Letters from Alexander Sutherland Mackay to his Family, 1916 - 1917 - Part 10

Belgium
9/10/17
Dear Mother,
This week I've received
the following letters - Elsie's of 3^rd & 28^th    
July, Lily's of 8^th & 27^th July, Roy's enclosing
a photo of little Andrey & Lorna on the bike,
one from Vera Duncan of 22^nd July & one
from Ronni dated 30^th Sept. Ron
evidently rode across to see me a few days
after I had been transferred to the 30^th
Battery. It was rotten missing him, but
I hope it will not be long before we pull
out for a spell, when I'll have another
opportunity of striking him. He told me he
had been to Glasgow - lucky beggar getting
a second Blighty leave. Raining here last
few days making things rather unpleasant,
however Im feeling OK, so that's the main
 

thing. Glad Audrey & Lorna got my cards,
I intended sending others, but we are debarred
from sending views of the towns we've passed
through. Im not forget them first opportunity
I get. Fancy the Hodgsons sporting a car,
I reckon a person living out our way wants
one, its really a necessity. Buicks used
to be recognized as good cars in the West. Elsie
was asking for my colours, all artillery in the
AIF are the same, any tailor well show her
them - the xxd Division is like an egg
[*Hand drawn diagram - see original front maroon/blue*]
but tell her not to trouble too much over
colours, whilst in action, it may be a week
at a time before you see them. Socks are
always very acceptable, you really can't have
too many. Evidently the Westerlys are giving
Brisbane a rough time, I wish we had one
here to dry up this infernal slush. Well
mother Ill drop another line shortly
Love to all
Your affect son
Alex
1DRL 441

 

Belgium
19/10/17
Dear Roy,
This week Ive had a regular
treat in receiving the following letters -
Yours of 21^st July, Ida Watsons of 9^th July
Mother's of 22^nd July, Elsie's of 20^th July, 2^nd Augt
& 6^th Augt, Lil's of 18^th July (2) & 6^th Augt
Doug's & little Lorna's of 6^thAugt & one from
Gordon Mott from Blighty dated 6^th inst
Gordon was very fortunate, he evidently had a
narrow shave, but got off with just sufficient
bruises & knocks to capture a Blighty. I was speaking
to him the night before they went over the top.
I must write him, he told me his sisters & mater
had been out home, they are all a fine family.
The two photos of Les' shanty also a arrived, I don't
wonder at the girls enjoying their trips out there,
as you say, he has the country & city lives
combined. I hope to goodness those photos in the
 

Album reach you, they should reach you a
week or so after you wrote, the loose ones probably
a mail later. Still plugging away here, lve an
easier job than on the guns, but I am the only
one who has been continuously with the Battery
since it came into action, after they cancelled
our spell. The gunners go now for periodical
spells to the Waggon Lines. Nearly six weeks
continual shell fire tries one a good deal, however
we are in hopes of a pull out shortly. Very
rough in this position, slush galore. What a
dry spell Brisbane was having in July, according
to all your letters, that Tennis Court is getting
nothing for itself, what a great idea that was,
besides being such a boon for the girls, it draws
people out & saves Mother a good deal of entertaining.
This letter may not reach you by Christmas but
in any case give the youngsters Audrey, Lorna & Graham
some present about 10/6 a piece, the two girls a guinea
each, Mother something substantial, & Father Doug
Les & yourself any good L&Co  pipes and pouches. Don't
 

hesitate about this Roy, it give me as certain
amount of pleasure, so blow up a tenner
on Christmas presents without fail. Suppose
Claude Watson will be over shortly, evidently
they are not keping them long in England
now. Wish yo we had the Australian weather
coming in the next months here, still no doubt
the Authorites will make provisions after last years
experience. The flaming rain xxx has started again
today, so there is not much chance of the slush drying
up. Well Roy Ill knock off
Love to all at home
Your affect brother
Alex.
The sox Elsie & Lil wrote about or Mrs Mott's
second parcel haven't arrived yet, no doubt they
will come to hand shortly.
German Note enclosed.
 

