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THURSDAY, JULY lOth, 1945 THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, BOWMANVILLE, C)NTARIO PAGE THEEN r From C-51296, B.S.M. H. M. 4oaoper, 66 Fd. Bty., 14 Cdn. Fd. Hoilarid, June 3, 1945. fleax- Mr. James: One year ago today, the Third Canadian Division clambered aboard variaus types of landing craft in Southampton harbor and prepared ta embark upon the of- fensive wbich was designed ta Iree the whole of Europe fram the Nazi menace. There were few among us at 'that time who dared to. even imagine that we could accomplish -our task in less than a year. And I feel that there were few at home who dared ta be s0 optimistic. I'm writing this naw on the roof rsun porch, which we have t~dup as a sort of writing room. Talsa provides us with the means for otaining a good sun tan, thaugh I'm afraid I shalhurn rather than tan. In any case we ve been sitting here since dinner just talking and reminiscing and it dawned, quite suddenly, on me that this was aur lst anniversary in Europe. Tbough we didn't know it at the time, we had a bit ef a premature celebration in Amsterdam yesterday. Actually what follaws only concerns my- self and brother Ed., but it may be of interest ta yau. A basebaîl team, representative -of 3 Div. Artillery units-the l2tb, 13th and l4th Fd. Rgts. - was formed ta play against the Ajax Athietic Club of Amsterdam. I have an idea what experiences our opponents had in obtaining equipment. I do know that aur problenis were many, since I was appointed "coach and general scrounger". There was for instance the big question, where ta obtain base- balls, and after enquiring at al possible sources, 1 was farced ta give up. We had one lone hall, -of very ancient origîn, wîth whicb ta, practise. After the first hatting practice, it ceased ta even look like its former self. Next day we were fartunate in ohtaining four National League halls from aur American friends-only ta forget ta hring them with us ta the camp. We did manage ta scraunge La decker, a chest pratector and a lirst haseman's giove, whîle each individual turned up at game time witb a softhali glave and a varied assartment of sweaters. 'You may be sure we were a sad loaking lot when we prepared ta take the field. The Dutch had gone ail out ta make this a memorabie occasion for as their stadium, a really mag- nificent structure seating 25,000, was hedecked with flags and the ~custmers-considerably iess than a "capacity bouse" were kept ini- ê :fmerd hy a iaud speaker system. ere game time, there was ^ arial music and bath teanis lined the third base lime while aur respective National Anthems were played. Our Dutcb opponents, ail of wham were pre-war hasebal players, turned up in real hasebal unifarms. Our one abjection ta their dress being the fact that six out of their team wore football boots, complete with cleats, a fact which aur diminutive second baseman didn't exactly relish. (As it turned out there was no cause for aiarm, since only oneqDutcb- mnan got as fan as second, only ta see aur man waiting for him with the bail. Foîlows ý.few statistics: Final score: 3 Can. Div. Artillery -- 1 6 3 Ajax Club -------- O --- 2 3 The winning run came in the last haîf of the eighth with run- ners on first and third and twa aout. King (l2tb Fd. Rgt.) rapped a sharp one through second which the Dutch second haseman failed ta hald. Rice (l4th Fd. Rgt.), just managed ta beat the thraw ta, the plate. There was considerable dis- cussion in the last haif of the 7th aver twa piays. The f irst is reai- ly one for the books, tho' I've since discovered much ta my cha- grin that it is in the books, at least in Holland. With runners on second and third - twa out Webster (H.Q. R.C.A.) was bit by a pitcbed hall and started for first as I prepared ta insert a pinch- hitter in a desperate bid for a run. Imagine how I feit wben the umpire called him back and made hlm bat again. It seems one must make an obviaus effort ta get out of the way if the pitch- er uncorks a wild pitcb. I failed ta came out on top in the ensuing argument. In f act the umpire warned me in bis own inimitable style that any further angument might resuit in international com- plications. (I flegleoted ta inform you that the umpire was a Dutch- man which may explain.) I al- most opened a "Third Front" in the latter bal of the eighth. Mossop, aur first baseman, tapped one in front of the mound and bit out for first