I guess you'll be wondering about the delay and thinking that I got my old habit back again. Its something a lot better than that though. I started out in the advance you're reading about now but was only in it about an hour or so when I got a peice of shrapnel in the back just below my left shoulder I though I was a goner as I could hardly breath. The concussion knocked me again a wheel and fell on had got it in the legs. I am alright now though and nothing serious was struck except the nerves in my back. They jumped around for two days or more and hurt when I drew a breath. I was on no 1 gun and the whole crew of no 2 and a Lt. Were wounded. Cecil was on no. four and no one was hurt there when I left. Cecil helped carry me to a dressing station while I was there the German artillery prisoners were coming down so his guns had been captured. It was a fine push and I hear the boys are still going strong. I hope Cecil doesn't get it I hated to see him go back. I wish he'd have got as good a one as me. If you were only a nurse we might be talking now eh..I'm glad you're not. This war stuff is not as Romantic and pleasant as it looks Gladys. Those girls in France have to stand sights that often make strong men shudder beleive me I wonder what new fellows in the push. was at the base with the fever and never got back. Probably mack Lyons was there. I hate being in bed. I think I'll be able to go around in a couple of weeks though. I didn't get your box before I came away and hadn't had any letters I told the boys to carry on with the boxes so they'll go to a crowd that need them more than me. Thanks very much for it Gladys. I am in a fine hospital and am going to take my time getting better.
The address is : B. Ward 15th Canadian General Taplow Bucks England
All kinds of love Bert
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Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 6:47 pm
Flight Officer Dennis John Quinlan was born in Edmonton, Alberta on April 4, 1920 and later moved to Calgary. Quinlan joined the R.C.A.F. in September of 1940 and participated in 25 operations before he was killed on August 17, 1942, at the age of 22.
The last letter he wrote before his death
Quote:
Monday Aug. 3. 1942
Dearest Mums
Once again here I am in your famous London and as usual I am staying at Auntie Lilly's in Earl's Court. Since arriving yesterday afternoon I have done very little but laze about, sleep for yesterday marked the first break in two or three weeks of rather intense flying.
Tony and I and the rest of the Crew just finished our training together in time to go on the last two raids over Germany. They really were successful ones and though the thought of what we are doing sometimes appals me, one derives a terrific sense of satisfaction from playing such a part in striking these devastating blows at our enemy. The R.A.F. is really & truly pounding the Hun with ever-increasing ferocity and accuracy.
We did have an amazingly busy time lately what with training & finally going on Ops and of course the inevitable number of times one would prepare to fly and then find it all cancelled. One got used to going to bed at breakfast time and getting up for lunch & preparing all over again for the same business.
Tony, as my new Pilot, pleases me immensely the two trips we have done together have proved to me that I will receive the same co-operation as from Johnny - in fact our whole Crew is running very smoothly indeed and that really counts for a lot.
The last week on the Station was therefore much the same as ever - with the odd "flick" seen early on in the evening sometimes before a trip. This is my first time off since when I saw Bryan in Grantham a month ago.
I have, by the way, had no reply from Jeepers to a letter I sent him some time ago an am rather anxious to hear how he is getting along.
Yesterday, we all got away quite early - Jack, Huntly Wood & Doble and others were all coming on leave. When we arrived at King's Cross Jack had a few hours to wait for his train to Cardiff so he came on to Earl's Court with me for a cup of tea before his train left. Jack has finished his first set of Operations now but he is still remaining on the Station. I am certainly glad of that for he is a grand chap.
Yesterday evening we all stayed in and I was only too glad to get to bed early. Aunt Lilly, Uncle Oliver & Sally are all very well and of course all send their love.
Auntie Lil brought in my breakfast (in bed - spoilt eh?) about nine but it wasn't until almost noon before I was finally up.
As it was August Bank Holiday everyone was home from work and as it was a fairly sunny day we all went in to Kensington Gardens and just lazed in the sun. It certainly amused me when an Attendant came round collecting money for anyone sitting on the seats!
