Series 1 Oliver McNaughton

P.S I had just finished the last page and was about to read the letter over when along came yours and Mabel's letter of april 28th and a card from Bessie Morley. Willie Hadgem is married; it will be too bad if he has to go to wars. I am sure Baker is good to you people; I don't know why he has always done so much for the Naughtons. I think Norman must have something to do with it. And Emerson Knowles has got Miss Ruckle at last. He sure was lucky to get his thumb cut off when a boy. I was interested in what Mrs. Haut had to say about the Officers Military Quarters in [illegible]. When this war is over

many eyes will be opened. The war will have evolved another enemy while we are putting down Prussian Militarism, but, believe me, some people will be sorry when the war is over. Well, kiddo, I must close, Good-night, Oliver

Oh. Jack has also just got a letter and learned that Jone is getting better and consequently feels much better. Whom is Ray Westman marrying? I know Ray would have enlisted had they released him from the Civil Service.

This envelope must not be used for coins or valuables. It cannot be accepted for registration. Note:- Correspondence in this envelope need not be censored regimentally. The contents are liable to examination at the Base. The following Certificate must be signed by the writer:- I certify on my honour that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but private and family matters. Signature Name only O McNaughton [On right side of page:] [Several letters may be forwarded Cover, but these must be all from writer. The cover should be addressed case to the Base Censor.] Mrs Chas. Jones Granton Ontario Can[illegible]

France June 21, 1918

Dear Sister:- I am going to endeavour to write you a letter this evening. I don't think I'll get much written but I'll do it in serial form as I did the letter I wrote Dad & mother a week ago. You will have to excuse scribbling as I hurt my thumb playing ball and it's as big as two thumbs ought to be.

You will be thinking that we will be having very little to do, that we have time to play ball. The fact of the matter is Netta, we are training intensively and these sports are just a little diversion, & at the same time part of the training scheme for physical development, as well as to

2,

cultivate a quick eye, and mind and inculate the use of our own judgement, which the British soldier is noted for in warfare, (I mean the ability to size up a situation and think for himself and do it quietly) We are ordered to take part in these sports; you cannot get a lazy streak (and very often we feel tired enough without any more) and think you can get out of it. Whatever kind of sport you like best and can do the best at you are asked to participate in. There is much rivalry among companies and even platoons in the same company and thus it spreads to battalions as the same brigade, thanks to the brigades of a division, [??] to the divisions in a corps, etc etc.