Easter Sunday. 1917

Dear Mr Irwin:- Your letter of March. 15th reached me yesterday. was pleased to hear from you, and that my last reached you O.K. although I was afraid of the time it would be unsuccessful.-

We have been in camp for the past couple of weeks and would have had enjoyed ourselves only for the weather which has been very bad.- Rain, snow sleet. Wind, sunshine, all mixed up together. By this time you will have had read all about the deaths of the Canadians.- All the Boys are fine- Jack Rothwell and Arthur Sewing have put up one stripe. Milleuty and Rempl are by this time like veterans. News continue to come in of the German retreat and we hope to keep them moving until they reached the Rhine. I just forget the events leading up the Van-Taylor affair, but shall get full account in the Register – You still have some Staekers left. It a pity – Men will be very much needed this Summer, and it will take every available man to keep the 4 or 5 Divisions of Canadians up to strength. J.B. Garhier I hear is home without seeing the front. He has missed a lot of experience and has not seen actual conditions out here. Congratulations to Berther Elliott. A fine girl.-Edward Sergen a lucky Boy secured a prize allright. Here my hand to Karl and the rest of the new recruits. Remember me to all. Mrs Irwin and family and members of the Methodist Church.

Yours sincerely

W.J. Stares.