Alma Russell Letters
Letters of British Columbia men on active service with Canadian and British Expeditionary Forces, 1914-1918. Learn more.
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It was funny on Friday evening a rather pathetic little man told me how he longed to be sent up the line again, that another day like that would kill him and that the only place where he got any peace and quietness in the Army was in the front line trenches.
That beautiful Sam is coming to inspect us next week, why don't you keep him at home, and as is usual at such times everyone has gone clean off their heads. They suddenly got the idea that the tents were not in line so this Sunday afternoon they told us to strike them and pitch them again. No one knew how or why or where, and as the officers carefully kept out of the way the muddle was awful. Now, at seven o'clock on a Sunday evening half the tents in this great camp are down and the other will all have to be moved again. It is a wonder with such splendid methods that we have not won the war long ago. I am not worrying any as some time ago we decided to spend the night out on the grass.
It is wretched not to get any mail, I do so want to learn what you are all doing and if you reminded the Duke that he met your brother in Ottawa. Sister Lizzie, I know, will be frantic, though I write her two or three times a week. I asked her to get the wedding present for me and I know she must be wanting to ask me all sorts of questions about it.
The food here is ample, wholesome and monotonous. For eight days it has never varied, bacon and beans, bread and cheese and stew and bread are our breakfast, dinner and supper. How I loathe that stew. We all go to the canteen for supper when we can afford it but the prices are fearfully high.
Good bye - I must send a line to Sister Lizzie now. I am in the best of health and trust you are all the same. I am wondering what you have done with Billycan and Billycant.
With fondest love to all and much of the same to yourself dear old girl - I remain - Your loving brother - Cecil.
BC Archives, MS-1901 Box 1 File 19 RUSSELL, Alma M., 1873 – 1964. Victoria; librarian. Letters from Cecil Harrow Unwin, 1916-1917.