Letters From the Front

Dated: November 14, 1918

Valleyfield, Québec, December 3, 1918
To the editor: Doubtless you receive many letters from our soldier boys; herewithin find one received yesterday from a Scotch orphan lad, who at the age of 17, left his apprenticeship at Angus Shops, Montréal, and joined the colors. If he does not return until May he will have been four years in the the Army, and in France since March, 1916.

You will note he is anxious to get back to his job and complete his apprenticeship as a machinist. I have an idea that his sentiments are shared by many of our fighters who are self-reliant and willing to how their own row if given a fair chance. If you think the letter will interest your readers, you may publish it and return me the original.
Yours faithfully,
James A. Robb

Mons, France, November 14, 1918

Dear Mr. Robb:
The great war has got napooed at last and I, having a whole skin, have much to be thankful for as I have had quite a few close shaves as regards departing into another land. At any rate I am in this big town as well and hearty as ever but a little rougher than when we last met.

I think it is done me good although I have missed three very precious years which I will have to make up when I get back. It will be a bit hard at first but I suppose I shall get used to the steady grind of work, just the same as I got used to army life.

I expect to be home some time in the summer if all goes well. I have heard nothing definite yet about our discharges and I sincerely hope they do not keep us too long in the Army. I figure on coming home next May or June at the latest so get the old flags flying. It will be a great day for me when I get back to old Canada again. I'm waiting anxiously on the day.

I've been thinking of taking a trip out West and yet I don't like to take a rest before going back to work, altho I shall need two or three weeks rest before I get back to the Shops. I have decided to serve my three years more in the Shops, that is if they will still stick by their agreement which I think they will surely do. It is going to be a big problem getting work for all the soldiers when they get back. It was too bad about my brother John losing his leg when he did, but it is the fortune of war, and he says he is lucky to have a live skin.

We've given the Hun a few days start so he can get back to Germany before we catch up on him. We expect to follow him up in a few days, it is a long hike but it will be my last and also the best. We are now in a very famous town, this is the place where the British first met the Hun and the Canadians took town the same morning and had a great reception, something I would never have missed for a fortune; November 11 will always be a clear spot in my memory. The people were crazy with joy over the Canadians taking the town and the cry of the day was "Vive les Anglais" and "Vive les brave Canadiens". Woman crying and coming up to you with flowers, kissing and hugging you, and asking for your buttons or badges as souvenirs. I lost nearly everything I had but it was worth it, and if any of them had wanted my shirt they could have had it, as I was just as excited as they were. November 11 was the crowning point in my Army career, the only day I ever liked to be in the Army, once out of the Army, never again, never again.

I hope everyone at home are well, to hear that the trip out West done her good. Give my regards to all at home, also M. Sauve Germain, and tell him I will be asking for a ride off them when I get back. With best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and the hope that I will be with you on the next one, I remain, Yours sincerely,
Charlie Clark