This is the earliest of the letters in the collection. It finds Clifford Bowes arriving at Camp Sewell, east of Brandon, Man., for basic training. The camp would change its name to Camp Hughes in honour of Major-General Sir Sam Hughes, the Minister of Militia and Defence. Ada is the wife of Cliff’s older brother, Elliott.

My Dearest Mother,

Your most beautiful letter received today noon and was sure glad to hear from you although it put me most painfully in mind of our last parting. I will remember your words and always do my duty even though hard at times.

Well, we arrived here safe and sound, got yanked up before the captain for outstaying my pass and drew a two-day Confined to Barracks for it.

Well Mother, Almar Dorn is here, now also Edgar Wilson, Preacher Wilson’s son that used to be in Boissevain. We have not heard for sure just when we will leave but it will not be long they say. Tell Ada I forgot to take that letter to post on Wednesday night.

Well Mother Jim [Taylor, Cliff’s friend] is going to Brandon and he is going to post this for me. I will have close for now but will write more in a day or so. Give my love to all the rest of family as it is hard to leave all behind. I will be a happy kid the day I can come back again.

Your ever loving boy,

Cliff