100 Years Ago: 39th Colors in Lydd Church, Letters of Thanks for Tobacco

The Intelligencer September 20, 1915 (page 1)

“39th Colors Are Deposited in Lydd Church. Capt. W.H. Hudson has sent a postcard to The Intelligencer, in which he states that the 39th Battalion colors, which it will be remembered were presented to the Battalion at Belleville, were deposited in Lydd Parish Church on August 23rd. The postcard gives a photograph of this fine old church, with its beautiful surroundings. It is very old, dating back to about 1200.

Lydd is the place where Lyddite was first tried out. The 39th Battalion returned to Caesar’s Camp August 24th.”

The Intelligencer September 20, 1915 (page 3)

“The Intelligencer Tobacco Fund. Dear Mr. Bowell, and the citizens who contributed to The Intelligencer Tobacco Fund: It is my pleasure, at the request of my Belleville comrades, N.C.O.’s and men of the 2nd Battery, 1st Brigade, Divisional Artillery, to convey in this manner the sincere gratitude and appreciation for the generous gift of Old Chum smoking tobacco, Black Cat cigarettes and chewing gum which you have contributed for the fighting men whose welfare you have at heart. …

In conclusion, Mr. Bowell and citizen friends, we thank you for your gift; we thank you for the spirit in which you sent it. We all join in sending our sincerest and best wishes for the continued success of the Belleville Intelligencer and the supporters of the worthy cause—The Intelligencer Tobacco fund. …  Sincerely, Spafford.”

The Intelligencer September 20, 1915 (page 7)

“The Intelligencer Tobacco Fund. Dear Mr. Bowell,—Your second parcel came to hand and was distributed among the boys who were very much pleased. Although the boys get an issue of cigarettes, they are not the kind that you so kindly sent over, but a very inferior grade, so a real cigarette is very much enjoyed.

We had our battalion sports last Tuesday, and they were very successful. Capt. Archibald, who you will no doubt remember held the world’s record for the pole vault, assisted us very much. He also gave us an exhibition pole vault, doing 11 feet. …

The battalion is in the trenches, and the Belleville boys are all well. They have been very fortunate as we have lost a smaller percentage than any of the militia units in our battalion. …  Kind regards to all inquiring friends. Yours sincerely, E.D. O’Flynn.”