#115,884
Pte H. Fielder
10th Can Inf Brigade
H.Q.
B.E.F France
Sunday
10/9/16
My Dearest Agda
Was so glad to hear from you again. Your’s of the 14th all arrived yesterday I am hoping now that mail will arrive more regularly, for there certainly seems to have been something wrong. Doesn’t there. Well, I am here at last, ‘Somewhere’ in France. and am perfectly well and fit. I like this place very well, but not quite as well as England.
The climate, however is fierce, it seems to be raining quite two-thirds of the time, and the winter, I hear is even worse. I guess I shall be wallowing in mud, and slosh, while you are having joy rides in a tobaggan and I shall be slipping sideways in the road, when you are doing fancy stunts on the skating rink. But we should worry, just won’t until I hit little old Winnipeg again.
I wouldn’t quite know what to do if I suddenly found myself in the “Aleo”. Just now I generally, eat my dinner in a disused pigsty, or empty dog kennel or some other similar place All this, does not affect my appetite however. I believe I could enjoy my bully & biscuit, even on a dead German, providing I could sit comfortably on him.
There are all kinds of Winnipeg boys here, rather the papers come in, and your letters, it really does not seem to be so far away. I don’t think the war can last very much longer. Do you? The Germans, must surely be on their last legs, and when our boys get really busy, I guess Fritz has an awful time.
I am so glad to learn that you are quite well again, but you must look after yourself Kid; I’ve quite some thought that I would know you again under any circumstance. You mustn’t think that I have such a poor memory. The betting is that you wouldn’t be able to pick me out of a bunch. Just wait and see.
The last time you saw me, I was wearing a brand new uniform; am wearing it yet, but alas, it is worn and torn & patched up beyond recognition.
Have made some brave attempt & pricked my fingers something fierce, in trying to join parts together but next morning, after ten minutes of wear, I realize that all my labours have been fruitles. I shall have to come to you for lessons, for I know that you would teach me.
I must rush off right now to eat, for it is very important to get to the cookhouse early, otherwise there may be nothing left. I am learning fast, som of the most essential points in a soldiers routine. Will continue just as soon as I’m through if you are not already wearied too much.
Well, Dearet, it is now after supper time. Have had a visit to the trenchs since commencing this scribble. I have now eaten, washed got my fire going alright, and feel at peace with all the world. and am ready for my couch any old time, some bed too, by the way, made of two by fours, reinforced with chicken wire and sacking, these ideas will prove useful when I start ranching, but that, at present, seems a far off proposition.
I often wonder, where I shall be in say, a year’s time, I guess at the finish of the war, I shall be just one lost boy among the thousands the uncertainty of the thing makes it interesting. The people at home are very anxious for me to stay here for keeps, but I do not think that will happen, although of course, I would like very much to stay for a while. Well, Little Girl, I guess I will quit. I will be delighted with your next letter for which I am longing right now. So bye-bye Dearest
I remain
Yours as Ever
Harry
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