James W. Young / Letters 1918
 
My grandmother's older brother, Jim Young, owned a small grocery store at the corner of "22nd and Slocan" in Vancouver. The store was a one-man operation, so when war broke out in 1914 Jim didn't enlist voluntarily.

Then, in August 1917 the Canadian Government passed the Military Service Act, making it compulsory to serve. Uncle Jim enlisted on January 10, 1918 and left Vancouver by train in February of that year. His brother-in-law Arthur Gosse was the last family member to see him alive. When he was in his 90's, Uncle Art told me about having a good laugh with Jim as they slipped along the icy Vancouver streets on their way to the tram that would take Jim to the train station.

Jim and the other recruits boarded the S.S. Metagama in Halifax on February 27, 1918, arriving in Glasgow on March 11. Except for a brief visit to Ireland while "on leave", Jim Young remained in England until being sent to France in June 1918.

He was killed by on the morning of September 27, 1918 during the Canal du nord/Bourlon Wood operation, just a few weeks before the war ended. He is buried 20 kilomeres west of Arras in a British military cemetery near the village of Sainz-lez-Marquion.

The following are transcripts of the letters that Jim Young wrote to his mother and to his sisters, Ethel and Mary, between February 24 and September 24, 1918.
 
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Feb. 24, 1918  / Ottawa
Dear Ethel:

We have just left Ottawa, have had a very good trip so far. Lots of fun, we have a concert every night on board. It has been pretty cold it was 30 below in Calgary with lots of snow. We were out for a march at Kamloops. I didn't see much of Manitoba it was 2 o'clock when we past thru Wpg. I would have liked to hear from Uncle Levi, I wrote to Joe yesterday morning. I have not seen anyplace to beat Vancouver yet. Ottawa is a nice place, but the last part of Ontario is not very nice it is too rough. If you can get those addresses from Lily Eagle and send them in your next letter. She said she had some, it would help out a little.

We expect to go on the boat as soon as we get to Halifax. We get no leave at all, only for physical jerks. I wish I had got a box of Ramsay's nut bons before I left. If you get a box send them. I will send you the cash. Send them as soon as you can we will not be able to get any at all. I may not be able to write you til I get to England. My address is if you can send these chocolates,

Pte. J. W. Young
#2020825
6th Draft bc 1st Depot Batt. Canadians
Seaford Sussex
England
 
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April 15, 1918  / South Camp Seaford, Sussex, England
Dear Mother & All:

Having not received a letter from you today, I thought I would drop you a line to tell you I am still well and feeling fine, I can't seem to satisfy my appetite. We get pretty fair food here, but not as much as we did on the start. I have not got much money since I came over. I wish I had signed over half of my pay to you as half of it is held back till we come back to England from France.

I have only got 3 pounds since I came over, and I spend nearly all on extra eats and luxuries, which isn't very much.

We are now in G. Co. 1st Canadian Reserve Batt. and tonight we were told to make up our minds on what battalion we wish to join. Most of the boys are going into the Ruts, so I guess I will go along. We can get into the 29th or 7th Batt. if we wish.

We are not getting so hard drills now as we are up into the Musketry which is easy beside squad drills.

Half of our Co. went on leave Sunday and when they come back we expect our turn. There is talk of our being sent to Bramshott for the rest of our training, it is closer to London.

I wrote to Mary and Art tonight, Ethel don't seem to write very often. I have not got a letter for pretty near a week now.

This is about all I can think of just now so Bye Bye from

Your Loving Son

Jim

P.S. Geo. Fee has not arrived yet they are most likely on the way.

The weather is very cold here just now and has been for about a week. It rains nearly every night. The soil is chalky, but it sticks far worse than any B.C. mud.
 
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April 21, 1918  /  England
Dear Mother & All:

Just a few lines to let you know that I am in the best of health.

It is raining hard today, and has been rather cold for a few days back. It is awful muddy here. The water we use has a lot of alkali in it. I am writing to Ethel and Uncle Jim now so you should get all the news.

