Letters from Private Iver Bernhardt Werseen
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| Private Iver Bernhardt Werseen, 1917. (Source: 2, Ina Bramadat) |
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| Attestation Papers. Iver was 21 when he enlisted on March 24, 1916. (Source: 14) |
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| 203rd Lines, Camp Hughes near Carberry, Manitoba (Source: Bruce Tascona) |
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[date unknown]
Camp Hughes
203 Batt.
B. Co.
Regiment No. 234419
Dear Zelma
How are you getting along now. I hope you are not getting thin from worrying
Because your Mother said that was what was wrong with you.
Say if you can excuse this writing Please do because I was Inoculated a week ago last Saturday and my arm just got better and I got it again to day and there is no use trying to exsplain the feeling that comes over a fellow. It kind a gets on your nerves.
Say Zelma if there is any chance of your coming over to Camp Hughes on the First of July why do so because there is a big ixcursion there. That is if there is a bunch coming from out there any where and I will pay your way if by train.
I was on gard Saturday night and all day Sunday there was hundred of girls around the camp most of them where in cars. Every Saturday and Sunday there is an exsursion from the Peg and Brandon.
Well the cook house call has just when but I am not going for any because there is a fellow in this tent that gets mine and his own and brings them into the tent and we eat hear and then it is up to me to warsh the dishis of corse but I have had a little practise on that job.
The dishes is just a sort of a dinner pail and they are not hard to warsh.
B Co got the prize for the best fixed lines in ower Batt. and ower Batt. has the best lines in the whole Camp.
There is rose of tent N & S. and in the center going E + W. There is a wide St. as it where and each walk between each row of tents going N. t S. there is a row of sprus trees on each side of the walks there is a row of stones and they are all diped in white wash, and on each side of the tent opening there is a desigen on one side there is a sheaf of Wheat and the other is a Letter B.D. that is at our tent. There is several pictures bean taken along the line and will see if I can get some.
Well I have wrote a girl a bit but I have not told you very much.
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| Bear mascot at Camp Hughes, 1915 (Source: 11) |
B.Co has a bear for a mascot. I do not no weather I told you before or not. It is six Month old and we have som time with it.
Well good By fore this time and do write soon if you are not to busy.
Yours Truly
Iver B. Werseen
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| Trenches at Camp Hughes, 1916. This training was to prove useful. (Source: 3) |
July 17/16
Camp Hughes
203 Batt.
B. Co. Tent 13
Dear Zelma
I received your letter about 2 days after I had sent the last one. I thought you was never going to write but I supose I should have had a little more pations. Or maybe you thought I had forgoten you but never.
Say Moon, Bottrell and I are coming home on Saturday. If our pass goes through and I guess it will. Say this is not very clean paper it has been hiked around as much the same as myself.
I intended to write to you on Sunday but it is my luck to be on Fatigue so I did not. Well I do not know weather this will interest you or not, for it is heard to write to you from a place like you because I do not get any news. We have a tent over our tables now witch we did not have and it is the largest in the Camp Hughes. Brother Andy is in the Hospital he went in with a coald and the nurse found out that he was a pretty good hand and helping in the wards so when he was well enough to get out she told the Doctor that she would give him light duty for a few dayes and in side of the few days. The Hospital was quarintine for Measels and he is in there yet and will be for a day or tou believe me. Well I guess I will close for this time with the greatest love from your sweatheart.
Yours Truly
Iver B Werseen
Hoping to see you Soon
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| 203 Battalion, Camp Hughes (Source: Bruce Tascona) |
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Sept 28th 1916
203 Batt
203 Batt
B Co Reg No 234419
Camp Hughes
Dear Zelma
Well how is Zelma getting along now. Did George gett threshed while you was down there. Has your father got his grain threshed yet. I can imagian what it would be like working around a Machien this morning. But sleeping in a tent has it all skined.
Well when we got to camp the Canadian Army Servis Corps wanted teamsters so a bunch of us fellows whent up there and we had a good time for about two weeks driving teams taking stuff over to the station when the Batt. where going away.
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| Camp Hughes (Source: Bruce Tascona) |
Last night we had to com back and they put us on Fatigue. and we where getting good meals and a clean place to eat and then to com back to a place like this. It is only about a mile from our Batt. grounds but the Batt. have all gone from around hear and we are stuck out in the prairie now. And just as soon as we got in our tent last night the Sergent came to our tent and says all you shiners report at 5.30 for kitchen fatigues. Because the rest of the Batt. had been at the Ranges and they where having the sam shooting over again. In the morning we helped getting Breakfast and beat it to our tents.
