From: Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509
H.Q. Coy. 3/H.L.I. of C.
C.A.O.F. C.A.O.

To: Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter: March 9, 1946

Envelope
C.A.A.F.

Postmark: Canadian Armed Forces, 18 Mar 1946

To: Mrs. Clarence Marsh, Dresden, Ontario, Canada

9 March 46
Delmenhoust, Germany

Dear Sis,

A few lines to let you know that I am getting along fine and hoping that all of you are O.K. I received your letter about a week ago saying that Jennie was in the hospital and I sure hope she is better by now and able to be around once again.
It is getting so that I almost hate to get a letter anymore, as it is almost sure to have something about someone being sick or else dying in it.
I heard a rumour this morning that we are supposed to start moving the first week in June, so if it is right, then we have not so awfully much longer to wait. Although it can’t be too soon for me now, so you better lay away a bottle or a case of beer for us to celebrate when I do get there.
Well, I finally got some pictures taken so am sending you one of them. The tall fellow is one of our helpers, Bill Ball, George the other cook, and guess who. This was taken back in the last place that we were in.
Well, I have to go to work so will close for now. Write soon.

Lots a love, Allan

From: Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509
A Coy. 3/H.L.I. of C.
C.A.O.F. C.A.O.

To: Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter: January 30, 1946

Envelope
C.A.A.F.

Postmark: Field Post Office, SC 764, 01 Feb 46

To: Mrs. Clarence Marsh, Dresden, Ontario, Canada

Jan. 30/46
Zetel, Germany

Dear Sis,
Well, here I am again to let you know that I am still kicking and hoping that you are all well.
I just came back from the show and thought I had better write to you before I went to bed. Bob Hope was playing tonight in “The Princess and the Pirate”. My sides are sore from laughing. I had a letter form Pat and Laura the other day and they were telling me that Uncle Holly is spending the winter in the South. I sure wish I was there as it is quite cold here now. It is windy tonight and I thought I would freeze coming home from the show.
Has Jimmie Mitchell gotten married yet or when is the wedding coming off? I suppose he will be working with Aaron in the creamery, when he gets out of the Army. I am trying to get some pictures taken so that I can send you some.
Well, there is not much news here so will close for this time. Hoping to hear from you soon again.
Lots of love, Allan

P.S. Tell Marshy not to shoot off all the rabbits until I get there. Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:   January 4, 1946

Envelope

4 Jan 46

Dear Sis,

            I am sending a few little things that I have picked up.  There is a cushion cover each for you, Jennie, Laura and Shirlie.  A small package for Helen and a souvenir for Alex.  The cushion covers are made up from different articles that the Germans used to wear on their tunics.  I am sending it all in the one big parcel as it is easier to pack that way, so when you see the rest of them you can give them theirs. 

            I received your letter yesterday and was very sorry to hear about Grandpa Marsh as I didn’t know that he was even sick.

            Well, I will write more later.

            Lots of love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

A Coy.  3/H.L.I. of C.

C.A.O.F.  C.A.O.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:   December 30, 1945

Envelope

Dec 30, 1945

Zetel, Germany

Dear Sis,

            Well at last a few lines to let you know that I am at least still alive and kicking.  Hoping that you are all well and had a good time at Xmas, it wasn’t too bad over here, at least as good as we could expect in the Army.  Although I celebrated a little early myself as I just got back from 12 days leave in Edinburgh, Scotland on the 23^rd of December.  Just back into Germany in time for Xmas, although I had a well time on leave. 

Continued Jan 1/46

I received your parcel just before I left for leave and it was sure swell.  Zetel is just a little village where we are now but they tell us that we are supposed to be moving sometime this month up near Bremen, Germany, so they say.

            I hope that you have still got some nice young girls around there that are not married yet as I can’t seem to find anyone over here on this side of the world. 

            Last night being New Year’ Eve I was out to a little party and was feeling pretty good when I got home in the small hours of the morning.  Well, it will be four years on the 17^th of January since I last seen all of you.  I guess things have changed quite a bit since then.  The picture of Helen and Leola that I got, I had to look twice to make sure it was Helen.  Tell her that I didn’t think it possible for anyone with so homely a looking uncle, could grow up to be so nice looking.  And tell Olive to hold that wedding a bit longer as I still want to be best man.

            I suppose there is lots of skating around there now as it should be plenty cold by this time of year.  It is getting quite cold around here but still no snow as yet.  How are the rabbits this year and can you get enough shells now to go hunting with?

            Well, I can’t think of any more right now so will close for this time.  Hoping to hear from you soon.

            Love, Allan

P.S.  Tell Roy to get away from that table as he has had enough for this time.  Allan

Thanks a million for the parcel.

My address is A Coy now.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:   October 8, 1945

Envelope

Oct. 8/45

Bochhorn, Germany

Dear Sis,

            Received your letter yesterday and was glad to hear from you.  Except for a sore throat I am getting along fine.  We have moved from the town of Varel and we are in a small village by the name of Bochhorn now, where there is hardly anything to do except a show about every third night.  We had a bit of excitement about the second night that we were here as the cook-house burnt down.  But I even missed that as I was into Varel at the time to a show and when I got back the fire was out, but all that I had left was the clothes that I was wearing at the time.  I lost all of my pictures and even my camera, so if you have any more pictures I would sure like to have some.

            I received the deed to the farm the other day and am trying to get it straightened up and sent back as soon as possible.

            I am still cooking, but getting pretty tired of it as they tell us that all cooks will be held over here until they can get some more trained to take our place.  If it wasn’t for the extra twenty-five cents a day I would quit as quick as was possible.  But then I see in the papers every day where hundreds of men back home are getting laid off their jobs and here at least I don’t have to be scared of losing my job and not getting another one right away.  It is different than when we were in action, now at least we know that we are going to have a place to sleep every night and as long as I am a cook I am sure of not starving, like a lot of the people here are very close to doing.  It is pretty hard to watch little kids pickup up any old scraps that the boys throw away and eating it as if it were the very best of food.  I don’t feel a bit sorry for the grown-ups though as it is their own fault.

            I don’t know if I will be able to get in the suit when I get home or not as I am pretty fat now.  You can tell Roy that I am running him a close second on being fat and tell Clarence that I won’t be able to laugh at his bald head any more.  Also, tell Olive to wait until I get home as I want to be best man at her wedding, but if she can’t wait to at least not forget to send me a piece of her wedding cake. 

            There are a lot of Polish people in camps around here that were brought here in the war by the Germans for to work and have not been able to get home as yet.  We have to place guards on the camps that they are in as they are not getting too much to eat and that we are afraid that they would start trouble if they are not watched. 

            Well, I suppose I had better write Ila Smith a letter although I have written to her several times since she received my last letters.

            Well, I guess that is about all for now.  Hoping to hear from you soon again.

            Love Allan

P.S.  Don’t faint when you get this letter of almost six pages from me. Show Olive and Helen the newspaper clipping.  Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

Coy. 3 Batt. H.L.I. of C.

C.A.O.F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:   July 30, 1945

Envelope

July 30/45

Germany

Dear Sis,

            At last, I suppose that you will be thinking something has happened to me as it has been so long since I wrote to you, but I am still alive, well and fit.  I guess that it is I am just too lazy or fed up with all this now that the war is all over.

            I have my kitchen set up in a little town in the North West of Germany, by the name of Varel.  The only mail that I have had in the last couple of months was a letter from Catherine “Simmons” telling me that Bert was in the R.C.R.s.

            The weather has been pretty fair around here but cool enough.  How is everyone around there?  Have you been doing any fishing this summer?  We have fresh fish here twice a week and ice cream every Tuesday for dinner. 

I don’t know when I will be getting home as I am with the occupational force now as you will notice by my address at the top.  I also hear that all cooks will have to stay here until the end of October at least because of the shortage in cooks.

            Well, it is almost bedtime so I will close for now as 5:15 comes early.  Hoping to hear from you soon or perhaps see you.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:   June 16, 1945

Envelope

16 June 1945

Dear Sis,

Well, how is everyone getting along now?  I am feeling swell myself and hoping to get home soon now that the war over here is all finished.

            I have been taking some more pictures lately and will send you some if I don’t get started for home soon.  Leola sent me some films for my camera the other day so hope to have some more pictures soon.  Did you see the pictures that I sent to Leola?

            I was in London on leave on VE Day and I never saw such crowds in all my life.  You could hardly move on the streets, all the street cars and buses and everything had to stop running because of the crowds.

            Well, I have to get to work and help get supper now so will close for this time.  Hoping to hear from you soon and also see you.  Write soon.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

Headquarters Company

R.C.R.  C.A.O.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:   March 25, 1945

Envelope

March 25, 1945

Belgium

Dear Sis,

Well, I finally got around to writing again even if it did take me a long time.  As you can see at the top we are now in Belgium and have been busy moving and so on.  We came  all the way through France to get here, which was very interesting.  Everyone likes it a lot better over here, the people are so much more friendly than they were to us in Italy.  You can buy all the beer that you want in the cafes here and it is not bad stuff at that.

            Thanks a million for the fags which I received some time ago and also the letter and pictures which I got just a couple of days ago.  Tell Olive and Helen that I hope the war ends soon or I will be missing the big weddings.

            I will try and send some pictures soon.  I am still in the cook-house and will soon be a qualified cook, if you can imagine it, but don’t get any ideas about when I get home.  I have seen quite a few interesting things in the last while but am not allowed to talk about them so will have lots to tell you when this is all over.

            Well, I had better sign off as I have got to go to work.  Will try and not be so long in writing again.  Hoping everyone is well.  Write soon again.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

            A Coy.  3/H.L.I. of C.

C.A.O.F.  C.A.O.

To:       Miss Helen Marsh

Date of letter:  January 16, 1945   

Envelope

16 Jan 45

Zetel, Germany

Dear Helen,

A few lines in answer to your most welcome letter which I received a few days ago.  Well, I guess by the sound of things I had better hurry home and meet my future nephews “Kenneth and Keith”. 

I am glad to hear that Jimmy made it home.  I’ll bet Jenny is really proud now showing off her son just home from the wars.  I still don’t know when I will make it though, in the spring I hope.

            Well, it was just four years ago tonight since I was last around those parts.  It seems more like forty years though as I have been a lot of places and seen a lot of things since then.

I took some pictures today and if they turn out O.K. I will send you some of them.  I have another camera now, a size 120 so if you can get a couple of films for me I will be able to send you more pictures.

Well, I can’t think of any more tonight, except that it is pretty cold so will sign off for now, hoping to hear from you soon again.

Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas, C.M.F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:   January 13, 1945

Envelope

13 Jan 1945

Dear Sis,

A few lines once again to let you know that I am still kicking and hoping that you are all fine.  I received the Xmas parcel O.K.  Thanks a million for everything.  I am smoking the pipe right now.  I saw Jimmie Mitchell Xmas afternoon and Jim Bedell was there for a while so we had a couple of beers to celebrate on.

I imagine that it is pretty cold over there right now.  We had a bit of snow about three days ago and there is still some of it left.  It gets pretty cold at nights but generally thaws in the day time.  I might be able to send you some pictures before long as I have a camera now and managed to get a couple of rolls of film the other day, if the sun will just shine now. 

Well, I will sign off for this time.  Hoping to hear from you soon again. 

Love, Allan

P.S.  How many hundred pounds has Roy gained this winter?  How many Jack Rabbits has Clarence missed this winter?  How many inches shorter are you?  How many boyfriends has Olive and Helen got and how many girl friends has Grandpaw?

