49.086 - ALS to Austie

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ALS to Austie, sister of Harry. Describes being in London when the Armistice was signed and witnessing the celebration. Also describes confusion over what is to happen to the soldiers now – whether they will be kept in reserve or sent home.

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November 15 1918.

Dear Austie

Here I am back at barracks after a weeks holiday in London. They closed the school from Nov 6th to 13th on account of the "Flu".

Everybody was leaving here and not knowing any other place to go to, I went up to London. I would like to go up to Scotland or Ireland but not knowing any one up there I did not feel like wandering around alone.

I was very lucky being in London when the armistice was signed and I also saw the Lord Mayor's show and they said it was better this year than it has ever been before.

There was some celebration last Monday, the day the armistice was signed. I am very glad I was there to see it all. I wrote and told Fan all about it so you see her letter. I am not lazy, but I don't like writing letters.

A got a letter from you written

Last edit over 2 years ago by Matthew Edwards
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Oct 20 and I was very glad to hear from you. I am glad you liked the snaps I sent you and I will send you a picture of me or a photo perhaps I should say. I had them taken while in London. I haven't got the proofs yet, but I expect to get them within a few days.

Well Austie the war is over at last and we will soon be home again, there is a lot of excitement in the battalion over what is to become of us here. The colonel tried to tell us this morning that we would not get our commissions but that we would carry on here and be in reserve if needed. It was very vague, in fact the colonel said he could not quite get the drift of it. Personally I dont care whether I get a commission or not as long as they let me get the hell out of here. Want to go home.

I am sorry to hear Bob has a cold. He must be careful not to get the "Flu". It is quite dangerous. We had about a dozen cadets kick the bucket here and one sergeant instructor

Last edit over 2 years ago by Matthew Edwards
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Did I tell you I had a parcel from the Lady Grey Chapter I.O.D.E. of Fort William. I got a nice parcel from them. I thought they had forgotten all about me up there.

I saw Charlie Cooke in London. he was chasing up the Strand in the middle of the road like a kid. that was on Armistice day. there were lots of Canadians around. the Y.M.C.A. (Beaver) Hut on the Strand was crowded.

If you dont get my next letter before Christmas I hope you have a happy time at Christmas time. I expect to be with Ted for Christmas so that will make us happy. Reg will try to be with us too.

With best love to all Brother Harry.

Last edit over 2 years ago by Matthew Edwards
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