Letter from Alex Cadman
The following letter from Alex Cadman, now in the trenches at the front, is most interesting, and we are pleased to have received it. Mr. Cadman was a member of New Liskeard's champion foot ball team of several years ago, and for some years past has been considered one of Cobalt's premier players. He is a strong robust young man and will certainly give a good account of himself if he can get within bayonet reach of the Hun. Relatives and friends are urged to send us copies of the letters they receive from the "boys". Original letters will be safely returned, and all personal items carefully omitted.
From the Trenches
30-10-15.
My dear Mother:-
You have no idea how I look forward to your letters coming, also May's. It cheers one up hearing from home, a place one has in his mind all the time. I have not heard from George for two weeks or more but I know he is well as I see a number of his chums often. We heard the other week he was in a charge, and came through without a scratch. It is great satisfaction sticking those Germans, and hearing them shouting "Peace Peace"! The prisoners who were captured at the battle of Loose, tell how the Germans fear the British and how they would have been victorious long ago had it not been for them. They also say they cannot last much longer because of the shortage of food, men and ammunition, and now that the Russians are checking the German offensive along the whole front, and getting on the offensive themselves and very successful with it, they find it impossible to check our gallant ally. The great French advance in Champagne has put the cap on every thing.
There is much talk of our going to Serbia soon to help our gallant defenders who are fighting against great odds. I rather like the idea, it will be much warmer in two respects, warmer in fighting, and warmer in weather. The weather here is awful, rain and very cold. As for mud it has Liskeard, Haileybury and Cobalt beaten hollow. I wish I had something to keep my feet dry. The boots we get are no good to keep out the wet. Tell Leo to send me a pair of high topped shoe packs, they would be just the thing.
Every thing has been very quiet here. Have not seen a German to shoot for days. Their artillery give us a hot time every evening about five o'clock but ours soon put a stop to their nonsense.
What do you think of the murder of Miss Cavell, who died for her country? In one sense it is the best thing that ever happened for recruiting campaign and has set our blood boiling. God pity the Germans when we get in close quarters. From now on we have to keep Miss Cavell's name in our minds and avenge the savage murder of a noble women.
I think it will be safe to tell you where we are - no doubt you have heard of the battle of Deckie Bush - where the brave 48th Highlanders slaughtered the enemy and captured Ypres. We went over the field where it was fought. It was dreadful to see all the fine farm houses wrecked, dead cows, horses, sheep and pigs, and more dreadful still the bones of our comrades who have fallen. Gen. John Sherman was quite right when he said "War is Hell." Now Mother I am not writing you this sort of stuff to make you worry. Now that the winter is here, and if we do not go to Serbia, everything will be stopped until spring.
I could tell you a lot about Belgium. It must have been a lovely place before the war, the driveways are all shaded with large tree for miles. One thing I find, they are very far behind the times, especially in farming. Everything is done by hand. They evidently have not yet met Messrs. Massey-Harris. It will never be a country until they do.
Your Affectionate Son,
Alex.
P.S.- Have just jumped out of dugout to see a great battle in the air. Mr. German came smashing to the ground. We are going over to see the wreck. It has not taken Britain long to rule the Air as well as the Waves. She cannot be beaten no matter what her enemies do.
A. B. C.
