Transcription

B.E.F.

France

June 9th 1917.

My Own Dearest Minnie.

As there is nothing to do, till, our leaving for the trenches, I thought I'd answer your two letters, which arrived safely yesterday, also another lovely parcel from you too, dear, and thanks ever so much for both, as I seem to look forward to your letters more than ever, and I feel like a cross bear, when they don't come. I got up this morning and made some cocoa, for breakfast which is better than tea to my idea, and you can have all you want. We are going now to the trenches tonight for a week or so, and I'm taking the cocoa and other articles with me, so I guess we will be able to make a hot drink, once in a while. 

I suppose there are still lots of slackers, walking around Toronto, it's too bad they don't get conscription, only for the young eligibles, but never mind dearie, the war will be over soon, and the old times will be ours again, so cheer up, "girlie mine", the worst is over, and the long night of waiting ended.

It hardly seems possible  that in four weeks, or before you get this, you will be over at the Island again, my how the times flies, it hardly seems possible that its the second summer I've been away from Toronto, but believe me darling, when I get back, I'll never leave that place unless I've got a return ticket in my pocket, or you are with me. I hope dear, you go to Oakville this summer for a week or so, as you know that Mother and Dad would be only too pleased to have you there, for as long as you cared to stay, and it would please me if you went there, but darling I know only too well how you feel about it, so will let you please your self. What ever makes you think I get cross at you, if I don't hear from you regularly as dearest, I know you don't, always feel like letter writing as it's not the nicest thing to do is it, and any time I get a letter that's a little blue, I know the reason, so darling please don't worry about me getting cross, especially at you, and when I get back there will be lots and lots of things to talk about, that we will forget any thing that might of happened to make us even at each other. 

The weather is lovely, and it reminds me of the times we used to have, together at the island and at Oakville, in the canoe, but I'm going to get a new one just (for two)¹ the first week I get back. I'm afraid I'm like you sometimes dearest, as regards to starting letters, as I often feel lonely when I start writing, and tear up the letter before it's finished, and would often give all I possess to be (Back in Canada just for tonight) but I'll change or you will think I'm downhearted or something. Well girlie dear, I'll close now, as I think this is all for today so good bye to Minnie dear, God bless and keep you safely till we meet again, with fondest love and kisses, ever your loving and

truest

Dudley. xxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxx

I've been doing first aid work in the trenches for eight months

¹  *Archivist note:* "(for two)" and "(Back in Canada just for tonight)" appear as interlinear insertions — reproduced inline as written.