Mexborough Times, November 20, 1915

Denaby Men with the Canadians
General’s Appreciation

Sgt J.R.Brice, of the Canadian Expeditionary force, formerly of Denaby Main (his wife is at present residing at Conisbrough), writing to Mr and Mrs Jackson, of Bradford House, Doncaster Road, Mexborough, from France says:

“We have been out here three months, and we have had it hot all the time. We are all within 30 or 40 yards from the Germans. We have lost a lot of men through German mining operations, and we want more, for those who are left are working night and day, and people do not seem to realise the hardship and danger accompanying trench warfare. I have a company of bomb throwers here, and there is plenty of work for them. I am sending you a letter that our Colonel has received from headquarters. He has given every man in the company a copy. There are six Denaby men in my company, A company, 25th Canadian infantry battalion. They are Sgt J.R.Brice (six years in Canada), Private A Jacks (five years in Canada), Private Wheeliker (eight years in Canada), Private Farmer (six years in Canada), Private H.J.Barlow (nine years in Canada) and private A Barlow. We are all well and happy here with the Canadians.

The letter referred to by Brice is as follows:

“Headquarters, 5th Canadian infantry brigade, November 3, 1915.

From the general officer commanding fifth Canadian infantry brigade to Lt Col Edward HiIliam, o/c 25th Battalion

My Dear Col Hilliam

It was with great pleasure that I receive your information this morning that a company of your battalion had willingly volunteered for an additional period of work in the trenches. This morning at a meeting I brought up this splendid offer and it was received with general approval, and I am indeed proud, as I am sure you are, that those officers and men should make such a considerable sacrifice when they are, as I know, entitled and deserving of a thorough rest after the very arduous period that they had spent in the trenches under such bad conditions.

Will you be good enough to transmit to the officers and men of the company by warm approval of their splendid action.

Very sincerely yours

D.Watson