These letters (transcribed in full below) are interesting as they represent the perspectives of two of the major demographic groups that enlisted in the 2nd Canadian Contingent in the latter part of 1914 with the 18th Battalion: British and Canadian born soldiers writing their first letters from England after their transit to prepare to fight … Continue reading “They soaked us pretty well…”: Two Perspectives of England
1915
“A proper exciting time…”
This is the first of a 4-part series of the analysis of articles relating to Private Frederick Hodson, who served with the 18th Battalion. 476 days had passed since the enlistment of Private Hodson and the publishing of his letter in the Rushden Echo. Frederick Hodson, a shoemaker from Galt, Ontario, had joined the 18th … Continue reading “A proper exciting time…”
The Battalion in 1914-1915
“As Christmas time approaches…”: Memories of Christmas 1915
18th Battalion Association[i] Windsor and Detroit Branch *MEMORIES[ii]* As Christmas time approaches, do you ever think of the first Christmas Day we spend in Flanders? Two of our Companies were in the front line, the M & N trenches, while the other two companies were in reserve at Ridgewood and Veerstraat[iii] [sic] which were about … Continue reading “As Christmas time approaches…”: Memories of Christmas 1915
“…a consecrated and prophetic religious leader.”: The Reverend (Hon. Captain) Carlisle
18th Battalion Association[i] Windsor and Detroit Branch *MEMORIES[ii]* When our Conventions are held at Windsor and we all parade to All Saints Anglican Church for our annual Memorial Service, it always brings back memories of our fist Chaplain, Captain Arthur Carlisle, who was the Minister at All Saints before and after the First War. Many … Continue reading “…a consecrated and prophetic religious leader.”: The Reverend (Hon. Captain) Carlisle
