BX October 14, 1915

Exciting Time In The Trenches – Gunner Shoebottom recalls Some Interesting Experiences – Artillery Did Great Work

Under date of Sept. 27, Gunner William C. Shoebottom, in a letter to his sister, Mrs. J. Halloran, Baldwin Avenue, says in part:
 
September 27, 1915
 
You will be wondering why I have not written, but we have just come through a very trying time, and I have not had the opportunity to sit down and write.

The brigade of artillery I am connected with was moved up here for the last fight, and we are the only Canadians in this part. We put one of our guns in the first line trench, and got off over a hundred rounds before it became too hot for us, when we took it out under cover of darkness.

Each artillery brigade put a gun in, and all the English gun crews were put under. We were very lucky, however, and did not have a casualty. We also took three lines of trenches from the Germans. It was an awful sight. There has been a general advance all along the line, and we have made a little headway.

It has been raining since we came up here, and I am plastered with mud, but am mighty glad that gun is out again. It was a dangerous job. They called for volunteers and the whole bunch wanted to go. A shell hit just in front and knocked the entire crew senseless, but everybody came around all right.  You can realize that we are just about worn out by the strain of the thing, as it surely does get your nerves. One can scarcely sleep after it is over, and we have had very little sleep lately. There is no place to get out of the rain, either, but, as the boys say, “What’s the use – you told the sergeant-major you could do it.”

After all, I am glad to say I am O.K., having only a little cold. I think we will move again before long, probably tonight.