Henri Richard sent many letters home to his family in Ste. Genevieve, but this letter is significant in that it was final letter home.
The letter is two pages, written in French. (Translation below)
English translation
Note: This translation was done by my mother Therese Nelson (Henri’s sister) some time around 1999. (Mark Nelson)
Most dear Parents, Brothers and
Sisters, I haven’t received news from you since I arrived in France. I am always in good health and I get along as well as I can. I still haven’t met any guys whom I knew before I joined the army, but many of those who were with me in the Grenadiers are with me now. No doubt you remember the Sergeant who was with me at the station when I came home on leave; well he was killed a few days ago but did not suffer. I believe that we have the Boches on the run now, but there are always stubborn ones who will not give up and we have to rout them out. I am taking advantage of a bit of free time to write to you and also to wash up and shave which surely feels wonderful once in a while.
A few days ago we entered a village that was not damaged too much. There were quite a few civilians around and you can be sure that they were happy to see us. Seeing that I am one of the few who speaks French in my company, I had to talk a lot that day. I almost got drunk while drinking full glasses of wine and cider as much as we wanted. An old lady said I have a big barrel of wine in my house and it is all for you my dear Canadians. You can be sure that it was very much appreciated.
I hope that you are all in good health also and I gather that the weather is nice over there also. It has been beautiful over here and also very hot in more ways than one. There are many apples and pears. They are not quite ripe enough but we eat them anyways. I am anxious to receive some cigarettes. We are rationed to five per day and this is far from being of what I am used to smoking.
I think this is all I have to say for now – until next time. Good luck. My best to everyone and don’t worry too much. Regarding my prayers and receiving communion ask any soldier who has returned from the war and he will tell what a soldier thinks when he is in his foxhole under bombardment.
From your son who thinks of all of you,
Henry.
PS it seems to me that it has been quite a while since I received any letter and I am very anxious to get some. My letter is for the whole family and I would love to for Marguerite and Georgette to keep writing, even though I don’t have time to write back to everyone individually.
