BX December 12, 1916
With 125th Draft in the Front Line – Pte. Gus Hogan Finds Things Not Too Bad in the Trenches – Much Bad Weather
November 23, 1916
Just a few lines as it seems to be the habit now with the boys who are left in England. I am writing this letter in our dugout in the trenches and a few of the boys are helping me out, including Jack Epplett, Stanley Shoebottom and Corp. Whelan, one of the first boys out here. Well, I saw in your paper about a certain fellow in the 125th getting a shave and hair cut in London. I just wish you could see us boys just now, as I have not had a shave since I left billets and we sure are some sights. I suppose you have heard all the news about us leaving England; well, I will try and give you the news since we have been on the firing line. First of all I want to say that there is nothing for the mothers and wives of boys out here to worry about, as it is not half so bad as people think. Of course there is danger, but then that is what we came out here for. I really thought that Fritz was a good shot, but we have him beat by one fellow anyway, and that is Steamboat Hinton from St. Kitts. He sure is some shot. We are about 100 yards from Fritz, but he doesn’t worry us any, as he is beaten to a standstill. It is a wonderful sight to see all the airships out here. I have only seen one of Fritz’s so far, but he did not get over our lines before he was turned back by our guns.
If it were only good weather I don’t think that it would take us long to finish it, but the weather is so bad and so cold at nights that all we do is sit around our fires and read (if we can find anything) or sing some songs. I would like to say that anyone over home who has friends out here – be sure to drop them a line or send them some papers, as it cheers the boys up so much. Well, as it is getting late and Corp. Whelan has picked me out to get the firewood for the night I will have to close for this time.
Hoping old Brantford is not too dead since it went dry and wishing you and all our friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be sure and write soon as I like to hear from all I know. I will close, with the best of luck.
772475, Pte. A.M. (Gus) Hogan
B Co. 4th Batt., Canadians
France