-17- seems to have measles. All we "Veterans" have a species of German measles, the principal symptom of which, is a strong dislike for shell and machine gun fire. I have found out a few more things about our battle, and am still marveling that any of us are here. For instance, on the night of the 25th, when a few of us were up with some Regulars, the Regts, on our right, and left, retired, leaving us entirely in the air, with no friends within three quarters of a mile; but a thick fog came up, and we staggered back, without firing a shot. Tell Vi to have a Terryscription (ice cream) for me when the weather gets warm.

Letter from Sergt. Major Mc Illree. 7th Battalion. May 29th.

Well, once more, we are merely a shattered remnant of our former selves, and jumpier than ever; in fact the whole Division, is sorry for itself. When I last wrote, we were about ten miles from the firing line, and the next day we moved nearer, with we (Q.Ms.) in front to find billets. Everything was jamed with troops, so my Company wished themselves on an Ammunition Column, who proved most hospitable. That evening we went on another billeting party, nearer the line, where we wandered for hours, finding everything full of troops, about a Battalion to every farm, which gave you a feeling of security at least. Finally we gave it up, and sat down in the rain, to await the coming of the Battalion, which failed to appear, and one of our mounted scouts discovered it where we had left it, and with no intention of moving. I passed the night, on a manure heap with five horses, and was lulled to sleep by a 9.2 close by. Next

BC Archives, MS-1901 / Box 1/ File 10

RUSSELL, Alma M., 1873-1964. Victoria; librarian. Selected letters from Sergeant John Raymond McIllree, 1915.