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| Dining at Camp Hughes, 1916 (Source: 3) |
How is Orvils foot now is he able to wear his boots now. Ah and how is the little Doll getting along teaching school.
I just got a letter from Sister Minnie the first letter I have got since I cam back. I beleave she has gone back on me because she dose not write.
Well the word has just cam in that we will be going on the 4th of Oct. so you can imagian what it is like hear every day we have another story there has been about 10 different dates.
Well if it is so I will try and get out home for a few days and hope to see you folks all well.
I have to answer this other letter to night so I will have to quite.
I would like to write more but I cant find anything to write.
You you no what
Iver B. Werseen
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| Main Street of Camp Hughes, 1916 (Source 3) |
Oct. 16, 1916
Camp Hughes
Camp Hughes
203 Batt. B.Co.
Reg. No. 234419
Dear Zelma
I am not on parade this morning. I have been getting some teath fixed and I am down at the dentist now. It is a little to early so I though I would write you a letter I guess it will be the last chance I will get in Camp Hughes.
Zelma how have you and your mother been getting alone since I left. Did she say anything to you about staying out late.
Well I got a ring when I was coming through Winnipeg with IWB on it. No not just like that eather.
The night I went to Winnipeg my Sister and I went down to Makon seen Oscar he is looking fine and has a good job.
I promised Gertie on of my pictures but I have not got them yet but when I get them I will send her one I ordered another dozen when I cam through Winnipeg.
Well it is a kind of a rough day. I hope it is not so rough when we get on the boat or there will be some sick boys. This is an awful place for news any thing we get hear just goes in one ear and out of the other because you can not beleave anything.
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| 203rd Battalion at Camp Hughes, 1916 (Source: Bruce Tascona) |
Godfrey had a cousin at camp he came up Saturday stayed till Monday morning and just went back on the train he was from Carberry nine miles east of Camp he is about thirteen years old and he wanted G.B. and I to come down so we are going to try and sneak out some night this week. When you are having a good time at a dance, just remember me and have one for me too. And when you are writing do tell me something suposen it is good new or bad news it dose not matter what it is, and I will do the same. You mite think I would not like some things you may tell me but I can overlook a quite a few thing and you can to can't you.
Say the next time you write git all the addresses you can of the fellows on the other side and give me them, so if I have a chance I will find them. Or if you have any Relations over there so if I want a pass anytime I have to have some one to go to or they will not give a fellow one. That is all I can think of this time, so
Good By Love from Iver.
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| Recruits at Union Station, Winnipeg, 1915 (Source: 5) Iver went overseas in the Fall of 1916. |
Nov. 8th 1916
Bramshott
Bramshott
England
Dear Zelma
I sent you a Card and I was not sure of the address so I have found out now. Wish you told me that your mother had forgot or at least quit quarrling with you. Wel it maybe you that has quit but witchever one of you it is I hope that it keep that way. You may think I am kind of Spunky but I am not. I am just puting it in there for fun. And whats more I was not altogether sore at you that Sunday only for not getting along at home. But I have no hard fellings over that now and I hope you will write some letters lie you did before or at least at first when we started to write.
I could tell you something about our trip but I do not know weather it would interest you so I will just leave it out.
England is a nice country all right it is not a very good time of the year because it is raining most of the nights and all days but the trees are all green with leaves and the fields are all green and the Hedges look fine. I am right at home or at your home because it is hilly. Thats what the fellows tell me any way.
We have a leave for six day and I guess it starts this week. Godfrey and I are going together to London to see what we can see.
This is a much better place than Camp Hughes but the drill is much harder for I have gained nine pounds since I left Canada.
I am going to send some stamps in this letter because I can not use them, now I don't want you to think that I am sending them just to incourage you to write, because I am sure you will do that anyway I fell sure.
I aked you to send some address before but to make sure that you do not forget I am askig again and Dorville's or any that are at the Front.
I rote a few letters last night because I had sent a card to you but I guess this will get to you as quick as the others do, one was to Gertrude.