base via the rigbt field bleachers. When the throw ta first base bit him in the back as he was "veering" towards first, my fiend behind the catcher pramptly calied hlm out. Once again I faiied ta convince my friend that he was sligbtly in ernon. In fact he even suggested that perhaps we cauid continue aur argument outside the stadium after the game. Not being the pugilistic type, I withdrew ta my box hehind thîrd and contented myseif with hurling insuits at the oppasing pitcher, who, I later dis- covered, spoke no word of Eng- iish. Brother Ed. came ta the mound in the first haif of the fiftb. Fac- ing fifteen men in ail, he struck out three men in the fifth on nine pitched balîs. Thirteen of the fifteen, in fact. went down via the S.O. route, the other twa ground- ed out ta him. His performance was a considerabie salace ta one wha took such a verbal trouncing from the ump. The Dutcb tha' rather awk- ward somebiow managed ta bang on with only one run scored against them.. In a sense it was a pitcher's duel tho' it was obviaus that bath sides could have done with a spot of hatting practice. The Dutcb pitcher had f air con- trai and mixed with a "round- bouse" - wbich reminded yours truly of "Snake Eye" Osbrne- managed ta strike out 6 ail told. Considering the fact there is absoiutely no fuel available in Holland as yet it was a fine ges- ture on the part of the Dutch ta have hat sbowers availabie ta us after the game. In the dressing roam, once we were dressed again, the president of thein club, Dr. Elierb, made a speech, tbanking us for aur spotsmanship - I kept out of sight-and presented each mem- ber witb a square plaque, actually a papen weigbt. The hase was of marbie and surmounted witb a brass plate heaning the impression of Ajax Stadium. He told us that these were given ta visiting-teams, pne-war, as a memento of their visit and haped that we would remember this day. I can safely say that yesterday was my most enjoyable Saturday The Peirfect Thirst Quencheir The Lions Club of St. Thomas « Announcea Its Sensational $8000DRAWING I-bld ln Confection With The Mammoth LIONS -CLUB CARNIVAL, ST. THOMAS, JULY 27, U' $6,000 Home, Cash or Victory Bonds $2,000 ln 17 Other Prize Awards!1 Prize Drawing, July 28, 1945 -BUV A BOOK F TICKETS - Tickets $1 .00 each "O'F' 6 for $5.00 PROCEEDS FOR LIONS CLUB CHARITABLE FUND CLIP AND SEND IN THIS COUPON LIONS CLUB of ST.' THOMAS, P.O0. BOX 52, ST. THOMAS, ONT. l herewlth enclose (cash), (m6ney order), (cheqtue)[n payment for ---tickets on the Lions Club of St. Thomas $8,000 prime drawlng. Piease forward recelpt to: Name ................................................... Street Address .. ........................................ fTown..................... Province...................... <PIeuse print or write painly) WCA Permit No. C3191-123 Huh Hooper Déeribei Bal Game Played. In Rolland looks fine, he expects to be home soon. They tell us we might make it by Christmas but won't say what year. And so to bed. Once again, my sincere thanks George, for send- ing The Statesman and also for a nice job on the recent election. Very sincerely, DON WILLIAMS. This is subscription tinie! afternoon since I left home. It was a real treat to recail better days again and I know every man enjoyed it just as much as I. In- cidentally I did shake hands with the umpire after the game. Who- ever said, "Discretion is the better part of valour'" certainly gave it a lot of thought. My conclusions are: (1) The Dutch certainly know their base- ball. The hidden baîl trick was tried-unsuccessfully of course- on one occasion. (2) They may look awkward and clumsy but they always cover up quîckly. Their pitcher must have practised hours on end throwing to the bases. Twice he almost picked men off second and with the bases loaded, if you please.'1 (3) None of them seem to have learned to throw overhand. The sidearm throw seems to be their favorite and I saw more curves thrown by infielders than their pitcher threw aIl day. (4) They are weak hitters. None of them seem to have any idea how to stand up to the plate. I saw three who actually faced the pitcher as though to bunt. A curve hall usually pushed them to the outside of the box and then a fast one over a corner fooled them every time. (5) They are real gentlemen afield and good sports. And they don't understand our infield chatter. The crowd got many a laugh out of this. This is about aIl I can recaîl for the moment, so I'1l