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

C.A.O.  C.M.F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  December 8, 1944   

Envelope

Friday, Dec. 8, 1944

Dear Sis,

            A few lines to let you know that I am still well and hoping that you are all the same.  Tell Helen that I got her letter and was very pleased to hear from her. 

I am sending a picture that I had taken in Rome and a smaller one that was taken just outside of our billets.  I had a swell seven days leave in Rome and went to see St. Peter’s Cathedral on Sunday morning.  It is really marvelous and you cannot describe it in words.  A person has to see it to know what it is really like.  Although Rome is a very old city, I saw more modern buildings there than I have seen in all the rest of Italy.

            I had a letter from Jennie the other day and one from Jean Ball today, with her picture.  Well, I can’t think of any more right now so will close for tonight and try and write soon again, and will be watching for your letters.  Be seeing you before next Xmas.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1. Plat. H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas, C. M. F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  November 6, 1944   

Envelope

Nov. 6. 1944

Dear Sis,

            A few lines once again to let you know that I am still well and hoping that you are all the same.  I saw Jimmie Mitchell not so long ago and he is looking fine, as well.  Thanks a million for the Winchesters (cigarettes), which I received a couple of weeks ago. 

I am supposed to be going on leave to Rome in a few days.  I I hope it is right, for everyone says that it is a place well worth seeing, especially the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Cathedral.  So, maybe I will have some more to write about when I come back from leave. 

Well, it will soon be Xmas time again and we are still over here, and come to think of it, I have a birthday coming up in three more days.  Only 23, and I guess I won’t be able to tease old Marshy about his bald spot anymore.  

Well, I will close for now.  Hoping to hear from you soon again.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas, C. M. F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh 

Date of letter:  July 10, 1944  

Envelope

July 10/44

Somewhere in Italy

Dear Sis,

            A few lines to let you know that I received your letter and pictures a couple of days ago and was very pleased to get them.  Tell Olive that I showed her picture to some of the fellows around here and they all want to come and visit me when I get home.   Tell Roy that if he gets much bigger there won’t be any room in your house for visitors, and tell old Marshie that I want to see the top of his head in the next picture I get of him, so that I can see whether I still have more hair than him, or not.

            I have not seen Rome and Pompeii as yet but am hoping to get to see them soon.  If and when I do, I will do my best to get some souvenirs to send home to you.

            We were very busy when I received word of Dad so I didn’t get any time off.  But I was just so pleased because it didn’t give me too much time to think about it. 

            Well it is a year today since we landed in Sicily and I hope that before another year is up that we will be home once again.  I received a carton of cigarettes from the Kinsmen Club the other day, the first for quite some time.

            How is Alex and Shirlie and the baby getting along?  I have not heard from them for a long time now so, if you see Alex tell him that I am not going to write to them until I hear from them again.  Well, I guess I had better close for now.   Will write again as soon as I get the chance.  So, for now, Keep Smiling and I will be seeing you soon.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh 

Date of letter:  May 27, 1944   

Envelope

Italy

May 27/44

Dear Sis,

            A few lines to let you know that I received word, through the Commanding Officer, about Dad last night.  I received Laura’s letter just a few minutes before then and it came as quite a shock, for the last that I had heard he was in the best health.  When you are so far away it doesn’t seem as if it is really true, I would have liked to have been home though.  Although, I am pleased to hear that he didn’t suffer much and that Laura was thoughtful enough to send some flowers for me.  Well, there is not really much to say, so, hoping that you are all well as this leaves me fine.  I will close for now.  Hoping to see you soon.

Love, Allan

P.S.  I would like Mother’s clear glass water set and some enlarged pictures that were taken by the rock garden, saved for me, as Mother said they were for me when Dad was through with them.  Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas, C. M. F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh 

Date of letter:  May 21, 1944   

Envelope

Italy

May 21/44

Dear Sis,

            A few lines to let you know that I received your letter a couple of days ago and also received your parcel, which was very good.

            I am feeling fine myself and glad to hear that everyone is well around there, and glad to hear that Dad has got some company in the house with him now. 

I just got my head shaved this morning and the boys are all calling me ‘Baldy’ and making fun of me.  You should see the bumps on my head.  I am still working at signaling, as yet. 

Save a few fish until I get home again and then we can go fishing together.  I had a box of eats and a letter from Ruth Ward a couple of days ago, also. 

Well, I have to close now, as we are very busy, and I have got to get to work, so will write more later.  So, for now, Cheerio.

   Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

C.M.F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh 

Date of letter:  May 3, 1944   

No Envelope

3 May 44

Dear Sis,

            I am sending you a piece out of one of the papers that we have over here.  This is one of the best descriptions that I have seen yet of real Italy.  The last two lines is the way that a lot of us feel about it all. 

Hoping that you are all well, as I am feeling fine.  I will write soon again.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q. coy.

R.C.R.  C.A.O.  C.M.F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh 

Date of letter:  April 26, 1944  

Envelope

Italy

April 26/44

Dear Sis,

            A few lines to let you know that I am fine and received all your mail.  I received the Winchesters, “my favourite brand” just about four days ago and I also have 3 or 4 letters from you.  One with the picture of the group of Marsh’s, Bedell’s and Bob Charlton and I got the picture of Helen, the one of Dad, and the ones of the old Town Hall, or what is left of it, also of you, Olive and Helen and of Dad, Clarence and Buster Ward.

            It has been raining all morning so I am lying in my tent writing this and hoping that the tent does not start to leak.  Your Xmas parcel was in good shape when it arrived even though it took so long getting here.  But the one that you said you were mailing at the same time as one of your last letters has not arrived as yet, although I am watching for it.

            I received eight letters last night so I am going to be busy answering them today.

            I am glad to hear that Dad is getting along fine and has got someone in the house with him.  I see Jim Bedell almost every day and was showing him the pictures that you sent to me. 

I am enclosing a bit of propaganda that the Germans left behind for us at one place we were at.  Let me know if you get it OK.  We all had a good laugh at it because it is so silly.

            Well, I can’t think of any more right now, so will close for this time.  Hoping to her from and see you soon.

            Love, Allan

P.S. tell Roy that he looks fatter than ever.  Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh 

Date of telegram:   March 13, 1944

Envelope

CANADIAN PACIFIC TELEGRAPHS

World Wide Communications

EFM- Imp’ 1.

Sans Origine

March-13-1944

Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Dresden, Ontario

Parcel Received.  Many thanks.  Am well and fit.  Love.

Robinson

3-20-44

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1. Plat. H.Q. Coy.

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas C.M. F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  February 20, 1944   

BY AIR MAIL

Somewhere in Italy

20 Feb. 44. Sunday

Dear Sis,

                A few lines to let you know that I received your most welcome letter last night and was glad to hear from you.  It only took about twenty days getting here, which is pretty good time.  I am glad to hear that you are all well.  I am getting along fine myself.

                I wish I could be there on the 28^th of this month, but I will make up for it next year, so you better get yourself a good big cushion ready.

                I am glad to hear that it was only jaundice that was wrong with Jimmie and not something worse as I was kind of worried, for a while, about him.

                I got 300 fags from Uncle Holly the other day so have got to get busy and drop him a few lines some of these days soon. 

                We are right close to the Adriatic Sea at present and I sure wish that it was summertime so that I could go for a swim once in a while, as the old water really looks nice, but a bit too cold at the present time for swimming purposes.

                I had a box of chocolates from Allan Badder (Wabash) the other day, so I have got to get busy and write to him also.

                Tell Helen that I got her letter last night also, and wish that I were there to go skating with her.  If she keeps on working at the store on Saturdays she will have the guys running after her for her money.  I will be watching for the pictures that she promised to send me also. 

I suppose that with that new shotgun there won’t be any rabbits or anything left for me to go hunting for.  I got a letter from Ruth Ward today.  I hear from her quite often and she writes me a real nice letter.

                Well, I can’t think of any more right now so I will close for this time as I want to do some writing tonight.

                Love and Kisses, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas C.M.F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  January 17, 1944   

Envelope

Somewhere in Italy

Monday, Jan. 17/44

Dear Sis,

            A few lines to let you know that I am getting along fine and hoping that you are all well.  I suppose you will be thinking that I had forgotten about you completely.

            I have got a pile of letters here that looks as if I will never get them answered.  I was in hospital with a bad foot for a few days but am getting along fine now.  Thanks for the pictures, there were some really good ones.  Catherine sent me one of David Ward in his uniform along with a lovely Xmas card and letter.  From the looks of those pictures, I better hurry up and get home or I won’t know anyone when I do get there.

            Tell Helen and Olive that I got their letters and will be watching for some more from them soon, I hope.  I got a letter from Dad yesterday and a parcel from the Dresden Red Cross a couple of days ago.

            That break in the letter was caused by old Jerry, a few shells to let us know that he was still hanging around.

            Thanks for mentioning the roast wild duck and dill pickles.  It will help me to enjoy this lovely bully beef we are having for supper.  Tell Clarence to save a rabbit or two for when I get home.  Well, I want to get one away to Alex and Shirlie tonight, so hoping to hear from you and see you soon.

            My love to All. 

Cheerio, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat.  H.Q. Coy

R.C.R.  C.A.O.  C.M.F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  November 23, 1943     

Envelope

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat., H.Q. Coy

R.C.R.  C.A.O.  C.M.F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  November 18, 1943   

Envelope

Nov. 18/43

Somewhere in Italy

Dear Sis,

            A few lines to let you know that I received your letter yesterday, dated August 19.  I also received one from Jennie, the first I have had from home for a couple of weeks, so I was pretty glad to get them.  I haven’t seen any more of Jimmie.  I only saw him the once.  It is kind of hard to get around from one unit to another.  It is not the same as back in Canada or England.  You can’t get a train or bus and go wherever you want to at any time.  I see Jim Bedell quite often though and he is looking fine.

            Tell Clarence that he better get ready to take me on when I get home again, for trading off my favourite horse.  How does Helen like high school?  I suppose Olive is still working at the store and Roy is getting fatter and lazier “as usual”.

            It is getting quite cold here now and the snow on the hilltops makes me think of home and Christmas, which is not far away now.  We have been having it pretty quiet here for the last while now and hope it stays that way. 

            I am glad to hear that Dad is feeling well and hope that Bill is still with him yet.  I hope that you are all well and haven’t been sick with the usual colds at this time of year.  I am feeling swell myself and eating pretty good although a lot of it is “bully” beef. 

Well, I must close now.  Merry Christmas.  Write soon and keep Smiling.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q. Coy

R.C.R., C.A.O. C.M.F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  November 15, 1943   

Envelope

Nov. 15/43

Somewhere in Italy

Dear Sis & Family,

            A few lines to let you know that I am still getting (along) fine and hope that you are all well.  I have been very busy lately and have not had the chance, or place to do any writing.  I haven’t had any mail for a long time now but am waiting patiently for I know that I will be getting some one of these days.  I have been with Jim Bedell the last few days and he is getting along fine now and looking well.  He is driving truck at present. 

I believe tomorrow is Olive’s birthday, so wish her Many Happy Returns for me and tell her not to get married before I get back, as I want to be best man at her wedding.  Have you seen much of Dad lately and how is he getting along?  I hope that Bill is still with him yet.  I haven’t seen J.C. only the once, but wrote to him a week or so ago, so am hoping to hear from him soon. 

Well, I would like to be with you for Christmas but am afraid I would be a little late if I started for home now.  I have sincere faith that before another year goes by that we will be together again.  Well, I must close for now.   

