Somewhere in Belgium
Dec 9th 1917

Dear Mother:

Think my last letter to you was Dec 1st and I also wrote Isabel about 3rd so you will doubtless get it too. Have not very much to report for the past week as there is little out of the ordinary. Was on duty at the guns last Tuesday but it was not very busy. Since then we have taken over guns in two other different positions. First ahead and the present one behind so now we have not to walk so far, and it is also a quieter place. I was up there yesterday carrying ammunition etc. and came home at night. It is very muddy and the ground is soft which makes it tiresome. It happens to be about 100 yds up from the place where we were first on duty in coming out.

Have not been getting any mail for the last ten days but on Friday I got your letter of Nov 4th with Evelyn's. Also one from Elizabeth and one from Isabel so I did very well.

We have had a lunch every night almost for the last week. Last night we had some real porridge. Got Oatmeal at a canteen and cooked it in our mess tins and it was good. Boiled it in our fireplace for about 15 minutes. Had some sugar on hand and bought a tin of the canned milk. The night before we had Salmon and toast. Also had Cherries last night. Never send any of the canned goods to me as we can always get them in the Canteens when close to the firing line. A little sugar is always needful. In bulk is alright. Raisins, dates, Figs for eating are about 50 cts a lb in the nearest town which is rather high. Apples 20 cts lb. Pears 40 cts lb. so they are all luxuries. If not too expensive a couples of packages of dates would be acceptable.

Was pleased to get all the news in your letters and will try and answer all four in this one. Apparently Coal and Sugar are scarce in Canada through someone storing it up. The U.S. in the war will no doubt make a difference to many things.

Yes I am supplied with sox for the present. Have a pair coming yet I hear. Also got a suit of underwear and a Flannel shirt from the Q-M stores so am supplied in that line. A pair of knitted gloves would be useful. I have my Army issue also bought a pair in England and understand we get an issue soon but by the time you send a pair I may be in need of them too, as they don't last long in the mud and water, handling shells, planks, etc.

Note what you say about the pictures. My coat was the same one as I had in Guelph but no doubt it needed pressing badly and it was a little looser fitting. We should have had our new issue before going on leave instead of just before going to France, however I guess they didn't arrive in time.

Sorry to hear Alf Morrans son is so bad. It is what is called Shell Shock and results from being close to an exploded shell. Some cases of course are not as bad as others and any man having it is not sent back to France. In the shell which landed behind our dugout recently one man was Shell-shocked. Did not know Lieut. Leslie but I suppose he was a brother of Nora Leslie, now Mrs. Crowe who used to sing in Chalmers. In the same mail I got a clipping from Edmn telling about him and I enclose it herewith. Let me know when the 64th draft leaves and send me a list of those on it from the paper if you can. Have you seen anything about Eidt being killed. I have heard it from several I have met but have not seen any casualty lists.

So you have had considerable snow. Have none here so far. In fact, full bloom. There was about an inch of ice this week but it is again mild and it has disappeared. It is now raining. There is also a holy tree in what is left of a wood about 100 yds from our dugout. There is also the ruins of a chateau and a greenhouse there. We get out firewood out of the wood and the last I got was a little of wood like Ash, Cherry and Balsam but do not know what they call them.

See by Eliz.letter she is thinking of Montana now. Think she would be as well in Toronto as the pay is just as good and maybe better and no doubt work is plentiful. Can never tell how soon they may need her overseas. Heard of a girl who came over as a nurse the same month I did. She has since been married to a Major and is now back home Edmn on three months furlough. She couldn't have been on duty long. She knew the Major before. I knew her quite well. Have made a note of the nurses address and if I can find such a place in France will inquire for her. Presume her name is Joice or is that the address? No I was not sick but felt a little upset for a short time as the boat was small and rocked considerably. It was not rough at all.

Will now answer Isabels letter. I guess it is a good thing one or two of the family have a steady job or we would all be on the move. My job is steady enough but I do not expect to stay in any one place very long. My next letter may be from a different region at least we expect. Suppose Bob will not be able to claim exemption since Harold is married and his partner. Yes my mail is fairly regular and I seldom go over a week without something coming.

Think I have given you all the news for this time. Had a visit this week one night from a fellow who was Sergt Major of the 64th at the time I joined. He has been in France since July and had a few narrow escapes. He expects to take a course in England for a commission in about 3 months time.

Will close for this time wishing you all the seasons best wishes and with love to all.

Rob