This collection of WWI letters written by and to Earl Campbell is a wealth of information. Earl shares details about the war, his thoughts and feelings, other soldiers from King Township and even his love life. Letters written to Earl from family at home share another side of the story.
Life in King Township:
Norman "Earl" Campbell was born March 22, 1895 in Vaughan Township, the 6th child of Jerome and Martha (McMurchy) Campbell's nine children: Susannah "Merle" (1884-1946), Martha “Merelda” (1886-1977), Mary Marjorie (1888-1895), Barbara Margaret (1891-1895), Harold Jerome (1893-1971), Normal “Earl” (1895-1971), Albert “Archibald” (1897-1975), Mary “Pauline” (1900-1971) and Florence “Flossie” Eleanor (1902-1991)
The family first lived south of Nobleton and moved to Kinghorn where Earl and his siblings attended the Kinghorn Public School; they were taught by beloved educator Walter Rolling. As a young child Earl had difficulties pronouncing the word "yesterday" instead it became "yekerday" and from that he was labelled with the nickname "Yek".
Later Life:
In 1925, Earl married Hazel Gambrill and they lived on W ½ of Lot 8, Con. 4, King Township. Earl and Hazel had five daughters - Clara, Gloria, Gerry, Earlene and Shirley. Earl was an avid sportsman and excelled at both soccer and speedskating. During the 1930s he began a silver fox farm, which he named "Vimy Ridge" Fur Farm. Earl sold the farm in 1967 and built a new house on a reserved two acres. In his later years, Earl was the caretaker of the King City Cemetery. Earl died March 14th, 1971.
Earl was not the only member of the Campbell family to fight in the Great War.
Harold Campbell (1893-1971)
On May 22, 1915 Earl's older brother Harold joined the Royal Canadian Dragoons of Toronto at the age of 17. Although Harold was too short to be a "regular" he would be allowed to stay if he played the bugle. Undaunted, he said he could. In May of 1915 Harold enlisted in the Van Doo's and was sent overseas. He saw action in Belgium and sustained head and leg wounds from shrapnel and was sent back to Canada.
After his discharge, Harold took a job as a salesman for Maclean's magazine. He married Katie Irene Miller.
Archibald Campbell (1897-1975)
Archibald, the youngest Campbell boy, was drafted under the Military Service Act of 1917. In May of 1918 at the age of 21, Archibald was assigned to the 1st Central Battalion. In their sister Merelda's letter to Earl dated May 30, 1918 she writes
"Archie has to go. He went to Niagara to train yesterday. We are going to do everything to get him off. Have a lawyer employed & are doing everything the poor dear boy does not want to go. It seems so hard to see boys who do not want to go be forced to. Conscription would have been a good thing if they had left it as they promised to before the election, promised to leave one able-bodied man on 100 acres but they are not doing it."
Fortunately, for Archie the war ended before he was sent overseas. During the 2nd World War, Archibald was a member of the reserve army. Archie married Minnie Bottomley.
Lorne Campbell (1897-)
Earl's cousin Lorne Campbell was the one responsible for recruiting Earl into the 127th Battalion.
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Members of the 127th Battalion, including Lorne Campbell, Earl's cousin. Lorne enlisted in the 127th Battalion, York Rangers, January 6th, 1916 and went overseas on the Olympic that August. Lorne was part of the 2nd Battalion of the Canadian Railway Troops. In January of 1917 the battalion was sent to France. Lorne had become fascinated with air warfare and in May of 1918 he transferred to the Royal Air Force and started his training in Hastings, England.
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127th Battalion CEF King, Aurora 1916 The 127th (12th York Rangers) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Toronto, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in York County. After sailing to England in August 1916, the battalion was designated the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops on November 8, 1916. The 127th (12th York Rangers) Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding: Lieut-Col. F. F. (Frederick Fieldhouse) Clarke, DSO.
Born in 1878 in Hamilton, Frederick Fieldhouse Clarke was an engineer and surveyor in northern Ontario. He served for three years with the Royal Canadian Regiment and nearly twenty with the 12th York Rangers. In January 1916, Clarke was appointed commanding officer of the 127th Battalion of York County.
As railway troops, the 127th Battalion specialized in building light railway lines close to the front, a Canadian specialty, for the rapid movement of troops and supplies from established railway heads. The battalion prided itself on its rapid bridge-building skills and an improvised turntable it crafted on several occasions.
The soldiers of King Township were fortunate to receive care packages from the Red Cross Society, Girl Guides of King, Laskay League of Girls, and Women's Institute. The communities raised money to send boxes to the soldiers. Every year Sir Henry Pellatt held gigantic Field Days and Dances on his 1000 acre farm "Lake Marie", the proceeds of this event was used to sending boxes to the soldiers.
On September 18, 1918 Merelda wrote - "We are going to have Field Day on the 18 Sept. at Pellatts & expect a big time. The sports start at 11.30 and there is to be a supper, concert & dance admission to all $1.25 it will break me alright. I'll send you a Bill as soon as they are printed. The Queens Own Band has to supply the music. Col. Pellatt is getting home on furlough & they expect him there. Old Sir Henry is helping this year so expect it will be a success. There is to be all kinds of sports, football, baseball, racing, throwing the caber, climbing the greasy pole & etc."
Merelda writes to Earl on Sept 15, 1917 (p.2) -"We sent away 15 boxes last week – Kate & I packed yours. Mother will be sending you one this week & King people will be packing soon the proceeds of Pellatt field day goes to the King boys about 80 of them to send to."
Sept 30, 1918, Merels writes to her brother Earl of Sir Henry Pellatt's field day and of raising money that would go towards the packing of boxes for soldiers at the Front. - "We cleared over $60.00 at Pellatts Field Day. So that is to send boxes to you boys. I don't know when they are going to pack."
The Schomberg Tweedsmuir history records their contribution to sending packages to the soldiers overseas. Many of the local women, including Emma Marchant who was President of the Schomberg Women's Institute, worked tirelessly for the war effort. During the busy war years, she drove every Wednesday with her horse and buggy to sew for the Red Cross in the Masonic Hall, Schomberg.
The following appeared in the Aurora Banner, February 14, 1919 - The King City Red Cross Auxiliary was organized in October of 1915 with a membership of 90, afterward slightly increase; but with the passing of time the average membership may be considered as 75 thereabouts, and as the figures given below will show, The Auxiliary has no cause to feel ashamed of its production.
Total subscriptions of all kinds $1973.99
Donations for soldiers Xmas Boxes & Sundry donations $ 270.86
Paid for Flannel, Buttons, etc $1027.16
Paid for wool for socks $ 362.23
Suits of pyjamas mad up and shipped 983
Pairs of socks knitted and shipped 502Balance on hand turned over to the Red Cross $ 182.84
When it is remembered that the district embraced by the organization is small one and that many of the lady workers were also very busy with other organizations, I think we may look back with pride at the record of the King City Red Cross Auxiliary. The special thanks of the Auxiliary are due to the magnificent work of the Laskay ladies who by their splendid efforts contributed so much to the success of the organization.
D.M. Farmer, Sec.
Letters from Home
Earl made references to the number of letters he received from home and the contents of the care packages. The people of King supported the King lad overseas through letters and care packages.
October 25, 1916 (p.1) - "I had 10 letters from Canada this week. 2 from Merelda. The fellows in my hut say that I get more letters than the whole Battalion. Well there is nothing like letters from Canada over here from Home anyway."
Oct 25, 1916 (p.2), letter to Mother - "I have not received the box yet. I should have had it before now. I certainly would enjoy a box from home. So you had a jar of honey for me to. I know you all know that I like a bit of honey."
