Series 1 Oliver McNaughton

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Bill cooly observed that it was a 'Close One', and we 'Carried On'. I have had occasion since, as has every other front line soldier who has been at the business for any length of time, to be thankful for duds. 'Duds' have led many of the lads to believe firmly in Divine protection, that if their work had been completed on this planet, the particular shell would not have been a 'dud'. One thing this war has taught mankind, is not to fear death, which is as natural to the human body as to be born. The whole problem that concerns us is to do our duty as we

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know it while we are here. Well, here I am on the ninth page. I am surprised that I have accomplished all this and am begning to wonder what I have said. This is the first 'green' envelope we have been issued for a long time.

According to your last letter, the men were making big efforts to get the seed in while the sowing is good. The run of sap was evidently considerable. It would be a good thing for Jack Webbe poor fellow.

I sure had a laugh over Allan & Norman & Nell & the Crow, and at Norman thinking

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he would have to get Nell out again to get his bicycle started. I can imagine them both, Allan trying to hang on to himself and Norman unable to hang on to himself when it came to the wheel and the time slipping by. If he had a mustache he would be blowing through it, too. Ask Allan if he remembers the time there was a very peculiar spring in the Knotter of the Old Noxon binder.

So a few more of the boys are in khaki, now. I would not worry about the rumour about them robbing the farms of help, unless they think we are young to eat bullets

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and shells; - we would be tough guys, right, then, everytime we would spit it would bounce. The chain of the Granton Presbyterian church is being hard hit, alright. It will be harder hit still if Blanche (Mrs. Williams) could induce Edna and Mabel B to go to Clinton. I think it would be a good move. How is the daylight saving plan working? It came into force in Paris while I was there on leave. However, Daylight saving has many little effect on Farmers. I am sure it has no effect on us. Well, Netta, I must think of closing. By the way, I am

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reminded that you people have been papering rooms etc, which reminds me that my room was all fixed up since I came over here. now, surely you folk are not so foolish as not to use that room. For the love of Mike, use it, and when this letter is answered, I want to know whether you are going to comply with my request.

This is Sunday; I had a long march, to-day, and the weather this last week has sure been hot. I feel fine and so is Jack. How is mother? & father? God bless them. I can imagine I see father all out of patience with the way the war is carried on. I used to wonder too about a lot of things I understand now. Heaps of love, kisses and best wishes, sis old pal, and love to the family. Oliver