Well I can not think of any thing else to night. Oh yes when we went for supper to night we found out that there was not enough to eat so they made an awful fuss so the Officers came around after things where quietend down and said fall in at 9 oclock for a hot supper so it is near time too.
xxxxxxxxxxx
Love From Iver B Werseen
B. Coy 203
Army P.O.
London
England
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| (Source: 13) |
Dear Zelma
Well I am back to camp again from my leave and I had a pritty good time. Geoffrey two other fellows and I where together all the time and the two that we where with where pretty good sports.
The first day we where in London we went to the Tower Of London and had a good look arownd. It is a very nice place to go there was all the guns of olden day and p to the present day all the old Forts and the Room that the two Princes where smuthered in. And another day we where at the Wax Works and we seen the Princes in bed and the three men the did the deed where standing by the bed side just as natural as could be. In the same place we seen all the Kings Queens Princes or Outlaws and all the big boys. Another day we where at the Zoolodical Garden where there is suposed to be every animal living and I guess there was it took us all day to look all around and there was some good there was all the birds as well.
Another day we where at a couple of Museums where we seen any thing in the line of Whales Seals and the great animall called the Brontosaurus ingens it is 84 ft long it is just a skeleton.
We where there 4 days and a half our Passes where good till Sunday night but we came back Saturday afternoon because it was a stormy day and there was no pleasure in going around in the wet. But the greatest fault was we went broke.
I got a letter from Maude yesterday the only one I have got yet and it was a good one to.
I dont know of anything else just now Love From Iver
Don't let anybody steal these xxxxxxxxxxxx
Army P.O.
London
England.
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| Will you be there? (Source: 13) |
26 of Nov. 1916
Dear Zelma
Well how is Zelma now I have had it easy to day I am room Orderly just to keep on fires and sweep and see that thre is nothing sweped. But the best of it was I did not take the job till this after noon and it was sweped in the morning so I am writing letters
I wrote a letter to a cousin in Australia. He is a Ser. in the Flying Corps. He was on a trip one day about three months ago and his machine was hit with a shell. His machine was brought down mashed all to peaces and his back was hurt and went to the Hospital and was getting better the last I heard of him.
This is one of our yells
Who are B
Senior Company
Winnipeg Rifles
Two O Three
Major Billman
Is our head
Next by Captain Stibard led
The major's big
The captain's small
Bouth are loved
By one and all
W i n n i p e g
Winnipeg Rifels Shien
---
Cpl. Caney is the author of this yell. He is the Cpl. of my section
One two three who are we
We are the boys of B Company
At football baseball gaurd or drill
None can beat us none ever will
We are Captian Stibard L.B.D.
The best bloomen bunch
of the 203.
Say have you had your picture taken with that hair hanging down if you have a chance do for if I only had one you do not know how much it would please me you may think I am fooling but that is right.
I had my picture taken again with Moon it is not very good.
This is just to let you know I have not forgot you.
To my own dear Girl
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Love from Iver B. Werseen
Army P.O. 203 Batt
B. Coy 234419
London
England
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| God save the King and the boys! (Source: 13) |
Bramshott
203 Batt over seas
Winnipeg Rifles
Dear Zelma
I am sending this card hoping you will get it some where around Xms.
There has been a draft picked out of the 203 and Moon. G.B. and I are in it. I do not know when we will go to France but I guess it will be after we get done at the ranges and that will be about 2 weeks. Ingram he is in the M. Gun Section they have left our Camp to get some different training and it wont be long before they will be in France.
The ranges are five miles from hear and we have to walk there and back and there is some pretty fellow to-night. I hope we are hear for Christmas but it does not seem like it but if we are I am going with E. Moon he has a quite a few Relations hear and they have even been writing to me to come out for Xms. I will close hoping to hear from you soon.
I have not got any more than one since I got hear but I guess there is a bunch on the way.
Fondest Love From xxxxxxxxxx
Iver
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| You said you would go. (Source: 13) |
7/12/16
Bramshott
Dear Zelma
Well I will own up to it that I have not got much to say but to let you know I never forget you I will write a few words.
We have been going up to the ranges every day for nine day Sat. & Sun. as well and got through to-night. I passed as a 1st Class shot got 104 markes out of 200. But any over 125 are called Marksman so I come second in class in the shooting I done better than I expected. I hope you are having a good time. I am, you know.
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| British artillery spotter balloon (Source: 21) |
I have just seen one Earaplane and three Baloons since we came over hear. I had never seen a baloon before.
