November 11th Lest We Forget

I would like to start off stating that I did not forget to post on Remembrance Day, it was that I was not near a computer for about a week.

I was summoned with a task this morning by my Mother to seek out two listings in the Canadian National Archives under soldiers whom served in World War I (1914-1918). They would be my Great Uncles or my Grandmother's Brothers. The reason for her request is that tomorrow there is a remembrance get together at the church where people could bring photo's, letters, and other memorabilia and talk about it together as an act of remembering those who fought and served.

Now I started browsing and came across The Canadian Letters and Images Project. It is a collection of letters from soldiers to their families and also letters from the military to the families when the soldier had been killed. Here is an excerpt Cullen Perry to his mother December 18th 1917.

23 Squadron R.F.C. Aboukir Egypt 18th Dec. 1917
My Own Dear Mother For ten whole days I've neglected writing. We've had terrible storms, rain and wind however thank goodness its warmer to-day and we can fly as usual. Its like June at home but not warm for here and I'll be glad when it a bit warmer.
No post in for two weeks - hope the subs haven't sunk it like they did our Xmas post out here two years ago. I mentioned in my last letter that it would be alright to send my letters c/o Cox's Alexandria but perhaps Mother it will be just as well to send it as usual to Abbots as I'll be going back to England in the spring. I saw in a London paper that Bob Dow has been killed - am writing Gladys Greenwood to day. She must feel it very much as I'm sure she liked Bob better than anybody. I haven't a speck of news Mother. Since last writing I haven't done a thing except read, sleep and eat. Expect its awfully cold at home now and Saturday is probably the big Xmas fair. It seems years and years since I was home for a Xmas fair and it probably is a good many for before the war we only got home Xmas eve. What a terrible disaster at Halifax. The suspense of the soldiers in France from there - waiting for news of their relatives must be awful. I haven't sent any Xmas letters [missing] didn't have time before [missing] and it was far too [missing] got here. However I [missing] be missed. I would love to see the house since its been bricked. What a change there must be. I do hope Mother Dear you're living in it soon.
Will probably get lots of letters from you and John the next mail which I hope comes very soon. Love to Dr and Mrs Lavery and all my friends. Tons for yourself. Your Loving Son Cullen

He died in a plane crash February 3rd 1918 in Alexandria, Egypt.

The amazing thing after reading through almost all of the letters is that the soldiers all seemed upbeat and just looked forward to home. The biggest gripe was the weather over in England and constantly catching a cold or the flu.

Thank you to all who have served and continue to. We will never forget.