THE LAND OF GOOD NEIGHBOURS ©: Benner Family, World War One - Canada

Egypt & The Nile Are Almost Identical Terms

2012-02-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Feb 10, 1918

Assouan, Egypt

The Upper Egypt Hotels Coy,

Savoy Hotel Assouan Letterhead,

Dear Mother & all,-

I have been even more neglectful than usual of late, but I suppose it is because that Capt Zealand is with me and we have been knocking around quite a bit, so that few letters have been written.

You will see by this that I am at Assouan, just arrived here tonight, left Cairo last night and have travelled ever since. We hope to see the big dam tomorrow and some of the temples, then tomorrow night we take a sailing boat & go down the river about 40 miles to a place called Kom Ombo to a fine old temple, getting there at daylight, then from there we hope to catch a train & go to Edfu, to another old temple & to see a very large sugar factory in operation, then we hope to catch an evening train & get to Luxor & Thebes where we will spend about four days and then back to Cairo to rest up.

It is pretty hot up here now, had we left the trip for much latter it would have been quite uncomfortable. I do wish you were here but as that is not likely I am going to be rather extravagant in taking snaps. Zealand has so far recovered that he is up here with me.

I sent you a telegram a few days ago. Did you get it, it was just to say that I was intending to stay on here in Egypt for another 3 mos at least.

It was a dirty but rather an interesting trip up here. The desert sand is sucked up terribly by the train and I feel pretty full of it tonight. Egypt is a peculiar country. In some places you can throw a stone almost across it, that is the cultivated parts along the Nile, the desert is really a “no man’s land”. Egypt & the Nile are almost identical terms.

Assouan is a very pretty spot, at least so much of it as I have seen.

Will write you a longer account of my trip when I get back. Am as well as can be.

Best love to all, Frank.

THE BATTLE IN THE MUD

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

The British troops went forward again to-day, October 12, further up the slopes of Passchendaele Ridge,striking northeast toward the village this morning looming through the mist andwhite smoke of shellfire, with its ruins like the battlements of a mediavelcastle perched high on the crest.

They has the same grim adventure, they too, fell into shellsholes, groping their way forward blindly in the wild downpour or rain, luggedeach other out of bogs, floundered through mud and shell fire from 5 in theevening until a few minutes only before it was time to attack.

Then gas shells came whining with their queer little puffs,unlike the exploding roar of the bigger shells, and the wet wind was filledwith poisonous vapor, smarting to the eyes and skin , so that some of the menhad to put on gas masks.

The march up to the battle line might have shaken the nervesof most men, might even have unmanned them, by the fainting sickness of fear,but it only made the British angry to the point of wild rage.

"To hell with them!" said some of them. "We won't spare them when we go over, wewill make them pay for this night."

They used savage and flaming words, cursing the enemy, theweather, the shell fire and the foulness of it all. I know the state of the ground, for I wentover this crater land this morning to look at the flame of fire belowPasschendaele spur.

I had no heavy kit, like the fighting men, but I fell on thegreasy "duckboards," as they fell , and rolled into the slime, asthey had rolled.

The rain beat a tattoo on one's steel helmet. Every shell hole was brimful of brown orgreenish water. Moisture rose form theearth in a fob. The British guns werefiring everywhere through the mist and thrust sharp little swords of flamethrough its darkness, and all the battlefields bellowed with the noise of theguns.

I walked through battery positions; past enormous howitzerwhich at twenty paces distance shook one's bones with the concussion of theirblasts; past long-muzzled high-velocities whose shells, after the first sharphammer stroke, went whining away with the high, fluttering note of death; pastbig-bellied 4.2’s and monster firing lyddite shells in clouds of yellow smoke.

Before me, stretching away round Houthulst Forest, big anddark and grim with its close-growing trees, was Passchendaele Ridge for whichthe British were fighting, and their barrage fire crept up to it, and theinternal shell fire rising in white columns was on top of it, hiding the brokenhouses there until later in the morning, when the rain ceased a little and thesky was streaked with blue, and out of the wet gloom Passchendaele appearedwith its houses still standing though all in ruins.

There were queer effects when the sun broke through. Its rays ran down the wet trunks and forkednaked branches of dead trees with a curious dazzling whiteness, and all theswamps were glinting with light on their foul waters; and the pack muleswinding along the tracks, slithering and staggering through the slime, had fourgolden bars on either side of them when the sun shone on their 18-poundershells.

There was something more ghastly in this flood of whitelight over the dead ground of the battlefields, revealing all the litter ofhuman conflict around the captured German “pill boxes, “ than when it was allunder black storm clouds.

This morning I have been among men who lay out last nightbefore the attack which followed the first gleams of dawn to-day, and whostaggered and stumbled up to take part in the attack. These men I met had come back wounded. Only in the worst days of the Somme have I seen such figures. They were plastered from head to foot in wetmud, their hands and faces being covered with clay like the hands and faces ofdead men.

They had tied bits of sacking round their legs and this wasstuck on them with clots of mud. Theirbelts and tunics were covered with thick, wet slime. They were soaked to the skin and their hairwas stiff with clay.

They looked to me like men who had been buried alive and hadbeen dug out again. And when I spoke tothem I found that some of them had been buried alive and unburied while theystill had life. They told me this simplyas if it were the normal thing. Others,without being flung down by a shell burst or buried in a crater, fell up totheir waists in shell holes and up to their armpits and sank in water andmud.

A little group of men whom I knew had to make their way upto join in their unit’s attack in the dawn. It was at dusk that this handful of men set out on the way up to thebattle line, and it was only a few miles they had to go, but it took themeleven hours to go that distance and they did not get to their journey’s enduntil half an hour before they had to att. They had no food all that time, “I would have given my left arm for adrop of hot drink,” said one of them. “Iwas ‘fair perished’ with the cold.”

They went over to the attack, these troops who were cold andhungry and exhausted after a dreadful night, and they gained their objectiveand routed the enemy and sent back many prisoners.

In evidence of the titanic character of the struggle for theridge it was announced Nov. 16 that data in possession of the British staffshowed that Crown Prince Rupert of Bavariain two months had exhausted ninety-one German divisions (nearly 1,365,000 men)in defending vainly the Passchendaele ridge, and in fruitless counter attacks.

After that period of diverting raids further south, theBritish, with the Canadians in the lead , made a sudden advance from theirpositions on Belleevue Spur, and Wolf Copse, reaching out and took most of thedefences of Passchendaele, and then retired to their old positions in the faceof overwhelming German reinforcements, which were slaughtered by a barragecovering the retirement. Then, after aweek of bombardment, the Canadians tried it again, this time sweeping clearthrough Passchendaele to positions 800 yards beyond. From the 7^th to the 14^th there were heavyGerman counter attackes, but this time the Canadian line beyond Passchendaeledid not budge. The Germans lost heavily.

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Published in the AylmerExpress Newspaper on Feb 7, 1918

If I Get Back In the Fall

2012-02-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Feb 4, 17

Somewhere in France

Dear brother

Received your most welcome letter of Dec 23rd a few nights ago and as you surmized I was indeed surprised, almost as much so as I would be were I to get a letter from father and I sure hope that I get that surprize soon, I think I have only received one letter from him in my life and that was when I was with the 63rd in London. You might just tell him that I have been away for nearly seven years.

Was quite surprized to learn that Marshall got such a small majority, there must be a lot of conscripts in East Elgin. Was allso surprized to learn that the Rev Charlton would stand on the Laurier platform. It really isn’t much in line with the editorials that he was writing a year ago. I wonder which he was doing, using religion as a cloak or putting politics first.

Don’t think there is much chance of Quebec making any strong attempts to drop out of Confederation.

Suppose Fred will be in the lumber buisness heavy this winter. Have been thinking that I would be in luck if he had his mill going when I get back as I might be able to get a job teaming his horse that is providing that it is in the fall and not more than a few decades ahead.

If I get back in the fall I will likly be staying most of the winter before going back west. I don’t know whether I will go up in the north again or not, that all depends on what the government does regarding the soldiers. If I can get another ¼ anywhere in the block and can raise about $1500.00 from the B.C. government on the place I allready have I’ll sure go back, but I will pull different ropes the next time.

There is just one thing that makes me hesitate and that is, I hate to try farming again and batching at the same time as five years experience has taken all the novelty away and I have no serious intentions regarding matrimony, certainly not with any one you know, get me??

I have really got very disgusted lately and have not taken the trouble of writing since coming to France. Of course if I receive the boxes, I’ll write and thank her, but that is all. I may be a fool but it takes someone cleverer than her to show me up.

Well Arthur I must now close. Hope this finds you in the same good health that I am enjoying and wishing you the best of luck. Answer soon.

Your loving brother,

Murray

"THE LAST POST"

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

Within the grand cathedral

I heard the bagpipes play

Grief's wild lament,"Lochaber,"

That sad November day.

I heard the "LastPost" sounding

Death's most pathetic dry,

Till souls sobbed out theirsorrow

For those who dared to die.

The service was for others

Whose sorrows I could share:

Whose souls were trilled withmusic.

And calmed by hopeful prayer;

Whose hears re-echoed gladly

The sermon's loft tone;

They loved their heroesfondly,

I fondly loved my own.

Within the grand cathedral

I sat that sacred day,

But in Flanderschurchyard

My heart was far away

In Locre, where his comrades

Had laid my gallant son,

And there I heard the bugles

Tell that his work was done.

From the old villagechurchyard,

Yonder across the sea,

His comrades moaned hismessage

Upon the breeze to me;

And always in November,

As leaves float down to rest,

I'll hear the "LastPost," sounding

Above my dear son's breast.

But I will listen proudly

In May time, when the breeze

Brings me the bird's sweetjoy song

Out of the lilac trees

Beside his grave at daybreak.

My faith triumphant then

Will hear God's grandreveille

For all his noble men.

-- James L. Hughes

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaperon Jan 31, 1918

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Sue's Update:

With the direction of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces Study Group, the Matrix, I found a James Laughlin Hughes (1846-1935). He authored a book, Canadian History: Examination Primer, published 1881.

Now with further investigation I've foundRainbows on War Clouds (1919), with this forward:

"These poems are published with the hope that they may help to heal sorrowing hearts and to aid in the spread of true ideals, includinglove, and sacrifice, and duty, and universal brotherhood. It is hope, too, that they may increase the respect anddeepen the sympathy of true men and women for the brave soldiers and sailorswho are so nobly fighting for freedom, justice, righteousness, home, andChristian civilization."

JAMES L. HUGHES, Toronto, Canada

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"The Last Post" is included in this publication.

p. 22- 23

The poem was "Suggested by a memorial service in St Paul's, Toronto, conducted by a Very Rev. Archdeacon Cody, at the unveiling oftablets in honour of two young Toronto officerskilled in France."

Sue's Update # 2: I found this worth noting - James Laughlin was the elder brother of Sir Sam Hughes.

Sue's Update # 3: Again thanks to a contributor on the Canadian Expeditionary Forces Study Group,
the following newspaper announcement was found published on October 31, 1917 in the Toronto Star.

DEATH TRAPS PLANTED BY RETREATING HUNS

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Kaiser's Soldiers Establish World's Record for Inhuman Treachery

Probably the world's recordfor death-trap treachery was established by the Germans in their forced retreatfrom Aisne.

Thanks to their previousknowledge of snares usually left behind a retreating German army to catch theunwary. French troops manoeuvred withslightest loss but through no fault of the enemy. Scattered everywhere in abandoned dugouts,trenches, houses, stables, wire entanglements and on roads were concealed aconglomeration of cunningly arrange slaughter traps without parallel inuncivilized warfare.

Dugouts freshly abandonedwere found literally filled with traps. A long narrow branch barring the way to an entrance would, if removed,produce an explosion in the shelter a few moments later. An innocent lookingbook on a table would detonate a charge if touched. Coal in conveniently filledbuckets proved on examination, to be liberally mixed with high explosives. Stovepipes were charged to blow up if a firewas started. Telephone wires seeminglyleading to a connecting room were in reality connected with hidden mines whichblew up if the wires were touched. Nailsdriven in walls were equally dangerous if anything came in contact withthem. A shovel leaning against a wallconnected wires with explosives. A chairwould blow up if sat upon. Variousobjects casually lying about- tools, pieces of metal helmets, fragments ofshells, artificial flowers of all kinds , of apparently abandoned souvenirswere murder traps. To open the door of adugout or push aside some branches or a sack placed there to obscure the doorwaywould detonate a carefully prepared charge. Window weights were hung so they would fall on a box of detonators ifdisturbed. Nails were driven on stairways so as to be literally triggers formines.

In the trenches abandonedpieces of clothing and equipment of most any kind connected with grenades:harmless looking telephone wires exploded buried mines, the barbed wire ofbarricades was on hair trigger contact with heavy explosives and many othercunning traps were laid for the uncareful.

Barbed wire entanglements insome cases were found cunningly camouflaged so as to be difficult todistinguish and when tripped over became a veritable ambuscade.

Roads that appeared inperfect condition were examined and found to conceal many traps. One trick consisted of a chamber under theroadway of a very thin roof. A heavyshell was place in the chamber so that the detonator was touched when a weightpassed over the spot. Another trap wasarranged to allow troops to pass over safely but would blow up when anautomobile, gun or transport wagon passed. Entire cases of explosives were found buried a few inches from theroadbeds.

Wells were annually destroyedby the Germans but when they are left intact the French soldiers are forbiddento drink form them until the water has been chemically analyzed.

A complete record and studyof German murder traps has been transmitted to the headquarters of the Americanarmy in France.

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10,300 HAVE DONNED KHAKI SINCE JAN 3.

Does not Include Voluntary or Air Service Men.

It isofficially announced from the Military Service Council, that the number of menthroughout the Dominion who have donned khaki under the act from Jan. 3 to Jan.22 inclusive totals 10,300. this does not include those who voluntarilyreported and waived exemption previous to the proclamation issued on Jan 3.Neither does it include these men who enlisted in the flying corps of the Canadiannavy subsequent to that date.

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaperon Jan 31, 1918

PATROL DETROIT & U.S. FORCES

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NEW U.S. ARMY WILL DEPRESS GERMAN MORALE

No Forces Ever Raised, Trained or Equippedso Quickly as Present Force, Says Secretary Baker.

“No army of similar size in the history of the world has neverbeen raised , equipped or trained so quickly as the present American army”Secretary of War Baker told the Senate military probers investigating thisdepartment. Pointing to the fact that innine months the personnel of the army had grown from 9,524 officers to 110,856officers, and form 202,510 men to 1,428,650 men, he answered his critics with abroad outline of the work accomplished.

American accomplishments, he said, are such as to depress Germanmorale, “When the Germans realize that American democracy has neither blunderednor hesitated, but has men and resources and completely actually brought thefull power of its organized strength, against their military machine.”

CANADIAN SOLDIERS NOW PATROL DETROIT

Canadian military police now patrol thestreets of Detroit, armed with authority to reprimand or arrest Canadiansoldiers on leave who are not conducting themselves properly. Major Osborne,provost marshal, of London, made a trip to Detroit, a week ago and saw forhimself numerous incidents of slackness on the part of members of the Canadianoverseas forces. Several soldiers werereprimanded by him and ordered to return ot Windsor. By an international agreement, permission wasobtained to station a detail of men inthe city across the river as it is in Detroit that a large number of men onleave from the camping London seek recreation. The civil police will co-operate with the military authorities in makingarrests when the occasions arise.

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on January 27, 1918

War is Still Going Merrily On

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Somewhere in France
Jan 26, 1918

Dear Mother & all

Well another week has rolled by and the war is still going merrily on.

The following night after I last wrote you I received 19 letters and the next night two boxes, one containing the Xmas cake and the other the cigars etc. Many thanks mother, you have no idea how such things are appreciated here.

Allso received two letters from you last night. Am sorry to learn that your eyes are troubling you. I most sincerely hope they are all O.K. by this time and that in future you are not troubled with them. Am sorry to learn of Aunt Thels troubles. Shooting is really to good for that “honorable” son of hers. It certainly is beyond me to understand how a son could be so indifferent as to his mothers wellfare.