Oct 29, 1916 (p.1) - letter to Mother - "I am writing to let you all know that I received that long look for box. I got it last-night. You will know what a hearty supper I ate. I am sorry to say that the ginger bread was to mouldy for me to eat. I felt like going for it, it looked very good that was all that was spilt. I made myself a drink of OXO tea before I got into bed. It was a good drink will save the other one for to-night. Geo Teasdale's candies were very good as long as they lasted me. I know the tree them two apples came from I gave L.Robb one of them. Tell Merelda the pie was crushed like a pancake. But it tasted like the pie I use to hook out of the cellar. .. The jar of honey was safely landed the lid was crack. You should have saw the tin box when I got it hinges all over it."
Nov 18, 1916 (p.2) -"I had a letter from May today also a box of home-made candy and a little pie. Grace made the candy…. It is very good of the Laskey League girls to send us boxes of eats. They know what we need most of all."
Nov 30, 1916 (p.2) from Bordon Camp - "I had a box from Vic Hall to-day a pair of socks, a shirt a kerchief and some tobacco. I will never run short of clothes this winter anyway."
Dec 9, 1916 (p.3) - "I told you in my last letter the boxes which I have received and was so glad to get them. Annie and Clara sent me a box some time ago. Have not it yet tho I know it will be a dandy. And I am longingly waiting for it. The Girl Guides of King sent me a box with a pair of socks, a shirt, a handkerchief and some tobacco. I had a dandy box from May yesterday. I would like to send all of you something for sending me all these boxes. But you all know the amount of money a soldier gets. So little that it doesn't allow me to."
Dec 19, 1916 (p.1) from Bordon Camp, Surrey - "I have not the Girl Guides of King box yet or Clara's or Annie's yet. I hope they are not long. We do so much moving that it is hard for all the boxes to follow us. I tell you how many boxes I have gotten 2 from home, 1 from May, 1 from Ruth, 1 from Gertie Patton, 1 from Vic Hall"
Jan 4, 1917 (p. 4) - " I sent some photo's home a few years days ago. Let me know if you got them A photo of Sam Gourley and myself. And one of Clarence Bowhey. Am glad you got the one of Frank and myself. It will be sometime before I can get some taken here." "I am glad to hear you are sending another box. I have not got the one with the Safty Razor yet." "Yes Reddy Osborne is still with us yes I see him ever day. But Art Trent is down the line 10 miles with No.1."
Jan 14, 1917 (p. 2), Earl writes to his Mother from somewhere in France. He started the letter on the 14th of January - "I sit down to write this is the 18th. We had to move farther up the line on the 14th. So I had not time to finish the letter."..." I received the box you sent me from home. Allso the Laskay R.C. one which was packed by Lizzie Brown. And I had another one from Ruth. They all came the one day, the last day I was in England. It was sure a great treat in the boat and train. I finished the can of honey yesterday and the Shamrock which George sent me. I have it yet. I have great fun trying to talk with the French people. You might as well talk to a post as try to talk to them. They think a great deal of the Canadians tho. One station we jumped off. The women and girls gave us lots of eats."
Apr 7, 1917, somewhere in France, to Arch - "Tell Merelda I received the box which Old Bert Ireland packed for me. I sure made short work of it. I wasn't long in finding the Stag in the toe of the sock. The candles were very useful to. It is sometime since I have saw a lamp. I have not the other boxes yet tho. I had a letter from Harold. He sent me a Dollar Bill. I will keep it for good luck. Am also keeping the Shinplaster Merelda sent me."
Apr 13, 1917 (p.1), somewhere in France - "I have been waiting until my birthday box arrived before I wrote home. The prize landed in to me last night. Everything thing is jake. Serg Ross brought it into my tent just before lights out, half past eight. You can be sure I had a meal before I went to sleep. The birthday cake was great. I can't call it ginger bread because it has the icing on it. In the toe of the sock I found the camphor. It was around my neck that night. Bill Wellman and Bill Harding of Richmond Hill sleep on each side of me. This morning when they woke up they started to scratch like theirselves in good shape. They said 'Yek' your – darn crawlers left me and got on them last night. I said 'I should worry as long as they get off me. It sure is dope for them.' I am writing in pencil which I found in the parcel. I will put the bathing suit on pretty soon. I also received the money order. I gave it to Capt. Adams to cash into French Money."
Jun 16, 1917 (p.3), somewhere in Belgium - "I had a box from Clara. I took it up the line with me last Sunday night. I heard from May & Ruth to-night a big heap of letters was waiting for me here. A week is a long time to go with out mail over here." "Harold will know where we are here. I had a couple of cards from him. I know the place real well where he is working."
Jul 5, 1917 (p.2), somewhere in France - "I wrote to Mother last week & I sent her a few handkerchiefs one for each of you. I had been carrying them with me for ages. And I received another box from home. One with the underwear in it." "All of my camphor is gone that other dope you sent is not much good for the creatures."
Aug 22, 1917 (p.4), Belgium - Dear Merelda..."I had three letters from Clara since I came back tell Bertha Ireland I received her lovely card. I had a letter from little Mary Lawson last night. So you see old and young big and small writes to me. I was just saying to Art Brown last night a year ago we were on the old Olympic at Halifax. I thot I would be going home with my wound. But no such luck."
Aug 29, 1917, Belgium - "Dear Merelda, Well I must write and thank you for the box you packed for me. The R.Cross box you sent it the 1st of Aug. and I got it Aug. 27th. It came in good time did'nt it. Everything was jake in it. Nothing mouldy at all, that kind of paper it was packed in is very good for keeping it from moulding. I sure enjoyed eating it. I think the icing cake was the best of all. But it was all good allright. The next night I had a dandy box from Clara. So you see I got lots of boxes. I wish Mother would send me some more money. I think I must be getting to rich by now. So the next payment she get tell her to keep 10 or 15 dollars out. To have a good time over here 30 francs is not enough for me might as well have a good time here while you have the chance. "
Aug 29, 1917 (p.3), Belgium, letter to Merelda - "Did Mother get the silk cushion yet? Well Merelda I can't write such a good long letter as you can. But I will write often to you all. Clara sent me a piece out of the paper with me being wounded. This is how it is worded
'Sap. Norman Earl Campbell of King, Ont. Is today reported wounded. His parents who live near King have received word to the same effect. Another Brother Harold has been invalided home. Norman Campbell before enlisting was a farmer. He enlisted in Feb 1916 and went overseas in Aug 1916. He is twenty two years of age and is unmarried', hah . What it is to be unmarried, eh. Look at the Girls You have when you get back. Well Merelda I will close now hope all are well at home. I am fine so far. Can't complain. But we are having awful wet weather. Wishing you all the best of luck I am your loving Brother Earl. Please excuse this awful writing. I am getting worse than better. Jenkins does'nt get the chance to censor this one."Sep 15, 1917 (p.2), letter to Earl from Merleda - "We sent away 15 boxes last week – Kate & I packed yours. Mother will be sending you one this week & King people will be packing soon the proceeds of Pellatt field day goes to the King boys about 80 of them to send to."
Nov 8, 1917, letter to Pauline - "Tell Merelda I received the dandy box she packed for me of the Laskay Red Cross everything was jake in it. I have'nt it all ate up yet. I keep the good part of it for the last. The light ginger bread & the dark ginger bread. I also had a box from Merle last week. Henry had a lot of old chum and cigars in it. Allso a new Canadian pipe. I am sure I get every box that is sent to me. And am might glad to get them. The eats that are in them you no are quite different from what we get out here. There are just the two of us in our dugout. Bill Wellman and I. And when a box comes we make ourselves sore from eating. You should see our little home of sand bags. We have it bomb proof, but not shell proof."
