Letter From Hon J.R. Bennett

This telegram from Mrs. James Saunders was sent to the Colonial Secretary in hopes that she could have her son, John Saunders, sent home as she stated that he was her only means of support. The letter sent back to her however as can be seen below shows that her request was denied as he was old enough to join the Regiment and his father was still alive to support the family. This letter also shows that once a man had joined the Regiment it was fairly difficult to get out of it again as stated in the last line of the returned letter.

****************************************************************************************************

Newfoundland Postal Telegraphs
To. Col Sectry

I object in my son John Saunders enlisting I want him home he is my only support please reply

Mrs. James Saunders

*****************************************

St. John’s, Newfoundland,
April 16^th- 17

Sir:-

Yours of the 14^th inst., to hand, and I wish to state that Pte John Saunders was attested in the Nfld Regiment, on the 10^th day of April, 1917. His age on enlistment was 23 years and 3 months, and according to his papers, his father James Saunders is still living. It is not in our power to release him under condition.

I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,

Chas R Ayre
Capt & Actg. O.C. Headquarters,
1^st Nfld Regiment

Hon. J. R. Bennettt,
Colonial Secy
City

Source: The Rooms, Provincial Archives, St. John's, NL

Back to Documents

The Regiment The Battle Soldier/Family Stories Commemoration Additional Information