(Writing changes from pencil to ink.)

Was just down to the canteen and I espied a bottle of ink so was not long in purchasing it.

Received a box from Fred Brown tonight. It was sure a nice box but was broken up quite badly but the only thing lost was a can of cocoa which was distributed all over the box. There was a pair of sox in it which was sent to me by Violet Morris. She wrote me sometime ago and said she was knitting me a pair. I dont think any of you know her. She lives out near Belmont but teaches school at Mapleton. Allso received a letter from Grace Glendenning from Ingersol. Perhaps some of the boys know her if they are acquainted around that part of the country. If they do I think they will agree with me that she is some “catchy kid”.

By the way Arthur I understand that a certain young lady in Aylmer has an artillery pin with “63rd” enscribed on it and a maple leaf with “gone overseas” on it and she is telling that I sent them to her. Will you just kindly make it known to any one you hear speaking about it that she bought them herself in St. Thomas & that I had nothing to do with it. I am writing to the fair damsel myself telling her my views on the matter even if she has sent me a box. Guess you know who it is allright.

Well mother I must now close as it is getting late and I have “umpty” other letters to write. Hoping you are all enjoying the same good health that I am and that the big fight is soon called off so I can get back and see you all again.

Your loving son, Murray

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The dayprior on the Western Front, January 25, 1918

East ofLoos, Germans make raid after heavy bombardment.

Great Alliedair activity: Courtrai, Tournai, Ghent, and Douai districts heavily bombed byBritish and Thionville, Freilburg and Ludwigshafen by French.

NOTES AND COMMENTS, January 24, 1918

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Ford Saves the Hay and Oats the Horses Eat

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Well at any rate we are dead sure of a bountiful iceharvest.

_____

Baron Rhondda, British Food Controller, makes the gratifyingannouncement that while it is necessary for the people to economize more thanthey have done, there is not the slightest danger of famine.

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Congress is to be asked to authorize the melting up of onehundred and fifty million silver dollars, now stored in the U.S. treasury,to supply silver buillion for export to American's allies and to pay trade balances. One and two dollar silver certificates willalso be called in and replaced by Federal reserve bank notes.

_____

German traders are not slow to take advantage of thesituation in Russiaand are said to have established four hundred booths in close proximity to theRussian front. Russian soldiersevidently prefer card playing to fighting, and have no hesitancy in treading amachine gun for a pack of cards.

_____

The Duke of Devonshire, Governor General of Canada,endorses prohibition for the Dominion by banishing all wines and alcohol fromthe tales at Rideau Hall until the close of the war. Not even at formal state dinners will winesor liquors be served. This is certainlya new order of things at Rideau Hall, and his Excellency is showing splendidjudgment in setting so worthy an example to those in high places.

_____

Premier Lloyd George, in addressing the labor delegates, oneday last wee, made a stirring and impressive appeal to that body. Among other things he said: No man standingon the watch tower can deny the urgency of the need for raising more men. No democracy has ever long survived thefailure of its adherents to be ready to die for it. Ifany man here can find an honorable and equitable way our of this conflictwithout fighting it through let him tell it. My conviction is this, the people must either go on or gounder." It is among the labor menthat the proposed additional 500,000 men for the army must be found.

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The Bolcheviki were defeated in the first legislativemeeting they called following a day of street fighting in Petrograd. They are , however, still the most powerfulof the many political factors in Russia no contending forsupremacy. The name signifies "themasses," and is pronounced Bol-she-vei-kee, with the accent on the last syllable. Only one Russian state made peace with Germany, the Ukraine, which has sent such alarge number of emigrants to our Northwest that they are about to expend$100,000 there to found a school of their own. Their development should be watched with interest. While politics are flourishing in Russia, the military spirit is diminishing,which doubtless suits Germanybest.

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War taxes are graduated in England, and bear very heavily onthe wealthier classes. As a result, onlythose who have immense incomes will be able to keep up their largeestates. It will in the end be anadvantage to England,giving a number of smaller farms, whichthose who could previously only rent, may now buy and well see that they areprofitably tilled instead of forming a part of a large park. One of the first to realize the newconditions was s Canadian farmer, Lord Somers, who has a large farm near Toronto. He divided hislarge English estate into small parcels, in 1916, and sold to his previoustenants. The sons of the late William E.Gladstone are to at once sell a large part of the famous Hawarden estate, thehigh taxes making it impossible to keep the estate intact and in the family, astheir father desired.

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaperon January 24, 1918

MAJOR DOUGLAS DUNNETT IS TOWN MAJOR IN FRANCE

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Major Dunnett Writes his Mother of a few of his Experiences.

France,December 27th, 1918

Dear Mother:

Here it is after Christmas and I could hardly believe it wasChristmas day, as it was a very ordinary day for me. I returned to the Battalion from Mount St.Eloi, for a few days and then got an appointment asTown Major at Bully Grenay, so I has here, but have no idea for howlong, but hope, for the duration of the war. I am pretty busy, finding outthings in a new place, which is always the case when taking over a new positioneither in the front line or in the rear. I have had 'some places' to takeover believe me, especially in thefront.

One time, I remember, the officer I took over from goingalong the line, pointing out here and there a dangerous place from machine gunfire, or bombs, etc,. and telling me and showing a place where he said, "yesterdaya man was killed here, shot through the head." At another place, a dugoutentrance was blown in, and here, he said, a corporal and several men had beenburied by a shell. I could hear the ratssqueeling, so doubted not his word. I have received many letters, and shall bevery busy for some time getting them all answered. Received a parcel from Knox churchY.P.S. and one from you too; and words cannot express my thanks for them.

I am enclosing a letter which I wish to keep in case I havethe good fortune to see the whole of the show through. We are having some snowhere now, and the ground has its blanket over it, of pure white.

I sure did have a pleasant time in Blighty, my first leavein ten months. I suppose in about another year I can look forward to anotherone. I visited the Tower of London,twice this time and begin to feel as though I knew the old place. Also saw a session of the House of Commons, as well as seeing through the entirebuilding, and the Lord Mayor's parade. Shall be able to send you a picture postcardof the procession.

With best wishes,your loving son, DOUGLAS

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Other letters from Douglasmay be viewed by searching 'Dunnett' with the site search tool below.

Well and Enjoying Life

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Somewhere in France

Jan 20, 18

Dear brother

Well Frank just a line to let you know all is well with me. I have no news to give you as I am getting no mail since coming to this country and of course I am not permitted to tell you of what is going on here except that if Fritz makes us move our lines to the rear he is sure going to loose some men as we are prepared to meet him as has been rather sore on the Canadians ever since we relieved him of the place last April. Guess Murray Abell knows something about it.

The only mail I have received is a letter from you in which you told me that Fred & Ertle had moved. Well that was news to me because the last I heard they had not expected to go till spring. You said you expected to leave there in February well in that case you may not receive this but am writing it anyway.

Would like to see you when you get to England but guess I won’t unless I manage to pick up a piece of Fritz metal – a thing which is sometimes done over here.

Well Frank there is nothing to write about only myself and I am well and enjoying life about as much as you would expect under the circumstances. Have been rather fortunate the last few days in meeting old friends. It seems rather good to swap yarns with old time friends, doesn’t it?

Must now close as have nothing more to say or at least nothing I can say.

Best of love & luck, your loving brother, Murray.

P.S. Just received a parcel from home. Hurrah

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January 22, 1918

Western Front

German raids near St Quentinand La Bassee.

Much British bombing atRoulers, Menin, and Courtrai.

The Rest of the Time We Fast

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Somewhere in France

Jan 20, 1918

Dear Mother & all

Well it is again time to write home and still nothing to write about. I dare not tell you anything of the interesting happenings around here and as my mail has as yet never found me I know absolutly nothing of the happenings around there to even gossip about.

The only mail I have received since coming to France, now over two months ago, is a letter from Frank. In that letter I learned that Fred and Ertle have moved to their new home. I hope they are well contented. I don’t know the place at all but I cannot help thinking it queer that they bought there as I thought they both had the western fever and if they ever left the old home they would both go out there. It really seems to me that they could do far better out there with the same amt of cash and not have to work so hard to make it but then they know their own business so it is not my place to criticize.

I am anxious to learn just what conscription is doing down there; I don’t think for a minute that Ward would be called up but just lately I have heard of some peculiar things being done which are quite to the contrary to what we were told would be done. Of course I cannot vouche for the truth of these things and I hope there is nothing in them as I personnaly think the farmers should never be taken as we have got to be fed and if they cut our rations to half again, as was done a few week ago, we will sure all be starved.

I don’t know what we would do if it was not for the Y.M.C.A. canteens so that we can buy eatables. They of course cost money out here and as we only get 45 francs a month ($9.00) we have food for about two weeks out of each month the rest of the time we fast. (I am doing that now) Sometime when that assigned pay comes in I guess you had better send me a money order for ten dollars. I can get money orders cashed at the canteens but not postal orders. Send it to 9th Howitzer battery C.F.A; B.E.F France.

It was just a short time ago that I learned that the address had to be put in the middle of the letter and not at top nor bottom so I suppose you have received several letters from me with the address stamped out. I expect now it will be another month or so before I get mail as I believe all my back mail is lost and I will get none untill addressed to the battery so if you happen to have any spare eats around there just box up a few and ship to above address. Tell the people at the baptist church that I have never received their box. No doubt the Richmond people have rec’d my letter thanking them for theirs before now. Although I wrote them from France I rec’d their parcel in England.

Well I must now close as I have got to write to Frank. I surely hope this letter finds you all in as good health as it leaves me. Hope father is standing the winter time. He was fairly well when I left. Give my address to all enquiring friends.

Your loving son,

Murray

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"In the earlieryears of the war, troops in the trenches cooked and ate their food alone or insmall groups, on ‘Tommy cookers’ fuelled by solidified alcohol. Others improvised coke and charcoal braziersby punching holes in an old bucket or oil drum. Fuel scarcity and greater skill and experience led company cooks tobuild kitchens in the reserve trenches and deliver hot soup and ‘mulligan’ stew in insulated containers. A tin biscuit box, lined with hay and canvas,could keep stew warm for half a day.

Canadians relied heavily on parcels from homeand purchases just behind the line. Cannedsalmon, margarine, and tinned fruit were on sale at YMCA canteens behind theline…Closer than other war charities to knowing what men’ living rough’ needed,the Salvation Army won soldiers’ hears by serving free soup and stew and anabsolute minimum of preaching, often dangerously close to the front lines.

Officially, the ration supplied each man with4,300 calories a day, compared with a civilian average of 3,859 calories. The English historian Denis Winter discoveredthat the official ration was nutritionally sufficient, though it left men constantlyhungry and with such a tendency to flatulence that it might even have beendangerous for soldiers in the nervous quiet of no man’s land."

Morton, Desmond. When Your Number’s Up. The Canadian Soldier in the First World War. Random House of Canada. Toronto. 1993. p. 142 Interesting reading.

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January 18, 1918

Western Front

German raids near Neuve Chapelle and Lens repulsed.

January 19, 1918

Western Front

Raids and counter raids in Cambrai sector

Eastern Front

Constituent Assembly forcibly dissolved by Bolshevicks.

QUESTION OF RECEPTION FOR VETERANS SETTLED

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Welland NewspaperInvestigates and Clears up Matter For Other Small Cities.

In some cities and towns inCanada it has been lamented that boys returning for overseas were not accordedany recognition in the way of a municipal reception, and complaint has beenmade both by the townspeople and the boys themselves that no notification wasgiving of their arrival such was thecase in Welland Ont., and Welland Tribune investigated the matter with resultswhich will apply to other cities as well.

When returned men board thespecial trains crossing the continent all the names are wired form thedischarge depot by the Military Hospitals Commission to the various points along the route. All unit headquarters through which the trainpasses receive information as to the time of its arrival and receptions areeasily arranged by the authorities in these cities.

The secretary of theSoldiers' Aid Commission in Toronto, theheadquarters of "D" Unit, for instance, sends word to Welland that certain menhave been given leave are coming, but since men go under their own control whenleave is granted. The Commissionsecretary cannot say which train a man will take. He might stay over severaltrains or several days before going to his home in Welland.

Welland citizens, and the boys who have returned uncelebrateddo not understand why some were honored and others were not. Boys who wrote ahead to their parents andwere almost invariably acknowledged a public welcome, while others arrivingunannounced were not.

ADDITIONAL LOCALS

In the distressing details ofthe Halifaxdisaster, the statement regarding the blind is one which evokes immediatesympathy. More than two hundred citizenshave been suddenly blinded, as a result of that terrific explosion. Naturally, at the first shock, there was arush to the windows to see what was the matter. The further explosion meant that thousands of windows were blown intosplinters of glass and those standing near them were, in many cases, wounded inthe eyes by these flying bits. Immediateaid was needed to take care of these citizens so terribly stricken. Blindness, in spite of all"compensations," always as seems one of the saddest afflictions. When it comes, as in this case, with asuddenness that snatches the sight away, the desolation must be appalling. Theworld of color so dear in its appeal to all that humanity loves in sky and seaand earth, is lost in a moment - andnothing can ever make up for that bereavement. And yet, say the nurses who are writing from Halifax, those who havelost their eyesight are wonderful in their calm courage. "Never,"writes a Torontogirl, shall I complain again - about anything. There is just one feature more impressive than the misery - and that isthe calm resolution of the people not to be dismayed or cast down."

__________

Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaperon Jan 17, 1918

NOTES AND COMMENTS, January 17, 1918

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Argentina

has entered into an agreement with

Britain

and

France

to supply 2,500,000 tons of wheat to the entente allies. That should help some.

Lloyd George says Alsace-Lorraine must be restored to

France

,and President Wilson says the murderous Turk must go. This means that no peace is yet in sight, andthat the war will bought to a finish, and military domination destroyedforever.

It is said that the Bolsheviki Government is about to publish a decree repudiating all Russian nationaldebts. Any nation or individual, inrenouncing a just obligation, makes a fatal mistake, and deserves ostracismfrom all decent and honorable people.

The Germans paid a New Year's call on our troops in thetrenches before Lens, without result. Last week our boys returned the call, brining back a number of prisonerswith them. The verses, "Stand by the Men at Lens," published by us onDecember 13, were by the late Wilfred Campbell, whose death was noted lastweek.

It is estimated that through the voluntary saving of food byhouseholders, and the compulsory saving in hotels and boarding house, enoughbread, bacon and beef is being saved to feed an army of 500,000 men everyday. And the saving, if everyone wouldhonestly and conscientiously do his and her part, could easily be doubled.

The president of the Eastern Ontario Dairymen's Associationdeclares that the importation and manufacture of oleomargarine after the warwould be the greatest wrong ever done the dairy industry. But what is the poor man to do, with dairybutter at 53 cents a pound, and still going up? He must either go without or eat the substitute, which is certainly ablessing to him at this time, and good butter is not a drug on the market byany means; in fact, it is hard to get.

Russia

,in her present condition, is a democracy from which the world should be madesafe. The Bolsheviki government cannotendure, and it has no regard for other nations. It has already repudiated itsfinancial obligations and has made peace with Bulgaria,without any regard to the unfortunate positionof Roumania, which country was induced to enter the war by

Russia

. In ordinary circumstances Trotski is as great a menace to European peaceas is the Kaiser, who misjudges entirely the motives of England and the Untied States.His leading newspapers pronounce Wilson a hypocrite.

With Russiaand Roumania out of the war, Britainis to undertake to raise an additional 500,000 men for the army, in order thatthe enemy may be held until the strength of

America

is available. As

Britain

has already supplied7,500,000 men, the additional number must be taken from the ranks of essentialwar industries.

Russia

's recent withdrawal hasreleased approximately 1,600,000 enemy troops for use on the WesternFront. Francecan supply no more, while Italyis considerably weakened, consequently the heavy burden must fall upon

Britain

until the Untied States gets into the war in full strength. There is no lack of spirit in the outcome, aswe have now a superiority of men and ration strength over the Central Powersbut preparations must be made for the future, hence the additional draft of 500,000men.