We were transferred last week to G Company, the same Company Joe Sperring is in. I see him every morning on parade. You would never know him now, he has grown so much. I had a letter from Dolby yesterday. He is in one of the tailor shop at the front. He wanted me to go into his Batt. but most of our fellows are going into the 7th Batt. so I guess I'll go along, as I am pretty well acquainted with most of them.

We are going on leave, either Wed or Thurs so I will have a good long letter for you in a week or so. I will write you when I leave. I am going to Ireland. Most likely ... (next page missing)
 
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April 24, 1918  /  England
April 24, 1918

Dear Mother & All:

Just a few lines to let you know everything is fine with me. We are still going on with our training. I got a letter from Mary tonight and am taking the opportunity of writing. There is not much news in Mary's letter but it is sure welcome.

We were told today that we are getting our leave Sat. so I won't be writing till then. I think we will be able to make Belfast alright, they say things are fine over there.

It has been lovely weather here last week. Quite a change to what we have been getting.

We have been getting Gas Mask drill this last week. It is fine, very interesting, and should come in handy after the war.

I guess Papa & Herb will be hard at work at the ranch. How is the orchards around there. I suppose they will be pretty well straightened up by now.

There has been a lot of men come in from Manitoba this last few days into the other Reserves. There was a lot from B.C. but I have not been able to see any of them yet, as they will be in quarantine for ten days.

This is all I can think of just now. Bye Bye

Your Loving Son

Jim
 
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May 1, 1918  /  Ireland
Darling Mother :

I am on my leave at last, and I am having a fine time. At the present time we are in Belfast.

I have only to see Liverpool now, and then I will have seen all the principal places in the United Kingdom. This is a beautiful town. You can buy anything you wish. A lot different from London. The town is about three times larger than Vancouver. We were out to see the largest Linen Works in the world yesterday. I am going to try and get a piece of real Irish Linen to send to you. The city is very clean. Everything is kept spotless, and they have the finest stores here you ever saw. It is an awful difference from Dublin. I think Dublin is one of the dirtiest places I was ever in. It is a big place, but you couldn't compare the two.

We were in Dublin on Tuesday, and had a good look around. There is also an awful difference in the people. The dialect is all you can do to understand here. We are staying at a Boarding House in the heart of the city. When we came here we asked a cab man to take us to a place to sleep, and believe me he must have thought we needed religion awful bad. All over my room is those cards like Uncle Bob used to have. Anyway the old man who is boss is a fine old fellow and we are well looked after.

We spent a half day in London. It is certainly a wonderful city. We are going back by way of Liverpool to-morrow. Ireland is sure as near Heaven Mother as any place can be. The country side from Dublin to Belfast is just one long picture of little white cottages and green hedges. They have all they want to eat and very reasonable. We can buy a real good dinner here for 30 cents. All the stores are full up.

I will write you a good long letter when I get back to camp and tell you all. Good Bye for this time.

Your Loving Son

Jim
 
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May 6, 1918  /  England
Post Card / London: Ludgate Hill and St. Paul’s

Dear Mother:

Having fine time. Will write letter from camp. On leave now. I have seen some wonderful sights this last week.

Your Jim
 
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May 6, 1918  /  England
Dear Mother:

Just got back from leave and am sending you a line. I got to get to bed in five minutes.

Well Mother, I had the best time I ever had in my life. It would take me a whole day to tell you what I saw.

I was all over Ireland and seen some of the prettiest places. I was in Dublin and Belfast. We stayed in Belfast nearly all the time. We were in London for two days. It is a wonderful city.

I got lost three or four times, but all you do is go to a tube station and you can go right back to any part you want.

I am going to send my picture to all the relations next week. I will write again Saturday.

Your Loving Son
Jim

P.S. I am sending some of the Reserve Badges to you under separate cover. You can send one to Ethel and Mary.
 
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May 13, 1918  /  England
May 13, 1918

Dear Mary & Art:

As I have not heard from you for a time I am going to write you a few lines and jog your memory. This is Mothers Day here. Not wishing this place any hard luck but I hope the next one I will spend in Vancouver with you. Its the only thing I got to look forward to now. We are on our last lap of training. It is two months since we landed and its been a long one too.

