November 11 1918 (survivors and cost of war)

Dear Eve, 

I can finally say it now, with no doubt in my mind, the war is finally over. It has been such a terrible and breaking experience, and there has been so many deaths and injuries. I have already told you about the battle of passchendaele and how we fought and died in the thousands to gain nothing more than muddy, soiled ground. The fate of the world now is impossible for me to tell, what will happen now that it is over? There has been celebrations and grand displays of love all over the world, but why does this happen now and not because of some damned dispute over a dead prince. My fellow soldiers are merely shells of what they used to be, nowhere near who they were when i met and befriended them during the early years. We laughed, joked, told stories of when our wives went pale faced once we told them we were off to war. But now, it is hard to tell what lies behind those once beaming faces. I try to stay as strong as i can, but looking upon those faces brings me such despair. I cannot even conceive of what the Germans are feeling right about now, as they have had so many losses, and with the eventual signing of the treaty of Versailles, i cannot imagine of what consequences they will face. 

They are saying that the war has left millions of people dead, and i wouldn`t argue that fact at all. They are still tallying the deceased, but i can imagine the losses must reach 10 million or so. Even word from Arthur Currie, the now general of all Canadian forces, says that our losses numbered to about sixty thousand, with even more than double of them wounded. What a terrible state the world is in Eve, even with the new found peace and celebration in the world. So much human life lost, there has to be a reason for it all. From what i hear back in Canada, the people have been talking about autonomy, which seems like a foolish idea. I think it could work though, with our numerous victories in the war. The British will have to hear us because of it, they have to. As for me, Eve, i will be home once my discharge papers have been filed, and i will finally be able to get back onto the farm that i have been longing for these past few years. I am tired, and fled, and I absolutely cannot wait to get out of the way of these men and their wars. I am coming back.

Coming Home Soon, Daniel Wadsworth

Sources:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I_reparations, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKzZ1OwPXgk

April 21 1917 (medical treatment and meeting Arthur Currie)

Dear Eve,

I am finally regaining my strength after the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and I feel that i was vague about my circumstances following the battle. As far as I can remember, once I was hit with the shot in my arm, I am lying on the dirt for what felt like hours. It was only much later in the day when I was able to prop myself up on a tree stump when i saw my rescue. The nurses came with stretchers and carried me off well behind the enemy lines. It was a stark thought, as i have seen countless people brought back into the trenches by the very same stretchers, and now i was on them as well. Once we were safely behind friendly lines, they got me onto a bed and told me to wait. Hard to do with a bullet in my arm, but i was patient. The first thing that took me by surprise was the sheer amount of people in the medical buildings. I only has the assistance of the field medics when i was injured, so i never thought that the conditions were going to be like this. It was a disgusting sight, the injuries of some of the soldiers. I won`t share with you the details, but it felt like being in a sea of red, and i knew that most of those soldiers would not make it out of the tents alive, if they even entered the tent alive. Along with these injuries, there were the shell shocked victims. Looking at their faces and into their blank eyes were unsettling, as though they`ve seen the darkest horrors known to man. I later learned the place was called the CCS, or the Casualty Clearing Station. Apparently i had already been through the ADS, or advanced dressing station, although i had no memory of having my bandages wound up. Looking over at my arm, i found that they were right. By the time you get this letter, i have already recovered as best I can, which makes sense as i wouldn`t be able to write this is my arm was still in pain. 

Aside from this, I have some more interesting news, one that i think you should tell the kids, I think they might be surprised. Upon my last day of treatment, i was getting ready with my division to go back onto the front lines, i was met by a certain individual who came to congratulate us on our daring victory. It was Arthur Currie, of all people, the commander of my division. He was talking to the injured and eventually came over to me. We had a long and very engaging talk, which was truly a sight to behold. Never in my life would i think that a commander would come down to fraternize and talk to their soldiers. It turns out that he was responsible for the preparation of the battle of Vimy Ridge, creating a plan which was approved by the commanding officers, and the ordering of troops asides from my division. Quite an amazing feat, and one with a very good outcome. He is even to be knighted for his efforts, an apt reward for taking the ridge in about half an hour. It was quite interesting to talk to the man, and i had a sort of admiration for the man who was responsible for one of the greatest Canadian victories of the war. I can feel the war slowing down Eve, yet i still do not know when it will stop. Gods willing, i will be able to go home soon, but as i`ve said before, i doubt anyone will know when or how this dreaded war will end. 