Hoping to hear from you soon.  Say hello to everyone for me.

Cheerio for now.

Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

            No. 1 Plat. H.Q. Coy

R.C.R., C.A.O., C.M.F.

To:       Miss Helen Marsh      

Date of letter:  November 8, 1943   

Envelope

Mon., 8 Nov 43

Dear Helen,

            A few lines in thanks for the parcel, which I received last night, and to let you know that I am getting along fine and hope that you are also.  The parcel arrived just about the right time for my birthday, which is the 9^th as you know, and I will be 22, soon be an old man with grey hair if I have any left by that time.  

I suppose it will be getting pretty cold around there by now.  I have seen a bit of snow on top of some of the hills around here, and I must say there are some hills.  In fact, they are much too big when you have to start climbing them.  I went to see a picture tonight (Deanna Durbin in “Nice Girl”).  Yes, we do get to see one once in a while, when we are not too busy. 

            Well, how do you like high school?  I suppose the next thing I will be hearing is that you have a steady boyfriend.  I guess by the time that you get this it will be Xmas time, so I will wish you a Merry Christmas and close for this time, as I want to do some more writing tonight.  Say hello to everyone for me.  Thanks again for the parcel. 

Hoping to hear from you and see you soon.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

Plat. H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas, C.M.F

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  October 31, 1943   

Envelope

Somewhere in Italy

Oct. 31/43

Dear Sis,

            Well, finally I got a bit of time to spare and thought that I had better get busy on the letter business again.  I hope that you are all fine and not working too awful hard, but with Olive working and Helen going to school, I know that you won’t have much time to yourself.  Oh well, I will soon be home and then I can come and help you with the cooking.  But you better have something more than bully beef and beans to cook.  The fellow that is cooking for us now got some flour and baking powder the other day and made some pancakes.  They really tasted good too.

            I received the carton of fags from Olive and sent the card the other day but in case she does not get it I want to say thanks a million again.  She must have known my favourite brand (Winchesters), also. 

            Do you remember where we were two years ago tomorrow?  Alex and Shirlie’s wedding.   It was two years ago tonight that I hitch hiked from Kitchener to Windsor.  I guess I had better get busy and write them a letter today, also.  I hope that Bill is still with Dad and stays with him.  I suppose Clarence doesn’t get much chance to go duck hunting and not likely could get the shells anyway.       

            Remember the front tooth that you were always at me to get fixed and I wrote and told you when I was in England that I had it fixed.  Well, a week or so ago old Jerry started firing at us one day and when I dived for cover, my mouth met up with my chum’s heel and the result was I lost a big corner of my tooth and now the filling has also fell out, so about half of it is missing now.  Someone suggested trying to get it fixed with gold if I could.  What do you think of gold in a front tooth?

            Was I telling you that I saw Jimmie the other day?  I was really surprised as I thought that he was still in England, as yet, and then I find out that he had been all the way through Sicily with us.  He had just had a parcel from Jennie and gave me a chocolate bar and some gum which really tasted good.

            You said that you wanted some pressed flowers or something from Italy.  Well, I am enclosing a couple that I had handed to me about the second day we were in Italy, when we were passing through a town. 

            See, here I am on the fifth page, remarkable for me, I think.  I had better close for now though.  Hoping you are all fine.  I am feeling swell myself.  Hoping to hear from you and see you soon again.

Love, Allan

P.S.  Getting to be and old man, be 22 on the 9 Nov, likely have grey hair when I get home.  HaHa.  Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat., H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas, C.M.F.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  September 22, 1943

Envelope

Sept 22/43

Italy

Dear Sis,

            A few lines to let you know that I am still kicking round the world somewhere, although not the part of the world that I would like to be kicking around.  By the time that I get home again I will be speaking Italian.  I had a couple of letters from Leola last night and one from Alex and Shirlie, with pictures of Alex and the big boy, and also of Shirlie’s mother and Roy.

            We are living under the olive trees and the clear blue sky somewhere in Italy now and still getting some awfully hot weather.  The ants and mosquitoes are thicker around here than they generally are at a Sunday School picnic.  I got 300 fags from the Rod and Gun club a week or so ago.  I was talking to Archie Blackburn the other day for about two minutes and “Chuck” Breaton is in the same company as I am with now and also one of the Tiffin boys from around Kent Bridge.

            I suppose everyone is pretty busy around there now, with the tomatoes and threshing and so on.  Is Olive still working at Weese’s?  I suppose Helen is still going to school and Roy is getting fat yet.  Do you see much of Dad any more or does he stay at home all the time? 

Well, I will close for now.  Hoping you are all well and hoping to see you soon.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  undated (arrived Dresden September 10, 1943)

Envelope

Undated

Dear Sis,

            A few lines to let you know that I am getting along fine and hope that you are all well.  You will excuse the pencil as I ran out of ink and can’t seem to get ahold of any right now. 

Tell Clarence that I was in a pub a short while ago and was talking to Louis Wilmot from Dresden, Sergeant Wilmot to me.  I was showing him some of the pictures that you had sent to me and we had quite a talk together.

            I haven’t been able to get to see Jimmie yet either as we have been very busy lately.  Have you seen much of Dad lately or does he get down that way very often?  I had a post card from Jimmie, the other day, but have not had any other mail for some time now. 

We are on board a ship now but what for or where we might be going, I couldn’t say.  I will write again soon though and will maybe be able to tell you more by then. 

Well, I hear the bugler blowing last post, 10:30 pm so I guess I had better get to bed.  Give my love to everyone and write soon.

            Love, Allan

(A.C. Davis)

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson (other identifying information blacked out on envelope)

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:   August 17, 1943

Envelope

Sicily

17 Aug 43

Dear Sis,

            Well, here is a few lines to let you know that I am getting along fine and hoping that you are all well.  I am roaming around amongst the orange and almond groves here.  The only trouble is that as yet you can only find the occasional orange that is ripe.

            We are getting pretty good eats here.  I received three hundred fags from the Kinsmen Club night before last, which came in very handy because everyone has been very short on them since we landed. 

            Is Olive still working in the store or is she home helping you now?  Tell Helen not to flirt with all those young coloured boys too much.

            Boy, you should see the flies here.  They are trying to eat me alive.  When I get home, I will show you the scars where they are biting big chunks out of me.  I have been carrying a big club around to battle mosquitoes with.

            Well, I suppose Roy and Clarence are busy with the sprinkler and cultivator and Grandpa is using the hoe on everything that looks like a weed.

            Well, you had better get those chocolate cake pans ready for it looks as we won’t be long now until we are all home again.

            Well, Cheerio for now.  Write often.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q.

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  June 7, 1943   

Envelope

June 7, 1943

            Well I thought I had better get busy and answer some of your letters or I would have you climbing right down my neck, although I have been pretty busy lately and there is also a very nice young lady that has been taking up quite a bit of my time.  I guess that is the biggest reason that I have not been writing.

            Well, I suppose the fishing is pretty good in the bay right about now.  I wish that I was there to help you catch a few.  I haven’t been able to get and see Jimmie yet but hope to do so soon.

            Well, I guess Helen will be out of school soon for the summer holidays and the strawberries will soon be ripe also.  How about sending me a big dish of strawberries and cream when they get ripe? 

            I hear Laura and Bob are thinking of building up at the shop if they can get permission to build.  I had a parcel from Laura and three hundred fags from Alex the other day. 

June 8

            I am enclosing a slip from a parcel that I received a short time ago from Dresden.  Will you please convey my thanks, for the lovely parcel.  I can never think of the right thing to say when I am trying to write thanks for a parcel.

            I am taking the girl friend to the show tonight to see “The Glass Key” so I think I had better close this and see if I can get my trousers pressed, as they are getting baggy at the knees.  So, I will close for now.  Hoping to hear from you soon.  Cheerio for now.

            Lots of love, Allan

Ask Roy how Marybelle is getting along.

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

To:       Miss Olive Marsh       

Date of letter:  May 10, 1943   

POST CARD

May 10, 1943

Dear Olive,

            Received the cigarettes.  Thanks a million for them.  I have been slow in getting this away but will try and write you before long.  I have got about twenty letters to get caught up on so it might be some time yet.  Write whenever you get the chance.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Miss Helen Marsh

Date of letter:  May 10, 1943   

Envelope

10 May 43

Dear Helen,

            A few lines in answer to your most welcome letters which I have been receiving lately and failing to answer.  But I am finally getting around to it at last.  I have been awfully busy lately but am not working too hard now, so want to get caught up on my letter writing.

            I suppose it is getting very much like summer over there now.  I got the pictures of the sleigh ride today.  The one of you on the sleigh, the one of Eileen G. & Olive and the one of Steve & Clarence standing up in the sleigh.  I have got one of the pictures of myself that you were speaking of and I have another one of myself and a fellow from Windsor that I will send to you, the next time that I write.  It was taken on another scheme that we were on. 

Gee, with all that money that you are getting saved up you should have a real time when you go to Windsor.  I had a two pound box of Laura Secord chocolates from Jennie yesterday.  I had a telegram from J.C. quite some time ago but have never been able to get and see him yet, although I am trying my best.  I was to a dance tonight and of course I met a couple of nice young lassies, you know the old Robert Taylor style.  I have to carry a club with me to keep beating them off.  So, I don’t go out very often as I get tired of being chased by them all the time. 

Well, I suppose it will soon be summer holidays again and you will be all through school for another two months.  I hope to be getting another leave before very long.  I want to go see Jimmie, if I can, and I also have an invitation to go to Sheffield and as I have never been there yet, I want to go if possible.  Well, I can’t think of anymore right now so will close for this time.  Write soon.

            Love and kisses, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat.

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:   April 18, 1943  

Envelope

Sunday, April 18, 1943

Dear Sister,

            A few lines in thanks for the letter, picture of the sleigh ride and the lovely parcel.  I have been awfully busy the last few days.  I was working in the canteen yesterday and did some washing in the afternoon and then I did some more today, so tonight I thought I had better get busy at some writing as I have got about ten letters to answer.  I had one from Dad yesterday, one from Lyla Henderson who used to work in the store at Dover Centre, and one from Ruth Ward and I received a thousand cigarettes from the I.O.D.E. in Thamesville, and the other day I got a pen and pencil set from the people around Wabash.  I was sorry to hear that Dad is not feeling so good again and was sorry to hear that Gramma Ellis had died, she was getting to be quite an age though and hasn’t had an easy life either.  Perhaps she is better off than working for and looking after a bunch of her grandchildren all the time, for there was always some of them there with her.

             Tell Helen not to make too much maple syrup or she will swamp the market with it.  I had some pancakes and maple syrup last weekend.  I was up to London and they always have pancakes and syrup at the Beaver Club up there, it is just off Trafalgar Square.  I see by the papers where they are starting to ration you on meat over there.  You will have to raise another pig or a few more chickens this year.  I suppose the men are back working on the land and the town by now.  I had a telegram from J.C. the other day saying that he had landed over here and I want to get up and see him as soon as I can.  He is quite a-ways from here though and I guess it will be a week or two before I can get around to it.  Well, some of the fellows are starting to come in now and as few of them are feeling pretty good and making a lot of noise, I guess I will sign off for now.  Write soon and thanks again for the parcel.

            Love, Allan

From:     Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:          Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  April 5, 1943  

Envelope

Monday, April 5, 1943

Dear Sis,

                A few lines in answer to your most welcome letter which I received while we were out on a scheme. 

                Well, I suppose you are having some pretty nice weather by now.  The weather has been pretty nice over here lately although it is cold at nights yet.  I am glad to hear that Bill C. is back with Dad again for I don’t like to see him out there all alone.

