Letters From the Front

Herbert W. Kearse

Receipt of Parcel from Home

The Burlington Gazette Published:

Herbert W. Kearse sent this thank you letter shortly before his death April 28th, 1917. Kearse and his brother Harold had both enlisted in Hamilton, Ontario, with the 86th Machine Gun Battalion. A memorial plaque in honour of the men of the 86th is on display at the Hamilton Ontario Armouries.

His brother Harold Kearse, 174313, enlisted in the 86th on Sept. 1st, 1915.

The Gazette published his name on their Honour Roll on May 16th, 1917:

PTE. H. KEARSE KILLED
Another Burlington man has given his life in action. The first news received was in the published casualty lists in the morning papers on Monday, no notice having been received from the Dept. by his wife. Pte. Kearse enlisted with the 86th Machine Gun battalion at Hamilton in 1915, and eight months ago was sent to France with a draft. Born in England and he came to Canada several years ago and had resided for 3 years in Burlington. He was engaged as a farm hand by W. V. Hopkins, Guelph road, but prior to enlisting was working for H. T. Foster, Maple avenue. He was a member of Burlington Baptist church, and of lodge, 404, Sons of Temperance. His wife and three children, who reside at Brant avenue, survive, and his brother, Harold, who is with the 86th, also three sisters.

Dated:

LETTER OF APPRECIATION.

Miss Ethel Smith has received the following letter from Pte. Kearse, which was written a few days before he was killed in action in France:

Somewhere in France,
April 5th, 1917.

Miss E. Smith and Q.C.H.C.,
Burlington, Ont.

I am writing to thank you for the parcel you sent me, which arrived safely yesterday, containing 3 pair of socks, 1 towel, cigarettes and tobacco, and chocolates. It had taken quite a long time to come, being addressed to M.G. depot in England, so please note change of address.

Although being a long time coming, it was nevertheless very welcome, as there is nothing like hand-knitted socks to wear on the march as we get in the mud, and I can assure you that it is encouraging to us to know that friends away back in dear old Burlington have not forgotten us, and are doing what they can to bring us a little more comfort, and knowing this it helps us in no small way to carry on with greater determination what we have set out to do, and I can assure you that the efforts being put forth in Burlington by your Committee and other friends is very highly appreciated by all the Burlington boys. We only hope the time may soon come when we shall all be back with you again.

Again thanking you and wishing your Committee every success, I am,

Yours truly,
H. W. Kearse

Transcribed by: M. I. Pirie