The Trenches

Somewhere in Flanders

Monday Oct 17/15

Dear John

I received your letter of the 1st at daybreak this morning, and Jack and I enjoyed every word of it. It is awfully kind of you to write such interesting ones and so full of kindly thought. We appreciate such letters, especially in these circumstances. I also received a fine letter from Dr Stevenson, and please thank him most sincerely for me till I get time to write personally.

You enquire about sending me papers. The boys have been receiving parcels of all kinds, papers, boots, cake etc so I guess there are few restrictions I dont think the authorities object to anything coming in that will give the boys any enjoyment or comfort, for the Lord knows we are not quite as cosy here as at an afternoon tea. We dont grumble about things, for we just think how it must have been here last winter, and are thankful to be as comfortable as we are. The German trenches are quite close, much less than 100 yds. Looking through the periscope you can easily distinguish the features of the Germans if they bob their heads up. I’m supposed to be a sniper now, and yesterday crawled out side our trenches to try to get a lead on anything suspicious. Unfortunately the Huns have a trench on a mound just behind their first one, and before you can see their nearest line you are in full view of their second. The chap with me was about 10 yds away. They turned a machine gun on him, but only fired five rounds rapid at me. We had some earth spattered on us, but needless to say, we came in cautiously. We didnt think it a wise plan to walk around with our hands in our pockets, on ‘No Mans Land’ and flirt with .303s and machine guns, so we squirmed in. We saw an old rifle out there, and it was brought in last night. It had a Princess Pats name & number on it.

So you want to enlist eh? Well just sit by the library fire and thank your lucky stars you’re too old. you are doing more good in Toronto by your example and manly talks. I laughed at the remark one of our lads made the other day. He said “ I wasn’t pining to be a soldier, but was unlucky enough to be too d- healthy to stay in Canada when men were needed at the front.

I wish there were more chaps in Nova Scotia who would realize that they were too healthy to stay at home when a kahki hat would fit. Jack & I were rather amused to hear of Bert Cunningham making a recruiting speech at the Guys. Exhibition after having been in uniform two whole days. His wonderful experiences while a soldier must have thrilled the crowd.

Well old top this is not much of a letter in return for that fine one of yours, but you will know that we are all well and quite happy. Too bad you dont know where we are. You might find out from Mr Sinclair. Will write some of the family every opportunity Give my love to each and all at 17 Elm.

Your loving brother

Douglas