59907. Cpl. W. Stares

A. Coy. 6th Can Res. Bn.

Seaford. Sussex.

Jan 13th 1918

Dear Mr. Irwin.

Your letter brought to mind that I owed Karl a letter, which I had neglected to send, I was surprise to know that he was in France, and glad to hear that he has won the “Cross Guns.” It means that he is a crack shot, and can be selected for Sniper duty. It is a very nice job over there, and they look after them very good, do not allow them to go into the Front line, but stay behind in their strong hold, watching, and waiting for every opportunity of getting in a shot. The snipers are fitted, or rather their rifles with Telescopic Sights which makes missing an impossibility, a man, 1000 yds away looks through the sight only 100 yrds and with the cross hairs you can get a fine head- at night you are practically free, and go back to Headquarters where a rest is allways welcome, they say that a Sniper is too valuable a man to lose.-

The result of the Election was How we would like it, so, now we are looking for reinforcements. I hear that you are having a Hard Winter, lot’s of Snow Here is is very mild, Rain, most of time, with a Snow Hurry now and again.

The latest Norwood arrival in Camp is Art McKenty. I had only a few minutes with him, but hope to spend many pleasant evenings with him. He is in the B. 3. class, so he may in time be returning to Canada,

Christmas is over, and I had a “swell” time at Home and a most important task of looking after two young ladies. (Cousins) who has just recently become Homeless through the German Air Raids. For an whole week they kept on the alert, huddled up in cellars along with others, attending to business during the day time, no sleep, and the very night when they thought danger was over, A bomb destroyed their house while in bed. Fortunately the floor they were on, some how they hung on, and they were saved, finding their selves under the bed with the ceiling falling down upon them, they escaped in their night attire to another part of the Town. Needless to say they are very nervous, but they felt allright while I were with them. I think I shall go as a Nerve Specialist after the War, I have such an Embracing way with me. Mother intends to Keep them until after the War, when they will make another Home.-

I am feeling fairly well just now, still doing valuable work. Instructing a bunch of Officers to-morrow on Map reading and Topography.- Scout work in General.- Sorry to hear of so many deaths, Very sad of Mrs. Webster.- As this is my first letter to you in the New Year, I take this opportunity of thanking you for your kindness, and Wishing you All a Happy New Year. I have written to Karl so my conscience is clear once again. Will conclude for this time.

Yours Sincerely

W.J. Stares