From Pt Buckley. 55154
"A" Co 19th Battn 4th Brigade
CEF. Sandling Camp.
Aug 29/15

Dear John

So you're back in Toronto, in all the heat and bustle, trying to catch up with correspondence in the office, and giving May h-ll between times.

Those days in the office seem like a dream to me now, just as these days will seem, if I ever get back in civilian life again.

I suppose you miss the motor boat and Loon lake etc very much, but doubtless your vacation has filled you full of 'pep' and new enthusiasm for another strenuous and successful year in the good old Sun Life.

How is the back lawn looking? I can see it now with the birds splashing around the hose. I suppose the grapes will soon be ripe too.

How is the car looking? England is the place to motor in. Beautiful smooth roads though quite hilly in Kent, I guess you will be paying a few fines for speeding on the Kingston Road before the wife gets back eh?

Our training as laid down by the Imperial regulations has been finished and the last few days we have been getting fitted out with new stuff, so that we will be in good shape as regards equipment etc when the word comes for us to join in the fun in Flanders.

We expect to leave sometime in Sept, probably about the 15th. We are all well and in good spirits, and our only hope is that we will live up to the reputation that Britains soldiers enjoy. That is, do your duty bravely, no matter what odds, and damn the consequences.

I'll be broken hearted if anything should occur to make me physically unfit now, even though I know I'll need a change of underwear the first time I hear a shell burst.

I saw Bert Wickens about a month ago, and young Brown the other day. He only came over about a week ago and looks well.

Remember me to each and all of the Sun Life bunch, and also Rev Mr Brown, Mr Goodman and the other friends at the church. Also give my love to Annie L Martin.

John & Jack are in fine trim and send their best.

Please excuse this writing. A bunch of the boys are playing poker at my elbow and the table is shaking something fierce.

Good luck old man, and if you pray for us at all, dont pray so much that we will come back, as that we will do our duty bravely and that we never fail our country or comrades no matter what the odds. In my mind, a death with the knowledge of a duty well done is better than a long life with the recollections that a comrade or cause was lost owing to lack of courage or resourcefulness on my part. With Gods help I intend to do my bit.

With all good wishes for your good health and prosperity I remain

Affectionately yours
Douglas. G. Buckley