Write to a Canadian Soldier in Afghanistan

The Olive Tree Genealogy has a webpage hosted here where anyone who wishes to can write a note to our soldiers in the PPCLI (Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry) in Afghanistan. Take a minute to say hello, send a thumb's up, or just tell them how proud we are of their efforts. Let them know we haven't forgotten them!

The Canadian Military Heritage Project
WW1

Source: Lorraine Whitelaw Speers
Contributed 19 May 2001

My grandfather John Whitelaw was born in Carberry, Manitoba January 26, 1888 and died in Vancouver, BC September 21, 1967, son of Scottish/English immigrants Jacob Whitelaw and Mary Jane Thomas.

He went overseas with the 226th Men of the North in 1916 and was quickly TOS (Taken On Strength) to the 43rd Canadian Cameron Highlanders, with which he served until the war was completed. His brother-in-law Foster Ranson enlisted and served with the same battalions.

At aged 28 years he enlisted in the Canadian Army and trained at Camp Hughs, before sailing out aboard the S. S. Olympic leaving behind wife Edna and 4 young children, aged 1 - 5 years, Lily, Fred, Wilburn and Olive. John and Foster were both discharged on March 24th 1919.

Card #1
A beautiful embroidered postcard, "To my dear Wife" with flowers & the Union Jack.

Well dear wife I am sending you this card. Hope you get it all right.
From your Johne with Love to you (X)

Card #2
A nice embroidered postcard "To my Dear Wife"

March 30 1917
Dear Wife, I am sending a card I am well and hope you are the same. Well I will tell you I am getting tired of war. I hope I will hear from my old Dear soon. I wish I was home.
From your dear John Xxxx