Further to publishing our Letters from the Great War last year, the Clyde River History Committee engaged Alan Buchanan to read each of the letters which was recorded by Perry Williams, Virtual Studios Creative Digital Media. He certainly brought to life the gripping reality of World War I that Lee experienced. To listen to Alan’s reading of each of the letters, scroll down and click play and on each audio file that appears just underneath the title. Read along as you listen to the letters.
Letters from the Great War: Lee Grant Darrach
Leading up to Remembrance Day 2018 and marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the war, we featured a series of transcribed letters written by former Clyde River resident Lee Grant Darrach (1882-1953) to his brother in Boston during The Great War. Lee grew up in Clyde River, PEI, one of nine children, in the home now owned by Sidney Poritz on the Clyde River Road. Lee spent time in Boston as a young man, and, in 1915, he jumped on a ship heading over to England and ended up in the British Army. For those of you who have ancestors who fought in The Great War, it will offer some insight into their conditions. There are 32 letters. We published 3 per week leading up to Remembrance Day. We warn readers that some of the writings describe some raw scenes, but such is the nature of war.
Letter #1: Worth a Man’s Life to See this Place
Eccles, England, June 20th, 1915
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. Hoping this will find you all the same. Well, I had a hard time to land here. I had to skip. They are sending everybody back that is not British born. You have got to have your birth certificate or, if you are American, you’ve got to have a passport, but I could not see through it after getting over here to get sent back. When we got to Manchester, we could not get off the ship. When the nine inspectors got on the ship, we were all lined up, so I showed him that card of Vernon’s. The card was alright but he would not take my word for being born in PEI, so it began to get too hot for me. I began looking for a way to skip, and when no one was looking, I slid down on the rope that was tied to another ship across the canal. I had just got on the other side when a bobbie seen me and order me to halt. Yes, I halted alright. You could not see my heels for dust and the damn bobbie after me. I hid under a pile of lumber from 10 o’clock Monday morning until 11 o’clock that night, so they did not get me.
We had a fine trip coming over, got weather all the way. We took horses to Avonmouth, that is five miles from Bristol. It is a military base. You could not get off the ship; there were soldiers guarding every ship. Fifteen of our fellows enlisted there; that was the only way to get off. There were 10 Americans tried to enlist. They would take them alright, but the captain would not let them leave the ship, only Canadian born. Well, when we got rid of the horses, we started for Manchester. It was 36 hours sail. We got along pretty good until we got inside Holyhead and then a submarine got after us. Well, you believe me. There was some excitement. They put every man that could lift a shovel down firing and the old ship done some zig zagging, but we were lucky there was a patrol boat came to us. They fired six shots at the Kaisers and they went down. We saw no more of them, but the patrol boat came in to the bay with us. Right on the outside of the bay, there was a big merchant ship that they sunk the day before we came. We could see about four feet of her derricks.
Well, Jack, I never seen such docks in my life as I seen in Liverpool – 10 miles of docks. There were regular canals and locks you run a ship in and they close the gate and there you are, all concrete. They got America skinned to death for big buildings and everything up to date that is in the business line such as factories here in Eccles than there is in the whole state of Massachusetts.
We came up the canal from Liverpool to Manchester. It is 36 miles and, Jack, I never seen such a sight in my life. Some of the finest bridges and factories and old mansions that I ever seen or I ever expect to see. It is worth a man’s life to see this place. Right handy where I am boarding, there is a home for Belgians. I seen a little girl yesterday about 12 years old with both her hands cut off at the wrists, little children maimed in every manner you could think of, it would make any man cry to see them that had a heart, children that could not harm anyone.
I wrote to Fulford for my birth certificate. If they get me now, I will get six months. There is all kinds of work here. When I get straightened out, I am going in the admiralty service on the transports. You get big money and a bonus from the old King.
Well, Jack, I had better come to a close for this time. Hoping to hear from you soon and give me all the news. Give my best regards to all.
From Lee
Lee Darrach, 14 Irwell Grove, Eccles, Lancaster, England
Editor’s Notes:
- Fulford was Lee and Jack’s brother.
- Lee had several MacLeod cousins, so likely Vernon was one of them.
Letter #2: “Here I am now for keeps”
Salford, England, July 25, 1915
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am well at present. Hoping this will find you all the same. I have not had a letter from anyone since I came here, only my birth certificate. There might have been letters come to my old address but I was away in France on a transport and when I came back I enlisted in the army, so here I am now for keeps. If you or anyone else could see for yourself what the Germans are doing, you would do the same thing I have done in a second. I tell you I have seen some things since I landed here. I would like to get into a Canadian regiment but I don’t think I can.
There is not a soul here that I know but the fellows use me fine; they call me the Yank, but I expect to be sent away tomorrow to a place called Southport. It is in the South of England, I think, and there is quite a few Canadians there. The sergeant told me and he gave me their names and a letter to their sergeant for him to put me with them. I get along with all the officers fine. They could not use me better. There is no one like a Canadian here.
There was 40 of the boys went away yesterday from here. They were to the front once and were going back again. All our regiment on the first division are in the Dardanelles, so I guess that is where I will be sent when I am ready for the front. I will write often when I get settled down. I am living with a private family here. We go on a parade at 9 a.m. to 12 and then all through for the day. I will send you all my picture later on with my brass buttons on.
So will have to close for this time. Hoping to hear from you all soon. Give my address to Flo. Remember me to Sam and all of my friends if I have any. I am writing to Mother. Give Mary a kiss for me. Send me a post once in a while if you think of it.
So, goodbye, with love and best regards,
from Lee
Private Lee G. Darrach
7th Lancaster
Editor’s notes:
- Flo was Lee and Jack’s sister. Her husband is Sam. They lived in Boston.
- Mary was Jack and Bea’s daughter. Beatrice was a MacDonald – her father ran the Charlottetown Waterworks.
Letter #3: “We are all for the Dardanelles”
August 24th, 1915
Dear Brother – Jack & B;
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. Hoping this will find you all the same. Well, I am disgusted with the whole bunch of you, never a letter from anyone and not one from home either. Well, if you don’t want to write, you don’t have to – that is the way I feel about it.
Today, I have been cranky as hell all day. I had a fight first thing this morning with one of the N.C.O. You know what they are. I was in the ranks and I was not in line – that is what he said – but I was in line and was standing easy and he came up behind me and caught me by the shoulders and gave me a yank backwards. I caught him one on the kisser that laid him cold and I planked one of my big army shoes on his nose and it was flat on his face when I got through with him. He won’t bother us for a couple of weeks. Our platoon officer saw the whole thing. He said I done what is right. If he wanted me to move, he should have told me, not push me. So I got out of that alright.
I have never been up for orders yet. I got a good clear record so far. Well, Jack, I am trying to get into the machine gun section. I think I can get in alright. They are drilling us to death. I don’t think we will be here very long. They are sending a draft out next week straight to the Dardanelles. I don’t care how quick they send me; it will be over all the quicker.
Say, we do not get big money here – 24 cents a day and I have not seen a damn cent except one shilling – that is 24 cents since I joined, so I cannot get drunk or even buy tobacco. If we don’t get any money next week, we are going on strike.
I was inoculated last week and had a damn sore arm for a couple of days and will get the same dose again next week. I wish you would send me The Post. Do you think you could send me one Ingersoll watch and a bunch of papers. There is not a watch in the whole lot of us and you can’t get one here. If you do send me one, get one of them small wrist bands, as we have no pockets that we can carry a watch in well.
I will have to come to a close for this time. Hope you will take time and write an answer to this letter as I won’t write any more until I get a letter. Give Mary and Teddy a kiss for me. Give me all the news when you write. How is the Lord Duke? I suppose he is running a business for himself by this time. Will write to Sam and Flo next week. I wonder, did Eugene get the badge I sent him in papers? It was my regiment number and name. Will send Mary one of my buttons next week. That is all I can send as I’ve got to borrow a penny to mail a letter.
