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Original World War I handwritten letter with original Active Service envelope, written from Mons, Belgium on November 29, 1918, just weeks after the Armistice ended the Great War.
The letter was written by Hugh Lindsay, a member of the well-known Toronto Lindsay family, and mailed to Miss Georgina Lindsay at 9 Grandview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Family provenance accompanies the letter.
What makes this piece especially interesting is its timing and content. Written only days after the end of hostilities, Hugh reflects on the prospect of returning home to Canada, discusses family matters, references the ongoing influenza pandemic, and expresses the common soldier\'s longing to leave military life behind.
The letter is datelined:
\"Mons, Belgium, Nov. 29/18\"
Mons holds a notable place in First World War history, being associated both with the opening and closing phases of British and Canadian participation in the war. Letters from Mons immediately following the Armistice possess particular historical appeal.
Notable content includes:
- Post-Armistice occupation period
- References to Toronto and homecoming
- Mention of the influenza epidemic (\"I hope the baby is still keeping well and did not catch the influenza\")
- Discussion of returning to Canada
- Original Active Service envelope
- Named writer and recipient
- Strong family provenance
A desirable piece of Canadian First World War correspondence combining military, family, and social history.
Details
- Writer: Hugh Lindsay
- Recipient: Miss Georgina Lindsay
- Location written: Mons, Belgium
- Date: November 29, 1918
- Origin: Canadian soldier correspondence
- Format: Handwritten letter with original Active Service envelope
- Pages: Multi-page letter
- Language: English
- Provenance: Toronto Lindsay family
Condition
Original period letter and envelope.
Expected age-related wear including folds, creasing, edge chipping, handling wear, toning, and minor losses to the envelope. Handwriting remains readable. Please examine photographs carefully for condition details.
WWI letter, Mons Belgium, Canadian soldier letter, Toronto family correspondence, Active Service envelope, Armistice letter, November 1918, influenza epidemic, Spanish Flu reference, Canadian military history, original manuscript letter, Georgina Lindsay, Hugh Lindsay, World War I Canada, postwar occupation letter
