Duff & Morrison Collection
“Katie says Tom is leaving for the front in two weeks…” Rosa Duff, Toronto 10 Feb. 1916
211 Fern Ave.
Toronto
Feb 10/16
Dear Lily,
Just a line to give you all the news we have about Lou, this is the latest cable.
Feb.7th
Further reply your enquiry 24th Jan cable received today from England states, 73017 Sergt. L.R. Duff 28th Batt, Duchess of Connaught Canadian Red Cross Hospital, Taplow. Wounded behind ear; wound and ear discharging profusely, in all probability will be in hospital for two months. This soldier granted a commission as Temporary Lieutenant Jan 9th.
Adjutant General
Quite a lengthy cable, we had been hoping his wound would not be quite as severe, however I am sure I have much to be thankful for and we will keep on praying his wound will heal successfully. He will certainly have all the care possible and his ankle will get a chance to heal at the same time. We are all proud of the promotion, and my first letter after the news was addressed to the Lieut. I am sending them on to the hospital with only 28th Batt, 2nd Canadian Division, and his number.
According to others who have had sons wounded I have been fortunate in the number of letters received. Received one from Capt. MacIntyre from the trenches, he said every one was sorry this had happened to Lou, as he was a great favourite with all ranks, and they were hoping he would be back with them again. While these were not my wishes I was glad to hear him say so for it laid to rest one of my worries. I was so afraid Lou would be blind, of course he could not go back to the trench if he was. I had a letter from the Chaplain, he said Lou’s constitution and bright spirits would go a long way to help him out. I had one from the nurse at No. 2 Clearing Station, where he spent two days; and one from the nurse at Boulogne hospital saying he had a very bad wound in head but was being sent on to England where she hoped he would soon get better; then a letter from a lady visitor at Boulogne hospital, she said Lou was doing very nicely and would like to write, but had to keep absolutely still on his back, but would write as soon as he was able. Now I am looking for news from England. Everyone has been so kind, our phone the first week was in constant use, Jessie staying home to attend to that.
Katie says Tom is leaving for the front in two weeks. Do you know anything about their plans? Katie is so worried about Birdie; they have had no direct word from Tom. Jean heard of from Don who is taking a Lieut. course somewhere down east, no doubt he will be needed if this terrible drive they are talking about takes place. Alex has not enlisted, he is just taking the course at the University.
Must stop and go and get my breakfast.
Much love.
Rosa
• Letter 1: 30 Dec. 1914 Toronto. letter from Louis to his Aunt Lilly
• Letter 2: 9 Jan 1915 letter from Rosa (Lily’s sister and Lou’s mother)to Lilly
• Letter 3: 26 Feb 1915 letter from Jean to her Aunt Lily
• Letter 4 18 Apr. 1915 letter from Tot (Lily’s cousin) to Lily
• Letter 5: 29 June 1915, England. Letter from Louis to his Aunt Lily
• Letter 6: 21 Aug. 1915 England. Letter from Louis to his Aunt Lily
• Letter 7: 24 Oct. 1915 Toronto. Letter from Rosa (Lily’s sister and Lou’s mother)to Lily
• Letter 8: 14 Oct 1915 France. Postcard to Lily from Louis
• Letter 9: 1 Nov. 1915 Toronto. Letter to Lily from Rosa (Lily’s sister and Lou’s mother) enclosing Louis’ lengthy letter of 11 Oct. 1915 in France
• Letter 10: 19 Nov. 1915 Belgium. Letter to Lily from Louis plus enclosure for his niece Jean
• Letter 11: 6 Dec. 1915 Belgium. Letter to Lily from Louis
• Letter 12: 7 Jan. 1916 Toronto. Letter to Lily from Rosa (Lily’s sister and Lou’s mother)expressing her worry over Lou’s silence
• Letter 13: 10 Feb. 1916 Toronto. letter to Lily from Rosa (Lily’s sister and Lou’s mother) with the cable explaining Lou has been wounded and will be in hospital in England two months
• Letter 14: 11 Feb 1916 England. Letter to Lily from Lou about his skull fracture from shrapnel
• Letter 15: 18 Feb. 1916 Toronto. Letter to Lily from Jessie
• Letter 16: 8 Mar. 1916 Winnipeg. Letter to Lily from Cecil Duff, Lou’s brother
• Letter 17: 16 Apr. 1916 Toronto. Letter to Lily from Harry Richey, Lily’s brother