Birmingham, England

Aug 17/18

Dear People:

Well my dear parents here I am in England (Blighty) and not in Ententeville either.

I am feeling pretty good but a little tired from the long trip I had. Traveled by ambulance (Canadian) and train and boat (channel boat). I had a very good trip over (considering I was on my back) with two men holding the stretcher up.

My address now is:

Rodney H.

Birmingham, England

Ward H4, 1st Southern General Hospital

I am admitted but waiting for the doctor yet. I understand I will be here for some time at least.

I am in a very large place here (over 2,000 beds) and very comfortable.

The nurses are all English girls and seem very nice.

I think I am lucky to be sent to England. I did not expect to get here but was hoping.

During the voyage across I was in a hospital ship and had a very good time (as good as could be expected).

I have not much more to say but will write a letter home when I am settled.

With love,

Elmer

Page 2

4:20 a.m. It was a very nice morning for the occasion. Bright but misty, fifty yards or so.

We were then back of the trenches. We were near the water of [Hotham?] Woods.

We moved up at 4:17 a.m. with two brigades in the first line and the third brigade in reserve.

At 4:20, we moved up and made a small advance.

At 4:23, the big blow was pulled off.

I thought it was about the loudest noise I ever heard.

We moved out in small groups, in the open, and toward the enemy’s trenches.

There was not much opposition, just a few shots.

We advanced easily and captured some prisoners.

I got hit in my left arm but it was not bad.

I continued on for a time, then went back to the dressing station.

The rest of the night, we built a new trench ahead and prepared for another push.

We were able to get a good hold of the objective.

By 4:30 a.m. the fighting died down and it was mostly a question of holding on.

Such is war.

Page 3

I could not walk very far, so after I bandaged myself the best I could, I sat by the side of the trench without a rifle.

Then I saw the artillery crash, and the shells were bursting all over the place.

It was a wonderful sight!

After the advance, I came through a British Transport column and managed to be carried on to the rear for about 1,600 yards, across some stretcher-bearers.

The Royal Army Medical Corps and others were busy taking care of the wounded.

I finally made it to a dressing station, where I was treated and told I would be OK.

They gave me some medicine and said I was all right.

Later, I was called to another station where I was treated again and sent to the field dressing station.

There, I received some further treatment, and after a few hours, I was transported to a hospital train.

It was slow going, and I stayed there about one and a half days.

Then they shipped me again, and I arrived here where I am now.

I felt very much better after that.

Page 4

I went to a C.C.S. (Casualty Clearing Station) and stayed there about an hour and was then sent to the 3rd Australian General Hospital.

I stayed there until the 9th of September.

On the 10th, I left at 1:30 p.m. and departed on a train to No. 2 Cardiff General Hospital.

I left there on the 16th and returned to Birmingham.

I am now at the Birmingham Hospital, where I am doing fine.

I endured several moves after the 4:30 attack and was extremely tired, of course.

Please excuse this poor letter.

I forgot to mention that the Club furnished books, writing paper, and other supplies during convalescence.

The Red Cross furnished us transportation, three hospitals, one hospital ship, about fourteen trains, and several motor ambulances.

I suppose you would laugh to hear this — at the 3rd A.G.H., we had a couple tons of grapes, cigarettes, and more to eat than we could use.

I can’t get as good as here — straight rations.

With oceans of undying love and many good wishes,

Don’t worry as I am

Your loving son,

Elmer