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

LETTERS HOME

Jan. 26, 1917

My Dear Friends:

Am taking the first opportunity of thanking you for the parcel you were so thoughtful to send me. It arrived in good condition about a week ago, having had the misfortune to be delayed in the mail, as have been a lot of the Xmas goods, but whether received on time or a month late, are always appreciated. I had several surprises in the way of parcels about Xmas time, as you know, folks in Canada as a rule have so many relatives to send things to, that it keeps them busy, and all I figured on was a couple from home, and instead of a couple, I got seven all told and had quite a busy time getting through them. Luckily they arrived when things were and I was thus able to do justice, and you know when eats are concerned, I certainly like to see justice done. Pleasant memories. The socks just hit me at the right time, as the next day I got in with wet feet and had to have a change, so you see your work was well rewarded as I didn't have to look around to get a dry pair.

I suppose the winter has been fairly quiet as far as pleasure is concerned, owing to the cold weather, as I read in the papers that they were serving out the real thing in the weather line at times here, it felt like real winter. I remember about 3 weeks ago when out on a little trip we started home facing a blinding snow storm, and after facing about a mile in the open we all looked like snow men. The snow was very wet and stuck with us. I know it took sometime to get it off and dried out again. But the weather now is fine and excepting for the mud, not too bad for getting around.

Well, news is scarce, (In the permissable zone) so of necessity can't say much, as I don't wish to look for trouble. I am doing a little correspondence tonight as it will likely be sometime before I can tear off much in the letter line; until then, whiz-bangs or "not dead yet" cards will be the style.

If you have the time, would be pleased to hear from you with all the news. Give my best regards to all I used to know. Will have to close up now & get ready for the hay (minus hay).

Yours

Pte.R.P

Note from submitter:

The letter was written with Chaplain Service, Canadian Corps. letterhead and according to the person I purchased the letter from Pilling was indeed a Chaplain. He enlisted in Winnipeg and shipped out with the 221st Bn. According to the date, this letter was written a few months before the assault on Vimy Ridge.