I had a great time on leave. I saw all of Ireland that is of any account. It is a pretty place. No wonder they sing so many songs of it. We were in Dublin and Belfast. I like Belfast the best, it is far cleaner city than Dublin and they have some beautiful buildings and parks. Believe me they have some fine looking chicken there too. The country between Dublin and Belfast is a picture.

St. Paul's Cathedral and the House of Commons is sure some sight. I don't think I'll ever forget my trip, especially the trip to Ireland, altho we had a fine time in London. I know I got all I wanted to eat there. Ireland is just like Canada in some respects.

Well everybody I'll have to close. Be sure and write. Bye Bye

Your Bro

XXXX Jim
 
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May 13, 1918  /  England
Dearest Mother and All:

Well Mother, this is quite a day here, and as it is Sunday I am going to take the time to write you a few lines. I have not got a letter from Canada for two weeks. I think there must be mail somewhere on the way.

I certainly enjoyed myself while I was on leave. I had the time of my life in London. It is sure a big place. I seen nearly all the big places of interest. St. Paul's Cathedral and the Parliament Buildings are a great sight. It would take you about twenty minutes to walk around St. Paul's. I saw Big Ben too. The largest clock in the world.

I was in the American Hut there, but there is more Canadians stay there than Yankees. The Canadian Hut in London is a lovely place. Its an old Theatre fixed up, and you don't want for a thing.

I was a little disappointed in Ireland, the south in particular. They are not near the people that is in the north. There was only fifteen of the Van. Draft that went over, so we had a pretty good time. There is some very pretty places. Everything they want as far as provisions goes. We only were there five days altogether.

I got a parcel from Ethel and Joe Green. I was glad to get it too. Its awful good of Joe to send anything, but from now on it will be more difficult to get me. As we get further advanced we will be sent into draft company. Then we will know when we will be sent to France.

There is none of the Vancouver bunch here yet. There is some Victoria fellows, but none from the park. I hear that there is a likelyhood of the 19 year old class being called up. I hope Herb is not expected. Anyway he will not be wanted for a time.

This is a beautiful day. There was a Band Concert in the Reserve. We have music for our meals now that the weather is better.

I had my picture taken yesterday. I will send them on as soon as they are finished. I got some of a group of us and some alone.

I sent to Ethel for a few dollars but I guess she must of forgot. Anyway if it don't get here soon it'll be too late, as we may not be here long. We only get half our pay while here and it don't take long for it to go as we have little things to buy that runs away with money.

I should have sent you some souvenir from Belfast but I thought I would wait til I got back to camp and get something. It is pay day next week sometime, and I do hope to get something.

Well Mother. I'll have to close now, as I must get to supper. Remember me to everyone that knows me there. Good Bye for now. Your Loving Son Jim.
 
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May 16, 1918  /  England
Darling Mother:

I have not got any news for you but I am just writing a few lines to send along with the post card.

This is some of our bunch. Its not a very good one. They can't take photos in this country like they can in Canada. I have marked a cross over my head so you'll know me. The fat boy is sitting on the ground in the centre of the picture.

Don't send anything Mother to England till I give you my address. I'll let you know when we get to France. I have a lot of pictures I send Tues. so you can expect them.

Its been awful hot here today. We had our heavy underwear on with a top shirt and tunic also a heavy pack and our harness along with our guns. I nearly melted away, but I guess we got to expect it pretty warm now.

Write as soon as you can and lets have any news. Good Bye from

Your Loving Son
Jim

be sure about this
(2020825)
 
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No Date  /  England
Mother:

I am enclosing a few post cards for you. I'll send some more in next mail. I am going to send the ones to Mary & Ethel.

I have sent one to Uncle Jim today. Let me know as soon as possible if you get them O.K.

I am well and feeling fine. My face is like an Indian's. We are all tanned nearly black.

I expect some letters from you soon. I have been wondering why I don't get more. Some of the boys complain about their mail not getting to them on time. The mail we get takes over a month from Van. to get here.

I am getting some good photos taken. These are not very good. I can't send them all in one envelope as they will get banged up.

I hope everyone at home is well. Tell Papa Roy Cronk is in our bunch. He'll most likely know him as he lived across from the Cedar Cottage house. Sealy is in the next reserve somewhere. One of our Sergeants know him well.

