[newspaper clipping, publication name and publication date unknown]

MAJOR VANDERSLUYS WRITES HOME TO TELL OF THE WOUNDING OF HIS BROTHER, CAPT. JACK VANDERSLUYS
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The following letter is published for the interest of the friends of Acting-Captain John J. Vandersluys, from his brother, Major C.H. Vandersluys:

September 1, 1918.

My Dear Dad :–

I missed Jack when he was taken out, and he has since been taken down the line.

He was wounded in the afternoon of August 30th, the exact location I have marked on a map which I will give to you some day when it is permissible. His wound was caused by a pine-apple, a kind of small trench mortar bomb. A piece caught him just along the side of the right eye and travelled backward, taking off a piece of his ear. He was dressed and they started to carry him out, and I understand both the stretcher-bearers were either killed or wounded. Anyhow they decided it was impossible to get him out until dusk, so he was put in a shell hole. This happened some time during the afternoon. It was 4 o’clock next morning before he arrived at the Field Ambulance in Arras. (I waited there till 12.45). He was shipped out at once to the Casualty Clearing Station, and evacuated from there about 9.30 a.m. on August 31st.

I was more or less content with this news, for dangerous cases are kept still. He was slightly sick at the stomach in the Field Ambulance, but ate some breakfast at the Casualty Clearing Station.

Of the officers who went in the show, there is only one left, a Lieut. McDonald, who told me this a.m. where and how Jack got hit. He said they had a perfectly hellish time and ran into very heavy machine gun, rifle, T.M. and artillery fire.

The Company suffered rather heavily in both officers and O.R. He said Jack acted most gallantly and was at the head of his Company when hit. His batman was gassed earlier in the day and could not go on, but is on duty now again and I believe went down to the hospital with Jack.

He is coming in to see me tonight. Lieut. McDonald said that another half inch would certainly have finished the boy. It was with great difficulty that Jack was got out at all, for the enemy artillery fire was very heavy for some distance back.

When I returned from the line this morning I came back via the 3rd Battalion location and was handed Jack’s binoculars, and will keep them until I hear from Jack. I also have his sketch book in which are some very clear copies of drawings and some originals. He must be urged to go on with his drawing, for he has the talent to produce very good work. I expect to hear how he is getting along in a few days, but there is no doubt but that he will be in the hospital some little time, and after that it will be some time also before he is fit again.

Tell mother not to worry, for brother Jack will be O.K. in a month or so.

I imagine Jack made some use of his new revolver, though I thought it a little light. You will read some interesting things about the Canadians long before this letter reaches you.

Your loving son,
CHARLIE.