“…expect to leave for France tomorrow night…”

Seaford, Sussex, August 19, 1917

Mr. W. E. Dobbs,

9 Horace Court, Norwood, Man., Canada

Dear Walt and Lottie,

I received your most welcome letters this week but have been kept so very busy that I haven’t had an opportunity to reply and, in fact, only have about two minutes.

We expect to leave for France tomorrow night unless there is a change in orders…and we have a kit inspection about every hour when we have to pull our kits apart and check things over and then repack. This nonsense would make you sick but it seems to be the rule here and of course we have to “fall in line.”

Have had some trouble getting all my things in the overseas pack…

…was very sorry indeed to learn of the death of Lottie’s brother. One hears so much of these things here that we become hardened to it unless it strikes near home. I sincerely sympathize with those left to mourn.

Will try and write a real letter at the first opportunity from France. My address will be the same for the present. Mail will be forwarded.

Yours in haste, Garn     Love to all. Xxxx

Selection from the letter collection of Sergeant Dobbs, to his sister Millie and his brother Walter
CWM 20050153-001
George Metcalf Archival Collection
© Canadian War Museum