July. 12th 1916

59907. Scout W.J. Stares

21st Can. Battalion

2nd C.E.F. 4th Brigade

B.E.F. France

Dr. Mr. Irwin. Received your welcome letter a few days ago, and was pleased to hear from you. We are at present in the Rest camp after spending 18 days in the line. You will see by the papers that is has been very active around Ypres in which the Canadians regained all lost ground.- Had a chat with Murphy and spoke of the incident after the end of the meeting, he claims that he writes home very often, but some how his people do not get his letters – He is well – the weather is fine, and the country looks splendid, crope[?] the best I have ever seen, they certainly can grow grain out here. – Splendid news continue to come from the different fronts, and it may be “the beginning of the End”. We all hope it is.- the Norwood Boys are fit. – A. Rettridge has been promoted to Sergeant and is doing well.- Nothing very important to tell while here in camp. Physical exercise and Bayonett practice fills up the morning. the rest of the day we are free and engage in sports. Last Friday the 4th Brigade held a Horse Show and the 21st carried away a few of the prizes- Chappel, a lad who enlisted and was discharged at Kingston as unfit- the same time as we were there.- has arrived in this section of the country. he joined the C.M.R’s afterwards he has made enquiries after me. I have not yet seen him.- I suppose you people in Norwood are thinking about going to the “Walk” to-day, we are going to the Walk ourselves. (Route March) I intended to fix W. Sharkey’s grave up, but I could not manage to get away – his grave is some distance from here. (7 or 8 miles) perhaps I may have better luck next time,- I think I have come to the end of my news for this time

Wishing to be remembered to all. will conclude.

Yours Sincerely

W.J.Stares