Barriefield Camp
Oct. 13/16

Dear Mr. Irwin,

Just a few lines to let you know how I am progressing down here.

At last our unit is ready for overseas and we are about ready to embark.  Everything is in a state of upheaval about the camp here today.  We are nearly all packed up to go.  Unless something happens we will entrain for Halifax tomorrow night at 11 o’clock.  Believe me it is no easy matter to break camp and get everything ready for transportation.  I have had a serious time trying to make my equipment come out even and have failed in some respects.  The officers have some of my compasses and binoculars so I guess they intend keeping them to use going over.

Let me say that I sure like packing up on a day like this.  It rained nearly all night last night and all day today so you can imagine the condition of the grounds around here.  The mud takes you up to the ankles.  But that is nothing for a soldier to hear and I suppose we will have to stand a great deal more of it before we get through.  Still the lads all seem to be happy.  At least I can vouch for my section of course including myself.  I have been over two years now trying to get overseas and if God spares me I guess I will make it this time.

Wishing you and all the family the best of health and success for the ensuing years I remain yours sincerely

A E Wellman

P.S.  Will write from England

A E W