cease now. Hope this finds things well in Bowmanville and hope to see you ahl again one day. Most sincerely, HUB HOOPER. Soldiers'9 Letters From Cpi. Don Williams, 1 Cdn. Ordnance Coy., C.A.O., son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Williams, Bowmanville. Holland, July 2, 1945. Dear George: These are rather belated but none the less sincere thanks for copies of The States- man which are coming through quite regularly now. I don't know as I can add very much to what has already been said by other lads from Bowmanville regard- ing the warm welcome your paper receives here on the Continent: believe me, George, when I say that even the stock phrasing of the obituaries makes good read- ing. 1 particularly enjoy the letters written by other hometown com- rades, telling of their experiences with the Hun, the Dutchman or the Belgian. It is just a toss-up at present as to which is my fav- orite author, Lou Wiseman or Hub Hooper. Certainly, both lads have a gift with the pen, as well as some mighty sound ideas re- garding post-war planning. At present, our unit is located at a little place called Grave, about 12 kilometres from Nnjme- gan in Holland. We are in the process of demobbing the Cana- dian Armny of its stores and equipment. Sounds like a big job, doesn't it?-but at the rate the stuff is coming in I have an idea that the boys are just chuck- ing anything that appears to be surplus. However, if they have found other means of disposal we should worry. Ail we are inter- ested in is getting the job finish- ed and wiping our feet of Contin- ental soil, once and for aIl. Many human interest stories have reached your desk, no doubt, telling of 'the experiences the fel- lows have had with the peoples of France, Belgium and The Netherlands. Most of them tendi to give a tug on the old heart1 strings possibly, for whose sym- pathies wouldn't be aroused at the treatment meted out to these peo- pIe by the Germans. And yet, from what little experience I have had with them, and believe me, I have endeavored to judge them with an open mmnd, I find that many are as "phoney" and un- predictable as tomorrow's wea-i ther. Granted, they are victims of larger powers, lacking the strength, population and capital to make a determîned stand onei way or another. But the one out- standing and undenilible factor that has always amazed me is« their lack of intestinal fortitudei (I had a four-letter word in mind, George) to even try and show what their blood is made of. Yes, you read in Canadian papers where the people of Holland are going ali-out for the Allies these days, pictures of Dutch gals wav- ing flagzs and banners and toss- tea. the Luftwaffe wear. I didn't take With the MASSEY-HAI May 9th: Were thrilled ta be them from a dead German, they in Belgium when peace was de- were given me by the German pelled combine, anc man clared. Find the people here very boy working in the Ensa Hotel. tank mode can harvest s friendly, most of them speak a I arn also sending some pictures littie English. Even the tiny of the show taken in action in children run after us and say Oldenburg, that you might be in- "hello" or "zigaret pour Papa". terested in. This week I arnmÀ A(1~' *V Many of the older people wear bilieted in a private home with i M SS Y- wooden shoes. The first time we some very tboughtful people. BU LD R5* F e 4 were on a train an old lady, in This marning when I wakened broken Engîish, asked if I would &AL1 À k à A , sell her my boots. They tell me a pair of shoes cost about $50.00. Most of the women here are very sylishly dressed and the great iBres are nothing compared to the fan- tastic creations in Belgium. We fd the people and homes ex -___ SUGAR LOSS cedingly clean, although the peo-R I Cý1 were amazed when she washed her hair every 'week., and said thyonly washed theirs twice a PI yar. I saw Ron Richards at aur Don't lose a single jar Of cagnize mé until I told hlmi I was those fine pickles this Bill's sister. season, because of spoil- May l6th: Arrived in Hilver- age y inérir vie . sum, Holland, yesterday, and4 ageby nf~iorvingar. were shocked by the sights. The For sure results iniisit on army cook fried steaks for our Canada Vinegar - the dinner and we had to try to eat ' - choice of leading pickle while hundreds of starving peo- manufacturers and ex- ple stood staring and begging. perincedhomecannrs. The Germans left 10 days ago perincedhomecannrs. taking with them ail the food andf