Letters From the Front
Captain T. Magladery
Letter from England
New Liskeard Speaker Published:
Note: any spelling errors, etc. are as they appear in the original article.
Dated:
Letter from Capt. Magladery
Bramshott, Jan.11
Just to prove that its still knows how to rain, the clouds are simply emptying themselves, and driving us all under cover. All day the sun was shining brightly although the air was cold, but we only had got nicely home from the ranges when rain began to come and it is still coming. However we do not mind a great deal as the past week has proved that the weather here can be fine if it wants to.
The officer’s hut right next us took fire about dinner time to-night and, believe me, there was some scurrying around. After some trouble we got the fire out, all the damage being confined to one room. Every officer in the camp, I think was there with a pail of water and even after the fire was out, some fellow would arrive a bit late, much excited, and without looking, fire the water blindly into the room. Between the fire and the water, I imagine that the officer will feel that his little fire was quite a success.
Last night we had the band at dinner, the first time since we left Niagara. It sounded very much like the good old days when we were under canvas there. Not one of us but looks back at those days, wondering at ourselves for not appreciating them more than we did. Think of those glorious warm days, that beautiful fruit country, our friends and loved ones near, and yet we were all finding it irksome and monotonous. If there were excursions from England to Canada I imagine they would be rather well patronized by the soldiers and officers. Not that one of us would think of turning back until our bit is done, but if we could run over for a few days or weeks to see you all, it would be great.
Jan. 12
Whom do you think we saw to-day? A real princess – the King’s daughter – Princess Mary. We were all delighted because it isn’t every one who has a princess come to see him. You see we insist that she did not come to let us see her but rather for her to see the Canadians. Anyhow we lined the streets of the camp, and cheered and cheered. She was very nice about it all and smiled and bobbed – although I am no sure a princess would “bob.” She quite acted as if she were real glad we were here and that she was here too.
No doubt the King will come up here some day and if we are not busy going to the ranges we will try to make it pleasant for him. This part of England is one of his favorite hunting, shooting districts, so I am told, and he comes up very often to try his luck. Somebody must notify him right away that this is closed season for Canadians.
We are having a musketry holiday as the Mounted Rifles are doing the ranges. There seems to be a big hurry for some reason or other, to get them through with their shooting so it may mean they are to move. They are all very keen on moving as they have been mobilized considerably over a year.
You know I always hoped to take a trip to Ireland some time and now Pat has an aunt or someone in Dublin who is very anxious that he should visit her. Pat will not go unless I go, and so in the spring you may hear of a couple very smart officers going over to the Green Isle. It would of course be quite a treat for the Irish race if we are able to make the trip.
The visit of the Princess to-day was at a very unfortunate hour, as the men were held in the camp streets from before twelve until after one so you can imagine that some, whose sentiments, loyalty, etc., are guided more or less by their stomachs, felt their patriotism gradually getting away from them. Yet when she passes she got a tremendous cheer from all ranks. Immediately after she passed the boys were dismissed as the bugle blew for dinner and another cheer went up. It would not be polite to say which cheer was the louder and most from the heart. But after all the Princess made a fine impression and we are all as proud as can be that the King’s daughter came down to see us.
Transcribed by: Dion Loach