Dearest love, Daniel Wadsworth

Sources: Canadians at War 1914 - 1918 Donald M. Santor, http://www.1914-1918.net/wounded.htm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Currie#Vimy_Ridge

April 15 1917 (battle of Vimy Ridge)

Dear Eve, 



You must've heard in the news by now, how the glorious battle of Vimy Ridge was taken from the Germans. I am writing from one of the many medical tents, which are now full of the men who were wounded at the battle, including me. I'll save you the concern, i was only shot in the arm, and aside from cuts and bruises, i am in stable condition. That is more than i can say for the other soldiers who were severely wounded, and lest we forget the dead. I will say this, we fought tooth and nail, and we emerged victorious against the Germans. It was a grandiose victory, and one that we will not so easily forget for hundreds of years. The battle was at the time under the command of General Sir Julian Byng, in charge of all three Canadian Corps., including mine. My soldiers and i were told by our commander, Arthur Currie, that we were to leapfrog over one another in an attempt to have the momentum to storm the ridge. On the ninth, we began the fight. Our artillery bombarded the position, and from what i heard, that have so much as 1.6 million rounds of ammunition, so the explosions we heard all through out the day. After the barrage slowed down, our intel learned that so much as 83 percent of the German fortifications were hit, and so we began our assault. We stormed the lines of trenches, successfully taking each line until we were upon the ridge. Our final objective was the brown and blue lines, which encompassed the town of Thelus and the outskirts of Vimy. By afternoon arrived, we had most of the ridge under our command, and already i could hear the soldiers cheering. I had to agree with them, the sheer effort it took to take this trench that not even the French and the British were able to take was astounding. The battle was not without losses though, by the twelfth, we had ten thousand casualties, and the wounded were everywhere. This was my first real taste of the war Eve, and already i can see the extreme volume of death and destruction that occurred. May god have mercy on whoever was killed in this horrid conflict, because i think they will find little solace in this minor victory when they look down upon it from heaven. 

Getting better soon, Daniel Wadsworth

(perfect song for the topic)

Sources: 
Canadian at War 1914 - 1918  Donald M. Santor, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vimy_Ridge,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXPkmIwwobA

March 8 1917 (Women's Role)

Dear Eve, 


It's been two and a half since I decided to join the war effort, and it has been somber and bleak. My personal hardships have been so severe, my division has suffered numerous losses, and still the war still shows little sign of stopping. We have barely moved forward the battle lines at all, they simply shift and move only meters at a time. Still, I have my will, and that is not broken so easily, unlike the guns and artillery we use. I have heard so much from you over recent events back home. I wish i could have seen Sadie on her wedding, it must have been beautiful. I also heard of what you've been doing, specifically for the war effort. Is it true that you've been given a job as a factory worker at Ethan's weapon factory? If so, that is truly a splendid change of events. I saw the picture you sent me, and you look quite beautiful, although i could do without the machines and conveyor belts. Having you help in the war effort is only going to better our chances of winning, though it will take more than that. Even with the 3000 or so Canadian nurses that have come over to help mend our broken bones, and the food and supplies brought over from back in Canada, I cannot see it as being enough the way the war is going right now. I've also heard about all the women getting into the factories and farms and taking the place of the men who've gone off into the war. You've told me about associations like the Farm Services Corp. which got women to farm the lands and to bring food over to us. A truly noble goal, and one that directly affects us, so i can't get too choosy about who gets it for us. I have only thanks for the women back at Canada, especially you. Remember to tell me if Ethan gives you a hard time, and tell Daniel that his father should be home...soon. God only knows when this horrid affair may be over.