Germany

will not only lose this war, but will also lose her markets in many lines inwhich she had no teal competitors. Oneof these was in dyes. There is noquestion but that Germany had a monopoly in Analine fast dyes, and not littleinconvenience and dissatisfaction have been experienced since our markets have been closed to Germangoods.

Britain

now has the recipes for theBadische Analine dyes, which by the way were first discovered by anEnglishman. These recipes were recentlyobtained in Switzerlandthrough the persistency of John Leyland and Richard Baldry, two energetic London textile merchants. Germany apparently knew what these men were after,and German agents dogged their steps, and did everything in their power toprevent the secret from getting to

England

. Without the assistance of the Foreign Office,the Englishmen frankly say their object would have been defeated. The spies followed them on every journey in

Switzerland

,stole the baggage of their representatives, drugged him assaulted him, and threw him in the gutter. He was afterward followed as far as Have, where the French authorities capturedand imprisoned the German agents. Butthe recipes were finally landed in

England

, and exhaustive tests bythe greatest experts have proven them to be the genuine article. Leyland andBaldry are proving their patriotism by refusing tempting offers fromcapitalists, and handing over the recipes to the British government for use inalready established works. There ishardly an industry in

England

that does not use dyes in one form or another, and the discovery will be worthbillions of dollars to the Mother country. The Daily Mail says that on a cheap supply of dyes depend Britishtextile industries with an output of more than £200,000,000 a year. The dye monopoly before the war gave

Germany

an export trade in fine chemicals of £97,000,000, according to ProfessorGrossman. It also gave her almost acomplete monopoly in the out put of certain explosive gases, photographic chemicals,drugs, and sources of power derived from splitting up petroleum and gas tarproducts.

__________

Published in the AylmerExpress Newspaper on Jan 17, 1918

WHEN THE DRAFT LEAVES

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

by Pte. Geo. Miller

I sit in the hut at the depot,

I can tell you I’m not feeling gay,

My pocketbook's thin and I can't even grin,

'Tis the end of a dismal day.

Last night when the bugle blew tatoo

A bunch of the boys went to

France

No music or singing to cheer them,

The band had to play for a dance.

Boys whom I worked, played and slept with,

Comrades when needing a friend.

Pals when my pocket was empty,

Chums when I'd dollars to spend.

Never a wrong one amongst them,

Men, every one of them white.

Gone with laugher and handshakes

Away to the trenches to fight.

They say that's what they came for,

To fight our Motherland's foe,

Trained to a hair for the battle,

Ready and anxious to go.

Boys who are doing their duty,

As true Britons always have done,

Who will stay on the job til it's finished,

Until the last battle is won.

Then when their big fight is over,

Returning with victory crowned,

Their names in the pages of history

Will forever be justly renowned.

All honor to those in the trenches,

May God take car of them there

And grant that I too will be with them,

Their hardships and glories to share.

__________

Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaperon Jan 17, 1918

BERLIN HOLDS EMPTY STORES

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

MOTHERS AND ABABIESPARADE TO PROTEST AGAINST HIGH MILK PRICES

There was a great procession of mothers in Hyde Park,London, Eng., recently protesting against the artificially high price of milk, whichhas been recently advanced by profiteers, to the serious detriment of the baby. Note the baby in the centre of the picturemaking his own “outcry” against the combine.

__________

100,000 Shops Closed: Families Double Up; People Go Barefooted.

SOLDIERS GRAFT ON FOOD

Thefollowing interesting account of conditions in Germany is taken from a Flint,Mich., paper:

“TheGerman soldier looks fine, but everything else looks like the devil.”

Thisis the summary of Teutonic conditions by Dr. William Law, a native of thiscity, who is back visiting his parents after practicing dentristry for 13 yearsin Berlin, where he served the Kaiser’s family professionally. Dr. Law’s family was able to leave withAmbassador Gerard’s party, but the doctor himself was too ill to travel and heremained in Berlin until October 23, 1917. After waiting in vain for many weeks at Copenhagen, Dr. Law went toChristiania. After many more weeks delayin Norway he finally got a boat for America and arrived here New Year’s day.

“Thereare to-day 100,000 to 125,000 empty stores and residences in berlin, wherenormally in peace times the number would not exceed 16,000 to 18,000.” said Dr.Law. “The big change has been wroughtbecause many businesses have gone bankrupt and people are moving in to-getherto conserve necessities of life. Storesthat are open have little or nothing left in them.

Germany War Weary

“Thepeople of Germany are fearfully tired of war. They are sick to death of it, but they have no idea of giving itup. Ask any one in Germany about the warand they say, ‘We’re going to win; just look at the map.’ Of course it doessound rather convincing in Germany when on says that. The map certainly shows that they have won alot of territory.

“Nomatter, what setbacks they have you never hear any one in Germany say “We gotlicked.’ If news weeps back into Germany of a gain by the Allies it is always a ‘strategical’ retreat. The military powers say it is so and it is soto the German people.

“Propagandais worked in Germany to a most beautiful finish. It is everywhere. The newspaper print it andthe people talk it. The idea always isthat they‘re winning.

Swallow Peace Bait

“Thepeople cry for peace and the leaders of the military dynasty say, ‘We’veoffered peace to the entente and they refuse it.’ So the people go on. They are the most patient lot I eversaw.

“Therich people of Germany still have plenty to eat. They have money and, being in business orpart of the military, they have friends. It is easy for them to get food. The poor people did not have so muchbefore the war and it is not so hard for them to get along with less.

“Wefound not difficulty in getting enough to eat at all times until we left. Food is obtained in various ways, butprincipally through soldiers. A mancomes to your back door, or you hunt him up through some waiter you knowsomewhere, and you are offered a chance to buy a ham, or a hundred pounds of sugar, or some white flour. It is easy if you have the money. You tellthe an what you want, and some dark night he brings it to you and you pay himfor it.

Graft Everywhere

“Thesoldier gets it while it is en route from some supply house perhaps to ahospital. There is a man to check it inat the hospital, of course and he does …. Talk of graft in this country. There is not graft that ever existed herethat is to be compared with the graft in Germany to-day.

“Everythingthat one buys through the regular channels is bought by the card system. If you want anything to eat or war, anythingthat one can imagine, in fact, is bought by a card and permission to buy mustbe procured form the police.

“Youare supposed to get about a half pound of sugar and about a half pound of meata week. Sometimes you get the meant – if you’ve got the money. The butterallowance is about 40 grams, and then there is margarine for cooking whichbrings the total allowance up to about 70 grams. The poor people used lard mixed with onionson their bread before the war. Lard Ihard to get now, so they have to do without this to put on their bread. They have marmalade to use now; such as itis. This marmalade is made out of beets,parsnips, a few apples, a few prunes, perhaps, and some plums. I don’t know how they get it down, but theymanage it some way.

“Thereis a new word in Germany since the war began. It is ‘Wucher,’ which corresponds in this country to profiteer. Many people in Germany have made loads ofmoney since the war started. Of course, they have to make a lot or theycouldn’t live at all.

Few Have Shoes

“Ithink the people of Germany can exist for another year at any rate. There is no tea or coffee and the beer isabout like water and tastes like varnish. Hotels for some months have been forbidden the use of linens and theyuse paper napkins and serve the food on bare tables or on papers spread overthe. The newspapers are reduced in sizeand look and smell abominably. The inkis of the poorest quality and comes off on your hands while you read. Therewere in the neighborhood of 400 to 500 shoe factories in Germany before the warbegan. They have all been shut down but about 130. Of those that remain 100 are making shoes forthe soldiers and the other 30 make shoes for the civil population. When a person hasn’t shoes now he goesbarefoot, or else gets wooden soles put on the old ones. If the uppers wear out he gets cloth uppersput on. Most of the people go withoutaltogether.

No More Automobiles

“Everysort of factory to-day is engaged in making things for the war. Furniturefactories that used to make tables and chairs to-day make large wardrobecabinets for the archives of the army. The military authorities have taken over scores of buildings in Berlinand many residences have been made over t houses which are used for bureaus ofall sorts by the Military.

“Everybit of oil is gone, even to castor oil, which has been used for lubricatingpurposes. The trains are bad. The cars go bumping over the rails, for thereis nothing to repair them with. It isall used up for the army. There are no automobiles except those used by themilitary officers. There are nopassenger trains except that few that carry men in civil life engaged onbusiness connected with the war. One hasto have a pass to travel anywhere now, for trains are the only means of travel since there are no automobiles. Up to this fall everyone could travel, butthat has all been done away with.

Must Invade Germany

“Thewinning of the war for the Allies now depends on how big a fleet of aeroplanesAmerica can send to France. Theseaeroplanes must be used in great quantities to blind the artillery of theGermans and drive them back gradually. Idon’t think the military authorities in Germany believe the war will end beforeEaster. They know if it doesn’t end bythen it must go on for a long time.

“Therenever will be an uprising of the German people until the army is driven back tothe Rhine. Then, I believe, it will comesuddenly after German towns have been bombarded and torn to pieces. The German soil must be ripped up and Germanpeople killed. The towns must be bombedand the same frightfulness that has been visited on cities of the allies mustbe visited on them.

“Themilitary party of Germany will die fighting, whether they are killed by theallies or by their own people in an uprising after Germany has beencrushed."

__________

Published in the AylmerExpress Newspaper on Jan 17, 1918

LLOYD GEORGE SETS FORTH BRITAIN’S WAR AIMS EXPLICITLY

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

TINYNURSE TESTS PULS BEATS AND TAKES THE TEMPERATURE OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS.

The photograph shows a diminutive littleNursing Sister, the five-year-old daughter of a prominent English family takinga patient's pulse. The tiny nurse spendsmany busy days in the convalescent hospitals.

__________

Waris not One of Aggression Against Germany or German People - Britain to Stand byFrance to the Death.

London, January 6th- The British prime minister David Lloyd George, yesterday set forth Great Britain's war aims more specifically and at greater lengthbeforert the delegates of the trades unions than he had ever done before.

Havingfirst declared that it was not a war of aggression against Germany or theGerman peoples or the disintegration of their state was not one of the objectsfor which the allies were fighting, he proceeded to mention the fundamentalissues for which Britain hand her allies were contending.

First among these was therestoration of Belgium and reparation for the injuries inflicted. Next came the restoration of Serbia,Montenegro, and the occupied parts of France, Italy, and Roumania. France must have Alsace-Lorraine, and to thisend, said the premier, the British Nation would stand by the French democracyto the death.

Thequestion of Russia was touched upon and Mr. Lloyd George said that Britain, aswell as America, France and Ital, would have been proud to fight by the side ofthe new Russian democracy. But Russiacould only be saved by her own people. He declared an independent Poland an urgentnecessity for the stability of western Europe.

Roumaniais to be protected and the British and other allies are with Italy in herdesire for complete unison of the people of the Italian race and tongue. Of Austria-Hungary he felt that while thebreaking up of the kingdom was no part of the allied war aims, it was impossibleto hope for the removal of the causes of unrest in that part of Europe unlessgenuine self-government was granted the Austro-Hungarian nationalities.

The Turkish empire, withinthe homelands of the Turkish race, with Constantinople as its capital, may bemaintained. But the passage between theMediterranean and Black Sea must be internationalized and neutralized and, inthe British view, Arabia, Armenia, Mesopotamia, Syria and Palestine areentitled to recognition of their separate conditions.

The Colonies Question

Thematter of the German colonies all of which are now in the hands of the allies,will be placed before a conference, whose decisions, however, must consider thewishes and interests of the inhabitants - the future administration must beacceptable to the various tribes.

Thepremier made brief reference to the violations of international law, committedby Germany; with special emphasis on the sea, and the peace conference, hedeclared, must not lose sight of the outages suffered by British and otherseamen and the services they had rendered.

Limit Armaments

Thethree Cardinal points of the British terms, as enunciated by the British primeminister are:

Re-Establishment of theSanctity of Treaties

Territorial settlementbased on the right of self-determination or the consent of the governed.

The creation of aninternational organization to limit armaments and diminish the probability ofwar.

NoBritish statesman since the beginning of the war has given such a detailed andexplicit statement of Britain's war aims as contained in the premier's address,which was delivered before the man-power conference of the labor leaders inWestminster Hall

Theproceedings were private, neither the public nor members of the press beingadmitted, and after the meeting the delegates dispersed to their homes, mostlyin the north, for consultation with their constituents. They will reassemble for the conclusion ofthe negotiations with the Minister of National Service over the proposedextension of recruiting, in which the Government wishes to include certainclasses of skilled workers, to whom exemption was promised when theconscription bill was adopted.

Labor's Indorsation

Most of the labor men whocommented on the speech indorsed it. But Mr. Lloyd George wentfurther on some important points than was anticipated. Againhe has drawn a sharp and definite line against Germany on the question ofAlsace-Lorraine. It may be recalled that the German foreignminister, Dr. Von Kuehlmann, recentlydeclared that that alone prevented the belligerents from meeting on a commonpeace ground.

"Whenmen by the millions are called upon to suffer and die and vast populations arebeing subjected to the sufferings and privations of a war unprecedented in thehistory of the world," Premier Lloyd George said in beginning his address,"they are entitled to know for what case or causes they are making thesacrifices. Only the clearest, greatestand justest of causes could justify the continuance even for a day of thisagony of nations.

Weought to be able to state clearly and definitely not only the principles forwhich we are fighting, but also their definite, concrete application to the warmap of the world. We have arrived at the most critical hour of this most terribleconflict and before any government takes the fateful decision as to theconditions under which it ought either to terminate or continue the struggle itought to be satisfied that the conscience of the nation is behind theseconditions.

thepremier said that during the last few days he had taken special pains toascertain the view and attitude of representative men of all section of thoughtin the country. He had read thestatement of labor's war aims: he had discussed war aims with Mr. Asquith, theformer premier, and Viscount Grey, the former foreign secretary. He had also consulted with representatives ofthe overseas dominions.

Asa result of these discussions he continued, although the Government alone wasresponsible for the actual language he proposed using, there was a nationalagreement as to the character and purpose of the nation's war aims and peaceconditions. He was not speaking, therefore, not merely the mind of the Government,but the mind of the nation and empire.

"Wemay begin by clearing away some misunderstandings," said the primeminister, "and stating what we are not fighting for. We are not fighting a war of aggressionagainst the German people. Their leadershave persuaded them that they are fighting a war of self-defense against a leagueof rival nations bent on the destruction of Germany. Thedestruction or disruption of Germany has never been a war aim with us, mostreluctantly and quite unprepared we were forced to join in this war inself-defense , in defence of violated law in Europe.

"TheBritish people have never aimed at the breaking up of the German people or thedisintegration of their state. Our wish is not to destroy Germany'sposition in the world but to turn her aside from schemes of military dominationto devote her strength to the beneficent task of the world.

"Weare not fighting to destroy Austria-Hungary or to deprive Turkey of its capitalor the rich lands of Asia-Minore, and Thrace, which are predominatelyTurkish.

"We are not fightingto destroy the German constitution, although we consider a military, autocraticconstitution a dangerous anachronism. Our viewpoint is that the adoption of a democratic constitution byGermany would be the most convincing evidence that her old spirit of militarydomination has indeed died in the war, and it would make it much easier for usto conclude a broad, democratic peace with her. But that is a question for the German people to decide.

"Itis more than a year since the President of the Untied States advised the beligerentsby suggestion that each side should state clearly the aims for which they arefighting. We replied. The Central Powers did not, and they havemaintained complete silence as to the objects for which they are fighting. Even on so critical a matter as theirintention regarding Belgium they have declined to give any trustworthyindication.

"Wemust know what is meant," said the premier, "for equality of rightamongst nations, small as well as great, is one of the fundamental issues thiscountry and her allies are fighting to establish."

Reparationfor Belgium towns and villages and their inhabitants, he asserted, had beenrepudiated emphatically by the central powers, and the rest of their so-calledoffers were almost a refusal of all concessions. On one point only were they clear. Under no circumstances would Germany demandfor the restoration of the whole of her colonies be departed from. All the principles of self-determination herevanish.

