Sir Arthur Currie to FA Pauline, 1918

Transcription letter Sir Arthur Currie to FA Pauline, 18 April 1918

Headquarters, Canadian Corps

18^th April 1918

My Dear Fred

I acknowledge, with many thanks, the receipt today of your letter of 17^th March. You do not know how much I appreciated the opportunity of seeing you last summer, and in this connection I would like to thank you for your kind references to the corps on your return to Victoria.

With all British Columbians, I regret very much the death of our Prime Minister. I did not know him intimately, but I knew enough of his character to realize that his loss is a severe blow to the Province. He was a man of high ideals, of unquestioned integrity, and I am sure would have accomplished a great deal of good had he been spared to the Province longer. I hope the Honourable John Oliver gives satisfaction. He is entitled to a fair chance and loyal support. As far as one can gather from the press, the path of our late Premier did not lie along a path of roses. I know that he was honest in his intention to stamp out what is probably the greatest curse in Canadian politics, namely, patronage, but I can also appreciate the difficulties he encountered in his endeavour to do so.

Since writing your letter the great German offensive has begun, and so far the enemy has achieved a most pronounced success. His advance has been much more rapid than anyone thought possible. There is a reason for it, and if the real reason is acknowledged and acted upon by those in authority there is still hope, yet if we continue to prefer camouflage and good form to the truth the very worst is likely to occur. One of the causes of the was the hypocrisy so prevalent in the world and one of the principal reasons of the Boche success at the present time is due to our refusal to see things as they really are.

As yet we have not been violently engaged, the Boche apparently preferring to try to turn our flanks than to come straight at us. The latter is what we, of course, would like him to do though at the present time we are stretched out to an abnormal length. I do not know what our fat will be, but I have every confidence that the Canadian Corps will sell its life very, very dearly. The manner in which the additional one hundred thousand, which were to be provided by the Military Service Act, are coming along is a very great disappointment to us here. As I repeatedly warned those in authority last summer, the drafts are arriving too late, yet it seemed to some more desirable to play politics than to save their country from slowly bleeding to death.

I ask you to kindly remember me to Mr Whiteside and to Mr Nelson, and to any others of my friends there. With many thanks for all your good wishes which I most cordially reciprocate.

I am, ever yours faithfully,

AW Currie

FA Pauline

940 Foul Bay Road

Victoria, British Columbia

PS – Perhaps you may be interested in the enclosed.

[2]

SPECIAL ORDER

By Lieut-General Sir Arthur W Currie, KCB, KCMH

Commanding Canadian Corps

In an endeavour to reach an immediate decision the enemy has gathered all his forces and struck a might blow at the British Army. Overwhelmed by sheer weight of numbers the British Divisiions in the line between the SCARPE and the OISE have fallen back fighting hard, steady and dismayed.

Measures have been taken successfully to meet this German onslaught. The French have gathered a powerful army, commanded by a most able and trusted leader and this Army is now moving swiftly to our help. Fresh British Divisions are being thrown in. The Canadians are soon to be engaged. Our Motor Vehicle Machine Gun Brigade has already played a most gallant part and once again covered itself with glory.

Looking back with pride on the unbroken record of your glorious achievements, asking you to realize that today the fate of the British Empire hangs in the balance, I place my trust in the Canadian Corps, knowing that where Canadians are engaged there can be no giving way.

Under the orders of your devoted officers in the coming battle you will advance or fall where you stand facing the enemy.

To those who will fall I say, “You will not die but step into immortality. Your mothers will not lament your fate but will be proud to have borne such sons. Your names will be revered forever and ever by your grateful country, and God will take you unto Himself.”

Canadians, in this fateful hour, I command you and I trust you to fight as you have ever fought with all your strength, will all your determination, with all your tranquil courage. On many a hard fought field of battle you have overcome this enemy. With God’s help you shall achieve victory once more

AW Currie

Lieut-General

Commanding Canadian Corps,

27-3-18

January 28, 2020 0

Frederick Charles Pauline to Oliver William Pauline, 20 July 1918

[1]

Ward B4

2/1 South Gen. Hosp

Dudley Rd

Birmingham

19.7.18

Dear Oliver/

Your welcome letter of June 20^th received.

