Otterpool, Sept 7, 1915 Dear Folks, Got a letter from home today and one from Cliff, both very acceptable, also the Observer. In Cliff's letter, got a postcard picture of the ball team, or at least, some of them. It was alright to gaze on their homely faces again, especially in the ball uniforms. Cliff's letter also brought back the Holland Pill Shop as it had a very strong drugstore odour. I took several lond whiffs of Holland, using the drugstore as a medium. Sometime since I have written but news is not so plentiful. One thing, we have been issued with the web equipment. This is the third equipment issued to the 2nd C.E.F. and is also the best. It is some outfit, about two dozen pieces and you can adjust it to fit the body. It is certainly fine, the pouches have numerous pockets, will hold one hundred and fifty rounds. Weight of said rounds about fourteen lbs. We do not take our kit bags to the front at all. They are stored at Shorncliff . Carry all we need. When you come out of the trench, you get a good bath and a clean suit of underwear, leaving your own, and so it goes around. Have also received fine new sweaters, braces & numerous other things. Say beastly ripping of the paper to have put us in France. They get some fantastic ideas alright. We are also getting gas helmets which, as Styles informs us, if we get on we may have no fear of gas-just face it and no harm will result. They go right down, put the ends under your collar. Button your tunic up and then is a piece of mica of something to look through. They say, the gas has been known to come down one hundred feet high rolls, is like water-very heavy. They have rigs in the trenches now for pumping it out. No matter what the Germans spring, in time, they get something to reduce its usefulness. Got the pictures I took of the Scotts in Scotland. May remark that they are rotten. Think my camera is leaking light, leaves a streak on some of them. There are quite a few boys out of the platoon. Will be transferred to Base that is the 32nd Batt. Bridger has been getting along with a game knee; afraid to show it too much on a/c of the fact they might keep him back. Had it bandaged all the time but it went out again the other day. The sergeant couldn't get it in so he was sent to the hospital and is to have an operation to remove some cartilage. Also, Bannister, who got hit with motor truck; Trickett sick. Several fellows getting commissions, Guaife among them. Sorry Glady seems sore; they are very touchy on such matter. Holland seems to have enjoyed a fairly successful ball season. Cliff is the chief cause, I guess. Am sending a new address, which will either get us at the front or here, so please use it. We may pull out soon or it may be some time. In no case depend on the papers for authentic news. When we were over visiting Bridger at Shorncliff, Scotty met a fellow in the same ward by name of Bob Quinn [?]. He used to play hockey & row in Winnipeg. Now has a wife & family, and some land in the Kootenays. He went over with reinforcements & was badly shot up. In mentioning the fellows, who had been in the same engagement, he said there was a fine fellow, Galliker, son of a Victoria judge, a lad who always had a smile on his face, was blown up with a shell. Killed instantly. This Quinn is the best-living example of good cheer, in spite of the fact he can't walk. He is being sent home to Canada. Soldiers may be tough in a good many ways nut, with very few exceptions, they are an open minded, fine bunch of fellows-are always glad to do one another a favour, lend money, etc. Was unable to go to London to Clifton's friends, as I could not get a pass. Still have hopes though. I will write soon again, but tonight, I simply can't get going. Very kind of Mrs. Crawley to remember us. I may be in a machine gun section, which will be alright. Goodnight & Good Cheer, Love to All, Perry Glad to hear Kid has decided to continue education. PHS