No. 45.
France 20/12/17.
My Dear Mother,
This letter should really be to Dad, but as yours of Oct 31st only reached me to-day, I will answer it, as well as Dad’s of Nov. 4th.
I could not see why you had not written fully of Father’s condition, but this much delayed letter, partly explains it. A more recent one from Nerta, tells me, that he is again in the hospital in London, but gives me no further information.
I think when you think things out a little more fully you will see with me, that my return is impossible. You over there, have absolutely no idea of what is going on here. I believe that the next six – possibly two months, will see fighting on the Western Front, which will astound the world. Every fit and semi-fit man, is required right here, and that the Canadian 5th Division has not been fitted to strength, and sent over here, is an absolute disgrace to Canada. Now that the new government finds the country behind it, it is up to them to enforce conscription to the last man. You laughed at me in ¼ when I said 100,000 men would be sent overseas in a few months, but they were. Just as surely 500,000 more men will have to come from Canada, if we are to take our share in fighting this war to a successful conclusion. Don’t think that one man does not matter, It is because 500,000 others think this, that we are not holding up our end of it here, now.
Don’t think it is because I am having a good time here, that I do not want to return. If you think going ten days without taking the clothes off your back, that breaking the ice to shave, if you are able to shave at all, that marches of sixteen miles without anything to eat or drink, constitutes a good time, I am having it. Do not think I am complaining tho, because I am very fortunate. There are millions up the line with ten times this to put up with and they don’t complain.
You must sell to your minds to one thing. Unless I become a casualty, or something now unforeseen, suddenly terminates the war, I will not be home for two years. The town to which we were to have gone, has been so heavily bombed, that they have taken the British out of at least one hospital and [CENSORED] … we will likely get a fairly warm place too. Fritz has said he will take the place where I am now writing, and you may rest assured that he will at least make a try for it.
Now there are, under the circumstances, only two courses open to you. The business must either be sold outright, or a partner taken in, and I would suggest Frank Matthews. He could in time take over the entire business. Dad would be there to see that things went on all right, and would not have the responsibility. In any case, consideration of my interests must be left out altogether. If I return helpless, it will be up to the country to look after me. If I return with my health, I am quite capable of looking after myself, and one of the girls. I rejoice that I am not married, or it would be much harder. One thing that must be clearly understood however, whichever course is taken, is that the tools, instruments, books, charts, specimens etc, which are my personal property, are not under any consideration to be disposed of, as long as I am alive.
As to the girls, their education must be completed. If it is necessary, I will support either one of them, as the government would have to give separation allowance in a case of this kind, and I could add to it, to the extent of my assigned pay at least. My bank balance could also be drawn on, as if I do return to nothing, I could get work at once.
It seems most unfair that I should have to stay, while others, much more able to come, than I, are expected and still stay there. I will not try to get leave tho and think it would be quite impossible if I did try.
Now, to change the subject. I am situated in extremely good circumstances for over here, and have not too hard work and plenty to eat and it is good food well cooked.
The staff here is divided into four sections, one section taking a turn at stretcher duty each day. Every one is on, no matter what your regular duty. I am on duty to-day, and we had an evacuation this morning, and I expect the call for a convoy coming in, any minute. Of course we don’t get a convoy every night, but almost. Believe me, they were a happy bunch, going back to Blighty this morning.
Ault’s chief trouble is varicocele and he will be all right when he gets back home.
The time and place of our new home, are still very uncertain as apparently a blunder has been made as usual. However, I hope we will be settled, early in the New Year.
Address all my mail 10th, Can Stn. Hosp, B.E.F., France, as we are under the Imperials now, altogether.
I do hope that Dad is better and able to get thro Christmas all right. Hope the rest are well too.
Your loving son,
Worth.
If at possible, I think the car should be sold now or in the early spring.
W.
Pte WWorth Davis
534709 – 10th. C.A.M.C.
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