We are pritty tired to night and our Captain is a dandy little fellow the same one we had in Camp Hughes. He tried to get a hollow day for us to morrow and he could not so he told us to parade sick to morrow and he would see the Doctor about it before hand. Thats pretty good aint it.
Well I have been writing so much this while back I do not know what I have wrote and who I have wrote to Say you do not know how much I would give for to be there having a little talk and sing. Say I believe I would give a whole kiss. Love to Zelma
Iver B Werseen
Army PO 203 Batt
B. coy 234419
London, England
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| If England falls you fall! (Source: 13) |
Bramshott
Dear Zelma
Well I received your most welcome letter no not a letter a P.C. I only wish it had been a letter. I got a letter from home to day.
Well we are quarantined for Measels from the 8th of Dec till the 20th. We have had an owful time in the hut at first, we got Inoculated and I had a cold but have got over that. We go out for walks, not marches because we do not have to go but we cant go out without an N.C.O. in charge.
I was not out to day there was just a few went. I was out yesterday we went about five miles went East from camp came back from the South. There is a very steep hill to com up to the Camp and we where coming up.
About half way up the hill we stoped and just below us the Scotties where playng there Bagpipes it was just fine. And while we where standing there we looking south over a valley there was a high hill on the other side down at the bottom was the Ralroad. We stood there watching and a train went flying at top speed past and down just befor you get to the track there was som building and a girl went walking along there waving her hand at the fellows. If course I did not wave at girles or any thing alone that line
Well it kind of made me think of the track and Leary's buildings. Looking down from the cutout on the hill above the school I do not know weather it would be Ett. or Zallen that case of waving though.
Well Zelma let a fellow know how you spend Xam. and New Years Day. Was you sleigh riding . I think you generaly do a little of that kind of sport at that time I know you wont be picking plumbs.
How is your Uncil and his wild cats geting along. Say when you are around Roseisle don't forget to call and see my Uncil and Aunt they would be pleased to see you anytime.
We have never been told not to write while we are quarantined but I hope there is no harm done in sending out Measelie letters. Heeps of love from
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Iver B Werseen
Army P.O.
203 Batt B Co'y
No 234419 London England.
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| Send more men. (Source: 13) |
Bramshott
Dear Zelma
Well I have somthing a little different to tell you this time. There is another draft picked out and I am one of the lucky once I am with them. But the worst of it is Moon. and Bottrell can not go yet for some little reasons but I am OK. I have got a new outfit of cloths, and had a good dinner and supper and would jut like to see you for a little while just another last fond look before I go to the Front and that can not be done but the next best thing you can do is to send me that pictures that I have asked for. Say Zelma don't get angry because I have been asking so often but you might have sent it before this.
This draft is supposed to leave on the 27 of Dec. to reinforce the 78th Batt. I do not know just for sure what day we will leave but it will be before New Years if we don't get quarantined again or somthing. Well this is not enough to call a letter and it is time to go to bed but I will try to think of some more to morrow.
This will be the last letter I will have a chance to write in this camp for now but the same address will do till I find out just where we are going.
Well I cant find time to write any more just now.
Fondest Love from
Iver B Werseen
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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| Iver went to France in December 1916. The trenches at Vimy were only one part of a massive underground tunnel system. (Source: 1) |
France
Dear Zelma
Well this is the first day of the new year. I came over here with a bunch of 203 fellows but they are leaving hear to day. There was none of the fellows came over that I knew, but there was a few I know in the 222 came over with us and they are gone on to. Say the mude here is just like that at your place only it is deeper. Oh we have some time 12 sleeping in a tent. Why you cant keep clean or warm because there is no place to dry your clothes.
Well they don't work us very hard here we went up a hill to find a level place to drill on and I guess there would be 6,000 we went about 4 miles and it started to rain when we got there and we came right back. The fellows are lining up now for dinner. I have another badge to send you but I don't know weather you will get it or not. We are as far from the Trenches as you are from Wpg. I wont get any mail as long as I am here but write anyway I will get it after while. There the Cook House call has went so I will quit for a while.
Well I have had my dinner now but I havent though of any thing to write yet.
Iven and Orville McAmmond are in England but I don't know where Jack Moare, Herry or Dorville is.