There was lots of boating going on but such a terrific queue for them that we didn't consider it worthwhile trying to wait. After some sandwiches and an "ice" and dodging the seemingly ever-present rain shower we walked over the bridge and up Rotten Row and came out of the Park at Kensington and walked home from there. It really was grand to just laze about out in the sun like that.
We listened to some very grand programs on the radio this evening before Sally had to go to her A.R.P. Post so then we all went to bed - and I to write of course.
I have had very little mail lately Mums so this won't be a very long letter - however I do like to try to get them off to you fairly regularly, even if they are on the short side.
It would be fun if you could be here with us for my leaves wouldn't it Mum and Fran too! Still one day again we'll be all together.
Night-night Mumsy dear - all my very fond love & kisses,
Your loving Son,
Den xxxxxx
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Posts: 9025
Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 6:06 am
Robert Hale was born in England in 1893 and emigrated in his late teens to Canada, where he settled in Montreal. He enlisted in February of 1915 and served overseas until his discharge in 1919, being wounded three times during his service. The collection consists of more than forty letters written in 1915 and 1917 to his sweetheart Alice, whom he was to marry in 1920.
Quote:
France 14/10/17
Dear Alice,
Thank you so much for your nice letter of September 18, 1917, received this evening. As I have just finished work I thought I would answer it before turning in. Perhaps I shall not get another opportunity for another few days. I was so glad to get your letter, as I look for them every Canadian mail. If I do not get one, I feel out in the cold when all the rest of the boys get their letters from Canada. So you think I look thinner in that photo, eh. I don't wonder at that. The place where it was taken was a bit behind the line hence the nice trees. The difference in the uniforms of my friend and myself is this. He is a new man just out from England with the Canadian issue. You see, all the old men out here wear the Imperial issue as they are much easier, more room in them, and also because they do not issue Canadian uniforms in France. But of course we use our own badges.
So Syd has been gassed again and is back in Blighty. Well good luck to him, but gas is tough. I should very much like to have a letter from Ted Houldsworth some time. I am glad you asked him to write me. Yes Alice, I was very sincere about our 1917 plans. I am quite sure that I would have had as nice a home as Greenwood or anybody else of our crowd. But as it is, they beat me to it. But since I have been here, I don't think that the time has been altogether wasted. I have done my bit as the saying goes and I have also learned some valuable lessons. But as you say, Alice, the war must end some day and then us fellows who have been out of luck, may have a chance to fall back into our places. That is, of course, if the girls will take us. Do you think they will, little friend?
Now Alice, you ask me to answer your question about what your part was in our little trouble. I will tell you, but I take it that you promise not to be offended at what I am going to write. Please put your mind back to the summer of 1915. I refer to your birthday and I know I did not send you a present. At the time I wrote you and told you why. In reply to that letter you sent me a most unkind answer, at which I was very much surprised and hurt. It was a most unreasonable call down for anybody to get under the same circumstances. I may tell you Alice, I felt like two cents and as sore as if I had been kicked all over the town. Well I answered your letter in words equal to the way I felt about it and you never replied to my letter. That was, as I afterwards learned, because my letter never reached you. Shortly after that I went to France feeling rather disgusted about it. Then there was a long time in which each of us was waiting for the other to write. I guess you, like me, were getting rather fed up about it. But your part of the trouble was that letter you wrote about the present and then not answering the one of mine you did not get. I kept that letter of yours a long time intending to let you read it over some time. But I lost it somewhere. It was really too bad Alice.
Enough of that.
