Letters From the Front

Dated: December 31, 1916

LETTER FROM THE FIRING LINE

Mr. Thos. Jocelyn received the past week the following letter from Ernie Oakes, who is now in France:

France, Dec. 31st, 1916.

Dear Tom,-- Just a few lines to thank you for the parcel which you sent from the fire brigade.  It was fine to hear from the boys and to know that one is not forgotten.  The parcel came along with the one from the Ladies hospital committee and we had a find time in the dugout.

I guess you will be wondering how I spent Christmas this year.  You'll will be surprised to hear we had a most enjoyable time.  You see there is seven of us in the dugout and we put a few francs together and got something.  We had a dinner of beef heart, mince pies, plum pudding, not forgetting a drop of wine, but of course we got this ourselves as the government were kind enough to supply bully beef and a little bread. 

We are not not having a hard time as things are quiet and so far we have received  50 Christmas parcels from different places.  It seems rather funny, but although the life is rough, there is always lots of fun.  You mention on the card to put one in for you.  Well look at this card.  These are a few of what we took on the Somme beside what we put paid to.  It is a nice little gun they have, and a curse to all who see the effects of it.  But, it is all in a life time, so we must make our mottos always merry and bright, and look forward to the time we come back to Burlington.  Say, Tom, you might thank whoever is reponsible for sending me the Gazette every week, as it is good to keep track of the home town.

Well, I must close now, as I have lots of letters to write and I am a poor hand to write.  Wishing all the boys of the B.F.B.¹ a Happy and Prosperous New Year, I remain,

Your Old Chum,
Ernie