"It is impossible tobelieve that any permanent peace can be erected on such a foundation," said the premier. "Mere lip service to the formula ofno annexation, no indemnity and self determination is useless.

THE REAL BASIS

“Thedays of the treat of Vienna are long past. We can no longer submit the future of European civilization to thearbitrary decisions of a few negotiators striving to secure by chicanery orpersuasion the interests of this, or that dynasty of nation. Therefore,Government with the consent of the Governed must be the basis of anyterritorial settlement. For that reason,also, unless treaties be upheld, it is obvious that no treat of peace can beworth the paper on which it is written.

“Thefirst requirements always made by the British and their allies have been thecomplete restoration, political, territorial, and economic of the independenceof Belgium and such reparation as can be made for the devastation of its townsand provinces. It is no demand for war indemnity, but insistence that before there canbe any hope of staple peace this great breach of public law in Europe must berepudiated and, so far as possible, repaired.

“Reparationmeans recognition. Unless internationalright is recognized by insistence on payment for injury done in defiance of itscannons it can never be a reality.

“Next comes the restoration of Serbia,Montenegro, and the occupied parts of France, Italy and Roumania. The complete withdrawal of Alien armies andreparation for injustice done is the fundamental condition of a permanentpeace.

“We mean to stand by the Frenchdemocracy until the death in the demand they make for a reconsideration of thegreat wrong of ’71, when Alsace-Lorraine wastorn away. This sore has poisoned the peaceof Europe for half a century, and until cured, healthy conditions cannot berestored.”

Thepremier said he would not attempt to deal with the question of the Russianterritories now in German occupation. TheRussian policy since the revolution has passed through so many phases that itwas difficult to speak, without some suspension of judgment, on what thesituation would be when the terms of European peace come to be discussed. Referring to the facts that the war wasstarted by Russia’s decision to protect Serbian independence and that thepresent rulers of Russia had entered into separate peace negotiations, the premiersaid.

“Iam indulging in no reproaches. I amstating facts to make it clear why Britain cannot be held accountable fordecisions taken in her absence, and concerning which she was not consulted orher aid invoked.

“Nobody who knows Prussiaand her designs toward Russia can doubt her ultimate intention. Whatever phases she uses to delude Russia,she does not mean to surrender any of the Russian provinces and cities nowoccupied. Under no name or anotherthey will henceforth be part of the Prussian dominations, ruled by the Prussiansword, and the rest of the Russians will be enticed or bullied into complete economicand ultimate political enslavement.

“Democracy in this country willstand to the last of the democracies of France and Italy. We should be proud to fight to the end sideby side with the new Russian democracy. Sowould America, France and Italy, but if the present rulers of Russia act in dependently,we have no means to arrest the catastrophe. Russia can only be saved by her own people.

“An independent Poland,comprising all genuinely Polish elements who desire to participate, is anurgent necessity for the stability of western Europe.

“Thoughwe agree with President Wilson that the breaking up of Austro-Hungary is nopart of our war aims, we feel that unless genuine self-government on true democraticprinciples is granted these Austro-Hungarian nationalities who have desired it,it is impossible to hope for the removal of those causes of unrest in that partof Europe which have so long threatened its general peace. On the same grounds we regard as vital thelegitimate claims of the Italians forunion with those of their won race and tongue. We also mean to press thatjustice be done to the men of Roumanian blood and speech in their legitimateaspirations. If these conditions werefulfilled Austro-Hungary would become a power whose strength could conduce tothe permanent peace and freedom of Europe instead of the instruments of apernicious military autocracy.

REGARDING THE TURKS

Outsideof Europe we believe the same principles should be applied.

“While we do not challengethe maintenance of the Turkish empire in the homelands of the Turkish race,with its capital Constantinople – the pass between the Mediterranean and BlackSea being internationalized and neutralized – Arabia, Armenia, Mespotamia,Syria and Palestine are, in our judgement, entitled to recognition of theirseparate national conditions.

“Whatthe exact form of that recognition should be need not be here discussed, bystating that it will be impossible to restore to their former sovereignty theterritories to which I have referred.

“Muchhas been said about arrangements we have made with our allies on this and othersubjects. I can only say that as newcircumstances, such as the Russian collapse and the separate Russiannegotiations, have changed the conditions in which the arrangements were made,we are always ready to discuss them with our allies.

“Respecting the Germancolonies, they are held at the disposal of a conference, whose decision musthave primary regard to the wishes and interests of their nativeinhabitants. The governing considerationin all these cases must be that the inhabitants shall be placed under controlof an administration acceptable to themselves, one of whose main proposes willbe to prevent their exploitation for the benefit of European capitalists or governments.”

Thechief and councils, said the premier, were competent to consult with and speakfor their tribes, and thus to separate their wishes and interests regardingtheir disposal.

REPARATION

“Finally,”continued the prime minister, “there must be reparation for injuries done inviolation of international law. The peaceconference must not forget our seamen and the services they have rendered andthe outrages they have suffered for the common cause of freedom.

“Oneregrettable omission we noticed in the central powers’ proposals. We believe that a great attempt must be madeto establish a great international organization as a means of settlinginternational disputes. War is relic ofbarbarism, and as law has succeeded violence in the settlement of individualdisputes, so it is destined to settle national controversies.

“We are fighting for a justand lasting peace,” declared the Prime Minister in conclusion. “Three conditions must be fulfilled. Firstly, the sanctity of treaties must bere-established. Secondly, territorialsettlement must be based on the right of self-determination or the consent ofthe governed; lastly, the creation of an international organization to limitarmaments and diminish the probability of war.

“Tosecure these conditions the British empire is prepared to make even greater sacrifices.

__________

Published in the AylmerExpress Newspaper on Jan 10, 1918

Benner Collection

So Many Transfers

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Jan 9, 1918

Somewhere in France

Dear Mother & all

Just aline to let you know all is well. I have nothing to write about as I cannot tell where I am nor what we are doing except that we are doing as nearly as possible what we are told to do.

I have received no mail from Canada nor England since I came over here but I rec’d a letter from Frank the other day so my mail should soon be coming. I have never had a letter from you which was written since I was transferred last October so you see I don’t know much of what has been going on. I learned from Franks letter that Fred & Ertle were living in their new home. I hope they have things all settled by now as this moving around is no joke.

Frank says he may leave Egypt next month but don’t suppose I will be able to see him. I have just learned that we are not allowed to put our address at the bottom or top of a letter so perhaps you dont know yet what I am with so I will put it legally this time. Just address me Gunner M.J.Benner, 9th Howitzer Battery, France. I’ll be glad when you get to addressing my mail direct as I have had so many transfers during the last three months. Was transferred four times in nine weeks, so you see my mail has a right to get all mixed up. I expect I will loose practically all my boxes.

The last box I rec’d was from the Richmond Ladies Institute which I didn’t acknowledge untill I came to France. Wish you could send me some underware and some good kaki shirts, allso some socks and in the eating line just send anything. Oatmeal goes fine. My chum and I have a dish of that every night. He got a package from home the other day with oatmeal, milk, & sugar so we have had some good feeds. Well, mother, must close.

Hope father is feeling well this winter. Am expecting to get a bunch of letters from you any day now.

Best of love.

Your loving son, Murray

__________

Western Front, January 9, 1918

Successfulraid by Canadians south of Lens

NOTES AND COMMENTS January 3, 1918

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

A ROYAL TRIBUTE TO THE BRAVE: QUEEN DECORATES HONOR ROLLS

Queen Mary visits East End of London to pay tribute to soldiers by placing flowers on the roll of honor which is posted on the walls. Tthe Royal motor-car had to proceed slowly so dense was the crowd.

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Welcome,1918, and may you see the end of this cruel war.

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Americandestroyers are beginning to take their toll of enemy submarines, four havingbeen captured recently. Uncle Sam isgetting very busy on this war contract, and will be found a mighty force by theAllies.

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Itis said that during the program of peace negotiations between Russia and the Central Powers, the Russian delegates removed theirboots. They will suffer far greaterhumiliation than this before they are through with the Germans.

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Ofcourse you have already made your good resolutions for 1918. We hope they are to work harder, earn more,save more, and to give more. Also toshow more charity to those who may differ from you on national and otherquestions. Remember, they are likelyjust as sincere in their belief as you are.

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Theonly way in which Canadians fraternized with the enemy during Christmas, waswith artillery, machine guns, grenades, and trench mortars, all of which wereused most effectively. The Germansattempted to rush the Canadian post in tow parties, and there was some livelyfighting for a time, but the outcome was entirely satisfactory to our boys.

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Itis intimated that within a short time restrictions will be placed upon hotelsand restaurants as to the quantity and variety of food to be served guests, andlikewise upon the quantity of essential foods to be purchased by privateindividuals. Candies and similar luxuriesare also to be restricted in production. Up to now Canada has really had not experience of wartime saving inessentials.

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GeneralAllenby is making splendid progress in Palestine, one of his latest successesbeing an important advance on a thirteen mile front north of Jerusalem, lastSaturday. The stiff resistance made bythe Turks is accounted for form the fact that German officers are in command,with instructions to harass the British advance as much as possible. With Bagdad and Jerusalem lost to them, the Turks,if left to themselves, would doubtless make a bee line for Constantinople. The mountainous nature of the country makesit difficult to pursue the retreating foe.

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Probablyin every public place in Germany there appears a map of Europe to show how muchterritory the Huns have captured, and how very little the Allies hold. Practically Italy is the only one ofthe Allies that has fought on enemy territory. For two years the Italian commander steadily pressed forward, overcomingobstacles in the mountain passes and in the snow of the mountain tops, whichseemed unsurpassable, only to have allhis hard-earned gains taken from him in a week, when the German army, releasedby the Russian’s con-combatant attitude, swept down into Italy.

Germanynot only organizes for victory, but also for peace, and she told off troops tomake friendly advances with the unsuspecting Slavs, giving them cheap trinkets,and having them kiss and embrace theirformer enemies before the new Socialistic regime. The kissing of the bewhiskered and filthySlav was not so pleasing to the German soldiers as shooting the, but it seemedlikely to bring better results, and those told off for this duty were suitably rewarded and fumigated on theirreturn.

The Socialisticprogramme was “no indemnities,” and they were rather surprised to learn whatGermany would expect for the damage inflicted, loss of life, etc., and thefinal course of makeup. The Socialistsbegan to take second thought of such amiable people, and when the German prisonersin Russia threated to join Russia against Germany’s demands, the Kaiser did notpress his claims, fearing the Socialist in his own country as well as those inRussia would revolt.

He is, however continuing his parleying withthe Russians in the hope that it may bring about a general peace conference, orsome means to that end. Notwithstandinghis recent territorial gains and his boastfulness, by which he hopes to cheerhis long-suffering people, he is more anxious for peace now than he was a yearago, as his people are growing exceedingly restless, and he knows full wellthat his war aims can never be realized. Germany proposed taking 120,000 square miles and a population of abouttwenty-five million as her reward for granting Russia peace after forcing theSlavs into an uncalled for war. This woulddeprive Russia of a sea port on the Baltic.

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Forthe second time, Australians have, by referendum, declared againstconscription. It is as impossible forthe majority of the people to grasp clearly world politics, as it is for us whothink in dollars or hundreds to undertake the work of those who have been accustomedto think in millions. Many reasons havebeen given for the unexpected vote from the Australian trenches which mightapply, as well to the Canadians, but the result of the voting of the latterwill likely be reversed, and we cannot tell what influences have been broughtto bear on the Australians.

They have forces there, such as the I.W.W., from which, happily, Canada is free as yet,which would oppose any government measure.

Then Australia has already sent a greater proportionof her men than Canada or the other overseas dominions, and still recruiting isnot dead, as we know it was here.

She has also helped wonderfully with afleet, which Canada was unable to do. It capturedthe famous sea raider, the Embden, took part in the Jutland and the South American sea fights, and has patrolledthe Atlantic, Pacific and the North Sea. Situated more than twice thedistance that we are form Germany, they are not menaced as we are, and wouldnot become a German possession should Britain weaken. Unlike Canada, her land forceshave never been a separate fighting force, her four divisions -the same numberas ours- have been fighting as a part of the British army on all fronts, from Palestineto Flanders, and have not received the unstinted praise given to Canada, thoughher men have been good fighters, and as brave as any. They naturally feel they have not had theirdue, which would have a tendency to make them decide to wait until Canada hasdone as much as they.

So great istheir resentment at the preference given Canada that it is said an Australianwill attack a Canadian when they meet almost as readily as he would aGerman.

The leading men of Australia,especially Premier Hughes, who rose from the humblest beginnings to a Privy Councillor of England, arevery much cast down over the result, and in the future it will be considered ablot on Australia’s roll of fame in the war.

Australia’s contribution of men, ascompared to her population has been 2 men out of 27: Canada’s 2 out of 40. Only 56 per cent of Canada’s population is ofBritish ancestry and from this chiefly have our soldiers come. Australia cannot understand our position, anddoubtless feels we should equal her record before she resorts to conscription. Her sister state, New Zealand, contributed 2men out of every 26, and will send more under conscription.

England has contributed 2 men out ofevery 15 of population, her record being all the greater when it is realizedshe has a surplus of women over men in population, while the reverse is thecase in the colonies. It is estimatedthat no matter what the toll of life will be of Canadians, we will have sixteenmales to every fifteen females in our population. A contribution of 1 in 10 isthe usual estimate as to army material.

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on January 3, 1918

Happy New Year

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Somewhere in France

Jan 1, 1918

Dear Mother & all

Well this is New Years night and it was just a week ago that I wrote my last letter on Xmas day. We have had this afternoon off down here at the waggon lines but up at the guns the boys don’t take holidays. Things are rather quiet at this front just now only hope they remain so indefinitely.

We are all wondering if we will have to spend next Xmas & New Years in France and needless to say we all are hoping no, but peace does not seem much closer although we are in no place to judge as we cannot keep close “tab” on what is doing in diplomatic circles, all we know is that it can’t come to quick to suit us.

I have rec’d no mail since coming to France so am at a complete loss for writing material. I cannot tell you where I am nor what is really going on (except that I am not running many risks just now) nor have I anything to gossip about. I am alittle curious to know just who is being effected by conscription. I guess not many around there. I have often thought that Lorne MacClemmins would be. It will sure hit him hard as I know he has no desire whatever to come across here.

Well must now close. Hope you are all as well as I am and that grandmother is allso doing well. I am fat and louisy, have captured several tonight and expect to get more yet before going to bed. Best of wishes for a prosperous & happy 1918.

Your loving son, Murray.

Gunner #334195,

9th Howitzer Battery, C.F.A. B.E.F., France

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Sue's Notes:

Chatting seam squirrels pastime.

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“By 1918,four hideous years of darkness had brought neither side the longed-forsuccess. Casualties on both sides hadmounted astronomically while the horrors of war seemed to multiply with everynew development. The tide had appeared to turn on several occasions when oneside or the other had achieved a victory that its press had immediatelytrumpeted as ‘decisive.’ Yet nothingseemed to come of these successes; each had become merely an ebb or a flow inthe tides of war”.

McWilliams, James.Steel, R.James. AmiensDawn of Victory. Dundurn Press. Toronto.2001. p 13

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"In January 1918, WoodrowWilson put forward his ideas for apeace settlement. His proposals, known as his Fourteen Points, ***setout to ban secret diplomacy, trade barriers and the mass production ofarmaments that he considered the fundamental causes of war, guarantee thefreedom of the seas to all nations and offer all peoples self-determination,the right to decide their own destinies. He also wanted to establish a ‘generalassociation of nations’ to regulate international affairs and ensure futureworld peace. However, confident that inthe end victory would still be theirs, Germany rejected Wilson’s ides out of hand."