So you think you will take Ted's advice when the right man comes along, eh. Will you invite me Alice when the time comes for the wedding? I should very much like to be at my little chum's wedding in spite of the fact that I have been a naughty boy. You will say perhaps the right man will never ask you. Do you suppose my dear girl that all men are blind? I guess Alice I'll have to serve out here a while longer before I get two months leave, but it may come before the war ends. If not, I will come to see you then without fail. My gun crew are all Montreal boys except one who is from Toronto. Some bunch. One of the boys is from Griffin Town and we have some fun, believe me. It is very cold tonight Alice and wet. A good night to sit beside the fire and tell stories. I guess we must leave the stories to some other time. Will you listen or shall I listen to you? Well Alice, I guess this is all for now, so I will close. Give my regards to Ma and Pa and Lily. Love to yourself.
William Ivan Mouat left Salt Spring Island in British Columbia to join the RCAF and was sent overseas in 1941. In July 1943 Mouat was shot down over Belgium and remained a prisoner of war until he was liberated in May 1945. The collection consists of eighteen letters, seven telegrams, three photos and other documents related to his experience as a prisoner of war.
Quote:
Oct. 6th/43.
Dear Mother & Dad,
I have still to receive any mail from you as yet, and am expecting it any day. The time seems to slip by somehow, and it is hard to realize that I have been a prisoner for over 3 months now; in some ways it seems so short; and then again at times (when I feel a bit blue) I seem to have been here a lifetime. I must admit I don't often feel that way, I have lots to do everyday. We play softball and soccer, and I have renewed my study of French, as well as started studying Spanish. The Law & Philosophy went by the board because the instructors moved to an adjoining camp. We have an average of at least one concert or camp show a week and hope to have a film soon. As I have said before everyone is wonderfully optimistic and I feel sure myself that I shall be home with you for my next birthday anyway. Lots of love to all at home,
Your loving son, Ivan.
Quote:
Royal Canadian Air Force Chaplain Services 28th May 1945
Dear Mr and Mrs. Mouat,
I was so happy to be able to welcome and chat with your son, J17084, F/O William Ivor Mouat, on his safe arrival in England. He looks very well and is in excellent spirits.
Our boys are being well looked after by our own people and it should not be long before they have "caught up" and are back to a more or less normal way of life.
These have been anxious days and we join with you in giving thanks to God that they are ended and that Ivor will soon be returning home.
Vincent Sanford MacCausland was born in Tyne Valley, Prince Edward Island on February 1, 1913. He enlisted in March, 1940 with the RCAF before being attached to the 617 Squadron RAF. MacCausland was killed on a raid on May 17, 1943.
Quote:
ROYAL AIR FORCE, SCAMPTON, near Lincoln LINCS. Engl. PHONE: SCAMPTON 226.
April 17th 1943
Dear Mother.
It really is a long while again since last writing to you. I will write at least once a week and since there will be better air mail service during the summer will post my letters "by air".
Early summer arrives much sooner in England than at home but by now it should be getting pleasant over your way again. The daffodils and tulips are unfolding their faces to the sun and the country is quite green will all the trees waving their young green leaves
I had a long newsy letter from Vivien some time ago with a sweet Easter Card. How is Lily feeling now? Her operation was the only solution to the trouble. I wrote to Estelle the other night, more to give her the new address. I hope she gets along well in the final examinations in may. Howatt seems a long way off and postie must bring him a letter to get all his news in return for the last six months. How is Ern Ellis? you wrote a few times months ago that he was in very poor health. There has been very few letters to or from my relatives over here for some time. Orville wrote in February but I haven't seen him since his Commission came through.
You are perhaps wondering what I am doing here. There is really no need to feel over anxious to know that I am back again for my second tour. I really was due back six months after Sept of 41 and had the privilege of joining a well experienced crew and on aircraft that one dreams about. To tell you the honest truth I would not have taken this on had I believed it was a doubtful move. I came up here a couple of days ago (Apr 14th) and we are on revision and conversion for the next month before going over with a few bundles for the squareheads I know that you will be feeling most anxious during those few months ahead but the time will soon pass and I know that God will be especially with us as were blessed in that first tour. I hope that we shall be writing at least two to three times per week and if you do the same, it will be much happier for us all.
