Destrubé family - Scrapbook: family; homesteading in Alberta, Canada; and the First World War; ca. 1860-1922

Description:

Item is a scrapbook compiled by a member of the Destrubé family, possibly Georges, Ernest, or Maurice Destrubé, after the First World War. The scrapbook contains materials related to the deaths of Guy and Paul Destrubé, both killed in action during the Battle at Miraumont, Somme, France in 1917; correspondence; drawings by Georges and Guy Destrubé; plans and diagrams for the Destrubé homestead in Rife, Alberta; and photographs, including, family in England, Alberta homesteading, and the First World War in England and France.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; Homesteading; Early life

Date:

1860? to 1922

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife; England--London; France--Miraumont;

Page Title:

Cover

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Cover of scrapbook, recto.

Subjects:

Destrubé family;

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

Cover_verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Front cover, verso.

Subjects:

Destrubé family;

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_01

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Blank scrapbook page.

Subjects:

Destrubé family;

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_01-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a photograph of a memorial commemorating soldiers of the 22nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers killed in action between February 16 and 18, 1917, including Paul and Guy Destrubé, erected on the battlefield at Miraumont, France. Above the photograph, Georges Destrubé has written the dedication, "�� la m��moire de nos bien aim��s." Page also contains an inscription by Georges Destrubé.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1917 to 1919?

Title-Alternative:

�� la m��moire de nos bien aim��s

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France--Miraumont

Transcript:

[top] �� la m��moire de nos bien aim��s [photograph of cross commemorating the battle at Miraumont, France] [caption below] ---this spot, sacred to us, where our dear ones left this life so bravely because it was the only noble way. They had to leave us without a message of good-bye, but we know that the unsaid thing was a message to "carry on" and be of good cheer.--- And so we lose the best of our best and now we may only know them from the past, but in the depth of our pain we shall cherish their memory with such pride fro we know, as all who knew them, that they lived and died like sportsmen bringing honour on their name which is also ours.--- Georges.

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_02

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a memorial card for Guy and Paul Destrubé and two photographs. The card memorializes the deaths of Guy and Paul Destrubé, of the 22nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, during the attack at Miraumount, France on February 17, 1917. The central photograph depicts Guy and Paul as children. The lower photograph depicts, from left, Georges, Paul and Guy and was taken in England, possibly in 1916.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1900 to 1917?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_02-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a typescript of a letter from A. G. Duthrie to Sylvie Destrubé, 11 March 1917, informing her of the deaths of her brothers, Guy and Paul Destrubé. The letter is a French translation of the attached English copy. Included in the English version is a note from "Ed. J." Page also contains a clipping with an image of the "ruins at Miraumont-le-Grand."

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

March 11, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France--Miraumont

Transcript:

[start page 1] [upper left] Copie Traduite [upper right] 23 Battalion Royal Fusileers [upper right] France, le 11 Marz 1917. Chere Mademoiselle Destrube, Ce matin un officier legerement blesse est venu au poste de secours pour se fair . . . [end trascription of page 1]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_02-verso-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_02-verso: English version of letter from A. G. Duthrie to Sylvie Destrubé, 11 March 1917, and note from "Ed. J."

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

March 11, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page 2] March 6th 1917. I very much regret to inform you that your two brothers, Guy and Paul were Killed in action on the 17th of February. I happen to be the Lewis Gun Officer and up to a few minutes of their death I was talking to them and they were both very cheery. It may be some consolation to you to know that they have buried ~~them~~ together, and there is a cross in memory of them at Ovillers ---- Ed. J. -- ---- 11/3/17. This morning a slightly wounded officer came in to the Battn. Aid Post to be dressed. He had in his possession a letter, addressed to my fellow Chaplain, I read it and find that I can tell you something about your Brothers. I regret to say that it is the worst. I buried them both together on the field on which the Brigade has recently been fighting. I went out with a burying party at day-dawn on the 28th., and we found both of your brothers lying dead within eight yeards of each other, in close proximity of the German wire. They were both killed by machine-gun fire and their features were not at all marred. One of the burying party from the 22nd. Battn. recognized them before we found the particulars. We buried them side by side in a shell hole grave, together with one of the 1st. Kings Royal Rifles and 23rd. Battn. R.F., all comrades in the attack. I took the service at the grave side and saw that a stout cross was erected to mark the site. It is numbered 12, and particulars have been sent to the Grave Registration Unit of its locality. ----- ---- A.G. Duthrie. C.F. [end page 2]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_03

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a typescript of a letter, dated 16 March 1917, from Lt. Col. Randle Barnett Barker of the 22nd Royal Fusiliers to Ernest Destrubé, about the deaths of Ernest's sons, Guy and Paul Destrubé. The letter is a French translation of the attached English copy. Page also contains two clippings announcing Barker's death on March 24, 1918. Clipping contains annotation: "5/4/1918."

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1917-03-16; 1918

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_03-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_03: English copy of letter from Lt. Col. Randle Barnett Barker of the 22nd Royal Fusiliers to Ernest Destrubé, 16 March 1917.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1917-03-16; 1918

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] Dear Mr. Destrube. I have received your letter of March 10th. I was in command of the Brigade at the battle of Miraumont, and almost immediately afterwards went home for 10 days, as I was rather seedy. When I left I could not quite gather whether both your boys had been killed or I should have written you before. After an action of that sort ~~it take~~ when regiments and even divisions get intermingled, it takes several days to ascertain whether men are killed, wounded or missing. In this case however, I am afraid there is absolutely no doubt. Both your boys were buried on the battlefield, with many of their comrades, by the Chaplain. A cross has been erected at Ovilliers to all the gallant men of the Regiment who fell in that action. They were both killed in the way they would have wished, "Fighting their gun to the last". The Germans made a heavy counter attack and if it had not been for their gallantry and also Sergt. Brierley's, a very serious situation would have arisen. As you know of old, I had always the admiration and affection for your three boys. They were simply splendid, full of humour, always cheery and burning for a fight. I had only three day (sic) before the attack recommended them for commissions. I think we always understood each other, and had therefore, the mutual confidence which a Commanding Officer always tries to get with his men. No men will be more missed in the whole Regiment. I can only offer you my sympathies, - but what are they to a heartbroken father! I can't replace them - their example alone was worth anything. There are only myself and one officer and about 40 men now left of Regiment. I suppose my ~~1 word~~ will come soon - it's overdue! With my deepest sympathy, Yours sincerely, (signed) R. B. Barker, Lt. Col. 22nd Royal Fus. [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_03-b

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_03: Clippings announcing the death of Lt. Col. Randle Barnett Barker on March 24, 1918.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1917-03-16; 1918

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_03-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a typescript of a letter, dated 20 March 1917, from William H. Davison, Mayor of Kensington, to Ernest Destrubé, about the deaths of Ernest's sons, Guy and Paul Destrubé. The letter is a French translation of the attached English copy.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

March 20, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--Kensington

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_03-verso-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_03-verso: English copy of letter from William H. Davison, Mayor of Kensington, to Ernest Destrubé, dated 20 March 1917.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

March 20, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--Kensington

Transcript:

[start page] COPY. From Mr. W. H. Davison to E. Destrubé. ----- Mayor's Parlour. Town Hall. Kensington, W. 8. 20th March, 1917. Dear Mr. Destrubé. I have this morning heard from Colonel Barker in reply to my previous letters, which were not answered for the reason I anticipated when I saw you last, namely that he was away from duty. He writes with regard to your sons as follows: - "Yes, both Destrubés were killed. There [sic] were the most gallant fellows and I was fonder of them than anyone else in the Regiment." You may well be proud at such high testimony to the gallantry and personal character of your two sons from the Commanding Officer of their Battalion. I trust the universal esteem in which your boys were held by the men and officers of their Regiment, as well as by myself and others who met them in private life, may be some consolation to you in the heavy sorrow which their splendid sacrifice has brought upon you. Believe me, dear Mr. Destrubé. Yours very faithfully. (signed) William H. Davison. Mayor of Kensington. Raiser of Battalion. [end page]

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Page Title:

Typescript of a letter from William H. Davison, Mayor of Kensington, to Ernest Destrubé

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a typescript of a letter from William H. Davison, Mayor of Kensington, to Ernest Destrubé, dated 10 April 1917. Davison writes to return copies of the letters of Paul Destrubé, sent to him by Ernest following the deaths of Guy and Paul at Miraumount, France on February 17, 1917.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

April 10, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--Kensington

Transcript:

[start page] Mayor's Parlour, Town Hall, Kensington W.8. 10th April 1917. Dear Mr. Destrubé. I beg to return herewith the copies of your son Paul's letters from November 1915 to February 1917, which give such an interesting and graphic account of the experiences both in training at home and before the enemy of a private soldier of education in the present tremendous war. My Secretary has, with your kind permission, made a copy of them, so I need not retain the copy you so kindly sent. I think you will be interested and gratified with the opening words of a letter which I received this morning from Col. Barker. He says: "Thanks for your letter. Enclosed is a further list of honours I think now with our V.C. the 22nd. have individually and collectively proved the good stuff of which they were made. Had the Destrubés and several others lived, they would have got the D.C.M." Again expressing the hope that the splendid record which your two sons left behind them may be some consolation to you in your grief, I beg to remain, very faithfully yours, (signed) William R. Davison. Mayor of Kensington Raiser of the 22nd Bat. R. F. E. Destrubé Esqu. 141 Adelaide Road. N.W.S. [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_04-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a clipping with an image of "The Great Investiture in Hyde Park." Clipping contains images of the four recipients of the Victoria Cross, awarded by the King on June 2, 1917: Major Henry Murray, Capt. Archie White, 2nd Lt. Fred Palmer, and Capt. William Allen. 2nd Lt. Fred [Frederick William] Palmer of the 22nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the battle at Miraumont, France, February 16-17th, 1917. Handwritten annotation reads: "Daily Mail 4/6/17."

