Camp Hughes
June 28/16

Dear Mother,

Recieved cake & letter from Lawrence Mc. Yesterday & I got the other one from Ditchburn & believe all the fellows envy me. We had a battle to-day about three miles from camp. Each Battalion sent out about 250 of their best men & of course I was one from ours. Several of the battalions were made the enemy & they wore a white band about the cap. The cavalry (The Fort Gary Horse) when first but they where defeated by the Stratchcona Horse. Of course we used blank cartridges. Then we came next (the 184th) & we advanced for 3 miles at a run to where the enemy were located. We were in one single line each man six feet apart. The other platoons except the one I was in brake through the enemies first line but we run into the enemies machine guns & were killed. This was the judgement of the General Sam Hughes.

Wish you could be here for the first of July as we are having big sports.

Before you send the telegram go to the Doctor & tell him he may get a phone message from headquarters to see if there is anyone sick at my home & if they find out from the Doctor that no one is sick well, instead of getting leave I will get the reverse. They are so strict because so many are running away.

Don't show anyone my photo as its fierce & I will have it taken again when I get home. Will have lots of news for you after I recieve the telegram.

Am so tired after the battle can hardly keep awake. Am in the best of health hoping you're the same & all.

Loving Son
Roy.

P.S. Recieved onwards o.k. & they make me feel rather homesick. R.