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Date: January 12th 1917
Newspaper Article

An Easy Time Says a Soldier

A Soldier from this locality in a letter to friends says:

We are just at present in a quiet part of the line, that is, as far as quietness goes with us over here. A chum said the other day, 'Well, I would not give a sou for this old country with half of it under water and the other half of it in sandbags or on your rations.' But with all disadvantages we are putting in quite an easy, quiet time just now. It is very different from what it was when we came out here. The boys say now that our army is top- dog watching Fritzie in the shell hole. We are issued with plenty of charcoal and coke for fuel, and plenty to eat. Then we can buy things at the Y.M.C.A. huts to change for this old country with half of it under water and the other half of it in sandbags or on your rations.' But with all disadvantages we are putting in quite an easy, quiet time just now. It is very different from what it was when we came out here. The boys say now that our army is top-dog watching Fritzie in the shell hole. We are issued with plenty of charcoal and coke for fuel, and plenty to eat. Then we can buy things at the Y.M.C.A. huts to change the menu. For instance a tin of Quaker Oats and some condensed milk and 10, we have hot porridge in a short time, or vegetable extracts and make some hot soup. We are getting to be some cooks? Well, I should say so. Just wait until we come home and we will show you how to concoct a stew or a pudding, and incidentally lower the cost of living. We have hip rubber boots for the trenches and have been issued with new clothing for the cold winter. Au Revoir.
J. & G.