Well Mother I must close as I have no more news.

Your Loving Son
Jim

2020825
1st Can. Reserve
South Camp
Seaford Sussex
England
 
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May 16, 1918  /  England
Dearest Mother & All:

I have not heard from you for a long time. Makes me kind of anxious. I have not had a letter for nearly a month. Mary and Ethel write once in a while. It may be the mails. I have written twice a week so far. I am putting stamps on my letters so you'll be sure to get them.

It has been awful hot today. I am the color of a nigger. I got my hair cut off short. All the fellows are getting their hair cut close its so hot.

I heard from Mary that Mr. Chase is dead. I remember him quite well when I was up at Chilliwack last Xmas he looked strong and healthy looking then. It will be hard on Mrs. Chase and Bunny. Herb will miss him too. Fred Ballinger's death was a surprise to me. He used to kid me about conscription when he was put in E Class and exempted but his turn has come first.

I brought over some honey from Ireland and it was good to. I often wish I was back there to get some of the comb honey. I guess you'll have all kinds of it now.

I hear they are stopping parcels from the U.S. to the American Soldiers and I guess Canada will fall in line before long. It seems pretty hard on us.

I have three photos of myself and some of our bunch ready Tuesday. I'll have them on the road next week. I'll send them all to you. You can send one to Ethel and Mary. I don't know how the one of myself is.

Well Mother write soon. Long as its a letter I don't care how short. Your Loving Son Jim

Tell Herb to write if he has time. I'll be in the 7th Batt. by the time you get this and quite likely be in France as we expect to go over soon.

I have written to Uncle Jim quite regular. I have got one letter from him. I got his new address 48 Hobart St. I guess he'll have a job getting some of them.

I suppose the strawberries will be in now. We have a few Chilliwack fellows here.

I wish I had Aunt Carrie's and Uncle Rob's address. Send them if you have them. Goodbye

Yours Jim
 
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May 16, 1918  /  England
Dear Mary & Art:

I received a letter from you the other day, but I don't know whether I answered it or not. I am of the opinion that you are getting two letters in every mail, because I write at least twice a week. I was very sorry to hear of F. Ballinger's death. His father didn't last long after him.

The weather is pretty warm here. I lost more sweat today than I did for the last year, but we will have a couple of holidays next week so that will make up for it. I weighed 157 pounds when I was on leave but I am pretty certain I lost five good pounds today. Say Art they got lots of chicken over here. Of coarse we don't get a chance to see much of them. A lot of our fellows were married when they were on leave, thats pretty quick work eh. And I believe nearly all the guys that get out of this thing alive will take some of the English janes back.

I am enclosing a photo of some of the fellows in our huts. I have a cross marked over my head so you will know me. I have some others of myself that I'll send on Tuesday. Also some of the boys that go around...

I hear that there getting a lot of men under the M.S.A. Vancouver should soon be rid of single men. It seems there only good to fight. It too blame bad they could not make some of those chinks get out and fight. They'll be getting pretty cheeky now.

Well Mary, write as often as you can, as I sure like to get a letter from home. Its quite likely you'll be too late to send any parcels to England as we'll be out of here soon.

I don't want you to think I am hinting at anything, but we sure relish anything that comes from Canada.

I hope Art is still holding down his job, and feeling fine as it leaves me now.

Bye Bye

Your Loving Bro
Jim

P.S. excuse the dirty paper as I haven’t got anything else just now
South Camp
Seaford
 
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May 26, 1918  /  England
Dear Mother and All:

I am sending you another post card of myself. I am going to make sure you get enough.

Well Mother; things are going about the same as usual I am feeling fine and I am getting fatter. I can stand a lot yet tho. I have a different uniform than the one shown in the picture. We wear the Imperial tunics. I'll have a picture of myself ready before long.

You said something of sending a parcel, but as yet I have not got anything. Anyway don't you worry, we get good food considering. It is as good as anyone could expect. Don't send anything to England from now on as it will have to be forwarded.

I hope everyone at home are well. Is Mrs. Chase and Bunny living across the St. Ethel said something about them having a sale.