Dec 5, 1917, Rest Camp, France - "Have you received the box I sent about 3 wks ago yet. A silk apron for Merelda and something for you, Floss & Arch. The ring is a German ring. I will not tell you where I got it tho. I am sending Mother a souvenir of France a silk purse. But no money in it. She can put the money in it. Let me know if you got everything. I have not the box with the khaki gloves yet. But I guess it will soon be her. Mrs. Edwards send me a box I have not it yet either. How many cattle is Dad fattening this winter. And how many skins has Arch got hid away. Art Brown says he never got Arch's letter."
Dec 17, 1917, Rest Camp, France -"Dear Pauline……..I wrote to Merelda a couple of days ago telling her I received five boxes one from Mrs. Edwards, one from Vic Hall, Mr. Farmer, one from home. And one from the Laskay League. I had one from Merle & Ruth the week before. I am sure getting fat now."
Feb 8, 1918 (p.2), Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England - "Say, Merelda did you get that small parcel with the silk apron and some small truck in. I sent it last November and I sent a large box from Aberdeen. I put a kilt in which I carried with me for 9 months. It is a Gordon kilt. I forgot to put the socks and ribbons in. I also put a Brass cap made from a British 18 pounded. Frank Brown made it for me. And I put some German stuff in. I think you can easily guess where I got that. I have not had a letter since I left France. That is how I don't get to hear the news. The last letter I received from home was the one you sent with the 3 dollars in Gold to me. Allso the one dollar bill Mr. Rolling put in for me. It will be a great help to me when I get out of Hospital. Cheltenham is a big City so I will need lots of doe to go to the shows. We are allowed out in the town from 10 to 12. And from 2 to 6 at night. I wrote to Merle a few days ago I will look for a letter from her soon. I find it very lonesome to be without mail from home. I have been so use to getting it so regular in France. When I got back off my 14 days leave. I sure had some mail waiting for me. There were 5 boxes. I sure had a feed for once in France. I wrote to the Coy and told them to send it along to me if they could. But I am not sure if they are allowed to send parcels or boxes. So I guess that sweater Mother sent me will have to wait until I go back again. Well Merelda I will again have to close. I think I have wrote you a good long letter this time. But I can't beat you for writing long letters yet. It is easy seen that you are use to writing to lads. Well write soon. Love to all, Au Revoir, Loving Bro. Earl, Sapper Earl Campbell, No. 779051, Ward 2, Naunton Park Hospital, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Eng"
Mar 17, 1918 (p.2), Cheltenham - "Dear Mother, Tell Annie Sturdy I got the cake she sent me. I thot I told you before I got that box. Clara sent me one before Xmas I have not it yet tho. I hate to loose a box over here. I have not lost any so far. Charlie Williams & Colin's has not arrive yet. Will let you know when I get them. How is Harold and his young wife."
May 18, 1918 (p.3), 3rd C.C.D, Seaford, Sussex, England -"Dear Merelda, I also rec the Laskay Red Cross box packed by Floss. And also one from the King Girls. So you see I have a great stock of eats in one hand now. Clara Ross's box to me went to France. So my chum Wellman got it."
Jun 1, 1918, C.C.D., Seaford letter to Merelda. Earl writes of the high cost of goods in Europe. Compare it to the letter May 31, 1918 letter his sister Merle sent to him with the cost of prices in King. - "Dear Merelda, I will send you one. I have finished all my boxes. I had three in one week that's going some eh. That can of honey was dandy. I hope for another. I am sure some hog yet. But say Merelda, there is nothing so good as eats from home. The baking is far ahead of the stuff you get over in the stores here. If one wants a good fruit cake he has to pay about 10£ for one. Than it is not so good as that I get from home. Everything here is an awful price. I don't see how people live here. Eggs are 4 pence each that is 8 cents. Bread is 1£ a loaf than it is dark bread too. This war will have to end soon" .
Jul 7, 1918 (p.2), letter from Merle to Earl – she writes about possibility of Government restricting sending boxes overseas -"I have been going to send you a box but have to learn how to bake with this awful stuff we have to use called war-flour, but some of these days you shall get one, if they don't stop us sending boxes. It is hard to say what the next order will be. I don't mind using the flour & doing without meat & etc. but if it comes to not sending boxes I think that is too much for they must be needed over there."
Aug 9, 1918, Somewhere in France - "Dear Merelda, Not my ??? but I will have to something to pass away the evening. Well last night I rec two dandy boxes. One from the League packed by you. And the other one from Home. Everything is as fresh as tho it was baked a week ago. And how hungry I was for a box from home. It is sure a treat to get such boxes over here. You certainly had the two packed well. The honey. I just had some for my supper. It is jake and the very best honey. I will certainly enjoy it as long as it last me. The three plugs of chewing comes in very hand now. You know out on the track is very hard work doing without a chew. And the stuff you get over here is rotten to chew. The tin of salmon I took out for my dinner on the track. Clarence Bowhey and I enjoyed it very much. Thanks very much Merelda. You can't imagine how much I value a box from home. Tell Mother I am keep the suite of underwear until the weather turns a bit cooler. The crawlies will not stick to it very much ha-ha. I am thinking of doing like the chinks do. They wear no shirt at all! Their bodies are colour of a penny. One cannot tell when they are sun-burnt. I wrote to Mother a couple of nights ago. I hope she get it o.k. I heard from Ruth last night. Also had a letter from Frank Gambril. He is happy guy now. I only wish I was in his shoes now. But I must cheer up. I will soon be back again. And then the happy days, eh. Well Merelda this is two sheets is'nt it. So I will now ring off for another time. Hope all of you are in the very best of health. And getting along well. Merelda just one moment. Why not you send me a few snaps of home. I have nearly forgotten what it looks like. I would like to have some very much. Write me soon. Love to all. Au Revoir Bro Earl."
Sep 2, 1918, King letter from Merelda she mentions the number of boxes sent overseas -"We are going to have Field Day on the 18 Sept. at Pellatts & expect a big time. The sports start at 11.30 and there is to be a supper, concert & dance admission to all $1.25 it will break me alright. I'll send you a Bill as soon as they are printed. The Queens Own Band has to supply the music. Col. Pellatt is getting home on furlough & they expect him there. Old Sir Henry is helping this year so expect it will be a success. There is to be all kinds of sports, football, baseball, racing, throwing the caber, climbing the greasy pole & etc. Dad is practicing throwing the caber & Arch is training for the races. He is going in the mile race against E. Orr, D.McMillan, ?? Cousins. Bill Trent & Finch. He would have beat Dan at Aurora on the 1st of July if there had been fair play. There is to be a relay race too. Arch, Cuttie & Trent against E. Orr, Dan & Vic. Orr. It will be some race alright. I wish you could be there to beat them all, eh? The proceeds all go to the King boys. We will have a time packing boxes then. There was 78 boxes sent last year after Pellatts field day and this year there are more boys to pack for because they send to all that's gone from King community. We had a League social at Laskay last Thurs. We made $23.00 are going to pack boxes next Tues so you'll get another one. I am Presd of the Social Com (Committee) now so I'll see that there's lot of boxes sent, ha-ha. I wonder if you got our last box with a suit of underwear in it and did you get the $20.00 yet. It was sent from the Bank a quicker way of sending registered. I guess I'll write on both sides so the letter will not be overweight."
