Kensington Veterans Memorial Military Museum
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VM.2002.023.030a-c
VM.2002.203.030a
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VM.2002.203.030b
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VM.2002.203.030c
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(click images to enlarge)
Object Name
Letter
Catagory
Communications Artifacts
Sub-Category
Documentary Artefact
Date
November 16, 1951
Materials
Paper
Object History
A letter written by James Watson to his parents living in Summerside, PEI. James Watson (March 31, 1931- November 20, 1951) served in Korea as a gunner with the Royal Canadian Artillery, 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (2 RCHA). He started his army career January 26, 1951 and died in Korea November 20, 1951.
Transcription
(VM2002.203.030a)
[handwritten in black ink]
“Nov 16th 51, Korea
Dear Mom & Dad;
Just a few lines to say I’ve got your parcel and was very
glad to hear from you. The boy’s sure went for the can lobster & chicken,
that didn’t last very long. It cost quiet [sic] a bit as I seen it on the
can when I opened the parcel up. And I also got the papers you sent all
at the same time. Well mom how is everything at home I hope you are all
well Earl & Ant [sic] Minnie, too, and all the rest. I sent you all a xmas
card. Earl, Minnie, Mrs. McNiel, Wallase & his wife, Lie and his wife and
also Doc. Thats all the cards I could get hold of. Well mom I hope you have
a very nice xmas, and the rest of the family too. I think were going to
have a nice xmas over here too. The American Red Cross is putting it on.
They sure”
[continued on page 2]
(VM2002.203.030b)
[handwritten in black ink]
“2-
are doing beautiful work over here to keep the soldiers moral up. I see by one of the of the papers you had quiet [sic] a lot of snow we never saw snow as yet but we will. It rained all this week as yet but last week it was like a summer in June. I think I’m going on leave around the last of January or the first of February so when I do I’ll send you some souvenirs and some presents I’m putting in my receipt for my war bond. I said I had a $300.00 war bond but I haven’t now they wouldn’t give it to me, they said I had to have a quarter of my pay in my book. So they gave me a $100.00 war bond so that’s it takes care of that. Did dad sell his car yet? I think when I get out of the army I will have enough money to bye [sic] a fairly new one.”
[continued on page 3]
(VM2002.203.030c)
[handwritten in black ink]
“3-
The rest of the fellows which just came over with us just came to Korea yesterday and boy did the guys ever give them a raz. We were fireing over this hill and they asked us what were we fireing at and we said it was Chinese on the other side if the hill. And that night I let them smoked three pbs [?] cigs each one of them boy did the fellows ever get them scared. Well Mom you wanted to know when I got the parcel well I got it 4 days ago and to-day is the 16th. Mom will you send me a pair of gloves I have a pair of mits but they are not worth a darn. Well Mom I guess that’s all for now Say hello to Bill & Rinie for me.
Love Sunny
and a very happy xmas.”