A favourite for over 80 every day people are dying of years. starvation. Marion and I met a Writefor REE ick- couple of nice Dutch boys and Writefor REE ick- went cycling with them. They ling Recipe Bookiet ta had been in University until 1940, Canada Vinegars Limi- joined the underground then, but J ted, 112 Duke Street, were caught and sent to Germany Toronto. as slave laborers. They worked from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m. doing out- door work in the same clothing summer and winter for ten CYÀ]gD li months, then escaped to Holland. Like mast of the population, they ewere thin and okdueru- Vm ne airs ished. We invited them to the show one night and they seemed iPa.leulizei plesedsaid they hadn't seen one Pa.iletizedfor 5 years. Moved ta Rotterdam on the ________________________21st, have been enjoying straw- bernies for a few days, deiicious From Major Wm. G. James, and satisfying. On the way we l4th Cdn. Arm'd Regt., C.A.O., piayed in Den Hoog (The Hague). Friesiand, Holland, Juiy 1, 1945, Driving aiong we saw many fields to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. that had been flooded by the Ger- W. James. mans. Dear Folks: During the last June 4th: After a few days in couple weeks we have been very Amsterdam we reached Nijvirdai, busy but mainly working at some- (you just ignore the J when you thing to keep ourselves occupied. pronounce it). The girls of the Everybody is pretty weli brown- unit are ail together in a smali ed-off with life in general just cottage. Marion and I sleep on a waiting for their draft number mattress on the livingroomn floor. to come in. It seems very un- We were lucky to get the mat- likely that 1 will get back until tress, for four nights we slept on October as I am one of the frozen the floor and it was terrible. The quantities and go back with our boys don't believe ns when we regiment. I don't mind doing say we are roughing it. We are that but there have been 50 many allowed to fraternize with the changes in policy that we don't soldiers and have met many nice know from day to day where we chaps. stand. The unit is invited to a dance We are now stationed in Fries- almost every night, and we have land in the north of Holland, visited ail the towns and villages near the town of Leeuwarden, around in jeeps. One boy, a just off the North Sea. The cli- provost who is 6' 4" bas been re mate is very unsettled, much like teaching me to drive his jeep. Do rs Scotland, Sa you can neyer tell you think Mr. Hoar will give me when it's going ta ramn or be nice. a job driving a truck for him The country is purely agricultural when I come home? There is a - W w' w - 1WW'V and the towns are, dead as far as band ileted across the street and entertainiment is concerned. I saw a boy who played in the Up until a couple days ago we band wben the Midlands were in there was a glass of buttermilk, were in the south of Holland near Bowmanvilie. In 1g.olland it rains some black bread and cheese on a Utrecht which was very nice as for a while every day but is much tray -jeside my bed. Heaps of there was plenty ta keep us busy warmer and sunnier than in Eng- love, RUTH. night and day. 1 was in to see land. Capt. John James every other June l7th: At last we are in SOUTH WARD IIC day which helped matters a lot. Germany, in Oldenburg, about 100____ I have been around Holland miles from the northern German Annuel picnic of South Ward pretty well with Amsterdam the border. We have beezn in Apel- Bible Sunday Scbool was held at only large city that I haven't been doorn four days, travelling 2 or 3 the Cream of Barley Camp, Sat- in and expect to get down there hours to get to eacb show we urday, with a goodly number of one of these days. I expect to played. We don't think much of parents, cbildren and teachers get leave ta Scotland around July Hitler's highways. AIl we have present to enjoy a full program of 15 for our second honeymoon. eeen are poorly constructed Of sports and a sumptuous supper. This morning we had a Domin- rough cobble-stones-we certain- Ail were pleased to see Supt. J. ion Day church service in a Dutch ly took a beating riding in the Dugan able to be present after a church. It was very inspiring and back of the truck. I'd ride many quite a navelty for us ta hear a more days, however, if I thought big organ again. We had the big I'd see Moscow, Berlin or Paris. inspection by Gen. Crerar taking We are billeted in an Ensa Hotel