Evans,David. The First World War. Teach Yourself. McGraw-Hill RyersonLtd. 2004. p. 178

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"The year opened with what could have been optimism for Germany. “The nightmare of atwo-front war ended with a Russian armistice in December (of the previous year). Intheory the vast farmlands and resourcesof Poland, the Ukraine,and the Balkans would support the Germanwar effort forever. Victoriousarmies were already streaming westward in late December…Even if the Americans arrived- and the creation oftheir army was slower than anyonehad expected- Germany could hold on indefinitely in the West until peacemovement forced Paris and London to seek terms. Wilson’s Fourteen Points (announcedJan 8, 1918) already suggested that the Americans themselves wanted a negotiated settlement.”

“That was not exactlyhow Germany’sleaders saw matters. The German generalswere as appalled as Haig at the prospect of a war ending short of a palpable victory. Riots, labour unrest, even a small naval mutiny suggested seriousinternal strains in Germany. The agriculturalpotential of Germany’seastern conquests lay strictly inthe future. Regions that had fed most of Europewere now ruined and starving in the wake of marauding Russian, Germans, andHabsburg armies. Half the cattle inthe Austrian Empire were gone by 1918; the swine population had fallen from 7.7million in 1914 to 214,000 by the summer of 1918. In Germany800,000 people would die prematurely from malnutrition during the war. Britain’s blockade, barely noticed in account of battles and battleships, wasin fact among the most effective Alliedweapons of the war. The Germangenerals knew they could not wait;they must win.”

Morton, Desmond. Granatstein, J.L. Marching to Armageddon Canadians and theGreat War 1914-1919. Lester & Orpen Dennys Limited. Toronto. 1989. p 177

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Western Front

Jan 1, 1918

German raids near Loos, Mericourt, and on other portions offront fail.

French repulse raid at Beaumont (Verdun).

Jan 3, 1918

Allied air raids on Metzdistrict.

South of Lens British line is advanced slightly.

French repulse attack near Anspach (Alsace) with heavy loss.

http://www.firstworldwar.com/onthisday/1918_01_03.htm

THE FIGHT GOES ON

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By William WilfredCampbell

The fight goes on:though slower than men thought;

But still it goes:and

Britain

works her way,

With hergreat-hearted Allies: unsullied, unbought;

Toward that truedawn which ushers freedom's day.

The fight goes on:but God demands of all

Heroic patienceand heroic trust,

Never to swervefrom that first bugle call,

Which woke thehero in our patriot dust.

The fight goes on:though oft in darker hours,

Faint hearts wouldcompromise with freedom's foe;

But unto such,though traitor cowardice cowers,

Each blooddrop ofour slain ones answers, No!

In this grimstrife, where Crime and Judgement meet,

And earth's greatflags for freedom's cause unfurled,

Better go under insome dread defeat,

Than compromisewith what would crush this world.

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 27, 1917

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“The year 1917 hasbeen a glorious year for the Canadian Corps,” wrote Sir Arthur Currie toWilliam Hearst, premier of Ontario. “Wehave taken every objective from the enemy we started for and have not had a singlereverse. Vimy, Arlieux, Fresnoy, Avion,Hill 70, and Passchendaele all signify hard fought battles and notablevictories. I know that no other Corpshas had the same unbroken series of success. All this testifies to the discipline, training, leadership and fine fightingqualities of the Canadians.”

Cook, Tim.At The Sharp End. Canadians Fighting The Great War. 1914 – 1916. Volume II. Penguin Books. London, England. 2007. p.367

NOTES AND COMMENT December 27, 1917 (cont'd)

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The closing of an eventful year naturallyleads to retrospect and introspection. While our thoughts are chiefly concerned about the war,

Canada

,as a nation, has suffered least of any of them from it. Our contributions in men and money have woncommendation from every quarter, especially from our neighbor to the south,whose good will at this time is the most encouraging outlook for the future, aswe must rely upon her to more than take the place of our disappointing formally,

Russia

When we remember our comments regardingPresident Wilson's many notes regarding submarine horrors, and to-day, realizethat an utterance from him is more acceptable than one recentlymade by Lord Lansdowne, our former Governor-General, we realize what a year maybring forth.

In Canada, we have much to be thankfulfor, as we were never more prosperous as a people, and our losses in the fieldhave been small compared with the importance of our victories at thefront. We know of no other fighting unitthat has not been forced to relinquish their hold, except the Canadians.

At home, we have not only had all our needssupplied, but have been able to export in 1917 agricultural products to thevalue of $384,000,000, as against $270,000,000 in 1916, and this does notinclude animals or their products. Thefield crops along this year were $550,000,000 more than in 1913, the yearbefore the war.

From the first, many prominent men havefelt there was evidence of a greater reason for this conflict between right andmight than we could comprehend, and evidence of this came to us recently in thecapture of the Holy City by a nation whose banner is that of three crosses. It has been long prophesied that the lost tencities of Israel should be restored through Britain, andthis seems to have come to pass.

Rev. Dr. Ellis, who is featured in theJournal each Saturday, has been making a tour of the warring nations for theBoston Transcript, and reports that Canada was the only one in which he did notfind a great religious revival, though he did find here a distinct note amongthose who had relatives at the front. With the sending of another 100,000 men this note will grow, and we hopemay be found in every home and every church throughout

Canada

, and the effect cannot helpbut be encouragement. Next year will bethe critical year of the war, and we should not neglect such a helpful thing asprayer.

There are many whose circumstances haveprevented them giving services or money as they would wish, but here are nonewho cannot offer a prayer once a day. Dickens has said that "more has been wrought by prayer than one canknow."

With the addition of this new Canadian army,we will have greater right to accept the credit of Canadian victories, foruntil then we will have put over half Canadian-born men in our army. At the battle of St. Julien, for which we get so much credit, not aquarter of the Canadian force were native born. We have had since the battle of Vimy Ridge a Canadian General, SirArthur Currie, at the head of our four divisions, and from now on we may lookupon Canadian victories as being particularly ours. His taking of Lens has been prevented by lackof reinforcements and mud, but next summer will see these conditions remedied.

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 27, 1917

NOTES AND COMMENTS, December 27, 1917

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The press of the United States is delighted at the result of the election in

Canada

,and a brotherly feeling exists with our powerful neighbor which will never beeliminated during the present generation.

It is gratifying to note that the press in Quebec is inclined toadvise that the verdict of the country be respected and accepted. This is a most favorable sign for thedevelopment of a united

Canada

Australia

has again declared against conscription, although claiming that it is in thewar of the end. Australia did splendidly in voluntaryrecruiting, but like

Canada

came to the point where the forces at the front could not be kept up to fullstrength by that method. Its army willdwindle away and all too late our sister colony will realize the mistake it hasmade.

As previously intimated, this section didits full share in making the recent Victory Loan such a splendid success. A statement elsewhere in this issue showsthat Aylmer subscriptions amounted to $258,900or an average of $1,200 for every man, woman, and child, within thecorporation, which we doubt will be exceeded by any town in

Canada

. Malahide subscribed $95,700, and in Springfield $23,750. The splendid response is worthy of our loyalcommunity.

When the Quebec Legislative Assembly againassembles after the holidays, a resolution is to be introduced to the effectthat the province of Quebec is agreeable to dropping out of Confederationif the other provinces believe that Quebec isan obstacle to the union and progress of

Canada

. No one wants Quebec to become separated from the otherprovinces. What we all do want to see isfor Quebec todo her part in assisting to win the war, and the Express believes that she willfall into line, and be restored to theconfidence and respect of the other provinces.

Following the restrictions placed upon theliquor traffic by the various provinces to the extent of their powers since thewar began, comes the announcement from the dominion government that all

Canada

is to be made "bone dry," andremain so for at least twelve months after the end of the war. This means virtually that never again willthe curse be allowed to prevail in our fair dominion. The Federal Government will be commended fortheir prompt action, and backed up by every loyal citizen who know the crimeand poverty for which liquor has been responsible for generations. The blessings of temperance are apparenteverywhere in our province, and nowhere more so than in Aylmer. The great waste of money on intoxicants now goes to supplying homes withnecessities and comforts, while in not a few homes there is happiness, wherepreviously they were simply hells upon earth. One thing is certain, the franchise is to be extended to all women, andthis leaves no doubt that total prohibition is here to stay.

There are among us those who express theopinion that the Union Government has no intention of enforcing the MilitaryService Act. We do not hold that view,and one thing is certain, if the new Government does not carry out its pledgesin this and other matters, the Express, with whatever influence it has, willoppose it in no uncertain manner. Noadministration has ever had a freer hand, and while its responsibility is great,and mistakes may be made, yet , we think it big enough to overcome alldifficulties and give the people real war time administration. It has promised to abolish the patronagesystem, to reform the civil service, to place a grater tax on wealth, toprevent excessive profits being made, to establish a co-operative plan for themanagement of railways, to give us a desirable immigration law, to encourageand assist in greater agricultural production, to look after our retuned heroesin a fit and proper manner, and give us many other reforms so badly needed. If we can only once conceive that there is noparty politics in Canadian Government, and will give the Unionists the fairtrial they deserve, Canadaneed not worry over its future.

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 27, 1917

"As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country"

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Somewhere in France

Dec 25, 1917
Dear Mother & all

It is Xmas day and I sincerely hope you are all having a merry Xmas and will have a prosperous &happy new year.

Things are very quiet on this front just now but of course we have no promise as to how long they will remain that way. We spent this morning in the usual way but are having this afternoon off untill “stables”.

You see I am not up to the guns today so am as safe as can be. In fact one does not run into so very much danger up there as the guns are well protected and we spend a great deal of our time in a dug out which can only be wrecked by a direct hit and even then there is a chance for an argument as we are a long way down. You must not worry about me as I am sure to come through all safe, as you know I am a particularly lucky guy in getting through any bad holes.

I was in hopes I would get some mail by this time but was disapointed, oh well, it will come sometime so I have got something mighty good to look forward too. Hope you are getting my mail all O.K. I have sent several letters and field service cards and will continue to send you word of some kind every few days.

I was riding along the road yesterday when I met an automobile and Pete Prouse was in it. I didn’t recognize him untill he was past and he didn’t see me at all. I was riding the lead team of the gun and was on slippery roads otherwise I might have hailed him. Switches to pencil. (My pen has gone dry and as far as I know there is no more ink in France.) A couple of the boys in this bivouac received a box each today so we are having quite a feed. We had pudding today for dinner but had our real Xmas dinner a few days ago in ----. Hope we all spend next Xmas in Canada.

Have not heard from you for a long time so have be wondering what you are all doing. Has Fred & Ertle moved yet. It will indeed seem strange to go home and have them not there, but then that is the way with life, things allways changing.

When you write allso tell me about Frank as I don’t hear from him very often although I know he writes quite often but my address has changed several times in the last three months.

Well mother I must now close. This is a really rotten place to write from as anything one would like to write about is forbidden. I have to get some smokes now too & send up to the guns to my “partner”. He went up day before yesterday. It was the first time we have been parted for two months. His name is Bailey & is from Kelowna, B.C. He is a mighty nice fellow and has held down a staff job in England for a couple of years but through it up voluntary to come over here. He has got lots of the right kind of stuff in him.

Best of love to all and do not worry as I am all O.K.

Your loving son, Murray.

Gunner #334195,
9th Howitzer Battery, CFA, BEF.

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Sue's Notes:

1. "As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country" is Proverbs 25: 25.

2. "By the end of 1917, Canadians and the rest of allied forces were exhausted, grimly enduring each horrible day at the front. The war had begun in optimism and patriotism, but the longer it went on, the more the ideals of glorious courage and fighting for one’s country died, drowning in the mud of the front lines." Nelson, Sheila. A Nation is Born: World War I and Independence 1910-1929. Maps Crest Publishers Inc. Broomall, Pennsylvania. 2006. p 36

THE FLAG, YOUR FLAG, MY FLAG

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Source Unknown

Benner Collection

For ______ What

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Field Card, dated December 20, 1917

Dec 21, 1917

Somewhere in France

Dear Mother & all

Have a chance to write few lines now so will make use of it. The weather here at present is fine. Clear & cold, not a bitter cold, you know, but just like our nice fall weather. Fritz is not so very active at present but of course one never knows just when he will get canary but rather think he has got a big mouthful on this front. He has buffaloed Russia I guess & drove the Italians back some but he has got a different class of people on the western front.

Am glad to hear that the people in Canada are backing us still and carried conscription. I have no doubt that the solders vote will add still more seats to the union government. If it had been anything else but conditional conscription we would not back it but the vast majority that I have talked with claim to have supported the government.

I just read tonight the returns from each province and was not surprised to learn that Ontario & the western provinces were the backbone of the Dominion. I must say I am very much disappointed in Sir Wilfred Laurier. Although of different politics etc, still I allways admired him as a statesman but must say I now class him as a traitor and nothing else and believe that he and his followers will stand very close watching in the future and if an uprising occurs in Canada (Quebec or elsewhere) the first man to be dealt with should be our former premier.

We are now at war, fighting as it were for our very existence and men must be judged not by their past but by their present and if drastic measures are necessary for the welfare of the nation, then take them regardless of individuals. It makes no difference whether Sir Wilfred is a german sympathizer or whether it is the R.C. Church that he is working for (I personnaly think he is trying to save the R.C. vote in Canada) he is willing to sacrifice our nation’s future & honor for___ what.

Must now close as the lights in the reading room are going out. Am feeling fine. Have not heard from you since coming here. Don’t worry about me as I am all O.K. Best love to all.

Your loving son,

Murray

9th Howitzer Battery, CFA, BEF

CHARMED LIFE

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STRETCHER BEARER HAROLD SAWYER

Son of George Sawyer, of Lyons, who enlisted and went overseas with the91st Battalion. After many months serviceas stretcher bearer in France,he was wounded, and was sent to

England

to recover. The work of stretcher beareris one of the most hazardous of duties and Pte. Sawyer has been under Germanfire scores of times. Dozens of time hiscomrades have been killed by his side, and it seemed his life was charmed. He wasgiven a welcome home at Springfieldlast week.

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What's Playing, Star Theatre, Aylmer: Marie Doro, Castles for Two

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Halifax Relief Fund

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 20, 1917

CANADA GIVES UNION GOVERNMENT MAJORITY OF FORTY-FOUR SEATS

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WEST WENT SOLID FOR THE UNIONISTS

SOLDIER'S VOTES YET TO COME

First Call to Arms January 3rd, 1918

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 20, 1917

FEDERAL ELECTION DAY, DECEMBER 17, 1917

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Publishedin the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 13, 1917

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Election Results

Terrible Calamity at Halifax

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HOW JERUSALEM WAS TAKEN

"This map illustrates the method employed by General Allenbyin securing the isolation and ultimate capture of Jerusalem. Striking south by east from Jaffa, theBritish, under General Allenby, first took Ain Karim, the important railroad junction, three miles from Jerusalem. With Ain Karim, as his field base, Allenbysent troops both northwest and south of the Holy City. The Turkish lines of communication were cutand the Turks were thus forced to abandon the city they had held for 673 years."

Benner Collection

Uncertain of source or date

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Dec 16, 1917

Giza, Egypt

British Red Cross Hospital

DearMother & all,-

Well I am wondering how you allare at present. Suppose it is seasonableweather but it is also quite cold here just now. The air is “chilly”, yet of course, there isno frost or other decent winter evidences. Trees are all in leaf & flowers blooming and the fellahens (farmers) are busy sowingstuff so that I can hardly realize that Christmas is almost here and that a newyear is about to begin.

We are still quite busy at thehospital but not so busy as we were a month ago. Everything is going along smoothly and ofcourse everyone is greatly bucked up over the fall of Jerusalum. It has been a great triumph but of course ithas had to be paid for and a big cost it has been. Still the men who have been pretty badlysmashed up say very little, but they all are quite happy it is so muchdifferent from the last Gazabattles where they felt they were sacrificed for no cause.

I had a letter from Bruce VanPatteryesterday. He was quite well and saidthat Hugh was well too. Also had aletter from Murray a few days previously inwhich he said he expected to leave for France the next day, so I supposethat by now he is having a real taste of war. It brings it pretty close to have him over there doesn’t it?

