[sender’s address from envelope:
“Capt. C.C. Henneberg
No 5 General Hospital,
C.A.S.F.
c/o Base Post Office, Canada”]

England,
May 12/40.

Dear Mrs Guttormsson –

Thanks very much for your letter which Peter enclosed with his. Also I received the last batch of Flin Flon papers from Peter. As he may be home before this letter reaches you, I hope he will consider this an answer to his last note.

It is now eight months since I joined the army and it is becoming a progressively interesting experience. Naturally it is a great handicap not to be able to write many interesting details but we all must abide by “The walls have ears” regime. So I will confine myself to other than the military aspect.

No, madame, my heart was not left in Canada. Nor again did I leave any tokens for ring fingers, and no promises have been made. My state is still one of unassailable bachelorhood. And as for the future, après le guerre, who knows?

As you probably know from my previous letter I have had the opportunity to travel around a bit, and have been to London several times. Last week-end was the most enjoyable I have had in the city. I went to Madame Tussaud’s on Saturday afternoon and enjoyed it immensely. Then retired to the world-famous Simpson’s for some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. In the evening I attended a gorgeous stage revue at the Palladium. The London stage is quite unique in war-time. On Sunday, I indulged in the good old English custom of strolling through Hyde Park with a beautiful maiden decorating my right arm. We went to the Trocadero for a very complete dinner topped off with liquers and an interesting address by Sir Ronald Storrs, former governor of Palestine. In the evening we went to the Empire to see “Gone with the Wind”. It is an excellent picture but four hours at a picture makes it rather an endurance contest.

On Monday, although I should have been back to work, I managed to arrange attendance to the Royal Philatelic Society Stamp Centenary Exhibition at Lancaster House, London Museum. It was a gala day for stamp enthusiasts, and the big-wigs from all over the world were there, even Hindus in native dress. I sent Peter a cover, which I hope he received. Part of the King’s collection was on exhibition, and so many of the rarities from the British Post office collection, in addition to many wealthy private exhibitors. I had never expected to be able to see the King’s collection, so you can imagine what a kick I got out of it. Peter will be interested to know that the only pair of mint Canada 12 penny black in existence were among the Canadian exhibit.

I am enclosing four snaps of my mug.

1 - On the boat with the inevitable life jacket.
2 - With gas mask in front of our air-raid shelter. This was taken in February, which explains the snow.
3 - In battle-dress.
4 - Getting fit with a bit of sun.

Since the invasion of Belgium and Holland, we have been standing by, with all leaves cancelled. I do not know when our next move will take place. We are all pleased that things have broken at last, as it had to come sooner or later. It will be a real show before finis is written.

Give my regards to the doctors, Miss Peterson and staff. I hope the family is well. At least you have not the worry of the boys being of military age. I am glad to know that the Ryans still sit in for the usual Sunday bridge. I would like to sit in with you for a hand to-night and then go out to see what street lights look like.

I noticed in orders a few days ago that Harvey passed examinations for his captaincy, so he should be able to put another pip up soon. We do not see each other very frequently, but I think he is getting along well.

Cheerio for now,
Carl