Private F. H. French of the Royal Canadian Artillery was "killed by enemy action" shortly after writing this letter. His death was caused by a "robot bomb explosion which occurred only fifteen feet from him somewhere in southern England"  He had been a senior at Harvard when he enlisted with the Canadian Army in 1941.

Dear Mr. Parshley,

Two of your newsletters have just recently arrived for which many thanks.  It’s good to hear news of everyone in the forces as well as something of what’s happening at home in the parish and in the state; which sets me to wondering whether or not I shall be eligible to vote if this ballot program for the services materializes.  In as much as I’ve retained my U.S. citizenship, and took no oath of allegiance when I joined up, I suppose so.  Have you any idea what the answer is? – Well we’re still in our billets going through the daily routine of training and hoping that this season of monotony and waiting will be soon over.  Not long ago this unit with several others was given a pep talk by Montgomery .  We proceeded to a spot out in the country and assembled in one great rectangle, file facing file (six deep) effecting an avenue which the C.-in-C. [Commander-in-Chief] could walk along and get a good view of the men.  He’s an impressive looking

little man with ascetic features and piercing eyes, and struck, I think, a popular note when he gave us all the “stand easy” during inspection; contrary to the usual formality of the occasion when a British brass hat is making the rounds.  After getting the once-over we crowded around his jeep where he stood speaking into a mike on the hood.  His speech was simple, even repetitious, but forceful and to the point, which was of course what mattered.  Since then he has been touring the whole country on inspection tours of troops and factory workers.  – Life is peaceful here except at night when we have a few visits from friends across the Channel.  Incendiaries, flares and a few H.E.’s [High Explosives] are dropped but the damage (as least in this area has been minute).  The incendiaries are of two kinds – those which explode and those which don’t.  So

you have to be careful if you approach one, for not long ago one of our own boys had one burst in his face and was in the hospital for some time afterwards, though miraculously enough both eyes are whole and working.  – Oh yes, thanks for the small picture which accompanied your last letter.  As for Easter Communion, I have only to go a mile or two to find a small parish church which looks like every other little rural Eng. Church – picturesque and lovely within and without.  I’ll surely go if I’m here. 

                Best wishes and thanks again for you letter –

                                Sincerely –

                                                Frank French.

                30^th March ’44