Tom MATTHEWS served in WWI in the Canadian Field Artillery, although he may have missed any action. He sent the following letter from Witley Camp, Surrey on 4 October 1918:
"RESERVE BRIGADE - CANADIAN FIELD ARTILLERY
Dear Family
Your very welcome letter just read and was very glad to hear from you and know that your son is getting along all right. He certainly must have had some experiences over there in France. It would be a shame to send him back so soon. I am expecting to leave for France any day now as we were warned yesterday for it. They are not giving us any leave at all now, not even a week end and we sure do hate to go over with out a leave. I sure am disappointedfor I wanted to get down to Evesham again before I went over. I think we will go by next Tuesday at the latest. I had a dandy letter from Dad and Ethel and they want to be remembered to you. They have both been very busy this summer especially Dad, as he is still working on the farm. The crops are doing good this year considering the dry months and hard frosts that they have had. All the boys have had to register and suppose that by now will know when they are to be called up. I remember the folks speaking of your sister. She surely has her hands full and has had a hard time of it. I have not heard from Evesham lately and have just wrote there before I read your letter. My but the weather has been bad here the last few weeks and ever would be glad to see a few days of sunchine over here. Frank is still in Michigan just 10 miles from where we lived abd is on a farm.I will give you some of the addresses and I know that they would be very pleased to hear from you. Dad is staying with my sister now.
Ms R Matthews, 1110 McNeil St, Jackson, Michigan, USA
Mrs Frank Sanford at the same address That is my oldest sister.
Mr F A Matthews, Spring Arbor, Michigan, USA R7D#
Mr R B Matthews, C/o Cowleys Shoe Store, Jackson
I am sure they would be more than glad to hear from you. Will write again in a few days. With kindest Regards from Tom
P.S. Will send my address as soon as I know where we locate, but the same address will me any way."