March 27/19

Reading

Dearest Mother:-

I can’t remember when I wrote you last, as things have been more or less exciting the last week. Crocket left to-day and sails from Liverpool on Wednesday so you may see her before you get this. I told her to be sure to go up and see you as she will land in St John on the Scandinavian.

We had a farewell dinner last night at one of the hotes – 12 of us all Canadian V.A.D.s at this hospital. On Monday 5 of us went to Oxford for our half day. It was a dreadful rush but we managed to see quite a lot.

Semi expects to leave Mons to-day and start the journey to England but don’t know how long they will be on the way. I hope though that he arrives in about a week.

Was so disappointed last week when he wrote & said that the Colonel wanted him to take the battery back to Canada and that he wouldn’t be able to leave the men &  sail on a boat with me.  However I got better news on Monday. A new order has come out and officers wives are to be allowed to sail on the troop ships with their husbands. Just when we will sail is the question but surely ought to be by the first of May.

Crocket was the luckiest person to be able to sail so soon. Two weeks ago the boat she is sailing on was said to be crowded – someone has evidently cancelled a passage and she has been shoved in. The passenger boats are crowded up to the end of May so I am lucky getting on the troopship.

Mary & I expect to leave Park House a week from to-day but just where we will go, to wait for the boy we haven’t decided yet.

No. 2 Section closes on Thursday so I will be in at the finish.

You had better send letters c/o Bank of Montreal 47 Threadneedle St in London, after you get this.