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Scarce original First World War 1st Canadian Contingent letter, written in December 1914 at Salisbury Plain, England, by a Canadian soldier who was killed in action in the September 1916 attack at Thiepval Ridge, near Courcelette at the Somme. Shortly before his death this soldier was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field.
*** The letter was written by 13306 Private (later Sergeant) Thomas Nesbit Simpson, M.M., Machine Gun Section, 5th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Western Cavalry), 2nd Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division.
Killed in Action 26/27 September, 1916.
This scarce letter was written in England at Salisbury Plain on 21st December 1914. Private Simpson expected (correctly) that they would be going to France the following February:
" We will be going to France some time in February Mother, but do not be alarmed, as we will do guard and piquet duty for quite awhile before we go to the front. So you see, I have a long while to live yet."
There is additional interesting and emotional content.
The cover has some damage, as visible in the photos (the stamp has been cut away). Priced with the cover condition taken into consideration.
*** Thomas Nesbit Simpson was an original August 1914 member of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He originally joined the 31st British Columbia Horse on 12 or 13 August 1914, and proceeded by rail with that unit to Valcartier, Quebec, where he attested to the newly formed Canadian Expeditionary Force. Soon after arriving at Valcartier the 31st B.C. Horse was absorbed into the 5th (Western Cavalry) Canadian Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Canadian Division. After brief training at Valcartier, Quebec, Simpson sailed to England in October 1914 with the First Canadian Contingent. Following further training in England at Salisbury Plain Simpson landed in France with the First Division in February 1915.
By the time of his death in September 1916, Thomas Simpson had been promoted to sergeant and was awaiting an officer's commission. He had been awarded the Military Medal, mentioned in despatches, and in April 1916 had been personally congratulated for his bravery by Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig.
Sergeant Simpson was killed in action on either 26 or 27 September 1916, during heavy fighting near Courcelette at the Somme.
*** Please see the listing images for further details of this soldier's service. Note that there are no medals or badges included in the listing.
**** Ships from Canada. Free shipping to U.S.A., all others as shown, by Canada Post standard lettermail.
