1915 Letter 20
France
May 18th, [1915]
My own dear Mother,
Your letter of May 2nd & Papa's of May 5th arrived
to-day. I can only blame myself for not cabling - but only lived from day to
day too, as I had no direct word from Eric till it was all over. Besides we
were all too stunned to realize just how great a calamity had befallen us. The
girls who were at Salisbury in the hospital there knew a great many of both
the officers and men and they were terribly blue. Every one lost friends - but
we were so busy we hadn't time to really take in the worst.
I wrote Papa as soon as possible - and from your last letter Alan Townsend
is all right. Another Townsend whose name appeared was probably the one the
man meant.
The 48th were at the end of our line next to the French trenches.
When the Algerians stampeded because the gas - it left this flank exposed and
for a short time they were almost surrounded. They then retreated but made a
quiet advance again - and while they lost heavily did wonderful work.
All I can find out about the two Jamieson boys is not encouraging but it does
no good to repeat rumours so you will regard this as being strictly on the d.q.
One of their Co'y. said he saw them both killed but even the men are apt to
be mistaken.
I am hoping it is not true and that by this time they have had more reassuring
news of them at home. If not please say how very sorry I am. The Canadian Scottish
were grand. You've no idea how entirely out numbered our boys were and what
a stake they fought for. An Empire was in the balance - one might say. The Germans
had moved troops by the thousand & their largest guns - it was then Dunkirk
was shelled - and for the first time used gas. The German system of espionage
is very far reaching. So many of the Tommies say that the civilian population
is as treacherous as can be. So much information leaked out around Ypres that
Kitchener came over and together with his staff he toured all the cities and
towns along the firing line and caught many spies with telegraphic or wireless
or telephone communication with the German trenches. A big attack was planned
and then postponed for a good reason. When it was finally made the Germans called
"Come on you're 24 hours late already".
They were so sure of Calais, and according to their god "Efficiency"
only now colonial troops were against them.
As I have told you men who were through Mons and Neuve Chapelle say that this
was infinitely worse on account of the shelling.
I am ordering the Times for all that week for it was most complimentary in
its praise of the service done by our men.
May 20.
I am ashamed of myself for not having finished this long ago but we have had
big convoys every night - and I really haven't had time.
I had a card from Eric, saying he'd write in a day or two and a short note
from Mr. Marryat thanking me for writing to his Mother. He said Eric and he
had made a lean-to of blankets and a rubber sheet and were very comfortable.
Also that they could get good bread and butter and eggs. I sent them everything
I could think of and will keep on sending. Eric says a pair of socks a week
will keep him going, and I can send them or you can too - for I know he'll always
find someone to wear them if he doesn't need them.
His photos have not come from Harrods yet and I am writing them to-night.
I can't understand the delay.
I had a nice letter from Della today. Tell her I'll answer it in a day or
two.
Well, Mother, there is plenty to write about, but by the time I settle down
my brains refuse to remember half the things they should.
The McGill nurses are over here to be distributed in our hospitals and the
Imperials till their own is ready, and there is great excitement. The O.C. here
gave a tea for them, and there was another tea again today. A good many of the
girls here are R.V.H. or M.G.H. so they were delighted to see all their friends.
I will be off night-duty in a week or so and will be glad in many ways although
we have had a very happy time. Last night - Ethel and Jamie (Miss Jamieson)
went to a great deal of trouble over the supper - having brought stuff from
Boulogne and we had roast chicken and French fried potatoes and a most wonderful
cake.
I hope you are not worrying about me. We are as safe and safer than at home,
for we are protected in every way. We are busy but as I have said before it
really isn't as hard on one as the work in a big base at home. Our cases are
mainly hands and arms and feet and the majority are walking cases. We fill up
our day and usually evacuate the next so that is the reason the papers do not
mention us as having any of the Canadians. We have lots of them but not long
enough to really say we have them as patients.
As a unit this hospital has done awfully good work.
It is a wonderful night tonight - so warm and summery. It has been very cold
and wet for a week or more, and not at all pleasant, so we appreciate a fine
night.
Well, Mother dearest, this isn't much of a letter but I simply can't feel
entertaining.
We all worry about you people at home and wonder how you can live through
these terrible days of uncertainty.
Tell Mrs. Townsend and Mrs. Cumming that I have given Alan's and Harry's name
in on my list now - as I have their Reg. No's and will hear if they are in any
of the hospitals around Boulogne - also Everett and George and all the S.P.S
boys in the 2nd F.C.C.E.
Mrs. Gardner who is in charge of that work in Boulogne under Capt. [Blaylock].
She came over on the Zeeland with us and we all like her very much. She has
our lists and is keeping us in touch that way. Aunt Teddy sent me a long list
- but a mere name is impossible - it must be accompanied by at least his Regt.
or Battalion and the Reg. number.
If you can get Reg Runnel's number etc. and any of the boys from Peterboro
or Cobourg that you know of it is more than likely I can find them as the greater
portion of the wounded pass through the hospitals of Boulogne and its environs
- of which Wimereux is the principal one.
Good-bye now, Mother dearest, and God bless you -
Your loving daughter,
Helen