1915/11/09

In which Gordon Munro has returned to the front from a 10 day bombing course. Mention is made of fellow soldiers from home stationed where the bomb school was located. Also included is description of current weather conditions, accommodations, and a dream Gordon had the previous night.

Belgium Nov. 9/15

Dear Mother, -

I just got back to the company last night, after a 10 day bomb throwing course. It was quite a pleasant change but rather monotonous. I got through all right without killing anyone. I had a letter from you & Father & Pork while I was there & also Mary Marlatt & am just answering them now. We have had fine weather for a few days but it looks as if more rain was on the way for our next trip in the trenches.

One night when I was at the Grenade school I took a hike around to our old billets. The mud was about 1 ½ ft. deep or more. When I got there I found out Kenneth's Regiment was there & I was passing a hut & there he was in the midst of packing boxes & equipments, eating some of Tommy Tickler's jam etc. of course I immediately beat it in to welcome him to our humble home. We had a few minutes conversat. & then I had to beat it. He said Lieut. McKay & Lightbourne were in the next hut, but as there was a big puddle & it was late I didnt go in. Major Snyder was with him. He (Kenneth) was certainly looking well.

I went up to see Brock last night. He is in a big hut on the slope of a hill. Our company is in a big barn. The barn is just the same as a hotel, I dont think. you come in at the bottom door & then up a ladder then that is the first story, then up another ladder then up another & there is our platoon. Oh its fine. We get all the smoke etc from below. In short; as Wilkins McCawber has it, we are occupying a very exalted position at present. The roof is the sad part of our abode, some of the tiles are off & the wind blows through them at night & makes funny noises. Although I have never heard it, I imagine the sounds are like Germans sticking their saw bayonets through people & it makes me dream. I slept last night with a German on my chest. he was just going to finish me off when luckily I woke & he could'nt.

Well I guess I'll talk about some more weather for awhile. The leaves are falling now on account of the heavy rains & frost lately & the country looks bare. but "Spring is cubbing" so we should worry. Its getting on towards Xmas & I should get a pass about a month after but am not building on it for some time yet. When I get in London things will sure be lively.

Its getting on towards dinner time which is something I cant miss no what matter what is on. I forgot to say I had a wash & shave early this morning, quite an event, & nearly froze in the attempt. I nearly croaked myself when Brock said they were'nt sending him a Trinity sweater because of the colors, but can understand Mrs Chisholm thinking the colors too bright. The idea is to have something brilliant to wear when out of the trenches. While we are in the trenches we always wear our coats over our sweaters.

Well I guess I must close for now. with love to all.

"Remains of a fallen Tower"

Gordon

2017.22.70