I was awful glad to get Ethel's letter yesterday. She said she was doing a good business. All I hope is that she keeps it up. I will be glad when the time comes that I will be able to go back again.

I had a letter from Uncle Jim, he had a lot of news too. I hope he keeps it up.

I guess I have told you before of being in the seventh ... (next page missing)
 
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June 3, 1918  /  England
Dearest Mother:

I have just mailed you those badges and I do hope you will get them O.K.

The ones with the 1st Vancouver Depot on them, you can get them made into pins. Send Mary and Ethel one, which ever you like the best keep.

I am still well and happy and hope everyone at home is. I have got a quite a few letters from Hilton's, in fact I have as many correspondents in England as I have at home. I had a letter today from Alex Yule's sister, she writes quite regular. I have a standing invitation, but I only wish you would write oftener if you have any time.

I have had no parcels from home for over a month. I think the trouble must be in the P.O. though.

Did you get the picture I sent. I hope you have. They were not very good.

Its been beautiful weather here. This is a pretty place, even if it is small. We get fed up on it tho, and I wish I could have got leave before going on Draft.

Well Mother dear, I must close for this time. Is Irene better. I hope she is. I think of her quite often. Could you get one of the small depot badges made into a pin for her? Bye Bye for now.

Your Loving Son Jim.
 
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June 5, 1918  /  England
Field

Front:  The address only to be written on this side.  If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed.

Back:  NOTHING is to be written on this side except the date and signature of the sender.  Sentences not required may be erased.  If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed.

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital
      {sick        } and am going on well,
      {wounded } and hope to be discharged soon

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your {letter dated
{telegram
{parcel		 _____________
_____________
_____________

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you
      {lately
      {for a long time

Signature only Jas W Young

Date June 5/18
 
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June 7, 1918  /  France
Dear Mother:

I received a letter from you before I left England, but was not able to write.

I was awful glad to hear from you. I am also glad you are going to write often.

I have not seen Dolby yet, but expect to see him any day now.

I got Ethel's parcel of chocolate just in time. It would have been too late in a couple of days latter.

I don't know how much it will cost to insure the Warehouse but I think it would pay. There isn't much chance of renting it I guess.

So Art has a auto. Good for him. I suppose him and Mary will be seeing you quite often. Ethel was telling me all about it.

It must be great there now with the cherries in season. Don't bother about any honey, because it would be very hard to ship unless you have it in a tin.

I suppose they have nearly all the single fellows in Vancouver called up by this time. Geo. Fee was in our camp when we left.

The photo of you and Papa was very good, I am keeping it and am sending one back in a few days of myself. I hope you have got the other ones I sent.

The weather is fine here now and I am glad it is too.

Well Mother I must close as I have no more news this time. Did you get my last card. Bye Bye.

Your Loving Son
Jim

address
Pte. J.W. Young 2020825
Canadians B.C.7 France

P.S. I would be glad to get any Chilliwack papers or Family Herald ones if it does not cost any too much to send them.

Don't you worry about me smoking cigarettes Mother dear. All I smoke would not make a dozen a week. I was sorry Mr. Chase was not able to hold out. Tell Herb to write every chance he gets. I would like to hear from him.

J.Y.
 
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June 17, 1918  /  France
Dear Ethel:

How is everything going. I have not heard from you for some time. I may not get any mail tho for a while. I haven't got a single letter since I came over here. I wrote you a few days ago. I guess I told you we were not very busy.

About my insurance, ask the agent anytime you may chance to see him if the balance of the bonus is due yet. The way it was I had the war bonus paid up to June. If you have the money to spare try and pay him. Get in any of those small accounts they all help.

I wrote to Joe and Mamie Stewart Sunday. I also sent a letter to Mary the same day. Tell me if you got those cards.

I have not seen or heard from Dolby lately. I guess if I want to see him I'll have to go to his battalion. Anyway he is not very far away.

There is some very pretty places here, but of coarse we won't get much time to see them. We can get chocolate once in a while but it is not near as good as the stuff we could have got in England.

I wish it was time for us to all go back again to Canada, but I am afraid it will be quite awhile yet. How is things at Hastings Park. Is there any men there now.