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

June 4, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--London

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_04-verso-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_04-verso: unfolded clipping.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

June 4, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--London

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_05

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a clipping and a letter. The letter, sent to Ernest Destrubé by Lt. W. H. Tomkins on 3 May 1916, addresses Georges Destrubé's recovery from wounds sustained in battle and Tomkins' wishes to see him returned to the 22nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers A. Coy. with his brothers, Guy and Paul. The clipping announces the list of officers to be decorated during "To-day's Investiture" on 2 June 1917, according to handwritten annotation. 2nd Lt. Frederick Palmer of the 22nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the battle at Miraumont, France, February 16-17th, 1917.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1916-05-03; 1917-06-02

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--London

Transcript:

[start page] May 3rd 1916 Dear Mr. Destrubé, You will have heard by now from your sons about L. G. being wounded -- I hear he is going on well -- I would like you to know how sorry we are to have one of the three away as the trio are one of the features of A. Coy., and its nothing short of disaster to have one away. All three are so keen and willing to do anything (except drill perhaps). Anyway we shall hope to have him back one day -- although he will doubtless go to England first. With kind regards, Yours truly, (signed) W. H. Tomkins Lt. O.C.A. Coy. 22nd R. Fus. [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_05-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a typescript of a letter from Private Allan Miles to Sylvie Destrubé, dated 24 March 1917. Miles describes the events that lead to the deaths of her brothers, Guy and Paul, during the battle at Miraumont, France on February 17, 1917.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

March 24, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] PRIVATE MILES TO SYLVIE ------ COPY France March 24th 1917 Dear Miss Destrubé, Got your of the 18th yesterday, and having a few minutes to spare, will try and answer your questions. It is, I know very painful for all of you at home, and can well understand your all being anxious to hear all details. I knew your three brothers well, but had heard that Georges had left the Base, else I should certainly have sent him a few lines. I was not in this attack, being the first time I have been left out, so have had to gather what little I know from other boys. Regarding the man you mention named Forbisher, afraid he could not know very much about Guy and Paul, for it I remember rightly, he left this Battn. last October. Well, the attack was made on the 17th Feby. and it turned out very misty, and unfavourable for any observation, and parties got separated from one another. We had 18 Lewis Gunners from A. Coy., and only 3 returned. Sergt. Brierley also was killed; Sergt. Hennessey and several others were taken prisoners as far as we know. Guy and Paul with their team, five of them, including an extra man for carrying purposes, had a special objective. Two of the others were hit first, Guy and Paul and the Carrier went on, and poor Guy was hit in the neck, and the last seen of Paul alive being a few minutes later; he told someone that Guy had been killed, and of course, was very much upset. He sent the man back who was carrying for their team, and must have been hit very soon afterwards, shot through the head. One consolation is that they both died instantly, and practically had no pain or suffering. The Germans made a strong counter attack, and our boys had to fall back a short distance, but several days later we were able to advance again and the bodies were all recovered and given proper burial. Guy and Paul were found about one hundred yards from each other, Paul being in front which clearly shows poor Guy was the first one hit. Afraid this is all I can tell you, and of course they don't allow us to say much, but if Georges does not know where they lie and where it happened, I can tell you a few days later. Guy came to see me just a few minutes before they went in, and I have the three books by R.W.Service, which they have carried whilst being out here, told me where to get them in case they didn't return, and of course we only laughed over it, for I felt sure they would return. It seems such a shame, for it was about the last time they would have gone it, for they were both to have returned to England for a three months course in the O.T.C. for Commissions. I feel their loss very much, for I slept next to Paul at the White City, and also came from Edmonton, and we had many good chats over people and W. Canada, can assure you they are a great loss to A. Coy., and very much regretted by all. Their team were a very happy crowd together. I am not a Lewis Gunner, but very often visited them in the trenches, and of course we were very often together whilst out on rest, and they were always happy and made the best of everything, and have both done their duty as soldiers in a splendid manner. I must not dwell too long on this, for it is very sad for you, so must conclude thanking you for your kind wishes. Kindest regards to yourself and your Father, Yours sincerely (signed) ALLAN MILES, 367, A.Coy. R.F. [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_06

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a typescript of a letter, dated 24 March 1917, from Georges Destrubé to Sir Newman Chambers, thanking him for his condolences for the deaths of Guy and Paul Destrubé. Georges also writes about familial love and affection, patriotism, and his father, Ernest Destrubé.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

March 24, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] GEORGES TO SIR NEWMAN CHAMBERS. ------- COPY France, March 24th, 1917. Dear Sir Newman, Thanks so much for your very kind letter of sympathy. - I knew you would be shocked to the awful news of the death of my poor brothers. Briefly as you knew, Paul, I know you had a genuine affection for him, as he indeed, had for you. Do you remember ~~how~~ me telling you how keen I was that you should know Guy too? - I am sorry you didn't. I was so proud of Guy and Paul - I mean I am proud of them, for I can only think of them in the present - not in the past. - because their memory will always be with me, an actual living thing. I know you would have liked Guy as you did Paul; it always seemed to me that no one could help loving my brothers! - And they were well loved! And I know, better than any man may know, how well they ~~dese~~ deserved it. There could have existed no stronger bond of trust and affection between men than existed between us three, and their memory will be to me and my people an ever present, glorious, and bright shining memory, which will influence me and sadden me - yet help me, I hope - all my life. I am so glad you have met, and are to meet Father. I know your sympathy and friendship will help him in his sorrow. We are rather an unusual family, family affection amongst us is abnormal, and what Father feels in his cruel bereavement, is simply terrible. - But my Father is a man of deep passions, and his love of his children is only equalld by one other love - his love of country - of France, hihs native land, and the cause of the Allies. He accepts the great sacrifice in a wonderfully patriotic spirit, and I fear that had Guy and Paul died for a cause less noble it would have killed him. Guy and Paul were patriotic, but Father's patriotism was always a bit beyond us; - I remember we used to speak of it in the trenches and admit between ourselves that Father's love of country was a thing deeper than we could ever understand! - But one faith they did understand, ay, to its fullest was that of "playing the game"! And I think that of all the things that can be said of Guy and Paul, the greatest is this - that throughout their lives and to the very end, they "Played the Game"! In my own trouble I have been apt to forget your own sad bereavement - the very cause of your chance acquaintance (sic) of Paul. The death of poor Hector was deplored throughout the Battalion; he had a fine courage and the loss that was felt in the Battalion could only be equalled by that of my poor brothers. There was a very strong bond of affection and a fine understanding between Hector and ourselves, - I could only wish that there might be a place in the Unknown Beyond where our dear fallen ones might meet together again. Father will no doubt show you Col. Barker's letter which speaks so highly of my brave brothers, and how terribly the old Battn. suffered. If anything should come of my application for commission, I shall see you comparatively soon, if not, - then after the war. I am sure I am very, very grateful for the trouble you have ~~taken~~ again put yourself to in again calling upon Col. Bovill. I sent him the particulars 2 days ago. Thanking you again very much for all you have done for me. I remain, dear Sir, (signed) GEORGES Destrubé. Yours very sincerely [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_06-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a 19-page typescript of a letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 2, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] FRANCE: May 2nd 1917. Dear Folk, I have alrady written you explaining that I am near the line but not actually in the Trenches. The Battalion has been in the Line again and we shall join them when it comes out - that is in a few days. I so happens (sic) that we are stationed in the neighbourhood we occupied this very time last year. During the day we are not idle and our time is occupied much the same as usual, knocking about the billet or strolling down into the village for a ~~chat~~ change, doing the same old things, but Oh how different now - without Guy and Paul. I knock about with two chaps - decent chaps - but who could replace and supply the want I feel for Guy and Paul. How many delightful afternoons and evenings we spent together in these aprts, stopping at estaminet or farmhouse, chumming up with the good old folk: and just here is a pleasant part of rural France - (good old France), - and the weather is as glorious as it was here this time last year, which all helps to make memories more real and vivid. How keenly I miss them. When I come out of the billet I sometimes stop instinctively, stop and turn round half expecting to see Guy and Paul following - as of old. But now I go alone, and even should I go along with a chap or two, I feel alone, as it amounts to the same thing. I still laugh and still rag with the other chaps on every possible occasion, but my laugh is not from the heart: I create [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_06-verso_b

