July 27th, 1915.
Here we are still in a quiet peaceful spot. We hardly get enough exercise to keep us fit. The Major is away on sick leave and I don't know when he will be back, so I am O.C. again. But the worst of it is that I was expecting to get my leave from Aug. 6th to 13th and everything seemed fine until the Major went. I only get a weeks leave Mother, so don't think of coming across that awful ocean. It would only make you miserable to see me for so short a time. I often think how fortunate we were when I came through Ypres alright. If I had got hit you might have been on the Lusitania with Mrs. Ryerson and Mrs. Young.
Yesterday was Sunday and I was at church at the waggon line in the morning. We expected Canon Almon but our own Padre took service. However, the hymns were fine.
In the afternoon while I was sitting here writing indents, Marie a little girl from next door watched me with intense interest. She is eleven and pretty as a picture in her little red frock. Antoinette, her chum gazed over her shoulder through the window. I talked to her and showed her photographs of Canada. Both girls can speak English a little. It is funny how they say things are "no bon" or "bon".
The horses are in better shape now as it is getting cooler but water for them is a big proposition. We have to go 2 miles twice a day for good water in quantity.
I saw the Premier at a distance but he did not come to our battery. We had things very tidy that day.
The last time I was in the trenches things were very quiet. Even the snipers seemed to be sleeping.
The flying corps has asked for volunteers to observe artillery fire. Four of our brigade did, so, Ell and I being two. If they want us we will go. I see that Grant Gooderham has been doing splendidly and also Walter Lawson. There will soon be a big demand for observers. But don't let this worry you, one is just as safe on that job as on any other.
I got Dr. Wishart's letter just after this other call and don't know just what to do. There are some of us who have had a good war training in artillery work and it does'nt seem exactly right to drop it. I will inquire in London when on leave about the R.A.M.C. If they need me there more than here, I'll go.
As for the professional side and the benefits to myself, the Medical Corps after the war will certainly be a wide experience.
We got eight new horses yesterday and now have the finest gun tem of blacks you ever saw. My own two are feeling fine, just like me. I never felt better in my life.
