Letters From the Front

Lieutenant Edward Francis Burgess

Account of the battle of Mount Sorrel

London Free Press Published:

Lt. Edward Francis Burgess' letter home was published in the London Free Press (London, Ontario) on June 20th, 1916. At the time of this letter he writes about his wounds received on June 4th, 1916. The Canadians fought the battle of Mt. Sorrel June 2 - 13th, 1916. Lt. Burgess, 1st Battalion Western Ontario Regiment (at the time of his death) was later killed and died on October 1st, 1918. He is buried at Sancourt British Cemetery, France.

Dated:

HUNS MOWED DOWN BY CANADIAN GUNS

First Letter About Big Fight Arrives in City.

DEADLY ARTILLERY FIRE.

Thirteen Machine Guns Caught Enemy Coming out of Trench

The first letter received in this city from the Canadians who were in the recent heavy fighting is that of Edward F. Burgess, 66 Stanley street, this city. He tells how in one charge made by the Germans 13 machine guns belonging to the Canadians simply mowed the enemy down by hundreds. “They just got over their parapet and fell there,” the letter states. Pte. Burgess is now in No. 22 General Hospital, Camiers, France, suffering from slight shrapnel wounds. The letter is as follows:

No. 22 General Hospital,
Camiers, France, June _, 1916 .

Dear Mother;
I was wounded on the 4th by Shrapnel, two pieces hitting me in the leg, one between the knee and thigh, the other in my big toe, both on the right leg. They are not serious, as I just had an X-ray an hour ago and saw the piece in my leg, which is in about two inches. I guess you read all about the big battle which the Canucks were in. I was there and it certainly was fast and furious for the three days that I was in it.

We were a few miles back of the firing line at rest and I had just got your parcel about an hour before we were called and was filling my face with those delicious pies, short bread and cookies when the order came and in a few minutes we were on our way to the fray, everybody excited and glad that we were going to take part in the charge. The Huns paid a big price for the little advance they made and I think now the Canadians have taken back the lost ground. Our artillery tore the Germans all to pieces. One time they started for our lines and we had 13 machine guns on them, they just got over their parapets and fell there.

Harry was fine when I left and he helped me part way until the stretcher bearers came. I expect I will have the shrapnel taken out tomorrow and may be sent to some other place. Will write you soon as I know definitely. The parcel was fine and I enjoyed every bit of it. Those pies sure made a hit with the boys of my section as I passed them around. You can write me to the battalion and Harry will forward my mail, as I don’t know when I will be able to go back or where I will be. Things are fine and a bed was a great comfort last night, considering that for three months I only had my clothes off twice.

Transcribed by: Marika Pirie