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 2 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 3, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 2 - as much laughter as I can so as to carry on as of old and forget, but it is an empty laugh these days, followed often by bitter recollections; we have to joke to go on living. --- How glad I shall be to meet Minty again - the last and perhaps the best of the old pals. What delightful company were Guy and Paul: what a resource of conversation had Paul and what a depth of understanding sympathy had Guy. We never got stale of one another, not in all those months, each was indispensable to me to an equal extent. Ours was a fine union, it gave one a sense of confidence and strenght, it gave us an established place in this battalion and gave us freedom, not to say license, to do things others could not dare to do, - we could always get away with it. May 3rd 1917 Yesterday we shifted to another village not very far away, and to-day we went on parade again as usual. I have two or three decent companions here which make life much pleasanter: unfortunately we shall not be together long, for they will belong to different companies when we rejoin the battalion. The Officer commanding this little unit has been with our battalion but knows me very slightly. As I said before, we have been on parade every day and I am afraid he knows me well now on account of my laxity on parade. The fact is we three have always been the same: it was a noticeable fact that we were always making mistakes through inattention or some breach of rules. We used to be called the Rag-time trio and were a by-ward on parade, but they shook their head and gave it up as a bad job and [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_06-verso_c

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 3 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 5, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 3 - perhaps as often as not were secretly amused. This, and our bolder escapades in Englad was part of our reputation. In spite of the trouble we gave him our Colonel didn't really seem to mind. Perhaps he knew that the most undisciplined and irresponsible at home are not always the least responsible and dependable abroad where such matters really count, perhaps he realised that some, even the most untamed, would yet do him and his battalion credit, perhaps he foresaw in Guy and Paul men on whom he could count one day, even to death, and saw in them that element of high devotion to duty which, alas, was to cost them so great a sacrifice and leave us bereaved. May 5th 1917 I have joined the battalion again - alas, what a remnant. It is pitiful to see: the Battalion has been made upt to strength time after time and yet but a handful remain, and of the old hands - practically nil. I have spoken to you of poor Minty, the last of my close pals, and now he's gone too. His people will be terribly upset and I think of the loss he will be to me personally and how I shall miss his good humour, his perpetual smile and jolly good company. Poor old Minty, - such a reliable, such an excellent fellow. I told his people that he died instantly but I am told he lived two or three hours and suffered much, but they say he was very brave. Something he says comes home to me now, that he said a few weeks before when we were last together and had supper in a cottage [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_06-verso_d

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 4 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 7, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 4 - He said he was getting very weary of the War and could hardly see how his luck could last. "I feel like a cocoanut (sic) on one of those cocoanut shies (?)," he said, ""that ahve remained unhit for days and months and whose turn must surely come." Poor old Minty, how deeply we regret him, he has gone the way of his pals, Munroe and Guy and Paul, and like them he played the game in the highest sense to the end. May 7th 1917 The Battalion is back in a rest area. Had I been coming out of the line with Guy and Paul how I should have appreciated this rest. Coming out on rest in those days always caused an agreeable reaction on our spirits: hardship and danger were over for the time at least, so we were invariably merry an bright. Such happy hours we thus spent on rest. We seemed to go naturally to the same places and did everything together by natural choice, for we had the same tastes and interests and our ideas dovetailed. And what we loved best of all was laughter: we went in for the same line of humour, it was our mainstay, we always fell back on it. We could always spare time for a joke and it would break out frequently in our most serious discusssions. In the trenches too, in spite of much exhaustion, and uncertainty of life and the mud and the cold of winter we often had our laugh: besides we had so many good pals in those days - there was Robinson and Minty, Spikesman and Munroe, and a host of others and we were on familiar terms with each and every and the Heads as well. Many a joke and drink we had with sergeant and sergeant-majors, and many a plan and scheme we made to dodge parades while on rest. While on rest we were always breaking bounds, wandering out and spending [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 5 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 9, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 5 - whole afternoons and evenings in villages or towns more or less distant. There were the sentries and military police to doge and sometimes we ran slap into our own officers who were also out for their bit of fun - the difference being they were allowed which we were not. The heads had a good idea that these things happened but we usually managed to keep to the 11th Commandment - "Thou shalt not be found out" - which is what chiefly counts in the Army. May 9th 1917 When I got back I heard a funny yarn about poor Guy when he was at the base (Etaples) on a Machine Gun Course. There the police are ver strict and there are so many that it is hard to dodge them. Guy managed it alright however by putting up a crown on his arm (the bade of a sergeant-major) which he got from a sergeant-major of the 22nd, who was at the base at the time and they spent many great evenings together down town, Guy remaining unchallenged. But there came a climax, for one day Guy being a bit tight had lost his hat and his clothes were in an awful condition, also he had on a pair of topboots he had got from a dead German Officer. In this guise and with no hat He cut a strange figure, especially in so regimental an area as the Base, and so far from the line, - result that he was followed by the police and when they heard his chatting in French they promptly arrested him for a spy, thinking no doubt they had made a grand find. He was released the next day however, but a complaint followed him back to the Battalion, which needless to say Colonel Barker duly overlooked. [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 6 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1917-05-10; 1917-05-11

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 6 - May 10th 1917 The last rest we got before I got wounded was I think the happiest we had yet had. It was pretty rolling country, so different from the flat muddy stretches on much of our Front, also we found some very nice people, poor cottagers, and it was glorious Spring weather, such as it is now. And after I left them what terrible trials they went through, such engagements are terrible and finally it seems to have stripped them of some of even their nerve. Poor Paul admitted to me things that shocked me concerning the havoc it had played on their nerves, making me realise what terrible things they had been through. The strain had at last almost broken them, and the awful sights they saw, the butchering of their pals and awfulness of War had made them and the bravest dread the line. I've seen pals knocked out beside me but have never witnessed anything on the awful scale that Guy and Paul have. Poor Guy and Paul - it must have taken a good deal to make them say these things. May 11th 1917 Strange how such small things change so the course of events in life, changing Fate at fancy - Would I not have shared the same fate as poor Guy and Paul at Miraumont. I am sure I would have. Yet with ordinary luck I would have been with them long before Miraumont, the last thing preventing me being a chap who developed mumps in my tent causing us to be placed out of bounds. I was fearfully annoyed and remember trying to bluff that I belonged to the next tent, with an old 22nd pal of mine ("Bronko Bill" a Canadian of A Company). Like me he had managed [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 7 of 19.