Did you ever hear from Vernon MacLeod? How is he getting along, or is he dead? He has a better chance than the other fellows have in France. We are all for Dardanelles. They are raising hell with the men by all accounts. Well, never mind. It is not worrying me any if they get me. They won’t get much, but I will try and get a few of them first. They can’t beat me on the bayonet. I am going on instruction next week on bayonet drill. I will make some of the English sit up and take notice. Now be sure to answer this letter right away – the same old address.
Give my love and best regards to all.
From your brother,
Lee
Editor’s Notes:
- N.C.O. – non-commissioned officer, more info here.
- More information on the Dardanelles Campaign here.
- Mary and Teddy are Jack and Beatrice’s children.
- Eugene is Flo (his sister) and Sam’s son.
- The Post reference is The Boston Post.
Letter #4: “They are starving us”
Southport, September 28th, 1915
My Dear Brother;
Your most welcome letters received. Got all your letters in a bunch. Got six in one day. Was more than pleased to hear from you all. I was on light duty for a week. I got sand in my left eye and got cold in it. It was awful sore for a few days but it is all better now.
Well I am going to the doctor tomorrow for the next draft. I was there this afternoon, but they did not get to me, but I don’t think we will go for a couple of months yet. There is still one draft of us fellows under orders to go any minute, now about 3800 of them. You know we are all going out in drafts from here. They are not sending any battalions from here. You see, Jack, we are the third seventh, so they are taking us in drafts to fill up the lines for the first and second seventh that is killed and wounded.
I wish you could see me. I am dark and not very fat. Damn them, they are starving us on army rations. Now I will tell you what we are getting for breakfast. We get one egg boiled and the eggs came over in the Ark. We call them German bombs, as they explode when you crack the shell, and one dry bread with a pint of tea or dishwater, as it tastes more like dishwater than tea. For dinner we get some boiled meat, about ½ pound, one potato, 1 round dry bread and a pint of tea. For tea, we get one tomato or one boiled egg and two rounds of dry bread; I have not seen butter since I came here and the usual pint of dishwater, so you see we live quite high. I think if I got a good square meal, I would drop dead.
Well I don’t know what to do with my money. We get one shilling a day and that is 24 cents. We are supposed to get paid every week, but we have not got a damn cent for a month. Now, there are fights if they pay us a draft, that is going to the front. We’ll all get drunk and skip, so won’t give them their money until they are on the trains to go. We won’t get ours until they go. I do wish I was with the Canadians. They get six shillings a day. They don’t know what it is to live over here. They like fish and chips. A good square meal would kill them.
Well, Jack, I got just one bundle of papers and that was the one about the Iberian. I don’t know where they are going to, wish I had that watch. Don’t know how you can send it. I would not do to send it in papers as you see I am not getting the papers, but I am getting all the letters now.
Well, Jack, I will write you every week, so I hope you and B will do the same. I will write to Flo next Sunday. I am sending you a picture in this letter. I had them taken Sunday after church parade. We just parade with a belt as you see in the picture. We have to carry a walking cane. Let me know if Eugene got the badge I sent him. Will try to send Mary a brooch as soon as I can get the price to buy one.
Well, give my love to all. Give Mary and Ted a kiss for me, not forgetting yourself and B.
With love and best regards,
From your brother, Lee
Editor’s note:
He refers to the story of the Iberian, a liner that was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine on route from Manchester to Boston on July 30th, 1915. The location of the attack was just off the South coast of Ireland, near Fastnet Rock.
Letter #5: “They can only get you once”
Southport, England, October 13th, 1915
My Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I have received your registered letter. I have written two letters before and told you I am getting my letters all O.K. but didn’t get any papers, only one bundle and there was a piece about the Iberian in it, so you will remember I have not received a paper from you or from home since I told you I received about two letters one day.
Now, Jack, I sent Mary a brooch just the same as my hat badge and, also, Lillian and Eugene, a broken set of shoulder epaulets, sent them in the papers and I feel bad they did not get them. I paid four shillings for the two brooches, as you know, money is awful scarce around here. It is like hen’s teeth. I also sent you some photos in my second last letter. I wonder if you received them, also sent some home.
Well, dear brother, I may not receive many more letters from you as I am in the next draft. Got all my equipment all ready now to go on a minute’s notice, but I don’t think we will leave here much before Christmas. It is hard to tell now on account of Bulgaria. We heard last week that we were going to be sent to Servia. I do not care where they send me. We are doing pretty good work, now if we can only keep it up. But my God, there is some awful looking sights coming back here every day from the Lancaster Fusiliers. Well, I am willing to take my chances. To hell with them, they can only get you once.
Well, you believe me, they don’t run on me much. There is some awful good fellows amongst the bunch and some bum ones. There is 53 now in my billet and I gave about ten of them a damn good licking, so now they are alright. The English is like a dog; the more you abuse them, the better they like you.
I wish you could send me your picture snapshots – I mean you and the kids. I should like to have them with your name and address on them, so if anything happens and they are found on me, you will be notified. Anybody finding them on me will let you know and you can also put in a claim for my belongings. They will give you everything I have and also back money, that is if I am killed. There is quite a little now, I mean button money and billet money, as I have never received any yet. I will let it stay where it is now. I hope you will get this letter alright. I would like to have that watch, but don’t send it in papers, as I will never get it.
Well, Jack, I will have to come to a close for this time. You keep writing. If I am gone, my mail will follow me. Give my love to all and lot of kisses for Mary and Ted.
Address my letter to #3949 Private Lee G. Darrach
3/7 Lancaster Fusiliers
Southport, England
Terra Nova, 53 Promenade
With love and best wishes, from Lee
Editor’s Note:
Bulgaria joined the Central Powers in WW1 on October 1915. Up to that point, the Central Powers were Germany, Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empire. Bulgaria had been resentful of its defeat to Serbia in 1913 and loss of territory, so when they entered WW1, they declared war on Serbia. An earlier spelling was Servia which became Serbia.
Letter #6: “I do the firing until they get me”
Church Town – October 31st, 1915
My Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. Hoping this will find you all the same. Well, Jack, they sent me here last week. They pulled me out of the ranks and put me on the machine gun section, so I am here on a special course. We have got to get through it in six weeks, but it ought to be six months. We call it the suicide club. You know what they are, Jack. We are the first in advance and then cover retreat. They are awful short of machine gun men, as they kill them off so fast. I tried to get out of it but I could not. Well, I don’t care. I like the gun alright. It will fire 600 rounds a minute. That ought to get a few Turks. I am number one on the gun. I do the firing until they get me and then number two takes my place. There are six of us to a gun. It weighs 68 lbs. with water in it and the tripod weighs 48 lbs. I carried the gun five miles yesterday. They give you some hard marches with it on your back.
Did you send the watch? If you do, don’t send it in papers, send it parcel post. I had a letter from mother yesterday and Fulford sent me a dollar, so I nearly killed myself eating. I certainly did have a good feed. Send my letters to the same address as I will get them alright. I will be back there when I finish here. Give my love to all and a kiss for Mary and Ted. Give my love and best regards to B and all, not forgetting yourself.
From Lee
Editor’s Note:
Church Town is just outside Southport, England.
Letter #7: “They can kill me but they can’t scare me”
Codford, England – December, 1915
My Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. Hoping this will find you all the same. I told you I received your watch O.K. and your letter and the dollar in it. Well, dear brother, I did make good use of it. This is one hell of a place. Mud up to your knees and the damn huts. They leak like a sieve, and rain, we are here now two weeks and it rained every day.
You know the Canadians were here and they lost 300 men with fever, so they went away and then sent us here. I think we will help fill up the graveyard. You talk about your American army, but I think you could get enough to eat. We rose hell in the mess this evening. I will tell you what we have for tea – two small slices of bread and a pint of tea and one teaspoon full of jam, so the major came in to us. So you can bet we told him. Some think he is going to make us parade all day Sunday in the mud, and if we does, we will all lay down in the mud because we can’t march or work on an empty stomach. Give me the trenches, the sooner, the better. We will be out of here the 9th of January.
