Letters From the Front

John Lorenzo Wray

Burlington Boys at the Front

The Burlington Gazette Published: December 22, 1915

Sgt. John L. Wray was a member of Burlington Ontario's first contingent of volunteers in August 1914. His letter was one of the letters from the front that appeared in the Burlington Gazette during the war years. These were generally addressed to Mr. Harris of the Gazette.

Sgt. Wray's name first appeared in August 1914 on the list of "Volunteers Being Enrolled by "E" Company at Drill Hall". This was the 20th (militia) regiment (list in the Burlington Gazette - August 12th, 1914). The 20th regiment had received instructions to enrol volunteers for service at the front.

On August 19th, 1914, the Gazette reported upon the first contingent from Burlington - "Off to the Front - Burlington Contingent Given Splendid Send-Off". The men marched off, headed by the Burlington Band and two pipers, and in charge of Peppiatt and Adjutant, George A. Cline. They proceeded to Grand Trunk Station where they would go on to Georgetown to join the volunteers from Halton County.

Dated: December 1, 1915

LETTERS FROM BURLINGTON BOYS AT THE FRONT

Dec. 1st, 1915.

Dear Sir, - Just a few lines to tell you how all the Burlington boys are getting on. There are only two of us left in Major Ballantyne's Company,¹ Cpl. Bird and myself. All the others have been killed or wounded. Ross Lindley is still with the Fourteenth Battalion. The last time I saw him he was well and looking fine. There are only about four of the lot that left Burlington a year ago last August, and we are lucky to be here. I saw the three Lardie boys about a month ago. All are well.

I think Burlington has done its part in this war, but still I think that there are a lot of young fellows still in the town that should be wearing a uniform to-day. I could name a dozen or more young fellows that should be ashamed of themselves.

I saw in your paper where Arthur Groves got killed. I sure was sorry to hear it as Art and I were great friends and had spent many a good time together. My younger brother Alex is in my brigade. He is in the first Battalion.

Wilson Henderson is along with him. Both are doing fine. Henderson is the same lad that he always was; free and easy going, doesn't care a fig for anything. I wish you would thank Mr. Biggs for me through your paper for the apples he sent me. They sure tasted good. Cpl. Bird was on leave to England when I got them, and it sure was a hard job to save some for him. Somebody is sending Cpl. Bird and I a Gazette nearly every week, but there is never a name of the sender on it. I would like to know who the sender is, and I wish you would thank whoever it is as it is a great comfort to get a paper from your home town now and again. Cpl. Bird wishes to be remembered to all his friends, and wishes them a merry Xmas and a happy New Year. Well, I will have to close for this time, wishing you a merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year. I remain,

Yours truly,
J. Wray, Sergt.

¹Lt.-Col. Ballantyne mobilized the 76th Battalion. Burlington Gazette, May 2, 1917.

Transcribed by: M. I. Pirie