NANAIMO SOLDIERS WRITE FROM FRONT
Henry Brown, with the 15th battalion, writes to his Aunt Mrs. Mace from the front, the letter being dated May 10. The Jimmy referred to is the writer's brother, J.M. Brown, since reported killed in action. The letter follows:
"I received your letter on the 14th and was very glad to hear from you. I like England all right, but if I come through the war, Nanaimo is for me. Archie is quite well but it is a pretty hard job to get him to write. I have been trying to find out who are left in the Seventh Battalion as they are billeted about four miles from here, and I cannot get off to see them. I expect you got my letter just after mailing yours telling about our London trip. I received some papers about two weeks ago which I thank you very much for. Jimmy is now with the 16th Battalion and I am in the 15th Battalion or 48th Highlanders of Toronto. I expect that you will be rather surprised to hear that we are going to wear kilts now. We are billeted here in a big barn and considering how near we are to the firing line we are very comfortable. I think that the Allies are doing very good, although we hear very little news and have to be very careful as to what we say. I saw Jimmy the first day we arrived here and he says he saw Percy who is driving a transport. I have not been able to find anything of the Nanaimo boys or Albert yet. This is a most beautiful farming country where we are, and it is hard to think there is a war on at times. Please excuse my writing as I received seven letters, that I am trying to answer while I have a chance as we may be moving at any time. Well last year I never thought I would see England, let alone France, and here we are billeted in France. I am keeping fine, but I am not as cheerful at times as I might be but still I cannot help that. We are having beautiful weather just now. We can hear the big guns in the distance and in the evening the sky is lit up every now and then with these star lights. I think this is all the news for this time. Remember me to all and give them my love, Henry."