We are under orders to go at a week’s notice, that is why they took us away from Southport. You see we are handy Southampton. I was in London two hours last week after a prisoner. Quite a city. We are about 70 miles from London. If I can get a pass this week, I am going to Tidsworth to if see if I can find any of the Island boys. It is about 25 miles. This is a part of the Salisbury Plains and damn the plains, if they are all like this. I am still on the machine gun, but we did not get started since we came here – have not got our target yet, but we will have them this week. If not, I hear we will have to go to Aldershot, that is quite handy London, I think, and it will be better as we will be in barracks then.
Well, we have been getting it pretty hard for the last two weeks from the Germans. In fact, on all our fronts. I think that is why we got so sudden a shift. We sleep on a board with two blankets and lousy as a skunk. I got up last night and killed two rats. They had my rifle doing musketry and they could do it in good style, but never mind, Jack, they can’t jar me any. I keep at it and say nothing.
They say we are going to India, that will be a pretty fair climate if we can keep clear of fever. Well, whenever peace is declared, they will have to give me my ticket. If the food don’t come up a little I can’t soldier because I can’t carry my pack and gun and the machine gun, too, that weighs 60 lbs. So you see, we get something to carry.
I tell you, Jack, in this damn outfit, they don’t seem to have any system on the feeding point. You can guess what it is like when 12,000 men are rushing into the messes. Every man grabs. If you are not quick, you won’t get yours as they only put out for the number of men in each mess. Someone will have yours in his pocket.
I got the cake and the other things Flo sent me. Let her know I got them today. All my back mail will be sent to me from Southport. There is 21 of us in this hut, so I tell you there is some rough times. I can hold my end up with them. The English don’t seem to be a strong race of people.
Well, I told you enough, so now I may be on my way to the front before you get this letter, but never mind, I will be there with the goods. They can kill me but they can’t scare me. Well, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Give a kiss to Mary and Teddy and all. Remember me to all, not forgetting Eugene and Lillian. I am going to write a letter to all the kids if I don’t have to parade next Sunday, so goodbye.
With love and best wishes for you all, from Lee
Editor’s Note:
He references India. Over one million Indian troops served in WW1 fighting against Germany.
Letter #8: “Send me to the front before I croak here”
Codford, England – January 1st, 1916
Dear Brother;
Jack and B, just a few lines to let you know I am still here. I have been very sick for the past two weeks with a cold or the good old-fashioned grip, but am getting O.K. again.
Well, Jack, the fever is awful bad here in a lot of the camps, especially the one I was in. We got moved to another camp or I think we would all be dead. I do wish they would send me to the front before I will croak here. We will all die if they don’t move us. We must have lost about 200 so far with fever and pneumonia. It is a hell of a place. Rain, there has not been a fine day here for two months. We are halfway up our knees in mud and water.
Well, we did not have very much of a Christmas. I thought of you all and was saying to myself, I bet your are enjoying yourselves by this time. I was not out of my hut, as I was sick. I did not get Mother’s parcel yet. I do hope I will get it. It is a damn sight worse here than in Southport for grub. I don’t know what is the trouble. We do not get enough to live on, but, Jack, I am standing it pretty good. If I can only keep clear of the fever, I think I will be O.K. I like the machine gun alright and you bet I can make it go. God help the Germans or Turks when we get a few hundred guns on them. They will think hell got loose.
Well, Jack, I will have to close for this time, as I have to parade again. Give my love and best regards to all and kiss the children. Wish you all a Happy New Year.
From, Lee
Address: #3949 Private Lee. G. Darrach, 3/7 Lancaster Fusiliers, Machine Gun Section, Camp 8, Hut 6, Codford, St. Mary’s, Wiltshire, ℅ ⅗ Manchester’s
Letter #9: “It’s hard to get rid of a cold here”
Codford, not sure of date, but it seems to fit within the January, 1916 period
Dear Brother;
1st page of letter missing, so this letter begins on second page…
We got the Maxim 303 and the Vickers light and heavy and the Lewis. The Lewis will fire 1000 shots a minute, but is a very light gun. It won’t last long like the Maxim, the best. It is a good reliable gun. We are not having quite so much sickness here now. They are getting the best of the fever, but I am just getting rid of a bad cold and it was a damn bad one, too. Jack, it is a hard job to get rid of a cold here, as all the training is lying on the ground and as you know it is always wet. I have been here 11 weeks and we had three fine days.
Well, dear brother, I can’t get drunk here because I can’t get the price, but another thing, we are restricted to certain hours in the canteen and those hours is so we cannot get very much because we have not the time. Jack, I am writing this letter in the dark and I cannot see any lines to make it out, but dear brother, they don’t give me much time to write in the daylight. I do hope you are working this winter, as I call it winter but we have no winter here. It is cold but no snow, cold and raining all the time.
Well, dear brother, I have no news that would interest you, so I will close for this time. Send one Sunday Globe, too, and see if I will get it. And be sure and put in all the letters, if not, at this address, please forward. Give my love and best wishes to Flo and Sam and kids and a whole lot of kisses for Mary and Teddy and all friends, not forgetting yourself and B.
From, Lee
Address: #3949, Private Lee G. Darrach, 3/7 Lancaster Fusiliers, Camp 4, Hut 33, Codford, St. Mary’s, Wiltshire, England
Machine Gun School
Letter #10: “We don’t know that there is a war”
Codford, January 20th, 1916
Dear Brother;
Jack and B, just a few lines to let you know I am well as this leaves me at present hoping this will find you all same. Well, Jack, all we are doing is moving about, as we have fever in about all the camps in Codford. We have moved five times so far and I head tonight. We are going to move again next week. Well, we have had pretty fair weather the past week, but, Jack, we have had some awful rain here, in fact, it rains now every day for about an hour. There is no wonder we have so much sickness and fever. I don’t know how I escape. I have some bad colds. I am having a lot of trouble with my left eye. It is caused by the cold. It is a hard sight sometimes, but it don’t bother my sight any.
Well, Jack, how is the war going along? We don’t know anything about it here. We might as well be in the woods a thousand miles for all that we don’t know that there is a war.
Well, Jack, I have not had a letter from you now for 7 weeks. I wrote to the post office in Southport, so you can see what they say on this slip. I never got the parcels that Mother and Fran sent to me. There is no use sending me anything without registering it, as there are some awful damn thieves over here. They won’t take anything they can’t carry.
Well, Jack, every time we move, it is worse. In this camp, we can’t get enough to keep a rabbit alive. I went to the major yesterday and put in a complaint for our hut. And he went to the Brigadier and there was hell to pay today in the cookhouse, so I don’t know yet if it will be any better or not. If not, I think I will jump it, if they don’t send me right to the front. We are all ready to go. I am on another gun. It is called the Lewis. It is a lighter one and is easier to work. I passed first class in the Maxim Gun. There is a lot to learn on what you have to know.
Well, are you doing anything this winter? Hope you are. Is Sam working? I hear Eldon is married. I think I will get married myself. I would if I could get out of here, but not churched. But I think we are all quite harmless on the grub we are getting. When you write, give me all the news. I think I will be OK if I can kick clear of the fever. It is a hell of a thing. It is called Spotted Fever and also Pneumonia and, believe me, Jack, you get pretty poor care, as there is so many here.
Will close for this time. Hoping to hear from you all soon. Give my love to all. Tell B to put in a good word for me in her prayers, as I think I will need it. Give Ted & Mary lots of kisses and Eugene and Lillian. I wonder if I will ever see them again on this little earth of ours, but I don’t think I will. I am more scared of this fever than bullets. I am not down hearted. They can kill me but not scare me.
Remember me to Flo, Same and Dave Ross. How is Dave? Tell him to drop me a line when he gets time. Will close with love and best regards to you all. I hope I will hear from you before I leave here.