When I was going for dinner there was a Sargent feeling funny he had been at the wet canteen I guess, and the line up to the cook house was about 200 men, and he stood at one side of the line with a new scrubbing brush and he took each fellow hat off as they cam up and was combing ther hear with but he passed me because I had not combed mine for so long I did not want to start again.
How is Orvilles foot this winter dose it get cold quick. Say you want to be carrful when you go out wheeling because if it is like England it is kind of dangerous because one day we where out on a little march I seen a girl fall off a wheel goind down a hill and got heart, just a little though. I guess you wont do much riding for a few days.
I don't think we have to drill this after noon but all the other fellows on Fatigue just now I don't know how I came to get out of it Its not my luck to get out of fatigues This job of writting letter is pritty hard because the thing you cold write about is not alowed and I might have something in this that is not allowed if there is any thing stroked out on any of my letters let me know.
I am going to send you a camp Magazine if I can get one I seen some the other day. There is no more shillings and penies now but it is Frank and centimes. 10 centimes is the same as one cent. I think that is all for this time except I will write some Post Cards instead of letters. Love From Iver xxxxxxxxx
Pte I B Werseen
No 274419. 78 Canadians
B.E.F.
France 12 Brigade
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| The rain and mud in France were legendary. (Source: 1) |
Dear Zelma
Say Zelma there is not much I can tell you except it raines and then rains again. I am in the Y.M.C.A. room just now to get out of the rain. This is a good size building here for concerts and pictureshows and lecturers. Last night, I was in that was Thursday we had a sing song service I guess you could call it. Thur. is our day of off parade and they took us out of one tent put us in another up on a side hill. But I am getting used of that now. The tent we went to was a holly one but we got a new one to night. After moving to the tent we had to fold up about 150 blankets that had been through in there after we got them rolled up we paraded for cigarettes and matches and a peace of cloth we get them issued once a week.
I do not smoke but I gave them to the fellows when they get short. After that we had a rifle inspection. Then it was dinner time so I did not miss that. Then at to oclock was pay parade and I don't miss many of those eather.
But the mane question of the day was would I have a wash and a shave, and I did, the first one in that week. I should not put that there I guess but it is my nature to tell the truth.
Well I dont think this stuff enjoys you very much but I have to put in something. Today we where puting up barb wire fences only in a different stile than I did at home It is about two mile from the camp to the parade grounds and you may be sure it raind all the time we where coming home. To night I came in here before anything started to get a chance to write but there has been a fellow on the platform and he has done some pretty good work. He took three drinks of coal oil and then lite a torch and held it out in front of him and shot the oil out over the torch and the flames went up to the ceiling. and he swoload a watch with a long chain on it but he kept a hold of the chain and the fellow that gave him the watch said he could here it ticking in the fellows stomach. I dont know how true it was though. and he put a fellow to sleep and got him to sing and laugh and dance and when the fellow came to he said he did not know of doing it but I think he was hired to do it but when the fellow asked for some one to go up to help him he was down in the crowd and he went up as though he was kind of scared.
Then the man that was going to lecturer came in and I stoped writing and his serman or lecturer was on After the War. What, it was quite an interesting lecturer to. To day is Sun. I have not had a chance since Friday night to finesh. I went in the Y.M.C.A. last night and the place was filled right up, because there was four girls and a Leiut. gave the program.
One girl played the piano one played the base violin and another played the comon violin. The other sang and the Leiut. did a little action.
To day I went to church. There is some pretty good minister, to. I have not learnt to talk French yet there is lots of French kids around camp selling pappers ad aookes candys, but they can all talk a little English. Say Pete Le Rock is over here. Howard M and Wes Maneary. I don't know weather you know him or not but he knows you he helped put in the Telefpones all around there and he was at some dances in the Hall to. Say Zelma in a few days it will be three months since I had a letter from you and I think it is soon time I should get one. The last letter I got written by you was on the 15th of Oct. I have it yet. But it is not your fault because we dont get mail in this part of the world. We get a little hard tack biscuit and physical drill instead.
There is not much frost here. This morning was the most I have seen here yet and the farmers where ploughing. I have often heard that in thias old countrys they grow better crops well I dont see why they cant. Why they can plowgh all winter and get the land ready.
Well I guess it will be pritty near spring by the time you get this letter.
I was just talking to Jeo Lambert and he has got a letter since he cam here so there is mayby a chance yet.