So Desmond was out home with Amy on his birthday; he must be a very bonny little chap from the snaps I have and the ones you sent.

Rather pleased in a way that the board let you out as it will give you a chance to pick up again without the extra heavy methods used in the Army.

Am pleased to hear that Mother keeps will; Dad must be a tough nut like myself pretty hard to crack.

They had another go at me on the operation table day before yesterday, I don’t think any good has been done

[2]

This time nevertheless it is one less to come. I was getting on pretty well, went out to Aunt Emmie’s place last Wednesday week they were very nice to me indeed.

There are several girls and boy in the family; one Grace is a very pretty girl, but last Sunday I started to go down hill again fast so they oper. On Tue Wed. I had Tom Johnson to see me on Tuesday it was Tuesday it was too bad if he had come a week before I could have gone out with him; he is at Purfleet in Essex. He looks the picture of health and as brown as a berry.

You mentioned about parcel and Sat Eve Post I think I got all the parcels alright.

[3]

But none of the posts have turned up. I should like to see one too. I tried to get one in B’ham the other day, but they say they all go to France now. You asked me how I got my ‘packet’. Well to cut a long story short I was starting a high powered French scout machine in a plowed field, when those that were supposed to be holding the plane back apparently had shell-shock; anyway you can guess what a propeller would do to you if a plane came striding into you. Not its no good me telling you any more or else you will imagine I was really hurt or something

[4]

OWP

Sat 20^th

Am sitting out on the balcony today and feeling a good deal better, hoping to be able to go to out again in a few days.

We had a terrible thunder-storm last week and a lot of rain since, but today has turned out quite summerlike again.

Would like very much to be home and we could go to Shawnigan together. By the way can you swim if not you must learn at once! Its very easy enough, jump overboard with a petrol tin on piece of wood for a float. Try it!

I will probably turn out alright bye and bye but it will be a fairish time

[5]

Before I get my original strength and weight of 190^th flat back again, in the meantime we might have a chance to pull up together.

The Allies seem to be bucking up again the last few days; all luck to them I hop we make them cry their hearts sore for mercy. Fritz with his Kaunerad

Well Jim will close for today as I have a bunch of letters to write. With kind love to Mother + Dad and regards to you Uncle

Your affectionate Brother

FC Pauline

November 28, 2019 0

William Frederick Pauline to Frederick Arthur Pauline, 1917

Answd July 5 1917 / sent July 10 1917 ‘C’ Battery

Risboro Barracks

Shorncliffe

Kent, Eng

June 30^th 1917

Dear Uncle Fred:

Just a few lines to let you know that I am down here. I saw in the “Canada” where you were stoping [sic] and I was naturally very much surprised to hear of you in London. I had a letter from a very old Friend of yours the other day, Capt Gibbons and I stayed a week-end with him which enjoyed very much. He lives at Maidstone in Kent but I think you know his address. I know that he would very much like to see you. I thought I may as well write to you as we are about eight thousand miles from the old town and that would like me to write and let you know I was here. Hoping you will have a nice time.

I remain

Your affectionate nephew

William F Pauline

PS I don’t write as good as my dad, but hope you can read it

Billy

November 14, 2019 0

Victor Paulin to Edith Nickells Paulin, 1918

Lt VR Pauline

C/o Ave David

Strand, AVC

London

Feby 15/18

Dear Mother

Your letter dated 8 Jany received, thank you very much for it. I think the letters you mention from Dad, Aunties and Bill have gone astray. I received letter and parcel from Aunty Nell, the helmet is absolutely posh, so are the writstlets, in the summer I shall wear the helmet as it is, but just now will wear my leather one over it, as it is mighty cold at 16000 ft.

As regards Birks and Mrs Mcallister, I received a New Year’s card from Macallisters, but Birks doesn’t

know enough, I expect. I had a letter from Jennie Redford (the young lady who is working in the bank) saying that Birks had shown her my picture, and telling me how nice it was, etc. He might write me a letter. I don’t know. I am not worrying much, however, I only sent him in the first place, in case he might think I was working in some munition works or something.

