BX April 19, 1916
March 31, 1916
Belgium,
Miss VanNorman,
Brant Chapter, I.O.D.E.
Dear Miss VanNorman,
It is with the greatest pleasure I write these few lines from the trenches on behalf of the O.C. and men of Brantford who are with the 19th Battalion now serving in Flanders, with reference to the many kindnesses and favors which the Brant Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire has been so generous in sending us from time to time since we left the shores of Canada to take our share of the burdens and hardships of our Empire as brave brothers.
It is my intention to convey something of the true appreciation we all feel for the splendid efforts put forth by the members of your chapter of that great order of patriotism, the I.O.D.E.
It is very hard indeed to put into mere words the intense admiration and gratitude with which we look upon the women of our Empire today, for their untiring efforts and self-sacrifice that our lot may be the brighter and more comfortable here, amongst the turmoil and hardships of war. It is with a feeling of deeper pride, if that were possible, we look and think across the great space that divides us from Brantford and all it means to us, that great distance which is shortened so much by the thoughtfulness of the women of Brantford. It is this very thing which gives us the strength, the courage, to face our responsibilities in their fullness.
One cannot say very much of the life here, for it is too long a story and much better accounts can be read in the papers. As to the progress of the war, it is almost remarkable the quiet confidence with which our armies are waiting a day when the tide of battle turns and all our energies are concentrated upon the humiliation of our enemies – the enemies of civilization – for it was never truer than now that we will not countenance peace at all until Belgium has been more than revenged for the unspeakable atrocities her brave people have suffered and the wild desolation, that has been wrought in her lands. Not till Serbia and Poland are again relieved from the despotism under which they are now suffering can we think of returning home, and in conclusion I would just like to say that we do think of home very often.
Thanking you again for your great kindness, on behalf of the Brantford men in the 19th Battalion, I am.
Yours very truly,
A. Speechly