June 5, 1944

Well folks, it has been quite some time since I last wrote. I still haven’t had any mail since I left the regiment six weeks ago. I needn’t tell you how hard it is to be without news at a time when I want it most. I can only hope that everything is all right with Kay, but must admit I will feel very much better when I know everything is O.K.

At the moment, I am at the convalescent camp on the seacoast at a lovely spot, nice beach, lots of sun and a grand view of the mountains. Strangely enough the staff here is largely the same as the one at Brixham, South Devon, where I spent two months in 1940. This darn Wop pen won’t work worth a rip. I feel perfectly fit and hope to get out in a day or two. I certainly hope so as I won’t get any mail until I reach the regiment. I suppose I should feel happy because I missed this last big drive, but frankly I’m not.

I met some of the boys in the 15th Edmonton General Hospital and was very sorry to hear the news. The young fellow I was talking to had lost a leg and another of the boys had his hand blown off. They were quite cheerful though, and I must say I admired their spunk. Do you remember the young chap in the front left rank of my guard of honour? Well, you will be sorry to learn that he has been killed. It really jarred me to hear this as he was a grand youngster. The worst of it is, he leaves a wife and baby in Edmonton. A chap is supposed to get callous, but I am afraid I never will. I was certainly glad to get away from the hospital as the sight of all these youngsters mutilated and smashed was very hard to take. I made up my mind then and there that, if I am spared, I will do all in my power to help avoid another war. It all seems so futile and wicked, that you leave these chaps with a sick heart. ----

We heard on the radio this morning that the troops were inside Rome, which made us all feel good. I only hope they can open a second front soon. If only this could happen, I think we could finish this European war this year. We are all so weary of it all.