Feature Letter of March 24th, 2026
Bolster, Herbert D'Alton
Received your letter and photo and as regards the latter you are quite right in prophesying that I should not recognise you. The photo was of a total stranger to me and, if you wi11 excuse plain talk, it seems to be the likeness of a good looking young lad. If you look like your photo, don't join the army for it is a great destroyer of beauty. See what it did for me. Once I was young and handsome and laid claim to an intelligence which permitted me to hold intercourse with beings fashioned just a little lower than the angels. I was almost human in my actions and tastes. I was said by some to possess a "temperament" (whatever that may be). I claimed a 1ittle originality and considered myself someone. I washed twice or three times a day. And wore clothes which might have been said to fit -- but behold me now -- I am become a portion of Canada's gift to the Empire. I am a full private in the army -My number is 12606 and on parade the sergt. says "Number 4 correct that slope!!" What the H--- do you mean tryin' to wear your rifle like a necktie!"
I have not even a name.
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As we move away in time from past conflicts and as our veteran population declines, it becomes increasingly difficult for Canadians to understand the sacrifices that men and women made, both on the battlefield and on the home front, during wartime. The Canadian Letters and Images Project has been sharing their stories, and Canada’s story, for the past quarter century.
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