the salute followed by a huge (that is the English Army Show) brigade officers' party. We gave a block fromn the Radio City music the biggest party, carnival and hall.where we are to play. Marion stampede ever seen in this man's and I share a room, but this time army for aur own men. It was with twin beds. In Apeldoorn we really a huge success but kept us slept in one very narrow, very busy for a good 10 days. There short single bed and almost had * are sa many men going home to sleep in shifts. There is a these days that the old unit Danish girl and a Finnish girl doesn't look the same. working in the diningroom. They Last night I was out with Capt. have ta speak to each other in Charlie Spencer for the first tîme German since that is the only since we've been overseas. We language both know. They are had quite a nice Ewening. First blonde, beautiful girls. There are we had dinner at bis mess then two German girls working in the we went out ta a yacht club the hotel but we are not to f raternize armny took over for an officers' with them. We are allowed on club. We had a lot of fun salling the streets without armed guards around. I hope ta see Johnny and curfew is at 10:30. The Ger- Graham this week as he is only mans stare at us on the streets. a few miles fromn here. Marion, who is almost as taîl as Il Sa long for naw and :many said the Germans think it no thanks for ail the parcels and wonder the Canadians won the letters which are greatîy appre- war with such big women hehind ciated. Love, WILL. them. We have seen quite a few Ger- man soldiers and they are a sorry PTE. RUTH HUTCHINSON looking lot, sloppy, dirty and de- WRITES 0F EXPERIENCES jected. We are giving two shows TRAVELLING IN EUROPE a day in a beautiful big theatre this week, at 6 and 8, with tea at We are privileged ta quote the 4 and 7:30, and dinner at 10 at foiiowing extracts from lettens night. Wben we played Olden- reeiedbyM-rsM .Tchin- 1aal I -et Mjo -HggFrom ~v' ~'v' -w' -'y' v v -w' 'v~ 'v y' ~v 'y' five months' illness; also Mr. and Bible Class - Mrs. Geo. Piper, Mrs. Poulter, the former being a Mrs. Henning; Needie and Thread valued Supt. previous to Mr. Race - Mrs. Perfect and Betty Dugan. a Spencer; Wheel-barrow Race - Program of sports with the w~in- Betty Spencer and Barry Mason; ners follows: Races: girls, 4 to 6 3-Legged Race - Betty Spencer yrs.-Fay Piper, Peggy Barrett; and Bernice Quinney; Nail Driv- 1boys-Johnny Mason, Allan Pass- ing Contest - Mrs. Geo. Piper; Lant; girls, 6 to 9 yrs.-June Quin- Guessing Peas in a Jar - Mr. .ney, Frances Cowie; boys-Bobby Dugan. ÊJohnson, Lyle Trimble; girls - Patsy Mason, Frances Cowie; boys The Christianity that is merely -Lyle Trimblere Ronald Trimble; of sects, the pulpit, and fashion- Inter. Boys-Barry Mason, Robert able society, is brief; but the Word Spencer; Inter. Girls - Betty of God abideth. - Mary Baker Spencer, Bernice Quinney; Adult Eddy. cpelled", er Move Forward for Agriculture aachinery have ,ct upon farm- .er, the tractor pment, and the ,armers do their ,tare profitab:Ly. tin farm. equip- [combine per- [s priar ta the harvesting. It possibilities ta )r developments machinery that rantages in the ARRIS self-pro- with the grain sixty acres and upwards ini a day. Costs are less, too, because anc matar operates the mecha- nism and propels the machine. Grain is saved, none being knocked dawn and shelled in apening the field. Anyone who can drive a car can learn to operate a self-prapelled combine. Gaod farmn management emplays the advantages of modern equipment ta spced Up the work, save labor, increase production and lower production casts. It is casier ta farm profitably with gaod cquipmcnt. Your local dealer will be glad ta give yau full particulars about the self-propelled cambine and other machines in the MASSEY-HARRIS lUne enginecred and built ta meet the neede of modern farming. UIS COMAN n u<iI iiv IMvI TED 0 ARMePLEM N S SN E 184 Slin's for Fine Clothes )RITY For ~ Veterans (World War 11) Yes! Ail discharged mem- bers of the armed forces get priority at Breslin's - choose your "lCivvy'Suit"' from our range of smart patterns, re- served especiaiiy for ex-ser- vicemen oniy. Bring in your priority certif icate. You'ii like our made-to-measure or ready- * to-wear suits - and our quick deiivery service. BRESLIN,'S RO WMAN VILLE Ilin's for Fine Clothes rqv THURSDAY, JULY l9th, 1945 THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO PAGE TE[=