Goodbye, Lee
Editor’s Note:
- It was determined that Spotted Fever during WW1 was Meningitis. Men had to sleep in overcrowded huts with little heating or ventilation, and those nearer a heat source were at higher risk.
Letter #11: “The Germans are getting pretty handy us”
Codford, February 18, 1916
Dear Brother;
Jack and B, you are most welcome letter received yesterday. Glad to hear you are all in the pink, as this leaves me still in Codford and still at the same old job. We have been having it very exciting around here the past couple of weeks, as the Germans have been getting pretty handy us. They went over our camp the other night, but we knew they were coming and we had all lights out. I was right on my machine gun but they did not come low enough to get a shot.
They dropped 500 bombs on Bath, right in the city. I do not know what to make of it. England is slow in regards to not having the coast better guarded because they can only come one way and we could knock the hell out of them. We could catch them either coming or going, but, Jack, we can’t do it without the guns and zeppelins. I see Russia is doing a great work. I think you will see a big move within a very short time, as they are sending us away from here in very long drafts. My mates in my old Batallion are all gone, Lord Derby’s men in their place, the ones that fetched up, so we don’t have anything to do with them.
We had rotten weather here all the time, rain all the time and mud up to your knees, the kind that won’t come off when you lift your feet. You have about a ton on.
I got Mother’s parcel at last. I did have one great feast on tobacco and cake. Did you say Eldon had enlisted? Let me know when you write again. Had a letter from Eugene and Flo today – very pleased to hear from them but no letter from Mother yet since November but I have written just the same.
Well, I will have to come to a close for this time. Grub is a damn sight – worse since we came here. Every damn shilling I get my hands on goes for grub, so I try to manage to pull through. Give my love to all and lots of kisses for Mary and Teddy, not forgetting yourself. Tell Herb Hatch all the damn lies you can think of. I would like to see him here when the airships are dropping bombs. I bet he would shit his pants, excuse my plain talk and scribbling.
Goodbye, with love and best wishes from Lee.
Address:
394 Private Lee G. Darrach, Camp 4, Hut 33, 3/7 L.F., Codford, St. Mary’s, Wiltshire, Machine Gun School, if not at this address, please forward.
Editor’s Notes:
- During WW1, Germany initiated 50 bombing raids on England – referred to as Zeppelin raids. Even though there were both Zeppelin and Schütte-Lanz airships, the Zeppelins were better known. Weather made it difficult for them to hit target, so bombs were often dropped miles off target. Zeppelins were named “baby killers”. In 1917, they were replaced by airplanes.
- Lee refers to Lord Derby’s men being fetched up. Lord Derby was appointed Director-General of Recruitment in 1915 and he initiated the “Derby Scheme” where men ages 18 to 41 years would volunteer to being called up (or fetched up), if necessary. Single men were called up first. However, this plan did not produce enough men and they introduced conscription in early 1916.
Letter #12: “We are right in the Path of the German Warships”
Wittey Camp, April 9th, 1916
Dear Brother;
Jack and B, your most welcome letter and Sunday Globe received last week. Glad to hear you are all in the pink as this leaves me at present. Well, Jack, they keep us on the move. We left Codford last week and thank God for that. It was the worst place in England. I think we are now in a very nice camp. We are 35 miles from London. It is a fine place, a good dry camp and we are handy a town, only five miles from a place called Godalming, but we call it God Help Me. We are right in the path of the German airships. They went over our camp three times last week when they made their raids, but they were flying so high.
We can’t leave our camp now as I am in No. 1 platoon and I have to mount gun. I am number one man that pushes the double button. Jack, we have been under orders to go this past month. We may go any minute or we might be here for three months yet. We had our last laugh. I had six days, went to Southport to my old billet and had 8 shillings to spend, that is about $1.75. And since we came back, we only get a shilling a week, that is 24 cents in American money, by God, can’t buy tobacco on that. We will go to Egypt or Mesopotamia, as we got our light drill suits for a hot climate.
Are you working every day? Hope you are. I had a letter from Ina yesterday. Only had one letter from home since December 15th, I write every week. I would like to know where in hell all the letters go to. I get tired writing and getting no answer. There were Canadians in this camp before we came. They are now in Aldershot. It is not very far from here. I am going there next Sunday if I can scrape up the fare. That is the hell of it – can’t go any place without some money. We get hell and no money.
How is Dave Ross? I wrote to Flo and Eugene, but never got an answer. Well, Jack, I will have to come to a close for this time. When you answer this letter, register it, as I am sure of not being here and then I am sure of getting it. Give Teddy and Mary a kiss for me. Our last draft of machine gun men got all cut up and killed and I suppose I will get the same. To hell with them as long as I get a few of them first.
Give my love and best regards to all friends, not forgetting yourself and B.
Editor’s Notes:
- Ina (Beer) Darrach is his sister-in-law, his brother Hector’s wife. They named one of their son’s Lee. We have a writing from Lee (Junior) on our website where he speaks about growing up in Clyde River.
Letter #13: “I am on my way but don’t know where”
At Sea, May 7th, 1916
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. Hoping this finds you all the same. Well, I am on my way but don’t know where. Left Milford last Monday night and we are having a fine trip. Jack, you know we can’t tell what ship were are on or where we are going. You know from experience yourself, but I don’t know myself where we are going to be. It don’t bother me any. I do not know my address. Will write when I get to know my address, so you can write and give me the news. Hope they will get Teddy Roosevelt in this Fall and that he will get after the Germans.
Give my love and best regards to Florrie, Sam and kids, not forgetting Ted and Mary. Will close for this time.
From Lee
Editor’s Note:
Teddy Roosevelt criticized Woodrow Wilson for not entering the war with Germany. In 1916, Roosevelt was encouraged to run again for US President, but eventually he declined and placed his support behind Republican leader Charles Hughes.
Letter #14: “Quite a change from Boston”
Somewhere in Egypt – May 17th, 1916
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am in the pink. Hoping this will find you all the same. It is very hot here but the night is fine and cool. I tell you it is quite a change from Boston in every way. Are you going home this summer? I don’t think I will without they give me nine month’s leave and the walking is good. Are you still with Bates? I hear he is mayor of Quincy. I bet he will make some of the Faxon tribe toe the mark.
Well dear brother, you will have to excuse my short letter, as we cannot tell where we are or anything concerning the army. Give my love to Flo, Sam and kids, not forgetting Mary and Teddy. With love and best wishes for you all.
From your brother, Lee
Editor’s Notes:
- Many Islanders who headed for Boston during those years resided in the Quincy which is a Southern suburb of metropolitan Boston.
Letter #15: “How is the war going?”
Somewhere in Egypt/Middle East – June 5th, 1916
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am well at present. Hoping this will find you all the same. This is a very hot country. It has been awful warm today. Well, Jack, how is the war going along? I wish you would send me some papers, as we do not get very much news here. Are you working every day and are you going down East this summer? I had a letter from Mother the other day. I guess she is expecting you all home this summer. She tells me Eldon has enlisted. He is in Charlottetown training? His wife has a young daughter. I think I will have to look for a wife before I go back, get some nice English lass.
My address is 3949 Private Lee G. Darrach, 1/7 Lancaster Fusiliers, C.Coy, 125 Brigade, 42 Division, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, ℅ P.O. London. I have not had a letter from you now for a long time, so write soon.
Give my love to all, a kiss for Mary and Ted. Remember me to Flo, Eugene and Lillian and Sam and all, not forgetting yourself.
From your brother, Lee
Letter #16: “It’s too bad about Lord Kitchener’s ship going down”
Somewhere in Egypt/Middle East – June 27, 1916
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am in the pink. Hoping this will find you the same. It is very hot here at present, but the nights are cool, so it is not too bad. Do you ever hear from Vernon MacLeod? Is he still in France or is he living? Did you answer my last letter that you got from me in Milford. If you did, I never got it. I got one from Mother. It was sent on to me.
