BMS/CWK/95/21b/18

Envelope containing 4 letters from James William Kaye to his parents. Sent from Headquarters 22nd Corps, Heavy Artillery, B.E.F.

22 Jan [2 leters], 29 Jan, and 3 Feb, 1919

From: 1919 To: 1919

First letter: Fixed up in a nice billet in the Rue d'Harve, about 200 yards from the mess. Has a very big room with a feather bed and sheets. The mess in in the Avenue d'Harve, one of the finest avenues in Mons. About 25 minutes fast walk from previous mess. Thanks for the stamps, much appreciated by the Gilbert children. The work is mainly in the office - telephone communication with 7 heavy artillary brigades, consisting of a total of 34 batteries. Writer's job is to assist the staff captain. There is a stable full of horses and motor bikes, so writer will be able to get about. There are four others in the mess; they do orderly officer duty in turn, that is 'you have to stay in everty fifth day (or get someone else to stay in for you) in case of the telephone going in the afternoon.' A lot of these officers are expecting to be demobilised any time now. Describes other people in the mess. Second letter: Been to Cuesmes to watch a match [sport not specified], following which visited the Gilbert family and played snowballs with Simone and Francois. Thanks for parcel containing camera and 6 lots of films. Has read the instructions and will proceed to take some views - probably snowscapes. Gets The Times in the mess, which is appreciated. Has only candles in present billet - had electric light at the Gilbert's house. Food is better than in the battery. The mess secretary managed to get some preserved eggs. Cheese and jam come up with the rations, also margarine. Never get fruit, except of the tinned variety. Refers to Wood, the writer's batman, who is in the same billet and has a proper bed with sheets - very superior for a batman. In the 22nd Corps, Heavy Artillery there are 4 imperial brigades, 2 Canadian and 1 South African. Before new posting, had a trip to Mons with Boyd. Went to the town hall, cathedral and the site of the castle. Third letter: Post goes out at 2.15pm, any letters written in the afternnon do not go till the next day. Been to Cuesmes and had tea at the battery. Refers to post recieved from various relatives. Waiting to hear what will happen to the corps; considers they may be demobilised, as they could not go to Germany without reinforcements. Went to a revue at the Mons Theatre given by Canadian troops. The Heavy Artillerystaff took an assortment of ladies, and had three boxes. Refers to breakfast being at 9.00 am, and working in the office from 10.00 am till 1.00pm. Muses whether any leave is likely before April. Fourth letter: Thanks for letters. Details other letters received. Has been to Cuesmes to watch a football match - the battery beat a hitherto unbeaten team 1 - 0. Several at the battery have had 'flu, two officers have had to be taken to hospital. The battery is getting very small, only about 80 men left. Refers to the freezing weather. Has moved from B mess to A mess. Thinks B mess is to be closed, as all except writer are to be demobilised. A mess is situated in a magnificent house, but it is cold and hard to heat. Remains in same billet for sleeping. All the brigades in the Heavy Artillary Corps except one, and a few odd batteries, are returning their ammunition, 'so it looks as if they are going to pack up soon and go home.' Writer will 'doubtless go into some army of occupation somewhere'. The strike on the railways is finished, so once again having something better than bully beef and biscuit to eat. The leave trains and boats have also started running again. Writer has acquired a fine Boche rifle as a trophy. It is strictly forbidden to bring them to England 'but I'll hang on to it, and may get it back some day.'

4 sheets

item

Kaye, James William,
British Expeditionary Force,
Gilbert,
Gilbert, Simone,
Gilbert, Francois,
Wood,
Boyd

family correspondence, Mons, snow, The Times, cameras, fruit, food, batman, Canada, South Africa, weather, football, influenza