                I just came off leave a week ago yesterday.  I was up to Scotland again and had a very good time.  I want to get a weekend as soon as I can and go up to London to see some of my relatives.  They will be getting sore at me if I don’t soon go up to see them.  The last time I was up there, there was nobody at home.

                I can always use coffee and milk as we can’t buy it over here and we can always make it in our mess tins on the stove here in the hut. 

                I would like to see the play that you are in now, I’ll bet it is really good.  I went to see the show “Babes on Broadway” last night, with Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, they had it on in the canteen here and it was really good.  I saw the show “Immortal Sergeant” when I was on leave and it was really tops.  If you get the chance to see it you should for it is really worthwhile.

                I was sorry to hear that Gramma Ellis was so sick but I suppose she is getting so old you can hardly expect her to get better.

                If you think some fried down pork would keep while it was coming over, I would sure like to have some and if you happen to have some of those old-fashioned cookies like Mother used to make, when you are sending me something.  If you made some about the size of an old baking powder can and packed them in something like that I think they would carry okay.  I am sending you a picture that was taken of me when I was on a scheme a short while ago.  This is the only copy I could get of the picture.  The fellow with wireless set on his back is Bowman, one of the boys in the signals platoon.  We had just carried that set about 14 miles when this was taken and they weigh about 35 lbs, so you can imagine about how we felt.  Well, I have got to close and go to bed as it is midnight and I am getting sleepy.  I have been washing clothes all afternoon. 

Well, so long for now.  Write soon.

                Love, Allan

P.S. Let me know if you hear any more about JC coming over here and I will look him up as soon as I can.

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat. H.Q. Coy.

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  March 9, 1943   

Envelope

Tuesday, 9 March 43 (type written)

Dear Sister,

            Well, here is a few more lines to let you know that I received your parcel OK.  You said in your letter that the shirt wasn’t just what you wanted.  I don’t know how much better you would want, for I think that it was just about right and everything else was just swell also.  The guys have been playing with the soldier all day trying to see who could make him walk the farthest without him falling down.  I even had the sergeant trying to make him walk.

            Well, I suppose that Roy will soon have to vacate his roosting place behind the stove and get to work again.  I’ll bet that that will really hurt his feelings.  What is Helen doing getting ready for the summer exams?  I’ll bet and still flirting with Buster WARD.

            Gee, here it is half past twelve at night and I have got to stay awake until after breakfast just to look after a couple of old phones.  One thing, I have got a good fireplace here with a good fire going in it, so at least it is not cold in here anyway.

Wednesday, 10 March 43 (hand written)

Well, I guess I will carry on from last night and finish with a pen.  I was going to finish this morning but as I slept all day I didn’t get around to it.  I think I will send the hankie to Margaret tomorrow, thanks a million for sending it.

            Well, I guess old Jerry must be over tonight.  I can hear the ack-ack going and what sounds like a bomb every once in a while, in the distance.  Some of them came in right over here the other day and dropped a couple about three miles from here.  Well, I can’t think of any more right now so will close for this time.  Thanks again for the parcel.  Hoping to hear from you soon again.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

On Active Service

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:   March 4, 1943

Envelope

March 4, 1943

In 5 minutes, it will be the 5^th.

Dear Sister,

Well, I just finished Helen’s letter so thought I had better get busy on yours which I received yesterday along with Helen’s.  Glad to hear you are all fine.  I am feeling swell myself.  Tell Roy I guess I will have to come home and show him how to catch fish, as you were saying he was fishing through the ice and didn’t catch anything.  Gee, I can’t think of anything to tell you, I guess I told Helen everything. 

I am glad that Dad is feeling fine.  I suppose I should write him a letter tonight.  I guess it won’t be long now until the men will be good and busy again.  I haven’t received your parcel yet but will let you know as soon as I do. 

Well, it was getting cold in the room here so I went to work and have got a nice big fire going in the fire place and it is now 1:30 in the morning.  I wish it was summer time so I could go swimming in the channel which is about a hundred yards from the back door.  Well, I can’t think of any more as I put it all in Helen’s letter and it is lunch time anyway.  I have got a few cakes one of the boys brought me from the canteen tonight.  Write soon.

Love, Allan

From:    Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

#1 Plat. H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:          Miss Helen Marsh

Date of letter:  March 4, 1943  

Envelope

Thursday, March 4/43

Dear Helen,

                Well, I got your letter yesterday and as I am on duty tonight thought it would be a good time to answer it.  It is eleven o’clock at night now and I gave got to stay awake all night to look after the phone here.  I am getting sleepy all ready.  So, by the time morning comes I will probably be ready to go to bed.

                You were talking about going to see “Mrs. Miniver” (the show) in your letter.  I saw it in camp about a month and a half ago and thought it was really good.  I also saw “How Green Was My Valley” which I also thought was very good.  Gee, I wish I had some of that ice cream that you were talking about, when you ate a whole pint by yourself.  Well, I will have to start looking for a Xmas present for Leola now, and I will see what I can do for you also.  No, I am not sorry I joined the Army as I have had quite a few different experiences and look at the different places I have seen.  Anyway, I would be in it now and I would rather be a volunteer than a trainee anyway.  “And while over I am over here I don’t have you teasing me all the time.”  Well, I received the cigarettes from Catherine day before yesterday and they sure were appreciated as I was smoking “Limey” fags at the time and those Canadian ones sure tasted swell after what you can get over here.  I have been writing letters all day long.  I received seven of them yesterday and I had to write and thank Catherine for the cigarettes and I had a letter the other day from one of the Wabash boys (Don Holmes).  He wants me to try and look him up if I can. 

We have been doing a lot of marching the last two or three weeks and my feet have got some big blisters on them which don’t feel so good, but they are starting to get a little better and I think we have settled down for a while now.  I hope so anyway.

                Gee, you should see the house I am living in now.  A great big place with electric heaters, bathrooms up and downstairs, built in bath tubs and everything.  All I lack now is a feather bed and everything would be complete.  I have even got a radio in the office here, it is playing now. 

Well, I can hear the boys up overhead tonight.  Some of them are going over now and must be taking old Jerry over another load of fine crackers, you know the kind that make a big bang.  Well, I will close for now.  Hoping to hear from you soon again.

                Love, Allan                       P.S.  Don’t flirt with Buster too much.

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1, Plat., H.Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh 

Date of letter:  February 24, 1943

Envelope

“Keep in touch with the folks at home”

The Salvation Army

On Active Service with the Canadian Forces

A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year….

Wednesday, Feb 24/43

Dear Sister,

                Well, here it is 6:30 o’clock in the morning, evening to us as we work all night and sleep in the day time.  I had breakfast at seven last night, dinner at 12:30 and supper at 5:30 this morning, so I am soon going to bed to see if I can get a good “nights” sleep.  Excuse the writing paper as it is all I could get a hold of.  I tried to buy a writing pad and couldn’t get any yesterday.  I wrote to Olive last night just before breakfast time.  So, I thought I had better get busy and answer yours as I had two of them here.  You said in one of them that Roy was behind the dining room stove having a beauty sleep.  Tell him that I said he needs lot of that alright, but that he better get doing a few exercises and a bit of work or he is going to grow old, fat and ugly and then Mary Belle won’t have anything to do with him.  Well, I suppose it won’t be long now until Jimmy and Jean will be getting hitched, if they don’t send Jim over here first.  I wonder what Jennie does now that her “little” boy has gone.

                I’ll bet that you made a chocolate cake yesterday, you know the kind with the “gooey” icing.  I believe I could smell it cooking, you know I believe I have got a pretty good nose.  Shirlie sent me a picture of the baby which I got just the other day.  Gee, he is cute too (looks a lot like myself I think). 

Well, I guess I had better sign off and go to bed, not that I need my beauty sleep like Roy does.  Tell Helen not to flirt with Buster too much and tell Clarence to save a cotton tail or two for me.  Write soon.    

                Love to all, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 1 Plat., H. Q. Coy

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Miss Olive Marsh 

Date of letter:  February 23, 1943

Envelope

Tuesday, Feb 23/43

Dear Olive,

            Well, I received your letter about a week ago and this is the first chance I have had to answer it, I have been so busy.  I was glad to hear from you and also glad to hear that you like the pin that I sent you.

            Gee, you will soon be a rich old maid if you keep on working at the store.  You will have all the boys running after you for your money.  You will be just like myself – why when I walk down the street I have to carry a club with me to fight off the women, they seem to keep thinking I am Clark Gable or someone like that, I guess.  (Alright – quit laughing).  I wish I could get on a pair of skates like you were saying, that you had been doing a lot of skating. 

We are living in some houses right now.   Another fellow and myself are living in the kitchen.  The only thing that is wrong is that we have to walk about a block to get our meals and you can imagine how that hurts me having to move out of the house at all. 

Shirlie sent me a picture of the baby – I just got it yesterday.  Gee, he is cute (I think he looks like me so he would have to be cute.). I had a letter from Leola also and she was telling me what a lot of snow you had been having.  How about sending some of it in a letter as we hardly ever see any around here. 

Well, I must close as I can smell the grub a-cooking.  Well, say hello to Eileen Gibson or any of the rest of the old gang that you see and write soon.  Here’s a big kiss for you. X

Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson

A4509 Signals Platoon Admin Wing

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh   

Date of letter:  January 13, 1943

Envelope

Wednesday, Jan 13/43

Dear Sister,

            I received two letters from you today, both mailed the 18^th December.  One was an air mail.  You might just as well send all your letters by regular mail as they get here just as quick as the air mail.  Tell Roy and Olive they had better go on a diet or they will be losing their youthful figures. 

I got six letters today – two from you, one from Dad, one from Laura, one from Jean Ball and one from Mrs. Gerald Neely, from Wabash.  So, I am busy with my pen tonight.  I am glad in a way that Alex has got category E.  If he was still single it would be different.  Well, I suppose the old town is pretty dead with all the young fellows gone from around there.  Mrs. Neely sent me the addresses of all the young fellows from around Wabash that are over here now.  There are quite a few of them now.  I guess a lot of them just came over recently.

            Tell Clarence not to kill all of the rabbits around there, but to save some for me when I get home again and get the old single barrel oiled up again. 

Did you get the Xmas card I sent you from Scotland when I was on leave?   I expect to be going on leave again the last of this month or around the first part of February.  I hope so anyway. 

We have only seen snow once over here this winter.  I’ll bet there is lots of it around there now.  I had a cold for a while but it is better now.  I hope none of you have a cold this winter.  Well, I will sign off for now.  Hoping to hear from you soon again. 

Love, Allan

From:   A4509 Pte. A.L. Robinson

Sig’s. Plat. Admin Wing

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh   

Date of letter:  December 28, 1942

Envelope

Monday, Dec. 28/42

Dear Sister,

                A few lines to let you know I am getting along fine and received your Christmas box O.K.  It was really good too.  I almost made myself sick on that fudge and the coffee was really good.  I have been busy lately and I have got a stack of letters here to answer.  I don’t think I will ever get them all answered by the looks of them.  I got a letter from one of fellows from Wabash I used to chum around with (Neil McKerracher).  He is over here now and wants to see me. 

Well, I hope you all had a good Christmas.  I was so tired I lay down after dinner Xmas day and never woke up until breakfast time the next day.  I had a letter the other day from Alex and Shirlie.  I don’t hear from them very often any more.