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Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 12, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 7 - to get on that draft, and, not being kept back he joined the Battalion some weeks before the Miraumont affair, - but it also cost him his life. Poor chap. He was one of the bravest fellows and best in the Battalion and they say he got killed through sheer recklessness. He was one of the characters of the battalion and a real volunteer. Did I ever tell you how I had planned with Paul in London, while he was on leave to desert from Dover and run away with Paul back to France and join the 22nd. I could easily have managed it. It might have casued a little trouble but I am sure Colonel Barker would have protected me as far as he was able. The only thing however that made me give up the idea was the R.F.C. business that I was sweating on at the time. May 12th 1917 How sorry I am that Guy did not get his leave with Paul. I hear that Paul volunteered to wait a week or so for him and that Guy would not hear of it. It would have been such a consolation to poor old Papa. Still, I am thankful I had my leave the same time as Paul, it made it a very happy four days for me. It seemed like another of those leaves we spent at home while still training in England. What happy week-ends we spent at home, the three of us together, T The Saturday night of the week-end we usually spent in on our own, mostly in the West-end. Those familiar places - Adelaide Road, the Tube Station, Charing Cross and the Strand Corner House will always remind me of them: - how many bright little suppers after the theatre, listening to the Orchestra, laughing and planning and enjoying life generally. And then would come 12 o'clock (closing time) and a swift run home by Tube, our hour's chat with you all in the dining-room and off to bed. The Pondepeyre's little home must also bring always bring to our mind [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 8 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 13, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 8 - pleasant Sunday afternoons. We so often went there (taking up considerable room I believe) and enjoyed ourselves so much, and also the pleasant walk there and back. Also what a number of happy week-ends wwe spent with you Pumps at Horsham and Roffey. I shall always remember them as happy days and we managed several agreeable outings and had such luck with the weather. May 13th 1917 A few days ago I was billeted in one of the villages where we were out on Rest a year ago - How painful it was to pass thro' these same streets alone, - on the same cobble pavement where we three were wont to stroll with perhaps Minty Munroe or Robinson. How painful, too, I found it when I entered Estaminets where the good folk recognised me and asked me why I was alone, making necessary the sad explanation. We shifted again last week to a part new to me, but I found within walking distance a certain other village which I referred to before as being the last Rest place we were in before I got wounded. It was a long walk but a grand one and just such lovely weather we had here last year. It was a cross-country walk over kilometres of plowed high land unravaged by war, with great distances in view and the views were peaceful and gorgeous and I was glad to be alone, - alone to think. But I had reached a lane a kilo from the village, a lane we had trod many times before, my recollections of them became so vivid I stopped, - picturing them so clearly strolling up the road to meet me, - for it so happened too I had reached a cross-roads where once before I had thus waited form them at this very spot and at just such an evening hour 13 [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 9 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 15, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 9 - months ago. I was well received by the family I intended seeing, very good people [illegible] from the invaded part of France (I received letters from them when I was wounded). --- Yes, how vivid and real was the picture at the cross-roads which Guy and Paul had once trod. I could see so plainly Paul's dark intelligent look, and Guy's frank open face, so smiling and so strong. What a tremendous satisfaction and constant joy it was to have them. --- What a powerful support our close union meant to one another, it inspired us with confidence and strenght and a wealth of quiet happiness was in it. We had such interest in one another and respected and understood one another so completely. Our's was a union too good to last: we might have guessed it, yet I never did. --- At least never thought about it. ----- Poor Guy and Paul. Poor Paul the "Sticker" and Guy with the hear of a Viking. -- -- And so we lose the best of our best and now we may only know them from the past, but in the depth of our pain we shall cherish their memory with such pride for we know, as all who knew them, that they lived and died like sportsmen, bringing honour on their name, which is also ours. FRANCE May 15th 1917 Dear Ones, I still have those books of Robert W. Service that belonged to poor old Guy. The poems expressed to the full the spirit of Guy's beloved "North Country" which was so much part and parcel of Guy's life. In that life he found an outlet for his exceptional courage and born love of adventure and found expression for his big generous [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 10 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 16, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 10 - mature and idealistic temperament. He was born to be a man of the frontier and found himself in tune with in in every possible way, --- And wh owould want a better partner. He was a "Sticker" on the trail, game always, and he always chose for his share the heavier burden of the work. --- And how Guy loved that North land. --- Its countless lakes and rivers made their call, its silent forests awed them with their vastness. He loved it, and he loved its freedom and its farness, and its mystery urged him ever onward. He revelled in its Winter hardships and gloried in its swift Summer, and the haunting beauty of th that land filled his heart with joy and great peace. - --- How many times had we not blessed that country of our adoption during those many years, and Guy could never say too much on the subject. To him a pine tree was almost a thing of feeling, they were his companions just as the landscapes were his pictures. Forest sounds, -- the whir and scream of the wild-fowl, the twitter of the birds, the rush of alling water - all were music in Guy's ears, and te beauty of it all suggested to him a lang invested with a spirit or a soul. The rivers were Guy's highways and the hills his landmarks, and whether the country was covered with its winter canopy of snow or its velvet green of summer he loved it just the same, well and worthily. May 16th 1917 Of those many happy ~~[illegible]~~ years spent alone out there with Maurice and Maggie and Syl and Guy how many recollections will I not always have of happy dreamy days spent more or less alone with dear old Guy. We used to work so often together and alone while Maurice looked after the store and Maggie and Sylvie kept the home going. --- The hundreds [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 11 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 16, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 11 - of days we went out together with Nell and Jack or old Dan and Jerry for a lead of wood or a lead of hay, - and the stacks of hay we put up together with Nell and the loads of logs and firewood in Winter and the fences we put up. --- Endless are the memories: and then there are the days of tramping and hunting, hunting moose in the Fall (tho' often so unlucky), and the trips we made on Beaver River and the Sandy, such as the trip we made with you Syl, by the Beaver to Cold Lake. I see that dear old Banga Valley again - how many hundred spots in its wooded landscape will remind me of him. We both loved the Bush so well, every spot of beauty we saw together and loved together, and there will be even single trees or pictures of bend of creek, or view of lake, that will bring back to mind the very words exchanged in our enthusiasm and zeal. Never to be forgotten also, is the journey we made, the Winter of 1912, far above Mosquito Lake to the headwater of the Sandy, - a real little trip of discovery, and Guy has always said it was the happiest journey of his life, tho' so much shorter than his great trips up into the Arctic. For my part I can safely say it was my happiest journey, and shall I ever forget the little nightly camps we made as we pushed on further northward and northward into that lonely, silent, mystery land and the joy of discovery that was ours, --- the toboggan we pulled so many miles and the little tin store and wee wedge tent, --- what satisfaction we found in it all. --- And those many nights we put in together leaving our outfit behind, so as to travel more rapidly --- nights spent round an open camp fire, right out of somewhere in the hear of the Bush. --- And the long, long talks we had, Guy on the one side of the fire and I on the other, and we talked of the trail, and everything, and of home. [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 12 of 19.

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Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 16, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 12 - And what enthusiasm was ours and joy. We wished we could continue that trail life all our lives, and plan after plan we made and none could ~~hav~~ have guessed what dreams were ours as we broke our trail back again to home. Of the things I shall never forget is that unlucky Winter of 1913 (when Maurice and Maggie were with you in England) which led up to several unfortunate events, chiefly poor Guy's illness. There was that chronic drive to St. Paul de Metis on our way out to Chicago with poor Guy wrapped up in the sled-box, and so bad, that bitter cold night: and shall I ever forget those moments of agony and suspense when Guy, with a certain name constantly on his lips, called on me to stop the rig and sat suddenly bolt upright and said he was dying, and I had my hand on his chest in a second counting the heart-beats, for it was little I understood his illness and my fear was great, for Guy was never the sort of chap to imagine things and was exeptionally strong headed, and couragous in every sense of the word. --- Yes, those were trying anxious days, and it was harrowing to have to sit by his bed and answer his disordered questions and listen to wonderful ravings and hardly know what to do to help him. Speaking of that trip north a picture is still vivid in my mind. It was on a lake, we called "Lone Lake", where we made one of our last and furthest camps north. I had been away from Guy two days on a tributary to Lone Lake (Goose River we named it) and was collecting in a long lline of traps we had laid there, and had reached the Lake on my way back just before sunset, and I can remember my sense of great loneliness and my eagerness to rejoin Guy. Our camp lay on the further shore and I had another four miles to do and soon I knew I would eventually ~~discern first the tent which was on the margin of the Lake, and then~~ [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 13 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 18, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 13 - discern first the tent which was on the margin of the lake, and then perhaps Guy himself, working close by. I suppose I remember it because it was one of those beautiful sunshiny evenings of Winter, and I was feeling lonely, --- anyway, I remember ever so well trudging across the lake through the snow, scanning the distant shore for a pin point indication of the camp, and then came the discovery of it which gladdened me so, and then another hour, and I thought I could make out Guy's figure moving about, and a bit later I could see it was him sure enough, and what I remember so is the surge of feeling that came over me - a realisation of the enormous affection one has for a brother - a brother such as Guy. And upon such occasions it comes home to one more strongly perhaps, than any other time. It was also on that trip on the journey home that we struck a very bitter spell of cold weather, and Guy with his greater capacity for fighting the cold was just able to strike a match to light the last camp fire we made on that memorable trip, all use had been frozen out of my hands, I couldn't hold a match to strike it. Guy found it enormously difficult, but finally suceeded and so saved our lives, for ewe couldn't have lived through that night without a fire. May 18th 1917 I have not mentioned Paul much, but though he was not out in the early days he is just as much in my mind and my memories are of Rife (sic) are inseperable from him. He and I worked together daily and constantly. He helped me get the logs out for the new house, many, many days we put in down in the woods, cutting, sawing up and loading logs for the most part, the largest trees we had ever yet handled out there. Needless to say, [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 14 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 18, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 14 - the building of that house was a real labour of love, no work ever appealed to us more than working among logs in the heart of the woods. And we got on together so great. --- Day after day with saw and axes we drove down on the bob-sleds with Jack and Nell to the end of the Lake, scouted out the straightest trees, felled them, had lunch, ladded up and back with our load at nightfall, and we chatted always, all the time we worked too - for it all interested us so. --- What happy days those. It was then that Paul properly became one of us, and we learnt to appreciate him thoroughly: such splendid company was Paul. That was a memorable meeting we had that time at Edmonton where I met Guy and Paul together. I had come to Edmonton to meet Guy before he went North and to appeal to Lessard and the Government Authorities for a settlement of the Eldridge affair. In this we were fortunately succesful. We were together a week, what a great time we had that whole week. Theatres, Pictures and little suppers and at special places Paul knew, and long, long talks at night at Paul's bright and comfortable boarding-house, and we met Paul's friends, among others - Fatty Byron (whom Maggie would remember). We ~~ask~~ schemed a great adventure too, - a big trip that was to come off after the House was built and after Guy had come back from his journey North and the Eldridge business was settled up. It was a journey by canoe, to last about 4 months, the route would cover numerous lakes and rivers in a very interesting country, to the north-east and one we wanted so much to know. We were enormously enthusiastic about it. [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 15 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1917-05-19; 1917-05-20

