LETTER FROM ENGLAND 120th Canadians, 2nd Reserve Batt., Bramshott Camp, Hants, Eng., Feb. 11, 1917. Mr. H. B. Sawle: Dear Sir No doubt you will have come to the conclusion that I have entirely forgotten you; but please allow me to plead "difficulties" which have somewhat barred me from keeping up usual correspondence. We have been through that, which from a civic point of view, one would term "a terrible ordeal;" but at the same time, from the military eye, "playing the game." We were detailed for Witley Camp some five weeks ago to be made up to a battalion strength of 1,000 men to go over as a fighting unit. We went through the necessary medical examination and all looked goodâ€"the boys up on their mettle, full of anxiety and ready for the fray. "We're going as a unit," was the usual greeting from one to another; but, alas! on the following morning came the order that we were to be broken up, and which proved only too true, for that same day 200 of the smartest marched off to join another unit, the identity of which I will not mention on account of censor. We played for them part of the way over, but believe me, there were quite a number of us that had that awful feeling of trying to clear one's throat of an unusual large lump. Well, the next morning we paraded again, and once more the ordeal was gone through, taking all that were practically left with the exception of the band, instructors and officers. That same night our officers gave a concert in honor of the old battalion, and I can assure you it was a real "Canadian reunion." I believe every man was present. The band opened with the good old "Regimental," which is the same as the 13th Hamilton Regiment, and which grand organization we represent. Maj. Huggins, our senior major, and a real true gentleman, gave a fine address, who, by the way, I believe, is well known in Haldimand county. He went to the front with the 4th Battalion and was severely wounded. He stated that he knew that our Canadian boys would "play the game" no matter under what circumstances they were placed. I sincerely believe he was right, for it took quite a few minutes for the echo to die away after the boys had responded with three good, old hearty Canadian cheers. I saw Roy Pettigrew that night and he informed me that he was very well pleased with his new battalion. I told him I was very pleased to her it; but I did not know what his wife would say when he returned and presented himself before her in "petticoats." We left Witley the following morning for Bramshott, and are now in the 2nd Reserve, together with what is left of the 173rd Hamilton Highlanders. Our band, like the 114th, is still intact and just as good as ever. I do not think we will be broken, but will be placed "somewhere;" still, even if we are, we will take our medicine as a part in the game allotted us to play. The only part at all discouraging at times to a goodly number of us is that we have not had the opportunity as yet of getting to France. I was looking over the dear old SACHEM today and noticed several letters from the boys. I, myself, like others, believe that if spared I will be having my next Christmas dinner back in the old home. We have experienced a very severe winter in this country, the worst for 30 years. There is frost in the ground at places to a depth of 14 and 15 inches, which, as you know, is very severe for the south of England. Well, I must draw to a close, as we are for parade again in 15 minutesâ€"real soldiering here, Mr. Sawle. We are getting a straight eight hours a day now, and I do believe the Canadian boys will uphold their reputation were it doubled. Kind regards to Mrs. Sawle and all old friends. Please also accept the same yourself. Yours very sincerely, JIM HOUSEGO.