I wonder if it will be at allpossible for me to see him when I go back. I expect to leave here about the middle of Feb. unless there is a bigstunt on & my services required. Ishall make an effort to see him anyway. What I shall do when I get back I cannot say. But on the chance that there will be workhere and that I may stay another three months I will send you a cable stating“Remaining” if I don’t go, so that you will not worry about me.

I am not sending any Christmaspresents this year either, except a cigarette case to Murray. Everything nearly goes astray, so all the fellows have found out whohave sent things home. I am going tobring you each something as it is much more likely to arrive that way than bysending it.

What a terrible calamity that hasbeen at Halifax. Today’s wires state that the helmsman of oneof the boats has been arrested as a spy. It seems mighty strange to me that anyone of even a slightly unknownattitude towards the Allies should beemployed in such a position. If he was a spy he did his work well and riskedhis life in doing it so I don’t blame him so much even though thousands ofnon-combatants suffered for that is the well recognized German way of makingwar, but I would like to know how he happened to be so employed and by whom,the persons responsible for him being in that position should meet the samefate as the chap arrested. I have a lotof friends in Halifaxso am anxious to hear more news of the disaster, the telegrams that we get makeme think that a great deal has yet to be told.

I am going out to dinner tonightat Mr. Scherer’s, he is the principal of the Agricultural Collegehere and both he & his wife are awfully good sorts, very Scotch & ofcourse very hospitable. I have beenthere before so know there is a fine evening ahead for me.

Well mother I must close as thereis no more to tell. Best love to all,Frank.

P.S. Am as wellas can be. F.A.B

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NOTES AND COMMENTS

Who among you will by your vote give our brave boys the reputation of quitters?

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As the Winnipeg Free Press (Liberal) aptly puts it, it is either over the top or under the barn” Where are you going to land next Monday?

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The storm of Saturday and Sunday was certainly some storm, but a great one of far-reaching results is predicted for next Monday.

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“Shall we play the part of Russia, desert the brave men who have made Canada famous? Should the defense of life and freedom be subject to a referendum?” Bishop Williams, of Huron.

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“I make the definite unequivocal appeal to my fellow countrymen of the Catholic faith to support the Union Government and the cause for which the union was effected.” Bishop Fallon, of London.

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“A Vote for Laurier would be a vote for Bourassa, and a vote for Bourassa would be a vote for the devil.” Prof. John A. MacNaughton, of McGill University, Montreal, in a recent address.

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“What would happen to the world if France should decide to take a referendum to decide whether or not she will do any more fighting?” Winnipeg Free Press (Liberal) the leading newspaper of the West.

__________

“Any influence that tends to wean Canada from further participation in the war is an influence straight form hell.” Rev. (Major) C.W. Gordon, (“Ralph Connor”) of Winnipeg in address at Edmonton.

__________

Publishedin the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 13, 1917

FARM WORKERS WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM MILITARY SERVICE

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MrJustice Duffs first judgement rendered as Central Appeal Judge for Canada onDecember 7^th makes it quite clear that farm workers are entitled toexemption on the grounds that production must be maintained in order to sustainthe Military power of the Allies. This judgementof the Appeal judge is binding as law upon appeal tribunals and local tribunalsthroughout the whole country.

Anotherjudgement by Justice Duff shows that exemption is favored for men, with allbrothers already at the front or in service.

__________

Publishedin the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 13, 1917

Two Day Walk

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Somewhere in France

Dec. 12th, 1917

DearMother & all

Justa line to let you know all is O.K. Havejust been transferred from D.A.C.to 9^th Battery.

My sidekick and I had a two day walk to gethere. We were given the names of townswe had to pass through and sent out on our own hook. It quite reminded me of when I used to hitthe trail up north. The officer whichgave us the list made a mistake and we went several miles out of our way but wedidn’t mind that much as we had a chance to see the country.

Have met several old friends here amongstthem one whom I had thought killed. Mustsay I was quite surprised to meet him.

Well must close for now. Will write again in a few days. Best love to all.

Your loving son,

Murray

9^th Battery (Wordscratched out), CFA, BEF, France

This address will allwaysget me as I am now posted here.

THE ISSUE IN THE COMING ELECTION

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What is the Militia Act? In 1904the government of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, with the consent of both parties inparliament, passed the Militia Act in Canada, by which every male in Canada from 18 to 60 years was included inthe militia of Canada, and was liable to be drafted for the defence of Canadaat home or abroad. This law is still in force,and is really a Conscription Act, so that no man is compelled to go by any lawbut the standard law of all civilized countries.

Whatis the Military Service Act? In 1916,the government of Sir Robert Borden passed an Act called the Military ServiceAct, which declared that the Militia Act of 1904 should be made operative, as Canadawas defending herself against Germany, and that since enough men of the Militiawere not freely offering themselves, a selective draft should be made to sendat least 100,000 more fighting men to the front. This selection was to be made from single menbetween the ages of 20 and 34.

What is the Union Government? Many of the leading men of both politicalparties saw that no party government would be strong enough to carry on agovernment and enforce the Military Service Act, so they joined together andformed a Union Government, taking the prominent members of both parties intothe cabinet. This Government is nowappealing to the people of Canada, irrespective of party, to declare that Canadamust continue to take her full share in this war against war, and that everyman and all resources of the Dominion must be put into the struggle as soon as possible,and that this one thing we must do as Canadians, and not as partizans.

Who is opposed tothis Union Government? Sir WilfridLaurier and a few of his followers of the Liberal party, one of the most prominentof whom, Hon. Mr. Lemieux, stated lately that “Canada had done her share inthis war: let the U.S. now show what she can do.” (b) The majority of thepeople of Quebec, headed by the Nationalist Bourassa, who says this is not Canada’swar, and we should have nothing to do with it. This is from a united Quebec, which has given only some 10,000 men outof 400,000. (c) Hon. Robert Rogers and the Conservatives who are opposedto Sir Robert Borden giving the best places in the Union Government to hisformer opponent, Hon. F.B. Carvell, and others.

Who composesthis Union Government? (a) Ten of the best men of each of the Conservative andLiberal parties, who, if either party had carried the day in a regular electionwould be the leading men of such government. (b) The religious press and clergyof Canada, outside of Quebec. (c) Thesecular press of Canada, except a few country papers and the press of Quebec. (d) Every man and woman in Canada who has longedand prayed for the day when the good men of both parties would unite to give usa government of the people, by the people, for the people.

Theissue is this. 100,000 men, whose bloodcries from their graves in France and Flanders, are calling to us, saying, “Doyou pity the men at home who won’t go till they have to, more than you love usfor the sacrifice we have made for you all? Despise us, or send them.”

100,000men who are returning home wounded and maimed, are calling to us, saying, “Can’tyou take our places.”

100,000men who are returning (to the) front line of battle are crying out, saying, “Weare dying by the hundreds, give us men to fill our ranks, or we will soon beall gone.”

Only25,000 men can be got willingly. Draft your75,000 more at once.

What hasthe Union Government done in the three months it has been in existence? It has banished all patronage lists from thebuying departments of the Government, so that every man has an open market inselling to our greatest business concerns, and the Government belongs to thepeople.

Ithas investigated the profits of packing houses, and has made a law taking allprofits in excess of 15 per cent on capital stock, and one-half of all from 7to 15 per cent, and only 2 per cent on total sales. It has passed an income tax, making the wealthy man bear his fairshare of the burden of State.

Ithas prohibited the manufacture of all grain that can be used for food, and allmolasses into any kind of intoxicating liquor for drinking purposes.

It hasincreased the separation allowance to soldier’s dependents from $20 to $25 permonth.

It isdoing business by business men who are ashamed and tired of politics, and asksus to say whether we mean business, too.

__________

Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaperon December 13, 1917.

Think I Will Make a Mighty Poor Hero

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Dec 9th, 1917

Somewhere in France

Dear Mother & all

Just a line to let you know all is O.K. As I have not as yet experienced anyscrapping and as I cannot tell you where I am there is very little to writeabout. I am feeling all O.K., a littleextra tonight as we had a bath parade this afternoon. Had to walk about a mile but it was wellworth it. It was my first since leaving England.

We have moved since I last wrote but the address isthe same. Am still with D.A.C. but notposted as yet. Wrote to Englandtonight for my mail to be forwarded. Afriend was getting it there and he will redirect it himself.

The only thing I have seen so far of Fritz is his air planesbut they don’t cause much excitement asold timers here hardly stop to even look at them of course it is different withme. I like to make sure they are notcoming my way, think I will make a mighty poor hero.

Big preparations are being made in this outfit forXmas so expect to at least have a big feed if with them then.

Haven’t heard from Frank for some time but suppose heis all O.K. Heard from Murray Abell justbefore leaving England. He is the M.O. at the Granville specialhospital. I am practically on the groundwhere he got his “blighty” if you know where that is.

Must write to Ladies Institute at Richmond & thank them for the boxthey sent. Will try & do it this week. Have not rec’d the box sent by the people upstreet.

The main topic of conversation over here iselection. Think the union governmentwill get a large majority of votes here in France. I am supporting it and suppose the boys &father are. Laurier is very unpopularover here. According to letters rec’d I believe most of the boys up north aresupporting union government, of course all letters rec’d from there werewritten sometime ago but conscription seemed popular with them.

Must now close. Best of love to all.

Your loving son,

Murray.

4^th DAC, CFA, BEF. 3rd Section, France

This address will get me all O.K. Please give it to any enquiring friends.M.J.B.

____________

“WE MUST FIGHT – OUR CAUSE IS JUST”

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Lieut. Stanley Arthur Rutledge , son of Mr. E.S. Rutledge of Fort William,and brother-in-law of Louis Waite,formerly of Aylmer, whose letters have previously appeared in the Express,has been killed in action.

Hewas a graduate of Queen’s University, and would have been called to the Bar in1916 had he not enlisted the fall before. He hated war, but went as a matter of duty. The following short article, entitled “Last Post,” was written by him from the front in1916:

You motherswho have lost your sons – you wives who have had your husbands snatched up bythe chariot of death – grieve not in terms of yesterday. Ypres, Hooge, and St.Eloi, and triumvirate, the last resting place of sturdy sons of Canada. The loss must be borne, but what a clear,beautiful light enables us to peer beyond the immediate.

“Deadon the field of honor” is a phrase which to sorrowing ones should carry amessage of glorious noble import. The madmenof the century came on preparing the way by sending over sickly green clouds ofpoisonous gas, but our men (your boys, your husbands) they stand firm. And when the onset is broken, when thescreaming shells are no longer overhead, the Sergeant may call the roll. Some answer“here” but some answer “there.”

Yes,we miss our chums. Jim does not comeout, but we shed no tears, the feeling that our mages have given up all theyhad in the fulfilment of life’s noblest function, dries the eye. What a glorious passing. Duty calls, the man responds and dedicateshis life to service for that is what is involved, the keeping inviolate of whatis the alpha and omega of life. “For the men must work and women must weep,” wrote Kingsley. But we weep tears of yesterday.

It isdifficult to bring comfort to a sad heart. The sense of desolation depression that comes when one learns of death’sinroads cannot at once be assuaged. Butin the calmer moments when the wild surgings of grief are gone, it is then wemust understand what our dead would have us know. Every man who is out here has asked himself, “Whyam I a soldier of the King?” They have searchedtheir minds and the answer is always the same: “We must fight – our cause isjust.” And this implicit faith shouldchallenge the best in any true man. Thatis why men can die with a smile on their grimy faces – that is why those noblefellows would have you grieve, not in the terms of yesterday. Think on it – their sacrifice, will have beenin vain if you do not catch the message. The world should do better. Men shouldserve their fellows more if we understand this war. Those who mourn to-day should be ennobled bythe loss that their influence will be greater in the days to come.

“LastPost,” what a wonderful call it is. With arms reversed the boys stand withbowed heads before the open grave. What thoughtscome to us. Then the slow march back to the billets. It may be well that some life is madebetter. It may be well that some resolveis made to “be more to my fellows,” and that is the message that should makeyou that are bereft better able to bear your sorrow.

__________

Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 6, 1917

ONE COMMON OBJECT! ONE SUPREME CAUSE!

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To Defeatthe Germans and Preserve Liberty and Democracy

VICTORY– EVERBODY, CONSERVATIVES, LIBERAL, LABOR, INDEPENDENT – UNION

NOTESAND COMMENTS

Inaddressing his constituents in West Lambton, Mr. Fred F. Pardee, former chief Liberal Whip in the House od Commons,said: “I would sooner be buried politically, and stay buried than to go back onour boys who are defending us in the trenches of France.” Mr. Pardee was one ofthe i8dols of his party, but is, of course, now looked upon as a weakling byLaurierites.

__________

PresidentWilson delivered a soul-stirring address to the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, inwhich he left no shadow of doubt as to that great republic remaining in the warto the end, with all its men and all its resources. But Canada should not “leave it to the UnitedStates.” Our obligation will not enduntil the war is won. The Presidentrequested that a declaration of war be made against Austria, which was met withvirtually unanimous approval.

__________

Votingis now going onamong the Canadian Soldiers in England, and a Reuter’s dispatch says that appearancesindicate that the result will be almost unanimously in favor of the conscriptionpolicy. The ballot, of course, is secret,but the men show their papers to companions in order that it may be seen howthey voted. Many who had not taken muchinterest in the election one way or the other, became very active on hearing ofthe occurrences in Quebec which prevented the Unionists form beingheard from the platform. They do notconsider this British Fair play and condemn such actions with theirballots.

__________

TheMinisterial Association of Toronto, has unanimously expressed itself as infavor of Union Government, and on Monday the Toronto Presbytery passed a strongresolution endorsing it. Rev. Dr. Chown,superintendent of Methodism, and in fact very many ministers of all Protestantdenominations, fell it their Christian duty in the present crisis to publiclyespouse the cause of the Unionists and the boys at the front. Their right to freed speech on the questionis, however, challenged by some members of their respective denominations, butthe majority, feeling keenly their duty, refuse to be muzzled.

___________

Publishedin the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 6, 1917

Hit It With A Smile

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Somewherein France

Nov 26th/17

Letterto mother & all

WellI am at last in France but as yet am not up to the guns nor do I know when Iwill get there. I am at a presentconnected with the D.A.C. and am driving a pair of mules. One thing I have found out and that is muleshave got oxen beat all to pieces. I havea very kind hearted pair so am rather lucky as the rumor goes that some mulesare otherwise.

I amabout six miles behind the first line and can hear the guns firing allways butof course am perfectly safe here. Theonly fighting I have seen since coming here is in the air and that wasn’t muchas no damage was done. In fact it wasnot really a fight as it was our anti aircraft guns against Fritzairplanes.

Wewere rolled out of bed this morning at 3 am and were told we were going to movecamp and to be ready to move off at 9.15. Well we had to do some tall hustling and after all was ready we weretold to unpack as it was just a test to see how quick we could do it. Such is army life.

Iwish I could tell you just where I am now as our camp sets on a famousbattleground. A year ago the germans were here instead of us,today they are several miles back and in another year they will be stillfarther. They may be advancing in Italy and Russia but they are not in thiscountry and they are not going to either. The moral of the troops here is excellent.

Supposeyou have read about the mud at the front. Well its here allright and lots of it. It is just like the Winnipegmud and guess the boys know what that is like. It sticks worse than glue and is asslippery as ice but the boys all “hit it with a smile”.

Wellmust now close. I have some otherletters yet to write. Please excuse scribblingbut I have not as yet been supplied with my “writing desk”. I am feeling fine and hope you are allenjoying the best of health. You mustnot worry about me as I’ll get though all O.K. Would like to give you some details as to where I am etc but can’t.

Best of love to all.

Your loving son, Murray.

#334195,

4^thDAC, CFA, BEF, France

______________

Yes, he’s at Vimy – 9th HowitzerBattery

Voting of The Soldiers

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Balloting at theFront Will Begin on November 26

Ottawa, Nov 16, - Votingof Canadian soldiers and nurses overseas will probably start next Monday. The official indorsation of candidates by theparty leaders will be made not later than the Saturday previous to the 24thinst., and polling will start immediately afterwards and continue up till noonon December 17. this will correspondwith 5 o'clock, Canadian time, when the polls will close at home.

