BX September 27, 1918

Gasses, was Shelled on Way to Ambulance – Signaller Wilson Duncan Fitzpatrick was Picked up Unconscious – Is Doing Well

Manchester
September 9, 1918

Dear Dad:

I suppose you will have received word from Ottawa that I am a casualty. Don't worry because it is nothing serious, and I am getting on OK.

You will have read about the big attack when the Canadians broke thorough the line. Well, the day before that, on September 2, I got mine. We went over the top at 5 in the morning and advanced about 1000 yards under terribly heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. When we reached our objective we had only shell holes to jump into and they were filled with gas. I was never so miserable in my life. The Germans were on three sides of us and shells and machine-gun bullets were coming from all directions. Believe me it was a warm spot. About 2 o'clock old Fritz tried a counter attack but was driven back, and our troops advanced 100 yards. It was while this attack was on I was gassed. Just after it started one of the signallers who was with me was shot in the head. Along with three other fellows. I started with the wounded chap for a dressing station. We had not been going 15 minutes when a high velocity shell landed some place near and that was all I knew until I woke up at No. 2 Canadian Field Ambulance. It appears that two of the fellows were killed; the injured chap, the other and I wounded and gassed. I don't know how badly the others were hurt as I haven't seen them since. Can you believe it, I had both boots torn off and lay in a shell hole unconscious until 9 o'clock the next day. This gas is awful stuff. My head was running round like a whirlwind, my throat and nose raw, and my chest felt as though someone was sitting on it. Never mind, I'm away now so why worry? 

By the way, Dad, I got several souvenirs from a Heine and will send them to you in short order, as soon as I get out - a silver watch, and wallet containing about 15 marks in paper, and 100 pfennings in coins; also belt buckles, buttons, etc. Believe me; I cleaned him out at the point of the bayonet.

I saw Capt. Digby from Brantford at the casualty clearing station. Well I must close now as it is just supper time (bread, butter, cheese, and tea).

Wilson Duncan Fitzpatrick