Sep 23, 1918 (p.2), In the Field - "Dear Mother...Tell Merelda I receive the Laskay R + box she packed for me. It was a dandy one. And I was as hungry as a timber wolf the day I got it. I knew she baked some of the cake which was in it. I can pick her cooking out of any box."
Sept 30, 1918, King letter from Merelda to Earl. Merelda writes of the Sir Henry Pellatt's field day and the raising of money that would go towards the packing of boxes for soldiers at the Front - "We cleared over $60.00 at Pellatts Field Day. So that is to send boxes to you boys. I don't know when they are going to pack."
Oct 1, 1918, King, Merelda continues Sept 30, 1918 letter - "Dear Earl, Just a few lines more this a.m. to say we are sending a box consisting of socks, honey, eats & smokes. Hope you get it o.k. Hope the little pies are not mouldy, be sure & tell me if they keep alright. If they do I'll send more. The handkerchief is from Harold it was one of his & the pies are made of his raisins, he gave them to us for you. Daddie has gone over to help Uncle Fred with the corn today. Arch is ploughing the field between us & Ireland north of the lane. The rest of us are packing your box. Aunt Barbara was up on Sun she would like you to write to her if you get time. She is going to knit a pair of mitts for you. Well I guess this is all for this time. So Au Revoir, Love from All, Yours, Merelda"
Dec 4, 1918 (p.2), letter to Merelda from Earl - "Dear Merelda... A couple of nights ago I had a box from the Laskay R+ Mary packed mine. And say but she did pack it too. Such a heap came out of her box. She is no stingy girl I can easily see that. I am jolly glad the tart across the fields did not pack mine. Get me there, eh, ha-ha. I wrote Mary thanking her for her kindness to me. I must send her something. I'll wait until we get to Blighty tho. Presents & souvenirs in France are so high they nearly reach the clouds. We will likely be in Blighty in another week. (p.3) Well Merelda, I got another box last-night for the King people. I don't know who sent or packed it for me. So you can tell them next time you see any of them. It is very nice box I know it has been some Daisy who packed it. But she was to shy to put her name in the box for fear I might write her a few well lines of love to her – ha-ha. Oh say tell Mother I sent her a German helmet. Tin Lizzie's we call ems. I sent it about wk ago. I hope she get it ok. I put a hard tack in it for her. Floss can have it for her breakfast some morning. Tell her not to put it in boiling water for 24 hours or maybe it would get a wee soft. They are a jake biscuit for sharpen one teeth, mine are like razors now. Well Merelda, I believe I have shot you enough bull for this time. I had better save some for another time. I may be in Blighty for Xmas. But I do wish I was home for Xmas. I guess we could have a bit of skating eh. Oh gee, I am homesick so better close. I'll write Pauline, next time. Au Revoir Mon Cherie, Love to all . Will see you very soon. Me."
Dec 31, 1918, Laskay letter from Mary to Earl - "Dear Earl, Your letter of Dec 1st received on Christmas Day, and believe me, it was welcome. I am so glad to know that your box arrived in such good condition. It was supposed to be a Xmas box and you should have put it away till Christmas (ha,ha). You know it was really from the League. The folks at home may have told you that on account of so much sickness around, we decided to each one pack a box, rather than get together to do it. So I asked to pack yours. Believe me, we never sent away such big heavy boxes from the League before. I feel real sorry that you got it so long before Xmas.
It is funny that you cannot recall the names of the folks in the snaps. I almost forget the ones I sent, but I guess Edythe is there is'nt she? Surely you know her. We are having real Canadian winter now, after having an unusually mild fall. Our first snow came the day before Xmas making it a real Xmas day. No doubt you hear all the news from home, so know about all the sickness that has been around here. The "Flu" was very bad the fall, but fortunately it did not come to Laskay til a few weeks ago. We are always slow are'nt we? Hamilton's were all sick, everyone but John and Jess being in bed at once thus they had it later, and Gordon's, Burne's and Pattons all had it. Gertie Patton was the most serious case, at one time it looked as though she would not get better, but she is getting along fine. Can you imagine Laskay without Gertie? Jim Clubine's were all sick too. And Howard's wife who lives there too, died last Sunday. She leaves a small baby which makes it very sad, but most people think it is a blessing that when was taken. So with all this sickness, we had a very quiet Xmas, not a blessed thing to do. Edythe and Frank and a friend of Edythe's were here so we had a lot of fun, then George and I took them to Young St. in the sleigh at night. Tomorrow is New Years and we expect some more company. You know there are only George and I at home now. Frank got his discharge a few weeks ago, but went back to Aurora at once and Edythe is a city girl now. You could'nt coax her to stay at home, but poor me has to stay here to help out. George is getting his skates and hockey sticks ready to go to the lake tomorrow. I would love to go but there is hardly a boy around her now to skate with they are all kids.
Now, Earl you want to be sure and remember what you said about bringing home a Mademoiselle home. We don't want to start learning French so leave her over there. Am glad you think the Canadian girls are good enough. Poor Ed has had quite hard time since he left here last June. No doubt he would have been in France had he not been sick most of the time. I expect he's on leave now, the first he has had, he expected to spend Xmas in Ireland then to go to Scotland. It is certainly sad about Telford Little and Charlie Williams got wound so quickly too. It will seem great to have you all back again. I think it will be hard for you to come knowing that some of you are not coming, and hard for the friends here to see some come and not their boys.
Do you ever see Edgar Badger? I guess Merle is looking forward to seeing him. Merle and I are the only girls of our age, that are left now. Oh, excepting Bertha and Maggie Ireland, you can have your choice there. Earl, I don't know of any one that will dispute you. Yesterday was Nomination Day and Norman Mac, was nominated for a councillor. I guess he will be left, but of course he has to make a start sometime. On account of the Flu we have had no Church or League for three Sundays and no Institute meeting. So I have not seen Merelda for quite a while. Flossie and Archie are over quite often.
You will likely see some changes when you come home, especially in the young kids. Our George has grown very much is far taller than I am. Lucy Allan is still back the Mill Road waiting for you I guess eh, Earl. Well, Earl, I cannot think of anything more just now. Don't forget my address, and I will look for an answer soon. Remember me to all the boys you meet that I know. They sure will be welcomed back to Laskay again. Hoping to see you all soon. I remain, Yours Sincerely, Mary p.s Jimmie Jenkins gave his people a great surprise a few days ago by walking in on them and they did not expect him."
Earl would request that the family send him articles from home. In his October 24, 1916 (p. 2), he wrote to his sister Merelda - "You want to know if I want any clothes. I would like to have that Hockey cap of Pauline's the one with the white trimming on. That one I use to steal from her when I was going skating. And I would like that scarf which Mrs. Boys gave me."
He also references money that he had sent home to Mother – "was glad to hear that Mother got my $20.00 cheque. Next one she gets tell her to give Arch 2 or3 dollars to buy some tobacco half smoking and half chewing. It will be a great treat at the front. We can't get any good tobacco here at all."
Oct 29, 1916 (p.2), Earl talks of sending packages home from the front -"I am going to pack up a box to send home for Xmas or New Year's will let you know when I send it. It won't be very big one because the things are awful expensive here. And you know the amount of money I get a month things you get for .25 in Canada I give 2 s (shillings) for it here .48 cents."
Oct 29, 1916 (p.3), Earl writes to Mother from Witley Camp - "I am sending you a English Oak leaf, Maple leaf and a Holly leaf. The leaves are turning their colour now." - "Tell Arch that little Peatrie the National Lacrosse player is locked in with us. Allso Jack Wise the ventriloquist is here with me. He is an artist to, I will send some of his work."
