June 12, 1940 (Aldershot)

I tried to get this thing mailed but hated to have it censored, particularly by one of our own officers, but now that we have returned to the Aldershot Command, can see no harm in mailing it. It seems that the Government policy regarding Canadian troops has been changed again, hence our move back here. We certainly hated to leave the city as, apart from the beds, we found life in the city very attractive. The people were very kind to us and were sorry to see us go. Since the Germans have been pushing the Allies around, the British people seem to appreciate us more. At first, they acted as though they were doing us a favour by allowing us to fight for them. Now they tell us what a grand thing we did when we volunteered. I had a great time driving the Major around the city and had just nicely learned my way around when we left. Yesterday, the convoy pulled out at ten-thirty a.m., but the Major was the last to leave and left about 1:30. This suited me well as I was able to drive around for most of the day.

Driving in this country is never dull, the roads are winding and usually infested with cyclists who seem to think they own the road. However, I arrived without an accident, although I think I gave some of these road pests a few nervous moments. At four-thirty, the major asked me what I thought of the idea of stopping for tea at a village inn. Of course, I told him the idea was splendid, so we had a typical English tea, which is more of a meal than anything. Before I forget it, I should tell you that I finally managed to get two regimental pictures on their way. Art McLaughlin had me arrange for his too, so would you see Mrs. McLaughlan gets the spare one as Art has paid me for it.

Well, Italy finally decided which side of the fence she is on. I only hope that they sic us Canadians on them, and unless I’m very wrong, this last move spells action. I am sorry that I couldn’t get this letter away any earlier as you must imagine me in action by now, but this will come as a welcome surprise.

At present, I am just standing by waiting for the Major, so if the writing is unreadable, just put it down to the awkward position in which I am writing.

I forgot to tell you that the Major’s car is a 39 V-8 and the private desire of all the drivers. Well, I really must close now and I hope you haven’t worried too much and don’t be worried if the letters are a month apart as from now on it will be increasingly hard to get them away.

I don’t know how the mail service will be in France, but expect it will be pretty irregular to say the least. In any event, I will write as often as I can and will think of you often. If my letters are dull and uninformative, you will have to just blame the censors. Well, as I said before, cheerio for now and lots of love to each and all of you.

P.S. I got Connie’s letter, and your last, the day before I left Borden. I am enclosing my old sixty-first pass which you may want as a keepsake; so far, it has travelled almost ten thousand miles. I forgot to tell you that when I was in Okehampton I had a chance to play tennis and enjoyed myself very much, due largely to the fact that the foursome consisted of myself and three very attractive young ladies. The roses were blooming everywhere we went in the city and the climbing varieties were particularly beautiful. I am afraid this letter will stand out by itself as a jumbled mess but I have written it in snatches so please excuse.