1915 Letter 16
No. 1 Can. Stat. Hosp.
France. April 28, [1915].
Dearest Mother,
I have not written as often lately as I should have because we have been very
busy and because there is so much I want to say, that I mustn't say at present.
I was in Boulogne to-day at the Inquiry Office and found Eric was OK as far
as the 27th. They have his name and I will know as soon as could
be expected if he's wounded.
Young Rutherford of the 2nd F.C.C.E. was in here a day or two ago
with a sprained knee - but went again at once. He gave me all the news of the
company and said Eric, Marryat and a few others had been sent to survey a new
trench and when the shelling began had to stay there and were therefore safe.
Am sending you a couple of papers which tell of the wonderful way our boys
acted. Boultbee had a letter from her brother yesterday - After the engagement
began - three Generals passed along with Gen. French, and later when it was
seen how the Canadians were fighting, one of them remarked "I told you
so" - It seems he always prophesied a great future for the Canadians and
is terribly pleased that they have vindicated his judgment.
Today has been glorious, warm and bright - the first lovely day in weeks.
We went without our sweaters and it was perfectly grand after all the cold,
damp days. I always think of the poor boys sleeping out in the open or in barns
etc. but they are all so cheerful and make light of these hardships.
Our camp is growing larger all the time and we are well settled into the routine
of busy days when the hours are not long enough for the thousands of things
that need doing. We try to send everyone away with clean clothes and a satisfied
appetite, and it is a pleasure to feed them for they are all so hungry and so
appreciative of the least thing we do for them.
By the time this reaches you, you will know all about what has been going
on this past week. It surely has been terrible, our hearts were in our boots
for days. Such suspense and anxiety! It was the greatest blessing that we were
busy - and could feel that we were helping to "carry on" as the English
say. We always spoke of you people at home and wondered how ever you could stand
it. I am proud that Eric is here though, aren't you? Now the Canadians are crowned
as brave soldiers and heroes in the eyes of the world.
Some of the girls who have been in Imperial Hospitals all winter used to make
us wild, they were so darned English - the name Canadian was almost distasteful
to them. They talked English, and they [ ] the English and they ran down everything
Canadian. Now of course they are full of pride to belong to the country - Isn't
it sickening? I wonder they scruple to take Canadian money. Our friend - you
know who - is one of them, as you can easily imagine.
I had a nice letter from Aunt Teddy to-night the first mail from home in about
two weeks. I am there will be one from you to-morrow.
I wish you could look in on us tonight Ethel Boultbee is writing letters and
Miss Goodene and Dorothy Winter have just gone to their tent to do likewise.
Then we are going to have some tea and cake we bought in Boulogne today Our
stove is going beautifully and it is so warm and cosy.
This was my afternoon off duty. We are taking time off when it is at all possible
- for this war is bound to last a while longer and it's no use getting over
zealous and breaking down.
Three of us went down to Wimereux for a bath at the Sussex, and then sat on
the shore for a while and walked home along the cliffs. The sea was wonderful.
How I wish you were here- there is the greatest fascination about this life.
After we came home this afternoon I started for Boulogne and got a ride in our
ambulance going in with some of the men. Boulogne is like a kaleidoscope - one
mass of shifting colour - those predominating being blacks and khaki with the
more gorgeous French uniforms to liven it up. Along about five there is always
a crowd - and it is always an interesting one - troops of every regiment - and
uniform - the Indian being in the lead as far as picturesque head dresses are
concerned. And then the harbour and the quay. It's worth any thing to see it
all -
It is late now and I must go to bed as 6.30 comes all too soon. I find I am
able to do without so much sleep being in the open air all the time. I am as
sunburned as can be and never felt as well in my life.
At the office in Boulogne they were so busy I hated to ask for [dozens] of
the boys I knew - but will try to in a day or two.
Good-night now - Mother dear - we have had our cake and are so sleepy. I wonder
what you are doing. This may be hell at times, but I guess it would be worse
if Eric and I had never left, wouldn't it? Love to Papa and Don and don't let
him come.
Yours always,
Helen