Nov 18, 1916, p.2 letter to Merelda - "I am glad you are sending me my scarf and cap. Because it is turning quite cold now."
Nov 30, 1916, Earl writes to sister Mereleda - "I received your 16 page letter to-day. Them are the kind of letters I like to get a hold of." …. " I hope you get the Xmas card which I have already sent you.. I only got 6 letters to-day all from Canada we get Canadian mail twice a week Tuesday and Thursday. I allways stick around the mailman them two days." " I wrote Mother the other night telling her I received the parcel o.k. with the cap, socks, scarf kerchief and bacco in it."
Dec 9, 1916 (p.4), Earl tells his family -"I am sending Mother a photo. I guess you will know who the two lads are, let me know if she gets I allright."
Mar 26, 1917 (p.2), somewhere in France - "I have some dandy souvenirs which I got in the Germans dug-outs & trenches. I wish I can take them back to Canada. I found this piece of music in a German dugout. It is French tho. Let me know if you can play it. I have a dandy helmet which I took from a Fritz. He was not alive when I took it tho." "I am going to send some souvenirs which I got while down at the Hospital. They are silk handkerchief. They will follow soon. I carry them in my tunic pocket and it is hard to keep them clean."
Mar 29, 1917 (p.1) - "Did Harold get out home for the weekend? Did he take any souvenir home with him. I have quite a few now. A dandy Fritz rifle with bayonet and a dandy pike helmet. I will make you hop around when I get it on." P.2 "I am sending you all a silk souvenir tomorrow be sure and let me know if you all get them. I guess I will register them."
Apr 7, 1917 (p.1), somewhere in France - " I have not sent the silk handkerchiefs yet. I will try and send them sometime before next fall."
Apr 13, 1917 (p.2), somewhere in France, Earl writes - " I have a dandy little souvenir to take home with me. It is a butt end of a 3 inch German shell made into a cap & 127 badge on it. And the name of the battle field I got it. I was offered 30 Francs for it, but I would not bite at that offer. I was afraid I would sell it so I got Serg Brown to put N.E. Campbell on it. Frank made it for me."
Jul 2, 1917 (p.2), Belgium - "I am sending you another souvenir. I have Merelda, Paul and Floss one apiece. I will not send them home. I will bring them with me. A brooch and two rings with a name on one them. I am looking for another letter have not had one from home for a week."
Aug 7, 1917, France - "My Dear Mother, … Say I sent you a Registered pencil on the 4th of Aug. It is a very pretty thing. I hope you get it in good shape. I meant to Merelda, Pauline, and Flossie's souvenirs in with yours, but I forgot all about it. Did you get that other souvenir I sent you about a month ago. Harold was at that place. I was wounded there also. I think I had it registered also. Let me know if you get them tow anyway. I know you all got the others ones I sent home. I sent Pauline a silk post-card yesterday. I also send Floss one to-day. I sent Ella one yesterday to. How is Dad and Arch getting along with the harvest. Dad will be hiving swarms of bees most of the time. Maybe I will be home this fall to hunt up some more bee trees. Well Mother I must close now. I will write again in a day or two. Hope everyone is well at home. I am dizzy at times but I feel allright. Write soon, Your loving son, EarlTell Arch I have a G.ring for him."
Aug 15, 1917 (p.2), Canadian Base, France letter to Arch - "Did Mother get the silk cushion I sent her. I had it registered. I sent Paul & Floss some cards to. I sent Hazel & Walter some beads. I have a ring for you, but will keep it until I go home. It is a G. ring get me. One night I bumped into him. Then it was him and Yek for it. I can say I handled myself in good shape. I was thinking of lots of things then."
Aug 22, 1917, Belgium - "Dear Merelda, …… Well Merelda I had lots of mail for me when I got up here. The box from home was jake. Must write and thank Dr.Lockard for the figs he had put in the box. I also rec. your letter with Pauline's & Flossie's in Floss wrote to me with a big sale bill from Aurora. I sure had to laugh when I saw it. Glad Mother rec the silk handkerchief with the building on it. I sent her a silk cushion while I was down at the Base. I had it registered so I guess she will get it ok. I sent Hazel & Buddie some beads. You said that Miss Nelson wrote me a letter on the back of my address on the box. Will you can be sure I try hard to put the pieces together. It was badly torn up and I could not read it. So I will write to her. Maybe Harold will have a say in that tho, ha-ha."
During the Great War over 600,000 men joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force and were sent overseas to fight. A number of the soldiers were housed in military training camps in England or spent time in British hospitals or travelled to the British Isle on their leaves. Many of these soldiers, including Earl, fell in love with the women they met. Earl sent letters home to his family informing them of his intention to marry. "By war's end Canadian soldiers were marrying British and European women at the rate of 300 a week, over 1000 per month". Canadian War Brides of the First World War.
War time marriages were a common occurrence and in his December 19, 1916 (p.1), Earl mentions to Pauline about Leslie Sturdy marrying - "Yes Leslie married Pat, I bet his folks don't like it. I had a letter from Clara she says Mrs. Sturdy feels very bad about him doing so. When I get married to Mrs. Kaiser I won't let you know at home. But that will not be until we get into Berlin."
May 1, 1918, London, England - telling his Mother about a "girl he intends to marry" - "My Dear Mother, Well Mother you will be wondering how I am getting along on my 10 days leave. I have had a wonderful fine time up to now. I sent a cable to May for 12 £. She sent a a answer back. Do you want money? This morning I sent another one saying yes right away before I go back to my Depot. I will likely get the money Friday morning. I really hope so anyway. I am right on the rocks now. The first time I have ever been broke on leave. Oh it is a funny feeling, ha-ha. Well Mother I had better tell you now. I have to sometime anyway. I have a girl and I intend to marry her. But you said I was not to get married in England so I am bringing her to dear old Canada with me. She is a lovely little girl. I know you will all love her. I don't think I could get one as good in Canada. I have been amongst a great number of girls since I left Canada. But none are like the one I have now. She is just longing for to go to Canada and some day before long you will see her. I could not waite for all my girls in Canada. I wonder what some of them will think of me, ha-ha. I sent Merelda a post card yesterday from here, hope she get it o.k. Well Mother I will close now. And will write again as soon as I get back to my Depot. I do not know what my address will be there yet. Hope all are in the very best of Health, Bye-Bye, Your Loving Son, Earl."
May 30, 1918, letter to Earl from Merelda in King. We are fortunate that Earl kept and returned home with one of the letters written by his sister. In her letter Merelda Merelda also answers Earl's letter from May 1, 1918 on his desire to marry an English girl. During the war many Canadian soldiers returned to Canada with War Brides - "My Dear Brother Earl, Now dear Earl. I am going to say something you will not like, but it does not matter. You will thank me for it later. About that girl, you imagine you are in love with, don't you believe it. You have got roped in, the same as so many of our Canadian boys do. Harold says he was roped in the same, but got wise to it in time, before he got married to her. Also, Katie's brother he wrote home telling them off the sweet little girl he was going to marry & first thing he found out she was a married woman & had just wanted his money & succeeded in getting it too. Ask F. Platt what he thinks of the Eng girls, also Harper Wells & lots more – oh yes the Eng. Girls have lively charming ways & are sure looking out for husbands & to get their way paid to Canada, but their ways are not like our ways, they are only laughed at here & looked down on. Harold says they are alright in Eng but no good here & Archie says for you not to bring any Bade over here. The Eng. Girls know there will be nothing for them but old maids after the war is over & are looking out for a soft snap by getting some rich Canadian so they imagine, but Earl, you must think of the future, Canada is on the verge of a rebellion. The returned soldiers can't get work – living is most terribly high – farmers can't get help only 16-18 yr. old college boys & girls – imagine what they can do re the farm. Earl if you brought a wife home to Canada you could not keep her- & she could not do farm work - & Earl, if Arch has to go to the war, our farm will be sold. Dad won't work it himself & can't so Earl think seriously before you marry a wife. Anyway Earl you are so young to marry, only 23. I guess you feel old. Harold got married young & he is not getting on very well. Katie is working out now in a candy store & Harold is off work half the time, the gas is affecting him more now than it did before. So Earl have all the good times you can with the girls over there, but don't marry them or bring them to Canada & think of the nice girls here of your own kind who will be able to take care of you, & will have money too & it is a returned soldier they all want. If that girl really & truly loved you – you would not be spending your hard earned money on her – she would give you her money instead, it is her right to pay for things instead of yours.