From the offices of the clerk of the crown in chancery andthe general returning officer hundreds of telegrams are being sent out toretuning officers, because the new election laws contain much that needsexplaining.

Instructions were given to all returning officers to bepersonally present at the nominations, Monday, and immediately wire the namesand occupations of the candidates to the clerk of the crown in chancery. The latter is a new procedure, the namesbeing wanted quickly for cabling overseas.

All naturalized aliens who are entitled to vote will berequired to produce their certificates of naturalization before their names canbe enumerated.

In Ontarioboards of appeal in cities and towns will commence their work on December 7,and will sit daily, except for Sunday, until the 12th. All appeals must be made within four days andaddress to the presiding judge.

Notes and Comments

It is gratifying to note that Elgin Countyis doing its part in buying Victory Bonds. In the repost issued Tuesday, Elginled the seven counties comprising the southern division. Aylmer,we are told, is making a splendid and satisfactory contribution. We hope to see everybody in Aylmer the holder of a bond, even through itbe a small one.

__________

Next year we are likely to see another phase of the warbrought out by the greater use of aeroplanes. The United States are building them by the thousands, and air work appealsto our men as no other branch of the service does. Last year the Allies supremacy in the air wascontested by the Germans, but Major Bishop, V.C., said it had become necessaryfor the allied airmen to go well over the German lines to get them tofight. The scouting or observation workwill pass largely to the birdmen, who can do it better at less risk, and at thesame time drop shells on the enemy, who between such attentions from the air, as well as from the land, are not likely to have avery restful or happy year.

__________

Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on November 22, 1917

He's Somewhere

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A Convoy of 50

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Daily Mail, War Panorama. 20 Birds-Eye Views & Maps of the WorldWide War. Unknown year. p. 9 Benner collection.

Nov 20, 17

Giza,Egypt

Dear Mother & all,-

Ithas been several days since I last wrote but for once it is not on account oflaziness I can tell you. The big scrap that we have so long been expecting in Palestine is now on,nearly over, I suppose. As you know ithas been a great military success but it also had to be paid for. We have been, and still are, nearly workedoff out feet, and cases are still coming. It is now 9 P.M. and we are waitingfor a convoy of 50 who will arrive shortly. The cases that we are getting are much more severe than those in the twoprevious Gazabattles, the reason being, I think, that better means have been made forgetting them down to the base hospitals.

Threeof my officer patients, during the summer, have been reported killed &several others wounded. How many othershave “gone west”, I don’t know.

Ihave heard that my friend Zealand has been killed but the report is I hopeuntrue. He was allright at 2 A.M. on Nov9^th for I have an officer from his regt in wounded and he saw himthere, but he heard latter that Zealand hadbeen killed. Other officers from neighboring units came in the other day &said that Zealand was allright. I had a letter from him this morning but itwas dated Nov 6^th. Anyway Ithink he is still allright. He said thatthey were right in the midst of it and that the Turks were getting an “awful”drilling.

SoFred & Ertle have bought the farm near Tilsonburg. It will certainly seem strange to find Fredthere when I get home. I hope it turnsout a good deal and no doubt it would if there was a sufficiency of laboravailable. Anyway it will save buildinga new house for a time.

It isawfully good of the people at home to send me boxes of stuff and I appreciatetheir thoughtfulness in doing so, but really it is such a waste. I have never lived so well in my life, as Iam at present. We really live likeLords, everything we want we get, and labor is very cheap out here so we haveplenty of servants. I wish they wouldsend the box to Murrayinstead of me. The chances are that Iwon’t get it any way.

Sofar I have only got one (or 2) copy of the Aylmer Express, and Adrah Cohoon has sent me papers on several occasions thathave never arrived. I am not sendinganything home this Christmas either because I intend to bring it with me when Icome, or send it from Englandwhen I get back there. I have no faithin the post out here.

Wellmother I must close & get over to the hospital so as to see my newarrivals. Am as well as can be.

Best love to all, Frank

Don't Smoke or Eat Socks

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Folkestone,England

Dear Mother & all,

Just a line to let you know I am on my way to France. Don’t know when I will leave and even if Idid I would not dare tell you. The trip has been fine so far and I have nodoubt it will continue so. The boys havebehaved fairly well, only had a few fights so far but think all the scraping isover with now as they cannot get any more booze. It was only the booze artiststhat did the rowing as is allways the case.

Really don’t know what to write as I sent you a longletter yesterday. Allos sent one toFrank. I rec’d the box from the LadiesInstitute of Richmond but have not had time to write & thank them but willendeavor to do so as soon as I get a chance. I surely appreciated it. It waswell worth opening.

Tell Arthur to ask that “piece of fluff” if she sentthose socks. I never rec’d them anddon’t know who she is else I would ask her myself. Allso tell him to tell her that I don’t eatnor smoke socks and maybe she will take a hint. HaHa. Some nerve, eh. Guess I should face Fritz allright with thatbacking me.

In six more days it will be just a year since I leftthe homestead (24^th Nov). Isaid then I would be doing my bit in a years time and guess I will but I nearlymade a liar out of myself.

Do any of you know where C.K. (Charlie) is, I have anidea but don’t know. I think he is inthe army and a concript at that. Ofcourse I have not received any information saying that but I have good reasonsfor thinking it. Well I wish him luck.

Must close now. Will write as often as I can. Best love to all, Murray

Don’t worry.

Now Mother You Must Not Worry

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Nov 17/17

Witley Camp, Surrey

Dear Mother & all

Just a linebefore leaving for France to wish you all a Merry Xmas & Happy New Year. Intended to send some xmas remembrances butwas unable to get what I wanted in camp and last night stores were closed intown. Got enclosed post card from afriend. Now mother you must not worrybecause I have just as good a chance as the next fellow and I’ll get throughallright.

Must now close as Ihave to get supper. Will leave in ashort time & will write as soon as I can after landing.

Fondest love, Murray

On Draft

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Nov 16/17

Witley Camp

Dearbrother

Have not heard from you for agesand wonder if all is O.K. However I am a firm believer in the old saying “nonews is good news” so don’t worry.

I expect to go to Francein a day or so. Have been on draft allweek. Must say I am glad to get away asthis place rather gets on one’s nerves. I much prefer the bush life to laying around a hole like this.

Suppose you received my letter sayingI was transferred back to the artillery. I prefer going as a gunner instead of infantry although I had a good jobin the infantry as I was no. 2 lewis gunner and was not quite so much of a packhorse as the others, although bad enough.

I am now a gunner in the 4.5howitzer but will likely be in D.A.C.’s for a while before going to front line.

Nov 17^th. Had to go on parade so will finish thisnow. We are leaving tonight so willlikely be in Francetomorrow sometime. We are all getting anxious now to get away. Not that we are so damned brave but we knowwe have got to go so want to get there.

Haven’t heard from home forsometime but they were all well when I did last hear. Don’t know if Fred is moving this fall ornot. Guess he got a good bargain on theplace he bought. I don’t remember theplace, do you?

Well Frank another parade iscalled so must answer it. “Fall in thedraft” is about all we hear. Will soonbe saying it in my sleep, I think.

Heard from Murray Abel a fewweeks ago. He was all O.K. then. He is the M.O. for the Granville Special Hospital. Fancy he has a good job.

Well Frank must close. Will writeyou as soon as I land in France. Best of luck & best wishes for Merry Xmas& Happy New Year.

Your lovingbrother, Murray.

#334195 E.Battery, C.R.A.

Witley Camp Surrey, England.

Don’t know what my address will be but this will getme. M.J.B.

_____________

November 16 - Canadian Corps returned to Vimy & Lens

Leaving Within Hours

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Murray's "good bunch"

Either infantry or artillery

_____________

Nov16/17

Witley Camp,

E. Battery, 2^nd Brigade,

Canadian ReserveArtillery

Dear mother & all

Well I am still in englandalthough my stay here is now numbered in hours. I expect to go across tomorrow or Sunday. When I wrote last Sunday I told you Iexpected to go today but then we never know for sure. All this week has been taken up in paradesetc. It is really a snap this being ondraft.

Wilfred Miller and an old friend from 119^thwere down last night so we took a stroll and ignored the military laws of beingC.B. when warmed for France. We have a good bunch here and we all sticktogether and lie for the other one when ever necesssary and go out every night.Its fine when a fellow is out after Roll Call and knows if he manages to dodgethe military police he will not get caught because some one yelled “here” forhim when the roll was called.

I am sending those gloves I rec’d from St John and my watch toyou. That watch has never beensatisfactory and I have spent nearly a pound on it over here but it will neverrun right. I have been carrying it in mypocket for the last month and it may now be dirty but that is not the cause ofits ”dirty work”. Think the jewellershould make it right for it has never run correct. Will allso send some pictures for you to keepfor me.

The weather has been fine lately and I sure hope itcontinues as by all reports the mud is deep enough in France at anytime.

Has Fred & Ertlye moved yet? Suppose they have, if they were going to thisfall. I cant figure out just where their place is as I am not very wellaqcuainted with the country around Tillsonburg.

Suppose Ward & Arthur will stay on the place athome. They will sure be buisy next summer and men will be scarcer thanever. Think it very foolish to take menfrom the soil to fight, as men over here must be fed but of course we mustallso win this war.

Have not heard fromFrank for ages. Must now close and you must not worry about me as I’ll make itall O.K., lots do and I have as good chance as the next one. Wish you all a Merry Xmas & happy newYear.

Your loving son, Murray.

Gunner, #334195, E.Battery,

Witley Camp, Surrey, England

____________

Sue's Notes:

"By late 1917, each of Canada’s four divisions needed20,000 men a year to maintain its
strength." Bethune, Brian. It Haunts Us Still. MacLeansNewsmagazine. November 2004. p 48

2. Efforts missed by Murray

NOTES AND COMMENTS

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"If Laurierfalls it will not be our fault," says Henri Bourassa, the leading and most disloyal of theNationalists.

_________

The price of breadadvanced from 9 to 11 cents a loaf in Kingstonon Monday last. Pretty slow town, that Kingston, as Aylmerpeople have been paying the 11-cent rate for some time.

__________

When a manannounces from a public platform that if he is needed in the trenches he willgo, and in the next breath states, that the boys at the front should berelieved, and should have every bit of strength put at their backs, and that menare needed; one might naturally expect to hear of him offering his servicespromptly, and also expect him to be a true supporter of conscription.

__________

Publishedin the AylmerExpress Newspaper on November 15, 1917

Names, So Moving

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Sue's Photos, 2008

Tyne Cot Cemetery,Zonnebeke, Belgium

IN FLANDERS' FIELDS

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World War One Remembered

__________

(Photo taken at the Cloth Hall Museum - Ypres)

__________

By Capt. John McCrae, of Guelph, Canada

In Flanders'fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place, and in the sky

The larks still bravely singing fly,

Scarce heard amidst the guns below.

We are dead. Short days ago
We live, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders' fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe,
To you from falling hands we throw
The Torch - be yours to hold it high;
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep though poppies grow
In Flanders' fields.

Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on November 15, 1917

___________

Also see May 3,1915

___________

A Forlorn Expenditure

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'Neath Columns of Stone

__________

The Murderous Mud of Passschendaele

‘A forlorn expenditure of valour and life withoutequal in futility.’

Winston Churchill’s description of Passchendaele

__________

"Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden, inLondon for meetings of the Imperial War Cabinet in June 1918 and well briefedby Currie, told British Prime Minister Lloyd George that ‘ if there is ever arepetition of Passchendaele, not a Canadian soldier will leave the shore ofCanada so long as the Canadian people entrust the Government of my country tomy hands’."

Granatstein, J.L. Canada’s Army Waging Warand Keeping the Peace. University of Toronto Press. Toronto.2002, p 123

__________

The Passchendaele Memorial

THE CANADIAN CORPS IN OCT.- NOV. 1917 ADVANCED ACROSS THISVALLEY - THEN A TREACHEROUS MORASS - CAPTURED AND HELD THE PASSCHENDAELERIDGE

__________

More photos

WHAT WILL CANADA'S ANSWER BE?

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Canadian Victory Loan Campaign

Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on November 8, 1917

__________

November 10th, 1917, the final date for all Class 1 toregister

SUICIDE EQUIVALENT

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ALondon dispatch says: Officers here make no comment on reports from St. Thomasthat men there are successfully evading military service by the use of soap,tobacco and drugs to cause temporary heart weakness. They merely point out that the exemptionobtained by this means is likely to be brief is the examining officers have anysuspicions, as men categorized below Class B are liable to re-examination atany time. Continue use of drugs or othermeans to cause heart trouble would of course, they say, work more harm to theeligible men than to the country. Onesure way to avoid military service is to commit suicide. This they say is practically what the use ofdrugs would mean as death or physical ruin would follow the use of any greatamount of heart-weakening drugs.

NOTES AND COMMENTS

In New York many arrestswere made of dentists and oculists who put teeth and eyesight out of businesssufficiently long enough to get exemption from war service for men with coldfeet. In Toronto arrests are being made for givingdrugs which affect the heart action temporarily for the same purpose.

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Brazilis the latest country to throw down the gauntlet to German, and will be of muchservice in curbing sea raiders. Germany hasbeen planning conquest of Brazil for some time, in fact, beginning years ago,by the steadily colonizing the southern part of it. She never, as England and France did, subscribeto the Munroe Doctrine, or sign the peace treaties with the United States,which call for a year’s diplomatic treatment of any contentious subject beforewar was resorted to. There is not theslightest doubt of her intentions to dominated America as she has Europe, and Canadawould soon have felt the weight of her malled fist. Thereare now nineteen allied countries opposing her aims, and it is certain no suchnumber could again be united to enforce peace, so if we fail to beat her to herknees now, the proposed congress of nations to enforce future peace will beunequal to the task, and the school children of to-day would only have toendure what our heroes are now doing. Germany is morally and financially bankrupt, and is openly advocatingstate mother hood and polygamy, that shemay make up the losses, by war, of men. According to Carl Ackerman, the accredited representative in Germany ofthe Associated Press, and endorsed by Ambassador Gerrard, with whom he returnedto the U.S. when the break of diplomatic relations took place, all young girlsare being encouraged to become mothers, and will receive their regular pay, ifemployed, hospital treatment, holidays, etc., till they recover their strength,and regular allowance for their offspring.

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Womenwho attend church Sundays in Alliance, Ohio, are permitted to bring theirknitting with them. It might be a goodidea here in Aylmer to teach some of the men knitting, then they might keepawake during the sermon.

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Publishedin the Aylmer Express Newspaper on November1, 1917

Sixteen Thousand Men

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Second Passchendaele

"When the Canadians were selected to lead the next assault, their commander, SirArthur Currie, expressed his reservations. He predicted that taking Passchendaele would cost him sixteen thousand men. He did not, however, refuse. When his men attacked on October 26, they took heavy casualties, inflicted equally severelosses on the Germans, and were brought to a halt well short of Passchendaele Ridge and the sorry assortment of low rubble that had once beenPasschendaele village. The Canadianstried again four days later, and the results were no different. A shortage of drinking water, ironically, added to the torment of the men. Bringing water forward was as difficult ashauling shells, and the swamp thatextended in all directions had been poisonedby human waste and the rottingcadavers of animals and men…"

"…Not until November 6, under nightmarishconditions, did fresh Canadian troops finally drive the Germans off a largeenough portion of Passchendaele Ridge for Haig to claim victory …. nearlysixteen thousand men. A final attack four days late allowed the Canadians toconsolidate their new positions and brought the Third Battle of Ypres to an end."

Meyer, G.J. A World Undone. The Story ofthe Great War. 1914 to 1918. Delecorte Press, Bantom Dell, Random House. New York. 2006. p 503 - 505

MARGARINE AFTER NOVEMBER 14TH

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Order in CouncilPermits Manufacture and Import of Butter Substitute; Under GovernmentSupervision.

