Letters From the Front

Dated:

Pte. C. F. Carswell wrote May 16.

I fancy you will have heard before now that Art [John Arthur Carswell] was wounded, as he said he had arrangements made when in England to have you cabled. He was next to a German Minniewerfer shell when it exploded in the parapet and buried him to the waist crushing his hips together and partially paralysing his legs. Of course it is hard to say what will come of it, but the doctors at the casualty clearing station, or rather at the dressing station, said it was not serious, but would probably get him to England for a while.

I was in the next bay and was knocked down and my rifle busted, but otherwise, I was uninjured. As soon as I hear anything more I will write again, but I don't think it is to be worried over much, as he will miss some bad trenches.

I received your letter of Easter Sunday when in the trenches - getting letters when in the line is like finding nuggets.

You ask if we get lots to eat? I have never been short of rations. One seems hungry often, but never needs much of the army grub--it is very satisfying, especially the bread.

The country is lovely now when one gets away from the line where everything is shell shattered -- my nerves also, when Art was buried.

Sergt. Stevens¹ (the boy I used to chum with at Varsity) dug Art out when in view of the Bosche lines.

Give my love to all.

CHARLIE