My apologies, work has been crazy for the past two weeks so I got a bit behind with posting these episodes. I am posting two today, episodes 14 and 15.
Jake Tanner
Letter from Private Jake Tanner to his fiancée, Kate Henderson 30 November 1917
My dearest Kate
I often wonder how you are and how your job at the factory is going. I can’t believe you’ve been working there for nearly three months already.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and the army celebrated in style. We were given the day off as a holiday and had an excellent dinner of turkey, cranberry sauce, asparagus, corn, sweet potato, apple pie, cake, and coffee. It was nice of the government to make sure we had such a good meal.
The weather has turned cold, and it snowed a little yesterday and last night. Our winter uniforms have still not arrived, and our current ones are quickly wearing out. My boots are also in a bad state because they are constantly wet, and it is impossible to dry, clean, or oil them.
Continue reading here: https://chewersmasticadores.wordpress.com/2026/01/16/the-soldier-and-the-radium-girl-part-1-the-bloom-of-youth-chapter-1-enlist-in-haste-repent-at-leisure-cont-14-by-roberta-eaton-cheadle/
Jake Tanner
23 December 1917
Most of the men embraced training in gas discipline with enthusiasm.
“It’s a step closer to the front,” said Robson.
“What are you in such a rush to get to the front for?” asked Big Mouth. Jake noted a reduction in Big Mouth’s enthusiasm for the front since Mike died. The death of one of their own lay heavily on all the men’s hearts.
Jake examined the scary-looking gas mask he’d been issued.
“You must wear your helmet and carry your mask with you at all times,” ordered Sarge.
“Again,” ordered Capitaine Moreau. “You must learn to put your gas mask on in six seconds.”
Gas mask on, gas mask off. The practice went on and on for hours. When the men finally mastered putting on their own masks to Capitaine Moreau’s satisfaction, they practiced putting masks on horses.
Continue reading here: https://chewersmasticadores.wordpress.com/2026/01/23/the-soldier-and-the-radium-girl-part-1-the-bloom-of-youth-chapter-1-enlist-in-haste-repent-at-leisure-cont-15-by-roberta-eaton-cheadle/
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