Anorder-in-council has been passed upon the recommendation of the foodcontroller, allowing, on and after No ember 14, the manufacture and sale in Canada ofoleomargarine, and its importation freed of duty. Suspension of the prohibition of itsmanufacture, import or sale is a war measure only, and will apply while thepresent abnormal conditions continue. The conclusion of such period is to be determined by theGovernor-General in Council.

The recommendationof the food controller was made because the high cost of production and thedemand for export was putting the price of butter so high that many people wereunable to purchase it. To reduce theprice arbitrarily would have been unfair to the producer.

Dairy Interestwill not Suffer

The foodcontroller states that the dairy interests will not suffer by reason of thesale of oleomargarine in Canada. Persons wishing to manufacture or to importoleomargarine must first obtain a license from the food controller.

Oleomargarinemanufactured in Canadamust be produced under the supervision of the Minister of Agriculture, and nooleomargarine may be imported into the Dominion unless it has been manufacturedunder Government supervision in the country of production.

Oleomargarine isan artificial substitute for dairy butter, taking its name originally from"oleo-oil." "Butterine" used to be a name it often went byin its earlier days.

Roughly, the processis one of three and four boilings of the fats of beef animals, cooling andclarifying and the elimination of the grossness, with the addition of suchthings as add to the appearance. "Natural" lard is largely used in the process.

The product is ninetimes out of ten incorrectly pronounced as though spelled"marjarine." The "g"however, is hard, as in Margaret.

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on November 1, 1917

On the Floods

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Passed by Censor 3452

Giza, Egypt

British Red Cross Hospital

Dear Mother& all,-

Again I have been rather careless about writing buteven for that you have not missed much news. We have been very busy again as all the hospitals up the line werecleared down to us to make room for the wounded, that means that we were filledright up. I have felt rather out ofsorts for a few days, just a stomach upset, but am feeling quite fit again, wasonly off duty for one day.

I had a letter from Murray the other day. He is now back in the Artillery and is quitepleased. I also had one of my letters to him returned on account of lack ofsufficient address, but he gave a full address in his last so that I don’t expectthat to occur again.

Well the scrap for which we have so long waited is nowon, Beershebas (or Bin Saba) has fallen and Gaza is reputed to have also fallen. So far we have rec’d no wounded but severalof the other hospitals in town got some. We are anxiously awaiting news whichseems to drift in but slowly. I hope me“pals” up there get through it all right but of course some of them will go inunder.

I have had some very nice outings during the last twoweeks. The flood has been at its heightand it is about the finest think you can imagine to sail about over it. One gets such wonderful colorings at sunsethere in Egyptand the moonlight trips are equally jolly. The Nile is now going down fast so that we won’t have many morechances on the floods.

Day before yesterday one of the patients, who is alsoone of the youngest majors in the British army (regular), took another M.O.& myself for a motor trip on the barrage. We had a very fine afternoon.

Yesterday we had a fine pianoforte recital at thehospital by the Countess de Lavisou. Sheis really a very accomplished player. Her daughter is one of my nurses so I had an opportunity of meeting her. This morning another M.O. & myselfwent down town to a symphony orchestra concert, it was very fine. So you see I am having a pretty soft snap ofit but then one may as well enjoy all that he can, so long as he can do hiswork between times. We will probablyhave lots to do before the week is ended.

When this scrap is over I expect my friend Zealand down on leave if he is lucky enough to escapegetting knocked out. The Col. has promised me leave for a few days and wewill then go to Luxorand perhaps on to Assonau. We haveplanned this trip together for nearly nine months, hope nothing will interferewith our carrying it out.

Well, mother there is no more news so I will close.

Best love to all, Frank.

P.S. Am enclosing some snaps

P.S. I am anxious to know about the farm Fred was planning to buy. somehow or other I almost wish he wouldn't as with the scarcity of labor, the high cost of everything, and the extra machinery etc it would make it a different problem than it was in peace time. On the other hand it would save building a new house etc when everything is so high. Will be very anxious to get your next letter to know what has happened.

Tell Grandmother I am going to write to her in a day or two. Did she get the letter I wrote on her birthday? FAB

PENALTIES UNDER THE SERVICE ACT

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It will beDangerous Matter to Trifle With the Law; Police May Stop All Men.

Regulationsgoverning exemption tribunals issued by the Military Service Council have beendispatched throughout the country. Theregulation are lengthy and cover no less than 97 different clauses, and makespecial provision for offenses and penalties. Here are, in brief, the offenses cited and the penalties provided therefor:

Refusing ofneglecting to attend for medical examination when required by local of appealtribunal - fine not more than $200 and not less than $25 and imprisonment fornot more than three months. Tribunal mayfurther issue a warrant to apprehend the man and compel him to submit tomedical examination.

Bribing orattempting to bribe any member of a tribunal, medical board, registrar or anyperson concerned in the administration of the act - imprisonment for not morethan five years and not les than one year. No fine.

Employerstipulating or offering to stipulate with an employee for reduction of wages inconsideration of employer exerting right, or refraining from exercising rightto claim exemption for employee - fine not less than $100 and not more than$1,000 and (or) imprisonment not to exceed six months.

Employment of mencalled out who, after expiry of time limit set by proclamation, have neitherreported nor claimed exemption - fine not less than $50 and not more than $500.

Employer failingto report any men in his service who have been called out and, after expiry oftime limit, have neither reported nor claimed exemption - fine not less than$50 and not more than $100 and (or) imprisonment for not more than threemonths.

Employment ofdeserter or man absent without leave - fine not les than $100 and not more than$500, or imprisonment for not more than six months.

The regulationsalso provide that after the expiry of the time limit for reporting for sercieor claiming exemption (in the present case, November 10) any man reasonablysupposed to be a member of the class or sub-class called out may be accosted byany commissioned or noncommissioned military officer or by any police officerand his name and address, place of employment, and place and date of birthtaken.

"If" theregulation adds, "the officer questioning him has reasonable grounds tobelieve that the answers are untruthful or evasive, he may detain the man andtake him before a justice of the peace to be dealt with according to thelaw."

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on November 1, 1917.

COL. SMITH’S EXPLANATION RE EXEMPTIONS

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In view of thefact that considerable discussion has taken place with regard to the stand tobe taken by the military authorities on the question of exempting men engagedin farming who are include in class one under the military service act,Lieut.-Col. Smith, district military representative of the militia servicecouncil has issued the following statement, in order to make the position ofthe military authorities plain, and to clear up any misapprehension that mayexist in the minds of those concerned.

“Owing tomisleading newspaper reports dealing with the instructions to militaryrepresentatives as to the attitude, farmers’’ sons and farm help when claimingexemptions, Lt-Col. Smith states that the suggestions made to representativewere to the effect that where any of the above class claim exemptions,inquiries should be made as to how many acres are effected, how many are underplow, how many are not, what means in the way of horses, machinery, etc., areavailable to work the farm., and what male help, not within the class calledout, is available, and also what work can be undertaken by women as has beendone since the commencement of the war to relieve the present conditions.

“Representatives were instructed that framers,farmers'’ sons and farm help who had been engaged in farming some years shouldbe exempted, assuming that they were working sufficient land to warrantit. It was said in a general way thatfor general farming one and a half men could work 100 acres. The need of production was fully recognized,and there was no attempt to instruct representatives to do anything that wouldin any way interfere with legitimate farming.

"Representativeswere instructed however, to investigate closely those cases of young menleaving the cities and taking up agriculture as a pursuit with a view ofescaping the military service act; also those cases of men who have gone into farming within the last year, having thesame object in view; also those cases of farmers, who, having three or foursons, and only small farms, refuse to allow any of their sons to go to the war,although their neighbors have done so, the sons of the famer remaining beingable to do sufficient work on their own farms, holding up the neighbors whose sonshave gone to the war for exorbitant wages whenever their labor was required bythem. It was considered that thesepeople are fit subjects for investigation and possible draft."

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on November 1, 1917

WHY DOES CANADA RAISE MONEY BY SELLING BONDS?

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on November 1, 1917.

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Murray's Assigned Pay, May - October, 1917

Benner Collection

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Orderly Room Battery

2^nd Brigade Canadian Reserve Artillery

Canadian Soldiers letter

Oct 29/17

Witley Camp, Surrey,England

Letterto mother & all

Rec’t post cardtoday and was mighty pleased to hear all is going O.K. I had not heard from you for some time. In fact have rec’d no Canadian mail at alllately but will no doubt get it all in a lump soon.

Suppose you rec’d my cable saying I was transferred back to artillery, allso my letterexplaining. I sent the cable so youwould have my address sooner, although it does not make much difference as weare only about five minutes walk from the 119^th lines and all ourmail is brought down every day so I’ll sure get every thing no matter how it issent.

I sure feel much more contented in the artilleryespecially when prospects are mighty good to get to France. Suppose I’ll be mighty anxious to leave afterI spend a while there but that is where I started for and that is where I wantto go. I never started for any place yet and turned back half way and I suredon’t intent to start now.

So Fred & Ertle are going to move soon. I am alittle surprised as I thought likelythey would not be able to get in the house till toward spring, but suppose Fredwill have a lot of fall plowing to do and it is too far away from home to makedaily trips.

Haven’t heard from Frank for ages but expect a lettersoon. Heard from Murray Abell the otherday, he is just alittle ways from London and Iwould have visited him on my last pass instead of going to Scotland had I know where hewas. His letter was six weeks getting tome. It had visited the various battlefields of Franceand then made a tour of the interesting places in this country before reportingto me. I have answered it and will mailit tonight with this letter.

We are havingfine weather here for this time of year so they say, it gets cold at night andof course the damp climate here makes one feel it so much more but it hasn’trained nearly as much as usual, something I am very thankful for.

Saywhen you send the next box tell the boys not to forget my “order”. Well must close.

Best love to all,

yourloving son, Murray.
E Battery C.R.A

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See PAY WILL BE THE SAME, October 10, 1917 (2011)

The Canadians Wade In

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The Second Battle of Passchendaele, October 26, 1917

"When the Canadians wereselected to lead the next assault,their commander, Sir Arthur Currie, expressed his reservations. He predicted that taking Passchendaele wouldcost him sixteen thousand men. He did not, however, refuse. When his men attacked on October 26, they took heavy casualties, inflicted equally severelosses on the Germans, and were brought to a halt well short of Passchendaele Ridge and the sorry assortment of low rubble that had once beenPasschendaele village."

Meyer, G.J. A World Undone. The Storyof the Great War. 1914 to 1918. Delecorte Press, Bantom Dell, Random House. New York. 2006. p 503

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"At 5:40 a.m. on October 26, 1917, 3^rd and 4^thDivision wallowed into a sea of mud and shell craters transformed intosmall lakes, only to be cut up by heavy machine-gunfire coming from nearly impregnable cementpillboxes. For two days, theattacking battalions tried repeatedly to crack the German line, at a cost of2,481 men."

Zuehlke, Mark. Daniel, C. Stuart. The Canadian Military Atlas. TheNation’s Battlefields from the French and Indian Wars to Kosovo. Stoddart Publishing Co. Limited. Toronto. 2001. p 136

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Recommended Reading: Tim Cook. At TheSharp End. Canadians Fighting The Great War. 1914 – 1916. Volume II. Penguin Books. London, England. 2007. P. 329 –352 “I DON’T KNOW HOW THE HUMAN FRAME STOOD UP”

FIELD OBSERVATION OFFICERS WORTHY OF DECORATION

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Charles D.G. Roberts Writes of Canadian Artillery for War Records.

The following article on the Canadian Artillery was written by Chas.G.D. Roberts, the well know author, for the Canadian Records:

It has been said, with more truth than usually savours such surprisingpropositions, that every one of our Field Observation Officers ought to havethe V.C. or Military Cross.

When their duties have to be carried on across the rolling mudfieldsbetween the Somme and the Ancre, where the once smiling green of the farm landshas been swept clear of every shelter and churned into a deep and hideous slimeby the bursting shells, - where the shell holes lie everywhere so closetogether that it is like threading a maze to pick one’s clogged way betweenthem – where the depth of many of these holes, or petty craters is often sufficientto engulf a horse and its rider in the putrefying mire which half fills them –where one stumbles at every other step over some horrid wreckage of the wideflung struggle – there is the work doubly nerve-wracking the accomplishment of itdoubly magnificent. For just this work,on the world’s most terrible battlefield our Canadian lads, fresh from farm andmine, desk and shop, factory and college, have developed the most amazing,cheerful attitude.

“O-Pip” Perilous Position

The position where the F.O.O. performs his perilous duties is known as “O-Pip,”which stands for observation post. The “O-Pip,”may be some distance behind the front trenches. It may be at some advantageous point I those trenches themselves. It may even be out beyond them, in thescarred, tormented wastes of No Man’s Land.

If ‘O-Pip’ is well behind the firing line, it must be on some wellelevated point, whence a clear view may be obtained of the enemy’s position andthe fall of every shell in the area concerned exactly located. Such a point may be a fragment of a batteredchateau or factory chimney, threatening to fall at any moment throughconcussion even if it escapes a direct hit. It may be a tree-top, though it is rare indeed to find a tree nowadays inthe battle are, that has any top left or any remnant of branch to roost upon. Such trees as the shell storm has leftstanding are nothing more than stripped an splintered trunks. Or it may merelybe some bit of higher ground which affords the required lookout. But the spot which commands a view of theenemy naturally can be viewed in turn by the enemy. It proclaims itself as at least a potential ‘O-Pip’and is treated as such even though the observer who occupies it may be himselfconcealed. If near enough it willreceive the sleepless attention of the sniper and will be rake from time totime by the implacable hail of the machine gun.

Not a Healthy Place

If it is on the knoll, that know will be dosed every now and then withhigh explosive (known familiarly as H.E.) till it looks like a miniature volcanoand at such times the F.O.O. will indignantly withdraw from the position toreturn to the wreckage when the storm has lulled. If it is situated somewhere on a ridge theenemy’s shells will feel along that rife for it from end to end and with themost reasonable prospect of finding it sooner or later. If is further back, in tower or windmill orchimney, then it becomes a favorite target of the enemy’s ‘heavies,’ to bepotted at by those great shells which roar through the air like a train througha tunnel. In none of these cases is it aposition to be recommended for the health.

“Eye” For the Gun

In such conditions the observation officer is expected to remain cool,undistracted, unflaggingly alert for 24 hours at a stretch, registering for hisguns and correcting their fire by references to the map locations with anexactitude which comes within a very foot of what might be accomplished by a surveyoron the actual ground. Then is he has luck,he is relieved. And if it so be that the“o-Pip” which he is occupying in an advanced one – a mired shell hole in No Man’sLand or a corner of the front trench – the journey back to his dugout may wellbe even more perilous than the post which he is leaving.

Besides the ceaseless peril under which the F.O.O.’s carry on theirduties there is the duty of reporting. If they observe inaccurately, if they report their observations or givetheir instructions incorrectly the guns for which they serve as eye may hurltheir destruction upon our own lines. Andconsider all the difficulties of being exact – of reading precisely, forexample, a complicated map in the night while lying in a miry shell hole, thebullets spatting all about you, the shells screaming low over your head orbursting so near your hiding place that you are sometimes half buried by theexplosion, and have to dig yourself out and clear the mud from your telephone before you can resumeoperation.

Nerved with Steel

But our F.O.O.’s are nerved with steel and our infantry have acquired suchconfidence in their observation, and registration that they will follow up anattack within 25 yards of the barrage. TheCanadians indeed have become noted for the closeness of their barrage work.

Owing to the conditions under which the Victoria Cross is granted, theartillery have no opportunity to win it, unless the army is in retreat whenthey must be sacrificed that the infancy may get away. They have been so clever in concealing theirpositions in this war, that a medal for “camouflage” might seem in order. The Victoria Cross is given for conspicuousgallantry in the presence of the enemy, and was instituted by Queen Victoria atthe time of the war with Russia, 1854-56, the medal of which it was made beingtaken from Russian guns captured. Any onedesiring it had better join the infantry or aviators.

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Publishedin the Aylmer Express Newspaper on October 25, 1917.

WHY CANADA NEEDS MORE MONEY

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on October 25, 1917