                I got the letters that Leola, and Layla Stokes and you wrote to me.  You were talking about some peaches, whipped cream and pumpkin pie that you had sent out to Dad.  What I couldn’t do with a pumpkin pie and some whipped cream right now is not worth talking about.  Let me know if Olive got the Xmas present that I sent her, or not. 

                I haven’t seen any snow over here yet.  I suppose there is lots of it around there now and plenty of ice too.  And don’t forget to tell Mrs. Longman that the pineapple marmalade was really delicious and I enjoyed it very much.  Well, I can’t think of any more right now, and any way it is bed time, so I will close for this time.  Hoping to hear from you soon again and thanks again for the parcel.

                Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  October 27, 1941

Envelope

Kitchener, Ont.

Oct. 27/41

Dear Margaret:

            Well, I am writing a few lines to tell you I got back safely.  I got into camp about 11:15 last night.  How was the fishing and did you see Laura and Bob ?  When I was going from Dresden to Thamesville yesterday I saw Alex and the girl friend heading for Dresden but I was in a car and I guess he never noticed me. 

I didn’t get in bed until almost twelve o’clock and at about twenty to one they called us out of bed for a nice little march in the pouring rain.  And you know about how much sleep I got over the weekend.   I just about fell asleep on my feet.  We didn’t get back into camp until a quarter after two. 

Well, I will close for now, as I have some more writing to do and I want to get to bed early.  Write soon.

Love, Allan

P.S.  The pheasant and chocolate pie was delicious.

From:   A4509 Pte. A.L. Robinson

Sig’s Plat. Admin Wing

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh   

Date of letter:  December 19, 1942 

Envelope

Dec 19/42

Dear Sis,

                A few lines in answer to your letter which I received the other day.  I would have answered sooner only I have been very busy the last few days and will be busy until after New Year’s, so won’t be doing much writing for a while.  I sent Olive a little present for Xmas but I didn’t send anyone else anything.  I expect to go on leave the latter part of February again though and I will try and get a few little things to send home then.  You can’t get hardly anything over here without coupons though. 

I will answer your questions now.  I would like to have a khaki dress shirt or two and a khaki tie as these issue army shirts are not very nice to wear on leave or weekends, and we can also use tea or coffee.  As for canned goods, anything home canned like jam or something always tastes good but, I would rather you wouldn’t bother too much with parcels and send more cigarettes, as they don’t last very long around here.  Yes, I got through my signal exams O.K. and am a qualified signaler now at the regiment. 

I haven’t received your Xmas box yet, but will write as soon as I get it and let you know.  Well, I guess I won’t be with you this Xmas, but will have to try and make it by next year.  I received your Xmas card, which was very nice, and I also got one from Katy.  Thanks for the photos.  I had my picture taken with the boys here and I will try and get one to send to you.  Well, I am pretty tired tonight so will close for this time.  Write soon and give my love to everyone.

                Love, Allan

I believe I can smell fresh pork and sauerkraut.

From:   A4509 Pte. A.L. Robinson

Sig’s. Plat. Admin Wing

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh   

Date of letter:  December 9, 1942

Envelope

Dec. 9/42

Dear Sis,

                A few lines in answer to your letters.  I have one from you and one from Helen and the airmail letter which you all sent to me for my birthday.  I just received it today.  Tell Clarence that I was on the ranges today and made a pretty good score, so maybe I will be able to show him how to shoot when I get home, and tell Roy that I don’t go out with any “old dames” that can bake. 

I just came back from leave Sunday.  I was up to Edinburgh again.  I had nine days altogether and was in Scotland for seven days.  I had a very good time while I was up there.  I sent Olive a little present from Scotland for I heard I drew her name for Christmas, so will you let me know if she gets it safely?  I will try and get some more little things to send home the next time I go up there.

                I was up to Margaret’s place a couple of times for dinner while I was up there and her folks are very nice and treated me swell.  We went to see “Gone With the Wind” while I was up there.  Tell Helen that I will try and get her some Scotch heather the next time I go up there.

 I had a box from Jennie the other day and one from the Dover Centre Red Cross.  They were both very nice.  Well, I can’t think of any more right now except that I weigh 150 lbs now, so I am doing not too badly on army cooking.  Well, so long for now.

                Love & XXXXXXX to everyone, Allan

From:   A4509 Pte. A.L. Robinson

Sig’s Plat. Admin Wing

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Miss Olive Marsh         

Date of letter:  December 6, 1942 

Envelope

Dec. 6/42

Dear Olive,

            I heard that I drew your name for Xmas, so here is something I got for you while in Scotland.  The thistle is the Scots emblem. 

It will be a little late for Xmas likely, but here it is anyway.  I just got back off leave today and had a good time.

            Love, Uncle Allan

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

Sig’s Platoon Admin Wing

Royal Canadian Regiment

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh   

Date of letter:  November 18, 1942 

Envelope

Wed. Nov. 18/42

Dear Sister;

                A few lines in answer to your letter which I received yesterday.  I was glad to hear from you.  Well, you never sent me a feather from that duck that you got.  I was up to London last weekend and saw some of my relations.  One of my cousins has a little girl by the same name as Pat (Patricia Ann). She is 3 years old.  I had some chocolate bars that I had just got from Laura.  I gave her some of them and she thinks that I am just it. 

Well, I suppose that you are all done with the beets by now.  The parcel that you sent me was just fine.  There was nothing broken in it and was packed just fine.  I ran into one of these English fogs when I was up to London and when you get fog and the blackout mixed – well, I guess you can imagine what it is like trying to find your way around London.

                Well, I suppose JC has left Chatham by now.  I wonder when he will be coming overseas.  I don’t suppose it will be for quite a while yet.  Is he in any regiment or is he just a buck private without a regiment yet?  I had a letter from Jean Ball the other day.  I was kind of surprised to hear from her. 

It is getting quite cold over here now and the weather is so damp that you really notice it.  I have got my woolies on now and they are not a bit too hot either.  I am sending the face of your envelope back.  I want to see just how many times it will cross the ocean, so when you get it on the back of it you will see the date I received it.  So, you put on the date you receive this under mine, and send it back to me in your next letter, please.  Well, I will close for now.  Hoping to hear from you and be with you soon.

Love to all, Allan

From:   A4509 A.L. Robinson Pte.

            Sig’s Plat. Admin Wing

Royal Canadian Regiment

            Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh   

Date of letter:  November 2 & 4, 1942 

Envelope

Nov. 2/42

Dear Sister,

                A few lines in answer to your letter which I received today with the pictures.  They are very nice and I was glad to get them.  I got through my signal exams all right and am at the regiment now.  I have been talking to Jim Bedell and we were down to see Sid. the other night.  He is just a little way down the road from here.  He had just received a parcel from home and I had some Dresden fair taffy and some soda biscuits and butter, which tasted very good.  I am sorry I haven’t got any pictures to send you yet.  A camera is pretty hard to get ahold of around here.  I wish I had one myself.  I had a letter from Shirlie and Alex today and a post card from Jennie.  Well, I guess I am going to be the old bachelor of the family pretty soon if Jimmie gets married.  I am glad to hear that Dad is getting along fine and is feeling fine also.  I hope Bill stays with him so that he will have some company. 

Well, I am supposed to get my leave in a couple of weeks and if I don’t get it this time I guess I will just take it myself.

(Continued Nov. 4)

I was on duty last night so have got the morning off to sleep, so I thought I would do some writing instead.  I see one of the Babcock boys here at the regiment, Les Babcock I believe his name is.  Well, I suppose you are living on wild duck most of the time now are you (and sauerkraut)?  Well, I can’t think of any more right now so will close for this time.  Thanks again for the pictures and send any that you happen to have taken.  I will try and get some to send to you.

Love & XXX, Allan

P.S.  Don’t forget to ask some of those beautiful girls to write Handsome?

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson

A4509 R.C.R.

No. 6. Coy No. 1 C.S.R.U.

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret) 

Date of letter:  September 20, 1942

Envelope

Sunday, Sept 20/42

Dear Sister;

            Well, I received your letter yesterday and was glad to hear from you.  Boy things are really happening around there, with the stealing, fishing and people getting married and so on.  I had a quite a bit of mail lately.  I got a box of chocolate bars and gum from Laola last night and were they good.  I also had another letter from Elmer Jackson the other day.  He doesn’t get many leaves and when he does they are only short ones, but we are going to try and arrange to see one another, if we can.  Jennie was telling me in her letter that J.C. had his call so I suppose he is in the Army by now.  Dad was saying that I had received a call to report also, but as it is quite a ways to go, I don’t think I will report.  I hope they don’t get angry about it because it is just a year ago today that I joined up.

            I suppose Clarence and Roy have gotten their guns all oiled up for the first day of duck season.  I want to go up to London next weekend, if I can get a pass.

Well, there is not much to write about around here so will close for this time.  Write soon and thanks for the pictures.  I will try and get some to send you soon.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509 R.C.R.

No. 6. Coy, No. 1 C.S.R.U (Canadian Signals Reinforcement Unit)

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  September 6, 1942

Envelope

Sept 6/42

Dear Sister;

            Well, here I am again with a few more lines to let you know that I received your box last night and was it ever good.  I almost made myself sick.  I have had quite a few letters the last few days too.  There has been a lot of mail coming in. 

I went to the show last night and saw Lupe Velex and Leon Errol in “Mexican Spitfire at Sea”. I laughed until I had a pain in both sides.  They also showed a newsreel of the raid on Dieppe.  It didn’t show many close ups of the men though.  I heard that some of the fellows that I know in the Essex Scottish were in on it but I haven’t heard anything about them yet.

  Well, I suppose you are busy picking tomatoes now and the canning factory is going full blast.  How is Dad getting along these days?  Is Bill still in the house with him?  Well, I just now got a letter from Mrs. Morley (Catherine), Airmail, and she told me all about you catching the 48-1/2 inch, 25 lb Muskie the other day and outdoing Art Jefferies, because your fish was 2-1/2 inches longer than his.  I’ll bet you can’t get your hat on now after that!

Well, Tuesday is payday and I am going to try and get up to London next weekend again.  Well, I can’t think of any more right now except of that candy, jam and the rest of those eats in that parcel that I got.  I am afraid I am going to be sick yet before it is all gone.  Well, I must close now.  Write soon and tell Helen to write again too.  If you happen to have any spare pictures taken lately don’t forget me.

            Love, Allan

From:  Pte. A. L. Robinson A4509

            No. 6 Coy, No. 1 C.S.R.U (Canadian Signals Reinforcement Unit)

To:       Miss Helen Marsh

Date of letter:  September 3, 1942

Envelope

Thursday, September 3/42

Dear Helen,

                Received your letter last night and was glad to hear from you.  We are having a holiday today – the beginning of the fourth year of the war.  Everyone had to go to church this morning and they gave us the rest of the day off, so I thought I had better get busy and catch up on my writing.  It is raining today again as usual.  I haven’t seen much fog over here yet but as it is starting to get around towards fall we are getting a little and they say that in the winter that is all you can see over here.  I am getting along fine on my course and expect to be on my exams in another week, which will only take a few days IF I pass them. 

I suppose the canning factory will be going again by now.  Elmer Jackson from Dover Centre and I have finally gotten in touch with one another and I am going to try and get a weekend some of these times when he is on leave and see if I can hunt him up.  The old town must be pretty dead now is it with everyone in the army and leaving to work in the factories.  It won’t be long though until everyone is back home again and when I do get back I am never going outside of Kent county again. 