Belgium
3/11/17
Dear Mother,
During the week, I got two letters
from Elsie one from Lily & one from Roy. I
can't give you the dates as I burnt the letters
by mistake. I also received a post card from
Gilbort Gurm from Scottand, inviting me
up first opportunity. He said he got my
address from Mrs Sutherland. He evidently
holds a decent rank in the military but
simply sigt signed himself Gilbert Gunn so
I addressed my letter, likewise. I fancy Mrs
Sutherland gave me his history, but the
old dame talks so much on other subjects
that I've forgotten it. We are out for a
spell now, for how long I cannot say.
Still drizzling every second day, but one
doesn't mind it so much as he did when
in action. My only complaint is the lost
voice, I can't get the flaming thing back.
Those parcels of Elsies & Lily's haven't come to
light yet, probably they're floating round.
 

other Batteries. My old address always means a
delay, but the 30th Battery AFA, as I advised you
a couple of mails ago, will mean them coming
practically direct. Haven't heard from Ron
lately, Im wondering if he got my letter
in reply to his written just after he
returned from Glasgow. Tell Roy I've written
the London Bank to get that £30 transferred
to my pay Book. It's much handier having
it on the spot, as you cannot always be
sure of getting to London, later on I may
get a trip to Paris. The Military Authorities
will pay over any portion of such amounts,
required. If he sees a drawing for £30, therefore
going through, don't imagine Im on leave.
Fancy it's just on a year since I left Sydney,
in many ways its seems much longer. Saw
Claude Watson's photo in the Queenslander this
week, he looks well. I see by the papers they
have a surplus of Artillery and Australia, here
at present the boot is well on the other foot.
Well Mother. I must close
Love to all
your affect row
Alex.
 

Belgium
17/11/17
Dear Mother,
We are in action again but so far
it's been very quiet & nothing like our former positions.
Splendid dugouts result in our getting good sleeps
at nights besides remaining dry. Have not received
any letters of late but the socks from Elsie & Lily
arrived this week. They are not too loud at all & are
just the things. One can't have too many socks
over here. Thank the girls for me. Mrs mott also
kindly Sent another parcel containing sox, mittens
knee warmers, tobacco & cigarettes. It was jolly good
of her. Ive only seen ice on the water one morning so
far, it has been tiptop. I suppose another month
will alter the state of affairs. Our Winter issue of clothing
has not come to light yet. Have not recovered my voice
yet over four weeks now. I'm beginning to side with the
popular opinion that I must have got a touch of gas
at the former position. I know it takes a terrible time
to recover from gas effects. Most of those effected however
got it in the eyes & face. My dial apparently stood the
strain but the voice fell. It's a flaming nuisance when
talking to people but otherwise I feel O.K. What a time
Australia appears to be having with strikes, it's awful
to think nothing can be done to the crawlers for striking
at such a time. I sincerely hope the dogs get their desserts
when the longed for peace arrives & the boys here return.
 

Im getting that money transferred from London this
week so Roy will see a draft go through.
22/11/17 Ive been hanging on to this letter as I heard
an Australian mail had arrived. Yesterday I got
Roy's letter of 25th Sept & Lilys of 23rd Sept. I'm very sorry
about that Album not reaching Roy. The fellow I left it
with told me he registered it. It would probably be posted
about the end of June so Roy should have received it
ere this. Im afaid it's gone to the bottom. I thought
it a lovely souvenir & one you could alway keep. I have
no idea when the fellow who posted it, is now but I don't
think there is any doubt that he did so. It was sewn
up in canvas addressed before I left. I suppose it's impossible
to make enquires as I have no receipt - worse luck.
Les came a cropper with his chickens, apparently he did not
understand the incubator. Hope his luck has improved since.
Well Mother, I must do a bit of graft.
Love to all
Your affect son
Alex
 

A.F.A. 2042.
114/Gen. No./15248.
28/11/17

FIELD SERVICE
POST CARD.
Mrs. D. Mackay.
Galloways Hill
Norman Park.
E Brisbane
Queensland