Letters From the Front

Dated: September 30, 1916

Just a year ago to-day since I left the St. Thomas branch. Five months' training in Canada and England, seven months' service in Belgium and France have made up a wonderful twelve months, and what a difference in our favour in that time. We had a most interesting trip down through France. I acted as Billeting Officer, probably through my knowledge of French (!), which is nil. I came with my small party by way of the coast, and had a swim in the sea, the first and only this year, and very enjoyable. That was an extra day; we were usually one day ahead of our outfit. We arrived at our destination one afternoon and were taking up our position just as an exciting air fight was in progress. The Hun was shot down in our lines. From that day until this we have been very busy, and it has been one steady advance day and night - Mouquet Farm, Courcelette, Martinpuich. Our air service has been wonderful. A strange thing about this advance is that the German trenches in front of us are given Canadian names before being captured, and as they are taken the names are absorbed into our front.

I have seen the Tanks, especially 'Creme de Menthe' and 'Cupid.' They are splendid, their action and armament wonderful. One feels such an atom in this great offensive… I am hoping to be back next year.