When I got this letter last night I thought maybe I would get the parcel you spoke about this morning, as there has been a lot of mail coming in the last couple of days.  But maybe it will be here tonight or tomorrow.  I hope so anyway.  Well, l I hope you got your extra month of holidays.  I suppose your Dad and Roy are getting ready for duck hunting again, for it won’t be long now until they will be at it again, if they are not too busy. 

Well I can’t think of anymore right now so will close for now.  Write soon.  Hoping you are all well.

                Love, Allan

P.S.  Get those pigs and chicken good and fat and have lots of dill pickles and sauerkraut ready.

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

            No. 6 Coy, No. 1 C.S.R.U., Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence (Margaret) Marsh 

Date of letter:  July 30, 1942

Envelope

July 30, 1942

Dear Sis:

                Well, I received your most welcome letter the other day so I thought I had better answer it.  I was glad to hear that you are all well.  I am feeling fine myself.  I was also glad to hear that Dad is getting along fine and that Laura got my letter in time to get him something from me for Father’s Day.  I almost fainted when I read in your letter that Ila Smith was married.  I thought that she was going to be an old maid all her life. 

I haven’t been writing many letters lately as I have been pretty busy.  I have been doing quite a bit of night work.  In fact, about the only time I get out of camp is on Sundays when I always go for a nice walk.  As for the women over here don’t even ask me about them. 

Tell Olive I asked how her and all of her Boy Friends are getting along and tell Helen not to flirt too much with Buster Ward.  You can tell Laura that I am kind of disgusted with her.  I wrote and asked her to send me a little money so I could have a little extra to go on leave with but she refused to send it.  I dropped my watch the other day.  The band broke on it and it is costing me around fifteen shilling to get it fixed and with all the other little odds and ends that I have to buy I have got to put my leave off for a couple of months, I guess, until I get enough saved up to go on it.  When I tell her to get something for Dad or anything like that I got an idea that she is paying for it herself and I don’t like that as you have all done enough for me already without paying for presents that I want to buy for some one.  Tell Clarence that I am not learning much about shooting where I am at but when I get back I might be able to tell you what all those little dots and dashes you hear on your radio at times is all about.  Surely Jennie’s little boy isn’t going to join the Air Force, is he?  Some of those big bad fellows might pick on him. 

Well, it is time for lights out so keep on eating your five meals a day and have a pot of tea ready for me when I get back.

                Hoping to hear from you soon. 

                                Love to all, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson A4509

No. 6 Coy, No. 1 CSRU

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh

Date of letter:  July 23, 1942   

Envelope

Dear Sister,

            Well, I thought that I had better get busy and let you know that I got the cigarettes the other day, Friday to be correct and was I glad to get them as I was going on a weekend and was right out of smokes.  I went up to London on the weekend.  Friday night I stayed at a club right close to the famous Big Ben at Westminster and Saturday morning I went and looked up my aunt.  She tends market all the time and that is where I found her.  She was so glad to see me that I could hardly get away from her.  She stays with her daughter and son-in-law.  Her daughter was not at home but I met her son-in-law and he is very nice.  Saturday afternoon he took me out to Harry Darcy’s, my aunt’s son and our cousin.  They were awfully pleased to see me and I stayed there Saturday.  He has a daughter about 19 and two sons about 17 & 15.  They invited me to come there anytime I could and I think I will go back, as the girl is very nice, Ha Ha.  Sunday afternoon I was up around Trafalgar Square.  So, when I get back home I will have a few things to tell you about the country over here.  Last night I went to see the ‘Kit Bags’, a group of Canadian Soldiers who go from camp to camp putting on entertainment for the boys.  They are really good too. 

Well, I suppose you are all pretty busy now, are you?  I’ll bet Helen is enjoying her Holidays.  What is Olive doing?  Is she helping you or has she got a job somewhere?  I suppose it won’t be long until you will be picking tomatoes, again.  I suppose Dad is picking thimble berries now, is he?  Do you see him very often or does he stay at home all the time? 

Well, I must close for now.  Hoping to hear from you soon.

Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson

            A4509

No. 6 Coy, No. 1 C.S.R.U (Canadian Signals Reinforcement Unit)

Canadian Army Overseas 

To:       Mrs. Clarence (Margaret) Marsh 

Date of letter:  July 11, 1942

Envelope

Sat, July 11/42

Dear Sister,

                Just a few lines in answer to your letter which I received just the other day and was glad to hear from you.  I have been laying around reading a murder mystery this afternoon and I thought I had better get busy and write a couple of letters as I received seven this week.  I had one from Jean Law and I got my first one from Alex and Shirlie.

                Gosh, if many more young fellows sign up from around there, there won’t be hardly anyone left in town.  Do you know if any of the fellows from around Wabash have signed up or are they still trying to get in the Ladies Aid Society? 

We have had quite a lot of rain here in the last couple of days and it doesn’t look as if it is finished yet.  I think that I will go to the show tonight – George Formby in “South American George” is playing at the theatre in camp here tonight. 

Well, I suppose it won’t be long until you will be picking tomatoes again, will it?  I have got an awful cold now but it seems to be getting some better.  I am still as fat as ever and we get pretty good eats in the camp I am in now.  See if you can get ahold of Bill Lloyd’s address for me, will you?  Well, I expect to be getting another seven days leave before so very long and then maybe I will have more to write about. 

Well, I can’t think of any more so will write soon again.  Hoping you are all well and hoping to hear from you soon again.

                Love, Allan

P.S.  I got all of my teeth fixed at last.

From:   Pte. A. L. Robinson, R.C.R. 

            A4509

            No. 6. Coy, No. 1 C.S.R.U (Canadian Signals Reinforcement Unit)

            Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence (Margaret) Marsh, Dresden, Ontario, Canada

Date of letter:  July 10, 1942

Envelope

July 10/42

Dear Sis,

                Well, I received your most welcome letter the other day and was really glad to hear that you were all well.  I had a letter from Dad and Bill C. yesterday.  I also had a letter from Alex and Shirlie – boy Alex really sounds as if he is proud.  I told him that I wanted a ten cent cigar. 

I got the cigarettes that Laura and you sent and also some from Jimmie and Uncle Holly and a parcel from the Dresden I.O.D.E.  I wrote and thanked them but you can thank them again for me. 

I am getting along fine on my course and expect to be through in another month or 5 weeks and then I will be going to the regiment.  I suppose you wonder why I don’t write much about what I am doing but we can’t mention the names of the places near which we are stationed or anything about what we are really doing so there isn’t much to write about.  But when I get home again you won’t be able to stop me from talking. 

I suppose there isn’t many young folks left around there with all the work there is to do.  Well, Laura sent me Elmer Jackson’s address so I want to write him a few lines and maybe I might get to see him when he is on leave some of these times. 

Well, I will write more next time.  Hoping you are all well.  Write soon.

                                Love, Allan

P.S.  Tell Helen not to forget to send me that picture of herself and if you see any charming young ladies that would like to write to a Handsome Young Soldier (myself) give them my address.

                Toodle-oo for now.

From:   A4509  Pte. Robinson, A.L., R.C.R.

No. 6 Coy, No. 1 C.S.R.U. (Canadian Signals Reinforcement Unit)

Canadian Army Overseas 

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret) 

Date of letter:  June 29, 1942

Envelope

June 29/42

Dear Sister –

            Just a few lines to let you know that I am still alive and kicking and hoping that you are all well.  I am taking a course in Signalling now and like it swell, as far as I have got in it.  We have been having some awfully hot weather here the last few days and today it was something fierce.  In fact, I am laying on the bunk now after supper with only a pair of P. T. shorts on and I am still sweating.

I was up to Windsor Castle yesterday afternoon and was all through the grounds and through St. George’s Chapel, where a lot of the Kings and Queens are buried.  I saw the tomb of King George V in there and a lot of other very interesting things.  The King and Queen are living in the castle now but I never got a look at them.  Wednesday is a holiday here in camp but as I am broke at present, I guess I will be staying around camp that day.  I am only drawing a pound a payday now as I am trying to save up some money for my next leave. 

Well, I suppose Helen is out of school now for the summer holidays.  So, tell her I said to stay out of mischief.  Well, I must close for now.  Write often and pass the strawberries please.

            Love, Allan

Here is a picture from Edinburgh, Scotland.  As I haven’t any more to spare you will have to show it to the rest of the gang.  Let me know if you get this.

From:   A4509  Pte. Robinson, A.L., R.C.R.

            #6 Coy, No. 1 Canadian Signals Reinforcement Unit

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret) 

Date of letter:  June 21, 1942

Envelope

Dear Sister,

            Well, here is a few more lines in answer to your last letter which I was glad to get.  I had a letter from Aunt Addie the other day and just got through answering it now.  I am glad to hear that Alex has not got to go for a while.  If he has got “E” Category he not likely will have to report for quite awhile yet.  I got a letter from J.C. the other day saying that Jennie was on another trip up north.  I wish I could get down to the bay to go fishing with the gang some Sunday.  By the way if you want to put something good in a box for me, put in a little jar of homemade jam, if you have any.  I wish I could get a good dish of strawberries and cream now.  Aunt Addie sent me Granma’s address so I will have to write her a letter some of these days.

I am taking a course in Signals now and in a different camp.  I don’t know anything about it yet but will let you know how I like it as soon as I get going. 

Do you see much of John Gazelle anymore?  I suppose that he is staying down at the bay now, is he.  Dad was saying that Bill Ruhle was dead.  I suppose Jack Grass will be taking over the business, will he. 

You wanted to know if the Scots were really tight.  Well, the next time anyone tells you that, tell them that they are crazy.  I had a wonderful time while I was in Scotland and want to go back again before I come home, which I don’t think will be long.  Well, I can’t think of any more right now so will close for this time.  Hoping to hear from you soon.

            Love, Allan

From:   A4509 Pte. Robinson, A.L. 

            No. 1, C.D.I.R.U., R.C.R. Coy

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  May 21/42

Envelope

May 21/42

Dear Sister:

                Well, how are you getting along these days?  I hope you are feeling as well as I am myself.  I am on the coast now and like it better than where I was at.  I was in swimming yesterday in the Channel and it was plenty cold yet though, and I didn’t stay in long.  

I got a letter from Lyla Henderson at Dover Centre the other day.  It was mailed just after I left Sussex awhile.  I suppose that you are pretty well all through with the spring work, are you?  Well, I suppose it won’t be long before Helen will be out of school for a couple of months again. 

I had some homemade candy and Xmas cake tonight.  The fellow who sleeps next to me got a box from home that was mailed before Xmas.  I was on kitchen duty today and so I was peeling potatoes most of the day and you know how well I like that.  I saw a movie last night (City for Conquest) and it was really good.  We have been having quite a bit of rain here lately.

Is Olive working now or is she just helping you around home?  Tell her I asked how her and Bill L. are getting along these days.  Have you seen much of Dad lately or does he get up there very often?  I suppose he just comes to town when he has to.  Is Bill Clements still with him or not?  I hope he stays with him for it will be some company for him anyway.  I don’t suppose Jennie gets down very often now does she, with the gas rationed the way it is.  How is Alex and Shirlie getting along? 

Well, I can’t think of anymore right now so will close.  Hoping to hear from you soon.

                Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A.L. Robinson

            A4509

            No. 1 C.D.I.R.U., R.C.R. Coy

            Canadian Army Overseas 

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  May 2, 1942

Envelope

Saturday, May 2, 1942

Dear Sister,

                A few more lines to let you know that I am still thinking of you.  Well, I have been away on seven days leave in Edinburgh, Scotland and I had a most wonderful time.  I was all through the Holyrood Palace and saw the beds that Queen Mary of the Scots slept in and also King Charles bed and some of his old armour, and some of his rifles, and a lot of interesting things.  I was also through Edinburgh Castle and saw the large War Memorials to the Scottish Regiments in the last war.  There are many interesting things.  I also met someone that made me think of you.  She is no taller than yourself, if she is as tall, and her name is Miss Margaret Wanless and she is nice.  So, I may be going back to Edinburgh on my next leave.  We get seven days every three months. 

You will have to tell Mrs. Autry across the road that I have got the bunk next to her husband.  He was showing me some pictures this morning of her and the little girl and also some pictures of different spots around Dresden.  Well, I suppose the men are busy every day now.  Have you been doing any fishing much yet and have you seen anything of Dad lately?  Ask Olive how her Bill L. is getting along and tell Helen to stay away from Buster W. and also tell her to try and dig up some kind of a picture of herself as I haven’t got one of her.  I have one of Olive and you that was taken at Wonderland last summer but not one of Helen.  I will try and send you some that I had taken in Scotland soon especially one of the little woman.  Well, I can’t think of any more to write now so will close, hoping to hear from you soon.

                Love, Allan

Tell Clarence that he had better get a pig and start fattening him up for when I get back and tell Roy to get away from the table for he has had enough of that roast chicken and pumpkin pie and dill pickles.

From:  Pte. A.L. Robinson

            A4509

R.C.R.  c/o No. 1 C.D.I.R.U.

Canadian Army Overseas

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh 

Date of letter: April 22, 1942

Envelope

April 22, 1942

Dear Sister:

            Just a few words to let you know that I am getting along fine and hope that you are all fine.  I had a nice trip and like it here fine.  I am going on leave shortly.

            The cattle are all out at pasture here and the gardens are all in flower.  I was talking to Clate Lucas from Dresden on the trip and one of the Tiffin boys from out on the Town Line is here.  There are quite a few of the fellows that I was training with close by here. 

Do you see much of Dad lately and how are Alex and Shirlie getting along?   I suppose that Clarence is busy on the land now and you are out scratching around in the flower garden.  I think I will go to Scotland on my leave and see if the people are as tight as they say they are.  How is Olive and Helen getting along? 

We don’t get any butter here.  We get margarine and you can’t hardly tell the difference.  The food is rationed but we get all we want to eat and pretty good meals at that. You know what my appetite is like, so you know that we must get lots. 

Well, I have got a lot more writing to do.  I must close for now and will write more later.  Thumbs up and it won’t be long till I will be home again.  Write soon.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson 

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret) 

Date of letter:  not dated

Envelope

Dear Sis:

            I suppose you wish I was coming home soon as much as I wish I was there.  But I don’t think I will be there for a while yet.  I am getting along fine and the weather has been swell here lately.  The mud is just about dried up. 

I don’t suppose you will be able to get around much now the way they are rationing gas.  Well, I can’t think of much right now but don’t write until you hear from me again.  Will keep on eating four meals a day and I will be seeing you some of these bright sunny days.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson 

To:       Miss Helen Marsh

Date of letter:  April 3, 1942

Envelope

Apr. 3/42

Dear Helen:

            I received your letter today at noon and here I am again.  How is the weather down there?  It is really nice now, there is still a lot of mud.  I had a letter from Shirlie yesterday and she was saying that she and Alex were staying at Agar’s now.

I am working in the swill department now.  Quite a promotion don’t you think?  The officer was just in the hut now and said that we would be leaving here next week sometime for a little boat ride he thought.

I went to the show last night “Hired Wife” and almost laughed my head off.  I never got the box that you sent me.  I think that they got hold of it at the hospital and never sent it any farther.  I suppose that you are catching lots of fish down that way now. 

If I go overseas I will try and save enough money to send a telegram to one of yous as soon as I get there.  Well I must close for now.  Write soon.

            Love, Allan

From:  Pte. A. L. Robinson

A509 Sub. Staff

Royal Canadian Regiment

Sussex Military Camp, Sussex N.B.

To:       Miss Helen Marsh

Date of letter:  March 26, 1942

Envelope

March 26/42

Dear Helen:

            I got your letter the other day and the paper and was glad to get both.  The candy has not got here yet, although I got a box from Laura yesterday and was it good.  We are having some awful weather here and the mud is something fierce.  I went to the show last night – Blondie in Society and Two in a Taxi.  I was out on my first route march yesterday since I came out of the hospital and I am stiff today.

            What is Dresden going to do with the town hall gone?  I don’t suppose they will be able to scrape up enough money to build another one, will they?

            Thanks ever so much for offering to send cigarettes but I had lots in the hospital and can get lots now.  How is all the rest of the family now and have you seen much of Dad lately?  I just got through writing to him.  Well, I can’t think of any more right now so will close for this time.  Write soon.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan L. Robinson

            A509, Royal Canadian Regiment

            Sussex Military Camp

            Sussex, N.B.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  March 19, 1942

Envelope

Mar 19/42

Dear Sis & family,

Just a few lines to let you know that I got out of the hospital today and am feeling fine although still a little shaky.  I got your postcard this morning before I left the hospital.  Well, I don’t know whether I am going to make it home or not, although I hope so.  I am back at Sussex Camp and a few of the fellows I was with are still here so I am not completely alone.

            Well, I will write more later.  Write soon.

            Love, Allan

P.S.  The other fellow in the R.C.R. that was with me is still here.

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson 

To:       Miss Helen Marsh

Date of letter:  March 16, 1942

Envelope

Mar. 16/42

Dear Helen:

            In answer to your letter which I got this morning, I had a letter from Jennie and Olive on Saturday and also one from Jean Low and I got a “Get Well” card from Katy the other day. 

It is nice and warm here now and the sun is shining.  The doc told me that I could get up this morning and putter around the room so I will likely be getting out sometime this week. 

Thanks for the paper and book that I got the other day and the clipping today.  Well, we have got the navy, air force and army here in the ward now.  Well, I just got the nurse mad at me.  She didn’t know yet that I was supposed to be up and she tried to send me to bed and I wouldn’t go.

Well, I hope you don’t forget the Irish (17^th) in you tomorrow and don’t forget to write.

            Love, Da Soljer, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan L. Robinson

            A4509 RCR

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  March 11, 1942

Envelope

Mar 11/42

Dear Sis:

            I just received your letter this morning and was glad to hear from you.  I wish I had been there on Friday for the chicken supper.  We get pretty good food here though but as Lent is on we get lots of fish and I don’t like the way they cook it.  We are having some real March weather here now.  It snows for a while and then the sun will be shining five minutes later and the next five minutes it will be raining. 

I am glad to hear that Alex is able to be around and is going to be able to keep his job while he is laid up.  Well, it won’t be long I suppose until Roy and Clarence will be on the streets and getting the plough out. 

Well, my furlough will be due by the time I get out of here (hospital) and I don’t know whether I will get back to Camp Borden or not.  I am going to try and talk them into two weeks sick leave though, and if I can’t get that I will try and get my furlough right away and try to get enough money to get home.  But don’t count on this too much as another draft might come along and I might have to keep on going. 

You asked if there was anything you could send me.  I would just love to have a piece of homemade fudge.  Well, I can’t think of any more right now so will close for this time.  Write soon.

            Love, Allan

P.S.  Tell Helen and Clarence that I want the big piece of pie and the drumstick & ask Roy how Mary Belle is getting along.

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson 

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret) 

Date of letter:  March 7, 1942

Envelope

Mar. 7/42

Dear Sis:

            Well, I just got another letter from Helen, and here I am, have not even answered the last one yet.  Well, I am feeling as good as I ever did but I have got almost another three weeks to put in here.  The nurses are all around 25 or older.  There are six of us in a ward all with scarlet fever – five soldiers and an air force fellow.  The nurse caught me out of bed last night and I got proper H____ and then the Matron came up a while later and we all got bawled out for making so much noise.  She just went past now and I had to hide this letter as we are not supposed to write letters while we are quarantined but the orderly brings us in the writing paper and stamps and mails our letters for us.

            What unit of the army is Jack McKernan in and where is he stationed at?  Tell Helen that I’m afraid she would have to get some help to pull me out of bed as I am feeling too good.  I had a letter from Ila S. the other day and she tells me that Herman Deline got married (another poorhouse).  Well, I suppose by now Olive has got a boyfriend in Windsor. 

We were having some awfully nice weather here and the snow was all gone but last night it started to rain and today the ground is all covered with snow and there is an awfully cold wind.  Well, the dinner is coming so I will be hoping to hear from you soon.

            Love, Allan

P.S.  Tell Clarence not to eat all the pork as I might be home soon and tell Helen to stay away from Buster W.

From:  Pte. A. L. Robinson

 A4509  R.C.R.

Lancaster Military Hospital

West St. John, N.B.

To:       Miss Helen Marsh

Date of letter:  March, 3, 1942

Envelope

Mar. 3/42

Dear Helen:

            I received your most welcome letter the other day and I thought that I had better answer it.  I am feeling fine now but they tell me that I won’t be able to get out of here (hospital) for another three weeks.  Anyway, I am getting sick of it now.  I have got some nice nurses though so I guess I will be able to stand it. 

            The weather has been pretty nice down here lately.  The sun has been shining almost all the time and the snow is just about all gone.  How is everyone around there?  Are they all able to eat three square meals a day and one in the evening yet?

            Well, I heard that the draft that I was with has gone on overseas and I am still here, much to my sorrow.  So, I suppose they will likely send me back to Camp Borden but I don’t know for sure.  I may stay at Sussex or someplace around here until the next draft comes along.

            Thanks ever so much for the Valentine.  I got one from Jennie too.  If you can find a few pennies for some stamps and two or three of the last Dresden papers I would appreciate them very much. 

            Is Alex in the hospital or is he able to be home?  Is Olive still working in the store at Dover Centre?  I got two pair of socks from the Wabash Red Cross the other day and they said they were sending a sweater.

Well, I am running out of anything to say so will have to close for this time.  Please write soon again and tell everybody else to write too.

Love, Allan

From:   Pte. A. L. Robinson

            A4509 R.C.R. 

            Lancaster Military Hospital, West St. John, N.B.

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  February 22, 1942

Envelope

Feb. 22/42

Dear Sis:

            A few lines to find out how you are getting along.  I have moved again this time to the Lancaster Hospital in St. John, N. B. with Scarlet Fever.  I am feeling okay now though.  I have been here since a week ago last Thursday.  I had a temperature of 104 F when I came here.

I have got a nice scenery out of the window here.  I can see the reversing falls in the St. John’s river.  When the tide is going out there is a falls of about eight feet and when it is coming in the water gets high enough that it flows the other way. 

How is everyone around Dresden getting along?  Have you seen anything of Dad lately?  They tell me that I have got to stay here for 6 weeks altogether. 

Well I must close for now.  Hurry up and write.

Love Allan

From:   Pte. Allan L. Robinson

A4509 RCR

Sec.

Sussex Camp, N. B.

To:       Miss Helen Marsh

Date of letter:  February 8, 1942

Envelope

Feb. 8/42

Dear Sis –

            A few lines to let you know that I am getting along fine.  I am at Sussex N.B. now.  I was on board a ship at Halifax N.S. for 13 days but something went wrong with the engines and the convoy pulled out without us so they shipped us back to Sussex to wait around here for ___ knows how long.  We just got here early this morning.

