Private Alfred Kinsley

Comments after the Cambrai Offensive

Letters from the Front

Friday, October 11, 1918

Transcribed by: marc

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Our battalion has been engaged continuously since the great offensive began, and we have been in action on the Amiens and Arras fronts, and recently at Cambrai where I was wounded, being admitted to this hospital on the 3rd inst. The Germans put up a great fight at Cambrai, and it was unquestionably the fiercest scrap the Canadians have had for some time. Martin was hit at Arras, having four machine-gun bullet wounds in his left arm. Generally speaking, the German morale at the present time is very low, as in several instances large numbers surrender without even firing a shot. There is also a great deal of malingering amongst them. The enemy has not used any of his crack cavalry against us, and the present open warfare gives him every opportunity to do so. The German population is suffering great privations, and it is quite possible that they are eating up all their horseflesh.

Bulgaria having surrendered, things at the present time look very encouraging, and it is generally believed that it will not be long before Turkey takes a similar course.

I have not heard anything regarding Taylor, Dinning or Hughes since I have been over here.

 

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