Do you get steady work now? I know I don’t have to worry about losing my job. Do you think it will last much longer? I hope not. It was too bad about Lord Kitchener’s ship going down. What do you think about it in Boston? Send me some papers and put a sheet of fine emery paper in them as I want it for my bayonet. Do not forget.
I will have to come to a close for this time. Hoping to hear from you soon. Give Mary and Teddy a kiss for me. Did B go home this Summer? So, goodbye for this time.
From your brother, Lee
Editor’s Note:
- Lord Kitchener was the British Secretary of State for War during WW1. He predicted a long war and organized a large British volunteer army. On June 5th, 1916, Kitchener was on his way to Russia to discuss munition and financial challenges when his ship, HMS Hampshire, was struck by a German mine off the west coast of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. They had taken a different route than originally planned. Some suggest it was because of bad weather and others suggest it was to throw off anyone considering an attack. Two destroyers had accompanied the ship, but they were falling behind and instructed to not continue. It was shortly after that the ship stuck a German mine. Kitchener was among 737 who died. This stuck fear in the British. They thought they would now lose the war. In the years since, there have been conspiracy theories surrounding his death. Kitchener, Ontario, is named after Lord Kitchener.
Letter #17: “I don’t think this can last much longer or I hope not”
Somewhere in Egypt/Middle East – August 2, 1916
Dear Brother;
Jack, just a few lines to let you know I am in the pink. Hoping this finds you all the same. I have written a dozen letters since I came here and got three returned to me. I would like to know if you are getting any of them, as the ones that came back were addressed alright.
It is very hot here, but the nights are cool. Did Flo and kids go home this summer? I heard you were not going. I wish I was, but I don’t think this can last much longer or I hope not. I heard Eldon was training in Upper Canada. Wish I could get his address.
My address is 3949 Private Lee G. Darrach, C. Coy, 1/7 Lancaster F., E.E. Force ℅ G.P.O. London. I hope you get this letter alright. Remember me to Sam and Flo and kids, also Teddy and Mary. With love and best wishes for all.
I remain your brother, Lee
Letter #18: “We had something doing the past ten days”
Somewhere in Egypt/Middle East – August 6th, 1916
Dear Brother;
Your most welcome letter received. Glad to hear you are all well, as this leaves me at present. I got that letter back that I had written to you. The censor got them mixed up. Mine went to England and my address was written on it, so I got it back and the letter is in my kit bag. I don’t know where that is at present so can’t send you the address this time, but will try and do later on.
Well, Jack, we had something doing the past ten days, but we are back to the base now. We gave Jonnie Turk a run for his money and believe me they can run, too. We all came out of it lucky, but it was a hard march across the desert after them, as it is awful hot here. I have not been in a town since I landed here, as I would like to send you all a souvenir, but I can’t get nothing and this is the last sheet of writing paper. Well, I can tell you they are a hot lot of prisoners that was taken in this time. They are in rags. I have not seen any with shoes on yet. It is the case, I guess, where they have to fight, as they got German officers – it is do or die with them. They are damn glad to be taken.
I wish I had my way. I would not take a German prisoner on my life. They are getting their own medicine back now. I would hate to be in their shoes. The Canadians are doing good work I hear, but they are all doing the same. We are not being overfed here, but it is pretty hard to get it where we are at present. I don’t think you would know me at present as I am so thin. But I feel fine, never felt any better in my life. Will get my photo taken if I ever get to a place and send you one.
Remember me to Sam, Flo and kids. That is right. Kill Albert MacKinnon if you can’t make a Britisher out of him. Is he ashamed of the flag he was born under? I would like to talk to him for five minutes.
My address is 3949 Private Lee G. Darrach, #3 Section, M.G.C. #125 Brigade, E.E. Force, ℅ G.P.O. London. The old address goes to the Battalion and they might lay there for months now. I hope to hear from you often. Give my love and best regards to all, Mary and Ted, not forgetting yourself and B.
From your brother, Lee
P.S. Give my address to Eldon, as I would like to hear from him.
Letter #19: “This is a cut out of the English Papers about our time in Egypt”
Egypt – August 28th, 1916 – (Letter #19)
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am in the pink. Hoping this will find you all the same. Well things are very quiet here at the present. I am sending this letter back to you again as it has done some travelling, so I will send it again. This is a cut out of the English papers about our time in Egypt. See what you think of it. I never got a letter from home, only one they registered to me. I am not with the Battalion. My address now is #3949 Private Lee G. Darrach, 125 Brigade, Machine Gun Co., #3 section, 42 Division, E.E. Force, ℅ G.P.O. London.
I suppose B is back by this time. Glad to hear you have steady work, hope it will keep up. Is Sam working all the time? I know we got a steady job here. Well, I have not news that would interest you, so will close for this time. With love and xxx for the kiddies and all.
From your brother, Lee
Editor’s Note:
Lee’s time in Egypt which he was not able to speak about in the past few letters was the Egyptian Expeditionary Forces’ involvement in the Battle of Romani. In this letter, he sent his brother a newspaper clipping that appeared on the front page of the British paper, The Daily News & Reader. The story offers a full account from a journalist who was present near the Battle. The Battle of Romani was fought alongside the ANZAC Mounted Division (Australia-New Zealand Army Corps) against the Ottoman and German forces to protect the Suez Canal. Sir Archibald Murray was the British commander and chief. The British/ANZAC forces intercepted the enemy 23 miles from the Canal and were successful in pushing them back a further 18 miles. The Suez Canal was not closed to traffic at any time during this battle. Also, after the great losses ANZAC suffered in Gallipoli/Dardanelles Campaign (Feb 17, 1915 -Jan 9, 1916), this was an important victory.
Read full newspaper clipping included with Lee’s letter here – Battle of Romani – Newspaper Article
To learn more about Australia and New Zealand’s participation in this battle, click on ANZAC historical link here.
Letter #20: “I am still on the desert”
Egypt – October 4th, 1916
Dear Brother;
Jack and B, just a few lines to let you know I am in the pink. Hoping you are all the same. I have been just wondering if you got my last letter, the one with the first letter I wrote to you. Well, we are having it a little cooler here at present and the nights are very cool. I am still on the desert but everything is quiet here at present. Did Flo get my photos I sent her? They aren’t very good but the best I can get here. I was very much surprised to hear Eldon was in England. I do wish I could see him but I am a long way from him. I suppose he will be in France next. I wrote to him but got no answer, yet it is about time now.
I had a letter from home a couple of weeks ago and they are all well. What do you think about the war? When do you think it will end? What has the big fellow to say about it now, I mean Albert MacKinnon. I would like to have him out here for a while. He would find out that he was living. I heard that Annie was home, would have loved to see her. I suppose Flo is back. Did B have a good time at the Beach? I bet Ted did and Mary.
Well, Jack, I have no news, so will have to come to a close. Glad to hear you are having steady work. Is Bates still mayor of Quincy? I hear Dave Ross is running a shop of his own, is that right? Give my love and best regards to all and lots of xxxx for Mary and Ted.
Sorry to hear about Baby Hatch being drowned – remember me to Herb – tell him I’ll get a few extra Turks for him.
From, Lee
Letter #21: “We are all in France now…of course, it is not hotel conditions”
:France – March 10th, 1917
Dear Brother;
Jack and B, your most welcome letter received in Egypt some few weeks ago and was pleased to hear you are all in the pink as this leaves me at present. I would have written sooner only it was not possible as we were on the move. We are all in France now, Jack, with the big push where the iron founders are always flying over your head, and sometimes too low to suit the Tommies. There is more lead and iron flying around here in five minutes than there is in Boston. It is quite cold here. We feel it awful after coming out of a hot country.
When we landed here, there was snow on the ground, but I would rather be here than in Egypt. You can get your breath here. I had enough of Egypt and sand. You asked me if there were any Canadians with me. There are two from Nova Scotia. One used to work on an ice team in Forest Hills. We are billeted in barns or any place we can get shelter. Of course, it is not hotel conditions, but we can stand it. The mud is awful here, right up to your ass. The next billet to me are two kiddies. Their mother and father were killed when the huns went through here, but they will never go through again.