Well I am feeling find and hope you are the same. Do you have to sin in that big hair by the stove to watch Willie and Edmon so they dont choke at nights like you did that night when we went home from a dance. I dont just remember which one it was it seem to me we done it quite often.
Best of love from Iver. xxxxxxxxx
there is no more room for xse.
23441978 Batt
12.Brigade 4 Division France
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| 6-inch gun of the Royal Garrison Artillery firing over Vimy Ridge behind Canadian lines at night (Source: 22) |
France
30/1/17
30/1/17
Dear Zelma
Well Zelma I have finished the course that we take in this camp. I have not been doing anything for about three day but where expected to go up the line any time but am on fatigue today but that is better than laying around because it is so cold with out a fire in the tent and ther is a stove in the Dinning hall.
I found a fellow the other day that worked at Smith’s the year after I did about 19 months and is going back to England for to be a farming instructor and as I could not send them badges I told you about in the other letter without going to a lot of both so I gave them to him to post when he gets to England where you send anything from England they don’t have to be censored but from here they do.
I can not find out just where Dorval and the other boy are but I was talking to a fellow last night that new them and he said they where up the line.
I have not heard from any body yet since I came to France. Say Zelma I am going to number my letter after this for a while just to see if you get them this one will be number one. I think I have wrot once a week to you most of the time anyway except last week ad I was reading a book any spare time I have.
Well I can’t write very much because I will have to write a quite a few because I have been puting some of for about three weeks.
Hoping this finds you in the best of health.
I remain your S.H. xxxxxx
Iver B. Werseen
No. 234419 78 Batt.
B.E.F.
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| Laying rail in a Vimy trench (Source: 1) |
Dear Zelma
Well I got 13 welcom letters yesterday 3 of them where from you so they where just fine. I will answer the questions first. Say I would have liked to of been at that dance all right. You wanted me to come home and tell you all about the time I had in London. Well it aint worth going all that way for just that so I will whate till I get more to tell you. You asked me have I liked the Eng. girls well to tell the truth I did not see enough of them to know anything about them at all. For the ones I seen at London I have forgotten them completely and I never seen any around camp and there is few here that I have seen any way. They might be all right but I never could have much fun with girls that I did not know. Say but when I read that where you said to have a good time with the girls say that was what I liked, you know I was glad to know that was how you felt about it and whats more you know when there is anything a fellow knows someone don’t want him to do he is more apt to do it than if he could do as he pleased about it. And for that I will be true to you not saying I was not before or anything like that. I am glad you send Dorvals address to because I hope to find him.
Say that was very kind of you to give Rosalie my address because I would just like a letter from a French girl because you told me they where very loving people and you should know and I might learn some because I am slack on that point. I have not wrote to George or Floss but I will have to. I am writing to about 50 people but sometimes I have lots of time and other times I cant find time it is just for the answers that I write to them though.
It not because I like to do it but it is different with you. In the last letter Ive got from you is the one that you told me you had got the Xmas cards. Tell Alice I was pleased to hear from my little girl and she gave me to kisses will you gave her one back for me and tell her please. It good to here you are pleased with the card and if your mother was pleased with it that means there is a better chance for me because every little bit helps. Tell her that just for fun.
I guess I can’t have been one of though nice fellows because I did not stay in Eng. long I guess you thought I could not write letter but I might not have as good a chance after awhile but as long as I can get a chance I will write. Say you have some nerve to put on the bottom not Mina. Well I got one from her today to. What do you know about it. Ah.
I am working in the Dinning hall yet do day is someday and I have not been at church but might go to night if I get finished work on time. I am getting real good now.
Well be a good girl and I will be back as soon as possible but I suppose if there is a bullet with my name on it I will get it but don’t worry about that.
I remain as ever
Yours. Iver.
No 234419 78 Batt.
4 Division B.E.F.
France
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| Cannon at Vimy (Source: 1) |
Dear Zelma
Seeing I have changed camp and have a spair minute. Well I am getting down to real stuff. Well last night I heard a fellow say that they shoot men hear. I can hear the big guns and see the flares it just sound like thunder and lightening. I expect to be on night work till we are wanted at the Batt. I got a box from the bunch of Hyde Park people. I got it the night I left the other camp so I just shoved it up among the fellows in the tent because you cant carry very much at least a fellow don’t feel much like it after he gets a full pack on a march it weighs 72 pound without any extras so when a fellow gets about 4 or 5 miles he feels like diching it. But I have got along just fine. so far. Say Zelma you know I just inlisted to do what I could and I have never yet felt sorry for doing so although I found it hard to leave you. You may not of thought so though. But when I left I intended to get back as soon as possible. And as I am about to go in the trenches now. It is just like this if there is a Bullit with my initials on it I am going to get it that’s all. So don’t worry about me Zelma, but be a good girl and I am sure we shall meat again but if anything should happen me just let it pass over we have only been friend so far you may say.
