Letters From the Front

Pte. Gordon Ewart McIlwraith

Pte. Gordon McIlwraith writes home from France

Published: July 11, 1917

Pte. Gordon Ewart McIlwraith, 184135, enlisted in Red Deer, Alberta, in December 1915. It appears that his brother was William McIlwraith, who also served during the war. Letters from both men appeared in the Red Deer News.

McIlwraith's letter was summarized and condensed for publication in the Red Deer News.

Dated: June 3, 1917

Gordon McIlwraith, writing June 3rd from France, was in hospital with mumps, but nothing serious, giving him a nice rest for 18 or 20 days, he said. He was among a bunch of New Zealanders and Australians and was enjoying himself find in the double tent and spring beds., etc.

He regretted the death of the Red Deer boys. Poor Harold Muldrew¹ was killed while going over the top with his Lewis gun. He was hit by a piece of shrapnel just below the chest and died almost immediately, suffering no pain. Paul Steele² was in Blighty (North Wales somewhere). Percy Lagrow³ was the only one left in the 102nd of their bunch. Bill was lucky enough to come through it too. He did not expect to get leave until fall.

¹Pte. William Harold Muldrew, 183757, 102nd Battalion C.E.F., died 09 April 1917 at Vimy Ridge.
²Pte. Paul Herman Steele, 184185. Photograph
³Corp. John Percival Lagrow, 184228.

Transcribed by: M. I. Pirie