Harold if you brought an old country girl here, she would be looked down on their ways are so different from ours. Mother will send you $5.00 this time & will send more soon. It is all she has in the house at present, & we will send you a box too, but Earl be sue & spend your money on yourself. Now Earl I hope you are not angry with me for this, but think twice before you do such a thing as get married. We shall be worrying over you until you ans. This & hoping it is not too late. Harold promised me to write you & tell you not to have any old country girl. You are too good for them. Of course you are your own boss but you can imagine what Daddie says about it. I am afraid to tell you & poor Mother is awfully worried about it. It was noised around that Lorne was married to an Eng. Girl, but is not true – it sure ws the talk of the country. Uncle Aaron was awful mad about it. I am so glad it wan't true. Well dear boy, you will think I am an awful crank, but perhaps some day you will think all the more of me for it. It is for your own self I am thinking. If the girl was an heiress it would be different but quite likely she is a poor working girl, looking out for someone to keep her. After the war it will be hard for anybody to make a living, every body is being ruined by this awful war. Canada is altogether different from what it was when you went away & will be worse soon. There will be a rebellion before another year if you could only see the newspapers but the Gov't will not allow us to send newspapers to Eng. So the post masters tell us. If my letter was read, I guess I would land in jail for calling the gov't rotten, but it's true, Canada is going like Russia went in govt. The poor class are being kept down & the rich men can get their sons out of the army some way or other, but the poor fellows have to go. This country will run by Jews & other foreigners soon. They are not conscripted.
Now dear boy, I have said enough perhaps too much. Now ans. Soon we shall be praying & thinking of you all the time & hoping the letter is not to late. Best love & wishes from your loving sister'"
May 31, 1918 letter from Earl's sister Merle voicing her opinion on Earl's upcoming marriage - "My Dearest Bro, I have been thinking so much about you lately that I just have to write to you. I have been sick in bed for three days so am pretty shaky yet, but hope you can read this letter. I just heard yesterday that you were thinking about getting married, but my dear brother don't you do it for married life is hard- even if you do get the best girl in the old country she is not good enough for you. You were always such a good hearted kid besides if you come home single we can all help you along for a year or so you know if you are crippled you would have lots of homes to come to and welcome but if you had a wife it would be different then after you are back for a while and get good & strong then take some good Canadian girl. I have lived among so many English, Irish & Scotch girls in the West and there is not one as good as a Canadian. Now my dear brother take your big sisters advice and don't get tied up. Look at Harold he is worried to death trying to make enough to pay for two rooms, if he wasn't married he could often be at home for a rest but you know Daddy never did like strangers around long. We have always tried to pay for our board in some way when we are there.
It is for you own good I am telling you all this for times are so hard in Canada now we haven't made a cent since the war started and you know Henry always was a good rustler. Of course we have had so much expense, doctor bill, moving and everything costs so much to live. Just think we are paying 50 cts a lb. for butter, 50 cts a dozen for eggs and 2 dollars for a piece of beef that lasts about too days and they will not sell anyone living within a mile from the store any more than 25 cts worth of sugar that is just four cups full. Just yesterday Henry was in Toronto to the Dr. and he was talking to a returned soldier & he was awful mad. He said he got married in England just a month before he came home to the nicest sweetest girl over there then last week she gave birth to a baby. It belongs to some other man, but the poor soldier cannot do anything it is too late now. SO he will have to dig into the work & support his wife and someone else's kid. It seems too bad for a soldier certainly deserves an easy time – after they come back if- any one does. Harold could have worked with Henry or Colin this spring & had a far easier time than in the city if he hadn't been married. Now my dear good hearted brother don't be vexed with me for I think far too much of you to let you do such a foolish thing without trying to stop it.
I suppose you know that Archie is at Niagara we don't know if we can get him exempt or not yet. I hope so for Mother's sake. It will go hard with her to loose another boy. And Daddy intends selling out if Archie has to go and the girls will have to get positions. Pauline & Floss will be good for office work or anything but Merelda is not very strong. I don't think she could stand a steady job. Pauline has been staying with me since I got sick. I just caught cold & it settled in my side & I couldn't walk but I am getting along fine & I guess Pauline can soon go home for they are milking a lot of cows & Dad needs her to help him since Arch is away. I will close now for you will be tired of reading this. Please write soon. Henry joins in love to you. Merl"
Jun 27, 1918, Seaford, Sussex, England letter to Pauline - "Dear Pauline, I was very glad to receive yours and Arch's letter last night. It came in very quick time this 16 days was all. No Pauline I have no misses yet. And I will never get one over here. My little Bade happens to be no good. So I had to leave her. I never want to see her any more. Merelda is right about these English girls. She knows em far better than I do. I'll now waite until I get home. Than you can be the Best one.. get that.
p. 3 ... I had another letter from Merle today. She gave me the deuce about the girl over here. But I think Merelda gave me a good calling down. She certainly done right tho. I see she is quite right about the English girls. They only want a Canuck so they will get a free pass to Canada. But nothing doing here now, just mark it down on the wall. Ask Harold about a Miss Doris Smith in Folkestone she invited me to her place next leave, I get. But don't think I'll go. I will go to Witley. Au Revoir, Love to all, Bro Earl. My next address is this Sap N.E. Campbell, No 779051, 2nd C.R.T., C.R.T, Depot, Purfleet, Essex England. Will send photo later."
Jul 11, 1918 (p.2), France letter to Merelda - You certainly told me right. How every did you know what the English girls were like. I think all the more of you for doing as you did. I will not have a English girl to go back with me. You say there are plenty waiting for me. I wonder who they are, ha-ha."
Dec 29, 1918, Belgium, Earl refers to his "girlfriend" in Fontain-Valmont - "Dear Mother, just a few more lines from this Country again. I guess this will be my last letter from France to you. News is going around that we sail for England 1st Jan. It is good news for this lad allright. I'll soon be home again. I'll be home before my Birthday I think. Clarence Bowkey and Frank Locuas, Jack Stubbs went a week ago. Several more of my comrades went also. Old B.Coy is very small now.
Well Mother what kind of a time did you all have Xmas. I hope you had a jolly time. I will have my next Xmas with you. We had a fine time her on Xmas. A big table was set out for us. And plenty of goose, mutton, beef, oranges, apples, beer, wine. Oh we had everything that day. Just the two Coys are here in this town. D Coy and B. A and C are 10 or 15 miles from here. The people here are awful good to us. They sure think a great deal of the Canadians. We are the first British troops they have seen in this war. The Germans had this town and all the people in their hands since 1914.
I visit one family every night. They are learning me French & Belgium language. At least the only daughter of the family is, ha-ha. I allso learn her English. She is bound to go to Canada after I go back. She looks a great deal like Pauline. I think that is why Yek as she calls me took a fancy to her, ha-ha.