There was some of the guys that come over with Geo. Fee that I knew when I was there. I don't think George will get over here for awhile yet.

Well I haven’t got much news, so I'll close. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Your Loving Bro
Jim

P.S. since writing the above I have been sent to Hospital thru sickness, but expect to be out very soon.
 
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June 22, 1918  /  France
Dear Mother:

haven't received any letters from you for some time. I think my mail is following me around and can't catch me. Any way I would like to get a few letters from home.

I am writing this in Hospital. I was admitted about a week ago, sick, its something like grippe, the first few days I was pretty sick, but now I am feeling fine, but may not be out for a few days. I hope I don't miss the bunch I came over with, over this. We have all stuck together so far. I wouldn't mind staying in Hospital for the duration of the war, you certainly get good treatment.

It is rather stormy out today, blowing an awful gale.

Anything you send me now, Mother, will surely get to me, and I think even quicker than England. But of coarse don't send too much, socks is about the only thing I want.

Well Mother Dear, I have nothing more to tell you. I will write soon as I get out of Hospital. Love to all.

Your Loving Son Jim

P.S. since writing this I have got out of Hospital, and am feeling alright again. I expect I will see the rest of the fellows soon. I will write in a few days.

J.Y.
 
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June 30, 1918  /  France
Dear Mother:

I posted a letter to you the other day while I was in Hospital. I hope you have received it by this time. I have not had a letter since I came over here yet. I don't know whats wrong, its over a month now. Some of our fellows have got several letters from home.

I am in convalescent camp now, and may be for awhile. I wish I could get out and join the battalion, as I don't like it at all.

It is rather warm here at present, but lucky enough, I don't have anything to do. I have lots of time to myself.

There is going to be a general sports day tomorrow the 1st. Our battalion will be out. I hope it keeps fine.

I would like very much to get any papers. Some of the fellows get the Province. We don't get any news from home much any other way.

I hope Ethel is still getting on all right. I wonder if you done anything about the Warehouse, this is about the only time there is any danger of fire. It must be pretty dry if its anything like it is here.

There is nothing much more that I have to say. Write whenever you have a chance. Best of luck and love to you all. bye bye

Your Loving Son

Jim
 
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July 1, 1918  /  France
Dear Art, Mary & Irene:

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and feeling a lot better since I came out of Hospital. I am still in Rest Camp, and having a pretty easy time, but I am afraid it will end all too soon some of these days.

We had quite a celebration today, considering circumstances. Believe me I have thought more of home today than I have for a while. I wish I were back.

We will most likely have a holiday on the 4th for the "Yanks".

How is things going in Vancouver. I guess you will be out joy riding in your car half the time.

I have missed some of our bunch, there being sick, some of them are on the line. I was kind of sorry I was not with them, as I had got pretty well aquainted.

The weather is fine here, altho its pretty warm at times, but its got the rain beat.

Write as soon as you can, best of love to all of you.

Your Loving Bro
Jim

P.S. Please excuse the paper and pencil as I have none other. I have not got a single letter since I landed here, which is over a month now. I don't know whats wrong. When you write be sure to put my correct address on, as I will get it right away then.

J.Y.
 
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July 4, 1918  /  France
Dear Ethel:

I have not had a letter from home or England for six weeks, and don't know what the dickens is wrong. The other guys in our Batt. have been getting letters and parcels right along.

I am in convalescent camp at present just out of Hospital. It is not too bad at all. Of coarse it may be awhile before I get out as I don't feel fit yet to carry a pack.

I am afraid I am going to miss the bunch I came over with from Vancouver. We stuck together thru our training, and have got well aquainted when we will be split up. I will most likely go into a casualty Batt. I don't like the idea a little bit, because them guys don't seem to like us any too well seeing we didn't come over voluntary.

Where is Joe Green? I never here from him at all now. Is he still in town, or has he beat it. I hope he don't have to leave. I often wish this thing was over so that we could all go back home again. Believe me it will be a glad day too, when it comes.

