1915-05-24rr

“That the Germans made no effort to spare the beautiful town of Ypres and showed little mercy for the civilian inhabitants during their effort to break through the allied lines is evident from the letters which have been received from Hamilton boys at the front.”

Hamilton Spectator.   May 24, 1915

It had been a full month since the intense battle in and around the town of Ypres had taken place.

On May 24, 1915, the Hamilton Spectator published a few letters from Hamilton soldiers:

“They tell of the horrible manner in which the civilian population was literally butchered, one writer expressing the opinion that it was the suffering of the women and children which spurred the Canadians on, for their gallant efforts saved the day for the allied arms.”¹

¹”Canucks Spurred On by Horrible Scenes : Sufferings of Poor People Arouse Soldiers.”

Hamilton Spectator.     May 24, 1915.

Driver Andrew Bell, of the 3^rd Field Battery, in a letter to his mother had the following to say:

“Dear Mother : When you have received this letter, you will already know I have been wounded. I am glad to say, however, that it is not bad, although sore enough. I am getting along as well as is to be expected.

“It was April 22, just when we were eating supper, that the air began to get stifling. We came out of our billets and looked around and saw the air was a yellow and purple People were coming in all directions. Young women and children, old people who could hardly walk along, some crying, some laughing, and most of them with a look I will never forget.

“You should see Ypres now. There is not a house left standing. Young girls and children getting their legs and arms blown off. I do believe that it was that which made the Canadian charge so well They could bear to see those Belgian people turned from their homes.

“I will try and tell you more next time. I will get seven days’ leave when I am better and may take a trip to Scotland and Ireland before I go back to France.”¹