c/o 1st Corps Field Survey Coy

Royal Canadian Engineers

C.A.S.F. Base P.O. Canada

England, 5 October 1940.

Dear Mary and Eric:

You have done me the double honour of both writing - Eric's letter just arrived - So had I no other reason, I should be shamed into writing you - however there is another reason and a big one - what you have done for my Jean & Mary E. This summer means more to them and me then we shall ever be able to express. It has meant so much to me to know that they have been so happy and welcome at 936 Haywood - and your kindness was shown at just the time they most needed it - Now that Jean has been able to get her affairs in better shape, and I hope initiated proceedings on our own little home, we soon should be able to stand on our own feet. Jean's happiness and pleasure at being with you is evident in all her letters, Also it has been a great thing for Mary E. to have had a boyfriend to play with - and I hope not boss too much. No doubt the female sex takes advantage of such situations much earlier in life than do we slower and more long suffering males. I must also add a note of sympathy for poor Eric - having 3 calculating women to parry with - no wonder the poor man has had so much field-work this year.

I think often of how nice it must be in the park and near it - and can picture the two youngsters having a grand time playing with the ducks - flowers - and other children too. I can imagine the crisp October days in Victoria - and the odd spot of Fog - Certainly Victoria seems to embody all the desirable things from this perspective - Over here we are thinking about getting ready for a long dark winter - When I say dark - I am thinking of the black-out. That is one thing that must be experienced to be really appreciated. In other respects, the winter may not be so gloomy or so long - we are in the best of spirits and confidence in the success of the business which brought no [?], And the prospect of spring - and a more satisfactory phase of the war, in something to look forward to.

Was very interested in Erics remarks about the Stratford country - Also we are not in that vicinity now - but it was certainly a pleasant sojourn while it lasted. If the opportunity comes up I shell look up the Wells at Sheffield. Possibly I can wangle some leave sometime before Xmas - Just now am pretty busy with one thing or another, and leave is a bit uncertain under the circs. You will notice that I am with a Canadian unit - and in fact am practically a Canadian again. The official seal on the reversion to type will follow in due course, I suppose. In many respects it is for the better.

It was a welcome development to run into Lorne Swannell - we are located quite close together - and make contact as distance permits. Lorne seems to be enjoying the whole show and is in good spirits. No doubt in time we will be seeing more of the boys. Most of my present associates are from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto, a number of whom I had met before.

A F.B. Newsletter arrived the other day - and was most welcome - hope they will remember to sent future members. We are still very much interested in all that goes on at home - and it will be nice to hear about the results of all the summer activities of the Economicals - including Jack Benton conquest of the air.

Two other officers and myself enjoyed a week-end at Cambridge's Trinity College as guests of the Dons recently - Jr was a delightful break in our usual army routine. It is to be hoped that the German bombers will give such plans a wide berth - because those old college simply can't be duplicated, certainly their ripe age contributes a great deal to their charm.

I have been on orderly duty tonight and am [?] this letter has had many interruptions - and consequently somewhat disjointed. Anyway tomorrow is Sunday - and I can enjoy a nice leisurely both & late breakfast. Sundays are a great institution. From what Jena tells me, both Mary E. and Graham have started your Sundays off bright & early this summer.
Well I shall wind up the day - and this [?] - all is quiet except the weather - which is a bit blustery. The last of regards to the Garman family -

Cheerio -

Gerry Andrews.