This is the 4th of July. There is some great celebrating going on in London today. The Yanks are sure getting some welcome, the people can't do too much for them. Believe me, when you get any welcome from the English they sure do it up the right way. Its no wonder the Canadians or Yanks want to get back to Blighty.

Well Ethel I have no more to say. Only I hope you are getting on O.K. in the store. Don't forget to write when you get a chance. Remember me to everyone. Hoping you are in the best of health and spirits. I am

Your Loving Bro

Jim

P.S. Do the best you can about any accounts. I wish you could take stock and see how you stand. You could let me know. Go after any accounts around there you can get. Look after my assurance if you see the agent. J.Y.
 
rtrtr
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1918  /  France
Hope you are all well as I am at present.

Yours Jim.

Tell Herb to write anytime he has time.
    July 29, 1918  /  France
Dear Mother:

I have sent you by register mail today a silk scarf. Let me know as soon as you get it.

Everything is the same as usual. I am feeling fine, and we have had very nice weather here lately, which helps out a lot.

Well Mother, I have no news for you this time, but will write soon again. How is Herb getting on with his motorcycle. I suppose the girl in the P.O. will be with him on his joy rides. Ethel was saying the Vedder River Bridge was washed away again.

Good Bye for now.

Your Loving Son

Jim
 
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Aug. 4, 1918  /  France
Dear Mother:

Just a few lines to let you know I am still well.

I have been expecting a letter from you for some time now, but have not received one. Anyway I had a letter from Ethel a few days ago and she said you were all well. She said she expected to go home on the 1st July.

I expect you are very busy just now with the fruit and I hear it is a very good crop.

The weather here is fine with just enough rain to settle the dust, but I guess it won't be very long till we will get all kinds of rain.

One of the fellows I am with now is out of McDonalds. He used to be in the stripping room. I never saw him before but he says he remembers Papa quite well.

How is Herb getting along with his wheel. I guess he'll be running all over the country, thats if he can get money to buy the gasoline. Ethel was saying the bridge was off the Vedder. I hope its not so bad as it was last year.

I think Ethel will be able to get most of the accounts in. I was glad to hear she had found C. North's note. I want you to take anything I owe you out of the accounts, as from now on the money I get will not be very much good to me as there is no place to buy much.

I wrote you just a week ago when I think of it, and I hope by this time you have got the scarf.

Well Mother I am out of any news so I'll close with Love from Your Loving Son

Jim
 
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Aug. 9, 1918  /  France
Dear Mother:

Just a few lines to say that I am well. I expect a bunch of letters altogether from you any day as that is the way they mostly come.

I saw Dolby the other day and by chance have seen him today again. He looks fine, a lot different to what he used to. I think he must have a pretty fair time, as he is still with the Batt. tailor shop.

The weather has been very warm, and has made everything dusty, but it looks like as if we may have some rain before long.

I have not seen a paper for nearly a week, so I don't know how things are much anyway. I will get all the news when I receive your letters.

Well Mother. I have not got any more news, will write in a few days again.

Your Loving Son

Jim
 
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Aug. 25, 1918  /  France
Dear Mother:

I received yours and Herbs letter together a few days ago. I have not had a chance to answer till today.

I got twenty one letters altogether, so I expect to get mail regular, as nearly everyone has my address here. My Co. is 4 Co. 15 Platoon. When you write there is more than one Young so we are apt to get mixed up if you don't put this address on mail.

Well Mother. I was glad to get so much news. Its too bad about Clarence Close. I am afraid there is little hope for him now.

I will drop you a card whenever I receive a parcel from you. Its a good idea to number them, but anyway I'll tell you what is in them so you have a good idea.

So Herb is getting on pretty good with his Motor Cycle. Him and Cecil must have some great times.

I met Harry Oltz yesterday. He is in the next Co. to me, the same Batt. He has not changed much. Geo. Fee is coming into this Batt. also.

I will be glad to get the parcels, but I don't want you to spend too much on postage. The honey and jam I can appreciate. I have got a lot of papers from Ethel lately.

I was glad to hear you got the photos, but you never told me whether you got those badges or not.

Mary and Art must be enjoying themselves this summer with their car. How is Papa's car coming on.