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 15 - May 19th 1917 --- What a splendid record of spirit and endurance is found in that letter from Guy's friend, the Mayor cahp. What a list of adventures Guy experienced on that memorable journey up to the Arctic. --- Hundreds of miles by snow and canoe, hundreds of miles with pack on back and weary feet. How eagerly Maurice and I listened to the outline of his journey that night he got back and we sat round talking, in the new house. How we hung on his words. Do you remember, Maurice, our pleasure and surprise when he burst in upon us. I think we were in the store at the time and we noticed how broad and strong he seemed to have grown, --- he seemed to have developed in every way. Of course Guy was very interested in the New House and itw as with much satisfaction we listened to Guy's "wha-Wha-"ing as we took him round the same night, lantern in hand, and watched the expression of surprise and satisfaction on his face as we went from room to room. And we talked on, long into the night, of Guy's trip and of the War and our plans for the future, and made out our will the following day in a joking way, and said good-bye and left poor old Maurice alone to look after things and carry on (perhaps the hardest half of the bargain). How fortunate we managed to see dear old Maggie on our trip out and before we left for so, so long. May 20th 1917. --- There is no need for me, Pumps, to explain how I miss our poor, poor Guy and Paul, for you understand so well: In one of your letters that I was reading this morning you express it all to the uttermost in these words: "Comme ton chagrin doit etre frofond, mon cher enfant, [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 16 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 20, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 16 - de penser a tew freres qui etaient pour toi plus que cela encore, des amis intimes, inseparables, partageant les memes aventures, les memes aspoirs. Vous aviez l'un pour l'autre la meme complaisance, le meme besoin de la compagnie l'un pour l'autre, une inalterable bonne humeur at indulgence reciproque," --- Yes, it is so true, Pumps, I do Miss them simply terribly. I know you must suffer more than any of us, and I hardly dare think how broken-hearted you must be, I am grateful above all that you are so brave and strong in the face of our awful sorrow, and I am grateful too, that you have dear Maman Alice and are father of a large family and so have others of your own to turn to in your ~~gride~~ grief. Often I think, Pumps, what a satisfaction it would be to you to see how well remembered and how deeply respected is their name in this Battalion. There was nothing in the C.O.'s letter about them that was over-stated: Guy and Paul were absolutely loved, nor am I allowed to think otherwise, for the' (sic) allusions to their terrible fate are left often half unsaid, it is quite obvious to me that Guy and Paul were held to be the bravest of the brave in our Battalion and were loved and regretted to an altogether exceptional extent: and their sympathy touches one and it is plain that they understand that no man could suffer a greater bereavement. So many yarns I hear from all quarters of the humourous things that happened where Guy and Paul were concerned, and especially Guy: but of their actual death no details are known, there is no one who now actually survives who saw them killed. Still, it seems evident that poor Paul fell first (not Guy), and all are convinced that poor Guy could have saved himself and that he practically threw his life away in his grief [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 17 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 20, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 17 - by charging on ahead. All that we know is that Guy was spoken to after Paul was killed, and that he was crying. Paul was killed by shrapnel, in the forehead, and Guy was sniped by a bullet through the neck: both without doubt died instantly. Their names are inscribed on a large battalion Memorial Cross that was erected to those who fell at the Battle of Miraumont - at Ovilliers: I have a sketch map showing the exact spot of their burial on the battlefield of Petit Miraumont: they are buried, side by side, in a shell hole, with two other men (King's Royal Rifles) and not far from Sergeant Brisley. One of their rifles, buried with them, with the butt uppermost and projecting, forms the post of the cross and there is a horizontal piece of wood wired crosswise on it with their names. At present we are many miles from this spot which marks the tragedy that has come into our lives, but I hope before very long to be able to go there and live a few hours in close, close touch with them and fix into my memory this spot, sacred to us, where our dear ones left this life so bravely, left us, because it was the only noble way. They had to leave us without a message of good-bye, but we know that the unsaid thing was a message to "carry on" and be of good cheer. Petit-Miraumont --- the last of many "somewheres" that headed their letters home, -- at one time a peaceful country-side of dear old France, which Guy and Paul had seen so much of during all those months of the War, and there they fell, loving France so well, fell, on French soil. Petit-Miraumont, --- one of the many "Somewheres", but Oh, how dear, how TRAGIC to us to whom they belonged. [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 18 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 25, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] ) 18 ) May 25th 1917 --- We have shifted about many times of late: we have been in and out of the trenches several times and now we are in reserve bivouacs, and will be "in" again tomorrow. It is a shell scarred area and the ground upon which we are cramped must have been bought dearly, it is seamed with old trenches and the shell-holes often touch, clay and white chalk, are uppermost and there's hardly a blade of grass or anything green to be seen: --- looks like a rough see. And from here my thhoughts go homing and I think of Guy and Paul. Here, in this roughly made shelter, I am alone and there is room for three, and I can't help thinking that but for the bitter fortunes of War I might even this moment be shifting over to make room for Guy and Paul, who, crouching through the entrace would take a place in either corner: and perhaps as of old we would talk of things that be close to the heart, or remain silent, --- anyway the feeling of absolute friendship would be there --- a real living thing, and affection we didn't discuss and rarely referred to, and always roughly worded at the best, an affection deep and satisfying. I ache for their splendid company and I picture them ever so plainly sitting here with me. I see Paul's face, his deep intelligent look, and I see Guy's, reflective and strong - a pleasing face that won him friends everywhere: and Guy is puffing at his long Canadian pipe and there is an entire [end page]

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View of loose item on ScrpBk1_06-verso: typescript of letter written by Georges Destrubé for his family, May 2-25, 1917. Page 19 of 19.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

May 25, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] - 19 - accord in our conversation. We are discussing someting rather serious yet we often stop to laugh at bits of humour dragged in (mostly Paul's) and I am wondering as I write this - did anyone ever have better brothers than I. Guy and Paul, so lovable, so brave, Guy and Paul often reflective and sad, yet straight-lipped and strong, and so cheery and full of fun. The manner of their death is our consolation and we must be thankful that we still have left to us our brothers and sisters equally dear. When I wander back to Canada and bound homeward I'll find everything dearer there, if sadder: there will be Maurice and Maggie whom I long to see, and there I will find ever the happier memories of Guy and Paul, and every familiar place, dear to me, and every spot about the homestead and down the lake and valley where we used to work or hunt. And everything will speak to me of them - the paths we trod, the meadow smells, the sluggish creek, the buzz of mosquitoes and the scent of pines and all the innumerable things that make the colour of the country, leaving impressions never to be forgotten, and will bring them back to me. --- And may that day roll on. GEORGES. [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_07

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a typescript of letter written by Capt. B. L. H. Clifford of the 22nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers to the "O.C. 6th Batallion Royal Fusiliers," on 23 October 1916. Clifford writes on behalf of Georges Destrubé, recently wounded, and recommends him to the Flying Corps.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

October 23, 1916

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

[France]

Transcript:

[start page] From Capt. B.L.H.Clifford to O.C. 6th Batt.Royal Fusiliers. COPY 23/10/16. Dear Sir, I am writing to you on behalf of Pte. Georges Destrubé, formerly of my Coy., (who was severely wounded at Souchez) in order that I may interest you in helping him obtain a commission. Before the war he was ranching in Canada for some six years and crossed to England to serve in the British Army. He enlisted in September 1914 in this Battalion. He is an extraordinaroly (sic) capable soldier. He was at first a Coy Scout afterwards a Coy. Machine Gunner. He is a very capable sketcher and is particularly clever at executing the panomara (sic) sketches so difficult to do really well and at the same time so useful to all branches, particularly to the R.F.C. and Gunners. Destrubé is above all a very brave man. He volunteered for all patroles and raiding parties and was recklessly brave. He has a good education and is a thorough gentleman; a quiet, unassuming fellow whom anybody would be delighted to have in a Battn. mess. I cannot say too much on his behalf. Having been shot through the lung he is not fit to rejoin the ranks and carry a pack or endure great hardships, but I think he would be invaluable to the Flying Corps, where his fearlessness and knowledge of sketching would be invaluable. Should he be too heavy for the Aeroplane Service he would be bery (sic) useful to the Kite Balloon Section. His father - should you wish to communicate with him - is Asst. Manager of the Comptoir National d'Escompte de Paris, 52 Threadneedle St. London, E.C. If, Sir, you can see your way to do anything to assist Destrubé, you will provide the Service with a valuable Officer I have the honour to be, Sir Your obedient servant, (signed) B.L.H.Clifford, Capt. Commanding A.COy, 22nd, R.Fusi. [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_07-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a typescript of a letter from George S. Hanes to Guy Destrubé, dated January 18, 1917. Hanes writes about their travels in Northern Canada., the war, and his re-election as Mayor of North Vancouver. Page also contains a typescript of a letter written by J. R. R. Creelman after the death of Guy Destrubé, dated 26 April 1917.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; Destrube, Guy; Hanes, George

Date:

1917-01-18; 1917-04-26

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

British Columbia--Vancouver

Transcript:

