Matej Mladenovic

 

1915

Dear Alice,

 

It is a huge relief to hear from you again. I am currently stationed in what remains of Ypres just a week after the terror that has caused too many casualties to count. Death has become a norm and every time someone dies; I squirm like a worm through the ground. Although I have been set to fight on the ground, aircraft warfare has taken the war by storm and has ripped out the guts of so many innocent people. One of my fellow soldiers Arthur was fighting the Germans in the first week he was assigned. He died last night.  The only way I can describe what happened in Ypres is that the Germans brought out an unknown green gas and turned killing to a whole other level. Many friends of mine have died to the green smog they call gas. This warfare has caused us to run from the smog like a cheetah running away from a lion in the jungle. The Germans have taken our soldiers with no regard for human life. I too am afraid of the Germans taking over as our hope is slowly ticking away.

I heard that you started workingwhere I used to work, and I am so proud of you. I’ve also been hearing about some of the propaganda back home. Don’t listen to all that and just keep in touch with me. While Ypres was a struggle, we have to keep pushing the German troops back. I am so tired every day, but I need to make sure shots don’t get fired into my head. The guns Canada has given us have been bad throughout the fights in the mud. They get stuck from even a little bit of mud and turns war into mission impossible. Well sweetie that’s all! I have to get ready for a big day while I have to switch trenches while the trench, I’m in currently has many nasty rats. Our friend Bill developed disgusting trench foot which is when you don’t take care of your feet and was sent to a medical center.

I love you and I will make sure to come back alive.

 

 

Love James