Canadian War Veterans Memorial Project
Commemorating those that served
Commemorating those that served
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The following letter was written by Charles Haskell to his family at home in Galt (Cambridge), Ontario.
Charles Haskell became a Lance Corporal with the 1st Battalion and died in Givenchy on June 15, 1915.
Dated: December 1, 1914
#7044 Pte C. Haskell
H Company, 1st Batt, 1st Bde
Bustard Camp, Salisbury Plains
Dear Mother and Dad and all the boys and girls,
I was very glad to get a letter from you. You don't want to worry about us going to the front because we don't think we'll have to go till next May. If we do you will know I am trying to do my duty. Tell Lou1 never to come if he can get anything to do because if the officers are all like ours they are not much good, none of them in the whole contingent. But we are here and mustn't complain. We will go through if God spare us. You don't want to take any notice of what they say about the Germans coming in from the states. I don't think they'll do that. I am glad to hear you are getting on alright . I told Lil about the badges, will send some more. I hope the baby2 and all the rest are well. If I sent a name I think it would be Albert after the King of Belgium. Can't write any more just now, have to get back to the tent, so good bye for now. Hoping to hear soon. Let me know if everyone is well including you. Frank Pratt3 wants to be remembered to Will. He is in our tent. Now I must close with best love to all from Charlie, your loving son.
1 Lou was Charles' next oldest brother, who would have been close to the age of enlistment when this was written. It is possible Charles' comments about officers may (or may not have) been exaggerated to keep Lou out of the war.
2Charles' parents had a baby boy in November 1914 and they must have asked him in their last letter to help name him. Originally naming the baby Frank, they added Albert as a middle name upon receiving this letter, which became the name used by everyone for all of Albert's 89 years.
3Frank Pratt was a friend of one of Charles' younger brothers, Will, who was not yet old enough to enlist. Upon learning of Charles' death, Will lied about his age and enlisted. Upon learning of this, his mother found proof of his age, went down to the military recruitment office and had him excused before he could be sent overseas.
Transcribed by: Steve Baker