Chilliwack must be great this time of the year. Is the fruit crop as big this year as it was last year.

I get some fine letters from England, and nearly all the spare time I have is spent in writing. Alex Yule's sister expects her other brother to be called up soon. I guess you remember him. He is still in Vancouver she says.

So Cecil Bradwin expects to be called soon. I suppose they can get along without him, but wages must be awful high. Herb will be a great help to Papa in that way.

Well Mother dear, must close now and I'll write you a longer letter in a few days. Good Bye for the present.

Your Loving Son

Jim
 
Background information ...
On 1st September, 1918 the 7th battalion successfully assaulted the Drocourt-Queant line, taking over 600 German prisoners in a few hours of fighting.
 
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Sept. 4, 1918  /  France
My Dearest Mother:

I have got so far behind with my mail, Mother. I don't know where to start, as I have had very little time to write lately. You may be sure that I will write whenever I can.

I received a parcel today from you I think it is. It was not packed good enough, so it had been repacked. I think the writing on the address is your or Herbs. There was a cake and some cookies in it and a pair of socks. They were all in fine condition, and you can bet I did enjoy it. I got some Chocolate from Ethel too. Your parcel came to Seaford, so it takes good packing. From now on I will get the parcels regular as it will come direct, and our officers look after and see we get them.

I often wish I could tell you of my experiences, but I am afraid it would be censored. Anyway the newspapers ... (next page missing)
    Sept. 10, 1918  /  France
My Dear Mother and All:

I have just received a letter from you dated July 10. It must have got lost some place. There was a letter from Herb in it too.

I was glad to hear you got the photo. Fat and I had those taken in Hastings Park, and the girl in the photo send us some. I thought they were so good I wrote her and asked her to send you some of them but I guess she has not much time yet. Anyway you will get better ones than that one.

So Herb expects to go to the prairie. That is big wages, and he should take advantage of it. How is the Motor Cycle coming on. I hope it isn't in the Garage half the time. He would sure be able to enjoy himself.

Tell him not to get too ambitious about getting in the Flying Corps, he is doing just as much where he is.

I would sure like to get a feed of cherries, but its out of the question.

Well Mother. I feel like an old soldier, and am getting fairly well aquainted, but about the time you are known, you get shifted. Fat is in the same Batt. and I see him quite often.

I think I told you Harry Oltz is in the Batt. Stanley Crowder expects to be over here soon.

You can tell pretty well Mother by the papers how things are with me. Any mention of the Canadians will include me.

I forgot all about my taxes. I wish you would look after them, and I'll see about getting the money for the taxes on the lot and store. I hear they have got up something feirce. Uncle Jim says his has gone up from $17 to $31. But I suppose all products have gone up too.

Well Mother I must close now. Hoping you are all well with Love to all.

Your Loving Son, Jim
 
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Sept. 24, 1918  /  France (last letter)
My Dear Mother and all:

I received two letters from you today, one dated 1st Aug. and one the 16th. The reason these were late was because you forgot to put 7th Batt. on them. My full add. now is 7th Batt. 15 platoon so I will be sure to get letters thru sooner.

It seems quite a while since I left Hospital, and I have seen quite a lot since then, and at the present time I am in the best of health.

I had a fine letter from Uncle Jim the other day. I don't think it will be very long till he will be back in Vancouver again. He expects to quit Ford's. He says Uncle Ephy's crop was a failure.

The Family Heralds you speak of have not arrived, but we blame it on the P.O. strike which effected mail here. I expect some parcels any time now. I like to get them when I am in the line. I think I told you about getting one of your parcels with a cake and a pair of sox, also some cookies. The wrapping you put on had been re-packed. Mary and Ethel has sent quite a few and appreciate their kindness very much.

I never dreamt Herb would get tired of the Bike so soon. I suppose he wants a car.

I would have liked to had a couple of days at home right now when the fruit is in. When we are out of the line we can sometimes get vegetables and fruit but only canned.

Well Mother, I will drop you a card in a few days, and will write you a letter when I get time. Don't you worry about me, no news is good news. Even if I become a casualty you will hear right off. So Bye Bye for this time. Love to All.

Your Loving Son

Jim