Dearest Love, Daniel Wadsworth




Sources: Canadians at War 1914 - 1918 Donald M.Santor, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_roles_in_the_World_Wars#Canadian_Women_during_World_War_I, \\

December 24, 1914 (life in the front lines and the Christmas agreement)

Dear Eve, 


I guess i was wrong, it is December and the fighting shows no signs of stopping. I am still well, and living in the front is fairing poorly. I myself am having a hard time on the front with a lot of things. I am currently far back in the  battle lines with my division, and we are to move up to the front in about 3 days time, so we have time to prepare ourselves. One major thing we've had to deal with is the massive amount of lice in our clothes and bodies. These conditions with the rats and the general mess have led to the abundance of these infectious creatures. Every week we've had to pick through our clothing, through every seam to get the filthy bugs out. The rise of these insects must be due to the dead remaining in our trenches. It is a truly sad state of affairs when we cannot even bury our own men once they've passed from this world. They are just moved and left aside, with little regard as to what their effects on the us are. The consolation for the living  are few, we get little sleep and terrible food. Aside from the gruel we are served daily, the fruits and vegetables are spoiled and the meat rotten. I can only imagine what it must be like for the Germans, as they must live in conditions like this over no mans land. The reason i'm writing this on Christmas eve is not to just complain about the terrible conditions my fellow soldiers and i are going through, but to tell of an amazing event that occurred. As the sun was setting and the firing came to an eventual stop, almost like a cease - fire. Then i saw people going over the top, and upon looking over i saw that the Germans were doing the same. A sense of disbelief was in my head, why would we go over to the most dangerous part of the battlefield with our enemies? It was then it hit me. It was Christmas, there was no need to be violent to each other, it was a time of giving and peace. I jumped over the top and immediately joined my fellow people and did something i haven't done in months: enjoy myself. I talked to the Germans as best i could and had a great time with everyone. It was a welcome solace from the war and as i learned the next day, it had occurred all along the front lines, from the Channel to Switzerland! This "Christmas truce" was truly a wonderful time, yet the prospect of fighting the men that i had just talked to was somber indeed. As for the children, tell them to enjoy their Christmas just as much as I had, and to you as well. 

Merry Wishes, Daniel Wadsworth

Sources: Canadian at war 1914 - 1918  Donald M. Santor, Socials Studies Eleven Student Workbook, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_truce, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CC5SFPooc8

October 28, 1914 (weapons)

Dear Eve, 

My days in the trench are fairing better than most, but i want you to give this to my brother. You know just how much of a firearms fanatic he is, and he would absolutely enjoy the contents of this letter. It seems that these letters are the best form of a gift I can give everyone back home, so I should so my best to get them to everyone. 

Ethan, it is so great to be writing to you, we haven't even seen each other in months. It's sad that you weren't able to enlist in the colonial corp, but from what I've heard in the letters, you've still done a fantastic job producing weapons and ammunition for the war effort. Writing from the front lines  you can imagine all the forms of weaponry that I've encountered in and out of the trenches, and i thought who better to talk to about them than my brother. Our issued weapons sadly not fairing well against the trenches. The Ross Rifles we were issued constantly jam and break down in the muddy conditions, and are definitely not made for the trenches. They work beautifully when used by our sharpshooters, but little else. The British troops fared better with the Vickers mk1 Machine Gun, capable of much faster firing rates and the dirty trenches in which we fight. As for the explosives, our artillery and cannons fire huge bullets, almost like a giant gun. You've probably seen them being manufactured in the factory, the shells are as long as my arm! These massive guns fire at the German positions constantly every day, and you can the build up of empty shells reaching several meters high. Lest we forget the humorous names my fellow soldiers have given them, like Jack Johnsons, Weary Willies, and quite possibly my favourite, Whizzbangs. We've also seen the first tanks enter the battle, to little effect. They can't cross out trenches and the bumpy terrain in No Mans Land break them down to a complete stop. These lumbering beasts can't even make it to the front lines some times, and it is quite a sight. In closing brother, I want you send my warmest regards to my family, and make sure to keep the flow of supplies coming. You may not be fighting in the trenches like i am, but let no one say you didn't do your part to help us win the war! Oh, and i've sent some weapon manuals with the letter for you to recieve, i am sure you will enjoy them much more than my wife.