[start page] GEORGE HANNS TO GUY. COPY Mayors Office North Vancouver, B.C. January 18th 1917. My dear Friend Guy, Creelman and I received your post to today and I can assure you we were very pleased to hear from you, because we have often wondered the past few months whether you had crossed the Styx yet. I have often thought of you, and have at times been very anxious to get some idea of what hardships you have been through. We received your letter in which you referred to the rivers of Northern Canada, and we agree with you that the three of us had a wonderful trip through that practically unknown country, and as I remember it, the scenery along the Hay was almost perfect, I eman it was very park-like and an ideal place for a summer trip. I often think of the sqaw on the Hay River, picking the lice from the hair of one of her children, and eating some of them, and allowing the kid to crack the balance of them with his thumb nail on a lard pail cover. If I remember correctly, there was a dish full of entrails from ducks or geese which I suppose they would have for desert at some meal.I am sure it would be a pleasure for any of us to spend a few months in that great Northland of ours, without any cares or worries. I have often pictured you in my mind, sitting under your little sheet of canvas (about 6 x 8), and warming yourself by your fire, or eating your daily allowance of bannock and bacon, or rolled up in your blanket under that piece of canvas, sleeping so sound that the devil himself could not wake you. I would suppose that our German friend John, who travelled with us for a few days, must have been interned when he reached civilization. If he were around here I would have him interned immediately. One thing that always has, and always will stand out foremost in my memory of you, is the fact that no matter whether we tried to walk 30, 35, 40 or 50 miles per day (as you know we almost did), you never said once that I was going too far per day or too fast, but you always showed that, no matter how tough our circumstances, you were game and never complained. That, to my ~~mind~~, way of thinking, was an excellent exhibition of your true worth. ---- When we came out that Fall in 1914 I came home to North Vancouver, and in January 1915, I was elected Mayor of North Vancouver City for 1915, also re-elected Mayor for 1916, and during September 1916 was elected as a Liberal member of Parliament for B.C. to represent the North Vancouver Constituency. My term as Mayor expired last week, and I did not run again, although I was sure of re-election, but it would not look well to hold the two jobs. --- So you will see that we made a clean sweep. I am not boasting, but you will see that we had a duty here to save our own province financially and politically. After our session is over I will probably feel lost, and if Premier Lloyd George decides to fight to a finish, I may yet be in the mix-up, because our sympathies are all with Great Britain and the Allies, and we are prepared to stay with it to the end. I still remember the day we were told about the war. The Frenchman behind Vermilion told us about all the nations at war, and we couldn't credit it. We had left the world so peacable when we paddled down stream from Athabasca. The cows, chickens and the farm house looked good to us, and the old Cayuse we had would not go into the stable. It thought that a trap was set. It loved the fresh air too much. The Frenchman must have [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_07-verso-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_07-verso: page 2 of typescript of a letter from George S. Hanes to Guy Destrubé, dated January 18, 1917.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; Destrube, Guy; Hanes, George

Date:

January 18, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

British Columbia--Vancouver

Transcript:

[start page] (CONTINUED) GEORGES HANES TO GUY. --- thought we were a tough bunch. I remember that he offered us his razor, and as I had not shaved for about 3 weeks, I guess I looked like a brigand. The story the Sergt. told us at Vermilion about the great battle that was then going on, is still fresh in my memory, and his story of the immense body of troops at Vancouver, and the warships which were heading for Vancouver and Victoria to shell the cities. We certainly did travel some from there to Peace River Crossing, and when I think of the hardship you endured when walking in those mocassins on the stones. I am free to admit that it was the most trying punishment that you could have been subjected to. I well remember the night we slept by the fire on the wet ground after travelling all day in the pouring rain, and you slept pretty well, although you were steaming like a hot pudding. We travelled and tracked that 280 miles in 11 days, or an average of 28 miles per day, when we figure we lost one day at the White Mud River when we went inland and met that bunch of Indians. From Peace River to Gouard is called 90 miles and as we made it in two days, we averaged 45 miles per day. Perhaps you remember that at the Horse Track, Hay River, where you saw the dead Indian, you traded off a Jack-knife and a silver coin for a few pounds of dried bear or moose meat, and that propelled us across the portage of about 100 miles in two and a half days. Even with any hardships, I still look back at that trip as a very pleasant one, and I only hope I can take another some day. Two weeks ago a friend of ours came back from Edmonton, and had visited Peace River, as McArthur, the railway contractor, was reported to have struck oil at Tar Island, Peace River on the one side. You remember we came by an old post ~~off~~ I had set up, but someone beat me to it by a few days. They have some oil, but not enough yet to make it worth while. The Thomas outfit have been drillling all summer of 1916 at Peace River Chutes, just below Vermilion, but have not as yet struck anything. Their manager, Mr. (forget his name) is here in North Vancouver, and he says that next year they may move their drilling rig to Great Slave Lake, because they expect it there. As you know, Thomas sent in a party on the ice from Athabasca in February 1915 to stake some claims at the same place that we visited. --- ---- Perhaps you will again have the privilege of roaming in the vast North West as we know it, and I can assure you that I hope you come through all right. Creelman sends his best wishes, and you have my very best wishes with you all the time, whether you hear from me or not. I would be pleased to hear some of your experiences. (signed) George S. Hanes 144-3rd St. West, North Vancouver, B.C. [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_07-verso-b

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_07-verso: typescript of a letter written by J. R. R. Creelman after the death of Guy Destrubé, dated 26 April 1917.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; Destrube, Guy; Hanes, George

Date:

April 26, 1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

British Columbia--Vancouver

Transcript:

[start page] North Vancouver, B.C. April 26th, 1917. ---In Guy I have lost a very dear friend although our acquaintance was short, it was under circumstances that were trying at times and which bring a man's true worth, and at other times our trip was very pleasant, but at all times he was cheery and light hearted always willing to do more than his share and to make light of difficulties, he did enjoy the free and easy life of the North, its lakes and rivers and its grandeur, he would often praise the wonderful work of nature, for many miles in the country in which we travelled few white men ever saw, if any, the only inhabitants were a few Indians, for days and days we travelled without seeing a human being. Of all the men that I have travelled with in my outdoor life, Guy surpassed them all in courage, endurance and simplicity he was so fearless of danger, he used to say to us time and again that he would fight facing the enemy until the last. From the first day we heard of the war, which was weeks after it broke out, his whole ambition was to place himself at his country's service at the earliest date. He spoke of his brother Paul often and I knew they were very much attached to one another. --- I must close now hoping and trusting that this awful war will be soon over. J.J.R.Creelman. [end page]

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Page Title:

2016-001_ScrpBk1_08

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains three photographs depicting waterfalls and bodies of water, two identified as "Alexandra Falls" and "Grand Rapids." The photographs were taken during "Guy's trip North," when Guy Destrubé traveled and worked in Northern Canada.

Subjects:

Destrubé family;

Date:

1914

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Canada--Northwest Territories; Canada--Alberta

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_08-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains four photographs of unidentified men near bodies of water, possibily Guy Destrubé during his travels in Northern Canada. Clockwise from top left, captions are as follows: "Eva Harbour"; "Slave River"; "Off the Athabasca"; and "Gas spring on Athabasca near [illegible] Rapids." Guy went exploring in Alberta and British Columbia during 1914. It was during this trip that he met J. Creelman and George Hanes. Hanes, a correspondent with Guy and other members of the Destrube family, later became mayor of North Vancouver, British Columbia.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Destrube, Guy;

Date:

1914

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Canada--Northwest Territories; Canada--Alberta

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Page Title:

2016-001_ScrpBk1_09

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains four photographs of the Destrubé family at their homestead in Rife, Alberta in August 1909. Clockwise from top left, captions are as follows: "The boys loading a waggon of hay - View from the shack"; "A French Canadian, Georges, Slyvie, Guy"; "Georges, Slyvie, Guy, Maurice"; and "the Shack." The French Canadian is identified as Leo, a hired man, in "Pioneering in Alberta: Maurice Destrubé's Story.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

1909

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_09-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains four photographs. The top two are photographs of drawings by Georges Destrubé, one dated 1910. The center photograph depicts members of the Destrubé family in front of their log cabin, on the homestead in Rife, Alberta. From left: Georges, Sylvie, Guy, and Maurice. The bottom photograph depicts Destrubé family members and friends holding fowl hung from a string. From left: unidentified, Maggie, unidentified, Sylvie, unidentified, Ernest.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

[1910-1912]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_10

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains four photographs depicting life on the Destrubé family homestead in Rife, Alberta. From top left, photographs depict: Ernest ("Pumps") with two dogs, Yankee and Snap, during visit to Rife in the summer of 1912; Slyvie with milk pails; Geoges, Sylvie, Guy, Ernest, Maurice, and Maggie in front of the cabin, 1912; and Guy, Georges, Sylvie, Ernest, Maggie, and Maurice. Additional information from "Pioneering in Alberta: Maurice Destrubé's Story."

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

1912?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_10-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains four photographs depicting life on the Destrubé family homestead in Rife, Alberta. Photograph in the center row, on the right, depicts Sylvie and a horse in front of the log cabin. The photograph below depicts Sylvie milking a cow.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

[1909-1912]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_11

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains three photographs depicting life on the Destrubé family homestead in Rife, Alberta, and a photographic postcard sent to Dan Destrubé in Calais, France in 1909. The top photograph depicts the original bridge at the bottom of the creek that goes into Moose Lake. Center left depicts "Rife 1913," a view of Maurice Destrubé's side of the valley. Center right depicts either Sylvie or Maggie, Maurice, and an unidentified man.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

[1909-1913]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Moose Lake; Alberta--Rife; France--Calais

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_11-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains two illustrated letters from Georges Destrubé to his sister, Sylvie, with drawings of the homestead in Rife, Alberta. The first, dated 6 October 1908, contains a drawing of "our rustic old shack" and a view of the interior and the brothers' bunks. The second, dated 25 February 1912, depicts the construction of the storeroom.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

1908-10-6; 1912-02-25

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_11-verso-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_11-verso: verso of letters from Georges Destrubé to his sister, Sylvie. Drawings of the homestead in Rife, Alberta, on recto.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

1908-10-6; 1912-02-25

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_12

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains an illustrated letter and a drawing, both by Georges Destrubé. The letter illustrations depict scenes from the homestead in Rife, Alberta. The drawing depicts a scene from a trip that Georges and Guy made up the Sandy (Sand) River in December 1911.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

1911?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife; Alberta--Sand River

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_12-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains two drawings of scenes from a trip that Georges and Guy made up the Sandy (Sand) River in December 1911, both by Georges Destrubé. Drawings include a sketch of their camp on "Lone Lake."

