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Duff & Morrison Collection

"After being 10 days in the trenches they had two days rest, and they had their first bath, and some swim it was, he said, each man had a tub with about 4 or 5 inches of hot water...." Rosa Duff, Toronto Oct 24, 1915

211 Fern Ave,
Toronto
Oct 24, 1915

Dear Lily,

Received your letter long ago but as usual put off writing.

Well, Alex gave me the price and I went to the Provincial Convention (W.C.T.U.) at Ottawa last week. Rosamond was there also. Before going I had a letter from Lou saying on account of the condition of his ankle, which he hurt taking part in the Dominion day sports, he was afraid he would not get away with the 28th, but the Colonel got him a position on the orderly staff and he thought it would be two months before he would be able to get in the fighting line; naturally I was not sorry and felt satisfied when I was away he was all right.

But when I came home there were three letters waiting for me and a field card and he has been in the trenches for some time, their last march to the trenches was in a down pour of rain, they were soon soaked to the skin. After being 10 days in the trenches they had two days rest, and they had their first bath, and some swim it was, he said, each man had a tub with about 4 or 5 inches of hot water. However, it refreshed them some and a change of clothing made them feel much better. He is in good health and has a good appetite, they get plenty to eat. Bacon, bread & tea for breakfast, a mulligan (Meat, potatoes & onions stewed up) bread & tea for dinner, Bully beef (canned meat), bread, tea, cheese & jam for tea. While in France they only receive 2 francs, equal to 40 cents of our money. The rest is credited to them in the pay office and can be drawn when they return or have been wounded. I asked Lou if they ever saw any of the Red Cross socks. The 28th have yet to see the first pair come their way, he could not speak for any other Battalion. When they left Shorncliffe they could only take two pair of socks, so he said a pair now and again would not go amiss. I finished a pair I had on the way and Mrs. Isaac had sent me a pair for Lou and I got three pair from our W.C.T.U. and mailed at once along with some Chicklets, Oxo, biscuits, soap and shaving stick. I told him to pass some on if he had more than he needed.

Well, Lily, there is no need to tell you how I feel, every time the phone rings I am in dread of a message from Ottawa, and God only knows how we are going to live through these times. I can only pray & trust & wait.

We are all well. Lovingly

Rosa

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These letters were genereously submitted by Lilian Ione Heselton and they are copyright to Lil. They may not be used without written permission of the submitter.

These letters span the years 1914 to 1918, and were written to Lily (Richey) and John Morrison at Yellow Grass, Sask., and their little 4 - 8 year old daughter, Jean (in later years called by Reché). Their hired girl was Lena.

Duff & Morrison Collection

"After being 10 days in the trenches they had two days rest, and they had their first bath, and some swim it was, he said, each man had a tub with about 4 or 5 inches of hot water...." Rosa Duff, Toronto Oct 24, 1915

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