BX January 19, 1916

Local Gunners Second to None – Corporal Sidney Allen, of 13th Battery C.F.A., Tells of Life at the Front – Fine Positions

An interesting letter has been received from Corporal Sidney Allen of the 13th Battery, C.F.A., telling of the work of the gunners who left Brantford on active service, the letter being written to Rev. C.W. Saunders, rector of St. John’s Anglican Church, West Brantford. He takes the opportunity of extending thanks to the women of Canada for their many kindnesses shown in the forwarding of gifts to the men at the front. The letter follows:

December 26, 1915
Belgium

Dear Dean,

Your most welcome letter to hand. I was very pleased to hear from you and I have often thought I would write to you, but as you know, one can’t write when he would like to, and then again they are pretty strict on our letters that you have very little to write about. But still I will write a little and trust the fellow at the other end will go pretty easy with the black pencil. We have had two positions since coming here and we have built two good positions and wagon lines. We just got the first one finished when we had to move, and now we have just finished our second gun position and wagon lines. We have had to build roads into our lines and build stables for our horses. We have the finest wagon lines and gun positions in the division. The general inspected us and complimented us on the work which we have done. We can hold our own in gunnery and construction work.

I am very proud that they are still recruiting good in Brantford, as we need the men and more men. I am also pleased to hear that little St. John’s is doing her full share. I know you must miss the men, but still, you could not miss them for a better cause. I hope you will be able to come away as a chaplain, as you must want to come.

I received a nice letter from Bert Ballantine on behalf of the A.Y.P.A. The parcel has not arrived yet, but will write and let you know as soon as I receive it. You must thank the A.Y.P.A. for thinking of me in such a far-off place here.

We get such a lot of rain here and you should see the mud which we get. The Germans made an attempt with the assistance of gas to break the line, but our gunners are too much for them. It was a failure all the way through. We spent a very enjoyable Christmas. The officers put everything up for us, so that we could have a good time. Each man got a big Santa Claus stocking filled with tobacco, cigarettes, chewing gum, tooth brush and paste, pipe, handkerchief, pair of socks and a nice writing pad from the Women of Canada. We fully appreciate the kindness of the Canadian women. There is not a week goes past without we get some little comfort from them. Well sir, I think I must conclude for this time, as I hope to write more next time. Wishing a happy and prosperous New Year to you and St. John’s Church.

I remain yours sincerely,
Cpl. S. Allen,
13th Battery, 4th Brigade

BX January 26, 1917
 
Men of 13th Battery Get Gifts
 
Mrs. W.C. Livingston, president of the Women’s Patriotic League, has received a letter of thanks from Sergeant Sidney Allen on behalf of the remaining Brantford men in the 13th Battery, for comforts received from the Women’s Patriotic League of this city. In part Sergt. Allen says: 
 
I wrote you in reverence to receiving a parcel of socks, 17 pairs. I was supposed to have received two parcels of socks and five pounds of tobacco. The second parcel arrived two days after I wrote you before, and these will be given to the boys for New Year’s.
 
The following local men are in the 13th Battery:
 
 Sergt. Allen, Sidney
Sergt. Smith, Emmanuel Jesse
Corp. Locke, Frank   
Bdr. Foster, Richard
Bdr. Hoskins, Frederick George
Gnr. Cleaves, Henry
Gnr. Duval, Ezra Claude
Gnr. Grensted, Ernest  
Gnr. Haynes, Edwin
Gnr. Heys, Joseph
Gnr. Keen, Frank
Gnr. Lowe, Frederick
Gnr. Moore, William   
Gnr. Twidale, Harold
Dvr. Brimmer, Frederick
Dvr. Clark, Edwin
Dvr. Currie, Thomas
Dvr. Dyson, George
Dvr. Garner, Benjamin
Dvr. Harvey, Andrew Charles
Dvr. Kirton, Thomas
Dvr. Pinney, Sam
Dvr. Ritchey, Joseph
Dvr. Sanders, Samuel
Dvr. Whiting, Mathew