Date of Letter:
1915/12/27
Summary:
In which G. B. Chisholm offers Arthur Melville Munro advice regarding "Pork's" plans to enlist as a private.
Transcription:
Belgium
Dec 27th/15
Dear Pork -
How goes it? I received a letter from you on Christmas day and took it down for Gug to read. I can't find it now so I guess Gug has it. Say Porky, I 've been hearing some stories about you. By all accounts you have it badly; at least you had a few weeks ago, of course since then you may have changed your mind.
I suppose you're due to become a soldier some of these days. If you can get on as bugler, you ought to do it. It's a good job till you get to the front, then you'll either get a position at Hdqt'rs or as Company orderly. Both fairly soft jobs, - no working parties or fatigues. Of course there are lots of bullets and things though. Pork, I sure think you are doing the right thing in joining as a private. An officer can't be made in a three week's or a three year's course for a war like this. Actual experience is the only thing. Lots of these young officers, who are sent out here to reinforce old battns, while often perfectly able to handle men and good "parade ground" officers are absolutely useless when they get in the trenches. I wonder if it is because they think they could not stand life as a soldier that so many young fellows will not enlist unless they can get commissions. Or do they think they could not withstand the "degrading" influence of men who are at least men?
Forgive this little lecture Pork; it's not at you any way, but when I think of the hundreds of boys in Canada who are wasting the time that should belong to their country in O.T.C. Classes, it gives me a tired feeling. Well Pork, nuff hay down I've nawed sufficiently along that line. I have a peach of a German belt with a "Gott mit uns" on the buckle, that I'd like to send home if I could be sure of it getting there. Just had a look at the last page of this letter; I wonder if you can read it. I verily believe it's even worse writing than usual, which is going some. However, I'm labouring under difficulties so it can't be helped. We are in reserve first now, go in in a couple of days to the front line. I guess there's really no news so I might as well close. My best to the family.
Votre ami vrai
Brock.
Dec 27th/15
Dear Pork -
How goes it? I received a letter from you on Christmas day and took it down for Gug to read. I can't find it now so I guess Gug has it. Say Porky, I 've been hearing some stories about you. By all accounts you have it badly; at least you had a few weeks ago, of course since then you may have changed your mind.
I suppose you're due to become a soldier some of these days. If you can get on as bugler, you ought to do it. It's a good job till you get to the front, then you'll either get a position at Hdqt'rs or as Company orderly. Both fairly soft jobs, - no working parties or fatigues. Of course there are lots of bullets and things though. Pork, I sure think you are doing the right thing in joining as a private. An officer can't be made in a three week's or a three year's course for a war like this. Actual experience is the only thing. Lots of these young officers, who are sent out here to reinforce old battns, while often perfectly able to handle men and good "parade ground" officers are absolutely useless when they get in the trenches. I wonder if it is because they think they could not stand life as a soldier that so many young fellows will not enlist unless they can get commissions. Or do they think they could not withstand the "degrading" influence of men who are at least men?
Forgive this little lecture Pork; it's not at you any way, but when I think of the hundreds of boys in Canada who are wasting the time that should belong to their country in O.T.C. Classes, it gives me a tired feeling. Well Pork, nuff hay down I've nawed sufficiently along that line. I have a peach of a German belt with a "Gott mit uns" on the buckle, that I'd like to send home if I could be sure of it getting there. Just had a look at the last page of this letter; I wonder if you can read it. I verily believe it's even worse writing than usual, which is going some. However, I'm labouring under difficulties so it can't be helped. We are in reserve first now, go in in a couple of days to the front line. I guess there's really no news so I might as well close. My best to the family.
Votre ami vrai
Brock.
Object ID:
2017.22.75
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Gordon Munro Letters, Dec. 27, 1915
Gordon Munro Letters, Dec. 27, 1915
Gordon Munro Letters, Dec. 27, 1915
Gordon Munro Letters, Dec. 27, 1915
Gordon Munro Letters, Dec. 27, 1915
Gordon Munro Letters, Dec. 27, 1915
Gordon Munro Letters, Dec. 27, 1915
Gordon Munro Letters, Dec. 27, 1915