I am with the Battalion now, so my address will be 1/7 Lancashire Fusiliers. C Coy. B.E.F., care of G.P.O. London.
Well, I will have to come to a close for this time. Write soon. I may be on toe or maybe not, as this is a bad show. Remember me to Sam and Flo and kiddies. I will write to them when I get a chance.
Goodbye, with lots of love and best wishes from your brother Lee.
P.S.
Heard from home and Eldon is home, glad to hear it. He got clear of this hell. Never mind, I will have my Christmas dinner with you next Christmas.
Letter #22: “A letter like this could cost me 10 years in prison or up against a brick wall”
France – March 18, 1917
Dear Brother Jack & B;
Just a few lines to let you know I am in the pink. Hoping this will find you all the same. I am still on top, but this is a hot show and we are giving them their money’s worth and some change. I tell you, Jack, stick up for the Turks. They will fight square. They are sports. I will give the devil his dues, but the damn German will not. I don’t think they know how to fight square. It is quite a change for us fellows here. We had open fighting in Egypt, but it is trench warfare here. We can shift them.
It is iron foundries flying here. It is marvelous how on earth a human being can live through it. We can put it all over them in bombardment. I don’t see how in hell they stick to it, but, Jack, the mud is my worst enemy here – up to your armpits. When you get stuck, you are in for it. We had one of the boys stuck in it for 27 hours last week – could not get him out with rope. All we could do is give him plenty of rum and a sand bag to rest his head on. Of course, conditions here won’t allow you to do what you would do if you were stuck in the mud in Boston. It cost one life to save this boy. We had to do it in the open and a sniper got one of us. I am on the Somme front and there are worse places than where we are. I am going to send this letter to England with one of the boys, as a letter like this would cost me 10 years in prison or up against a brick wall. They watch you.
Send me a watch. Ask Florrie to chip in with you. It is hell on sentry going without a watch and especially when I am out on night patrol around the German trenches. It is to know the time to get back before daylight. There is not three watches in the company. We can’t buy nothing, not even bread. I think damn little of some of the French. You can’t get nothing out of them, and when you steal, they report you to the officers. I am up for stealing straw, about 200 of us. It is hard sleeping in mud about six inches deep, so we pinched the straw. I don’t know yet how we will come out of it. It is better in the front line trenches than back in the rear and you are safer, too. I am not with the machine gunners now. I am with the Battalion.
My address is 17 Lancashire Fusiliers, C. Coy. B.E.F. ℅ G.P.O. London, the same as my first address only B.E.F. I hope you get this letter alright and I hope you won’t be mad for asking for another watch. You can see I don’t expect to get knocked out. Give my best regards to Sam and Florie and kids. Teddy and Mary, not forgetting yourself and B. Write me a nice long letter like the last one. Will close with best wishes and love to all.
From your brother,
Lee
P.S. Remember me to all the boys.
Letter #23: “Your old humble is still on top yet”
France – April 22nd, 1917
Dear Brother;
Just a line. As you know, I have been carrying this letter for a long time, but I am sending it to England tomorrow morning. We are having an awful hard time. I would give up my life for a feed. Money’s no good here. Jack, I wish you were handy, so I could get some bread from you. We have been stuck into it damn hard of late, but we have been pretty lucky. We lost about 54, so that is not bad, but your old humble is still on top yet, but I don’t think it will be for long. Your chances where I am is about as good as a snowball has of lasting five minutes in hell. Give my love to all. I don’t get much chance for writing.
Good bye, with love and best wishes,
Lee
Letter #24: “Old Wilson did take a tumble”
France – April 28th, 1917
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am well. Hoping this will find you all the same. I have not had a letter from you since I came to France, but I have written every week. Hope you are getting them alright. I know Mother doesn’t get half my letters I write, as I can tell by the letters I get from home. My address in now 1/7 Lancaster Fusiliers, C.Coy, B.E. Force ℅ G.P.O. London attached to #427 Field Coy (E.L.) Royal Engineers.
Well, I bet you are pleased that old Wilson did take a tumble and came into the war. Give me all the news when you write. I bet there is some excitement around Boston. I see by the papers they are sending troops over here. Well, I think it will shorten the war.
Things are very lively on this front but it is all one sided and that is our side. I hope they will drive them all straight to hell, but I don’t think the devil will have them. Do you ever hear from Vernon MacLeod? I wish I had his address. He might be right handy for all I know. When I get his address, I will write to him. I have seen quite a few Canadians, but no one I know yet.
Well, how is work this Spring in Boston? Are you kept busy all the time and is Sam working all the time? I wonder how poor Eldon is getting along. I hear he had to go to Halifax. I don’t see why they keep him with such a bad heart. Well, we are having very good weather at present and I hope it will keep so. We did have awful rotten weather ever since we came to France until last week. Well, there is always something to do on this front.
Well, I am with the Engineers at present and there is plenty of hard work for all of us all, but I would like to drop in and have a good feed with you. I think I could stand it all right. Remember me to Herb Hatch and all the boys. I bet Teddy is a big boy now. Lots of love and xxx for Mary and Ted. Remember me to Flo, Sam and kids.
With love and best wishes from your brother, Lee.
Editor’s Note: The US remained out of the war as long as they could. Politically, they took a position of neutrality; however, they were helping to finance both Britain and France in their war efforts. Americans with British ancestry had been keen from the beginning to have US join the war, but others who were predominantly Democrats were dead against it. There were two developments that changed that balance further to the earlier sinking of the passenger liner RMS Lusitania in 1914. In 1917, Germany decided, in an effort to finally win the long war, to starve out Britain by blocking merchant ships reaching its shores by declaring “unrestricted submarine warfare”. The US also intercepted a telegram where Germany offered to assist Mexico in regaining the territories, now part of the US, they had lost in the Mexican-American war. The US declared war against Germany in April 1917 and later in December against Austria and Hungary. Germany calculated the US would take some time to be ready to fight a war, and, by that time, it would be over.
Letter 25: “Thank God, I did not get any shell”
Exeter, England – June 25th, 1917
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am in England in hospital in Exeter. Is in the South of England. I was blown up with a high explosive, but thank God, I did get not get any of the shell. It shook me up pretty bad. I did not know how bad it was hurt for a while, but I got a bad knee out of it. I was sent down to the base in France and sent to First American Hospital, so you know I was alright then. To make it better, the major’s name was Darrach. He is from N.Y. and he is a fine man. He and I are great pals. He took me in to his ward and he would not allow any other doctor but himself to look after me and he took the best of care of me. He is the head doctor of the hospital and, if I ever go back, I’ve got to go to N.Y. and see him.
Well, Jack, they have lots of rich man’s sons as orderlies. There is one of the Drapers from Hopedale and Judge? (forgot his name) from N.Y, his son. They are doing their bit, in fact, they are all college men and the sisters are fine. They are out of the Presbyterian Hospital in N.Y. There is a Sister MacDonald from Summerside and a couple more from Canada. It is very quiet where I am now, very strict. I am hoping to get up soon on sticks.
My address is #3949 Private Lee G. Darrach, 1/7 Lancaster F. No. 1 Auxiliary Hospital, Exeter, Devon, England. That will get me for a while. Give my best wishes to all – Ted and Mary, Flo, kids and Sam and the whole bunch.
From, Lee
Editor’s Note:
- Based on the dates of the letters leading up to and including this one, Lee was likely fighting in the Battle of Arras when he was wounded. The Battle of Vimy Ridge ran from April 9th to 12th and was part of the Battle of Arras which extended from April 9th to May 16th. His letters indicate he was fighting in France from March 10th on up until the time he was wounded.
- First American Hospital was in Paris, France.
