Person:James Milroy (46)

Married first cousin Dora.

CRANBROOK SOLDIER MARRIES IN ENGLAND J. Milroy Takes Unto Himself a Bride While the conflict in Europe Rages
Postmaster Henderson has received a letter from James Milroy in whichthe gentleman discloses some very interesting reading for Herald readers. The letter is dated June 9th

  30th Reserve Battalion, C.E.F.
  Room 4 Napter Barracks,
  Shorncliffe, Kent

Dear Jim: I intended writing you for ever so long, but intentions are about asfar as I got. I am going to spring something on you now that will perhaps surprise you. Get ready:

  'Milroy - Milroy - At All Saints Church, Stoke Newington , on June 5th, Pte. J Milroy, of Cranbrook B.C. of the First British Columbia Regiment, to Dora Mary, youngest daughter of the late John Milroy and

Mrs. Milroy, 79 Aden Grove Stoke Newington.'

  So you see I gone and done it. I thought it was better, seeing I stand a good chance of getting killed, so that my widow would get a pension where as if we hadn't been married she would get nothing.
  I wonder if you would mind outing the notice in the Cranbrook Herald and sending me a copy or two to 79 Aden Grove Stoke Newington, London and I will be your debtor until such time I can square it. I am sorry to say

I cannot get any separation allowance.

  I hope you will make the acquaintance of my wife and I wish this beastly war was over and you were going to do so soon.
  I got a crack on the arm at Neuve Chapelle which put me in thehospital for nearly 2 months. Since then I have been here expecting to go back any day.
  I just missed Bob Henry and Billy Harrison and the rest of the boys. They left for the front before I came here.
  Dr. Bell is a captain in the C.A.M.C. now. He has done awfully well, started as a private, too, mind you. They say he is right in his element and doing good work.
  The first contingent has got pretty well smashed up, but they sure gave a good account for themselves.
  I see Jim Milne and Chambers occasionally. They are still here drilling instructors. Jim Milne is Sergeant - major. Charlie McCowan is in their band. He came with a bullet wound to the neck.
  Harris, who used to be in the Bank of Commerce in Cranbrook is here. He came back with a shrapnel wound to the stomach, but is all right now.
  I went to see Hyde Baker in London the other day, but just missed him.
  Well Jim I must stop now. Will write again soon. I hope you will forgive me for being so long in writing and not pay me back in my own coin but that you will write soon.

Yours truly, J. Milroy

  79 Aden Grove, Stoke, Newington, London, is my best address, as I might be moved and my wife can always send on the letter.

1. ↑ Ann Milroy. Ann Milroy's Family Tree
   Recorded 25 Sep 2003.
2. ↑ Ann Milroy. Ann Milroy's Family Tree.