They use us fine when we are in a place where it is possible. It is not very cold here there is a little snow and gets wet in the day time. It is kind of cold at night so we are in an old shed just now bunking. The fellow that I sleep with now his name is Willie Reid the fellows pretty nearly always dubblesup with some one because each man ha two blanket and when to sleep together we can have more clothes. That fellow West Manny is the only fellow I know here he sleep next to me. He said if you don’t remember him to tell you he was at Jack Stouts dance the time his cousin was out Mina Ceater and Edith Paterson when Jack took you and Floss down. I am just putting this in because I heard him telling it or he told me and something about him taking Floss away from Draper and then didn’t eat supper with her. He is a pritty good fellow for a chum any way in a place like this. He is ful of fun. Hoping this finds you in best of health.
Your Loving Friend Iver just first name
78 Batt
No 234419
B.E.F.
France
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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| Mud, mud, and more mud (Source: 23) |
Dear Zelma
Well Zelma just a few lines to let you know I am well.
Say about that letter where I told you I was going to number the letters well that did not last long. I have missed a couple already so I guess it won’t work.
At last I have written to George and Floss. I guess you will see them often now. What kind of a place have they up there any way. Zelma is my little doll teaching up there now or is there another teacher. I am waiting patiently for mail again som of the fellows have got some a couple of days ago so I guess some will be and that fellow did not come and tell us. They have not said anything to us yet and hope they don’t because I have nothing against me yet and don’t want to either.
Oh yes I had a drink of Rum the other night. It was all right to. It was the first drink I have taken yet of strong drink but you just get about a small egg cup full of it and it helps a fellow when he has just come out of the trenches as from a long march and that is the only time you get it here. It just warms you up and helps you to go to sleep. Last night we did not get any and the fellows felt kind of sore over it.
To day we are not doing any thing that I know of yet. It is raining a little and pretty mudie. It is a good job we an’t. I have not seen Dorval yet it is a quite a peace from here where he stops as far as I can find out. I have wrote but have had no answer yet along soon. I pretty nearly got myself into trouble the other day. It was Sunday and we where told there was a church parad at 9 oclock then they changed it and said to fall in for pay instead so we we went down to the Paymasters office and he was busy we stayed around till noon and the Sarg said to fall in at 4 oclock so we had our dinner and another fellow was coming down the Recreation room so I said I would go down with him to wait and we told his chum to come down and tell us if there was a church parade Well there was a church parad and we where not there.
If I have the time I will go over to the Division there is other fellows over there I know to.
I am expecting a picture in every letter that you send but have not got it yet. So you may as well send one because I will keep on asking till I get one then I will be satisfied for that part.
Hoping this finds you as ever mine.
I will send a little Barb Wire
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| Sheltering in dugouts and craters, Vimy Ridge (Source: 1) |
Dear Zelma
I have just received another of your letters you are doing fine since I got started getting mail a little more regularly. That was some surprise to hear that Eve has started to work that is pretty good for a start. This letter has been delayed somewhere and I am answering any questions that should be in it. I got one letter befor this one that was wrote 10 days after. Well I think I feel about the same as Dorval. But that is just a little bit of life. Why they say the last seven years is going to be the worst. Ho. Ho. Why you did not think Draper would forget you as soon or his doll What I guess it mine What do you think. Ah. I did not know that Howard and Vern where up there. I don’t blame them for trying to have a dance or having one but the only think I don’t like about it is you and I was not there. Say that was to bad about your uncle. He could not of been sick long surly.