Well Mother, I see the Xmas box you sent. A dandy one to, that honey and butter was a fine treat. And Merelda can sure make good ginger snaps and Xmas cake. I am using the blue pencil Floss sent me. The time is close so when Yek will not need a pencil or pen. Well Mother, I must close now. I hope this is my last letter to you & all form this Country. Hope to see you all again very soon. Best love and good wishes to all at home. Bye-Bye, Your Loving Son, Earl"
Jan 16, 1919 Letter from Earl's girlfriend Flore (translated from French) - One of the puzzling questions was how did this young farmer from King know enough French to correspond with his Belgium girlfriend. The answer appears in this letter as Flore hopes he finds an interpreter to read her letter. - "Dear Yek, Your departure has caused a large hole in our house. We keep expecting you to come back at any moment. I was so sad when you left. I think often of our last night spent together with my parents. I am now always alone, time passes so slowly and the nights are long. If you could write me often, to distract me from my loneliness.
We are in good health, and we hope you are too. If you are England, please send me a souvenir. I hope you find an interpreter to read you what I've written you. They send you their love & kisses. Have a good year. Are you still ????? I turned 17 years old on January 14th. The night during dinner, I said many times like you ???? eat ?????
Apr 8, 1919 Earl writes to Merelda and mentions his 'girlfriend' in Belgium "- What I think of the English girls is very wee. But I do think a great deal of a little one in Belgium."
Jun 8, 1919, Earl's Belgium girlfriend, Flore writes to him again in French (translated) - "June 8, 1919, Melle Flore Mulquis Steno-Typist, 150 Reu St. Lambert 150, Fontaine Valmont, Belgique, My Dear Yek, You must have without doubt received my letter from May 27th I will never stop writing with my lovely fiancé Yek. I do not know Miss Palmyre 's because I have never been to Anderlues, so for the moment I can't send you her address but I will do everything I can to find it for my next letter. I am very happy to learn that you will be returning to Canada on the 20th. Your parents must be very happy. (p.2) I am also very happy to learn that you will be studying French so that you can talk with me when you return in June 1920. I want to thank you again for the beautiful little souvenir that you sent me. I will keep it safe always and when you return to Fontaine Valmonte you will be able to see it again. The whole family is in good health, except for me, I am a little sick. But do not worry because I am already feeling better. When you depart for Canada, write me to tell me you're leaving for Canada and when you arrive in Canada, write me again to let me know that you arrived safely, I worry so much. (p.3) I will finish my letter for now. Mother and Father send you their best wishes. And from me, you get my best kisses. Your fiancée who loves you Flore. Lots of kisses for my fiancé Yek."
June 24, 1919, Fontaine Valmont. Another letter from Flore - "I received your letter from June 21, this morning that gave me a laugh. But what I find funny is that if you're writing me from England, are you not already starting to write your next letter? Let me know because I am worried. You told me how nice England is, but it is also nice here. If you were here with me, we could have had lots of fun, on long walks. Dad and Mom are in good health, and I hope you are too. I am getting better, and I already see an improvement. I am going to do my photography and I will send it to you right away. Don't forget to send me yours, because I really want to see you my Dear Yek. Don't forget to tell me when you write back when you are going to return to Canada. After that I will wait for you in the month of June in 1920, we will have lots of fun. I am finished my letter for now and my Dad and Mom send you their best wishes and I send you lots of kisses. Love your fiancée. Far from the eyes, close to the heart, Flore xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
July 29, 1919, Letter written from Flore, Earl’s girlfriend (translated) - "July 29, 1919, Melle Flore, Mulquis Steno-Typist, 150 Reu St. Lambert 150, Fontaine Valmont, Belgique. My Dear Yek, I am writing you to remind you to not forget to give us your news as soon as you arrive in Canada, tell me if you received the letter I sent you just after you left for England. Father is no longer working at the sugar factory, he has returned now for 8 days since July 22nd. (p.2) To send time on your next letter tell me what your duties are and explain what it is like in Canada, here it is not nice anymore like when I wrote you in England. The merchandise/goods are still so expensive but hopefully with the war ending, the prices will start to go down little by little. The factories have called back their workers and everything is starting to work. I hope you are in good health and also that your dear family and your parents and everyone else is well. I am continuing to get better. (p.3) And what are you doing? Do not forget to send me your news, as soon as possible because I am getting very impatient. I will do my photography this week and then I will send them to your right away. I will finish my letter for right now. Father and Mother are sending you their best wishes. And for my dear Yek I send you lots of kisses. Your forever. Your fiancée Flore. I am very happy that the war is finished for certain. Yek will return June 1920. “After for good!”, hey"
August 18, 1919, Letter written from Flore to Earl (translated) -"August 18, 1919, Fontaine Valmont, Belgium, My Dear Yek, Finally, with much impatience, I have received your news that explains your good trip. I was happy to read about it as were mother and father. I am now cured and healthy and my parents are healthy too. I hope you are also in good health and the same for your family. I want to do some photography and send some to you but I want to wait until reply to me. Don’t forget to tell me how I look now that I changed my hair because I am now a young woman. I want to thank you for the beautiful flowers that you sent me. They are just like the ones that we have in our garden. You asked me to marry you, yes I want to. Very good for Yek, eh? Tell me in your letter what your mother & father think about having a fiancée in Belgium. Now I will continue to wait for you, until you come to visit in June 1920 and perhaps earlier if it is possible. Time seems to pass very slowly, and it seems like a long time since I’ve seen you. Don’t forget to send me your pictures. Remember to tell your father & mother. Write me back soon. Mother and Father send you their best wishes. Lots of love for you, your love forever. For my dear fiancée. Yek, my xx and my dear."
It is not known why Earl and Flore ended their courtship but Earl returned to Canada unmarried. In 1925 he married Hazel Gambrill and lived on W ½ of Lot 8, Con. 4, King Township. Earl and Hazel had five daughters – Clara, Gloria, Gerry, Earlene and Shirley.
Original Letters - 1914/1915
Original Letters - 1916
Original Letters - 1917
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Original Letters - 1918
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127th Battalion
The 127th (12th York Rangers) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Toronto, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in York County. After sailing to England in August 1916, the battalion was designated the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops on November 8, 1916.
As railway troops, the 127th Battalion specialized in building light railway lines close to the front, a Canadian specialty, for the rapid movement of troops and supplies from established railway heads. The battalion prided itself on its rapid bridge-building skills and an improvised turntable it crafted on several occasions.
The 127th (12th York Rangers) Battalion, CEF had one Commanding Officer, Lieut-Col. F. F. Clarke, DSO. Frederick Fieldhouse Clarke was an engineer and surveyor in northern Ontario. He was born on 22 August 1878 in Hamilton. He served for three years with the Royal Canadian Regiment and nearly twenty with the 12th York Rangers. In January 1916, Clarke was appointed commanding officer of the 127th Battalion of York County.
Published in the The Aurora Banner, April 4th, 1919 upon the return of the 127th Battalion:
"Nearing home is the 127th Battalion - the York County was the foundation unit of the Canadian Railway troops. A part of the battalion was on the "Empress of Britain" under Lieut Col. F. F. Clarke, D.S.O. , and landed Monday and the second party is on the "Coronia" in charge of Major J. H. Holdsworth, second in command.
