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"I do not consider that my work has yet finished, the war is over no doubt but we have yet to win the great victory of Peace. This can only be obtained by the very best influence being brought on all the men, law and order has got to be maintained, we cannot allow for one moment discontent and undisciplined actions to creep into our midst. German forces are doing their best by underhand means to tempt our men and I honestly believe that now is the time when strong and popular officers will be required to keep our army straight." |
George Pearkes' war letter of Dec. 16, 1917, sent from Nivelles Belgium.
(ACC 74-1 Box 10.4)
Re: promotion to Lieutenant
May 14th 1916.
Dearest Mother,
Many thanks for your kind letters, I'm dreadfully afraid that I
haven't had much chance of writing during the past week or so, times at present are very uncertain as the Huns are showing much activity in these parts and we are kept very much on alert.... I'm not sure whether I mentioned before that after the last bombing attack the
Colonel recommended me for a commission in his own regiment, well he saw the General, who said he would push matters through the War Office. This was done and about 3 days ago the commission came through, so now I'm Lieut. Pearkes, Bombing Officer of the 2nd C.M.Rs and attached to the Battalion Head Quarter Staff. I know you will feel pleased as it is really an honour to win a commission in the field. As a matter of fact I know I do not deserve it one bit more than hundreds of others, but I just happened to be the sergeant in charge of that gap when the Huns attacked us. I was in an awful funk myself and it was the other boys who drove them off but somehow the story got around that I had helped some of the wounded and I got more credit than was coming to me.... I saw in the Victoria Colonist a photo of myself also life history, did you put it in? I see from time to time that people publish letters from friends and relations at the front, please never put any of mine in. I would hate it.
Love to Hilda, poor girl I hope she is not working too hard. Love
to all.
George
(ACC 74-1 Box 10.4)