Enlistment

To my beloved wife and children,

It has been a while since I've last talked to all of you. But we have been given the permission to start writing back home. I hope you guys are doing very well back home and I'm sure that your mother is doing a well decent job, like always. Tommy, I am hoping you're doing all of your homework and looking after your little sister and your mother as well. You are the man of the house now.

The troops first started in Valcartier, Quebec, training for our first battle. It went well but sure enough it was pretty tough. I feel bad for leaving all of you but I as you all already know, I wanted to make this family and as well our country proud. You all know I am a very strong and healthy grown man so you know I am capable of taking caring of myself and you all don't have to worry. I was first recruited and was trained for the army's overseas service by a man named Sir Sam Hughes. While training, there were rumours of us going to the trenches. At first I thought it was just a joke, but it wasn't.

If you guys are struggling with money, I have left a bundle of cash into our secret shoe box under mother and I's bed. Make sure you hide it properly and securely and only use the money I gave you for groceries and emergencies. Have I mention about my uniform? I paid $150 it and so far it's doing a pretty good job. Although it may not be the most comfiest thing, it will do. It takes quite a while to put that thing on but I think i've got the hang of it now. I am getting fed very well here. It may not be the kind of meals that your mother makes but its do-able. My meals always consist of one pound of meat, bacon, a lot of fish, and the government provides us sausages! The troops and myself are as well provided at least one pound of bread everyday with the casual tea or coffee. The  bread here is not the same as the one we have at home. Before I eat the bread I actually have to soak it in water to defrost it. It may not be the greatest bread in the world but at least I can eat it. Oh, and you can't forget about our vegetables! It is what keeps me going every day, so Tommy ... listen to your mother and eat your brussels sprouts!

I'll keep you guys posted soon about my duration here in war, take care.