No. 91.
Capt. G.S. Andrews. R.C.E.
Survey Directorate
H.Q. Cdn Corps.
Cdn Army Overseas.
England, 7 Dec 41.
Dear Jean:
Your letter of 10 Nov arrived day before yesterday - making good time. Also a box of cigs from the F.B. I as glad to have the enclosed letter from Kate Haggman talking about Lockley. It is a great relief to know that he is on the road to recovery - although it must have been a terrible experience - It will be good if he can be home for Xmas and convalescence. I should write him - but the things I'd like to talk about to him can't very well be put in a letter. It must be great satisfaction to him to know that he has really been on active operations - and contributing directly to our cause.
It is interesting to hear about the new homes and families of our Forest Branch friends - it beings to look as though we are all gradually getting into the "family class" - I feel perfectly happy with our little home - that you have created - and if it small and simple - it has two of the most desirable virtues - There think of all the wisdom we can put into our 10 Mile Point homes - and the full use can have planning it and getting it established -
This has been another busy week - and a quick one. A nice little cake and a pair of sox arrived from Betty Egglestone and a short note - she seems to be happy and independent. I still cant recall Leila's new name. I would like to send her some money sometime, but I don't like to address it in her old name. She is very brave and unselfish to have had another baby - She is very like her own dear Mother.
The Survey Company gave a regimental dance the other night - and Major Meuser and I were honorary guests. - It was a lovely party - and they had a very select group of lady guests - I think they were hand picked by a committee of the men! The coy printed their own tickets and programs - which were very artistic - I, of course, forgot my programme but enclose a ticket. If I can get a programme will send it - rather a nice [?]
Have had a few nice walks this week - and feel the better for it. To-day was a lonely day for this country at this time of the year. Got a walk in before brunch and then was invited out to tea by my friend Lieut. Wightman - it was a 17 mile drive- in his little Austin 7 - and through a very pretty corner of Susex I had not seen before. The town where his relatives live was the birthplace of Gen. Wolfe - who won the battle against Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham - and won Canada for the British. 1763 wasn't it? Anyway his statue is in the little village and it seemed like a link with home. Wightmans coming there [?] very nice - and want us to go up again and have an evening of bridge - however that is hard to arrange on account of the shortage of petrol I have only played about 3 games of bridge since coming over.
Finished Churchill's "Blood Sweat and Tears" and have now started on "Memory Hold the Door" by John Buchan. This will be interesting, having worked with his son - John - Lord Tweedsmuir.
Tomorrow Lyle Trorey gives his paper at the R.G.S. - and several of us are going up to hear it - and give support. Col. Carrie is calling for me to drive up. Dick Farrow popped in for lunch one day last week - he has been very busy - he is holding down a captain's job - but they are pretty darn slow in giving him his promotion. Same applies to my boss, Major Meuser - who should be a Lieut. Col. The Cdn Army seems just a little too small to be big about things like that! My case the exception!
Heaps of love -
Gerry.