            There was a ship burned in the harbor a couple of docks from us Fri. night and I was uptown in Halifax the other night.  I always heard that it was quite a city but from what I seen there is nothing there.  How is everyone down that way and have you seen anything of Dad lately ?  Well, I can’t think of any more right now so will close for now.  Write soon.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson 

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  January 19, 1942

Envelope

Jan. 19/42

Dear Sis:

            Well, I got back in lots of time as it meant six o’clock Saturday night and I was here at one o’clock.  I bet you slept in for a while on Saturday.  I know I went to bed about eight o’clock that night. 

It has turned warm up here and nearly all our ice and snow is gone.  Tell Clarence not to kill all the rabbits before I get back. 

Well, I can’t think of much right now but will let you know as soon as I get any place.

            Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson

To:       Miss Olive Marsh                   

Date of letter:  January 7, 1942

Envelope

Jan. 7/42

Dear Olive:

Well how are you getting along these fine frosty days?  Is it very cold down there now?  It is really frosty up here and the ground is all covered with ice.  I suppose your Dad is doing a lot of hunting now.

We were through the gas chambers yesterday.  We marched in them with our respirators on and then we took them off and marched out and was the place really full of tear gas.  My eyes were still smarting last night.  We have been learning all about the hand grenades for the last couple of days.  Tomorrow we are going on an all day route march which is not so pleasant in this sort of weather.  I had a chance to go to Barryfield near Kingston on a signal course but I didn’t like the sound of it so I never bothered with it.

            I suppose you have got your other porker in the frying pan by now.  I don’t think I will be home again before the end of the month.  It is so cold up here that the windows have been frosted over for the last three days.  When you send my next letter, send it to No. 3 Plt., No. 6 Coy as I changed huts yesterday. 

How is your Mother and Helen and everybody else?  Have you seen anything of Dad lately?  I am in with a bunch of Frenchmen and Indians from up around Sudbury now. 

Well, I must close for now.  Hoping to hear from you soon.

            Lots of love, Allan

From:  Pte. Allan Robinson

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  Dec 30, 1941

POST CARD

ON ACTIVE SERVICE with the CANADIAN ARMED FORCES

Dec 30, 1941

Got back Mon. morning at 3:30 and was on guard duty last night so am going to bed now.  I suppose you were all sick after Xmas.  Write soon.  Might be home on the 17^th.

Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  December 11, 1941

Envelope

Thurs. Dec. 11/41

Dear Sis and family:

            Just a few lines to let you know that I received your letter last night.  I also got one from Catherine and she told me all the news. 

Well, I was out on my first route march since I came down here this afternoon.  We went about 10 miles and it wasn’t very easy as the roads are all covered with ice and snow and you slide all over in these shoes.   As soon as you leave the road you are marching in about a foot of snow.  It is still snowing tonight.  Well, it won’t be long till Christmas now.  I don’t know for sure whether I can make it home for Xmas of not. 

By the sound of this letter I got you must be a getting to be a regular old gad about.  Well, I am glad to hear that Alex has got a good job.  I only hope he has sense enough to settle down and hang onto it.  I also hope Aaron can hold his new job. 

Well, the war is getting a little closer to home.  There is a little talk that some of the boys from here might go out to the west coast as that isn’t so far from Japan. I only hope it is so as I would like to go there myself.  Did you hear about them Damned Japs sinking the Prince of Wales and the Repulse? 

Has Clarence been doing any more hunting?  Well, I suppose that Helen is getting all ready for Xmas.  Well, I can’t think of any more so will have to close for this time.  Be seeing you around Xmas time.

Lots a love, Allan

P.S. I won’t be a fool and go buy a present for her.

From:   A4509, Pte. Robinson, A. L.

            A 10.  I(A) T.C.

            No. 1 Pl’t (platoon), No. 3 Coy (company)

            Camp Borden

To:       Sister (likely Margaret)

Date of letter:  December 3, 1941

Dec 3/41

Dear Sister:

            Just a few lines to let you know that I am a well bit farther from home.  I left Kitchener at 12:30 o’clock today and got into Camp Borden around 5 o’clock. 

About all that you see up here is sand and pine trees but if all the meals are as good as the supper we had tonight it will be one good point.  Well, I will have to close to get this mailed before lights out.  Hoping to hear from you soon.

Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  November 30, 1941

Envelope

Nov. 30/41

Dear Sister:

            Well, here I am still in Kitchener yet but my name is on the draft board now so I will be leaving here any day now. 

How are all of you getting along?  Has Dad been down since I was home? 

I have been out on two route marches this week and there is another one tomorrow so they just told me. 

Has Clarence been doing any more hunting yet? And when are you going to kill your porker?  I haven’t smelt any fresh pork frying yet. 

Well, it is almost supper time and I can’t think of much right now so will close for this time.  I will let you know as soon as I move.  Hoping to hear from you soon.

Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson 

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  November 25, 1941

Envelope

Nov. 25/41

Dear Sister:

            Just a few lines to let you know that I got back safely Sun. night about 10:15.   I got a ride right through from Thamesville to London and I had two rides between London and Kitchener.  I got one day’s pay taken off and six days C. B. (confined to barracks).  I just got through slicing bacon for breakfast tomorrow morning.  I am not alone though for there are about 25 other guys on pack drill with me. 

Well, the report is now that we aren’t leaving here until next Wed. We are having our platoon competition tomorrow and they have got it cut down to 2 platoons now – ours and one from “B Coy”.  So, I will have to write and let you know how we get along. 

Well, I will close for now.  Write soon.

Love, Allan

From:  Pte. Allan Robinson

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  November 19, 1941

Envelope

Nov. 19/41

Dear Sister & family:

            Just a few lines to find out how you are getting along and to let you know that I am fine although I am stiff and tired tonight, for we were out on a route march last night from ten to twelve and then we went out on one again today, around fifteen miles.  We started out about 8:30 this morning and got back around 3:30 this afternoon.   We ate dinner on the road and had some field maneuvers through the fields.

            They had a play put on for us Monday night called Forced Landing and there is a movie on here tonight – Tugboat Annie Sails, again, which I think I will go and see. 

I may be home Sat. night but don’t look too hard for I may be on duty. 

Has Clarence been duck hunting lately ?  How is Olive and Helen getting along? 

Well I can’t think of any more write now so will close.  Hoping to hear from you soon.

Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret) 

Date of letter:  November 14, 1941

Envelope

Nov. 14/41

Dear Sister:

            I received your most welcome letter today at noon and I thought I had better set right down and answer it.  The last couple of days down here we have been having some pretty nice weather. 

Well I just met one of the boys from Wabash about half an hour ago.  He just moved in this afternoon – Les. Burell by name.  I don’t think you knowed him. 

I was out on the ranges for the final test the other day and I made the grade.  We were also out on a 12 mile route march the other day, (Tues) the longest we have had yet. 

Well, I’m glad to hear you have got all the beets out.  I wish I were down there right now for the shower tonight. 

Well, there is a Bingo game starting in the Canteen now so will close for this time.  Hoping to see you and hear from you soon. 

Love, Allan

P.S.  Cut an extra piece of pork for me and thanks for the clipping of the wedding.

From:   Pte. Allan Robinson 

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret) 

Date of letter:  October 16, 1941

Envelope

Oct 16/41

Dear Sister:

            How is everyone down that way ?  I am getting along just fine.  Has Clarence been doing any more duck hunting yet ?

            They got us up at quarter to four yesterday morning to go for a nice little five mile hike before breakfast.  And you can bet that they didn’t have much left for dinner when we got through breakfast.  But they gave us the afternoon off and I was up as far as London for a while in the afternoon.  We drew lots for to see who got off this weekend, this morning, and I won’t be home until next week. 

            I got a letter from Ila Smith the other day and she said she saw you as you were out home the other night.  How is Dad getting along ?

            The Governor General is supposed to be in camp next Wednesday, so that will be a big day around here. 

Well, I suppose the men are getting pretty well on with the fall work.  How is Olive and Helen getting along ? 

We are having a large inspection tomorrow so I guess I better close and get back to shining buttons before the lights go out.  Hoping to hear from you soon and also see you.

Your Loving Brother, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan L. Robinson

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  October 9, 1941

Oct. 9/41

Dear Sister –

            Just received your letter this morning and was very glad to hear from you.  I have been writing to everyone I know so that I would be getting lots of mail.  I had a letter from Laola yesterday. 

I went to a show uptown last night – George Formby in ‘Come On George’, and my sides are still acing from laughing.  This is the worst place I’ve found yet to try and get acquainted with the women. 

Tell Helen I said to give her a spanking for me and tell Clarence to get lots of those ducks stored up for when I come home.

There is a boxing and wrestling match going on in the drill hall tonight.  Tell Olive not to run around too much with the boy friends. 

Well I’ve got a couple of more letters to write and I want to see the fight so will close for this time and don’t forget to write soon again.  Hoping to see you soon.

Lots of love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan L. Robinson

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  October 7, 1941

Oct. 7/41

Dear Sister:

            Just a few lines to find out how you are getting on.  Have you got the beets all finished yet ?  I am getting along just fine here – still got my cold though.  Well, we had our first snow down here today.  Have you had any up that way yet ? 

I just came from a Bingo game in the Canteen.  I never won anything though as is generally my luck.  I was kind of surprised to find the letter when I got back here.  How is Helen getting along ?   Tell her to not to forget and write again. 

Well it is almost bed time and I have got to go on the rifle ranges in the morning so I guess I had better get some sleep.   And don’t you forget my address either.

Love, Allan

From:   Pte. Allan L. Robinson 

            A-4509

            “A” Coy, #2 Platoon

            # 10 B.T.C.

            Kitchener, Ontario

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  October 4, 1941

Envelope

Oct 4/41

Dear Sister & folks,

            Just a line to tell you I am fine and getting farther away from home.  How is everyone down there & have you seen Dad lately ?

            We moved down to Kitchener yesterday (Oct 3).  I like the army fine so far and just came from the show in the canteen.  Was up town today looking the place over.  It isn’t a bad sort of a joint but I still like Dresden best.  We will be at Kitchener for about two months, they tell us. 

I will try and get home two weeks from today, if I can, but can never tell till the time comes.  We can only get two weekend passes in the two months we will be here.  Don’t forget how to make those chocolate cakes before I get home again. 

Well, I’ve already wrote one letter and have got to write another one so will have to close as it will soon be lights out.  Will be seeing you as soon as I can and don’t forget to write. 

Love, Allan

From:  Pte. Allan L. Robinson

To:       Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret)

Date of letter:  September 2, 1941

CANADA POST CARD

Sept 2/41

Dear Margaret,

            Just a line to say I got back without getting blowed away.  I had good luck all of the way down here.  I just found the post office.  Will write again as soon as I find out full address.

            Allan

A4509

 Allan’s Timeline – Found with Marsh / Robinson Family letters

{Likely written by Allan’s sister, Mrs. Clarence Marsh (Margaret) – based on the many letters he wrote to her.}. GA

Allan joined Army 20^th September 1941

Last Leave Jan 14^th to 16^th 1942

Stationed in London, Kitchener and Camp Borden

Gave him watch 16 Jan 42

Received my first overseas letter 22 April 42

Allen left hospital in Sussex March 19/42

Went to hospital about 12 Feb 1942

Stationed in Sussex and St. John

Allan was out of hospital about 2 weeks before he went Overseas

Must have landed Overseas about 1^st April 1942

Was in England, Scotland and went to Sicily about 5^th of August 1943.  I received telegram saying all well and safe, from England on 10 August 1943.

First letter from Sicily in the first part of Sept 1943