My room-mate is in bed so shall write further in a couple of days
Love & Always Vincent
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Posts: 9025
Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:37 pm
Gordon J. Morrisette was born in the Eastern Townships of Quebec near Minton in 1895. He attended elementary school in North Hatley where he first met Marjorie Reed, whom he married after WWI, and who was the recipient of these letters. While attending McGill University he enlisted May 1, 1916 with the siege battery raised by the principal of McGill, Sir William Peterson, which eventually became the 7th Canadian Siege Battery overseas. At the end of the war he returned to Canada, completed his engineering degree at McGill, and married Marjorie in 1924. The collection consists of more than forty letters sent by Gordon to Marjorie from 1916 to 1919.
Quote:
Belgium, November 10, 1917
Dear Marjorie, I do not know whether you have been looking for a letter from me or not, anyway I will write once more in hopes of getting a reply some time. I look for letters from you in every Canadian mail but have been unsuccessful for some time past. Do you know that the last word I had from you was a note added on to one of Ella's while up the lake. Please write at least once in a while Marjorie if for nothing more than to tell me the news. This is an awful place up here. The Canadians have been in some bad places but this beats them all. The mud and weather conditions themselves are enough to a mortal crazy to say nothing of other things. I cannot say much but we will all be glad to get out of here, that is the least I can say. Any other part of the line would almost seem like heaven. I saw Reg Gallagher the other day so inquired about Cliff. He is fine and well. I received a letter from Ella yesterday, she seems to be very busy. She has mentioned Mr. Lawson in one or two of her letters. Has he a "crush" on her? I think I met him one weekend down at your place. What do you think of him? I want to ask you a question Marjorie. Now please don't think me presumptuous in taking the liberty of doing so, but if you ever fall in love yourself will you let me know. I ask you this because you asked that we be good friends but don't answer me unless you care to. I suppose you are very busy with your school. The Christmas holidays and exams will soon be here will they not? Remember me to Miss Bryant. I wish I was back in her school again. Am afraid this letter is not very cheerful. The surroundings are far from being such, however I feel that I could be a good deal worse off so why not be cheerful. Please write if you have only a lead pencil and a scribbler for I repeat that I look forward to receiving your letters. Remember me to Grace and everyone. I remain,
Yours as ever, Gordon
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Posts: 9025
Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:41 pm
Robert William Shirley was born in 1897, and enlisted in February, 1916 at Swan Lake, Manitoba. He served overseas in France and was killed August 11, 1918. The collection consists of one letter from his commanding officer to his mother, and an undated obituary from the local newspaper.
Quote:
August 21/18.
Dear Mrs. Shirley:
It is with great regret that I have to write you in connection with the death of your son L/Corp. R. S. Shirley. I can assure you Mrs. Shirley that in the death of such a gallant young soldier we have suffered a loss which we can never replace. During all his service with me I have found him one of the bravest boys I had in the Company. His soldierly qualities have been inspiration to the rest of his comrades through out his service.
I think I can say without doubt that he was the most popular boy in the whole company and generally liked by his Officers and Comrades.
He was killed at the finish of our recent successful advance in which the battalion did excellent work. The work of your son through out the whole of the operation was of the highest order. The battalion pushed forward to a village which was the furthest point reached by any troops in the advance. It was during a counter attack by the enemy on this place that your son was killed by a machine gun bullet in the head. He was killed instantly and had no suffering. When killed he was firing his Lewis Gun of which he was in charge to the last round and made the enemy pay a terrible price for his life.
I can assure you Mrs. Shirley he died a death of which any soldier would be proud.
On behalf of the Company and myself I wish to offer you our deepest sympathy on the loss of your brave son.
I have recommended him for Mention In Dispatches which is the only reward I can secure him.
Very Sincerely
F. L. Hesson, Major C. Coy.
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Posts: 9025
Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:46 pm
Austin Newton Van Allen was born in Seattle, Washington, USA in 1919. He grew up in Alberta and enlisted with the RCAF in the fall of 1940. Van Allen flew with the 116th Squadron and died on September 9, 1941. The collection consists of more than twenty letters and several photographs.
