B63723 Rifleman John M. Young was born in Toronto, Ontario on 27 August 1921, the son of George Moodie Young and Effie Annie Herlihey.

Little is known about his military service during the Second World War except that he was working in England in the Headquarters of the 1st Battalion, The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada when he wrote the letter below.

Despite his statement to the contrary below, he married Eileen Marjorie Gray in October or December 1943. They had one daughter before Marjorie died in 1953. John remarried an unknown woman and they had a son John Frederick Young (1960-2021.)

John died on 3 February 1987 in Toronto, Ontario.

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Transcription of Letter to Parents, 2 Aug 1942

Canadian Army Overseas,
August 2, 1942

Dear Mom & Dad:

I am writing you another letter. Maybe you will answer this one if not forget it. I haven’t heard from you in two months. I get the papers, but no letters, Whats [sic] wrong.

Thanks a lot for sending me the money so quickly. When I wired for it, I had a chance of going to Ireland but like everything else in this outfit it fell through. I get my leave the end of the month and I am going to Basingstoke. I met a girl, Marjorie Gray who lives three doors down from Aunt Beths [sic]. She is a nice kid. In fact I’ve fallen in love with her.

But don’t worry about the marriage angle. That won’t happen while I’m in kahki. I’ve just got back off a long scheme. After living on hardtack, McKoneky stew (horse meat) and cheese I really appreciate your cooking. How is Cap these days? I guess he is getting kind of old and feeble. By the time this is over he’ll be like old Buster.

Have you sent the sleeping bag yet or has “Davy Jones” claimed it for his own comfort. I sure wish I had of had it on the last scheme.

I was down to see the dentist about a month ago. He pulled two molars out and filled nine. Those two bad ones I had in front where [sic] fixed perfect. You wouldn’t know that there had been anything wrong with them. He sure is a wonderful dentist.

I’ve been swiming [sic] in the sea lately and am I brown. But the salt water is awful tasting stuff. I went to the show last night and saw “Weekend in Havana and All American Co-ed. They were both good, even though they were old.

I don’t know whether you will be shocked or start to kid me about this, but when you send the next parcel put some girls [sic] stockings and some underthings in it. Take the price out of my account. Marjorie spent all her coupons on a nurse outfit and hasn’t any left.

How is dad getting on. Are you going away for holidays this year. I wish you would. It will do you good.

I’ll be glad when we all can go back to Georgian By for our holidays. Has dad got another canary for you yet? I was awfully sorry that Billie died but I guess he had to die sometime. I remember when Doug and I smuggled him in for Christmas in a cardboard box. It made so much noise that we had to show it to you that night.

Did you get my Mothers [sic] Day card. I hope so. It cost me two shillings plus postage. You didn’t get the Christmas one so I hope you got that.

How is Doug coming on? Does he still think that all the girls are playing him for a sucker?

Has the street changed any in appearance. I hope not. It might have been dirty but when you are brought up from a kid the place is hard to forget.

How is Mr & Mrs Thornback? Have they turned out to be hicks yet. I’ll be glad when we can play cards, drink some good beer and eat your sandwiches.

But enough of this remenising [sic] I got a job to do and I’m going to do it come hell or high water.

Well Mom & Dad I guess that’s about all I can say for now. Goodbye.

Your loving son,

John

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Envelope addressed to:

Mr. & Mrs. George M. Young
21 Perth Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
Canada