Series 2 Jack McNaughton part 1

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December 22, 1916 pg1
Complete

December 22, 1916 pg1

[Postmark] TO--- ONT JAN 10 5 - AM 1917

Miss Nettie McNoughton, Granton, Ontario, Canada.

[stamp overlaid] PASSED FIELD CENSOR 1364 [Signature] W.C.Haight

R.R. #1

Last edit over 2 years ago by LoriF
December 22, 1916 pg2
Complete

December 22, 1916 pg2

Somewhere Dec. 22/1916 Dear Sis"- Rec'd an epistle from Oliver a couple of days ago and he said you folks hadn't heard from me for a long time but it seems to me I wrote last from the base at Havre however there is enough arguing over here without starting one at home eh? I have written to Oliver and have given him some good advice but of course it may be beyond his power to be guided by it. At present we are out of the trenches for rest and training but do not know how long this rest will last or what part of the line we will go to when the rest is up. It is sure a funny life. I saw Jack Evans and a few more Granton boys before we went to the line last time They did not go but were held for further training. It will be some experience for them alright and it does not take long for the novelty to wear off. Dodging bullets is some stunt. I have been assisting on a Lewis Machine

Last edit over 2 years ago by LoriF
December 22, 1916 pg3
Complete

December 22, 1916 pg3

2/ gun and the crew were in the line for quite a stretch this time. We can see a couple of Fritz shells when they come over viz "Minnie Wafers" and "Rum Jars" and I sure have a wholesome respect for them. They sure do make a mess. I saw Jim Brooks the other day and he looks fairly well. The mud and water were pretty bad this last trip, and the rats also "itchy coos" made their rounds as usual, but you would be surprised to know how much fun we get even out of discomfort. If one took everything seriously the lunatic asylum would be working overtime. There is a great picture here tonight. A fairly large room (formerly a stable) a fire and about 15 men gathered around The wind whistles through many unseen places but everybody is happy. Some are playing cards, others writing or having a sing song. Where we run short reading material we read our clothes, and usually find much news of a stratchy variety. If Oliver does come over the winter will be fairly on its way by the time he reaches

Last edit over 2 years ago by LoriF
December 22, 1916 pg4
Complete

December 22, 1916 pg4

the line I hope he comes to this battallion but an very doubtful. the boys say I'm getting fat so therefore must be feeding well although the dirt sometimes does add to one's weight. I sure do not worry. Well Sis I sure hope Uncle Scotts' back is better and that you are all well. Oliver said Aunt Mary was not feeling up to the mark. Well tell her to stop attending the "Sob Sisters" meetings, or else stop discussing fashions in the church stable. I may say I've tasted Xmas cake and black currants since coming to France and while the currants were not too bad I would hate to tell you what I thought about the cake. This will be all for this time and tell the folks to "pack all their troubles in their old kit bag and smile, smile, smile," because by doing so they are helping Oliver to no small extent. With love to all You sincere nephew Jack

Last edit over 2 years ago by LoriF
December 22, 1916 pg5
Complete

December 22, 1916 pg5

P.S. Since writing the previous three pages I have received your very welcome letter dated Nov 28th. It sure is funny that you did not receive one from Havre advising I was leaving for the line. You will of course know about me being in the hospital but am O.K. now. I did not advise Iona or the folks of the fact until a week after I was admitted, so no doubt in fact I know Iona knew nothing about it from me, when your letter reached her asking for information. You know Sis I never tell them anything that will worry them but being there are so many Brantford boys over here they write home and tell the whole thing. I sure would like to catch hold of some of those people. I don't think they would write for sometime. I was in hospital in England and never advised Brantford at all, but in two weeks time they knew more than I about it so whats the use. Hope Jessie is better but think a cold may do Tom Still some good. Something real cold or real hot.

Last edit over 1 year ago by hogan
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