Quote:
Dear Mom,
Sunday�just another day on the calendar�marking another week behind us. Gosh! I've no idea where the time goes, it just seems to slip by unnoticed. Our final exams start one week form tomorrow as I have probably mentioned before so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. These tests mean a lot, in determining what recommendations we may get in the future�unfortunately however there are other factors involved. Now I don't want you think too much about this commission stuff. The ten top standings in the class stand a pretty fair chance of being recommended however to tell the truth I haven't any outstanding hopes. Not with my flair for rubbing the N.C.C.'s the wrong way.
However�enough of the next few weeks will decide for themselves. How does the Duchess like her Easter Rabbit? I was probably a bit early with but I happened to see it in the Bay one day & thought she might like it. How are the boys making out at school? I expect Eric is making a little better headway by now.
So Ev has been posted back home�lucky dog! I'll bet he was pleased. I guess he is really going to town.
Your new home sounds great�I'd certainly love to see the place. It ought to be a killer diller when it's finished after all the searching you've done. From what I can recall you are in a swell district. Keep me posted on the progress you make with it.
When am I going to get some photos of you folks? I'd certainly like to have some good ones.
As yet I haven't had a chance to call up. Mr. Gilchrest or Mrs. Gilchrest's friends, but I'll try to get around to it in the last week before leaving here.
Write soon, Lots of love, Newton OXXXXXXO Special to the Duchess
QBC
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Posts: 9025
Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 9:05 pm
John Ernest Fitzgerald was born on January 27, 1925, the son of John and Effie Fitzgerald of New Westminster, British Columbia. Fitzgerald served as a Flight Sergeant in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was killed August 27, 1944 when his Lancaster was shot down. Fitzgerald and all the crew members are buried in Denmark. The collection consists of more than forty letters, twelve photographs, telegrams, and other personal items. See also the excellent Danish site for more information about the crash and crew.
Quote:
May 18/44
My Dearest Mother & Sister
Well Mom I feel pretty low for not writing more often. But I have really been working for the last few weeks. When we got off leave we went right on to an advanced gunnery school and they worked us twenty four hours a day. But it was really worth it. Cause we were really taught some good stuff. My mid upper gunner and myself both made 89% in our final exams, which I think is pretty good.
Your parcels are starting to come through fine and they really are swell. I received two the other day and they really came in handy.
Say Ruth you seemed to be quite interested in my love life. Well since I came to England it has been at a very low ebb. You were also wondering about Mary & Norma. Well I have received 300 fags from Mary and a few letters and Norma has been good with her correspondence. Today I received 24 letters these are about the first I have had in around two months. So I guess they have been held up somewhere.
That raid I had over France. I don't know wether it counts or not. Some say it does and some say it doesn't so I don't know what to think. By the way Gene has now made 18 trips which is pretty good in a way and pretty lousey in a way because he has been doing these targets in France and each trip consists of only 1/3 of a op. which is silly because if you go over there and get killed you don't get only 1/3 killed.
I met Charlie Henry when I was on leave. He is still the same guy.
Can't think of much more to say so I will be forced to sign off now. So until we write again I remain with All My Love
Jack
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Posts: 9025
Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 9:12 pm
I hope everyone understands why I keep posting these pictures and letters. Remembrance Day is tomorrow where we will remember what was done, for the most part, on the large scale. We will lament for those who didn't come back and praise those who did. These pictures and letters are far more personal, these were the boys that went "over there", some came back, some didn't. Many of these are the last letters they ever wrote to loved ones before they paid with their lives for our freedom. Their hopes, dreams, fears and this simple distraction from their circumstances that writing these letters brought to them. Read these letters and try to remember each one of these boys tomorrow when you go to your home town Remembrance Day ceremonies or just do it casually during your day tomorrow, don't forget these individual boys and what they did for you.
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![[?]](./images/smilies/confused.gif "Confused")
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