I haven’t heard from Ben, but had a letter from Hilda, saying that Ben spent the day with them and was going to Epsom the following Sunday. I haven’t the faintest idea where Epsom is so can’t give any

Particulars. About Toby. I would suggest having him where he is Milligan is perfectly willing as he should be, his own horse was about petered out when last I saw it. Would not write Parrie any more, heard Birks are pretty good friends, he might think you were bothering him unnecessarily.

I am at Queensbury still and as there is no flying today, owing to the weather, I am writing letters. It is only a matter of a day or so before I leave either for France, Ayr, or back to my squadron in Stockbridge. If Ayr I get a waks course in aerial fighting

If overseas I get 2 days leave and then go to a pool in France and wait for an opening in some squadron. And if Stockbridge I go with 91, as it is an overseas squadron. I would much prefer the latter, as I knoq all the staff, etc., and it would be much nicer than going amongst strangers. But I have got so now that “nothing makes me sick” so don’t worry in the least.

It certainly must have been some sensation when Robin Grays people got that cable that he was a prisoner in Germany.

I have got it all figured out if I get taken prisoner,

I will give a cheque to some German Red Cross Hospital, and immediately Cox & bo receive the cheque they will notify you- get me!

This may seem far fetched but it can be done. When one of the RDC are taken prisoner they never let it out if they can help it. I expect they think it has a bad affect on his pals. But they’re wrong.

I think I will cable my address when I get it, so don’t be alarmed if you receive one. The trouble is you might receive it before this letter,

but if I go to Stockbridge I might not go to France for another month. So don’t worry whether you receive a cable or not.

I received a letter from Nancy thanking me for photos, I expect some of the others will take a jump to themselves soon. Aunty Nell, and Nancy are the only apparent recipients at present. I think Ruby is sore with me because I never went to see her, but spent all my time in B’ham. Hilda mentioned having met her, and told me how nice she was etc., but she hasn’t mentioned my letter as yet, hence my conclusion that she must be “~~~~” in plain English “angry”. She has asked me for a photo of myself every time she writes, but I haven’t one, will have to try and get a snap of some sort taken. I gave that one you sent me for George to Hilda, who just as much as asked for it, so what could I do, nothing!! Si likes the weak hearted creature I am I gave it to her. I figured it out this way, I would see George soon, and it would be much better him not

knowing what I look like until I see him. Then he will have a greater surprise than he would have if he had the pictures. I don’t want you to think I am conceited, but I have changed considerably since I had it taken, having grown some more and very much fatter.

Better looking?? I couldn’t tell you. About the only change I can see in Wilf (in looks) is his nose, which has quite a hump on it. He has a nose exactly the same as Grandpa, I noticed it as soon as I saw him. Well Ma, I recken as how I have written a pretty good letter (for siys anyway) all kinds of love to Dad and yourself, and remember me to everyone

Your loving son

Victor

October 25, 2019 0

Victor Paulin to Edith Nickells Paulin, 1917

Stockbridge

Royal Flying Corps

December 28, 1917

Dear Mother,

Steno, I am again just before bed scratching off a few lines, no mail has arrived from Canada yet. I received a letter from “Ruby”enclosing a picture, of herself, which I answered immediately, she says Wilf has not written her for 12 months. I wrote back saying I would write him a scolding letter. I also had letters from Ben, Wilf and George. Wilf is, at present on leave he is going up to Aberdeen, whatever for

I can’t tell you, and will stay off at B’ham for a day to see Ben. George hasn’t got anything to say in his letters at all, never mentioned being gassed at all.

I expect 4 days leave soon and will go and see Ben and Ruby, also Mrs Pauline in B’ham. I am afraid I have forgotten if she has children or not, and I might make a break in showing her how ignorant I am regarding some of my relatives. She has been to see Ben, and asked Ben about “Sid”, Ben didn’t know know of any other “Sid” but Sid Thomson so I concluded it

Must be he. But couldn’t figure out how “Sid” knew Aunty “Emmy”. I think thats her name. I’m only making a rough guess. So I am going to wait until she writes me, and kind of break the ice a little. I might get real hold of one of these days and write, “my dear aunt” but no “Emmy”. It would be a good one on me if I wrote “my dear Aunt Emmy” and her name was “Maud” or something of that kind.

