Our Part

Canada’s Role in the First World War Through One Family’s Story

August 17, 1916: Bob’s Departure from Camp Borden

1916-2 Bob leaving Camp Borden_20230509_0001Download

L August 17/6

Camp Borden

Dear Mother Dad & Carrie

               Just a few lines dears to let you all know we are pulling the Pin at 3:30 to-morrow afternoon. We expect to have the Western University Corp. with us.

               I received a letter from Annabelle this morning and she said Carrie had had a slight accident with the car it has been worrying me. I hope no one was hurt.

               We have not been doing any Parades to-day it has been more of a wash day as everybody had something they wanted cleaned. I have most of my stuff packed and I will certainly be glad to say good-bye to Camp Borden. Well dears there has not been anything happening here since yesterday. But I wanted to let you know as we will not be able to send mail on the trip I will keep a diary daily and will send it all as soon as I can.

               Well dear I guess I will have to say good-bye for just now. I had a good night sleep last night and I feel great as ever.

               Yours lovingly

                              Bob

Phone Annabelle and tell her not to expect any more letters for a couple of weeks.

                              Bob

Commentary

The Journey from Canada Begins

In this letter, dated August 17, 1916, Bob writes to his parents Christopher and Fleda, and his sister Carrie. He is about to leave Camp Borden, which is near Barrie Ontario, and sail to England. Annabelle is Bob’s girlfriend, who he would marry after the war. Murray Sangster is dating Carrie, they would also marry after the war.

This letter provides a glimpse into the experience of a Canadian soldier as he prepared to go overseas.

Little is known about Carrie’s car accident except that her arm was injured. Later letters mention Bob’s wishes that Carrie will be alright:

Letter Summary

  • Sender: Bob Leach
  • Recipient: Mother, Father, and Carrie Leach
  • Date: August 17, 1916
  • Location: Camp Borden
  • Battalion: 135th Battalion

Additional Historic Figures

  • Annabelle

Camp Borden

Camp Borden was built to train units for the Canadian Expeditionary Forces in World War I. It opened in July 1916. Bob and Murray were among the first soldiers to be trained at Camp Borden. Newspapers from July 1916 highlight that the opening of Camp Borden was controversial. Some questioned whether it had fit living conditions. There were reports of water shortages, overwhelming dust and riots during in the opening week.

Aerial view of Camp Borden in 1916, showcasing rows of military tents set up for Canadian soldiers.
Panoramic view of Camp Borden in 1916, featuring rows of tents used for training Canadian soldiers during World War I. Canadian War Museum Collection.
Two soldiers standing together in a field, wearing military uniforms and wide-brimmed hats, with a crowd in the background.
Bob and Murray posing together, probably at Camp Borden, August 1916, before deployment.
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