No body of Canadian troops had a wider or more varied experience in France or Flanders. Col. F.F. Clarke the commander of the unit was in employ of the Canadian Northern Railway before he enlisted and his ability and experience as a surveyor and railway builder were of great value. Many of his men were bright young fellows who had gone into engineering or surveying and there were also a number of students from the School of Practical Science so that the unit was well suited to its work. It was the immobility of the British armies in the Somme fighting of 1916 that gave birth to the Railway Troops.
Just about New Year's 1917, the 127th were moved to France and were shoved in on the Somme in front of a piece of line from Commecourt to Grandicourt - a piece of land that had been held by the Hun from the first month of the war. It was on the Ancre River Heights. All efforts to capture it had failed with heavy loses. With the 127th as "army troops" to prepare the way and follow up with materials of war, the British captured the Grandecourt and the Hun began his retreat. It was across this country that the York County unit had to lay the rails that enabled the British forces to crawl steadily ahead and maintain communications with their base. The 127th was in Ypres where they were located from June til Nov 1917. Here they were busy building narrow gauge railway, moving big guns by railway form one point to another running up ammunition and bringing back wounded and they kept at this night and day.
Sixty men of the 127th were gassed around Nieuport on July 19th, 1917, during the famous fighting of the sand dunes when the Germans caught the British on the canal banks. The 127th were putting in narrow gauge railways for the batteries and running tracks up to the front lines when the Germans put on an attack. This was one of the most bitterly fought action sin the sector. The 127th men were caught in the gas waves that came over and the unit had a close squeak from being wiped out."
October 24, 1916 (p.4)
"The 500 men are going as a Construction Batt. It is a safe place. And I tried hard to get in it. The work they do is building up bridges, railroads, cutting roads through brushes and hills. They carry no rifle at all just revolver. And they get no pack to carry on their back for half a day. But I guess there is no chance for me to get with them now."November 18, 1916 (p.2)
"I told Mother in my last letter that we are leaving for France on the 28th of Nov. I think we will go as a No.2 Construction Batt. So chances are I will get out of being a sniper. Thank God if I do for a sniper has the most dangerous work to do of all."January 4, 1917 (p.3)
"No.1 Construction is about 10 miles from B. Coy, D.Coy is just about 2 mile from them." I have not seen Frank since we left La Harve Station. He is hearing some noise where he is allright. B.Coy expect to move soon. I hear that Mannie Brown of No.1 Construction has been killed. Dada will know him allright. He is a great friend of Billie Ham's. None of the brave 127 lads have been hurt yet. Some have been frightened al little tho. There are lots Ghost over hear in no man's land. Tell Arch the rats are as big as the ones we catch in the creek. I played football with one the other morning down the track. My big boots went pretty good at it. One of the lads in my hut lost 3 hardtack biscuits one night."March 26, 1917 (p.2)
"The birds sing every day as tho there is no war at all. Yesterday the shells were singing at us. The 127 lads are hard to hit tho." " I hear from Wallace and Pat & Sid once in a while. Have not seen them yet tho. F.Platt is in D.Coy. I have not seen him for 2 months. F. Young is also in D.Coy."Sept 22, 1917 - Earl makes reference to some of the 127th lads"I will tell you their names. (No photo in the letter) Top row left to right - Yek of course you know him. Second is Bill Wellman of Richmond Hill an old 127th Batt lad. Third is Carl Jensin of the 114th Batt. N.B. who was drafted into our Batt in England He is a Dane and a very good Boxer. Second row sitting left to right 1st Frank Wilson of the 112th Batt Nova Scotia he was also drafted into our Batt in England. And the one sitting with the cigarette in his mouth is an old 127th lad Bill Fisher of Richmond Hill. His home is in Ireland. He worked 5 years ago at Badgers place King. They all are coming out to King to see me after the war. Luke and I had our photo taken a couple of wks ago. But have not received them yet. We had these taken in a small town in Belgium. Harold been in it."
October 9th, 1917 (p.3) - "Fritzie is sure getting it now. We are winning every day. I see prisoners come down every morning tuff looking nuts to."
March 17, 1918 (p.2) - "Dear Mother, Merelda asked if Paddy was with our Batt. He is with the 1st C.R.T most of the Aurora Sports are with it too. The Newmarket lads are in D.Coy in our Battalion. But there are not many of the poor chaps left. The old 127 Battalion has lost heavy in France. There are Drafts going across to join us every 3 months."
The Canadian Expeditionary Force participated in the following major operations:
- Ypres: April-May 1915
- Festubert & Givenchy: May-June 1915
- St. Eloi Craters: March-April 1916
- Mount Sorrell: June 2-13, 1916
- Somme: July-November 1916
- Vimy Ridge: April 9-12, 1917
- The Scarpe: April-May 1917
- Hill 70: August 15-25, 1917
- Passchendaele: October 26-Nov 10, 1917
- Amiens: August 8-11, 1918
- Arras: August 26 - September 3, 1918
- Canal du Nord & Cambrai: September 27 - October 11, 1918
- Capture of Valenciennes: November 1-2, 1918
July 29 Britain warns Canada of situation in Europe Aug 2 Canada offers Britain troops for overseas service Aug 5 Britain declares war Aug 6 Britain accepts Canada's offer of troops Aug19 The first volunteers begin to arrive at Valcartier Camp, Quebec Sept 4 Approximately 32,000 men have assembled at Valcartier Oct 3 1st Contingent Canadian Expeditionary Force sails for England Oct 14 1st Contingent CEF arrives in England Dec 21 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry arrives in France
They are the first Canadian unit committed to battle in the Great WarFeb 07 1st Canadian Division begins moving to France Mar 03 1st Canadian Division is responsible for 6,000 metre of front near Fleurbaix Apr 01 1st Canadian Division is moved north to Ypres Salient Apr 22 Battle of Ypres. First use of poison gas against the French Apr 24 Battle of St. Julien. First use of poison gas against the Canadians May 05 Lt-Col John McCrae of CEF writes In Flanders Fields May 18 Battle of Festubert May 25 2nd Canadian Division formed in Canada June 15 Battle of Givenchy Sept 19 Newfoundland Regiment lands at Suvla Bay in Gallipoli Nov 16 Canadian launches their first trench raid at Riviere Douve Dec 20 Newfoundland Regiment evacuated from Suvla Bay Dec 25 3rd Canadian Division formed Apr 06 The Battle of St. Eloi Craters Jun 02 Battle of Mount Sorrel. Major General Mercer killed Sept 15 Battle of Courcelette. First use of the tank and rolling barrage Sept 26 Battle of Tiepval Ridge Nov Sir Samuel Hughes, Minister of Militia and Defense fired by Prime Minister Borden Apr 09 The Battle of Vimy Ridge Jun 11 Prime Minster Sir Robert Borden Aug 15 Battle for Hill 70. Firs use of mustard gas against Canadians Aug 29 Conscription became law in Canada Oct 26 The Battle of Passchendaele Nov 20 The Battle of Cambrai Dec 06 The Halifax Explosion - French munitions vessel Mont Blanc explodes in Halifax
Harbour killing almost 1600 peopleJan Conscription now in force Mar 21 German offensive begins Mar 30 Canadian Cavalry attack at Moreuil Wood Aug 08 The Battle of Amiens - the beginning of what is known as Canada's Hundred Days Aug 26 The Battle of Scaarpe Sep 02 The Battle of the Drocourt-Queant Line Sep 27 The Battle of the Canal Du Nord and Cambrai Nov 02 The Canadian Corps capture the town of Valenciennes in its last major battle Nov 10 The Canadian Corps reached the outskirts of Mons Nov 11 At 10:58 am Private George Price of the 28th Battalion is killed by a sniper
Two minutes later at 11:00 am. The armistice came into effect.
The war was over!
