Letters to Miss Jeanne Reid
17 Stanley Ave, Chatham, Ontario, Canada
Witley, September 4, 1918
My Dear Friend Jean,
Have been going to write for some time, so here goes. I can scarcely realize I am so far away from all my friends and as I am among all Canadians, it is not too bad. I left Toronto first part of June and spent most of month on water arriving here last of month.
We were in Frensham Pond, a segregation camp, for two months and I liked it there fine as it was a real pretty spot.
We got six days leave on the first of August and spent most of the time in Scotland. Were in London just a day. Took train at night for Edinburgh arriving there at 4:46 am. Unable to get any accommodation in the Hotel there so we left same night for Glasgow.
We remained in Glasgow for three days and had a real good time as four of us Boys were together. The last day we spent in London. Took in St. Paul’s Cathedral, a show and had a chicken dinner.
In Edinburgh we were through castle was going to go to Forth Bridge but our time would not allow.
In Glasgow we were up the Clyde, passed the ship yards and it was a fine trip and surprising how many ships are being built. We took in the Loch Lammond trip and went up the Loch in a boat. The scenery was grand but was cloudy day and could not get snaps. We were through Botanic Gardens also, Iware Park.
In London we took bus past War Office, Parliament Building, Westminster Abbey, Leicester and Trafalgar Squares, over Westminster Bridge and along the Thames.
The people in Scotland certainly used us fine – more so than the people here and believe me when I get next leave will go there again. And the eating is better there than here and the porridge was great. I have been here in this camp a little over a week. Most all kinds of Boys I know and feel at home; only get a little tired of the drill. The same old thing all the time.
Well Jean, how are you and do you ever get to Toronto to see Ethel and Byron? Wait until I return and we will arrange a trip there. And I do believe we would have some time.
How is Chatham? I am taking the liberty of writing hoping it may be alright as I do not think you would get married without consulting me.
Are you still in same position? I often thought of looking over your city but never could get away. We get up at 6 o’clock and is I believe a little early. We have to answer roll call at 9:30 pm so do not get much sleep.
We have a large mess room – seats about 300 and have three sittings in our Battery alone. The food comes on Tables from end and the fellows at lower end who get the small share are called the Belgiums. We have a half holiday Wednesday and Saturdays and that shortens the week. How is Eve Pain? I believe you told me she was to be married.
The War now has been very good lately and hope it may continue.
I have to take a course in driving and expect it will be some time before I go to France.
I would be delighted to hear from you as getting letters is one of the greatest pleasures we have.
Hoping you are enjoying the best of health.
Remain Yours,
E.V. Grassie
Driver E.V.G. 338464
Witley Camp
Surrey, England
C.P.A.
A Battery
