Thomas Frederick Best

Rank:

Captain

Unit at enlistment:

Y.M.C.A.

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Chatham-Kent

Birth city:

Chatham Township, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

16 Spadina Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario

Next of kin address:

16 Spadina Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Y.M.C.A. Secretary

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

Letters home

BX September 5, 1914

Y.M.C.A. Work At Valcartier – Interesting Letter From T.F. Best, in Charge of Work With Contingent

An interesting account of the work of the Y.M.C.A. at Valcartier Camp, where the institution is aiding the soldiers to keep in good shape, is given in a letter received by Miss Mary Best, General Secretary of the local Y.W.C.A., from her uncle, T.F. Best, formerly secretary of the Brantford Y.M.C.A. who though stationed at Hamilton, went to Valcartier with the First Contingent. The letter is as follows:

Could you imagine a camp seven miles long and three miles wide, with white tents so thick as to make the whole surface of the earth appear to be covered with snow blown up in mounds? It is a wonderful sight to me, and I have seen many camps before. Our outfit comprises 12 tents and marquees. We cover a space 200 feet square. Four men attend the post office, selling stamps and giving out free 12,000 sheets of this good paper and envelopes in one day. They also sell pencils, pens, pads, booklets, postal cards, etc., and have accommodation for one hundred men writing letters at once. The large canteen tent 40 ft x 80 ft., has a counter all round, with goods in the centre; 12 men busy waiting on soldiers, serving ice cream, soft drinks, fruit, candy, candles, towels, handkerchiefs, etc. This business amounts to over $1000 per day. We also have a barber shop, marquee, storage tents, and tents for sleeping; field service tent for moving picture operator and machine, a large tent for meetings. We have a staff of 22 men and five more are coming. We could use as many more in this work.

Everybody is kindness itself, and the work is decidedly popular. Camp fire song services and religious meetings are held every night in two or three places at once. Seven open services were held on Sunday, one being attended by over 1500 men while at any one time between 7 and 9 p.m. over 3000 men could be counted in and around our tents, others coming and going.

When do we go overseas? I don’t know? How long will we be here? Don’t know? I’m ready for anything. My health has been the best, this roughing it style of life agrees with me. I’m glad and thankful for your prayers – Heaven’s choice gifts.