Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 306, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1916 — A LETTER FROM THE WAR ARENA [ARTICLE]

A LETTER FROM THE WAR ARENA

Fred Hamilton In Letter Tells of His Experiences In War Zone; Takes a Trip to Ireland.

Fred H. Hamilton, son of Editor Hamilton, in a letter written to the writer under date of December sth, write* very entertainingly about himself and the conditions that exist in England at this time. Fred joined the Canadian army last April and after three months’ training in that country, left for England. The entire troop with which he left Canada was sent to the French battlefields some time ago, Hamilton being kept behind to do work in a London war office. He has made a great many friends among the officers and his rise in military lines has been rapid. Fred is now employed as a dispatch rider for the Canadian Machine Gun Depot, and is also in charge of the motor vehicles in the camp. He drives a motorcycle with side car attached to carry the officers around in. The Rensselaer soldier was granted a week’s vacation during the holidays, which he is spending in Ireland, but we will let you read the letter from one Who is on the scene of battle of the world’s greatest war: “December sth. “Dear Old Friend Lefty: “This is the last letter you arc going to receive from me until I receive a little line from you and I wish you would write, for I certainly would like to hear the news from the old village of Rensselaer.

“I am now dispatch ricer for the Canadian Machine Cun Depot and also in charge of all the motor vehicles in the camp, which is my machine and two Fords. I am riding a Twin Indian with a side car attachment, which is to carry the officers around, and it certainly is a handy little wagon. I have two drivers under my instruction. Oh, I have a regular job now and hope to go to France this spring as a dispatch rider or as a motor machine gunner. So you see I have good chances for anything I desire. I have been seeing several sights lately in this old country. Every day affords new interest in sights, and I wish you could enjoy this scenery. “I was in London this last week and saw the play of “The Bing Boys,” which is the latest scream in this part of the world, and I wish you could have seen it. I nearly died laughing. I ha ha-ed fearfully and the bleeding Englishman next to me thought i was very rude but, By Joe, I could appreciate the jokes, and they are so slow that they laugh the next day over some of the sayings. They must dream about them to really see the bright side. “We do not get extra good food but we can buy cakes and things cheap over here. Ham and eggs are out of sight and are a rare dish for we poor soldijers. “I guess the English are certainly giving Old Fritz 'his dues on the Somme. Man, it is terrible out there and the boys come back and say that it is the worst they have ever seen, but the Germans are giving up and dam glad to live in this little country until the end of the war. They are sure of getting something to eat. “I am in the 'best of health. Weigh 190 pounds, go to bed every night at 10 bells and get up at 6:30, and really enjoy this life finq. I have, a good chance to get a commission within the next six months and it will be either with the Royal Flying Corps or with the Machine Gun Depot. The Colonel has his eye my way, at least that is what he told me, and is going to do everything he can to help me out. I had a little talk with him today. I am going to send home some war trophies within the next few weeks so you can see them in about a month, for it takes a while for them to make the trip I am also going to send my picture as a dispatch rider. “Let me hear from you in the near future and best regards to all. Yours, FRED H. HAMILTON, 992378. “E” Company. Canadian Machine Gun Depot. Camp Crowborough, England. “P. S> —I am going to Ireland to spend a few days Xmas. I wish you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. |