Warmest love, Daniel Wadsworth





Sources: Canadian at War 1914 - 1918  Donald M. Santor, Socials Studies Eleven Student Workbook

October 20, 1914 (trench warfare)

Dear Eve, 

I am sending this letter in the dark and gloomy trenches that wind all along the french and German border. I must say that the conditions here are less than pleasant  but that is to be expected with war. I am still in fit condition though, so i had better not see anymore letters talking more about my well being, and more on you and our children. These trenches are a foul place to live in my dear, they fill with mud and refuse and we can't get out without risking the constant mortar and rifle fire above our heads. It is definitely a hard place to be, but rest assured no harm has come to me. What worries me is the incoming winter, and the weather that it will bring. Our feet are already immersed in unclean water, it will not serve to have them freezing as well. It seems we also share these trenches which are filled with swarming rats which have become huge in size due to the dead, so much so that we have to have dogs in our trenches to curb their population. Having to deal with snow and the cold as well as this would be mortifying.  Thankfully these are not our permanent homes during the war. Every 4 days we move forward to the next trench until we meet the front lines, and once those four days are over, we are relieved and taken to the back of the fighting to recuperate. My division and I have been to the front line once so far, though i doubt it will be our last. In our only time there, we heard of the other soldiers talking of "going over the top", and they explained to me it was when we charged up and over the trenches, into no mans land, and fought to capture the enemy's. That was truly a frightening though, why would they do that when they have hundred of automatic guns firing thousands of bullets at them, not to mention the grenades and artillery. It turns out that was the only way to advance, a terrifying prospect. These conditions would drive weaker people insane, I think, but thankfully my fellow soldiers and friends have the time to talk and laugh with each other, and to enjoy ourselves in whatever way possible, no matter how small. Remember now, keep the kids well, and please get the crops in before the cold sets in. Maybe you could sell some of our bushels to the government to feed the troops, it seems any contribution is graciously accepted in these condition.

Dearest Love, Daniel Wadsworth

Sources: Social Studies eleven Students Workbook, Canadian at war 1914 - 1918  Donald M. Santor, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiyWP7EM0tg
                 

August 12, 1914 (enlistment)

Dear Eve, 

A thousand apologies, but i could only get this letter sent by today, but i know that you've been worried for a whole week. I've decided to enlist myself in the army and head off to Europe to right the war. I know, i know, it must be a terrible fright for you, but you know i have to do it. Ever since the news of the tinderbox that Europe now is, I had to do my part in the war. Nearly everyone i know is enlisting, and the news has even spread all the way to Vancouver! Regardless, we're still a proud member of the British Empire and it is our duty to join them in battle when it comes up. I left to the enlistment center in Toronto, and after a seemingly endless line of able men, it was my turn. You would be surprised  at how quickly this process goes, Eve.They first started with the medical tests, but unsurprisingly, nothing was wrong. Sadly, that was more than i could say for the other candidates, who were denied from serving because of condition like heart problems, poor eyesight. It was a shame knowing they couldn't serve their people out to the fullest. Once that was over with I swore an oath to King George and the British Empire and i was done. Simple stuff, and once i was done they got me my equipment and placed me in the colonial division. The equipment kit seemed a bit light to me, it only had eating  utensils, a shaver, clothes, and some food, but the rest of it all was ammunition. I was talking to some of the officers and they said that each man was given around 150.00 dollars of gear, which surprised me at how much they spent on their troops. That's more money that I make in a year Eve! Anyways, now that I've enlisted in the corp, my division is on its way to France to hold the Western front. It will be quite a sight going to France, being able to see their rolling green hills and the beautiful sights that have just been daydreams and thoughts. Please take care and make sure to send letters back, I will relish any moment i can with the news back home at Toronto, and of the kids as well. Tell Sadie and David that i`ll be back home soon, mabye even by Christmas! Also, I have sent a copy of my enlistment records in case if anything goes wrong along with the letter, so keep it safe!

With Dearest Love, Daniel Wadsworth

sources: Canadians at War :1914-1918   Donald M. Santor