Duff & Morrison Collection
“By that time we will be figuring on striking camp and pulling out for “Somewhere in France” or the Dardonelles…” Lou Duff, England 21 Aug 1915
28th (North West) Battalion,
2nd Canadian Division
Otterpool Camp, Kent
21st Aug 1915
Dear Aunt Lily,
Received your letter, also John’s enclosure and snap of Jean and her little playmate. There is sure a big improvement in the lad since I saw him in Moose Jaw, he will be just fine company for Jean. Well I have sure had some seige with my ankles, exactly one month in the hospital. I arrived back in Camp on the 1st of Aug with my ankle anything but strong so I got a 10 days sick leave and went up to London for a “quiet time”. Well it is certainly a wonderful old city and although I was handicapped with a bad ankle I managed to see a good many interesting places, such as Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Crystal Palace, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Church, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, etc., etc. The wax figure exhibit, etc., etc. Too numerous to name in fact. So you see I didn’t have my quiet time. I arrived back in camp a week ago but have not gone on parade yet, my ankle is pretty weak yet. I expect to be on light duty around camp for the next week or so. By that time we will be figuring on striking camp and pulling out for “Somewhere in France” or the Dardonelles. The first week in Sept. is when we expect to move. Will close for “the noo”, hoping you are all well and you get the crops in safely. Had a card from Cecil saying he is away west again.
With love to all,
Your nephew,
Louis
• 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