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

1911

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Sand River

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_13

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains two drawings of scenes from a trip that Georges and Guy made up the Sandy (Sand) River in December 1911, both by Georges Destrubé.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

1911

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Sand River

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_13-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains two drawings of landscapes by Georges Destrubé, both dated 1913. One contains the title, "Christmas 1913."

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

1913

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_14

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a drawing by Georges Destrubé and two photographs of members of the Destrubé family at the homestead in Rife, Alberta. The drawing depicts a campfire scene. Left photograph depicts Destrubé family members standing in front of the log cabin after playing tennis. From left to right (standing): Maggie, Dan, Nora (Maggie's sister), Maurice, and Sylvie, (sitting) Paul and Georges. Right photograph depicts Destrubé family members gathered around a horse-drawn cart. From left, back to front: [two unidentified men], Paul, Sylvie, (standing) Georges, Maurice, [Maggie?]. Additional information from "Pioneering in Alberta: Maurice Destrubé's Story."

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

1913?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_14-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains two diagrams depicting the layout of objects within the log cabin at the Destrubé family homestead in Rife, Alberta.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

[1908-1909]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

Transcript:

[South Wall, left side] 1 looking glass 2 comb 3 toilet bag 4 glove 5 wash basin 6 wash stand 7 oil can 8 padlock 9 axes [South Wall, right side] 10 wood (firewood) 11 Maurice's chair 12 Guy's trunk (also his chair) 13 pictures 14 window 15 table 16 lamp 17 bookstand and writing things 18 needle work box [North Wall,left side] 1 & 2 bed pans 3 & 4 sauce pans 5 & 6 frying pans 7 iron spoon 8 washing up tub 9 shelf for washing up things 10 & 11 pails of water 12 plates, teapot, cups, milk, butter, bacon, etc. 13 auger 14 cross-cut saw 15 rip saw 16 hammer 17 wrench 18 plane 19 rack for other small tools [North Wall, right side] 20 wrench 21 brace 22 saw 23 broom 24 axe handles 25 sack of oatmeal 26 sack of flour 27 tin of baking powder 28 tin of lard 29 some empty tins we put bread in 30 box where we put the potatoes 31 "write and ask Maurice" [chamber pail] [North Wall, on diagram] 32 bed 33 clothes

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_15

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains two drawings of mountain scenes by Guy Destrubé.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

[1907-1914]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_15-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains architectural drawings of Maurice and Maggie Destrubé's log house, built on the homestead in Rife, Alberta in the winter of 1913-1914; and a photograph of the completed house, with porch. The plans were drawn by Georges Destrubé on Allan Line stationary.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

[1913-1914]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_16

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains six photographs depicting post-war life on the Destrubé family homestead in Rife, Alberta. Page contains handwritten annotation: "Rife 1919-20." The top two photographs depict Georges, and Suzanne Fenouil and Sylvie. The center two likely depict the view from the log house. The photograph of the airplane is accompanied with the following note: "Georges crash landed after losing his engine. He broke his nose. (Georges dropped leaflets on London on 11th Nov. 1918." The two people standing on the porch of the log house in the bottom photograph are possibly Maggie and Maurice, if taken prior to April 1918, or Sylvie and Maurice.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; Homesteading; Air pilots, Military; Airplanes, Military

Date:

[1919-1920]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_16-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains two drawings: the first by Guy Destrubé; the second by Georges Destrubé in February 1916, during World War 1. Georges' drawing contains the following caption: "A billet some distance from the firing line, use when on rest."

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; Homesteading;

Date:

1916?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife; France

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_17

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains drawings of billets during World War I by Georges Destrubé, two dated March 1916. Clockwise from top: "A billet close to trenches"; grave with gravemarker for "Pte. D. Williams, No. 13131, South Wales Bordereres [sic], killed in action"; and "A billet away from the firing line."

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; World War, 1914-1918--Battlefields--Pictorial works

Date:

1916?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_17-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains two drawings by Georges Destrubé, both of scenes from World War I. The first, dated March 1916, depicts "ruins within mile of firing line. The village church." The second, dated August 1916, depicts scenes from the "Red Cross Hospital Ebbwvale," in Ebbw Vale, Monmouthshire, Wales.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; Hospitals--Military aspects

Date:

1916

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Wales--Monmouthshire; France

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_18

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains six photographs: four from World War I; and two of the Destrubé family's home and business in Rife, Alberta. Top left depicts Sylvie and Georges at the hospital in Ebbw Vale, during Georges' recovery, in June 1915. Date may be incorrect. Top right depicts Georges, Paul and Guy in uniform. The center two photographs are Guy and Paul's graves in Miraumount, France. Photograph on bottom left depicts the general store at Hairy Hill, purchased by Maurice in 1920 and run by Sylvie and her husband Bert Spencer in 1922. Bottom right depicts "Maurice's new house across the valley," according to note.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; Hospitals--Military aspects; Homesteading;

Date:

[1915-1922]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Wales--Monmouthshire; France--Miraumont; Alberta--Hairy Hill

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_18-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains six photographs of the early years of the Destrubé family, in England and/or France. The top two photographs possibly depict Sylvie and Maurice (first two children in left photograph) and another child. In the center row, the photograph on the left depicts Paul, Georges, Ernest, Guy, an unidentified woman, and [Maurice?]. In the photograph in the bottom right, Paul and Guy (sitting) are wearing black armbands for mounring.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Mourning clothing & dress; Early life

Date:

1890 to 1900?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--London; France

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_19

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains eight photographs of the early years of the Destrubé family, in England and possibly France. In the first row, the first photograph depicts Ernest Destrubé ("Pumps") and the third possibly depicts Maman Alice, Ernest's second wife. In the second row, first photograph depicts, from left: [unidentified], [Paul?], Ernest, Guy, Sylvie, and [Georges?]. Second photograph depicts: [two unidentified], Paul, Ernest [with Andr��?], Guy, Maman Alice, and [Sylvie?]. The third row contains potraits of Dan and Sylvie, and a photograph of the Destrubé family home on Adelaide Road in London, England.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Early life

Date:

1880 to 1900?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--London; France

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_19-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains eight photographs of the early years of the Destrubé family, in England and possibly France. The photograph in the top right corner depicts Elizabeth Farmery with her infant son, Dan Destrubé.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Early life

Date:

[186-?]-[1890?]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--London; France

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_20

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Blank page with imprint of photograph on ScrpBk1_19-verso.

Subjects:

Destrubé family;

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_20_verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a typescript of a letter, dated 10 January 1908, from Georges Destrubé to his sister, Sylvie, written before Georges joined Maurice at the homestead in Rife, Alberta.

Subjects:

Destrubé family;

Date:

January 10, 1908

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] 10th January 1908. My dear old Syl, I was very surprised on receiving Maurice's letter. I think that he is quite right in advising that I should come out immediately, especially since by delaying I run the risk of losing so desirable a piece of land. Do impress this upon Papa and ask him to let me take the very first boat out. It is a great pity that we did not get Maurice's letter before my departure, as this return to France has turned out to be a useless expense. Hard luck, Eh? ... When I left you on Saturday night looking so charming and winsome in your ball-dress, I little expected on seeing you again so soon, but this next will be my last holiday and it will be the last time I will see you for years, - perhaps for good! It is comparatively easy thing to say good-bye on going away for a few months, but it will be a sad heart-wrench to say farewell for so long a time. Of course I enjoyed myself very much at Christmas time, what with our frequent "outings"and other enjoyments I had a very good time of it. I only hope to enjoy myself as much on this last stay home, so as to take away with me an agreeable recollection of London. In a former letter to me you complained of my not giving you enough information and detail concerning my "doings" etc. I find it very irksome hunting up the details on events, but I will try and satisfy you by relating the minor details that took place on our journey out here. When leaving home Saturday night we got our luggage down to the station all right. We missed the train to London-Bridge but got one through to the Bank. We had some difficulty transporting our luggage on changing at Oxford St. but we managed to do so without mishap. But in coming out at the Bank Station we were less fortunate, for the stairs were long and steep and the baskets were very heavy and poor old Paul was beginning to "give way" at the knees. I was walking on ahead with the bigger basket, while Paul was staggering along with the smaller one just behind me; we were just mounting the last few steops when I caught the sound of a despairing groan & heard a noise as of something collapsing behind me; I guessed what happened, turned round and lo! I saw no longer Paul & basket but a heap on the floor instead! However I managed to disentangle him from cape, coat, & basket & so we set off once more hoping for better luck. So we struggled along the nearly deserted streets towards the Bennett wharf, resting our loads at every 1/4 mile. The second halt brought us (in streaming perspiration) to the middle of London Bridge, where we rested our "belongings" on the parapet of the bridge, just above the fast flowing tide beneath us. There were but one or two people here, but lots of empty cabs were running past and they all pulled up to know if we were in need of them. But of course we did not want one, especially being at that moment so very near the end of our journey. The cabbies evidently thought we had some distance [end page]

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_20-verso-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_20_verso: second page of typescript letter, dated 10 January 1908, from Georges Destrubé to his sister, Sylvie.