- The Sister MacDonald that he is referring to is Beatrice MacDonald from North Bedeque. She left PEI for New York to advance her education. When the war began, she joined the effort. Beatrice is the most decorated nurse of WW1, the most prestigious award being a Purple Heart. The Guardian ran a story about her, click here. To learn more about PEI Nurses in WW1, we recommend reading Katherine Dewar’s book, Those Splendid Girls: The Heroic Service of Prince Edward Island Nurses in the Great War.
Letter #26: “Believe me, I’ve seen enough of France”
Uplyme, Devon, England, July 6th, 1917
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am getting along fine. I am leaving hospital one week from today and going on sick leave. I don’t know how long they will give me but I will be at our depot for a while before I go back, God only knows what regiment I will get back to. They can send me to any Battalion now after coming out of hospital. I am going to try to get out of the infantry, as I can’t do any more marching. The doctor told me I would always have a bad knee.
Well, this is a lovely place here but is awful lonesome here for me. I could stay another month if I wanted to. We get plenty of good grub and we have to be in bed at 8 o’clock. The girls are very scarce around here. I will have to get out. I am going to London from here for a few days and then to Manchester.
Well, I don’t know when this war is going to be over. I am damn well fed up with it, but I suppose I will have to go back again soon to France and, believe me, I have seen enough of France. There are too many iron foundries flying through the air to suit me.
Well, I have no news so will have to come to a close for this time. Give my love and best regards to Flo, Sam and kids, Mary and Teddy and all. Don’t write until I can give you an address, so I can get your letters.
Goodby with love and best wishes, from your brother, Lee
Letter #27: “I wish Uncle Sam would hurry up with about five million men”
England, August 9th, 1917
Dear Brother – Jack & B
Just a few lines to let you know I am getting along pretty well. Hoping this will find you all in the pink. Well, I am out of hospital again and back to duty but still in England. I am now with the 5th Reserve, Lancaster Fusiliers in Scarborough. It is on the east coast, the first place the Germans raided. I guess you remember it. I know I do and I am in it now, but it is better than France. I expect to go back anytime now. My knee is as well now as it ever will be, but it is awful hard to march as my knee is weak, but I have to go back just the same.
I have had a very good time so far since I came to England but I have not had a letter from you or from home for four months. I do not know whether you are all dead or alive, would like to hear from you all once more and I would also like to know when the war is going to end. I am fed up with it, wish Uncle Sam would hurry up with about five million men and get them over here and wipe the damn Germans off the face of the Earth.
Well, Jack, are you working all the time and how is business in Boston? Does it make much difference since they started into the war? Now be sure and write soon and give me all the news. Remember me to Florrie and Sam and all the children, not forgetting Ted and Mary.
With lots of love for all,
Your brother, Lee
P.S. This address will get me alright now. If I have to go to France before I get an answer, they will follow me alright. Lee
#281426 Pt. Lee G. Darrach, 5th Reserve Lancaster Fusiliers, D. Coy, Racecourse Camp, Scarborough
Letter #28: “It was my Mother’s prayer that saved me”
Blackpool, England, March 26, 1918
Dear Brother;
Jack, just a few lines in answer to your most welcome letter received March 23rd. Pleased to hear you are all well, but I am awful sorry to hear about Mr. MacDonald’s sudden death. It was the first I heard about it. That is the first letter I had from you since last May.
Well, Jack, I am still alive and able to move as you or Flo said. It was my mother’s prayer that saved me. I did not ever think for a minute that I would be alive to tell you that I was in France the second time, as I was in the worst of it 36 hours from the time I left England and, believe me, it was hell and I have been through hell.
I am in Blackpool now, came here yesterday, transferred to the R.A.M.C., so you can see for yourself, I am not much more good when I am no more good for infantry, but I would not be surprised to be in France again within another month. I know I won’t like this. I would rather be fighting than taking care of the wounded, but we can’t suit ourselves in the army. If I go again, it will be my last. I won’t try to go through what I haven’t done as they have not given me a very square deal, as I have been at it for nearly three years without a leave. I only had 10 days out of hospital and I was back again within 10 days in France.
Now, Jack, I want you to write this address and they will send them on to me as God only knows where because I do not. Well, I am just thinking as I am writing this letter, will I ever see Boston and you all again. If I have to go again, I won’t. But nevermind, it is all in a lifetime. I would like to be able to sit down and have a good talk with you all and I could tell you what kind of damn skunks we are fighting – that would make you open your eyes. Thank God, you have not gone through it and if you don’t, I will for you.
Give my best respects to Herb Hatch and Klein. I guess they are only friends I have, so don’t ever worry over me. When you have time, drop me a line. As always, I like to get a letter.
Love and xxx for Ted and Mary.
Your brother, Lee.
Editor’s note:
- Lee likely fought in the Spring Offensive, one of the fiercest and desperate battles of the War, which took place at the Western Front. The Germans realized it was their last chance to win this war before the Americans fully deployed their resources. The Germans also had the advantage of extra soldiers that had been previously fighting in Russia.
- R.A.M.C. – Royal Army Medical Corps – they operated the army’s medical units.
- Mr. MacDonald was Jack’s father-in-law, Beatrice’s father. Mr. MacDonald ran the Charlottetown Water Works. These are the same MacDonald’s as Lucy Maud Montgomery’s husband Ewen.
Letter #29: “Well, I don’t know what to think of this War”
Devonport, 5 Sandringham Street, Scarborough, England, June 3rd, 1918
Dear Brother;
Your most welcome letter received a few days ago, the registered one, I mean. Glad to hear you are all well and I do hope Teddy is alright by this time. Well, you can see by this letter they are still keeping me on the move. I am now in the town from where I sailed for Egypt and I do not like it. It is too hard for me. We are supposed to be getting hospital training, but it is a damn job, carrying beds out of the wards with the patient in them. It is too heavy for me. I refused to do any more today. I am willing to do it, but I can’t. I have been excused all stretcher drills and marching by four doctors in the training battalion in Blackpool and, also, all the lifting in my old unit and I am damn sure I won’t do it here.
Well, I was over to Plymouth the other evening and I ran into two brothers from Charlottetown, PEI. They know us. They have folks in Cornwall and Nine Mile Creek, so we had a good time. They came over here on a cable ship from Halifax. They are waiting for a boat back. I am only 15 minutes walk from Plymouth. There are lots of Yankee sailors here, lots of them from Boston. Your dollar came in very handy for grub. I got 4 shillings and 2 pence for it, that is full value. I have not had a drink for 8 months, can’t afford it, it takes all I can get hold of to buy something to eat as we do not get it any other way. It is wicked here and it is damn little we get.
I am sure of getting your letters now, as long as you send them to the Scarborough address. Aunt Maggie sent me a parcel and a letter. I got the letter but the parcel she sent to the Lancaster Fusiliers unit, so I know they pinched it. Did you ever get the watch back you sent me?
Well, I do not know what to think of this war. It looks kind of bad now on the western front. I wish to God it was over. I am damn fed up. I expect to be in France or some other front in about 6 to 8 weeks time. I would rather be out at the front than be messed about here.
Well, I will have to come to a close for this time. Give my love to all and lots of xxx to Ted and Mary and a thousand thanks for the $. Remember me to Herb Hatch and old Klein. Tell him we got Jerusalem for the Jews and that I done my bit in getting it for them, so they can all go there after the war is over in 1928. What has become of Dave Ross? I never hear tell of him.
Goodbye with lots of love and best wishes from Lee.
Editor’s Note:
- The US began sending over troops in the Spring of 1918, at an estimated rate of 10,000 per day. This was a tremendous boost to the Allies and helped to reinvigorate the tired soldiers.
Letter #30: “I’m going on my fourth year in the army, seems like 10”
Devonport, August 21st, 1918
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know I am alright. Hoping this will find you all the same. Well, I am still in Blighty and I am tired of writing and getting no answer. I have not had a letter from you since I had the registered one with the dollar in it. It seems to be the same with all us Canadians here, as there is about a hundred in the hospital here and they don’t get any letters from Canada. I would like to know where in hell they are going to. That is why I am having mine sent to a private address. I do stand more chance of getting them.
