Letters From the Front

Dated: December 5, 1917

The arrangements have all been completed over here for registering the votes of the soldiers for the coming elections, and we are to have the opportunity of voting this week. I can't see that a vote as regards the soldiers is at all necessary as I feel it will be unanimous as regards the conscription question, and I think all are agreed that it is the only question that really counts while the war continues.

Since my last letter I have enjoyed a ten-days' leave in Blighty and had the most enjoyable time of my life. While over there I met several of the old Commerce boys, among them being Lobley, Jimmy Lovett, Cruickshank and Bill Ross, all from Winnipeg. Lovett looked very well after the rough handling which he must have received during such a long share of the affair, and in fact was looking forward to his being able to get back to France shortly. I also saw all the boys who came over with Con. Riley's Battery, among them being Bailey, McLennan, McCallum, Hewat and Moorman. In fact, I have met so many of the old boys that I'm quite sure the Bank must be nearly all manned by girls, if you'll allow me to use the expression.

Also since writing you I have had a transfer from my old battery to the 7th Canadian Siege battery in which my brother is, and we are now occupying a dug-out together, which is not a bad arrangement at all, if for no other reason but to be able to assure mother how well the other is, and all the other little tales that help to cut down the worries at home.