the
evacuation of material and supplies over a large part of the Ypres
salient."]
Comments
Post a Comment