How is Dad? I wrote him about a week ago. Yes I ought to get a bunch of letters, for the letters are written, I must have scrawled off about 100.

I had a quiet Christmas

went for a walk around the courtyards, Hants is a very pretty country. W is had a y~~~ feed for a change, that was the only thing that made it seem the least bit like Christmas. I ~~~ was getting better now, but when we ~~~~ here, Wow! W~~ kicked every day, they curse through with a little service.

Well Ma, I hope this letter is not a “fearful bore” (English for D- nuisance) it is near the end now. Love to all, and heaps to Dad and yourself.

Your loving son

Victor

PS “How’s Toby” and Mrs Jones? Don’t confuse the two!

October 23, 2019 0

WPC Leonard to George Paulin(e), 1918

Letter to George Paulin, Victoria from WPC Leonard, Chaplain to the forces

May 10, 1918,

No 23 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Dear Mr Pauline,

It is with deep sympathy that I write to you about the great loss which you have been called upon to bear in the death of your son while flying.

I can assure you that every member of the Squadron shares your sorrow to the uttermost, and feels for you sincerely in this overwhelming loss.

Your boy made many friends among us, and earned the very highest opinion and admiration as a pilot. He was absolutely fearless, and had he been spared, I am certain would have made a great name.

The Commanding officer, Major Bryant, will probably have told you, as he told me, that he looked upon your boy as his best and stoutest hearted pilot.

It was excess of keenness and enthusiasm which really caused his death, for he was trying to do a difficult climbing turn, when the machine crashed to the ground, killing your son instantly.

We laid him to rest this afternoon in the British Cemetery near St Omer, and as soon as possible a cross made out of a propeller will be erected to his memory. The Co. and all officers who were not on duty came to the service, in which we laid his earthly remains to rest, and commended his brave soul to the keeping of Him who also gave his life to pay the price of a purer and better world.

Out here we begin to understand that death, is not the end; it is but the gateway of a fuller and more perfect life. One day we shall meet again in that promised land where death is swallowed up in victory.

I know that no words of mine can relieve your grief, but I hope that God will comfort you and give you pride in the greatness of the sacrifice which your boy has laid on the Altar of Patriotism.

In deepest sympathy, in which all ranks wish to join,

Believe me

Very Sincerely Yours

MPG Leonard,

Chaplain to the Forces.

October 19, 2019 0

Victor Reginald Paulin to Edith Nickells Paulin, 1918

Letter to Mrs George Paulin from son Victor Paulin, France 22 April 1918

Dear mother,

How are things in old Victoria? Received a letter from Victoria yesterday giving all the latest events, from Nancy Riddell, they are now living at 793 Stillside Ave, wants a snap of me, so I told her to call on you, and you would be sure to give her one. I hope you received the postcards taken at Ayr and the 2 films taken in France while I was in the pool.

I have just returned from Baron von Richtofffen’s funeral, he was the German “star” aviator, and was brought down yesterday by one of the chaps in this wing. He flew a red tryplane. I also went and had a look at that this morning. It was quite a funeral for France, a firing party of Australians, and the pall bearers were officers of the Australian Flying Corps. During the ceremony a formation of our machines flew around the cemetery, everyone was wishing that he had been brought down alive, as he was a brave fellow. I have had him dive on me on one occasion, and am not at all sorry he is out of it, at the same time I have every respect in the world for him, if Idid not happen to be able to dive faster than he on the occasion I mention, he would have “got me” -as the him tryplane is a very frail machine and is liable to break up at a great speed. He couldn’t follow me, believe me, I had “gust up” when I knew that the “star”

“him” was on my tail.

I received a letter from Aunty Nellie, also one from Ben, Ruby and Hilda, everything in the garden is rosy so far as Ruby and Ben are concerned. It appears they have both written me, but I have not received the letters.

