Regimental number: 53437 Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1000 – 7 Date of Birth: 04/08/1894 in Essex Co., ON. Son of William Robert Bradley of Bothwell, Kent Co., ON. A freight clerk living at his father’s home. Attestation: 26 October, 1914 at Woodstock, ON. to 18^th Bn. History of Bothwell Book. His enlistment took place on the 26th of October, 1914 at Woodstock, ON to 18th Bn. (History of Bothwell Book\.) 

It was reported in the Bothwell Times on the 3^rd of August, 1916,  that Mr. William Bradley of North Bothwell had received word that his son, Rueben, had been wounded in action. Rueben had seen action in several battles having been in the ‘firing line’ for several months. Details of his wounds were unknown at the time.

The Bothwell Times in November of 1916 printed the following letter from Rueben to his sister while recovering from wounds:

Hut 20, B Div. Convalescent Hospital, Woodcote Park, Epsom, England.

Oct. 16^th 1916.

Dear Sister,

Just a few lines to let you know I am fine hoping this finds you all in the best of health.

Who do you think I had to see yesterday? It was john Caldewood and believe me we sure had a fine time. It was certainly pleasant to see him looking so well, and to talk about old times as he is the first one from home I have met as yet. His camp is only 25 miles from here. He arrived at 10 am, and was with me until 6 p.m. so you can see we had a nice little visit. He expects to be leaving for France soon but if he does not go soon he will be up to see me again in two weeks time.

I received your letter to-day dated Sept. 21^st also one from George and was certainly pleased to hear from both of you.

I suppose you are wondering how I am getting along. Well, as far as my wounds are concerned they are all O.K. now. I still have massage treatment for my leg but I do not need it but I think I will take it for a week or so yet so as to get a good rest.

I expect that in a month’s time I will be getting my discharge from here as fit again for France and the trenches so do not worry about me as I am needed more there than at home yet although I would give all I own to be with you all again for a short while.

I had a little bad spell when you received that letter from nurse still my temperature was from 103 to 106 for ten days and they said I was derlious once and gave them a free concert but I was treated so well I did not feel the pain much. No use talking about the past and to tell the truth they have all been happy days to me.

I suppose you have heard Cousin Fred has been mentioned in dispatches.

Well I will have to close as news is very scarce hoping to hear from you soon.

Love to all.

Rueben.

The front page of the Bothwell Times of 21 December, 1916 had a photo of Pte. Rueban Bradley with the caption “Wounded In Action”. After his wounding in his left side and his convalescents as indicated in the letter above he was returned to the trenches France only to have an abscess brake out in the area of his previous wounds and it was reported that he had been returned to hospital for treatment. BT21/12/16.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

History of Bothwell Book, RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1000 - 7

Birthplace

04/08/1894 in Essex Co., ON.

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