Subjects:

Destrubé family;

Date:

January 10, 1908

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France

Transcript:

[start page] 2 to go, for they insisted a good deal & some of them stopped to argue matters, but we sent them all to the... One of them seemed particularly eager & seeing that he could not win us over by civil persuasion, resorted to making fun of us and he cried out as he started his horse off again "Don't let 'em fall off the edge into the water 'cause them....great htings won't float, I know!" and he ended up this friendly piece of advice with roars od (sic) derisive laughter, while another cabman equally anxious to oblige, was offering to lend me 2d. to get "alf (sic) a pint" to get my "back up" for the task. Both these remarks were greeted with roars of laughter from the other passing cabs & for a moment the gloom round London Bridge echoed with their screams. Of course Paul & I did not care half a trouser-button and although we appeared not to notice their merriment, yet we chuckled inwardly as hard as we could go. So we shouldered our load & started off once more to complete our journey during which time, I encouraged Paul on by suggesting to him how very much worse it would have been, had we had to haul them all the way from Harrow. He evidently seized the logic, justice of what I said, for I heard a deep grunt come from underneath the basket. Here are the details of a part of our journey but I see that your request has carried me too far & will threaten you if I continue, with an over-weighted letter; will therefore pull up sharp. Best of love to you & all (signed) Georges. P.S. So I have written this letter as I had promised, that is to say, the day after I sent you many p.c. Wonderful is it not? I remember when on looking through the "Salad Bowl" (which at home is used for "vide poche") at Xmas, I caught sight of these words on a P.C. "Will write to-morrow without fail"! There was no need to examine the handwriting nor to enquire whether the writer did write the next day. But I have been up to the mark this time, though I think that, even now, I shall not be able to post it. - have no stamps! Yours (signed) Georges.

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_21

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a typescript of a letter from Guy Destrubé to his family, written in Rife, Alberta in January 1912.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

1912

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_21-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_21: second page of typscript letter from Guy Destrubé to his family, written in Rife, Alberta in January 1912.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

January 1912

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_21-b

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_21: third page of typscript letter from Guy Destrubé to his family, written in Rife, Alberta in January 1912.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

January 1912

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_21-c

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_21: fourth and final page of typscript letter from Guy Destrubé to his family, written in Rife, Alberta in January 1912.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Homesteading;

Date:

January 1912

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife;

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_21-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a humorous notice advertising the "Destrubé Bros. (Graduates of the University of Hard-Knocks): Expert advisors on wangling matters." Handwritten annotation indicates that it was created at Tidworth Camp, Wiltshire, England.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

[1914-1915]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--Wiltshire

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_21-verso-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_21-verso: page 2 of humorous "Destrubé Bros." notice from Tidworth Camp, Wiltshire, England.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

[1914-1915]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--Wiltshire

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_21-verso-b

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_21-verso: page 3 of humorous "Destrubé Bros." notice from Tidworth Camp, Wiltshire, England.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

[1914-1915]

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--Wiltshire

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_22

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a pen and ink with watercolour, drawing (loose), depicting Georges Destrube, dressed in RFC uniform, holding a bomb. It is signed by Tony [Royce?], 1918.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; World War, 1914-1918--Caricatures and cartoons

Date:

1918

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_22-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

View of ScrpBk1_22 reveals 4 black and white photographs. Photographs depict: Paul Destrube at the Bank of Montreal, 1913; [Elizabeth Farmery Destrube?], ca. 1875; [unknown?]; and family group portrait that includes Dan, Sylvie, Maurice, Georges, Guy, Paul and Ernest.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

circa 1870? to circa 1915?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--London

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_22-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains 4 photographs depicting: Sylvie Destrube in Red Cross Volunteer Aid Detachment uniform, 1916-1917; Arthur Fleming, Sylvie's fiance during the war, killed in action in 1916; Georges Destrube in RFC uniform, 1917-1918; and family portrait of Ernest and Elizabeth Destrube with 3 children, ca 1890.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

circa 1889? to circa 1918?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--London

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_23

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains 8 photographs of the Destrube and possibly Farmery families. At center is Maurice Destrube and to his left, Elizabeth Farmery Destrube. Some of the children in the top two photos could belong to Ernest and Elizabeth.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

circa 1860? to circa 1905?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

England--London

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_23-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains 5 photographs depicting: Sylvie, ca. 1893; Maurice, ca. 1893; Georges, RFC, 1917-1918; and 2 photographs taken in Alberta - [Georges?] in sponson canoe,1921 and cattle, 1919.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

circa 1892? to circa 1921?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife; England--London

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_24

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains 4 photographs. Top photo is captioned, "Guy & M [Harras?] at May River on the Great Slave Lake - this is a Hudson Bay P[ath?] - the [Canvass?] you see are made of birch bark", 1914. Center photo is Sylvie and Ernest Destrube, c. 1900. Bottom photos are Georges, RAF, 1917-1918 and Sylvie, c. 1900.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

circa 1900? to circa 1918?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Northwest Territories--Great Slave Lake

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_24-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page cotains one of a series of drawings by Georges Destrube showing different stages in the process of a building the new log home at Rife, Alberta between 1913-1914.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Homesteading

Date:

1913 to 1914

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_25

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page cotains one of a series of drawings by Georges Destrube showing different stages in the process of a building the new log home at Rife, Alberta between 1913-1914.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Homesteading

Date:

1913 to 1914

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_25-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page cotains one of a series of drawings by Georges Destrube showing different stages in the process of a building the new log home at Rife, Alberta between 1913-1914.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Homesteading

Date:

1913 to 1914

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_26

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page cotains one of a series of drawings by Georges Destrube illustrating different stages in the process of a building the new log home at Rife, Alberta between 1913-1914.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Homesteading

Date:

1913 to 1914

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_26-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page cotains one of a series of drawings by Georges Destrube illustrating different stages in the process of a building the new log home at Rife, Alberta between 1913-1914.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Homesteading

Date:

1913 to 1914

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_27

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page cotains one of a series of drawings by Georges Destrube illustrating different stages in the process of a building the new log home at Rife, Alberta between 1913-1914.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Homesteading

Date:

1913 to 1914

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_27-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page cotains one of a series of drawings by Georges Destrube illustrating different stages in the process of a building the new log home at Rife, Alberta between 1913-1914.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Homesteading

Date:

1913 to 1914

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_28

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page cotains one of a series of drawings by Georges Destrube illustrating different stages in the process of a building the new log home at Rife, Alberta between 1913-1914.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Homesteading

Date:

1913 to 1914

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

Alberta--Rife

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_28-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

circa 1905? to circa 1918?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_29

Creator:

Destrubé family

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1914 to 1918

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_29-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains 2 sketches: 1 pen and ink, 1 watercolour by Georges Destrubé at about age 13.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; Destrubé, Georges

Date:

1900 to 1901

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_30

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains 3 photographs. The top photograph depicts A Company, 22nd Royal Fusiliers, Piquet - at training camp in England - Paul is in the front row and Georges and Guy in the back, 1914-1915. The middle and bottom photographs were taken when Georges transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. Georges is 5th from the left in the middle shot and 3rd from left in the bottom.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1914 to 1918

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_30-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains 2 photographs depicting: Georges Destrubé with fellow Royal Flying Corps trainees, and a studio portrait of an unnamed soldier. Page also includes a news clipping announcing the deaths of Guy and Paul, and wounding of Georges Destrubé.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military

Date:

1917

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

Location(s):

France--Miraumont; England--

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_31

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains 4 cartoon drawings and 2 loose items - photograph of soldiers and two pilots in front of a bi-plane [Georges, 2nd from right?] - and a typed form, "Ordre General No. 448" that commends the work of Rene Boinet, pilot.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; World War, 1914-1918--Caricatures and cartoons

Date:

1918

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_31-a

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

2nd view of ScrpBk1_31 includes a pen and ink drawing--humorous cartoon, titled, "Lunch is Served Gentlemen!" by Georges Destrubé. It is likely that Georges created this drawing while training for the Royal Flying Corps from 1917 to 1918.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; World War, 1914-1918--Caricatures and cartoons

Date:

1918

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_31-b

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

3rd view of ScrpBk1_31 contains 3 pencil cartoon sketches depicting Georges Destrubé in various scenes. In the top left, he is telegraphing. Georges likely created these cartoons while training for the Royal Flying Corps in England, 1917 to 1918.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; World War, 1914-1918--Caricatures and cartoons

Date:

1918

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_31-c

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

4th view of ScrpBk1_31

Subjects:

Destrubé family; World War, 1914-1918; Canada--History, Military; World War, 1914-1918--Caricatures and cartoons

Date:

1918

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_31-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a drawing by Georges Destrubé of his brother Paul, date uknown.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Destrubé, Georges;

Date:

circa 1900?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_32

Creator:

Destrubé family

Description:

Page contains a drawing by Georges Destrubé of his brother Paul, date uknown.

Subjects:

Destrubé family; Destrubé Georges;

Date:

circa 1900?

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_32-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_33

Creator:

Destrubé family

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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Page Title:

ScrpBk1_33-verso

Creator:

Destrubé family

Collection:

Destrubé family fonds

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