59907. Lce. Corp. W.J. Stares.

6th Can. Reserve Batt.

B. Coy

Seaford. Sussex

Sept 8th 1917.

Dear Mr. Irwin:

Your letter reached me yesterday and I was delighted to receive same.- Your review of the outing at Kash I follow with interest. How I would like to be one of the party on those expeditions I would be at home especially sleeping on a Rock, I am so use to lying on the ground, the first few nights in Hospital I could hardly sleep, very uncomfortable it seemed between sheets, but I soon got to use to it, and now it goes hard sleeping on 3 boards.- I am afraid you do not keep to Military rules allowing singing to go on after “Lights out” still I suppose like us Boys here, we break out occasionally. Scouting to me is the finest thing and Boy could be, it certainly make a man of any one. The weather here has been awfull done nothing but Rain for the last month. I can just picture the boys in Flanders, paddling through the slime.- Knee deep, I have been through it.- The Canadians have had a hard time just lately around Lens, but I do not see any names on the Causilty List so I take it that the Norwood Boys are safe.- No news is Good news. I met Capt. Thompson a couple of weeks ago and had a chat. He has since then gone to France, and to the 21st Battalion. He felt Keene on going, and was pleased that he was going to a good Battalion.

All the Rest of the Boys in Camp are fine Yesterday evening spent the night with Pond, and tonight with Walker (Gideon). I took a course in Map-reading and Topography and passed with full honors. Congratulated by the Colonel.- chance of a Staff job here.- I am feeling fine just now, at times I take bad spells, suppose it is the “Gass” effects, staying with me.- News rather scarce, so will close for this time. Wishing to be remembered to all the Kind Friends.

Yours Sincerely

W.J. Stares.