A Window on the Great War - 100 Years to the Day - A Letter from the Front, March 14, 1918 France

This World War One letter was written by Hugh C. Wright of Shepody (Hopewell) Albert County on March 14, 1918 while he was in serving in the Canadian Garrison Artillery (CGA) in France. Hugh had enlisted in the 26th Battalion on November 17, 1914 when he was 19 years old. He sailed with the 26th Battalion from Saint John on June 13, 1915 aboard the steamship “Caledonia”. They arrived in England on June 24, 1915 where they underwent rigorous training in preparation for going to the battle front.

Hugh served in the 26th Bn, 5th Infantry Brigade in Belgium and France spending 17 months in the trenches. In February 1917, he transferred to the 4th Siege Battery, 2nd Brigade CGA and was a gunner for the remainder of the war. He was discharged on May 10, 1919...on his 24th birthday!

Hugh Wright was the youngest son of James and Jane Wright. Hugh's letters are addressed … “Dear Father” because his mother had died when he was only 7 years old.

Hugh's brother, Clarke Wright, of Hopewell (Shepody) enlisted on October 19, 1915 and went overseas with the C.E.F. Clarke also served in the 4th Siege Battery for the remainder of the war.

“I am very fortunate to have over 50 letters that my Great Uncle Hugh wrote to his family while serving in WWI”. Great Niece Dawne McLean

With many thanks to Hugh Wright's great niece, Dawne McLean who kindly submitted the letter.

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France

March 14th 1918

 

Dear Father,

 

Well, I suppose you will think that I have forgotten you since I have not written for some time, but we have been working hard for this last couple of weeks and it has just slacked off.

Clarke and I had a parcel from Aunt Berta last night and believe me they came in fine.

I received your nice long letter a few days ago and we were awful glad to hear from you.

I saw a piece in the Telegraph that the gov't was going to take over the S & A railroad. It would be a good thing I should think if it did.

Well Father, Clarke and I will be going on leave together this time. I guess we will be going about the last of next month, but I am sorry to say that I have not much money coming to me as it has been such a short time since my last one, so I would like to have $75 if possible. I hate to ask you, but a fellow can't very well have a good time without money and everything costs so much now.

Will see Clarke and find out the best way to send the money,

will finish in the morning.

Well, will close with Love to all

Hugh

Get the Bank to cable the money to their agency in London, the same as Clarke's is being done. Don't delay it any longer than possible as we may get away in a month's time.

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