Say Mother, did Aunty Floss ever write me? I have never heard from any of our relatives in Victoria, except that one letter from Aunty Doll Aunty Polly. I must have lost a whole batch of mail. I have written about a hundred letters for every one I receive. Expected one from you today, it seems funny that I should receive a letter from Nancy from Victoria, and no other mail with it. Perhaps some more is coming !!!(This letter was dated 11 March)

In case you haven’t received my other letters my address is 23 Squadron, RAF, BED France. I received a letter from Wilf recently, he was in London for a few days. I will get leave in about a month, and will send some more music for Dad, tell him to write a few lines once in a while. I haven’t had a letter from him since I landed in England. I received a Christmas card from him that is all, Well Ma must close now, hope Toby won’t be a nuisance to you, the best way would be to raffle him for the Red Cross!! deducting your expenses.

Love to Dad and yourself, your loving son Vic

October 17, 2019 0

Frederick Charles Pauline

In trying to figure out Frederick Charles’ military service during the First World War, I went to the Library and Archives of Canada website to see if his service records were available. He appears in the Imperial Gratuities files, not the service ones. This means that he served in the British forces, not the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Name: PAULINE, Frederick C

Regimental Number: 14284-F-29

Reference: RG9-II-F-10, Finding Aid 9-56, Volume 210

Item Number: 641099

Record Group: Imperial Gratuities

I checked the National Archives (UK) to see if his service records survived, and they did not.

In the letter from Emma Jane Paulin to his father Frederick Arthur Pauline in 1918 describes a head injury which had him staying at the Dudley Road Military Hospital. Not sure what happened to injure him, nor what sent him specifically to Dudley. Good for him as he had family nearby who could visit him, and take care of him after he was released…..

7e04d3298e5f91a49e29d3126ace038b--history

What I know about Frederick Charles Pauline: born 1 August 1891 in Victoria. He married Amy Flint and had two children: Desmond and Murray Pauline. He divorced Amy and married Marguerite Florence Marwood.

When he died (therefore on his death certificate) he managed a government hostel in Vancouver. He died the 15 Jan 1948.

October 1, 2019 0

Emma Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 19 June 1918

Emma Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 19 June 1918 [Year derived from envelope postmark]

363 Birchfield Road, Perry Barr

June 19^th

Dear Fred,

Received your cable on Monday 17^th very sorry to get the news. I went at once to the Dudley Road Hospital to see Fred – he had another operation the Thursday previous & is doing well – really looks fine, it is wonderful what these grand boys go through + still keep smiling. Grace and Hilda have gone to see Fred this afternoon. He sent two passes by post. Tell Cissie there is I am sure no reason to worry, he seems so well -was writing to you to here. I got there + enjoying a cigarette.

WE saw the account of Victor’s

[2]

Death in the paper. Could not believe it, there has been many mistakes made – so waited until I heard something sure before writing to BC. Fred shewed me the Victoria notices – the dear boy spent his last leave with us + we got very fond of him. He + Hilda were like two happy children together & I had a real good time, it has upset us very much, feel so sorry for his Dad and Mother, it will be a great blow. Next time I go to see your boy will ask the sister all particulars & write again.

[3]

My dear Norman was sent back from France with a poisoned thumb, the hospitals there being too full, with serious cases. He has now rejoined his regiment near Liverpool (1^st Kings Liverpool) his thumb is still very weak, do pray they will keep him in England a little longer – it is all so terrible. Kindest love to Cissie your loving sister

Emmie

PS Girls just returned, all OK. Fred expects to be up + out in about 3 days. So I hope it won’t be too long before he will be able

[4]

To stay with us. He has only 2 inches of tube in his head now & that will be out in 2 days time. His head is not affected at all – is very pleased at the idea of coming out. So don’t worry at all

Emmie

September 30, 2019 0

New to the page – VR Pauline’s diary, 1918

New on the web site – Victor Pauline’s diary, 1918

Cathy Jansen has obtained images from the diary of Victor Reginald Pauline from the BC Aviation Museum. They were donated to the Museum by Kathleen Paulin, Cathy’s aunt. The diary has not been fully transcribed yet – a job for later, but I was able to do a few pages as a start.

Notice the early part of the diary, January 1918 when he visits the family of Ernest and Emma Paulin. He talks a lot about his cousin Hilda, and also about Grace, and his aunty Emmy.

August 24, 2019 0