Well, I had a Medical Board two weeks ago and they marked me B I for B II, so I am expecting to be on the next draft and it is for Siberia, but you leave that to me. I do not want to go there. It is too far away and too cold. I would rather go to France. I think I can kick off it. Well, I am not fit for it anyhow, but I am getting better every day. I am getting stronger. It takes quite a little time to get over gas, but this is a dead place here. I do not like it.
I was just thinking today, I am going on to my fourth year in the army. It seems about 10 years. Well, the good old U.S.A. is doing good work. They are getting lots of men over here and that is what we want to end this war quick. They are also good fighters, but, of course, they have lots of swank. They tell us they are coming to finish the war here. They don’t know what we have done and suffered the past four years. But they’ll love their swank when they get to France and up against old Jerry.
When do you think it will be over? Have you got plenty of work? Well, as long as you can keep out of the army, you are alright. Well, I do hope you will get this letter and try to write to me once in a while. Remember me to the boys. How is Sam? I never hear anything about Dave Ross. What is he doing?
Love and xxxx for Mary and Ted. Hope he is better with lots of love.
From, Lee
Editor’s Notes:
- Lee mentions Siberia. After Russia had backed out of WW1, the remaining Allied countries sent soldiers to Russia during their civil war to assist the anti-communist movement, strengthen the Eastern front and also to protect military supplies and equipment in Russian ports. They eventually backed out in 1920, but this intervention did create distrust between East and West.
- The Americans helped to turn back the Germans in the Spring Offensive from March to July and during the final Hundred Days Offensive from August to November. Germany was not able to replenish their armies to compete with the influx of fresh American soldiers and improved morale among the Allies. The Central Power armies were tired, the citizens were hungry. Germany wanted to fight another battle at sea with the British, but the German navy refused and revolted, supported by civilians. The German Empire collapsed. They had no choice and an armistice was signed on November 11th, 1918.
- There are two more letters, but this letter represents the last letter before the war ended.
Letter #31: “I am trying to get out of the Army”
Devonport, England, Military Hospital, R.A.M.C, 7th Coy, February 16th, 1919
Dear Brother;
Hoping this will find you in the pink as this leaves me at present. We have got the fever very bad here again. We have got about 200 in this hospital now down with it, about seven deaths a day on average. It is still not quite as bad as the last time.
Well, I have been trying to get out of the army since the first day of the year and I should have been out the 3rd of January, but there is so damn much red tape they are trying to do me out of my passage back, but there is nothing doing, they got plenty of fight out of me. I have not done four years for nothing. Well, have you got plenty of work? Labour is unsettled over here. Everybody is on strike. The country is in a hell of a state, plenty of Bolshevik and German money behind it.
Well, how is Herb Hatch and all the other boys? I suppose Ted and Mary are going to high school by this time. Is Ted alright. You said he had a bad ear the last time you wrote.
Remember me to Sam, Flo and children. I heard Lillian is working, as I had a letter from Mother yesterday. Well, I wish you would drop a few lines when you have time. Hoping I will be able to see you all about 1920.
With love and best wishes.
From your brother, Lee.
Editor’s Notes:
- The war may have been over but the suffering continued. Labour movements had been building momentum throughout the war. Strikes were rampant.
- The Paris Peace Conference began on January 18th, 1919, included delegates from 27 nations and resulted in the Treaty of Versailles with Germany and subsequent treaties with Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and Turkey.
- The Treaty of Versailles placed full blame for the war and a tremendous financial burden on Germany, which is believed to have created the conditions for the later rise of Nazism which led to WWII.
- World War 1 casualties were estimated to be somewhere between 9 and 11 million military. The estimate for civilian casualties is somewhere around 8 million.
- The army camps were rife with flu, and when the soldiers returned home, the virus spread to their families and communities. Estimates were between 20 and 40 million died within a year and a half after the war, but current estimates are much higher at 100 million. It was referred to as the Spanish Flu. Spain was neutral during the war. The Allied countries suppressed the news about the flu, but in Spain they freely reported on the illness, so people associated it with them.
Letter #32: “Hoping to see you all again soon”
At Sea, May 23rd, 1919 – (Letter #32)
Dear Brother;
Just a few lines to let you know that I am on my way back. I think I will land in Halifax sometime tomorrow if we have any luck. We have a good fast boat, Aquitania, a Cunard liner and we have had very poor weather, very rough most of the way. Everyone sick, about 6000 troops aboard, also 1000 passengers.
There is a friend of mine by the name of Bagley. He was going to call and see you. I wrote to you nearly two weeks ago telling you he is a plumber and he belongs to the Southern States. He is going to try to get a job in Boston and he is alright.
Well, Mother told me in her last letter that you will all be home this summer. I guess I will have to stay there a while to see if I can get some grits into me, but this trip is doing me a lot of good, as they are feeding us pretty good, the first for a long time. I do not know how long I will be in Halifax, as I did not get settled up yet. I did not have any money for three months. They were scared to give us any as there was a wild bunch in Winchester.
Give my best regards to all. Hoping to see you all again soon.
From your brother, Lee.
Editor’s Notes:
- This is Lee’s last letter. Thank you for following along. We look forward to hearing from you with questions or comments.
- RMS Aquitania (1914-50) served in both world wars and it was the grandest ship of its day. It had a long and rich history. At the end of WW1, it was used to transport Canadian solders back home. Lovely video here on Aquitania which includes its service in WW1 and WW2.
- The Letters from the Great War Series attracted visitors from 40 countries. The top ten in terms of traffic volume were Canada, US, Germany, France, China, UK, Netherlands, Australia, Finland and India. Each month, we had an audience of around 700 visitors and they viewed a total of 2200 pages which expanded our audience for our other website stories as well.
- We offer a special thanks to Jon Darrah, Lee’s great-nephew/grandson of Jack for this donation of letters. These letters have offered our audience and future generations a first-hand glimpse into The Great War. For those who knew Lee, they said, “With Lee, there was always a story.” To honour his legacy, we will ensure that with Lee, there will always be a story.
- We engaged Alan Buchanan to voice all 32 letters and those recordings will be donated to The Island Collection at UPEI. Thank you to Alan for capturing Lee’s spirit and bringing these letters to life.
- Thank you to CBC Mainstreet’s Angela Walker for her interest in this series. We were featured in two interviews. The link to the August 22nd interview is here and the link to the November 9th interview is here.
- Thank you to The Guardian for featuring the story in their special edition on the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War. Journalist Josh Lewis did a great job of capturing the narrative of the letters. To view the story, click here.
- Thank you to Peter Rukavina of http://www.ruk.ca for featuring two stories on the letters. To view the first story, click here and the second story, click here.
- The letters now appear on a special page on our site where you can read them in chronological order here.
- It is the Clyde River Historical Committee’s honour to recognize the Centenary of end of The Great War and to show our respect to the soldiers who fought. Lee’s letters offer a voice to their heroic service.
We offer a special thanks to Jon Darrah, Lee’s great nephew/grandson of Jack for this donation of letters. These letters have offered our audience and future generations a first-hand narrative of a Clyde River soldier who lived through The Great War. For those who knew Lee, they said, “With Lee, there was always a story.” To honour his legacy, we will ensure that with Lee, there will always be a story.
CBC Mainstreet Interview with Vivian Beer, August 22, 2018: To listen to the interview, click here.
CBC Mainstreet Interview with Vivian Beer – November 9th, 2018: To listen to the interview, click here. (will add link on Nov. 13th when posted on Mainstreet site.)
The Guardian feature on November 10th, 2018: To view article written by Josh Lewis, click here.
Peter Rukavina featured two stories on our series at http://www.ruk.ca. View the first story here and the second story here.
We engaged Alan Buchanan to voice all 32 stories and these recordings will be donated to the Island Collection at UPEI.
Ardmore Chronicles 