Say I would like to have the chance to try and go through that snow to Georges. Ill bet it would be some depth if I could not get throw it. What do you think. It is to bad that you don’t get out much and wont be able to go to any dances. But there is others who can’t have much pleasures to. If there is any comfort in that for you. All I am thinking of is a better time coming. Aint that so. Well my chum Billie Reid got a parcel to night and I got three letters one from Mina and other girls for it is only pass time that got me writing to so many and they all keep sending me interesting letters so I like to have something to read. I feel sure that you will not care though. Say I got too letters from the Moon girls. One is 12 and the other 13 passed and they sur do write good letter for little kids. I know them well I have been there so much around with Edd. Say I was going to answer this letter Sun but we where working all day so started it but did not finish it so this is the night of the 26 have been working to day to so am finishing it to night. I am ever looking for your pictures but I guess I wont get one if you don’t get out to get one taken. Say beat it some day on the train to Carman and get one just for my sake so you know how anxious I am to get one. Say we have a bunch of comical fellows hear. But one of them has been put in the drink to night and there is another gink sitting on a beam by my bed now and I can’t laugh for writing or can’t write for laughing.
There is a fellow in this hut to night that has just got a Mouthorgan in a parcel and is making good use of it to. The folks at home sent me a parcel on the 24th of Nov. and have not got it. I guess it is last through. Aunt has sent one I guess it will be hear soon because I got the letter a couple of days ago saying it was on the way. I hope it get me all right because it has some homemade socks in it. Well I am running short of words. By By.
Yours, as B/4
To be continued x-----------------------------------
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| Journalists inspecting a shell crater, Vimy Ridge, 1918 (Source: 1) |
Dear Zelma
Well I have moved again but dose not mater where I am in France the same address will get me. But I must have been a bad boy the last few days I have had a couple of drinks of rum. Had to march with a full pack for 2 hours and was in the gaurde room all day but just whate till I explain myself. As for being in the gaurde room well a Corp to six of us up there this morning for fatigue ad when we got there there was nothing to do so he told us to stop around so it was kind of cold out side it was snowing a little. But it is gone again So we went in the gaurd room to get warm when dinner came we had dinner. Went back in the afternoon and did the same thing. The pack drill that I had was just to bring my stuff with me to this place we had plenty of rests but or pack is where pretty hevey and as for the drink well I cant just explain that but it was not far to get full or anything like that. But if we came in late at night. If a working party they gave you about 4 spoons full it is pretty hot stuff all right but it freshance you up a bit. So it aint so bad after all is it. I sent you a card last night I don’t just remember what that card was like that I sent at Xmas time but I hope this one is a little different. I just rec. a valentine from Gertrude the other day and also one from Minnie. I felt more at home in a Batt. before we where just working around and did not know what was next. But the chum I had Billie Reid is in another Co’y so I have lost him know but it don’t seem to matter much because there is a quite a few fellows in the Batt. I know but they are all mixed up. There is one fellow that will stay with me though I guess his name Watt. We have been together all the time because our names start with W. To night after supper Watt and I went into a place and had three eggs each a piece of bread and a drink of coffee after supper and it just cost us 1 Frank and a half that is 30¢ thats not bad.
Then we came in our hut and mad our beds and are half in them to keep warm while we write.
I will have to shine buttons and drill again now what luck.
I suppose there will be a few days that I wont get any mail till they find out where I am again. I hear from G. B. and Moon quite often. I have not had an answer from Dorval yet. Hoping tis finds you in the pink as it leaves me. Love from Iver
T.B.C. stands for To Be Continued
x T.B.C.
No 234419 78 Batt.
D. Co’y 4 Platoon
BEF
France
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| German prisoners were sometimes used to help move wounded soldiers. (Source: 1) |
Dear Zelma
Well I am writing a few lines to night. It will be the last chance for awhile. I am going to see life for a few days. Sorry I just got a parcel from my auntie, Mrs Turnbull it had two pares of socks 8 pluges of licorish and about 2 lbs of puffed popcorn and syrup or something along that line. I know it is good dope anyway.
Today was our sports day the 78th played a foot ball match with 72 and they losed. And D. Co’y. had there field kitchen fixed all up and took 2nd prise then there was a bunch of 8 fellows on horseback with just haulters on. It was a bareback hustle to see who could stay on there horse the longest, and they had some fun pulling one another off. I don’t know who got that it might have been a 72nd fellow. Then the 78 got second prize on the boat race they called it on muddy land thow they just got about 8 fellow from each Batt. They got straddled a long pole and had to run backwards about 200 yds so they had some time. Then we had an inspection by some Brigadier so we have been busy. Well Zelma want to write a cople more letters to night so excuse this short letter.
Love to my Zelma xxxxxxx and lots more
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